2005 Annual Meeting

The Oaks Annual Meeting was held on Monday, March 7, 2005 at 7:30 pm at the Immaculate Heart School Cafeteria.

In attendance were all current board members and about 40 members. Guest speakers were Howard Cremin, author of “Los Feliz Oaks: A Place of Rare and Ineffable Charm”; Tom LaBonge, Councilmember 4th District; Scott Crawford, Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy; Peter Zellner, Zellner and Associates; and Christopher Carr, Environmental Designer.

Current association president Gerry Hans

The Oaks Homeowner’s Association’s new president Gerry Hans opened the meeting by introducing Howard Cremin, author of “Los Feliz Oaks: A Place of Rare and Ineffable Charm.” Howard then delighted the audience by providing anecdotes behind the research and writing of his book. Several copies of the book were sold at the meeting.

Howard Cremin

Tom LaBonge, 4th District Councilmember, then spoke on a number of issues important to the community including storm damage to the park  and the Oaks, public safety, fire safety, upgrades to transportation and streets. Tom reiterated his commitment to conserving open spaces in LA and protecting Griffith Park from development such as the proposed urbanization of Cahuenga Park which Tom is opposing.  Tom is working to revitalize the LA River and get more playgrounds built in our parks. He then went into greater detail on the master plan for Griffith Park in 2005 such as plans for the Observatory and a push to restore Fern Dell.  When asked about the possible addition of a “Whole Foods” grocery store in the neighborhood, Tom indicated his support for this addition as well as other developments on the Hollywood subway line. Tom LaBonge's website, including contact info, is available here.

Councilman Tom LaBonge

Scott Crawford then gave a report regarding the Hollyhock House renovations at Barnsdall Art Park. So far, $17 million has been raised for this renovation and has largely been utilized for landscaping, roofing, and sculpture restoration. The reopening of the Hollyhock House is scheduled for May.  Volunteers and docents needed. More info available at www.savewright.org and at www.hollyhockhouse.net.

Scott Crawford

Christopher Carr spoke about the Ennis-Brown House. As many are aware, this historic Frank Lloyd Wright house, already in need of restoration, suffered from the recent storms. Architects are working to restore the house… More info available at http://www.ennisbrownhouse.org/ .

Christopher Carr

Architect and USC professor Peter Zellner gave a most interesting overview of houses of architectural significance in LA and in our area, demonstrating how Los Angeles has promoted architectural innovation.

Peter Zellner

Last but not least, the Oaks Homeowners’ Association board was voted back into another year of office.  Our immediate concerns are centered around repairing problems that have arisen from the recent rain storm.  We are also coordinating efforts with Rec & Parks and other City departments to make  capital  improvements that may help us fare better during future storms.

Oaks Board Members (standing, from left to right) Jonathan Corob, Abby Sherman, Marilyn Johnson, Jeff Lane, Peter Ellis, Caroline Schweich, and Alex Von Wechmar. Not pictured here are James Rubin and Gerry Hans.

October is architecture month in Los Angeles.  There are a number of houses of architectural significance in the Oaks. If you are the proud owner of one of these homes and would like your home to be part of architecture month and possibly a Oaks Home Tour, please contact   Caroline Schweich or Holly Purcell.