The Oaks Newsletter Summer 2004 In this issue: Notes from the President |
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| NOTES FROM THE PRESIDENT |
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Last fall the LAFD ticketed a group of cars parked on Hollyridge, claiming jurisdiction because it and adjacent neighborhoods are a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The action was a complete surprise, as there had been no warning that they had the power to ticket, or that there was even a violation. The residents were rightly up in arms and the fines have been waived. At the invitation of The Oaks Homeowners Association LAFD representatives came to our annual meeting in March to talk about their position, and presented their initial plan for managing safety in our densely populated neighborhood. They are extremely concerned, as they see it as a problem of not if, but when a big fire hits us, a risk compounded by the 500 acre tinderbox called Griffith Park. Many of our streets are twisted and tiny, far too narrow for modern firefighting equipment to pass our large parked cars. The LAFD plan is simple: tough brush clearance enforcement, and during the fall fire season from October 1 to December 31, the LAFD would ban onstreet parking anywhere on streets less than twenty feet wide. There would be aggressive daily enforcement, including tickets and towing, and a system of green, yellow and red hazard days. So anyone on a narrow street could be forced to park down on Canyon, or even farther afield. Find a map of how the LAFD rates access importance for each street of the Oaks here. We are very concerned about public safety. After all, that is one of our primary purposes as an organization. Even without an actual fire, because almost everyone needs homeowners insurance, we all have a personal stake. Many of us already pay extra premiums for fire hazard, and there is a potential day when no new policies are written, or existing policies not renewed. We see that the current LAFD plan will be too great a hardship, as The Oaks is laced with sub-standard streets affecting many, many homes. Most households have two cars, and even if a house has a “two car garage”, it is typically wide enough only for 1920s cars, and not our modern behemoths.We have lots of families with older people or small children; how does one practically manage the extra gear and assistance they need, from a car parked a ten minute hike away? We are working with Susan Swan and the Hollywood United Neighborhood Council to negotiate a more workable solution. Ideas we have proposed include public posting of color flags for the level fire hazard, a more phased in parking ban, improved signage and curb painting, careful consideration of permitted parking on sub-standard streets and then painting the specific parking spots to ease enforcement. Owners should clear brush and dirt that block streets and impede traffic. We’d like to see more frequent patrols by the fire companies in their trucks so that they learn the tricks of each street, and the stationing of smaller, more maneuverable equipment in our neighborhood. When we eventually get the replacement for Fire Station 82, the firefighters will have the space and increased training to cope with the unique challenges of the hills. But because of the way the LAFD determines which station responds to which fire, we cannot be sure that the 82s will always be available to us. Other stations covering us are the Los Feliz and Central Hollywood fire stations. The smaller trucks designed for fighting hilly, brushy fires may not always be available. We need to work with the fire department to create an effective plan that protects us. We have to focus on how we share our major common asset, our streets, which are not owned by any individual and which no single house can claim control over, but must serve the diverse needs of us all. After Southern California’s recent disasters the LAFD realized they had to redesign their fire safety program for the hillside communities in order to prevent a tragedy from occurring here. In the 1960s a major brush fire roared through Beachwood Canyon causing widespread destruction. Several years ago Mike Lyons, past president of The Oaks HOA, lobbied for, and won, the prioritizing of repairs and upgrades to fire prevention systems in Griffith Park next to our neighborhood. With more great public spirited efforts, I know we will continue to live in our homes with comfort and safety for years to come.
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| Bill Kysella – Our Own Deputy City Attorney |
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Bill arrived at the City Attorney’s office three years ago after a six-year stint in D.C. as an attorney in the General Counsel’s Office of the Department of Commerce. A SoCal boy, he attended UCLA and received his law degree at UC Davis. The district he covers follows the Hollywood Police Division boundaries, which are south to Beverly, north to Mullholland, Forest Lawn and Barham, east to Normandie and west to La Cienega, excluding West Hollywood. These boundaries also encompass city Council Districts three, four and five. When not in court or in his office at the Wilcox police station, Bill may be found attending homeowners or neighborhood council meetings, getting to know the residents and learning first-hand of problems that are creating an “acute impact” upon the community. As a direct result of his vigilance and community outreach, our quality of life is improved and protected. You may be wondering what happened to the squatter. Bill persuaded him to plead guilty. He got 36 months probation. And if he knows what’s good for him, he’ll be staying out of Bill Kysella’s district.
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| Tales from the Hood John Purcell |
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Exploring oversells it a bit. We were mostly taking a walk, but soon a side street led to a path and before we knew it, we found a hilltop wih a remarkable view of downtown LA. We realized we could have an even better view if we walked down a nearby private driveway. Getting to that spot would involve trespassing. However, we were young and in love and it was 2002. Back then, everyone was getting a little wild. So, we slipped on down the driveway, stood on the hilltop and enjoyed the skyline. We headed back, thinking we had gotten away with our gamble, when we noticed a car coming up the driveway! Our choices were to either (i) jump off the cliff or (ii) face the music. I felt quite bold about choice number two when I saw the driver, an 80 year-old man about half my size. So, I puffed up what little chest I have and approached the car like I was Mannix. “That’s a beautiful view, isn’t it,” the man said, smiling through the car window he just rolled down. He could not have been nicer to his invaders. So I relaxed, realizing that, once again, there would be no need to fight my way out of a situation. “Hold on a minute, I’ll park the car,” the man said. He then introduced himself as Louis Zamperini and proceeded to tell us several of the most amazing stories ever heard in one five minute span. This includes stealing a flag from Hitler. But that gets ahead of our story. We asked how long he lived in the neighborhood, and Mr. Zamperini told us that he grew up in Torrance and later attended USC. When I asked if he played football, he said he was actually a track man. This undersold his accomplishments. I found out later he was the national collegiate mile champion during his time there. Competitive juices flowing, I told him about how I could hold my breath longer than all but about three people in my third grade class. He barely topped this by telling us about how he qualified for the 1936 Olympics as a teenager. While his best race was the mile, he ran the 5000 meters in Berlin. This was a strange race for him, because then, as opposed to now, the U.S. was stubbornly opposing the metric system. Nevertheless, he was able to finish 8th. After the race, Louis was actually introduced to Hitler. Perhaps sensing that this was not a good man, Louis followed up this meeting by sneaking into the German chancellory and stealing a flag. However, this was no substitute for a medal. While eighth in the world was impressive, especially for a teenager, Louis planned to do better in the next Olympics, set for Tokyo in 1940. World War Two intevened. Instead of travelling to Japan as a runner, Louis headed East as a bombardier in the Army Air Corp. His life took a tragic turn in 1943 when he was shot down over the Pacific. After surviving 47 days at sea he was taken prisoner by the Japanese. In his matter of fact way, he told us how he was the victim of a sadistic prison guard, and that he survived in part because a superior officer intervened when he noticed Louis’ USC ring. When the officer discovered that this was the same Louis Zamperini who ran at the 1936 Olympics, he did what he could to look out for him. During his eight months as a prisoner, he was joined by Major Greg Boyington, the “Pappy” Boyington from TV’s Baa Baa Blacksheep. Although both were severely mistreated, they survived and the good guys won the war. When Louis came back, leg injuries arising from his captivity kept him out of future Olympics, but he married, had two children and was happy. At this point, I thought Holly and I had picked the best possible place to trespass. I tried to find Mr. Zamperini again after writing this story to let him read it and make sure I didn’t get the details wrong. But I really just wanted to thank him for the sacrifices he made during the war. However, I simply could not find the road, or the path, or the hill. In order to make sure I had not simply dreamed our encounter, I looked him up on the Internet. I was happy to learn that (i) Mr. Zamperini was still alive and (ii) he had been the recipient of many official “thank yous” over the years (in fact, the Torrance airport is named after him). Thus, it appears Mr. Zamperini knows that we appreciate his effort (my poor sense of direction notwithstanding). However, the lesson I drew from this whole thing is that the time to thank people for doing something brave, noble or difficult is as soon as you hear about it. You can’t always count on finding them again later. With veterans of Mr. Zamperini’s generation, this is all the more true. |
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| Oaks Night at Vermont Restaurant |
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Specials: only two appetizers and two entrees to describe to the guests, and which we tasted. Helpfully, many diners would ask about them, because then I was sure to remember to have the information ready. Luckily, I had my self-made chart telling me which seats at the table to refer to when diners gave me their orders, especially necessary when they spoke out of the restaurant’s designated order of seats around the table. It got a little bit harder when diner #4 wanted dressing on the side and diner #2 didn’t, but that was easier than when diner #5, who wondered if the fish could be grilled rather than fried, said that if not he wanted a different entree. All this while keeping up a friendly banter with the customers at several tables. What a big sigh of relief when I presented the bill to my first table; they paid, and then left. (A more experienced fellow board member actually looked over each of her checks and noticed the tip before her presentation to the table. I had no time for that.) Then, right away when I glanced again at that first table, a whole new set of faces appeared. And so it went, at each table all evening. My job description did not include bringing the plates to the table or removing them. However, I did need to report to the bar in the next room to collect the drinks. Adding one or two olives or garnish and napkins for drinks was up to me. Carrying two martini glasses the distance was no easy feat with or without a tray, and slowed me down considerably. It crossed my mind, only fleetingly, that a sip out of each glass would have allowed me to travel much more swiftly without spilling to better serve my customers. Toward the end of the evening one table ordered apple crisp and another ordered apple tart for desserts. I drew a blank at the key time: which goes where? Not knowing the difference between a tart and a crisp, I took a chance that the diners wouldn’t either. After all what is the difference really, I thought, and who cares, between a tart and a crisp? They did know, but happily I got it right. Business was brisk as always I am sure, but that evening I really noticed it. At about 11 pm I politely mentioned to the man who computes the checks, “Shouldn’t we be closing now?” A little later things quieted down, and we waiters were served a delicious meal with wine. By that time I was so comfortable that I left feeling that when I’m at the restaurant the next time I may just be able to help myself! (Just kidding.)
More photos taken at the Oaks Night at Vermont restaurant are available here. |
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| Around Griffith Park Gerry Hans |
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Landmark Restaurant Opposed In March, Recreation & Parks announced the results of a feasibility study for a “Landmark Destination Restaurant”. The site chosen is next to the Griffith Observatory, in the footprint of the old “snack bar.” The first of two possible versions of the restaurant presented in the study would accommodate 440 guests, including a banquet facility on a separate level. The second version would seat 220 guests. The study was shallow in scope, addressing few of the consequent problems such as parking, access (Western Canyon Road at night?), air/light pollution that could affect the Observatory telescopes, and competition for public sector restaurateurs. Most all of the adjacent homeowners associations and neighborhood councils united in opposing the proposal. With much input from the community, our Councilmember Tom LaBonge has now gone on record in opposing it. See the website to view our letter of opposition sent to the Recs & Parks Board of Commissioners. Mountain Lion – Resident or Just Passing Through? Multiple sightings of a mountain lion in Griffith Park have been reported recently. The substantiated sightings have been at the Toyon Landfill area, which is on the north side of the Park, just east of Forest Lawn. There have also been other, unsubstantiated, sightings. It is reasonable to expect that the cat could appear anywhere in the Park since their range and mobility is extensive. We would expect most mountain lion activity to occur at dusk, dawn and at night, bedding down in a thicket during the day. Mountain lions (aka; cougar, puma) are officially under the jurisdiction of the Fish & Game Division and are a protected species. No action will be taken presently since the mountain lion, according to code, is not “perceived to be an imminent threat to public health or safety.” More info available on mountain lions from the California Department of Fish and Game Offices here and from the UC Davis here. Noxious Weeds of the Area Los Angeles Rec & Parks keeps a list of the most noxious weeds that grow in Griffith Park. They call it the “Dirty Dozen” list. The worst of these is probably the Giant Reed plant. What grows in Griffith Park also grows in the Oaks, so be on the lookout for these invasive non-indigenous plants. All four that are spotlighted here do occur in the Oaks: Giant Reed
Can grow as high as 20 feet, spreads quickly by fibrous roots, chokes out all other vegetation, highly ignitable and burns intensely. Wild Tobacco
Spindly with elongated yellow flowers, can grow into tree-like proportions in one season, toxic. Wild Fennel
Spreads easily, as high as 8 feet, fire hazard when it dries. Castor Bean
Large-leafed (often reddish) plant that grows rapidly, black toxic seeds are hazard to toddlers attracted to friendly-looking seeds. The complete "Dirty Dozen" brochure in pdf format is available for download from the city of L.A. here. Great LA River Cleanup Finds Tons On May 1st, about 300 volunteers met at the intersection of Los Feliz Blvd and the LA River to pick up trash in the river basin. It was part of a larger effort of about 3000 people that worked on the River from the San Fernando Valley all the way to its mouth at the ocean. The event is organized yearly by Friends of the LA River. As a participant, I was amazed at the variety of junk pulled out. I was surprised at how much debris was snagged into the limbs of trees. I spent much of my time climbing trees, throwing down entangled plastic bags and snagged objects to the younger workers below. Many of the participants were teams from local schools, companies and churches. Next year, we would like to see a greater showing of volunteers from the Oaks, especially adventurous adults. You can visit the Friends of the L.A. River website at www.folar.org. |
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OAKS SUMMER PICNIC |
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The Oaks Annual Summer Picnic is Saturday, July 10th. Come meet your neighbors at Bronson Park (at the upper end of Canyon Drive) for good food and fun. Earle’s Grill will be serving up its famous curly fries and treats from the grill. This year we even have a pie contest! See below for details. The fun starts at 11:30 am. See you there!
Do you like to bake? Now is the time to show off your skills
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| The Neighborhood Beat | ||||||||||||||
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Wine Tasting with The Oaks Come join your neighbors on a trip to Los Olivos for some wine, food and fun. The plan is to meet at the Mayfair Market at 7:30 am, travel to Los Olivos (2 hour journey) and wine taste. The tour will stop at Brander winery for a 10 am tasting, Kalyra Winery for an 11 am tasting and a picnic lunch. Then the group will head over to the town of Los Olivos for shopping and a look at the many wine rooms. The bus will drop you back at the Mayfair market.
Please note that the trip has been cancelled!!!
Knitting Classes at The Black Sheep Knittery Want to start knitting? Kristal Moffet is offering classes at her new shop on Yucca Street. Classes are $100 for five weeks. You will need to purchase your own yarn to get started. The Black Sheep Knittery is part of the Yucca Street Merchants at 6324 Yucca Street (cross-street is Vine). Call 323-464-2253 to sign up. |
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| Meliora Award | ||||||||||||||
On Monday, May 10 Nicole and Jack Ruskey of 2240 Live Oak Drive West received the Meliora Award for Best Single Family Restoration of 2003 thus visually enhancing the quality of the neighborhood. The award was given by the Los Feliz Improvement Association. Congratulations to the Ruskeys for an ever on-going job well-done. |
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Two years ago, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo established the Neighborhood Prosecutor Program that providing each community in the Los Angeles Police Department’s 18 divisions with their own Neighborhood Prosecutor! The Prosecutors work closely with the LAPD’s Senior Lead Officers (that would be Officer Solley in our case) and other agencies to come up with creative solutions to persistent neighborhood problems. While these problems are considered misdemeanors in the legal system – ranging from prostitution to graffiti and vandalism to drug loitering, illegal dumping and other nuisance crimes – they often take an emotional toll on a neighborhood. The program’s intent to empower residents and improve their quality of life is taken very seriously by Bill Kysella. 
Thank you, Vermont Restaurant, very much. We earned $1080 in tips which go to the Los Feliz Oaks Homeowners Association. My partners waiting on tables for the evening were Holly Purcell, Gerry Hans and Caroline Schweich. Jonathan Corob was the sommelier and Abby Sherman took charge of bread and water. 
