📃 February 2022 News from the Bel Air-Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council

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SIX IMPORTANT COMMUNITY STORIES
YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FOR MARCH 2022

1 Sepulveda Pass Metro Project Criticized
2 2022 Election Year Mayoral Candidates
3. “Own a Piece of LA” Revision Supported by Neighborhood Council
4. Coyote Mating Season Dangers
5. The Cold War Top Secret of Laurel Canyon
6. Contact Directory for Los Angeles City Services

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METRO SEPULVEDA PLANNERS CAUTIONED

BY NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

The Board of Directors of the Bel Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council has urged the Metro Sepulveda planners to use increased caution in developing their plans for high speed public rapid transportation through the Sepulveda Pass.

Traffic Committee Conclusion
Given the huge cost of the proposed project and capacity of the 405 Freeway, the same money spent immediately on low/zero emission buses that connect through the Sepulveda Pass is likely to be a far more cost effective and climate-smart alternative. One project alternative should include expansion of the bus system using express lanes on the 405 instead of a rail project.

The Project alternatives conspicuously lack an underground alternative that uses the existing transit corridor and property under the 405 Freeway

Other committee comments were:

Metro Study Area Too Small
“The study area defined for the Project is too small. Impacts to any canyon road in terms of traffic (e.g., during construction) have spillover effects that extend several canyons over because of the few north-south routes through the hills. The study area should be extended eastward to at least include through Franklin Canyon.

Earthquakes and Earth Slippage
“We request that Metro investigate all earthquake fault lines in the Project area, such as the fault along Mulholland Drive from approximately Benedict Canyon and west to the I-405. We have had two recent earthquakes along that fault. We have been told by USGS that earthquake faults cannot be remediated and can reach 3 miles deep. On several mountainsides, there has been earth slippage.”

Very High Fire Hazard Zone
The proposed Project is within a Very High Fire Hazard Zone, designated by Cal Fire. A full understanding of the historical and current fire risk must be included in the wildlife risk analysis, and special attention paid to any additional risk from Project construction and ongoing operations from all alternatives.

Unmapped Springs and Aquifers
“Our residents report that there are many springs and aquifers in the Project area. Some, but not all of these have been mapped. A thorough investigation, starting with existing data (Dark et al. 2011, Liu et al. 2011) and including field inspections should be made of springs and near-surface aquifers. To assist this effort, we compiled the following examples. 1. A large, intermittent spring exists at the top of Beverly Glen and Mulholland Drive. 2. Another major spring feeds a stream on the west side of Stone Canyon Road. 3. As homes have been developed in the hills, springs and/or surficial aquifers have invaded foundations. Some basements had to be rebuilt.

Dangers of Liquefaction
“We are certain that the Lower Stone Canyon reservoir area is prone to liquefaction, based upon insurance policies issued to homeowners in the area. Some Sepulveda Canyon homes are marked on maps as liquefaction locations. Stone Canyon Road is on a flood plain.

Stone Canyon Dam
“How will tunneling affect the stability of the Stone Canyon Reservoir Dam? The Stone Canyon reservoir is not lined and is supported by an earthen dam.Will tunneling below and or around the reservoir and/or Stone Canon Creek/Stone Canyon Road destabilize the area? Residents have concerns about the number of tunnels. The geotechnical analysis should evaluate the differential effects of one or two tunnels on stability, noise, and vibration. Community residents are concerned about noise and vibration, both from underground and above ground Project elements."

Wildlife Issues
Effects of noise on wildlife should be considered, and such analysis must consider the frequencies of sound to which other species are sensitive and not based on human auditory sensitivity. What significant sounds/noise emit from vents, fans, electrical charging facilities, and any other ancillary equipment necessary for any proposed mode of transportation? What remedies would the team recommend, such as sound walls, to reduce noise in our neighborhoods and mountainsides?

Visual Effects of Monorail System
What visual effects will the monorail option have on these scenic resources, including for the residents for Bel Air Crest. The bridge over the entrance to Bel Air Crest is 16.5’ at its highest point. Add the height of the monorail support columns and the height of the monorail on the monorail track, and the top of the monorail cars will be about 50’ from the ground. Since the community of Bel Air Crest is situated uphill from its entrance, please study the visual effects inside the community and inside a monorail car. How would people be affected by monorails traveling no less than every 2 minutes in each direction both day and night?

“OWN A PIECE OF LA”
REVISION SUPPORTED
BY NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

In a City Council hearing, Tuesday February 17, Jamie T. Hall, Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the Neighborhood Council, appeared on behalf of the Council to support an ordinance that would require that environmentally valuable parcels in the "Own a Piece of LA" program would be offered first to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

Mr. Hall told the City Council “The City of Los Angeles is the owner of many environmentally sensitive parcels in the Santa Monica Mountains, including land that contains habitat for protected species such as the mountain lion, mature protected trees and sensitive natural communities. In the past, the City has sold these parcels off for private development.

This practice is extremely short-sighted from a conservation and environmental standpoint and conflicts with state law - which provides that resource agencies such as the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy should be provided the first opportunity to acquire these parcels for permanent preservation of open space.

This motion will align the City’s practices with the requirements of state law. Further, adoption of the Motion will further the State of California’s 30x30 conservation goals. In sum, BABCNC is in strong support of vacant parcels in the Santa Monica Mountains Zone being offered first to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

Coyote Mating Season – Living in Harmony with Coyotes

We have always had coyotes in the Santa Monica Mountains but as we have encroached further into their territory, we have increased our encounters with them As social media shares repeated sightings and warnings about coyotes in our midst, it is important to separate fact from fiction about these amazing predators.

Like all wildlife, coyotes are seeking food, water, and shelter, and all of these are readily available in our hillside environment. Rodents which are especially plentiful in this suburban environment, are the food of choice for coyotes, and coyotes play an important role in controlling their population.

January through March is the peak of mating season for coyotes. Although they may be more aggressive during this time of the year, this should not be a concern if you follow the tips below to keep your pets safe at home and when you are out walking.

If you want to discourage coyotes from visiting your backyard the following tips can help:

Put garbage and compost in tightly closed containers that can’t be tipped over
Feed pets indoors and bring in pets at night - never leave smaller pets outside unaccompanied
Provide secure enclosures for rabbits and poultry
Remove bird feeders that attract rodents – coyote prey
Pick ripe fruit from trees and collect fallen fruit – these attract rodents, which in turn attract coyotes
Eliminate any water sources, like birdbaths

Be prepared when taking a walk or when you are out on the trail:

If walking with pets, keep them on a 6’ leash
If possible, try not to walk alone, and vary your route
If you encounter a coyote, raise your arms and make loud noises; throw an object at the coyote to frighten it and chase it away.
Never run from a coyote because this action might trigger its predator instincts.
If you have a small child or pet with you immediately pick them up or hug them close to you.

If we follow the above tips, we can find a better way to coexist with coyotes. We can also assist coyotes by not using rodenticide poisons. Coyotes eat rodents that have ingested the toxin and it builds up in the coyotes' systems, weakening their immune systems and resulting in illness and even death. If you see a coyote that you think is in trouble or in need of help, contact the California Wildlife Center at 310.458.9453
Portions of this article were reprinted from CLAW (Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife, https://www.clawonline.org) with their permission.

Mindy Rothstein Mann

2022 IS A LOS ANGELES ELECTION YEAR FOR MAYOR

2022 is a major election year for the City of Los Angeles City Council members, Mayor and City Attorney. There will be a primary election June 7 for the top two candidates and a run off on November 8, 2022.

Karen Bass, US Representative from California
Joe Buscaino, Los Angeles City Councilmember from the 15^th district
Rick Caruso, business person, developer
Kevin de Leon, Los Angeles City Council Member from the 14^th District
Mike Feuer, Los Angeles City Attorney
Craig Greiwe, a business executive
Alex Gruenefelder, Echo Park Neighborhood Council member
Helan Mahmood, co founder of fashion brand Don Kaka
William Rodriguez Morrison, Community Organizer
Ramit Varma, co-founder Revolution Prep

All candidates are currently raising money for their campaigns aiming at the primary election.

Your Neighborhood Council will try to provide opportunities for you to learn more about the candidates.

Filming an atomic test in the desert in Cinemscope. Film crew and film processing headquartered on Wonderland Drive, overlooking Laurel Canyon

SCRAPBOOK
The history of our Bel Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council Communities

THE COLD WAR TOP SECRET OF LAUREL CANYON

It was 1944 and General Paul T. Cullen, commanding Operation Crossroads of the Strategic Air Command had a problem. The United States had embarked on nuclear experimentation and testing. Tests included motion picture footage of the atomic tests and Cullen was tasked with establishing a motion picture unit to deal with the new nuclear world.

There were already established military motion picture units at ”Fort Fox” the old William Fox facility at Western Avenue and Sunset. Most notable was so called “Fort Roach” where the military had taken over the entire 14 acre Hal Roach studio in Culver City to produce propaganda and training films where once Laurel and Hardy fell into the lake.

Cullen felt these facilities were too well known and too public for the secretive films of the Nuclear age, taken before the public knew the nuclear age even existed. So Cullen began searching for alternates. He finally chose an empty unused Federal surplus property facility built as the Los Angeles Flight Control Center. It was a completely abandoned property on Wonderland Drive off Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles

The property covered 2.5 acres with plenty of land to construct film vaults to house millions of feel of film of nuclear tests, film editing rooms, screening rooms, a sound mixing theatre, and, eventually, a full sound stage. The film-processing laboratory could develop and print 35mm and 16m motion picture film as well as still photographs.

The facility was labeled TOP SECRET

The facility became known as Look Out Mountain Air Force Station. During the following years there came a series of military reorganizations whereby the nuclear footage was removed and the Lookout Mountain facility housed the newly established 1352^nd photo group, which became responsible for all documentary photograph capabilities and the maintenance and operation of laboratories and production facilities of the US west of the Mississippi River, including the Pacific and Far East.

According to the archives of the 1352 photo group, during its two decade history the facility was responsible for producing over 600 edited films. It provided input for the monthly Air Force Newsreel and unclassified films for the Secretary of the Air Force, including films from the 600^th photo squadron in Vietnam. Subject matter included everything from high speed scientific film documentation to training films for missile operators, to journalistic coverage of Air Force events to fully scored and acted feature length films.

Filming on the sound stage of Lookout Mountain

Almost every film of a U.S. atomic explosion you have ever seen was processed through this facility.

A host of performers were filmed in the facility including Bob Hope, Jimmy Stewart, Robert Preston, James Garner, Juliet Prowse, Gregory Peck, Kim Novak, Lee Marvin along with classic narrators Marvin Miller and Les Tremayne.

At Christmas, Lookout Mountain provided Bob Hope with air and logistic support for his tours to Vietnam to entertain the troops. Their footage was used for Hope’s Television Specials.

Technical innovations included new film storage and archiving techniques, high-speed camera and film technologies, three-dimensional photography, and testing of Cinemascope and Cinerama technologies.

It all came to an end in 1968 with the Vietnam War consuming the military budget. The 1352^nd Photographic group was discontinued and moved to Norton Air Force Base with the film depository moved to Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Lookout Mountain was decommissioned and sold.

There were attempts to use the facility as a motion picture studio but eventually all these efforts failed and the property was converted to a 6 bedroom 5 bath private home, in keeping with the neighborhood as it is to this day. In 2015 it was declared Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument number 1998. Lookout Mountain’s interesting past is now only a memory.

Andre Stojka

CITY OF LOS ANGELES E-MAIL CONTACTS

Here are some helpful LA city links to help you navigate departments that you may need to contact on a day to day basis.
All phone numbers can be found in the links as well as email addresses and contact forms

If you call 311 from your phone, you will be connected to a city representative who will be able to refer you to city services, departments and individuals who can help.

You can also download the 311 App here:https://www.lacity.org/myla311

CITY DIRECTORY:
https://www.lacity.org/government/popular-information/city-directory

GENERAL INFO:
https://myla311.lacity.org/splash/splash.html

BEL AIR BEVERLY CREST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL:
https://www.bancnc.org

MAYOR ERIC GARCETTI:
https://www.lamayor.org

CITY ATTORNEY MIKE FEUER:
https://www.lacityattorney.org

CONTROLLER RON GALPERIN
https://lacontroller.org

CD4: NITHYA RAMEN:
https://councildistrict4.lacity.org

CD5: PAUL KORETZ
https://www.councilmemberpaulkoretz.com

LA FIRE:
https://www.lafd.org

LAPD:
https://www.lapdonline.org

ANIMAL SERVICES:
https://www.laanimalservices.com

BUILDING AND SAFETY:
https://ladbs.org

BULKY ITEM PICKUP:
https://www.lacitysan.org

BUREAU OF SANITATION:
https://www.lacitysan.org

BUREAU OF STREET LIGHTING:
https://lalights.lacity.org

BUREAU OF STREET SERVICES:
https://streetsla.lacity.org

CITY CLERK:
https://clerk.lacity.org

DUMPSTER REMOVAL:
E-Mail: Kieran.au@lacity.org

DWP:
https://www.ladwp.com

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:
https://emergency.lacity.org

METRO:
https://www.metro.net/

PLANNING COMMISSION:
https://planning.lacity.org

SAFE CENTERS:
https://www.lacitysan.org

SAFE Centers are available for LA City
residents to properly dispose of household
hazardous and electronic waste
24 HOUR FREE CURBSIDE PICK UP LINE:800-773-2489

TRANSPORTATION:
https://ladot.lacity.org

Compiled by Maureen Smith

THE LOS ANGELES NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL SYSTEM

Because of the size of Los Angeles, each Los Angeles City Council member represents around 250,000 people. To keep City officials in closer touch with the neighborhoods of the City, Los Angeles adopted a Neighborhood Council system to advise the City Council members of local issues in 1999.

There are 99 separate Neighborhood Councils in the City of Los Angeles. Members of the Neighborhood Council are considered City employees without compensation of any kind. They are formally elected by the public or communities and must live, work or own property in the area they represent.

The Bel Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council represents approximately 28,000 people in a beautiful mountain and canyon area of the City of Los Angeles bounded on the west by Sepulveda Boulevard, on the North, Mulholland Drive, on the South by Sunset Boulevard and the East by Laurel Canyon.

View of San Fernando Valley at night, from Mulholland Drive, a Scenic Highway, part of the Bel Air - Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council community

Please forward this newsletter to neighbors who you feel will be interested.
To subscribe to this free newsletter send your name and e-mail address to:

The Bel Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council Community News is produced by the Bel Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council Outreach Committee, Robin Greenberg, Chair, Andre Stojka, Editor, with Board members Nickie Minor, Robert Schlesinger, Mindy Mann, Maureen Smith and Travis Longcore
Photo Credits: Wikipedia, Shutterstock, USC, UCNR, Metro, Water & Power Associates, RECONYN, DWP
Newsletter (c) 2022 BABCNC
Scrapbook (c) 2022 Andre Stojka
Your comments are solicited and appreciated.
Please contact us at:
outreach@babcnc.org

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Bel Air/Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council · PO Box 252007 · Los Angeles, CA 90025 · USA