Board Members Present:

J.P. O’Connor
Tina Roman
George Abrahams
Byrd Holland
Ed Hayek
Diana Knoll
Fran Reichenbach
Nina VanTassell
Missy Kelly 

Many neighbors and guests attended. 

Meeting called to order at 6:45PM 

Approval of the minutes – carried unanimously 

Treasurers Report: The BCNA has a balance of $2,981.16 

President Fran Reichenbach commended the activism of some community members regarding the repaving of Beachwood Drive, which was not solicited by the Board. 

Spring Fair Report – Jackie Shabel:  Jackie Shabel discussed the Spring Fair at Hollywood High School, a fundraiser for the Hollywood High Music Department sponsored by the National Society of Men and Women in the Music Business (WOMB).  Jackie asked for volunteers. The date will be June 7^th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  

Board member Missy Kelly discussed fund-raising activity for the BCNA.  The date proposed is July 14^th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to be held in the parking lot of the Beachwood Market.  Planned are balloon animal-making, live music, food, massage therapy, fire truck display to tarot card readings and bouncy ball room for the kids.  Local vendors would be asked to donate so raffle tickets can be sold. Missy estimated the cost of the fund-raising would be $448.  A motion was made by George that the budget be approved. Motion carried unanimously. 

David Goggin, a member of the Hollywoodland Homeowners Association, spoke on the continuing congestion of our residential streets and the meaning of R-1 zoning. He stated that a neighbor, Mr. Pierson gave him a web site for a Parcel Profile Report that any resident can use. (www.lacity.org and click on for residents and home zoning or the web site for the Department of Building and Safety of www.ladbs.org for business and building restrictions). Mr. Pierson told him that violations might be difficult to correct, the key factor being the kitchen. 

Brian Dameron (Fire Department rep) was present and says he has been assigned a special project in this area, working on evacuation in case we have a brush fire. Although we have one, it’s been a long time since it’s been upgraded. The hardest part for us is getting the big rigs around the corners, especially when cars are parked on the turns. 

George made a motion to form a subcommittee on the preservation of R-1 zoning.  Tina seconded it. Motion carried unanimously.

Beachwood Repaving Report: Board members George and Diana gathered 1,032 signatures petitioning the City in favor of preserving Beachwood Drive with cement restoration.  Councilman Tom LaBonge’s assistant, Rory Fitzpatrick, read a motion that had been presented and approved by the City Council. Points made in the motion were that Beachwood Drive is part of Hollywood history and the gateway of the Hollywood sign, one of the most famous landmarks in the world; that the Bureau of Street Services is proposing to asphalt Beachwood Drive; the community in its efforts to maintain the historical appearance of Beachwood Drive oppose this type of repaving and propose an asphalt alternative.  Councilman LaBonge moved that the Bureau of Street Services suspend plans to resurface Beachwood Drive with asphalt pending a determination at a public hearing by the Board of Public Works and full input by the affected community, including members of the local proposed neighborhood councils. The Board of Public Works will hold a meeting on June 20^th at 9:30 a.m.  The position of the council members is to fully explore alternatives. Mr. Fitzpatrick introduced Mr. Tom Thomas of the Department of Public Works to discuss hurdles in repaving Beachwood Drive.  Mr. Fitzpatrick also emphasized that the motion presented did not mean that the City is going to use concrete restoration; just that the Council is willing to listen to the community. 

Mr. Thomas reiterated that repaving work has been deferred until a study and the hearings are completed.  Fran asked that if the thousands of citizens did not convince the City to authorize spending our tax money for the restoration, would the City do something about the condition of Beachwood Drive.  Mr. Thomas assured us that if nothing gets done this fiscal year, that the Bureau will work with the Council Office to make sure something happens in the next fiscal year; that they are going to take this project, but not do anything until the outcome of the study

Byrd Holland thanked Mr. Thomas on behalf of the Association for getting part of Hollyridge repaved. 

Fran Reichenbach opened discussion for any issue of concern to the community.  Larry Pines from the Pineapple Tract addressed the issue of the bars and restaurants along Franklin and the fact that their existence have brought down the value of property and lifestyle due to the parking problem, noise, and trash that abounds that area. Missy Kelly also added information about her efforts to get permit parking for the residents and enumerated the same kind of problems offered by Mr. Pines, including the fact that the City Council and particularly Councilman Tom LaBonge has preferenced the bar and restaurant owners in this struggle to clean up the area.  Apparently, the business owners along the Franklin strip are suing the City over permit parking.  This has caused a hold off on residential parking permits around the City.  

Brian Dameron from Fire Department station on Bronson informed us about a new program called “Adopt a Fire Station.”  This program was developed to raise funds for the stations to improve the quality of life for the guys at the fire station. The station has a leaky roof and the paint is peeling off the walls. The City feels that any improvement at this stage is a waste of money. Meanwhile, the guys have to live in dismal quarters. Those who wish to give money would donate it to the California Community Foundation. Our local fire station is number 82. The money never goes through the firemen. 

Byrd made a motion to donate $200 to the Fire Station Fund.  Tina seconded it. Motion carried unanimously.