Email from the BABCNC re. Prop B (Solar Energy)

Stakeholders,   We received the e-mail below as part of the lively debate regarding Prop B.  Please note that this is not the position of the Bel Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council, rather provided to you as information regarding this important issue.   Thank you. _______________________________________________________________________ PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR ACTIVIST EMAIL CONTACTS City Hall Political Machine Tries to Intimidate Activist Community Lawsuit Seeks to Squelch Public Debate on Solar Energy Fraud Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and his team of lobbyists, strategists and pay-to-play cronies have sued the eight people who signed the No. on Prop. B ballot argument -- an attempt at intimidation under the guise of law. This measure isn't about solar energy and has nothing to do with the largest solar energy initiative ever undertaken. The City Council and mayor could initiate that by their own actions. This is solely about paying blackmail to the DWP and its IBEW union which have blocked solar projects for a decade and would have exclusivity on large-scale projects under this measure. The Solar Eight -- Jack Humphreville, Soledad Garcia, Humberto Camacho, Kristine Lee, Nick Patsaouras, Joe Pulido, James O'Sullivan and me -- will not be silenced by this tactic. But our lives have made difficult as we need to respond in court on Tuesday to the allegations that are ballot argument is false and misleading. We were unable to find a lawyer knowledgeable in city election law because this was dropped on us during Christmas week but Noel Weiss, candidate for City Attorney, has now volunteered to provide us help in putting together our pleading. The next hearing in court is Jan. 8. Stephen Kaufman's law firm, which represents the mayor, eight City Council members and a host of other political figures, is handling the case for the City Hall political machine for the named plaintiff, Mitchell Schwartz, a high-powered environmental lobbyist. This isn't just an attempt to squelch the Solar Eight or the debate over this phony ballot measure but a direct assault on everyone's right to freedom of speech and to participate in the political and electoral process. We need support from Neighborhood Councils, homeowner and resident groups, service clubs, churches and every individual who cares about L.A. This is a defining moment. We need to come together and stop the political machine that is destroying the city. If we won't fight as one against these tactics and this dirty deal, I don't know that we ever will. The March 3 primary gives us the chance to change L.A., to elect candidates to the City Controller's and City Attorney's offices who can stand for the community. Villaraigosa, Wendy Greuel and Jack Weiss along with the 15 obedient council members will have nothing in their way if they prevail in this election. I have written about it today and over several days recently. Here are the links to copy and paste: http://ronkayela.com/2008/12/prop-b-is-for-bribery-and-blac.html http://ronkayela.com/2008/12/sunshine-on-solar-fraud-the-ci.html http://ronkayela.com/2008/12/laura-chick-chicagostyle-polit.html http://ronkayela.com/2008/12/scenario-for-dictatorship-los.html http://ronkayela.com/2008/12/las-solar-energy-fraud-is-this.html http://ronkayela.com/2008/12/las-solar-energy-fraud-is-this.html http://ronkayela.com/2008/12/the-secret-solar-plan-document.html http://ronkayela.com/2008/12/the-city-hall-political-machin.html Support the Solar Eight. Support the efforts to make this a great city and get rid of Chicago-style corruption. ronkayela.com cell 818-621-8349 office 818-704-8418

LA Tops the List of 10 Worst Real Estate Markets for 2009

10 Worst Real Estate Markets for 2009

The housing market hasn't bottomed out yet. For the third quarter, the closely-watched S&P Case-Shiller national home-price index fell 16.6%, and experts are predicting further declines. Of the top 100 markets, here are 10 with the worst forecasts.

1. Los Angeles

2008 median house price:
$375,340

2009 projected change:
-24.9%

2010 projected change:
-5.1%

The median home price in the L.A.-Long Beach-Glendale metro area is projected to fall nearly 25% in 2009 - the biggest drop in the country.

---

2. Stockton, Calif.

2008 median house price: $248,050

2009 projected change:
-24.7%

2010 projected change:
-4.0%

---

3. Riverside, Calif.

2008 median house price:
$256,540

2009 projected change:
-23.3%

2010 projected change:
-4.8%

---

4. Miami-Miami Beach

2008 median house price: $293,590

2009 projected change:
-22.8%

2010 projected change:
-6.4%

Miami will be nursing the hangover from its epic building boom for years to come. After falling 22% in 2008, prices are predicted to plunge another 23% next year.

---

5. Sacramento

2008 median house price:
$225,140

2009 projected change:
-22.2%

2010 projected change:
2.3%

---

6. Santa Ana-Anaheim

2008 median house price: $532,810

2009 projected change:
-22.0%

2010 projected change:
-3.5%

---

7. Fresno

2008 median house price:
$257,170

2009 projected change:
-21.6%

2010 projected change:
-3.3%

BusinessFacilities.com

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8. San Diego

2008 median house price: $412,490

2009 projected change:
-21.1%

2010 projected change:
-2.9%

---

9. Bakersfield, Calif.

2008 median house price:
$227,270

2009 projected change:
-20.9%

2010 projected change:
-2.5%

---

10. Washington, D.C.

2008 median house price: $343,160

2009 projected change:
-19.9%

2010 projected change:
-5.7%

Copyright Associated Press

On the Lighter Side - No Pants Subway Ride Coming to Los Angeles

From lalist.com

It's that time of year again for New Yorkers to get a fill of riding the subway with no pants. Luckily (or the opposite depending on how you feel), this year the annual Improv Everywhere event is spreading across the nation including Los Angeles on the afternoon of January 10th.

If you're thinking this might be illegal, it might be and it might be not. According to Metro's Chief of Transit Police, Commander Dan Finkelstein, this event and ones like this in the past are usually no big deal "if it's not going to impact the quality of life, the safety of the passengers and not in violation of the penal code." Basically, if you're not being disruptive and showing off private parts, the likelihood of a citation is little to none, but you never know, he said. It's all situational and depends on the context. In the past, the Sheriff's Subway Office, whose employees are savvy blog readers, has been respectful of such events and they just want to make sure things don't get out of control.

So if you're feeling a little risky and risqué, join GuerilLA's Los Angeles Facebook event page and enjoy the reactions you'll get from the unsuspecting public.

New Security Alert / Lock Bumping

Lock bumping is a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially-crafted bump key. One bump key will work for all locks of the same type.

Although this "technology" has been around for some time, with the internet, how-to videos and lock bump kits available online for less than $5, this is a real threat to unprotected homes.

Sign of the Times - Israeli War has entered the Internet Age

In the midst of its Gaza operations, the IDF is entering yet another conflict zone: the Internet. The Israeli army announced yesterday the creation of its own YouTube channel, through which it will disseminate footage of precision bombing operations in the Gaza Strip, as well as aid distribution and other footage of interest to the international community.

CLICK HERE for the YouTube Site.

IAF destroys truck with Grads 
Footage shows terrorists loading vehicle with missiles; Navy joins op.

CLICK HERE for the above Video removed from YouTube (now hosted by the JP).

Planning a Holiday Trip? How about trying one of the Top 10 New Hotels

My Pick: the Xudum Delta Lodge, Botswana

Travel & Leisure Magazine has named its Top 10 New Hotels for 2008.

CLICK HERE to decide where to go for your next vacation.

And of course, I would be remiss if I failed to mention that our own Hotel Bel~Air was named the (lucky) #13 Hotel out of Travel & Leisure's 500 World's Best Hotels for 2009.

This 1920's hideaway, set on 12 lush acres (complete with its own swan lake) in a serene residential neighborhood a short drive from Beverly Hills, was recently rebranded as part of the Dorchester Collection; a new spa will debut later this year.

SCORE	92.32
STATS	91 rooms; 1 restaurant; 1 bar.
ROOMS TO BOOK	Those in the north end of the property are closest to the pool and offer the most privacy.
INSIDER TIP	Have a yoga lesson on your private patio.
COST	Doubles from $425.
AMENITIES

icon key
	New to the T+L 500		High-Speed Internet		Gym		Pool
	Spa		Tennis		Golf		Outdoor Activities
	Water Activities		Fishing		Kids' Program

What sets the Bel-Air apart is its sense of sanctuary; despite the property’s relatively large size (12 acres), the warm staff, the cozy Spanish Mission-style architecture, and old-world gestures like complimentary tea service create an intimate ambience here. The 91 uniquely decorated rooms all have luxurious, understated touches like Alicante marble tiles and Pratesi linens; many of its 39 suites include fireplaces. Those with private patios are tucked behind walls covered with cascading bougainvillea, flowering shrubs, and giant California oaks. Lunching on lobster salad and La Grande Dame on the Bel-Air terrace, while gazing over the swan pond and pretending not to notice the Oscar winner at the next table, is a decades-old L.A. pleasure.

Tip: If you’re keen to see the Olsen twins, forget about it; celebs who require the attention of gawkers and paparazzi know to head elsewhere.

Room to Book: The 835-square-foot Grace Kelly Suite, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private garden patio, outdoor Jacuzzi, and burbling fountain.

Michael Jackson back in the Neighborhood - or at least in neighboring Holmby Hills

Are those bells I hear?  Santa, is that you??  No, according to the Realestalker and TMZ, Michael Jackson has rented a $38 million pad in neighboring Holmby Hils with seven bedrooms, 13 baths, 12 fireplaces, a screening room and, of course, a wine cellar. Rent is reportedly $100,000 per month.

For sleepovers, there's a guest house, swimming pool and garden.

The deal was inked several weeks ago under a heavy-duty confidentiality agreement. Michael already has stayed there.

Best Photos from 2008

CLICK HERE to see them all.

January Events at the Getty

January 2009 Thanks a Million!—Celebrate with us this weekend as the Getty Villa marks one million visitors. Pick up a free treat, enjoy family activities, and save on gifts in the Museum Store. Learn more and book your free tickets to the Getty Villa. E X H I B I T I O N S

Current Exhibitions

Future Exhibitions

Explore the Collection

Captured Emotions: Baroque Painting in Bologna, 1575–1725 through May 3 The Getty Center Learn how a group of creative rebels changed the course of art after the Renaissance in this exhibition of sumptuous paintings from Bologna, Italy. Masters of nature, texture, movement, and the human form, the Carracci family of painters and their followers set the standard for European art for over two centuries. The exhibition includes 27 paintings from the Dresden State Art Collections, many never before seen in North America. Learn more about this exhibition. See all events related to this exhibition.

Above and banner detail: Joseph and Potiphar's Wife, Carlo Cignani, about 1670–80. Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Photo © Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Photographer: H.-P. Klut

Fragment to Vase: Approaches to Ceramic Restoration through June 1 The Getty Villa Get a behind-the-scenes look at the conservation labs of the Getty Villa with this exhibition, which explores how ancient vases are reconstructed from fragments. Learn how conservators combine investigative tools with knowledge of the forms and designs of ancient vases to unlock the secrets of fragmentary vessels. Learn more about this exhibition. See all events related to this exhibition.

Get a glimpse of the ceramics conservation work at the Getty Villa in this new exhibition.

The Getty Commodus: Roman Portraits and Modern Copies through June 1 The Getty Villa Why was this ancient bust of Roman emperor Commodus long thought to be a modern copy? Discover how conservators and art historians gathered evidence for the bust's ancient origin, and how clues on the marble itself led to new insights about its true date. You can also meet the man behind the portrait in a free lecture on January 22 exploring Commodus's reputation as a ruthless gladiator and devious madman. Learn more about this exhibition. See all events related to this exhibition.

Ancient or modern? Bust of Commodus (detail), Roman, A.D. 180–185

Reconstructing Identity: A Statue of a God from Dresden through June 1 The Getty Villa Unearthed from Roman soil with no head and only one arm, this over-life-size statue from the Dresden State Art Collections has long been a mystery. This exhibition traces why it has been restored in various guises over the centuries and reveals what curators and conservators concluded about the statue's identity during its just-completed restoration at the Getty Villa. Learn more about this exhibition. See all events related to this exhibition.

Statue of a God (detail), Roman, A.D. 100–200. Skulpturensammlung, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

Current Exhibitions

Future Exhibitions

Don't miss the Belles Heures! Saint Nicholas Saves Seafarers (detail) in the Belles Heures, Limbourg brothers, 1405–8/9. Image courtesy of and © The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters Collection, 1954 (54.1.1, fol. 168)

Also on View at the Getty Center and the Getty Villa Current Exhibitions—Last chance for In Focus: The Landscape and Please Be Seated: A Video Installation by Nicole Cohen, both closing January 11 at the Getty Center. Plus, Tango with Cows: Book Art of the Russian Avant-Garde, 1910–1917, Jim Dine: Poet Singing (The Flowering Sheets), and Dialogue among Giants: Carleton Watkins and the Rise of Photography in California continue through the holidays. Future Exhibitions—Drawing the Classical Figure, featuring classically inspired visions of the human form, opens December 23 at the Getty Center. In Focus: The Portrait, examining the evolution of the portrait photograph from the 1800s to today, opens January 27.

M U S I C

Performances and Films

Reservations and Information:
(310) 440-7300

Sounds of L.A.: Andy Statman Saturday, January 17, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, January 18, 3:00 p.m. The Getty Center Our annual world music concert series is back with free concerts from brilliant artists who mix tradition and experimentation. Kicking off the series is mandolin magician Andy Statman, who fuses soulful klezmer with avant-garde jazz and American roots music. Free; reservations required. Reservations available beginning Tuesday, December 23, at 9:00 a.m. Learn more, make reservations, and see what else is coming up in Sounds of L.A.

Andy Statman, the meister of avant-garde Jewish soul. Photo: Ilana Pelzig Cellum

F I L M   S E R I E S

Performances and Films

Reservations and Information:
(310) 440-7300

How the West Was Shot: Six Westerns, Six Decades Fridays and Saturdays, January 23 & 24 and 30 & 31 The Getty Center See six of the greatest westerns ever made at this free film series that traces the evolution of the genre from John Ford's 1924 classic The Iron Horse to Sam Peckinpah's underestimated 1973 masterpiece Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. The series explores how the western landscape has long provided a raw palette for filmmakers, just as it has for photographers such as Carleton Watkins. Free; reservations required. Learn more and make reservations. Learn more about the current exhibition Dialogue among Giants: Carleton Watkins and the Rise of Photography in California.

Man, horse, landscape: still from Howard Hawks's Red River (1948) © United Artists. Photo: United Artists/Photofest

L E C T U R E S   &   P A N E L S

Lectures and Conferences

Reservations and Information:
(310) 440-7300

The Seduction of the Soul in the Duke of Berry's Prayer Books Thursday, January 15, 7:00 p.m. The Getty Center Explore the tension between spirituality and sensuality in paintings in the Belles Heures with senior curator of Manuscripts Thomas Kren. Kren also discusses other books commissioned by 14th-century French duke Jean de Berry—a devout Christian, but also a pleasure seeker and a sensualist. Free; reservations required. Learn more and make reservations. Learn more about the current exhibition The Belles Heures of the Duke of Berry.

Saint Catherine Tended by Angels (detail) in the Belles Heures, Limbourg brothers, 1405–8/9. Image courtesy of and © The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters Collection, 1954 (54.1.1, fol. 17v)

Carleton Watkins and the Element of Time Sunday, January 25, 3:00 p.m. The Getty Center Learn how Carleton Watkins captured time itself in his photographs of the 19th-century west in this lecture by senior curator of Photographs Weston Naef. Naef explores why Watkins photographed the same places again and again over the course of his career. Free; reservations required. Learn more and make reservations. Learn more about the current exhibition Dialogue among Giants: Carleton Watkins and the Rise of Photography in California.

Vernal Fall, 300 Feet, Yosemite, No. 87 (detail), Carleton Watkins, 1861

Modern Art in Los Angeles: Gallery 32 Wednesday, January 28, 7:30 p.m. The Getty Center Betye Saar, Suzanne Jackson, Carolyn Peter, and others participate in a public conversation about the impact of Gallery 32 (1968–70)—one of the few art spaces in L.A. to exhibit emerging African American artists. Organized in collaboration with Loyola Marymount University's Laband Art Gallery. Free; reservations required. Learn more and make reservations.

Stabilized Warrior (detail), Timothy Washington, 1969. Courtesy of the artist

F O R  F A M I L I E S

Family Activities

Tips for Families

Tickets and Information:
(310) 440-7300

Mythical Monsters: Family Workshop Saturdays, January 17, 24, and 31, 10:00 a.m.–noon The Getty Villa Spend a Saturday with beasts and monsters! Explore heroic tales and classical myths from the ancient past in this creative hands-on workshop filled with projects and ideas for further exploration at home. Children must be ages 6–10 years, and at least one adult must register per family. This one-session course is offered three times. Course fee $10 per adult, $5 per child. Open to 15 participants for maximum personal attention. Learn more and get tickets.

Meet monsters (like wicked Medusa) and the heroes that defeated them in this new family workshop.

Event Calendar

Event Calendar

Reservations, Tickets, and Information:
(310) 440-7300

Event Calendar

The holidays are a perfect time to get away to the Getty! Plan your visit with our event calendar. Holiday bonus: The Villa is open two special Wednesdays this holiday, December 24 and 31. It's an ideal destination for out-of-town guests. Drop by the Sketching Gallery for free drawing sessions with artist-in-residence Aaron Smith on January 8, 15, 22, and 29. Discover whether Roman emperor Commodus was really a madman in a free lecture at the Getty Villa on January 22. Enjoy one of our many free talks and tours, offered daily. Plus, spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon with Getty Drawing Hour on December 21 and January 4 and 18. Reservations are also available now for more free events in February, including an evening of transrational sound poetry on February 4 and a lecture on nude male statuary in the ancient world on February 5. Most events are FREE.

Another Hillside Burglary - But thankfully not in Bel~Air!

Burglar hits Paris Hilton's home, takes $2 million in jewelry

9:12 AM, December 19, 2008

An estimated $2 million worth of jewelry and other belongings was stolen from the home of Paris Hilton, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The incident occurred at 5 a.m. at Hilton's Hollywood Hills home on Clarendon Street. The burglar, or burglars, got into the house through an unlocked door, according to LAPD sources, who spoke on  condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.

According to detectives, a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt and gloves ransacked Hilton's bedroom, took unknown property and fled, said Officer April Harding.

LAPD sources said they do not believe at this time that the incident is connected to infamous burglaries that have beset the Westside and Hollywood Hills and cost many celebrities hundreds of thousands of dollars in jewelry and other valuables.

In those cases, the two –- and possibly three –- men, clad in black and wearing ski masks and gloves, hit more than 70 homes in areas such as Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills and the hills above Encino, usually at night and often on weekends. The victims in those burglaries included former Paramount Pictures chief Sherry Lansing and her Oscar-winning director husband, William Friedkin, Clippers basketball star Cuttino Mobley, Duran Duran guitarist John Taylor and his wife, Juicy Couture President Gela Nash-Taylor, and country music stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Detectives from the LAPD's Van Nuys division were at the Hilton home this morning conducting interviews. The sources told The Times that Hilton was not home at the time of the burglary and that the house is equipped with security video equipment.

Harding said a security guard reported a forced entry at 5 a.m. at the Sherman Oaks home. The guard described the burglar as a man in a hooded sweatshirt and gloves.

Hilton recently told Esquire magazine: "The best thing I've ever bought with money is my house. Having a nightclub in your house really helps for having a party."

-- Richard Winton and Andrew Blankstein

More Insane Vertical Development in Century City - Century Plaza Hotel to go Bye-Bye!

Next Century Associates, LLC, a partnership between Los Angeles based real estate investor Michael Rosenfeld and an entity in the D.E. Shaw Group, today unveiled plans for a $2 billion mixed-use project on the 5.75 acre Century Plaza hotel site.

Click Here for the LA Times Story.

**ALERT** Report from LAPD Westside Police Reduction Forum

CHIEF BRATTON FACES WESTSIDERS CONCERNED WITH PROPOSAL

TO REDUCE POLICE WORKFORCE

Police Chief William Bratton faced the community on December 11, regarding the reassignment of Police officers now based in West Los Angeles.  I attended with Bel-Air Board Members. One of our residents participated in the question and answer forum.

Councilman Bill Rosendahl hosted the Town Hall Meeting at the Felicia Mahood Senior Citizen Center in response to objections voiced by west side community groups regarding the city's plan to build several new police stations in what they regard as Violent Crime Areas and staff these facilities with officers taken away from areas of Non-Violent Crime such as the West Side.

More than 500 people overflowed the meeting room to see Chief Bratton's meticulous power point presentation describing in excruciating detail how a computerized response system allocated first responders, back-up cars, helicopters, and other crime stoppers to serve Los Angeles.

We heard that the average response time to calls from West Siders was a little over seven minutes.  

Our gasp of disbelief lasted longer.

We learned that NY has 38,000 cops and LA has 9,000 (but we will get 60 graduates from the Police Academy next year).  We heard that Los Angeles is too poor to hire more staff.

Twenty-five residents lined up to challenge The Chief and Councilman Rosendahl with very good questions. Why build new Police Stations when the only way to staff them required weakening the workforce in areas that now enjoy low crime profiles?  Won't criminals be emboldened to invade areas that are working with reduced personnel?  The inquisition went on for hours.

The good news is that the Councilman appealed to us to be vocal with our elected officials and to be persistent in making our case. He said that City Council members were divided on the issues.  The Chief indicated that forces could be reallocated to respond to critical needs.

Our work is cut out for us.  Stay tuned.  And keep our Councilman informed.

Written by a Bel~Air Resident

LAPD - Community Alert

COMMUNITY ALERT NOTIFICATION LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF WEST LOS ANGELES AREA The Los Angeles Police Department will be conducting a town hall community meeting to address the shifting of staffing levels in the West Los Angeles Area to accommodate the opening of new stations in the city. The meeting will be held tomorrow, Thursday, December 11, 2008, at 7:30 PM at the Felicia Mahood Senior Center, located at 11338 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles 90025. Residential and Business community members with concerns are encouraged to attend the meeting. Please remain vigilant to activity and people in our neighborhood. If you see what you believe may be a crime in progress, call 911! If you see other suspicious activity, notify the Los Angeles Police Non-Emergency number at 1-877-275-5273. Forward any suspect information to me via e-mail or phone, so I can verify appropriate follow-up was conducted. Please record the date, time, type of activity, suspect(s) descriptions, and the description of any involved vehicles with accurate license plate information. Video cameras are great for capturing much of this information! Senior Lead Officer Christopher Ragsdale West Los Angeles Community Police Station Office: 310-444-0741 Cell: 213-305-5895 Email: 26690@lapd.lacity.org Assault with a Deadly Weapon: 10900 block Wilkins Ave. RD 833. On 12/5/08, 1230 hrs, Officers responded to location and the victim told them she wanted to make a report against the suspect for an ADW that occurred two days earlier. The victim reported that during an argument, the suspect hit her in the head with a bottle. The victim did not seek medical attention, nor did she report the matter to police. A visual inspection of the victim's head showed no injury. Residential Burglary: 10700 block Wilshire Blvd, RD 0834. MO: On 12/04/08, between 1730 and 1930, suspect(s) used possible pass key to enter the condo, remove cash from a wallet. Likely complex employee. 2900 block Tiffany Circle. RD 0807. MO: On 12/08/08 between 0730 and 1645, suspect(s) smashed the SFR kitchen window, removed cash and jewelry. Burglary Theft from Motor Vehicle: 12-04-08, 2030/1930. RD 0817 1000 block Broxton Ave. Susp removed lic plate 12-05-08, 2200/0800. RD 0834 10700 block Wellworth Ave. Street Smash Wallet 12-05-08, 1900/0730 RD 0834 10600 block Ashton Ave. Driveway Smash Laptop 12-05-08, 2300/0800 RD 0835 1700 block Camden Ave. Street Smash GPS 12-06-08, 0005/0900 RD 0836 1800 block Westholme Ave. Street Smash GPS 12-06-08, 1500/1730 RD 0833 Veteran Ave/Wilkins Ave. Pkg lot Susp removd Lapt (multi 2) Grand Theft Auto: 12-09-08, 1300-1400. RD 0829 1600 block Warnall Ave. street 87 Toyota P/U. 12-09-08, 1800-2115. RD 0855 10900 block Santa Monica Blvd. 09 Yama R6 MC. Petty & Grand Theft: 1100 Westwood Blvd. RD 0817 Bike $200 900 block Hilgard Ave RD 0817 Safe,jewelry $87k 1000 block Westwood Blvd. RD 0817 Panties $900 1500 Westwood Blvd. RD 0855 Laptop $1000 Santa Monica/Veteran RD0833 Laptop/wallet $960 10800 block Wilshire Blvd. RD 0833 Wallet $120 1700 block Westwood Blvd. RD 0833 Purse $100 10500 block Wilshire Blvd. RD 0828 Jewelry $15k 1200 block Devon Ave. RD 0829 Bike $300 Westwood Blvd./Ohio Ave. RD 0833 Legal services $640

Tonight - Biggest full moon for years enhanced by shooting stars

Look up tonight for a spectacular treat in the sky

Biggest full moon for years enhanced by shooting stars

Paul Simons

Top tips for where to watch | Graphic: why it looks bigger

If the full moon tonight looks unusually large, it is not your imagination – it is the biggest and brightest full moon to be seen for 15 years.

Each month the Moon makes a full orbit around the Earth in a slightly oval-shaped path, and tonight it will swing by the Earth at its closest distance, or perigee. It will pass by 356,613km (221,595 miles) away, which is about 28,000km closer than average.

The unusual feature of tonight is that the perigee also coincides with a full moon, which will make it appear 14 per cent bigger and some 30 per cent brighter than most full moons this year – so long as the clouds hold off from blocking the view.

Trader Joe's Westwood - Grand Opening This Friday

This Friday, December 12th, Trader Joe's will FINALLY be opening at 1000 Glendon Avenue in Westwood Village (ceremony at 9AM).

I swung by earlier this week and the shop looked great!  I will be there bright and early to get my $2.99 Shiraz (as I did not see TJ's famed two-buck-chuck. . .)

CHIEF BRATTON'S VISIT TO THE WESTSIDE

Chief Bratton's Meeting

Sgt. Podesta

West Los Angeles Division

December 2008

CHIEF BRATTON'S VISIT TO THE WESTSIDE As most of you have heard Chief Bratton will be addressing the community regarding the redistribution of officers out of West Los Angeles Division. Councilman Rosendhal will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting with Chief Bratton to listen and address citizens' concerns. This is your opportunity to ask Chief Bratton directly any questions you may have. I encourage you to attend the meeting. Thursday, December 11, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Felicia Mahood Senior Citizen Center Auditorium located at 11338 Santa Monica Boulevard. There will be plenty of parking available.

Bel~Air Holiday Pictures

I am delighted to report that one of our Bel~Air neighbors has taken up my challenge and provided the below pictures incontrovertibly evidencing our community's Holiday Cheer (well, at least the Hotel Bel~Air's cheer, as it were).  I hope others in our great neighborhood follow her clarion call and submit other scenes of Bel~Air holiday frivolity to me at belairpics@gmail.com. 

FBI Westwood Project Update

The following information was received from Trevor Daley of  CA Senate Dianne Feinstein's LA office:

"I wanted to forward a statement that Senator Feinstein released regarding the Federal Building at 11000 Wilshire Blvd in West Los Angeles.  As you will recall, in 2006, the General Services Administration (GSA) considered plans to construct a new Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at the existing Federal Building at 11000 Wilshire Blvd. in order to meet the Bureau’s growing space needs.

This proposed project was ultimately abandoned due to local concerns over increased traffic congestion and other adverse impacts that a new facility could have on the community.  As a result, GSA and FBI decided to examine alternative housing solutions.  In February 2008, the Office of Management and Budget directed GSA and the FBI to work together to renovate  and alter the existing structures at 11000 Wilshire Blvd. for the FBI Los Angeles Field Office as the sole tenant.  The project currently under consideration includes a modernization of all structures and building systems, seismic retrofit and asbestos abatement, and will be implemented in phases to ensure continued FBI occupancy during the project.  No new construction or expansion of the buildings is planned at the Wilshire site, and visitor traffic is expected to decrease with the relocation of the US State Department Passport Agency and the Department of Veterans Affairs offices.  The US Postal Service will remain at 11000 Wilshire for the short term. "

Statement by Senator Dianne Feinstein:

“The General Services Administration has recently announced plans to remodel the federal building to provide headquarters for the FBI in Los Angeles. I support this plan, and here’s why: 

I believe that it is the very best outcome for this situation. I know that some harbor the belief that this site can be used for a park, but it isn’t going to become a park. 

Of all the plans that have been suggested, this is the one that will have the least amount of density and the most limited impact on the surrounding neighborhood.”

LA Times & KTLA Channel 5 Parent Company Tribune Files BK

Tribune Co. files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.  Tribune owns the L.A. Times and KTLA Channel 5, and will stop making interest payments on $12 billion in debt as it attempts to restructure its loans, chairman Sam Zell says.

Oh well -- I cancelled my LA Times subscription during this last election cycle.

Hopefully it will come out of BK a leaner and more centrist news organization. 

At least the goverment will not be taking over the news like it is thinking of doing with GM.

Bah, Humbug Bel~Air!

On a morning walk with my wife this last week, I brought along my trusty digital camera to take pictures of all the Holiday Decorations & Cheer sure to be abound in our festive community.

Well, to my great surprise, with the notable exception of our wonderfully decorated gates and a precious few homes, holiday decorations were nary to be found!

Get Cracking Bel~Air!!

 

(If you think I am being in any way unfair - please email me pictures of your Holiday Decorations or any other Holiday Pics in Bel~Air to belairpics@gmail.com  for posting!)

P.S.  I thought perhaps our recession was to blame, but the fact that I was almost run down by a multitude of construction vehicles speeding about Bellagio and Chalon and upon seeing the ten or more homes being developed just on my little walk -- it became abundantly clear that such is not the case.  

 
 
  

LAPD: Community Alert

COMMUNITY ALERT NOTIFICATION LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF WEST LOS ANGELES AREA

The Los Angeles Police Department, Office of Operations, will be conducting a town hall community meeting to address the shifting of staffing levels in the West Los Angeles Area to accommodate the opening of new stations in the city. The meeting will be held On Thursday, December 11, 2008, at 7:30 PM at the Felicia Mahood Senior Center, located at 11338 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles 90025. Residential and Business community members with concerns are encouraged to attend the meeting. Please remain vigilant to activity and people in our neighborhood. If you see what you believe may be a crime in progress, call 911! If you see other suspicious activity, notify the Los Angeles Police Non-Emergency number at 1-877-275-5273. Forward any suspect information to me via e-mail or phone, so I can verify appropriate follow-up was conducted. Please record the date, time, type of activity, suspect(s) descriptions, and the description of any involved vehicles with accurate license plate information. Video cameras are great for capturing much of this information! Senior Lead Officer Christopher Ragsdale West Los Angeles Community Police Station Office: 310-444-0741 Cell: 213-305-5895 Email: 26690@lapd.lacity.org Follow Home Robbery: 11100 block Cashmere Street (RD 815). On 11/28/08, 2150 hours, the victim and witness son left his business and drove home. The victim parked his vehicle in the driveway. When he exited, he was hit in the back of the head with a possible handgun and ordered to the ground. One of the suspects went through the victim's pockets and took a large sum of money. Other property was removed from the vehicle. The suspects then fled on foot. West L.A. Robbery Detectives were called in to conduct follow-up on this case. West Hollywood Sheriffs had made an arrest of suspects for robbery in their city near the border of Beverly Hills at Sunset Blvd. and Doheny Drive. The suspects were in possession of a large amount of cash. It was later determined the suspects in the West Hollywood case were not the same suspects in the follow-home case. The West Hollywood suspects are possibly related to a business robbery that occurred in West L.A. on 11/26/08 at a Clothing Store on the 2800 S. Robertson Blvd. Suspect #1& 2: Male Black Blk Bro 5-11 170-190 35 yrs, black sweatshirt w/hood and dark pants. Weapon: handgun Property Taken: Cash, cell phone, camera, camcorder, laptop computer, keys, and wallet. Residential Burglary: 200 block Loring Ave. RD 0819. MO: On 11/25/08 at 1211 hrs suspect(s) entered the location via a rear window by prying open the window. The suspect(s) took property and fled the location. 1800 block Benedict Cyn, RD 0808. MO: On 11/28/08, between 1900 and 2130, suspect(s) entered and removed property. Grand Theft Auto: 12-01-08, 0530-1330 RD 0833 1300 block Veteran Ave street Toyota Camry 4DR 12-01-08, 0900-1800 RD 0833 10900 block Wilshire Blvd. carport Honda RS 600 RR MC 12-01-08, 0720-1620 RD 0833 10800 Wilshire Blvd. carport Yamaha R6 MC 11-30-08, 1930-2100 RD 0833 Wilkins / Westwood Ave street BMW M-3 2DR Burglary Theft from Motor Vehicle: 12-01-08, 2300/0745. RD 0808 2900 block Hutton Dr Driveway Susp removed GPS 11-26-08, 1500-0915 RD 0855 1500 block S. Bently Ave carport pried 11-20-08, 0800-1300 RD 0806 2400 Roscomare Rd street smash 11-28-08, 2400-0910 RD 0815 11200 Montana Ave street pried 11-30-08, 1030-1105 RD 0833 1300 Sepulveda Blvd p/ lot smash Grand Theft: Retail Business-1100 block Westwood Bl RD 0817 Clothing $452/$452 Residential 800 Stradella RD 0806 Christmas Deco $800 Residential 15500 Colina Strada RD 0805 Furniture $9,400 Residential 2800 Benedict Cyn RD 0808 Jewelry $1,350 Residential 1800 Benedict Cyn RD 0808 Jewelry $920

Detectives Seek Help in Identifying a Suspect in Century City Murder Case

Los Angeles: Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying an individual depicted in a surveillance video and composite drawing.

On July 28, 2008, at 6:30 p.m., Pamela Fayed, a resident of Ventura County, was murdered in a parking structure at 1875 Century Park East. On September 15, 2008, Robbery Homicide Division detectives obtained a warrant and criminal filing for James Fayed for the murder of Pamela Fayed. James Fayed appeared in court on a Federal matter where he was arrested.
The detectives believe that the person depicted on the surveillance tape may be an additional suspect involved in the murder. It is believed the individual may frequent the Cities of Oxnard and Ventura in Ventura County.

Anyone who has information is urged to contact Robbery-Homicide Detectives Salaam Abdul or Louis Zorrilla at 213-485-2135. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD. Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website www.lapdonline.org. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

ALERT: Save the Upper Stone Canyon Reservoir Plan

BEL AIR NEEDS YOUR HELP

A few months ago the representatives of Bel Air, Roscomare, Glenridge and Beverly Glen celebrated an important victory for the neighborhood when the DWP Commissioners approved building 3 buried tanks to replace the existing Upper Stone Canyon Reservoir. The reservoir must be replaced with enclosed storage to meet current Federal & State water regulations. The options to cover the reservoir were unacceptable to us because it would have ruined the aesthetic qualities that we cherish and certainly reduced our homes’ values. The project was approved because it included a limited access hiking/walking trail park which will provide the citizens of LA a much needed recreational resource. Access to the park will be from Mulholland only and will probably include limited parking and restroom facilities.

After much hard work and lobbying, reason prevailed under the leadership of Nick Patsourus, President of the Commission at the time. Unfortunately, he has since resigned to seek public office, and the DWP General Manager, David Nahai, has begun a campaign to upset that decision and get the Board to approve an aluminum cover.

The Environmental Impact process (CEQA) required a scoping meeting (held in July) to explore options with the public. As you might expect, only negative residents showed up and made a fuss about what they perceived to be hazards to the area. Almost all of the detractors were from a homeowners group that doesn’t even abut the reservoir and will not be impacted by the project, but they were fired up by one person with false information and fear factors.

Nahai has now called for a “community” meeting without consulting the Mediation process that we have been a part of for over 16 years. Clearly he wants to reverse the decision and is throwing up specious arguments to serve his purposes.

For example, you may be aware that the Mayor has expressed his wish that all public buildings have solar panels on top of them. Can you imagine the reflections we would have to live with if he put panels on top of an aluminum cover?

The only way we can fight Nahai and the vocal minority is to show superior numbers in support for the buried tank option. We need you to appear at the December 10^th meeting (6:30 PM) at Stephen Wise on Mulholland. If you cannot attend, we need you to sign a letter of support for us to present at the meeting. For that purpose, we have drafted a suggested letter which can be found as the FIRST COMMENT to this BLOG post (CLICK HERE and Copy & Paste the text of the letter into your word processing program). Please print out the form letter, fill in your personal information and mail or fax (310-475-6994) the letter to the Bel Air Assoc. office.

If we lose this battle, not only will we all suffer diminution of our property values but also miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime to do something for our children and grandchildren by creating a fabulous park in Stone Canyon. 

Brian Studwell, Board Director
The Bel-Air Association 

LAPD Plans Reduction of Patrols covering Westside & Bel~Air

Police plan raises fears on Westside

Residents worry that fewer patrols and the shift of LAPD officers elsewhere could mean increase in burglaries.

By Richard Winton and Martha Groves 
December 2, 2008

A plan to slash the number of Los Angeles police officers who patrol some Westside neighborhoods has reignited long-standing political tensions over the priority the department gives to nonviolent property crimes in affluent neighborhoods. 

The Los Angeles Police Department plans to move 26 officers out of the West Los Angeles Division as part of a citywide reorganization designed to free up officers for police stations opening in the West Valley and Koreatown.

One reason given for the reduction in Westside patrols was that there is so little violent crime there. But residents argue that the far-flung canyons and hillsides of upscale homes need regular patrols to deter home break-ins, robberies and other property crimes.

"It unfairly disadvantages our whole side of town," said Richard G. Cohen, chairman of the Pacific Palisades Community Council. "It's a particular problem for the Palisades, which is geographically remote so response time will be jeopardized."

To Councilman Bill Rosendahl, it is the latest example of how those who pay among the highest taxes and garbage fees in the city are getting shortchanged because their streets aren't teeming with gun violence. He and some residents wonder how the mayor's trash fee hike to pay for an extra 1,000 police officers is being used when the city cannot maintain 241 officers in West L.A., the largest geographic division in the city.

"I'm upset about it. We are the ones who put in the most tax dollars, yet we're getting fewer patrols," said Rosendahl, who will meet with Chief William J. Bratton next week on the issue. "They say they are not singling us out. But to me it is unacceptable. We pay good money for good protection. We are not happy." 

LAPD officials said the reductions in the West L.A. station were necessary because the new stations would require 75 officers for each 24-hour period. But Bratton said the decreases in staffing were not limited to the Westside. The shifts were made with help of a computerized formula that considered crime types, response times, distance and 22 others factors at stations across the city.

For decades, the LAPD, in a city with vast geography and hugely different demands, has had to carefully balance the need to patrol the more upscale Westside and Valley neighborhoods against the demands in the decidedly more violent areas on the east and south sides.

Bratton said the shifting staffing levels were designed to put officers where they were needed -- including in some Westside areas that sometimes need extra troops.

"We put significant numbers of officers in Venice Beach each summer," the chief said.

Councilman Jack Weiss, who represents parts of the Westside, backs Bratton's approach, saying: "The best way to protect low-crime areas is put the cops on the dots in high-crime areas. That protects us all." 

He noted that when Bel-Air and Brentwood experienced a string of serial robberies last year, the LAPD created a task force to deal with the crime wave.

But that is little comfort to homeowners in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Bel-Air and other communities. 

Cohen said it took Pacific Palisades residents years of "arguing and fighting" to secure a dedicated patrol car that the police agreed not to pull out except in emergencies. Cohen said the department has pledged to keep the dedicated patrol car.

"Otherwise, it just would be open season," he said.

Shirley Haggstrom, president of the Pacific Palisades Historical Society, is also concerned about having fewer officers around. "I think good police protection prevents us from having violent crime," she said.

Michael Moore, senior lead officer for Pacific Palisades, said residents have a point that response times could rise. 

"Realistically, one car is not enough" to cover an area the size of the Pacific Palisades, he said. "Generally speaking for West L.A., there is a tendency to have cars assigned to huge amounts of territory they couldn't possibly hope to cover. . . . You look at it and say, 'Why is it that such a big area is left almost unprotected?' "

If the number of police officers is reduced, senior lead officers such as Moore could be ordered into patrol cars, limiting the amount of time they could spend dealing with a neighborhood's particular issues or speaking at community meetings. 

Phillip Enbody, Brentwood's senior lead officer, said the potential loss of officers in the area worried him.

"I like to have 24-hour coverage," Enbody said. "We are a property crime division. When a person comes into an area to break into cars, they break into multiple cars. In one night, I can have 10 to 15 crimes."

UPDATE:

 The Los Angeles Police Department, Office of Operations, will be conducting a town hall community meeting to address the shifting of staffing levels in the West Los Angeles Area to accommodate the opening of new stations in the city. The meeting will be held On Thursday, December 11, 2008, at 7:30 PM at the Felicia Mahood Senior Center, located at 11338 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles 90025. Residential and Business community members with concerns are encouraged to attend the meeting.