HOLMBY NEWS
September 30, 2016

From the Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association, serving the Holmby Westwood community since 1960.

1.  Relaxed Parking During the Jewish Holidays
2.  Register to Vote
3.  Dog Park at Westwood Rec. – Community Meeting
4.  HWPOA Board Meeting
5.  Westwood Library – October Events and Calendar
6.  Upcoming Community Events
7.  HWPOA Communication and Ad Policy
8.  Resident Ads
9.  HWPOA Contact Information

1.  RELAXED PARKING DURING THE JEWISH HOLIDAYS

The Council Office has notified us that parking will be relaxed in our community during the upcoming Jewish holidays.  For a complete list of dates and locations where the parking rules will be relaxed, please CLICK HERE.

We wish you a happy and sweet New Year! L’ Shanah Tovah!

2.  REGISTER TO VOTE

While the presidential race may be dominating the headlines, there are major statewide races and ballot measures that could shape everyday life in California.   For more information about the election and voter registration, please CLICK HERE.

Voter Deadlines for the Nov. 8 Election

3.  DOG PARK AT WESTWOOD REC. – COMMUNITY MEETING

The City is holding a community meeting to provide input on the design of a new Off-Leash Dog Area at the Westwood Recreation Center:

4.  HWPOA BOARD MEETING

On Monday, October 10 at 8:00 PM, the HWPOA Board of Directors will hold its monthly meeting at Belmont Village, 10475 Wilshire Blvd. The meeting was moved from the regular Tuesday evening due to a Jewish holiday.  Members of the community are welcome to attend, though space is limited. Please let us know if you plan to attend.  Email Dana at hwpoa@aol.com

5.  WESTWOOD LIBRARY – OCTOBER EVENTS AND CALENDAR

October is a busy month at the Westwood Branch Library.  For a complete list of events and activities, please CLICK HERE.

Concert Series @ Westwood Library – Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 at 2:30 PM at Westwood Library (1246 Glendon).  Join us for the third concert in the 2016 Season of our popular Concert Series @ Westwood Library, featuring the Fiato String Quartet, Westwood Library’s Quartet in Residence. We’ll be upstairs in the library on a Sunday afternoon when the library is not open for regular business.

All concerts are FREE, with free parking at the library.  Garage and library doors open at 2:00 p.m.  The FIATO STRING QUARTET will present two wonderful, and wonderfully different, quartets:

• Beethoven – String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 18, no. 2
• Prokofiev – String Quartet No. 2 in F Major, Op. 92

After the concert, meet the musicians and enjoy a complimentary reception hosted by TENDER GREENS and the Friends of Westwood Library.

For more information about this event, please CLICK HERE.

6.  UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Book Event – Friday, Oct. 7 at 7:00 PM at The Bel Air (formerly the Bel Air Bar & Grill), 662 N. Sepulveda.  This event focuses on the book, Echoes of Tattered Tongues: Memory Unfolded. The audiobook is now out on Audible.com and iTunes. You can find more info on the book, along with the trailer, at www.polww2.com/AboutEchoes

This FREE event brings the book’s author, John Guzlowski, together with the actor, Jon Brandi, who narrated the audiobook. They’ll do readings from the book, and discuss their respective approaches to the work. A rare glimpse into the process of moving from print to audio! Before or after the event, enjoy dinner at The Bel Air (at your own expense).

RSVP REQUIRED by Thursday, Oct. 6: info@aquilapolonica.com or 310-470-0770

SPA Overboard Festival – October 7-9, 2016 at  St. Paul the Apostle (Selby at Ohio).  The Fall Festival is almost here! Mark your calendar for for all the activities and events that you don’t want to miss. There’s dodgeball, talent show, basketball,… and can we say LIVE! Don’t want to miss that!  Rides, game booths, food, bake sale and so much more!  For more information, please click here: https://www.spapwc.com/festival/

Green Living Workshops – Thursdays: Oct. 13, 20 & 27, 2016 from 7-8:30 PM at Belmont Village (10475 Wilshire).  Do you feel threats to our environment are too critical to ignore but your individual behavior is too insignificant to make an impact? What if you could learn effective solutions you could immediately implement? You can, attend a FREE Green Living Workshop!  For more information, please click here: http://www.sustainableworks.org/

Fun Fall Activities – Fall is here and that means it’s time for apple picking, pumpkin contests, Oktoberfest, Knott’s Scary Farm and so much more.  The Westwood-Century City Patch provides the following list of activities:  CLICK HERE.

7.  HWPOA COMMUNICATION AND AD POLICY

Please direct all comments, questions or issues regarding the Holmby News to hwpoa@aol.com.

Ads for plumbers, housekeepers, garage sales, etc. will be posted in the weekly News. Emergency situations such as coyote sightings, lost and found pets, traffic alerts and similar situations will continue to be published during the week as received.

When placing an ad, please send to hwpoa@aol.com for the Holmby News moderator to review.  Responses to ads should be directed to the ad placer, not to HWPOA.

8.  RESIDENT ADS

SEEKING TRASH CONTAINER HELP

I am looking for someone to bring in TRASH CONTAINERS after pickup on Wednesdays. I live on Westholme Ave. near Malcolm.
Good after school job for teenager.  Contact   310 475 7546

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SEEKING HANDYMAN

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SPRINT CELL PHONE SIGNAL IN WESTWOOD

I would like to ask neighbors who are Sprint’s customers what they think about the cellular phone reception and signal strength in Westwood and the valley. Would they recommend switching to Sprint?  Thanks for the input.

pchantra@yahoo.com

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SEEKING NANNY SHARE

We have a friend on the other side (east) of Beverly Glen who needs a nanny/nanny share from Jan. 10^th , for about 6 months,  from 8:00 am – 4: 00 pm Monday to Friday. If interested, please call Emily for more info at 310-446-8434 or email klnicole561@gmail.com for rate and specific responsibilities.

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DESERT TRIP EVENT – TICKETS FOR SALE

We have 4 great tickets for October 14 – 16, 2016 and a premium parking pass for Desert Trip event in Palm Springs area that we must sell.

Prime seats:  2 tickets for for Section 208, Row E and 2 tickets for Section 210, Row G.

Cochella Music event with: Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, the Who, Neil Young and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters
Best Offer accepted for these great tickets.

If interested, call Marion Solomon, (310) 475-8300.

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SEEKING PART-TIME CAREGIVER

We are looking for a part-time care-giver for a very large 46-year-old man. If you have a recommendation for an agency or individual, please call Andy Smith at 310-470-8343 or email me at ablsmith@dock.net. Many thanks.

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HIGH HOLIDAYS AT UCLA

If you, or someone you know, are looking to go a service for the High Holidays in the West LA area, our son-in-law, Rabbi Jan Goldstein, leads a service at UCLA’s Ackerman Grand Ballroom  that is filled with much heart, soul and song. There is truly nothing else like it. Everyone is welcome and no one is turned away for lack of funds.

Matthew and Marion Solomon
(310) 475-8300
drmarionsolomon@AOL.com

9.  HWPOA CONTACT INFORMATION

HOLMBY WESTWOOD PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 49180
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-470-1785
Email: hwpoa@aol.com
Web site: www.holmbywestwoodpoa.org 

HOLMBY NEWS
September 23, 2016

From the Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association, serving the Holmby Westwood community since 1960.

1.  Rodent Alert
2.  Dog Park at Westwood Rec. – Community Meeting
3.  Please Clean Up After Your Dogs
4.  LAPD Advice – Avoid Becoming a Fraud Victim
5.  Upcoming Community Events
6.  HWPOA Communication and Ad Policy
7.  Resident Ads
8.  HWPOA Contact Information

1.  RODENT ALERT

A homeowner on Lindbrook reported the following:

We hired a pest control company who told us that we have rodent issues outside our home. They feed off the garbage we put outside in the black bins. Apparently, these hungry and annoying rodents make little holes in our black bins and munch away especially at night! Kindly call 311 and have your black bins replaced if you see any holes or damage!

2.  DOG PARK AT WESTWOOD REC. – COMMUNITY MEETING

The City is holding a community meeting to provide input on the design of a new Off-Leash Dog Area at the Westwood Recreation Center:

3.  PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOGS

We continue to receive reports from residents who have said that dog owners have not been responsible in cleaning up after their dogs. In some instances, the dog owners fail to clean up entirely. In other instances, the owner will clean up with a plastic bag, but then leave the plastic bag in the same spot.  Note:  some homeowners have security cameras that are recording these incidents.

If you own a dog, please clean up after him/her, and be sure to tell everyone who walks your dog to do the same (this includes family members, dog walkers, housekeepers, nannies, etc.). Thank you.

4.  LAPD ADVICE – AVOID BECOMING A FRAUD VICTIM

10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Fraud

1. Spot imposters. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, like a government official, a family member, a charity, or a company you do business with. Don’t send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request — whether it comes as a text, a phone call, or an email.

2. Do online searches. Type a company or product name into your favorite search engine with words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.” Or search for a phrase that describes your situation, like “IRS call.” You can even search for phone numbers to see if other people have reported them as scams.

3. Don’t believe your caller ID. Technology makes it easy for scammers to fake caller ID information, so the name and number you see aren’t always real. If someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up. If you think the caller might be telling the truth, call back to a number you know is genuine.

4. Don’t pay upfront for a promise. Someone might ask you to pay in advance for things like debt relief, credit and loan offers, mortgage assistance, or a job. They might even say you’ve won a prize, but first you have to pay taxes or fees. If you do, they will probably take the money and disappear.

5. Consider how you pay. Credit cards have significant fraud protection built in, but some payment methods don’t. Wiring money through services like Western Union or MoneyGram is risky because it’s nearly impossible to get your money back. That’s also true for reloadable cards like MoneyPak, Reloadit or Vanilla. Government offices and honest companies won’t require you to use these payment methods.

6. Talk to someone. Before you give up your money or personal information, talk to someone you trust. Con artists want you to make decisions in a hurry. They might even threaten you. Slow down, check out the story, do an online search, consult an expert — or just tell a friend.

7. Hang up on robocalls. If you answer the phone and hear a recorded sales pitch, hang up and report it to the FTC. These calls are illegal, and often the products are bogus. Don’t press 1 to speak to a person or to be taken off the list. That could lead to more calls.

8. Be skeptical about free trial offers. Some companies use free trials to sign you up for products and bill you every month until you cancel. Before you agree to a free trial, research the company and read the cancellation policy. And always review your monthly statements for charges you don’t recognize.

9. Don’t deposit a check and wire money back. By law, banks must make funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. If a check you deposit turns out to be a fake, you’re responsible for repaying the bank.

10. Sign up for free scam alerts from the FTC at ftc.gov/scams. Get the latest tips and advice about scams sent right to your inbox.

If you spot a scam, report it at ftc.gov/complaint. Your reports help the FTC and other law enforcement investigate scams and bring crooks to justice.

5.  UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Lawn Bowling Tournament at Holmby Park – Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  The Lawn Bowling Club invites everyone to enjoy watching their biggest event of the year, “The Joslyn Tournament”. Over 100 bowlers will play in a high-level competition using all 16 of the rinks.  Lawn Bowling info:
http://www.losangeleslawnbowling.com/

The Muppet Movie at the Majestic Crest – Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016.  Live Music at 2:30 pm.  Matinee at 3:00 pm.  The Majestic Crest Theater (1262 Westwood Blvd.) is starting to have movie & music shows on Saturdays for families.  The first show is The Muppet Movie in tribute to Jim Henson’s 80th birthday.  In addition, the Crest house band, The Reel Players, will perform a few pre-show songs as Dr. Teeth & Electric Mayhem. Details:  http://bit.ly/2cM8PvO

Fun Fall Activities – Fall is here and that means it’s time for apple picking, pumpkin contests, Oktoberfest, Knott’s Scary Farm and so much more.  The Westwood-Century City Patch provides the following list of activities:  CLICK HERE.

6.  HWPOA COMMUNICATION AND AD POLICY

Please direct all comments, questions or issues regarding the Holmby News to hwpoa@aol.com.

Ads for plumbers, housekeepers, garage sales, etc. will be posted in the weekly News. Emergency situations such as coyote sightings, lost and found pets, traffic alerts and similar situations will continue to be published during the week as received.

When placing an ad, please send to hwpoa@aol.com for the Holmby News moderator to review.  Responses to ads should be directed to the ad placer, not to HWPOA.

7.  RESIDENT ADS

DESERT TRIP EVENT – TICKETS FOR SALE

We have 4 great tickets for October 14 – 16, 2016, Desert Trip event in Palm Springs area that we must sell.

Cochella Music event with: Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, the Who, Neil Young and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters.

If interested, call Marion Solomon, (310) 475-8300.

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SEEKING ARBORIST

I have a problem with trees dying in my back yard.  Has anyone else had a similar problem?  Can anyone recommend an arborist?

Please contact Robin Donzis (310) 403-3457 or email me at robindonzis@msn.com.

Thanks!

8.  HWPOA CONTACT INFORMATION

HOLMBY WESTWOOD PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 49180
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-470-1785
Email: hwpoa@aol.com
Web site: www.holmbywestwoodpoa.org 

HOLMBY NEWS
September 16, 2016

From the Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association, serving the Holmby Westwood community since 1960.

1.  USPS Mail Service – Give Your Feedback
2.  Sharing Holmby Park with Our Dogs
3.  Helicopters Over Holmby Westwood
4.  UCLA Move-In Weekend and Volunteer Day
5.  Movie Premiere – Street Closures
6.  Upcoming Community Events
7.  HWPOA Communication and Ad Policy
8.  Resident Ads
9.  HWPOA Contact Information

1.  USPS MAIL SERVICE – GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK

Does your mail arrive late?  Does your mail get delivered to your neighbor instead of to you?  Do you receive mail that doesn’t belong to you?

The Westwood Community Council has invited the USPS Director of the Brentwood Post Office to address the council on processing mail at his branch.  There have been many complaints given to Congressman Ted Lieu on problems associated with mail delivery in Holmby Westwood and surrounding communities.

Please join the council and let the Director hear your complaints.

Tuesday, Sept. 20
7:00 PM
Belmont Senior Living
10475 Wilshire (at Warner)
in the Town Hall room
Free parking on site

2.  SHARING HOLMBY PARK WITH OUR DOGS

Did you celebrate National Dog Day on August 26th?

One of the great pleasures of living near Holmby Park is that it is the perfect place to walk our dogs. Not only is it fun to enjoy the park with our animals,  but being with a dog seems to make it much easier to meet other walkers and dog owners.

It is very tempting to turn our beautiful golf course into a “dog park” letting dogs run off-leash instead of walking them on the pathways.  Everyone knows this is illegal and that penalties for doing this begin at $100. Our hard-working grounds keepers implore everyone who brings a dog to the park, no matter what its size, to keep it on its leash.

For those who would like to use a dog park, there are several located close by.  The newest one is in Beverly Hills on Foothill.

If you have extra plastic bags such as the ones used to protect newspapers, it would be appreciated if you would donate them to fill the doggy waste bag dispenser located at the south end of the park. Just push them into the box. Thanks!

Finally, we wonder if neighborhood families would be interested in participating in an Annual Dog Show which we could hold at the park. The idea is to raise a little money for park improvements while having an event for all members of the family…much like our Fourth of July celebration. If this is something you think you would enjoy, please email a note back to the HWPOA office.

The Lawn Bowling Club invites everyone to enjoy watching their biggest event of the year, “The Joslyn Tournament”.  THE DATE IS SEPTEMBER 24, 9AM TO 4 PM. Over 100 bowlers will play in a high-level competition using all 16 of the rinks.

Park Fact:  Mr. Raul Mora has been the Senior Gardner at the park since 1998.

3.  HELICOPTERS OVER HOLMBY WESTWOOD

The FAA recently released this flight map that shows helicopter traffic over Los Angeles  for 90 random days in 2015. Note the loop with Holmby Westwood in the center. These are sightseeing helicopters showing tourists the Playboy Mansion.

The Los Angeles Area Helicopter Noise Coalition lahelicopternoise.org  is pressing the FAA to enforce the helicopter restrictions on non-emergency flights, in other words to fly neighborly. This includes minimum elevation of 2000 feet (virtually none do so now), no circling, and no hovering.

We need to let the FAA know the depth and breadth of our concern about this urban blight.

Please report all helicopter disturbances that you encounter. The easiest way is with the smartphone app HeliTracker www.helitracker.org . You can also report via the FAA’s automated phone system (424) 348-4354 or on line at http://heli-noise-la.com/webtrak/

When you report by HeliTracker or Webtrak, please include your street address so that the FAA can pinpoint the problem areas, ours included.

Roy A. Meals
Holmby Westwood resident and LAAHNC board member

4.  UCLA MOVE-IN WEEKEND AND VOLUNTEER DAY

Please be aware that UCLA student “Move-In Weekend” began yesterday and continues through Sunday, Sept. 18.  The first day of classes is on Thursday, Sept. 22.

In addition, UCLA “Volunteer Day” will be held on Monday, Sept. 19.  All 7,000 or so freshman are required to participate, and will be ferried to various volunteer sites throughout the city by bus.  The numerous buses will travel north on Gayley Avenue to northbound Veteran Avenue, then east on Sunset Blvd. and enter campus via Bellagio Rd. Bus loading will take place from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. inside the campus.

5.  MOVIE PREMIERE – STREET CLOSURES

Warner Bros will be holding the Premiere of “Storks”, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at the Regency Village Theater, located at 961 Broxton Avenue in Westwood, immediately followed by a post reception in the street on Broxton and Le Conte from 1pm-4pm. There will be various sidewalk and street closures around the area of Broxton Avenue between Weyburn Avenue and Le Conte Avenue.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this event, feel free to contact Michelle Dennis 310- 848-1137.

6.  UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Coastal Cleanup Day – Saturday, Sept. 17 at various beaches, including Santa Monica Beach Pier, Tower 1550 starting at 9:00 a.m.  California Coastal Cleanup Day is the state’s largest annual volunteer event.  To find and register for a cleanup event at the beach, lake, pond, creek or river nearest you, go to Coastalcleanupday.org and view a statewide map. Find your local area, then click on the interactive icons containing all the information you’ll need.

Westwood Library Used Book Sale – Saturday, Sept. 17 starting at 10:30 AM.  Come and purchase some wonderful books for family and friends!  We have a great collection of Coffee Table books, Children Books and DVD’s.  We’ll also be selling bookplates to add to the collection of our Library books.  A great way to increase your personal library while raising money for your public library.

7.  HWPOA COMMUNICATION AND AD POLICY

Please direct all comments, questions or issues regarding the Holmby News to hwpoa@aol.com.

Ads for plumbers, housekeepers, garage sales, etc. will be posted in the weekly News. Emergency situations such as coyote sightings, lost and found pets, traffic alerts and similar situations will continue to be published during the week as received.

When placing an ad, please send to hwpoa@aol.com for the Holmby News moderator to review.  Responses to ads should be directed to the ad placer, not to HWPOA.

8.  RESIDENT ADS

NANNY SHARE AVAILABLE

I am looking for part-time work to complete a “Nanny Share” with the other family that I currently work for in Westwood (now, just afternoons starting at 2pm). I have been with this family for nearly 9 years (originally as a full-time Nanny) & now that their children are in school full-time, my mornings are free.  If you have a baby/young children, this could be the perfect situation. I can provide you with references who will tell you that I do an excellent job caring for their children: diapering, bathing, dressing, getting them ready for nap, taking them for walks, keeping them active, singing songs, playing in the park, reading to them at the library…overall, making sure their needs are met & have the best day possible.

If you are looking for someone part-time in the AM until I’d need to leave (about 1-1:30, depending on where you live), please call me & we can see if it’s a good fit.  I’m bilingual & have experience with twins.  ANA VASQUEZ: 818 521-3869

9.  HWPOA CONTACT INFORMATION

HOLMBY WESTWOOD PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 49180
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-470-1785
Email: hwpoa@aol.com
Web site: www.holmbywestwoodpoa.org 

HOLMBY NEWS
September 9, 2016

From the Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association, serving the Holmby Westwood community since 1960.

1.  HWPOA Board Meeting
2.  Bike Lane Update
3.  UCLA Move-In Weekend
4.  LACC Fireworks Notice
5.  LAPD Crime Alert – “Apple Picking”
6.  V.A. Campus Update
7.  Movie Premiere – Street Closures
8.  HWPOA Communication and Ad Policy
9.  Resident Ads
10.  HWPOA Contact Information

1.  HWPOA BOARD MEETING

On Tuesday, September 13 at 8:00 PM, the HWPOA Board of Directors will hold its monthly meeting at Belmont Village, 10475 Wilshire Blvd. Members of the community are welcome to attend, though space is limited. Please let us know if you plan to attend.  Email Dana at hwpoa@aol.com

2.  BIKE LANE UPDATE

Thank you, Councilman Paul Koretz!

Los Angeles City Council Removes Central & Westwood Bike Lanes

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles City Council voted 12-2 to pass amendments to remove Central Ave. and Westwood Blvd. from the Bicycle Enhanced Network (BEN). This vote makes the changes official on the Mobility Plan and finalizes the long disputed transportation plan for the city.

Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association, the three other Westwood HOAs, the Westwood Neighborhood Council, and the Westwood Community Council have been working closely with Councilman Paul Koretz over several years to find an alternative to a bike lane originally proposed for Westwood Blvd. between Wellworth and Le Conte.  Such a lane was deemed dangerous for bikers, pedestrians, cars, and buses because of heavy traffic, particularly during rush hours.  There are 940 buses traversing Westwood Blvd. between Wilshire and Le Conte and 35,000 car trips daily.  Width of lanes would have to be reduced in order to accommodate a bike lane, car doors opening into the bike lane is a probability, and buses would have to cross the bike lane in order to pick-up and drop off passengers.  In other words, huge congestion would result on a street that is already heavily congested, thus compromising public safety.  The community’s alternative was Gayley Ave. only one block to the west.  The bikers, UCLA students and faculty, and some councilmembers were strongly opposed because of the direct route to UCLA from the Expo line.  Councilman Koretz led the fight through multiple city hearings and emerged victorious through great odds.

The Board of Directors is very supportive of alternative modes of transportation, particularly if traffic can be reduced by the change.  However, we do not want to compromise public safety in the process.

A big thanks to Councilman Koretz, his staff, and the Planning Dept. for their assistance in getting this passed at City Council.

Sandy Brown

3.  UCLA MOVE-IN WEEKEND

Please be aware that UCLA student “Move-In Weekend” begins this Thursday, Sept. 15 and continues through Sunday, Sept. 18.  The first day of classes is on Thursday, Sept. 22.

4.  LACC FIREWORKS NOTICE

To Neighbors of The Los Angeles Country Club:

Please be informed that on the evening of September 10, 2016 at roughly 9:40 p.m., the Los Angeles Country Club will be conducting a fireworks show lasting approximately 9 minutes to celebrate the reopening of our renovated Clubhouse. We want to ensure that you have proper notice so as not to startle anybody. We also hope that you are able to enjoy the fireworks show from your own homes. We appreciate your understanding and hope this will not be an inconvenience for you.

Thank you,
The Los Angeles Country Club Management

5.  LAPD CRIME ALERT – “APPLE PICKING”

From Officer Maria Gray:
The following crime occurred on Avondale in Brentwood:

On 08/25/16, at 1530 hours, the victim was walking and texting when a blue, 4-door vehicle (no further information) pulled up alongside her.  The passenger, a Female, Hispanic, brown hair and eyes, 25 to 30 years old, 150 lbs, punched the victim in the face repeatedly and stole the victim’s phone, MP3 player, purse/wallet. The suspect returned to the car and fled.  The driver was not described.  Victim refused medical treatment.

As you can see from the above robbery, the brazen thieves targeted the victim in broad daylight (at 3:30 pm) as she walked on a side street off of San Vicente Blvd.  They likely were cruising the area looking for an easy mark.  And then this poor, petite, young lady became their victim.  The Female suspect punched her hard in the face several times and dazed her so that she was easily separated from all her property.

She admittedly was texting while she walked, like many of us absentmindedly do, so she probably didn’t even know what was happening until it was all over.  She was left bleeding and crying.  I suspect, even though there’s no mention of her wearing ear buds, that she may have had them in her ears, although I could be wrong (they did also steal her MP3 player).

But I mention all this to say that we need to change how we walk.  There’s a lot of emphasis on not texting or using social media while driving, but there needs to be a discussion about the ramifications of doing it while walking too.  It’s dangerous.  People engaged with their phones step off street curbs and are struck by vehicles all the time.  They become easy marks for robberies but also, and more importantly, for sexual assaults.  You need to have this conversation with your family that to walk and text (or walk and be distracted by your cell phone in any respect) can be seriously dangerous.

If they must make that call or send that text, advise them to do so by stopping, in a well-lit location, preferably with other people around, and to put their back against a wall so no one can come up behind them.  Then they should do a quick assessment and see who’s around, who’s sitting in nearby cars, who’s coming down the sidewalk, who is coming around the corner from that alley.  They should hold their head upright and keep it on a swivel and make eye contact with people.

And take the darn ear buds out.  How can you hear someone running up behind you if your ears are plugged?   How about sirens? How about shouts of a warning, or calls for help?  Avoid becoming a victim of ‘Apple Picking’.  Don’t display your electronic devices for the thieves to key in on and pick your ‘apple’, or something even worse.

6.  V.A. CAMPUS UPDATE

From Congressman Ted Lieu:

Dear Friend,

I am excited to share some recent positive developments about the West LA VA, the Master Plan, leases and homeless Veterans.

Earlier this week, the Los Angeles Times ran an editorial praising the VA for renegotiating favorable agreements with some of the partners at the VA. It also calls on Congress to pass my crucial legislation to construct and develop permanent supportive housing at the West LA VA. I couldn’t agree more!

To read the editorial, follow this link.

In addition, the Los Angeles Times ran an article describing the terms of the newly negotiated agreements.

To read the article, follow this link.

Finally, this week the VA released a press statement and fact sheet outlining the terms of the newly negotiated agreements.

Thank you for your continued support and advocacy for our Los Angeles County Veterans.

Sincerely,
Ted W. Lieu
Member of Congress

7.  MOVIE PREMIERE – STREET CLOSURES

On Tuesday, September 13, 2016, Premier Event Management is planning the “HILLSONG” premiere to be held at the Regency Village Theatre, located at 961 Broxton Ave, at 7:30 PM.  There will be various sidewalk and street closures around the area of Broxton Avenue between Weyburn Avenue and Le Conte Avenue.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact  Erica Jean Pacheco or Marguerite Pellegrin of 4Wall Lighting Entertainment / Entertainment Lighting Services at 818-769-9800.

8.  HWPOA COMMUNICATION AND AD POLICY

Please direct all comments, questions or issues regarding the Holmby News to hwpoa@aol.com.

Ads for plumbers, housekeepers, garage sales, etc. will be posted in the weekly News. Emergency situations such as coyote sightings, lost and found pets, traffic alerts and similar situations will continue to be published during the week as received.

When placing an ad, please send to hwpoa@aol.com for the Holmby News moderator to review.  Responses to ads should be directed to the ad placer, not to HWPOA.

9.  RESIDENT ADS

FOR SALE:  THOMAS THE TRAIN ITEMS

I am selling our well-used set of Thomas the Train items.  Set includes:

a figure-8 track (with bridge), a few extra track pieces, Sodor Scrub & Shine (car wash), Water Tower, Sodor Cargo Drop, Percy (train), Gordon (train), James (train), Sir Topham Hat, a wooden train whistle, a roadside tree and two signs.

Items are mostly in good condition. A few of the tracks have black Sharpie lines (courtesy of my then toddler). Not sure if the car wash still functions properly.

Asking $40 for all.  Please contact Jonathan at aerojg@gmail.com

10.  HWPOA CONTACT INFORMATION

HOLMBY WESTWOOD PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 49180
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-470-1785
Email: hwpoa@aol.com
Web site: www.holmbywestwoodpoa.org 

HOLMBY NEWS
September 3, 2016

From the Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association, serving the Holmby Westwood community since 1960.

1.  Street Repairs in HWPOA
2.  Street Construction – Wilshire & Comstock
3.  Holmby Park Update – Lawn Bowling
4.  Dog Waste Bags at Holmby Park
5.  LACC Fireworks Notice
6.  SSA Security Alert
7.  Westwood Library – September Events
8.  HWPOA Communication and Ad Policy
9.  Resident Ads
10.  HWPOA Contact Information

1.  STREET REPAIRS IN HWPOA

The Bureau of Street Services scheduled a Small Asphalt Repairs (SAR) truck for the Westwood Neighborhood Council District to perform small asphalt repairs on ​8/31/16.  Several streets in the Holmby Westwood area were selected for repair:

• Loring Ave. / Charing Cross Rd.
• Strathmore Dr. / Warner Ave.
• Strathmore Dr. /Warner Ave.
• Comstock Ave. btwn Beverly Glen / Wilshire Bl.

HWPOA has also requested several streets to be repaved and we are working to get them approved by the City.

2.  STREET CONSTRUCTION – WILSHIRE & COMSTOCK

From the LADWP:

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is performing construction in the area.

The project, which is necessary to provide reliable power to new customers in the area, will consist of installation of a vault and approximately 700 linear feet of conduit near the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Comstock Avenue in Westwood.

Construction will begin on Tuesday, August 2 and is expected to be completed in October. Hours of work will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and recommend taking alternate routes to avoid the area during construction.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Lance Gornick at (310) 524-8441.

3.  HOLMBY PARK UPDATE – LAWN BOWLING

Lawn Bowling is a sport that moved philanthropist, Marcellus Joslyn, to write a poem and to give a major portion of his considerable wealth to the creation, preservation, and expansion of lawn bowling in Southern California.  Our own Holmby Park bowling greens were the recipient of his largess on several critical occasions.

The first green was ready for play in 1927. At the 2002 celebration of the Club’s 75th Anniversary, Los Angeles rededicated the Club’s facilities for the sole purpose of lawn bowling. Next year the club will be celebrating its 90th Anniversary.  Looking to the future, It is hoped that new lighting will be installed that will allow play until 8 pm on some evenings.

Lawn bowling has a long history that stretches back to at least the 13th century.  The first set of rules was published in 1864. It was so popular that several British monarchs banned the game for fear that it would interfere with their troops’ archery practice.

The actual bowls used to play the game are “almost” spherical ball-like objects with flattened sides and a weight bias.  The other smaller spherical ball that is used is called a jack. A point is awarded to the player or team whose bowl is closest to the jack at the end of a round. The game of lawn bowls is very simple to learn but can take years to perfect.

No Finer Place
“What place is finer than a bowling green?
No friendlier gathering is ever seen
Than happens on a bowling green
The outer world is all forgot
And all is well that once was not.
If all our days were like this one
Life would be full of joy and fun.” 
–Marcellus L. Joslyn

All are welcomed to join in the camaraderie and fun.  Go to www.losangeleslawnbowling.com

Park facts: The jogging/walking path that surrounds the park is 5/8 of a mile long.

4.  DOG WASTE BAGS AT HOLMBY PARK

Holmby Park has several “Dog Waste Stations” around the park.  The stations are supposed to be stocked with waste bags for dog owners to clean up after their dogs.  Unfortunately, the supplies at the stations are often missing.  We spoke to Raul, groundskeeper at the park, who told us that many dog owners take 9-10 bags at a time, rather than just 1-2 as needed.  The park only has limited supplies, and Raul is unable to keep the waste stations stocked when people are taking so many bags.

If you utilize the waste stations at Holmby Park, please only take 1-2 bags at a time, so that there will still be supplies for other dog owners to use.  Thank you.

5.  LACC FIREWORKS NOTICE

To Neighbors of The Los Angeles Country Club:

Please be informed that on the evening of September 10, 2016 at roughly 9:40 p.m., the Los Angeles Country Club will be conducting a fireworks show lasting approximately 9 minutes to celebrate the reopening of our renovated Clubhouse. We want to ensure that you have proper notice so as not to startle anybody. We also hope that you are able to enjoy the fireworks show from your own homes. We appreciate your understanding and hope this will not be an inconvenience for you.

Thank you,
The Los Angeles Country Club Management

6.  SSA SECURITY ALERT

A homeowner who utilizes SSA Security forwarded this to our office.

To all SSA Subscribers,

Please review the LAPD Community Alert provided by W. LA Senior Lead Officer  Maria Gray.  As you are aware, there has been an increase in criminal activity throughout California, including Los Angeles. By following the security suggestions included in this alert that pertain to you, you will reduce your odds of becoming a victim of criminal activity involving property crimes.  We all need to work in concert with each to make the criminal element go elsewhere to commit their dastardly deeds.

Be safe,
Jerry H. Shaw, CFE
CEO; President,
SSA Security Group, Inc.

7.  WESTWOOD LIBRARY – SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Mark your calendars now for our next amazing

USED BOOK SALE
Saturday September 17th
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

8.  HWPOA COMMUNICATION AND AD POLICY

Please direct all comments, questions or issues regarding the Holmby News to hwpoa@aol.com.

Ads for plumbers, housekeepers, garage sales, etc. will be posted in the weekly News. Emergency situations such as coyote sightings, lost and found pets, traffic alerts and similar situations will continue to be published during the week as received.

When placing an ad, please send to hwpoa@aol.com for the Holmby News moderator to review.  Responses to ads should be directed to the ad placer, not to HWPOA.

9.  RESIDENT ADS

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE

After almost 40 years, we are downsizing from a large house to a condo.  Maria Estevez, our beloved housekeeper of 10 years, speaks English, drives, and is a jewel.  She does everything with a smile, and is wonderful with children and pets.  She comes to us 2 1/2 days a week, so she will have time available.  She can be reached at 310-625-9254, and please feel free to call me for a reference if you like.

Denise Frankfort
310-274-4721

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SPRINKLER SYSTEM & GARDENER

Dear Neighbors,

I’m looking for someone to analyze our sprinkler system and adjust it accordingly for coverage and duration.

Also, I’m considering changing gardeners. Any rave reviews for someone?

Many thanks,
Andrea Smith
310-470-8343
ablsmith@dock.net

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SSA SECURITY – RECOMMENDATION

I have worked with SSA Security before in the Riviera area of the Palisades, they are off duty police officers who are very experienced, knowledgeable and effective. Please contact them for more information. Considering the crimes that have been occurring in our neighborhood, for our safety and well being, I think it is imperative for us to have a security company that is very experienced, knowledgeable and effective.

SSA Security Group Inc. has been requested to develop a residential patrol by several residents of the Little Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles.  SSA Security would have at least one patrol car dedicated to our neighborhood 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In order for SSA to provide this patrol service on a daily basis, and with the guarantee that the car will be manned with an armed law enforcement professional, it would require a minimum of 130 residences to start.

SSA Security
21601 Devonshire St. #317
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 773-5600
Website:  https://ssa-securitygroup.com/

10.  HWPOA CONTACT INFORMATION

HOLMBY WESTWOOD PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 49180
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-470-1785
Email: hwpoa@aol.com
Web site: www.holmbywestwoodpoa.org