HOLMBY NEWS
April 24, 2020

LA City parks and County beaches are still closed
as necessary precautions under the Safer at Home directive.
So stay hydrated, stay cool and please Stay at Home.

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

1.  HWPOA Board Meeting & Annual Meeting
2.  LAPD Crime Report
3.  Health Insurance Enrollment
4.  Applaud for Healthcare Workers – 8:00 PM
5.  Update on Fire Station #71
6.  Fire Safety
7.  How to Help Your Community
8.  Happy Earth Day from LA Sanitation!
9.  Activities & Things to Do
10.  HWPOA Contact Information

1.  HWPOA BOARD MEETING & ANNUAL MEETING

Due to the stay-at-home orders and limits on large group gatherings, the March and April HWPOA board meetings were canceled.  Our Annual Membership Meeting was scheduled to take place on May 12.  The board discussed several options and decided to postpone the Annual Meeting until we are able to find a safe and sensible time to meet in person.  We will let you know more as the situation evolves.

In the meantime, the Board has decided to hold a brief online board meeting via Zoom.  The online board meeting will take place on the night that the Annual Meeting was originally scheduled – Tuesday, May 12.  Members of the association are welcome to join the meeting – please stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.

2.  LAPD CRIME REPORT

BURGLARY (entry of structure w/intent to commit theft or a felony)
Incident #: 200808561
900 BLOCK THAYER AV  |  4/20/2020 @ 7:00 PM

THEFT FROM VEHICLES
LAPD reports that of the thefts from vehicles in some areas recently, approximately 40% of the vehicles were unlocked. They ask for your assistance in reducing burglary/theft from motor vehicles by remembering to secure your vehicles.

With many businesses closed and less movement in our neighborhoods, that means there are fewer eyes to keep an eye out for unusual activity.  Let’s do our part to assist our police officers by:

• Not leaving any items in your car or not leaving items in plain view.
• Always locking your doors and windows, no matter where you park.
• Parking in well-lit open areas and when at home, parking in a garage or secured driveway if possible.

3.  HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLLMENT

Have you lost your health insurance due to COVID-19? Covered California has issued a special-enrollment period for those impacted by income changes, reduced hours or lay off due to COVID-19.

If the following circumstances apply to you, you may be eligible for health care coverage through Covered CA:

• You’ve lost Medi-Cal coverage
• You’ve lost your employer-sponsored coverage
• Your COBRA coverage is exhausted
• You are no longer eligible for student health coverage

To learn if you’re eligible, visit Covered CA.

If you’re not eligible for Covered CA health coverage, you may be eligible for health insurance through LA County’s My Health LA (MHLA). MHLA is a no-cost health care program for individuals or families who do not have and cannot get health insurance.

4.  APPLAUD FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS – 8:00 PM

If you hear clapping and cheering at 8PM, it may be your neighbors joining the world-wide #WeApplaud and #Solidarityat8 movements to show appreciation for our front line healthcare workers & first responders during this viral pandemic – the folks putting their own lives at risk every day to keep us all safe.

Solidarity at 8 in Los Angeles

So at 8:00 every night, open a window, stand on a terrace, porch, driveway or anywhere far away from others (6 feet or more) and clap and cheer for 1 minute to celebrate — here is what it looks and sounds like in New York and in Europe.

5.  UPDATE ON FIRE STATION #71

From Sandy Brown:
I reached out to our first responders at Fire Station 71 (Beverly Glen and Sunset) to thank them, to see how our team was doing, and if they were in need of anything.  Here is their response:

Thank you for the support you and the board and the community has given us.  You guys have been there for us.  Our job has gotten harder and more complicated.  A simple “sick” call is not so simple anymore.  Our department has provided us with goggles, masks, gowns, disinfectant spray and hand sanitizer.  We will reach out to you if need anything else.  You guys are great.

6.  FIRE SAFETY

LA County has recently seen an increase in home fires during the COVID-19 health crisis. As a result, LA County residents are reminded that planning ahead of an emergency can truly save your life.

If there was a fire in your home, would you know the best way to escape? Help make sure you and your loved ones are truly Safer at Home by learning how to safely escape a home fire.

To help you get started, LA County’s Fire Department offers a free F.I.R.E Safety Guide with all the tips & checklists you’ll need for creating a fire escape plan that’s right for you.

You can also download the F.I.R.E. Safety Coloring Book if you’re looking for a great children’s activity. Make the youngest members of your family a key part of your plan.

Visit the LA County Fire Department’s website for more information on how to stay safe. Planning ahead can save lives!

7.  HOW TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY

Here are some ways you can help your community respond to coronavirus — so long as you are healthy, not a member of a vulnerable population, and are meeting all current public orders and advised public health requirements:

VolunteerLA – Mayor Garcetti’s VolunteerLA program connects Angelenos who want to volunteer with the nonprofits, people, and places that need their help: http://volunteer.LAmayor.org

Food banks – Donate to food banks in your community and volunteer with them, to ensure our most vulnerable populations are still able to provide for their families. Much-needed items for donation include canned goods, peanut butter, toilet paper, and antibacterial cleansers.

Help Red Cross with student meals or blood donations – Volunteer with the American Red Cross to help distribute meals to students affected by school closures or as a volunteer blood donor to address the current blood shortage.

Do neighbor check-ins – Offer to pick up groceries or medications for those who aren’t able to and call friends who might appreciate human connection despite social distancing.

Virtual volunteer opportunities – Maintain safe social distancing practices with remote volunteer work through organizations like L.A. Works: www.LAworks.com

Deliver meals to the homebound – Check-in with your local homebound meal delivery programs. Many of them are scaling up to support the increased need and are looking for volunteers. Find a meal delivery location near you and call to ask if they need assistance.

Join the Mayor’s Community COVID-19 Response Volunteer Interest List – At this time, the City of Los Angeles is not implementing in-the-field volunteers in response to COVID-19. However, we recognize that many people will want to help if the need arises. If you’d like to learn about new opportunities to make a difference, please sign up for Mayor Garcetti’s Community COVID-19 Response Volunteer Interest List.

8.  HAPPY EARTH DAY FROM LA SANITATION!

Dear Angelenos,

We had such amazing plans for our 5th Annual Earth Day LA celebration and it was a difficult decision to postpone but rest assured, the festivities planned by our dedicated planning team will be shifted to the fall. In the meantime, we’d like to share some of our exciting Earth Day offerings.

Earth Day Sustainability Tips Video – Because we can’t be with you for Earth Day this year, our staff took the time to record some personalized sustainability tips to share with you. You can view them here.

Home Composting and Urban Gardening Workshop Videos – Because we temporarily suspended our monthly workshops, we wanted to offer some videos online to keep everyone’s composting and gardening skills fresh. So we enlisted our friends and partners, Horticulturist Steve List and Pacoima Beautiful, to work on some educational video series with us. The first is a 3-part series focused on Victory Gardens and vegetables.

• Part 1: History and Significance of Victory Gardens
• Part 2: Varieties of Garden Vegetables
• Part 3: Vegetable Planting Tips

Proper Disposal of Used Gloves and Masks
It’s incredibly sad when you’re out and about to see used gloves and masks carelessly discarded on the ground. We hope you’ll help spread the word that fabric masks should be washed and reused when possible and single-use gloves and masks should be disposed of properly in a trash bin.

9.  ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO

“All Together Now” Benefit Concert – On Saturday, April 25, at 2:00 PM, tune in for ALL TOGETHER NOW! – an online concert event helping the City of Los Angeles during the coronavirus pandemic. Hear from Smokey Robinson, Rick Springfield, Melissa Manchester, Lisa Loeb, Jeff Bridges, Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Mike Love (The Beach Boys) and so many other celebrity artists and performers who are all “coming together” to perform and raise funds for Angelenos impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.  Viewers will be able to donate to the L.A. City Coronavirus Relief Fund and 100% of the money raised will go to help support frontline workers, families and small businesses impacted by the pandemic and to provide critical medical resources where they are needed most.

UCLA Mindful Meditations – Recordings from the Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) will guide you through short meditations to instill calmness, improve sleep and generally enhance well-being. For more information, please click here.

LAX the Game! – In case you are missing the LAX experience, the Los Angeles International Airport recently introduced… LAX the Game!  Yes, you’ve heard right. If you’re missing this unique Los Angeles experience, just print and cut cards – and “see who can make it in and out of LAX the fastest. Experience the excitement of celebrity sightings, food and more! But watch out for traffic – oh no! It’s all the fun of #LAXatHome.”

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
Pay Membership Dues: https://squareup.com/store/hwpoa

You Are Invited . . .

• To attend our monthly Board Meetings*
  
• To let us know your concerns about our community and your ideas about how we might work to improve it
• To become involved in our Association.

*Board Meetings are usually held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm at Belmont Village (10475 Wilshire Blvd.).  Please confirm prior to attending.

HOLMBY NEWS
April 17, 2020

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

1.  COVID-19 Mapping
2.  Free COVID-19 Testing
3.  Urgent Need – Blood Donors
4.  Avoid Coronavirus Scams
5.  Volunteer Opportunities
6.  Fundraising Appeals
7.  Mayor Garcetti’s State of the City Address
8.  Village for Vets – Keeping Veterans Safe
9.  Extra Trash Collection Service
10.  Census Submission Deadline Extended
11.  Activites & Things to Do
12.  HWPOA Communication and Ad Policy
13.  Resident Ads
14.  HWPOA Contact Information

1.  COVID-19 MAPPING

From park closures to confirmed cases of COVID-19, these GIS tools and dashboards map Los Angeles County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Mapping Dashboard

These dashboards contain data compiled by LA County’s Department’s of Public Health, Health Services, Parks and Recreation, the Office of Education, and the Office of Emergency Management.  Some of the maps include:

• Covid-19 Confirmed Cases
• Drive-Up Mobile Testing Locations
• Park, Beach and Trail Closures
• Elder Nutrition Programs

2.  FREE COVID-19 TESTING

The City of Los Angeles, in partnership with the County of Los Angeles and CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), is providing free COVID-19 testing to Los Angeles County residents.

At this time, testing is only for people with symptoms, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of their age or prior medical condition can now book a same or next day appointment.

Schedule a COVID-19 Test

3.  URGENT NEED – BLOOD DONORS

California is facing severe blood shortages due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Blood and platelet donations are urgently needed by California hospitals and medical facilities. California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris and Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday safely gave blood, and you can too.

California Needs You. Join us in giving blood safely:
redcrossblood.org

4.  AVOID CORONAVIRUS SCAMS

The amount of information around COVID-19 is changing quickly, and the amount of new information can be confusing and scary. This is how scammers take advantage. Using robocalls, text messages and social media, snake oil salesmen peddle hoax cures and free home testing kits. Predatory lenders pursue seniors with offers of medicare and social security fraudulent one-stop solutions that are simply consumer frauds and opportunities for identity theft.

The Federal Trade Commission offers tips and precautions to help avoid scams and determine the veracity of official offers:

5.  VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

L.A. Works – To volunteer remotely and help make protective masks or do research for creating care packages, please visit the LA Works Virtual Volunteering. To help fight social isolation and get connected to the TeleSocial, please visit the Social Connection page. To navigate to all pages and for complete information, click here: www.laworks.com/social-caring.

California Volunteers -Every Californian can safely help their community during these difficult times.  Here are some ways you can make a difference  California Volunteers – click here

6.  FUNDRAISING APPEALS

Over the last several weeks, HWPOA has received a number of fundraising appeals related to the coronavirus.  We wanted to pass on to you these fundraising appeals in case you are interested in assisting. Please note – HWPOA has not investigated any of these and does not endorse any of them – so please do your own due diligence and make your own decisions.

Child Care Support for UCLA Healthcare Workers – Please donate to a babysitting/child care fund that will provide financial relief to UCLA Health Care Providers/Staff across Los Angeles County.  This support is crucial as they arrange alternative childcare plans and manage new, unexpected costs because schools and day care centers are closed.  Here is the link with more details:  https://spark.ucla.edu/project/20687

The COVID-19 Coronavirus Patient Care and Healthcare Provider Protection Fund supports patient and family care; social services to those impacted by the virus; the acquisition of patient care equipment, supplies and personal protective equipment for health care workers; and innovation that will lead to advances in COVID-19 testing and treatment. https://www.uclahealth.org/Giving/covid-19-patient-care

The COVID-19 Coronavirus Research and Education Fund provides vital funding for the exploration of the pathogenesis of the Coronavirus family; the development and scaling of novel diagnostic tests and therapeutics; and infectious disease education for healthcare providers and the public. https://giveto.ucla.edu/fund/covid-19-coronavirus-research-and-education-fund/

UCLA Health Gift Card Drive – To relieve the logistical burden on our healthcare workers who are focused on patient care at this time, the best way you can help is to donate a gift card through our Gift Card Drive, https://spark.ucla.edu/project/20536

Support UCLA Healthcare Workers and Westwood Village – The Westwood Village Improvement Association (WVIA) has launched a GoFundMe effort to collect donations to purchase 500 lunches from Westwood Village restaurants at a discounted price. We have exceeded our initial goal so we are adding meals and participating businesses to our effort!  This effort will not only feed our UCLA Health friends and neighbors who are fighting for our community, this effort will also support local Westwood restaurants struggling during this unprecedented public health crisis.  Contributions to the WVIA are tax-deductible.  Click here to donate:
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/support-ucla-frontline-workers-and-westwood-village

7.  MAYOR GARCETTI’S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

In compliance with the Safer at Home Order and official guidelines to protect public health, Mayor Garcetti’s 2020 State of the City Address will be delivered without an audience or watch party.

The address has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 19th at 5:15 p.m. You can watch it live on Channel 35, other local stations, and on the Mayor’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mayorofla/

8.  VILLAGE FOR VETS – KEEPING VETERANS SAFE

Update on Village for Vets
Emergency Response to the Covid-19 Virus

• The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) has opened A Bridge Housing facility for 50 Veterans.
• Homeless Veterans are moving onto the VA Campus with their belongings.  They are provided with bathrooms, hand-washing stations, showers, and the full scope of social services provided by the VA. The VA will accommodate 25 Veterans to start and will expand in increments of 25 as needed.  Village for Vets is providing breakfast; Brentwood School is providing lunch and dinner during the week and Fresh Lunches is providing lunch and dinner on weekends.
• Our Veterans Emergency Fund is receiving triple the number of cases each week as many at-risk and formerly homeless Veterans need help meeting basic needs like food, medical care and emergency shelter to keep themselves and their families safe. We are seeking donations to expand our ability to provide vital support to these Veterans. 

This week, the VA identified the following additional items as emergency needs:

• IPADS and Tablets – OVER 400 are desired for Vets to access telehealth
• Water in 5-gallon bottles with pumps – 25 needed next month for the tent housing area
• N95 Face masks for frontline workers – as many as possible as supplies are running low.
• The VA needs volunteers who are healthy and have no pre-existing conditions. Volunteers will be protected with masks and hand sanitizer. Sign up here to donate your time

For more information or to donate:
Village for Vets – Covid 19 Response

9.  EXTRA TRASH COLLECTION SERVICE

The City has introduced extra trash collection services under the Safer At Home emergency order. On regularly scheduled collection days, residents can go outside to meet the Sanitation truck and wait for the sanitation worker to pick up the collection; then they can refill their black and blue bins if they have more trash, and the worker — who will remain in the truck — will take those away too. The free service will be in place until the stay-at-home order is lifted.

Questions? Call Los Angeles Sanitation Dept. 24-hour customer call center at 800-773-2489.

10.  CENSUS SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED

The Census Bureau has announced a schedule adjustment due to COVID-19. The new deadline to respond is October 31, 2020. However, you can submit your response online anytime at  https://my2020census.gov/, by mail with your invitation, or by phone at 844-330-2020.

11.  ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO

Online Panel: Can $2 Trillion Prevent Another Great Depression?  Tues. April 21, 5:00 p.m. From the “Hammer at Home” Forum, this online panel moderated by Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson examines the unprecedented pandemic relief bill, whether it goes far enough, and what else we might do to guard against another economic depression. RSVP here to receive an email reminder on the day of the program with the link to tune in. This program will be recorded and the recording will be available soon after.

Help NASA Study Mars – Help NASA study exotic landscape features near the south pole of Mars! Seasonal freezing and thawing of carbon-dioxide ice at the Martian poles creates some unusual surface features. In this citizen science project, you’ll view images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter’s Context Camera. Your input will help scientists identify possible areas for more detailed examination with the orbiter’s High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera.  https://www.zooniverse.org/#/projects/mschwamb/planet-four-terrains

Energy Science – LADWP has free interactive activities, games, lessons and experiments on basic electricity and safety at our website to help with schooling at home. To access eSMARTkids go to: https://ladwp.e-smartonline.net​​

12.  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 lost and found pets, traffic alerts and similar situations will 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.

13.  RESIDENT ADS

SEEKING BEDROOM TO RENT

While I was working on the Save Hilgard opposition, I came to know two awesome students through their work with the Daily Bruin. Their names are Kyle and Stephanie. Since then, Kyle has tutored my kids in math and art and Stephanie has tutored my son in writing. Kyle asked if I knew of anywhere nearby for them to rent a one bedroom (one queen/king bed) for ten weeks starting in June. Either a guest house or a room with access to a kitchen. They are happy to pay for the 10 weeks of rental.

Please email me if you can have them. My email is emagna@msn.com or feel free to email Kyle or Stephanie directly (see below).

Thanks!
Esther Magna, Malcolm resident

Kyle Icban – kyleicban@g.ucla.edu
College: UCLA
Major: Mathematics
editorial cartoonist for the Daily Bruin

Stephanie Lai – stephanie.lai@columbia.edu
College: Columbia University
Major: Political Science
Editor for the Columbia U paper

14.  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
Pay Membership Dues: https://squareup.com/store/hwpoa

You Are Invited . . .

• To attend our monthly Board Meetings*
  
• To let us know your concerns about our community and your ideas about how we might work to improve it
• To become involved in our Association.

*Board Meetings are usually held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm at Belmont Village (10475 Wilshire Blvd.).  Please confirm prior to attending.

HOLMBY NEWS
April 10, 2020

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

1.  Property Taxes are Due
2.  All Parks Closed on Easter Sunday
3.  Grocery Shopping – Assistance Available
4.  Support UCLA Frontline Workers
5.  Westwood Restaurants – Delivery & Takeout
6.  Wilshire Blvd. Lane Closures
7.  Stan’s Donuts – Permanently Closed
8.  Covered California Health Insurance
9.  LADWP Update Regarding Disconnections
10.  SoCalGas CAREs Program
11.  Activites & Things to Do
12.  HWPOA Contact Information

1.  PROPERTY TAXES ARE DUE

Today,  April 10 is the property tax payment deadline. Unfortunately, the County does not have the authority under State law to extend or postpone the second installment property tax deadline.

However, beginning on April 11, the day after property taxes are due, people unable to pay on time for reasons related to COVID-19 may submit a request for penalty cancellation online.  The department has set up a special team to process these requests for those who demonstrate they were affected by the outbreak.

We encourage all property owners who can pay their taxes on time to do so. This revenue helps keep the government running and providing vital services that the public relies on, especially in times like these.

Also, since County buildings are closed, in-person payments are not currently available.  To learn more about how taxpayers can pay online, via telephone or by mail visit their website at https://ttc.lacounty.gov/.

For more information, visit the LA County Treasure and Tax Collector’s Office’s Frequently Asked Questions: What COVID-19 can mean for your taxes or call 213-974-2111.

2.  ALL PARKS CLOSED ON EASTER SUNDAY

Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that all City of Los Angeles parks will be closed to the public for more than 24 hours beginning Saturday evening. The move comes ahead of Easter Sunday, to help encourage Angelenos to remain in their homes at a critical moment in the fight against COVID-19.

“I know this is a time of the year when many of our families and friends celebrate Easter by getting together outdoors –– and we just can’t take any chances right now,” said Mayor Garcetti. “The holidays are special moments in our lives, but we’re all safer at home. Let’s create new memories and traditions this year, so that we can flatten the curve, save lives, and look forward to seeing each other again when it’s safe.”

Currently, trailheads, recreation centers and all City park amenities are closed –– with parks open only for walking or jogging. Earlier this week, the Mayor has directed the Department of Recreation and Parks to fully close all parks beginning the evening of Saturday, April 11 through the morning of Monday, April 13. Restrooms in parks will remain open during normal hours.

3.  GROCERY SHOPPING – ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

We now have a core of neighborhood residents who enthusiastically and immediately volunteered to go to the market for those who cannot go. We are so grateful to this neighborhood volunteer group.

VOLUNTEER NOTE:  If you would like to volunteer to be a shopper and help your neighbors, please contact Jackie at (310) 948-3630.

Subject to modifications, these are the ways we will navigate the Grocery Shopping Assistance program:

1. To be eligible for assistance, you must be (a) a paid member of HWPOA; (b) a senior citizen, disabled, and/or other have underlying health concerns; and (c) have no family or friends that can assist with grocery shopping.
2. Each person should call Jackie Freedman at (310) 948-3630, between 10:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m., to get the name and phone number of the volunteer who will go to the market and deliver the food.
3. Call the volunteer assigned to you and give him/her your name, phone number and address.
4. Do not order more than 12 items at the outset. We don’t want to overburden the volunteers with huge orders. So please figure out what you need.
5. Once the volunteer has purchased the items, that person will call you with the total amount for reimbursement. The receipt will be included in the bag/s. Have a check made out to “Cash” or provide the actual cash in an envelope. Put that envelope under the front door mat or some other designated place you have discussed with the volunteer.
6. When you need more items, contact the same person for your order.
7. Volunteers may not go to the market every day, so please call them a few days before you need the items.The volunteers will try to get what you want. Just note that sometimes the markets may run out of the exact item you may want.

Call Jackie with questions or concerns.

Thanks,
Jackie Freedman and the HWPOA Food Volunteer Brigade

4.  SUPPORT UCLA FRONTLINE WORKERS

DONATE FUNDS FOR FOOD
The Westwood Village Improvement Association (WVIA) has launched a GoFundMe effort to collect donations to purchase 500 lunches from Westwood Village restaurants at a discounted price. These lunches will be distributed to UCLA frontline workers over a five-day period.

This effort will not only feed our UCLA Health friends and neighbors who are fighting for our community, this effort will also support local Westwood restaurants struggling during this unprecedented public health crisis.

Contributions to the WVIA are tax-deductible.

Click here to donate:
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/support-ucla-frontline-workers-and-westwood-village

LETTERS OF APPRECIATION
While most of us are trying our best to stay at home and practice social distancing, healthcare workers in our community are putting their own lives at risk to keep us safe. It is not only the doctors and nurses but also the therapists, technologists, those who make sure rooms and equipment are disinfected, and social workers who are doing their best to keep us safe. The UCLA Volunteer Center wanted to showing their immense gratitude and appreciation for their service by starting a letter-writing campaign for them.

For this campaign, we ask that you send us a letter of appreciation via email to volunteer@support.ucla.edu. Feel free to get creative with your messages. You can address them to a general or specific group of healthcare staff. Children are also encouraged to take part in this activity. We will gather all of the messages and send them over to UCLA healthcare employees. Together, we can express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for all their work and sacrifices to help keep us safe during this pandemic.

5.  WESTWOOD RESTAURANTS – DELIVERY & TAKEOUT

We encourage you to remember our many small businesses in Westwood Village, and to continue supporting them.  The link below is a list of the restaurants that are currently offering takeout and delivery.

Westwood Restaurants – Takeout & Delivery

Violet Los Angeles (on Glendon) is offering  French-style Easter and Passover menus for contact-free pick up or DoorDash delivery. If a customer mentions this HWPOA newsletter, they will throw in a free roll of homemade cookie dough! Website – https://violetla.com/

6.  WILSHIRE BLVD. LANE CLOSURES

In the coming weeks you can expect partial and full lane closures of Wilshire Blvd. at Beverly Dr. due to construction activities related to the Wilshire/Rodeo Metro Station.

Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills will be fully closed for construction of the Purple Line Subway Extension between Beverly Dr. and Crescent Dr. For more information on street closures and bus detours visit: https://www.metro.net/projects/notices/notice_purpleline2_103118/

7.  STAN’S DONUTS – PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Dear Friends & Family,

Over the years each of you have touched my life, you have visited me in the early morning hours and the late nights.  Your support and friendship has meant more than you know.

It is with a sad heart that I inform you that I have made the decision to close my doors and we baked our last donut on Thursday, April 9, 2020.

Unfortunately COVID-19 made the decision happen sooner, but I hope that you will remember how our donuts made you smile for many years to come.

Thank you for being by my side for all these years.

With Love,
Stan Berman

8.  COVERED CALIFORNIA HEALTH INSURANCE

Californians who have lost their employment now have a ready path to healthcare coverage during the COVID-19 crisis either through Medi-Cal or the plans offered via Covered California, thanks to a partnership between Covered California and the CA Dept of Health Care Services (DHCS).

Effective Friday, March 20, Covered California opened the health insurance exchange to any eligible uninsured individuals who need health care coverage amid the COVID-19 national emergency.

Anyone who meets Covered California’s eligibility requirements, which are similar to those in place during the annual open-enrollment period, can sign up for coverage through the extended deadline of June 30, 2020.

Learn more and sign up for coverage at:
https://www.coveredca.com/

9.  LADWP UPDATE REGARDING DISCONNECTIONS

Thanks to Mayor Garcetti’s emergency directive to help our customers get through any financial hardships that may occur as a result of the Coronavirus/ COVID-19 pandemic, the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) has deferred disconnections for non-payment during this crisis.   Customers who receive a disconnect notice should disregard the letter and not panic.  While letters may still be sent out as our systems catch up with this emergency, the City will not shut off water or power to residents of Los Angeles during the local emergency.

LADWP also offers extended and flexible payment plans. Any customer experiencing a financial hardship can request a payment plan online at www.ladwp.com, then click on “My Account”.

If customers are able to pay their utility bill, they should continue to do so.   But our first concern is to make sure that all Angelenos have the essential services they need to get through this crisis.

10.  SO CAL GAS CARES PROGRAM

Earlier this week SoCalGas announced the company will launch a campaign titled, “SoCalGas CAREs” for customers whose income may have recently changed due to COVID-19 or other reasons. The campaign aims to let customers know of their eligibility to qualify for SoCalGas’ assistance program, California Alternate Rates for Energy or CARE, saving them 20 percent on their monthly natural gas bills.

The CARE program aids people in paying their utility bills by providing a 20 percent discount on monthly natural gas bills. Customers who have become recently unemployed or who are currently facing financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic or for other reasons are encouraged to visit socalgas.com/care, complete the quick online application and find out instantly if they qualify. The CARE online application is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.

11. ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO

The following suggestions are brought to you by the LA County Library, the Department of Arts & Culture, and creative and resilient artists and organizations who are finding ways of creating and engaging with you (from the comfort of your own home):

For the young:

• Art webinars and online classes for youth
• One-on-one LIVE tutoring & homework help (Daily, 1 – 10:00 pm)
• Resources & engagement tips for teachers, parents and caregivers caring for children at home from school

For the young at heart:

• Online art project tutorials & activities for adults
• Virtual programming, such as Book Talks (Coming Soon)
• Courses for learning a new language, photography, coding, resume writing, and applications such as Office 365

For all ages:

• Performances
• 24/7 digital collection of hundreds of eBooks, audio books, music, movies, magazines for LA County Library cardholders

12.  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
Pay Membership Dues: https://squareup.com/store/hwpoa

You Are Invited . . .

• To attend our monthly Board Meetings*
  
• To let us know your concerns about our community and your ideas about how we might work to improve it
• To become involved in our Association.

*Board Meetings are usually held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm at Belmont Village (10475 Wilshire Blvd.).  Please confirm prior to attending.

HOLMBY NEWS
April 3, 2020

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

1.  Grocery Shopping – Assistance Available
2.  Seeking New HWPOA Board Members
3.  Scam Alerts & Crime Report
4.  Face Coverings & Masks
5.  Resources for Workers & Job Opportunities
6.  Support Local Restaurants
7.  Support UCLA Health Care Workers
8.  2020 Census – Respond Now
9.  Activites & Things to Do
10.  HWPOA Communication and Ad Policy
11.  Resident Ads
12.  HWPOA Contact Information

1.  GROCERY SHOPPING – ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

We now have a core of neighborhood residents who enthusiastically and immediately volunteered to go to the market for those who cannot go. We are so grateful to this neighborhood volunteer group.

VOLUNTEER NOTE: More volunteers are needed as this program grows.  If you would like to volunteer to be a shopper and help your neighbors, please contact Jackie at (310) 948-3630.

Subject to modifications, these are the ways we will navigate the Grocery Shopping Assistance program:

1. To be eligible for assistance, you must be (a) a paid member of HWPOA; (b) a senior citizen, disabled, and/or other have underlying health concerns; and (c) have no family or friends that can assist with grocery shopping.
2. Each person should call Jackie Freedman at (310) 948-3630, between 10:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m., to get the name and phone number of the volunteer who will go to the market and deliver the food.
3. Call the volunteer assigned to you and give him/her your name, phone number and address.
4. Do not order more than 12 items at the outset. We don’t want to overburden the volunteers with huge orders. So please figure out what you need.
5. Once the volunteer has purchased the items, that person will call you with the total amount for reimbursement. The receipt will be included in the bag/s. Have a check made out to “Cash” or provide the actual cash in an envelope. Put that envelope under the front door mat or some other designated place you have discussed with the volunteer.
6. When you need more items, contact the same person for your order.
7. Volunteers may not go to the market every day, so please call them a few days before you need the items.The volunteers will try to get what you want. Just note that sometimes the markets may run out of the exact item you may want.

We hope that these arrangements will run smoothly. If not, we will make adjustments. Call Jackie with questions or concerns.

Thanks,
Jackie Freedman and the HWPOA Food Volunteer Brigade

2.  SEEKING NEW HWPOA BOARD MEMBERS

Join the Board of Directors of
Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association

The HWPOA Board is seeking Holmby Westwood residents to volunteer to serve as a Director for 1 year. We usually meet on the second Tuesday of every month except for August and December. We ask only that you be a financially current member of the Association for the past 2 years and have an interest in maintaining and improving the quality of life we have all come to know and enjoy.

You will work with many neighbors who serve on the Board, some who have served for many years. This is a way to help your community, to work with city officials and departments, to plan events, and to support the protections in place today.

The Holmby Westwood community is over 80 years old and preservation, livability, and schools are key to its residential value. Serving on our Board of Directors is a way to safeguard one of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime.

We want the next generation to be able to carry on what we have fought to protect for these many years. Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association is a highly respected association throughout the city and, with your involvement, we hope that will continue indefinitely.

Our meetings are held at Belmont Village, Wilshire at Warner Ave., at 7:30 PM. Our committees include: Security, Parkway Tree Green Team, Traffic, Holmby Park, Architectural Supervising Committee, 4th of July event, Filming (in the neighborhood), WLAPD liaison and more.

You will have an extremely worthwhile experience while giving back to a community that has remained highly desirable for many years. That did not happen accidentally. It happened with a commitment from hundreds of our neighbors over 80 years!

Please contact Dana Glenn, our Office Manager, and let her know that you want to join our Board. Send an email to hwpoa@aol.com or call (310) 470-1785 to contact Dana. The deadline for submissions is April 7. We look forward to hearing from you!!

Many thanks,
Your HWPOA Board of Directors

3.  SCAM ALERTS & CRIME REPORT

SCAM ALERT
The following list of scam alerts was provided to us by SSA Security:

SSA SCAM ALERT

CONSUMER ALERTS
The following list warns consumers to beware of misinformation, price gouging and scams connected to the coronavirus pandemic:

BREAK-IN ON STRATHMORE
On Saturday, March 28 a homeowner on Strathmore caught the person shown below attempting to climb a fence to break in.  The homeowner called the police and the suspect was arrested.  Even if you are home during the quarantine, please remember to lock your doors and set your alarm.

4.  FACE COVERINGS & MASKS

Mayor Eric Garcetti announced earlier this week that the city was officially recommending people wear non-medical face coverings when in public. Whether a bandana, scarf or non-medical mask, face coverings can prevent the spread of the disease by people who have not started feeling symptoms.

Please note: a face covering is not the same as a mask.  N95 and other medical-grade masks are reserved for medical workers like doctors and nurses — and using the medical masks that they need could cost someone their life.  The public should use non-medical face coverings, such as bandanas or scarves, or make your own from cloth.

VIDEO:
How to Make a Pleated Face-Covering
(no sewing required):
Watch Video Here

5.  RESOURCES FOR WORKERS & JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Disability Insurance – If you’re unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim.

Paid Family Leave – If you’re unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim.

Unemployment Insurance – If your employer has reduced your hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19, you can file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim.

LA City Job Portal – For those whose jobs have been impacted by COVID-19, this website enables unemployed or underemployed Angelenos to find and apply for job opportunities across all industries, so they can start working right NOW.  An up-to-date list of companies with immediate job openings can be found here: lajobportal.com.

6.  SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Help support local restaurants and their employees! Here are a few local restaurants that would welcome your support:

Tender Greens – Tender Greens is offering their customers a variety of curated Grocery Boxes and individual grocery items in response to the new coronavirus.  Tender Greens normally serves salads, bowls, sandwiches and soups; they are now offering produce, dairy, bread, toilet paper, alcohol and more for pick-up and delivery. Website – click here.

California Pizza Kitchen – CPK Market is now open!  Now you can order pantry items and meal kits in addition to their regular menu.  CPK Market – click here.

7.  SUPPORT UCLA HEALTH CARE WORKERS

Let’s Rally behind the UCLA Health Care workers! They are there for us. Let’s be there with a show of support for them.

UCLA Spark is the official crowdfunding platform of the University of California, Los Angeles. It’s a space where members of the UCLA and Bruin community can come together to create, support, and share fundraising campaigns aimed at solving the world’s problems and reimagining its possibilities.

Support UCLA’s efforts to rapidly respond to the needs of the Bruin communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Donate to UCLA Spark to support a variety of projects:

https://spark.ucla.edu/g/health

8.  2020 CENSUS – RESPOND NOW

The 2020 Census is happening now. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail.

• Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year.
• The results determine how many seats in Congress each state gets.
• It’s mandated by the U.S. Constitution in Article 1, Section 2: The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790.

2020 Census – Click here

9.  ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO

The UCLA Botanical Garden – The UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden remains open to neighbors to get out of the house and come for a walk in nature. A great deal of work has been done in the garden in recent months: lots is in bloom, it’s very, very peaceful and you can even learn about plant identification.

Guests are required to properly social distance (maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other guests, do not touch surfaces, maintain good hygiene, and do not visit if you or someone you have been in contact with is feeling sick). Please note that the bathrooms are closed, so plan ahead.

Please check for updates on the website before your visit.

—–

Family Interviews – Now is a great time to interview family members and create a written or video family history.  The link below contains a list of interesting questions that you can use to interview your parents, grandparents, kids or spouse.  You could even have your kids (or grandkids) pick out questions to interview you.  It also makes for great dinner conversation. Link to questions: Family Interview Questions

—–

LA Public Library –  Need a new book to read? Want a film to stream? Go to our main website, lapl.org, which has been revamped to meet your needs during this time. Scroll down to eMedia and start browsing! Digital services remain available 24/7, including e-books and audiobooks; streaming TV, movie and music services; classes and digital subscriptions to newspapers and magazines.

10.  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 lost and found pets, traffic alerts and similar situations will 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.

11.  RESIDENT ADS

POOL HEATER INSTALLATION

Can someone recommend a good company to install a new gas pool heater?  (the BBB gives an F score to the local Apollo company!).

Please email me at  rozengurt@hotmail.com

Thank you!

12.  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
Pay Membership Dues: https://squareup.com/store/hwpoa

You Are Invited . . .

• To attend our monthly Board Meetings*
  
• To let us know your concerns about our community and your ideas about how we might work to improve it
• To become involved in our Association.

*Board Meetings are usually held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm at Belmont Village (10475 Wilshire Blvd.).  Please confirm prior to attending.