VNC Board of Officers Meeting

Board of Officers Meeting Agenda
Westminster Elementary School (Auditorium)
1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, 90291
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 7:00 PM

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

2. Approval of the Agenda

3. Approval of any outstanding minutes submitted by the Secretary

August 19, 2008 Board Meeting Minutes
(see http://venicenc.org/files/080916VNCBoardMinutes.doc)

Committee Reports are provided in written form when available

4. Scheduled Announcements (no more than 1 minute per report unless otherwise stated)

A Stewart Oscars (310-305-8248; stewart.oscars@gmail.com): Presentation of certificates of appreciation to LAPD senior lead officers per vote at Sept 16 board meeting. Request this be performed at the beginning of the meeting.

B DONE, LAPD, and other Governmental Reports

C Mike Newhouse (president@venicenc.org): Ask for help breaking down sound equipment at end of meeting.

D Linda Lucks (vp@venicenc.org) regarding need to take required Conflict of Interest Training: You may take the required Conflict of Interest Training from the comfort and privacy of your own home! Sit back and listen to the melodious voice of Sec. of State Debra Bowen as you re-fresh your memory about the rules that govern us as NC leaders. Since the City Council is seriously considering putting teeth into this mandate and may also require us to file an annual personal financial disclosure form, I urge those who have not yet complied to do this soon. It makes us look credible to the City and it does help. You can take the training in small bites, or do it at one 2 hour sitting. It is well worth the effort. http://ethics.lacity.org/education/ethics2007/?audience=done

E Challis Macpherson (310-822-1729; challis.macpherson@verizon.net) & Elizabeth Wright (lizabethwright@gmail.com): To bring the board and general public up-to-date about current negotiations between JPI Construction and the neighboring residents in the Oxford Triangle. (2min)

F David Barish (310-909-6697; davidb@wearemdr.com): We ARE Marina del Rey would like to make a short presentation on the many development projects Los Angeles County is pursuing in Marina del Rey and their potential significant impacts on the residents of Venice and the Marina Peninsula. (5 min)

G Hugh Harrison (310-487-2533; chezhaha@aol.com) & Linda Lucks (310-745-3240/310-450-2554; Lindalucks@aol.com): Report on Mayor’s Budget Day and Congress of Neighborhood Councils (3 min)

5. Announcements & Public Comment on items not on the Agenda (15 min, no more than 2 minutes per person) no board announcements

6. Old Business

A Jed Pauker (310-827-0144; gojednet-fencesandhedgesreco@yahoo.com) on behalf of Fences & Hedges Ad Hoc Committee: The Fences and Hedges Ad Hoc Committee recommends a vote FOR the following motion:

(Briefly Annotated Version)

That VNC Board of Officers RECOMMENDS to the Los Angeles City Council the following actions, amendments to the Los Angeles Municipal Code and/or the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan and further initiatives regarding fence, wall and hedge (“structure”) heights in the required front yard of private properties*:
1) Provide “grandfather” protection for existing structures over three-and-one-half feet in all subareas
at existing heights, with reference to Santa Monica’s process. 1
2) Recommend that the Board distribute a community-wide survey to provide factual basis for community support.
3) Enable neighborhoods (minimum 1 block) to establish “[Interim 2] Specific Plan Fence Height Overlay Districts” to define their own frontage barrier height [limits 3].
a) Enable height limits of new structures to increase in proportion to the distance set back from the property line.
b) Encourage neighborhood-friendly “walkability” and visibility.
4) Establish a notification procedure regarding neighborhood regulations for new property owners.

• except where a barrier would block a public view of the Coast [per Coastal Commission guidelines]

1 Santa Monica recently pursued resolution of this same issue, proposing new regulations and related processes
2 Since formal review of the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan is a few years away, recommending interim overlay districts was judged to be the appropriate effort.
3 The intent is to define maximum height limits, not to specify height uniformity.

B James Murez (310.399.1490; murez@venice.net) on behalf of self and LUPC: Request reconsideration of Board vote on the amendment to the September 16 Board Meeting Item 8BI excluding 520 Venice Way from the LUPC recommendation that:

“… all proposed sales of city-owned real property in Venice be submitted to the Land Use and Planning Committee so that the committee can hear public testimony and make recommendations on what it deems the best use of the property, and that all presently pending sales of such property be suspended until LUPC and the VNC Board have submitted a recommendation to the Council District 11 office.”

At the September 21 Board meeting, the board amended the original LUPC motion to exclude this most important issue – namely to have a public hearing on the sale of 520 Venice Way. No public hearing regarding the sale of 520 Venice Way has yet occurred. This is a HIGH PRIORITY item! A letter to the Councilman MUST be written ASAP since the sale of 520 Venice Way is scheduled for early November 2008.

The community wants this property to be held for neighborhood uses or at least to have a public hearing on the merits of whether or not to sell it at this time. The original motion without this exclusion should be reinstated.

As future volunteer landscaping projects are created through Venice, retaining this property for community events has the potential to save the projects 10’s of thousands of dollars. The concept here is if we plant seeds or sprout clippings we can raise the required plants to be used along the canal banks, Venice Bl ground cover and in the planters along Abbot Kinney and other commercial streets.

With respect to using the proceeds of the sale to someday help fund a multi-million dollar parking structure, no plans exist for said parking structure, no location has been designated, no council motion to fund or build said structure exists and all of the monies from prior sales ($18,000,000.00 plus) have vanished into the City. However there is a lot of support to retain this property throughout the community. The community group that maintains the Venice canals south of Washington Bl would like to have use of it, the Venice Blvd landscaping group would also like to use it, the Red Car Restoration group would like to use it, Venice 2000 could use it in conjunction with Venice Blvd and Abbot Kinney work and the list goes on …

Deadline must take action ASAP – stop the pending November sale!!

7. Treasurers Report accept report as presented

8. New Business

A Mike Newhouse (president@venicenc.org):

I Selection of Community Officer: to fill the vacant Community Officer position on the Administrative Committee. Per Bylaws ARTICLE VII A, this position is to be filled by a Community Officer elected by the Community Officers.

II Procedure for filling the two vacant Community Officer positions on the Board and the one vacant position on LUPC:

Board & LUPC Candidate Statements & Resumes

Nominations will be closed at the October 21st Board meeting.

All candidates are requested to attend the October 21st Board meeting at 7:05 PM for a 15-20 minute orientation and verification of stakeholder status – bring proof that you live, work or own property in Venice (drivers license, etc).

Each candidate will have 3 minutes to:

a. introduce him/herself – a general statement including qualifications and why s/he is interested in serving on the Board.

b. answer the following two questions.

1. A community officer is required to attend the monthly Board meeting on the third Tuesday of each month, occasional Town Hall meetings, an annual Board retreat and active participation on at least one committee. Board members are also asked to volunteer occasionally to staff the VNC table at the Friday Farmer’s Market and First Fridays on Abbott Kinney Blvd., and to be the conduit for information on VNC activities with neighbors and friends in Venice. With this in mind, what committee would you envision working on, and why? If your interest is in forming a new committee, please describe what you envision.

2. The Venice Specific Plan has been the blueprint for land development since 2000. The VNC is asked to consider variance requests and other modifications to the VSP. Keeping in mind that this is one of the more controversial issues in Venice, please tell us your insights and thoughts about the VSP and how it should be enforced (strictly, loosely, etc).

After the October 21st Board meeting, Board members will be requested to send, to Ira Koslow, questions they wish to ask the candidates. The questions will be forwarded to the candidates; responses should be returned to Ira and will be posted and distributed to the Board before the Board meeting on November 18th, which is when the Board will vote to seat 2 Community Officers and 1 LUPC member.

The LUPC appointment will be final. The elected Community Officers will immediately become voting members of the VNC Board, subject to a subsequent stakeholder ratification election.

To self nominate, send an email to the Board with a resume and the reasons for wishing to serve on the board. If you are interested in the LUPC position, complete the LUPC Application and send it with an email to the Board. Please tell us about you, your experience, and why you would like to serve in either of these positions.

Your interest is very much appreciated.

B From Board Members

I Stewart Oscars (310-305-8248; stewart.oscars@gmail.com): Motion to have October 18 be declared Jim Richards Day both in Venice and Los Angeles. Jim Richards was a community activist living in the Oakwood neighborhood of Venice. He worked to clean his neighborhood of drug dealing and gang activity. On October 18, 2000, he was shot to death in front of his home. I move that the VNC declare October 18 as Jim Richards Day in Venice and that we work with Councilmember Rosendahl to have this date memorialized by the LA City Council throughout the City of Los Angeles.

II City Ethics Committee Recommendation – NC Financial Disclosure (see Exhibit A): The City Ethics Committee statement is as follows:

On September 5th, the City Ethics Commission directed its staff to communicate its strong support for NCF-based disclosure made through Form 52. However, citing its understanding that the City Council might prefer a universal annual disclosure requirement, the Commission urged the Council to use Form 53, rather than Form 700, for that purpose.

On September 9th, the Education and Neighborhoods Committee considered both Form 52 and Form 53. After receiving input from the Ethics Commission, the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, and neighborhood council activists, the committee voted to recommend that the NCF pilot project move forward without any financial disclosure requirement. The full City Council is expected to make a final decision in the coming weeks.

There are 4 options listed below for Board consideration

1. Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org): Request that VNC Board of Officers send a letter to City of Los Angeles Ethics Committee Members and City Council E&N Committee Members (listed below) stating that the Venice Neighborhood Council adamantly rejects any neighborhood council participation, endorsing or use of City Council revised form 52 (en lieu of Form 700) which proposes that any neighborhood council board member must:

a. Within 30 days of taking office, fill out Form 52 listing all property owned by board officers, their spouses or domestic partners with a value of more than $2,000.00.
b. Within 30 days of taking office, fill out Form 52 listing board members, their spouses or domestic partners employers.
c. Within 30 days of taking office, fill out Form 52 listing all property owned by board members, their spouses or domestic partners in or within 1000 feet of Los Angeles (excluding personal residences) with a value of more than $2,000.00.
d. Within 30 days of taking office, fill out Form 52 listing businesses in Los Angeles of which board members, their spouses or domestic partners own more than 10% or more if valued at more than $2,000.00.

The Ethics Commissions resolution, based on the request of the F&N Committee is not limited to a two-year trial period but is a permanent action.

Ethics Committee members E&N Committee Members
Helen E. Zukin – President Paul H. Turner Richard Alarcon – Chair
Sean Treglia – Vice President Nedra Jenkins Dennis Zine
Michael Camunez Janice Hahn

2. Linda Lucks (310-745-3240/310-450-2554; Lindalucks@aol.com): Request that VNC support the City Ethics Commission which in it’s report recommending that the twin goals of transparency and enhanced citizen participation for neighborhood councils would be most appropriately balanced by a periodic personal financial disclosure requirement. The VNC agrees that form 700 forms are not appropriate due to the fact that our roles are advisory. However, we agree that NC board members should be subject to an alternative, annual reporting tool which asks for disclosure regarding key financial interests, such as employers, real estate interests, and business interests and other financial issues that could affect our particular council. In addition, each NC board member should be required to take the mandated ethics training within a set period of time for their votes to be valid.

3. Linda Lucks (310-745-3240/310-450-2554; Lindalucks@aol.com): Request VNC to adopt a rule where VNC board and committee members state for the record at public meetings or provide a statement in writing that they have a potential conflict of interest if they have received money or a gift from an interested party involved in a project or recommendation they are planning to discuss or on which they plan to vote. President could ask before each vote on development, policy.

4. Linda Lucks (310-745-3240/310-450-2554; Lindalucks@aol.com) on behalf of BONC: Request VNC to take a position on proposed options on Neighborhood Council financial disclosure filing requirements and to send a letter to the City Council stating their position, if any. The City Ethics Commission has recommended various options which will be taken up by the City Council in late October or November. BONC is asking for NC’s to take positions and/or individual members to speak up. Options: 1)Required filing of modified (form 52 or 53) annual personal financial disclosure forms for all NC members in order to serve; 2) filing of modified form for NC’s opening Neighborhood Council files only; 3) Filing of form 700 forms for all NC’s (unlikely); 4) other: required Ethics training in order to serve (already mandated, but not enforced); See links for background and language of proposed forms: http://ethics.lacity.org/newsletter/issues/2008-2/6-NeighborhoodCouncils… 1. ) See links for full City Ethics Commissions(CEC) Report and proposed language http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2008/08-0351 rpt eth 2-19-08.pdf – Report from CEC dated 02/19/08 regarding financial disclosure and Form 700.
http://ethics.lacity.org/pdf/policy/NCFinDisc/Transmittal (Forms 52 & 53) Sep08.pdf – Report from CEC 08/11/08 Supporting Form 52.

III Nadine Parkos (310-827-2188; nadineparkos@aol.com) & Marc Saltzberg (310-305-9660; outreach@VeniceNC.org) on behalf of LAPD Pacific Division 2008 Winter Wonderland Toy Give-Away: Request for VNC Financial Support and Co-sponsorship. See Exhibit C.

C From LUPC

I Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org) on behalf of LUPC: Move that the VNC Board of Officers accept the Land Use and Planning Committee’s Staff Report, and LUPC’s recommendation that the Board of the VNC deny this project as presented as the applicant has not demonstrated compliance with parking requirements for the proposed project. Vote 8-1-0 and passed. Draft letter to be submitted to VNC President, Mike Newhouse, immediately after VNC Board meeting. This relates to 2805 AK.

II Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org) on behalf of LUPC: Move that VNC Board of Officers accept the Land Use and Planning Committee’s Staff Report regarding 10 East 19th Avenue, Case #ENV 2007-2430 MND, and recommend the following action in accordance with LUPC’s recommendation September 10, 2008: “That the Board of the VNC recommend that the City approve the Specific Plan Exception as requested, on the condition that the a unit in the building other than the manager’s unit be designated as an affordable unit for the life of the project, at the level of very low income, with a covenant duly executed, and that the fence in the front yard be brought down to 3 1/2 feet. No additional parking space was recommended.” Vote 8-0-0. Draft letter to be submitted to VNC President, Mike Newhouse, for signature after October 21st meeting. See Exhibit D.

III Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org) on behalf of LUPC: I, Challis Macpherson Chair of VNC Land Use and Planning Committee, move that the VNC Board of Officers accept the LUPC staff report on this project; and approve the project as presented with the condition that at the end of the project the roof reverts to a state conforming to the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan. Vote 4-0-1. See Exhibit E. [Placed on agenda]

This is an innovative rooftop concept incorporating solar panels, hydroponic/greenhouse garden to feed a family of four, a cistern for water run-off, a variety of native plants and trees, and water areas for migrating birds and insects, areas to enjoy the greenroof, entertainment areas and, of course, art and design.

Website and blog: http://leilalevi.com/greenroof/. Architect’s rendering and elevations emailed to LUPC.

This building is 30’high and is under dual jurisdiction, City and Coastal, and can be 35’ high with a varied roofline, which can go 40’ high, with a set back of 5’. The solar shield and panels qualify as “varied” roofline. Note that the zoning is Neighborhood Commercial.

Building & Safety conditioned a 5’6” railing around the perimeter of the roof. Solar shield and panels would be 8’ high.

Applicant is requesting that LUPC recommend that the VNC Board of Officers send a letter of support for this concept to Councilman Rosendahl, City of Los Angeles Planning Dept. and Building and Safety. Draft of letter included.

Case Number: TBA
Address of Project: 18 East North Venice Blvd
Size of Parcel: Calculated 4,982.1 square feet
Size of Project: Roof Top of Condominium Building, built in 1983, with an approximate square footage of 3,450 square feet (50’X69’)
Venice Subarea: North Venice subarea; bounded by LA City line on the North, Washington Blvd on the South, Ocean Front Walk on the West and Hampton Drive on the East, in accordance with Exhibit 3a and 3b maps included with Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan.
Zone: [T]{Q}C1.5-1-O-CA
General Plan Use: Neighborhood Commercial
VCZSP Height: Pager 17, Section F, 3, a:
Permit Application Date: TBA
Date of Planning Report: TBA
Date of End of Appeal Period: TBA
Planning Report Prepared by: TBA
Applicant: Leila Levy
Address: 18 East North Venice Blvd.

D From Neighborhood Committee

I Ivan Spiegel (310-821-9556; ivan13147@verizon.net) on behalf of the Neighborhood Committee regarding Community Improvement Projects: The following request was approved unanimously by the Neighborhood Committee and will be incorporated into the appropriate standing rule if approved by the Board.

Request that the Board approve the following changes to the Neighborhood Committee’s 2009-2010 Community Improvement Project funding cycle:

1- projects will be funded up to $2000 maximum (changed from $5000)

2- more emphasis be placed on community involvement in projects (as opposed to just getting signatures of support)

3- priority be given to applicants/projects not previously funded

E From Arts Committee

I Aldis Browne (310-487-2533; aldis.browne@venicenc.org): That the Arts Committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council request the Venice Neighborhood Council Board of Officers for a certificate of appreciation honoring THE OTHER VENICE FILM FESTIVAL.

II Aldis Browne (310-487-2533; aldis.browne@venicenc.org) & Christopher Shaw (323-632-4894; cshawbytheseasha@sbcglobal.net) in conjunction with Tania Getty (tsparkly@aol.com) and Pacific Resident Theatre, Venice Library, and Youth Theatre Program: Request that the Venice Neighborhood Council approve funding from the Board’s Discretionary Funds for the proposed SECOND Young Adults Theatre FALL Program as presented in proposal, in an amount not to exceed $2190.00, pursuant to the proposed Budget submitted herewith. Request reaffirmed and passed unanimously.

PROPOSAL: Continuation of Youth Theatre Program, Venice Community Improvement Project Fall 2008

Based on the success of the initial Youth Theatre Project (see original VNC approved proposal attached) in conjunction with VNC, Venice Library and Pacific Resident Theatre, we would like to request funding for a similar fall program.

The Theatre Program is expected to directly benefit approximately 25-40 members of the Venice youth community including members of the Venice Library Young Adult Program, as well as an additional 60-100 (approx.) of the students’ friends, families, and the general public when the Theatre Program culminates in a FREE public showcase performance at the end of the fall program.

A) Objective

Cutbacks in the Arts Curriculum have left a gap in arts education for many students. Our goal is to bridge that gap within the Venice youth community. In addition to learning acting and theatre skills, some of the benefits are increased self-confidence, increased public and social skills, group dynamic skills, and public speaking skills.

By working in conjunction with professional actors that are involved in the Venice and Los Angeles performing arts institutions and community, this is also an opportunity to develop the “new audience” for performing arts within the Venice community and the Los Angeles community at large.

Communication and collaboration is the fulcrum of theatre arts. Students will build communication and performance skills in a fun, collaborative environment by exploring Imagination, Voice, Body Movement, Focus, Concentration, and being part of an Ensemble. Teaching artists will cultivate the Ensemble spirit of collaboration and participation as well as honing the individual skills and talents of each student.

The idea of community outreach is especially important in this partnership, which would provide free instruction to young people that may not otherwise have this opportunity. We particularly want to target a diverse group of kids who are under-served in the arts.

Ultimately, we are interested in developing this new program into a potentially ongoing partnership between the VNC, Venice Library and Pacific Resident Theatre.

B) Content

As in our first program, the curriculum will involve Theatre Games, Structured Improvisation, Neutral Scenes (Etudes), and Scene Work from published scripts and adapted literature. The program will culminate with an “invited master class” presentation at Pacific Resident Theatre that involves the students participating in class work in front of an invited audience as well as presenting scenes that are “works in progress” from their time in class.

***Recruitment: The main thing we learned after the initial summer session was that recruitment is absolutely essential to the success of the program. We are aiming to host a larger number of participating students from diverse backgrounds. Therefore, recruitment and preparation efforts before the program begins must be a high priority. We are hoping to remedy these challenges with the following approach:

• Allow at least 3 weeks before beginning of classes for recruiting students. If the project and its budget are approved, it is crucial that Venice Library, PRT and the individual teaching artists combine their efforts and resources to expand the initial roster of students.
• Marketing efforts would include contacting and communicating with drama teachers and principals from local schools, thereby creating yet another partnership for the betterment of arts education.
• This 3 or 4-week time span would also allow time for potential “free advertising” through feature articles in city and local papers, as well as flyer distribution at key attraction points.

C) 8-Week Class Structure

1) Two groups: Ages 8-12 and ages 13-17 in two separate classes, each meeting once per week for 8 weeks with 1 teaching artists per class. **(Would ideally like 2 teachers per class but not until we find matching funds)
2) One group ages 8-17, 2 teaching artists together.

D) Teaching Artist Salaries

The average rate for teaching artists in Los Angeles Theatre Arts and Acting programs is $67.50 per hour: $45 per hour of class time, plus 50% of the hourly rate ($22.50) as compensation for outside class preparation. This is true of all similar programs, whether privately-endowed or city, grant or university-funded. Given that this is a new program, we have structured our stipends at $45 per teaching hour. All additional lesson planning, administrative work and recruitment efforts are included within this stipend.

BUDGET

As with the summer program, PRT will submit receipts and invoices for the total expenses.
Invoices for teachers will be submitted at week 4 and 8 if approved.

Note: our requested and approved funding from summer program $3,200
and the final lower figure of actual invoice/receipt submission to VNC $ 1,822

NOTE: Increase of figures is based on the projected attendance increase and an 8-week program as opposed to the 4-week summer program.

Class / Program Administrative work: FREE
Recruiting students: FREE
PRT/VNC Liaison and Producer: FREE
Lights for presentation: FREE
PRT Theatre space for presentation: FREE
2 Teaching Artist Stipends: $1440
Script, Published material: $100
Class material Photocopying: $100
Recruitment flyer Photocopying: $100
Dry Cleaning: $50
Props: $50
Program/Poster (presentation): $100
Light Technician (presentation): $100
Refreshments (presentation): $150
TOTAL: (Not to exceed)………………… $2190

F From Stakeholders and Interest Groups:

I Tara Nicole Weyr (tnw30@mac.com) for Westside Food Bank: Request for VNC support and participation in effort to provide food for the hungry in LA. The West Side Food Bank provides food to 65 social service agencies in Los Angeles. In the past six months alone, prior to our recent economic crisis, the Westside Food Bank saw an increase of 25% in those who were turning to food banks for assistance. That’s nearly 20,000 more people than last year. This winter, the number of WORKING poor using food banks will increase even more dramatically given the increased cost of daily expenses such as food, gas, home heating and the shrinking job market. As more people begin to seek food assistance, food banks are receiving fewer donations. See Exhibit B.

II Steve Freedman (310 827-1189; steve.freedman@earthlink.net) & Marcia Hanscom: Motion to oppose the Goldrich & Kest project for Marina del Rey Parcel OT as currently configured. We would like the VNC Board to join us in opposing the height, density and environmental effects of a proposed project on Marina del Rey Parcel OT along Washington Blvd and authorize Mike Newhouse to send a letter to Bill Rosendahl which we have drafted.

III Dennis Hathaway (310-399-3523; dennis@banbillboardblight.org) on behalf of Coalition to Ban Billboard Blight: The conversion of conventional billboards to digital, with their intense light and rapidly changing commercial messages, raise serious questions of light pollution, driver distraction and traffic safety, and excessive energy consumption. Therefore, the Venice Neighborhood Council supports adoption of an Interim Control Ordinance to place a moratorium on permitting these conversions until all issues regarding their operation have been thoroughly studied, and all adverse affects completely mitigated.

9. Announcements & Public Comment on items not on the Agenda (15 min, no more than 2 minutes per person)

10. Adjourn (approx 10:00PM)

Exhibit A – City Ethics Commission – NC Financial Disclosure

Commission Re-Affirms Support for Limited Neighborhood Council Financial Disclosure
As policy discussions about the appropriate role of personal financial disclosure for neighborhood council board members continue in the city, the City Ethics Commission re-affirmed its support for limited disclosure tied to the creation of neighborhood council files, or NCFs. At its meeting on September 5, the Ethics Commission considered an alternative proposal requested by the City Council’s Education and Neighborhoods Committee to require annual disclosure. The staff report proposed to modify the Ethics Commission’s Form 52, which was first transmitted to the Council in March 2008. The Commission’s special meeting was called to enable the ethics panel to consider the issue and then share its views with Education and Neighborhoods Committee members at their meeting on September 9th.
After hearing from neighborhood council activists and others, the Ethics Commission concluded that the twin goals of transparency and enhanced citizen participation for neighborhood councils would be most appropriately balanced at this time by periodic disclosure tied only to the creation of an NCF. On a 4-1 vote, the Commission restated its continuing strong belief that the financial disclosure required of neighborhood council board members should reflect their advisory role and should not rise to the level and scope of disclosure required by state Form 700.
This issue first arose in January 2008, when the City Council approved a two-year pilot project authorizing neighborhood councils to create NCFs. As part of the pilot project, the City Council added a requirement that neighborhood council board members who participate in creating an NCF file a Form 700 relating to that NCF. Under City law, however, neighborhood councils are currently exempt from filing Form 700. If that exemption were eliminated, neighborhood council board members would be permanently subject to filing Form 700 on an annual basis and would also be subject to other City laws.
In response to requests for input from several councilmembers, the Ethics Commission observed that neighborhood councils are advisory bodies and, in its opinion, should not be required to file financial disclosure statements regarding matters over which they have no ultimate authority, such as NCFs. However, acknowledging the potential for conflicts of interests under state law, as well as the City Council’s stated desire for financial disclosure, the Commission adopted Form 52 as an alternative to Form 700 for neighborhood council board members. Form 52 asks for disclosure regarding key financial interests, such as employers, real estate interests, and business interests. It also asks for disclosure regarding other financial issues that could be affected by the particular NCF that triggered the filing. Only those neighborhood council board members who vote on an NCF would be required to file Form 52.

The Education and Neighborhoods Committee considered financial disclosure by neighborhood councils for several months and, on August 12, stated its preference for an annual financial disclosure requirement for all neighborhood council board members. The committee asked the Ethics Commission to revise Form 52 so that it is an annual filing that is not tied to an NCF. Rather than revise Form 52, the Commission suggested Form 53 as a alternative disclosure tool, should the Council decide to adopt an annual filing requirement. Form 53 asks for disclosure of the same core financial matters of employers, real estate interests, and business interests; and it also asks for the disclosure of gifts totaling $390 or more per year from a single source with business before the filer’s neighborhood council.
On September 5th, the Commission directed its staff to communicate its strong support for NCF-based disclosure made through Form 52. However, citing its understanding that the City Council might prefer a universal annual disclosure requirement, the Commission urged the Council to use Form 53, rather than Form 700, for that purpose.
On September 9th, the Education and Neighborhoods Committee considered both Form 52 and Form 53. After receiving input from the Ethics Commission, the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, and neighborhood council activists, the committee voted to recommend that the NCF pilot project move forward without any financial disclosure requirement. The full City Council is expected to make a final decision in the coming weeks.

Exhibit B – Westside Food Bank

(This is the text of the proposed flyer)

INVITATION TO JOIN THE VNC IN STOCKING THE WEST SIDE FOOD BANK!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21ST, 2008 – 7-10PM – AT THE VNC MEETING
At Westminster Elementary School (Auditorium)
1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd.Venice, CA, 90291

A balanced diet is one thing. Food itself is another. Many of us find it difficult to
believe that there are those in our community who are hungry. But the truth is, there
are many people in our community who are hungry. With the tanking economy, a
predicted jump in heating bills it should come as no surprise that a record demand of
food banks is expected. What you may not know is that the shelves of most food banks
are all but empty.

The West Side Food Bank provides food to 65 social service agencies in Los Angeles.
In the past six months alone, prior to our recent economic crisis, the Westside Food
Bank saw an increase of 25% in those who were turning to food banks for assistance:
That’s nearly 20,000 more people than last year. This winter, the number of
WORKING poor using food banks will increase even more dramatically given the
increased cost of daily expenses such as food, gas, home heating and the shrinking job
market. As more people begin to seek food assistance, food banks are receiving fewer
donations.

On the next page is a list of all that is needed. So please, when you do your grocery
shopping this weekend, don’t forget to include items for the West Side Food Bank.
Cash, checks, and Ralph’s gift cards are great. The West Side Food Bank is able to
take $1 and turn into meals for 7 people. $1=7 Meals. All Donations are Tax
Deductible.

We hope you will join the Venice Neighborhood Council in making this a huge success!

Westside Food Bank & Venice neighborhood council FOOD DRIVE!
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008
At Westminster Elementary School (Auditorium)
1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd.Venice, CA, 90291

Cash, Checks (made out to West Side Food Bank) and other forms of
monetary donations are great too.

Protein foods are urgently needed!
Canned Tuna and Peanut Butter

The following non-perishable food items
are desperately needed.
Canned Tuna * Vegetable Soup* Fruits and Fruit Juice * Pork & Beans * Stews and
other meats

Packaged foods are great too!
Pasta, pinto, lentils and other beans * Macaroni & Cheese & Packaged dinners
Instant Soups * Hot and Cold Cereals * Peanut Butter & Other Nut Butters

West Side Food Bank is in very short supply of
Baby Food & Blankets are urgently needed!
For baby foods, glass Jars are OK; otherwise no glass please!
Infant formula * Jar foods – all flavors and stages * Crackers, teething biscuits, and
cookies * Raisins and fruit snacks * Juices: jars, cans, pouches, and boxes.

Exhibit C – LAPD Pacific Division Winter Wonderland Toy Give-Away

Agenda Request for Financial Support and
Co-sponsorship of the Los Angeles Police Department,
Pacific Division’s 2008 Winter Wonderland Toy Give-Away
FREE Community Event

1. Name of Requesting Committee/VNC Representative

Los Angeles Police Department, Pacific Division, 3rd Annual Winter Wonderland Toy Give-Away Committee
Heidi Llanes, LAPD Pacific Division, Senior Lead Officer for Mar Vista, Robin Richards, LAPD Pacific Division, Senior Lead Officer for Venice, Co-Chairs, and
Marc Saltzburg, VNC Outreach Officer (msinvenice-nc@yahoo.com), and Nadine Parkos, VNC Community Officer & VNC-appointed Event Volunteer Representative (Nadineparkos@aol.com)

2. Description of the Event

• 3rd Annual Winter Wonderland Toy Give-Away at Pacific Division Community Police Station, specifically focused on children in need residing in the communities of Venice and Mar Vista
• A Venice Neighborhood Council outreach event
• An inter-community mixer between the communities of Venice & Mar Vista

The community donates toys and LAPD Pacific Division hosts a toy give-away. In 2007, 20 tons of snow was brought in (and added to by a snow machine) for the children to play in, and approximately 3,000 toys were given away to children in need primarily from the Venice and Mar Vista communities. The children (ages 3 – 15 years) are escorted into the Toy Tent to select the toy of their own choice (without the influence of parents or older siblings) – discretion is involved. They then have their picture taken with Santa and get a candy, and a play in the snow. This is supervised, with only a limited number of children in the snow area at any one time. They write letters to Santa and put them in the mailbox, have a cookie and juice, and then leave to make room for other children. Last year, it was a rainy night, but the line was around the station and some kids waited in line 3 to 8 hours to select a toy and have their picture taken with Santa.

Co-Chair Officer Heidi Llanes informed us (the Committee) at the one meeting we’ve had so far that in 2007 they (the Committee) received approximately $7,000 from community donations made to the Pacific Boosters (the community organization that supports our LAPD Pacific Division) for this one annual event. A great many of the toys are donated through local businesses and schools (PTAs) which put out collection boxes, community Holiday Parties specifically focused on toy donations for the Toy Give-Away, and Toys for Tots-US Marine Corp.

Approximately $5,000 was spent directly on toys last year with some of the toys purchased through Toys-R-Us Gift Cards.

The rest of the money is spent primarily on the rental of Tents/Tables/Chairs, Snow-making materials, a Tree, Coffee/Hot Chocolate Truck, Cookies, a DJ, Polaroid Film for photos with Santa, and Balloons. A lot of items, such as water and juices, candy, printing costs for flyers, invitations, and the banner, are donated by various community vendors.

The Committee’s goal this year is to raise an additional $3,500 to $5,000 to pay for toys for the older children (ages 12 – 15 years) AND twice as much snow as last year so a snow sleigh run can be set up for the kids. Additionally, the Committee would like to reserve approximately $1,000 to $1,500 to make a few of the letters to Santa come true – you’d be amazed at what some of these kids “in need” request, not for themselves, but for their families!

3. Qualification of Committee Organization

Members of the planning committee have successfully organized and planned previous Holiday Toy Give-Aways for the communities of Venice and Mar Vista, as well as other inter-community outreach events, such as National Night Out, which the VNC has previously supported and participated in.
Officers Heidi Llanes and Robin Richards, Committee Co-Chairs

4. Proof of Support

We have the full support of Councilman Bill Rosendahl’s office, as well as support from the communities of Venice and Mar Vista, a majority showing of support from the Mar Vista Neighborhood Council, and we hope to again have the support of the Venice Neighborhood Council.

5. Proof of required Licenses and Permits

• Liability insurance – already in effect as the event will take place on City-owned property (Pacific Community Police Station, Los Angeles)
• Health Permit – not required if food is free, outreach is local, and less than 500 people

6. Itemized Budget*

• Toys Toys R Us $1,000.00

• This expenditure will come out of the Outreach Committee’s available funds for community events, NOT from the Board’s available funds for community projects.

7. Time Line

Saturday, December 13, 2008 5:00 – 9:00 PM Pacific Community Police Station (in the parking lot) 12312 Culver Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066

NOTE: To ensure as many Venice children in need will have the opportunity to participate and benefit from this event, City-provided buses will transport/shuttle the children and their families between the Oakwood Recreation Center and LAPD Pacific Division throughout the duration of the event.

8. Statement of How the Event Will Benefit the Community

8A. A Community Benefit
The children of the Oakwood area of Venice and the Mar Vista Gardens area in Mar Vista will especially benefit from this project because they will experience first-hand how encounters with members of the Los Angeles Police Department and their own Neighborhood Councils can be a positive, knowledge-building, and enriching experience. It is anticipated that the event will also help them develop a stronger sense of self and community pride through the awareness that a larger “community” cares about them, and should the need ever arise, is also ready, willing, and available to advocate on their behalf.

8B. Community Outreach for the VNC
The 3rd annual Winter Wonderland Toy Give-Away is a great opportunity for VNC outreach. Board Members can socialize and interact with the children and their families, as well as the Los Angeles Police Department, in a more personal one-on-one manner, introducing themselves and providing information about the services and duties of the Venice Neighborhood Council, as well as provide Board members with the opportunity to listen to the Venice constituents’ concerns. The VNC will also have a booth at the event where members of the Venice community can access informative printed public-resource materials and other information about the services of their Neighborhood Council.

Residents in the Venice Oakwood and Mar Vista Garden areas represent the largest minority populations with the lowest median incomes in the Pacific Division. Outreach in these neighborhoods is essential to maintaining a diverse membership in our Neighborhood Councils, particularly the VNC. This event has the capacity to benefit the combined communities of Venice and Mar Vista with far-reaching pride and community-ownership, long after the event has reached its successful conclusion.

9. Statement of How the VNC Funds Will Be Used

The VNC funds will be used specifically to purchase toys from Toys R Us, for children between the ages of 3 to 15, in an amount not to exceed $1,000.00.

10. Request for Funding & Manpower from VNC

This event requires as many VNC Board and Committee members as can possibly attend and “work” the event on December 13, 2008.

Marc Saltzburg, VNC Outreach Officer, and Nadine Parkos, VNC Community Officer, move that the Board approve the funding of the Los Angeles Police Department, Pacific Division’s 2008 Winter Wonderland Toy Give-Away for the purchase of toys in an amount not to exceed $1,000.00.

Submitted by: Marc Saltzburg, VNC Outreach Officer (msinvenice-nc@yahoo.com), and Nadine Parkos, VNC Community Officer and VNC-appointed Event Volunteer Representative for LAPD Pacific Division’s 2008 Winter Wonderland Toy Give-Away (Nadineparkos@aol.com).

Exhibit D – FINAL LUPC STAFF REPORT – 10 19th Avenue

Date: October 6, 2008
Project Address: 10 19th Avenue
Case Number: APCW-2007-2429-SPE-SPP-CDP-MEL – ENV 2007-2430-MND
Applicant: Glen and Jane Hickerson, Sonoma, CA; email: GHickerson@JetWorks.aero; phone: (415) 568-4822
Applicant’s Representative: Steve Kaali, Windrich Group, Canoga Park, CA; email: askaaliman@gmail.com; phone: (818) 795-7697
Size of parcel: two adjacent lots of equal size totaling 5,279 square feet, as per ZIMAS; 60’ x 88’, on the southwest corner of 19th Avenue and Speedway. 19th Avenue is a walk street, and there is alley access from the south side of the property and on Speedway.
Size of project: Existing 7,600 square foot 10-unit apartment building constructed in 1971 (as per ZIMAS); approximately 41’ tall (as per City Planning Recommendation Report); 16 parking spaces inside closed garages, 12 tandem, 4 standard
Parking:
Unit mix/parking: 2 2-bedroom units, 1 tandem parking space per unit
2 1-bedroom + loft units, 1 tandem parking space per unit
4 1-bedroom units, 1 standard parking space per unit
2 singles, tenants share a tandem parking space
The Manager’s unit (existing illegal 11th unit) uses the remaining tandem space for parking and for himself and for vendor/maintenance/repair person parking
The Manager reports that no tenants park on the street, and there is no guest parking.
The project is located in the Beach Impact Zone as defined in Section 5.D. of the VCZSP, and the Beach Impact Zone parking requirement is “One parking space for each 640 square feet of floor area of the Ground Floor,” as that term is defined in Section 5.M. of the VCZSP. The only Ground Floor area is the lobby and the Manager’s unit which are less than 640 square feet, which would require 1 BIZ parking space.
The VCZSP Parking Requirement Table bases parking for multiple dwelling units on the width of a lot. If the two lots are considered as one, the width is 60’, and two parking spaces are required per unit, plus .25 guest parking spaces per unit, rounded up. The total number of parking spaces which would be required if this project was built today, 24 parking spaces would be required, whereas the building currently has 16 parking spaces.
Zoning: R3-1-O
General Plan Land Use: Medium Residential
Venice Subarea: North Venice, VCZSP Section 10.F.
Department of City Planning Recommendation Report: recommends that the application be denied in its entirety.
West L.A. Area Planning Commission Hearing Date: September 17, 2008
Nature of Application: A previous owner converted a storage area into an illegal unit which has been occupied by the building manager for the last 16 years. The Applicant is requesting a Specific Plan Exception, Project Permit Compliance review, and a Coastal Development Permit (as per the City Planning Recommendation Report) as follows:
1. Pursuant to Section 11.5.7 F of the Municipal Code, an Exception from the following Sections of the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan:
A. Section 10.F.2 to permit density to be calculated by permitting one unit for each 479 square feet of lot area in lieu of the required 1,500 square feet per unit as specified by the Specific Plan.
B. Section 13.D to permit the requested 11th unit to provide only one parking space in lieu of two (2) parking spaces per dwelling unit and one guest parking space as is otherwise required..
2. Pursuant to section 8.B. of the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan and Section 11.5.7 of the Municipal Code, a Project Permit Compliance determination.
3. Coastal Development Permit for the above.

ISSUES AND ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR AND AGAINST:

Parking:
Adding a new parking space as proposed by the Applicant in the front yard of the site will result in a loss of outdoor common area and will require the removal of landscaping.
Each tenant has a parking space, but there is no guest parking for this 10-unit building.
The building manager who resides in the illegal unit has a tandem parking space for himself and for parking by vendor/maintenance/repair persons. If this 10-unit apartment building could be built today,

Density:
The combined square footage of the two lots is 5,279 square feet. If a new project were built there today, a total of 4 units could be built on the two lots. The existing apartment building is 10 units.
Creating/Preserving Affordable Housing:
In an effort to create and preserve affordable housing, the LUPC has sometimes recommended that the VNC Board recommend approval of the continued use of an illegal unit, so long as it is maintained as an affordable unit.

MOTION PASSED BY LUPC:
On September 10, 2008, the LUPC passed a Motion recommending that the Board of the VNC recommend that the City approve the Specific Plan Exception as requested, on the condition that a unit in the building other than the manager’s unit be designated as an affordable unit for the life of the project, at the level of “very low” income, with a covenant duly executed between the City and the Applicant, and that the fence in the front yard be brought down to 3 ½ feet, with no additional parking space.

EXPRESS REASONING UNDERLYING LUPC’S MOTION
The LUPC felt that the designation of an affordable unit at the level of “very low” income was such a significant benefit to the community that no new parking space should be required, particularly because adding a new parking space would take away a landscaped common area.
The LUPC felt that the unit designated as affordable should not be the manager’s unit because the manager might not qualify for the “very low” income level and would have to vacate the unit, and because even if the manager qualified, the Applicant might already give the manager a reduced rent, and designation of that unit as “affordable” would be subsidizing the owner’s payment to the manager in the form of reduced rent.

Exhibit E – FINAL LUPC STAFF REPORT – 18 East North Venice Blvd

Venice Neighborhood
Council
Post Office Box 550

Venice, CALIFORNIA 90294

310-606-2015.

Land Use and Planning Committee Report Compiled for VNC Board of Officers Meeting On

October 21, 2008

Case Number: TBA
Address of Project: 18 East North Venice Blvd
Size of Parcel: Calculated 4,982.1 square feet
Size of Project: Roof Top of Condominium Building, built in 1983, with an approximate square footage of 3,450 square feet (50’X69’)

Venice Subarea: North Venice subarea; bounded by LA City line on the North, Washington Blvd on the South, Ocean Front Walk on the West and Hampton Drive on the East, in accordance with Exhibit 3a and 3b maps included with Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan.
Zone: [T]{Q}C1.5-1-O-CA
General Plan Use: Neighborhood Commercial
VCZSP Height: Pager 17, Section F, 3, a:
Permit Application Date: TBA
Date of Planning Report: TBA
Date of End of Appeal Period: TBA
Planning Report Prepared by: TBA

Applicant: Leila Levy
Address: 18 East North Venice Blvd.
Date heard by LUPC: September 24, 2008
Date heard by VNC Board: October 21, 2008
LUPC MOTION: Motion made, second and passed by a vote of 4-0-1 that LUPC recommend that the VNC Board of Officers accept the LUPC staff report on this project; and approve the project as presented with the condition that at the end of the project the roof reverts to a state conforming to the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan.

STAFF REPORT
Project Description: This is an innovative rooftop concept incorporating solar panels, hydroponic/greenhouse garden to feed a family of four, a cistern for water run-off, a variety of native plants and trees, and water areas for migrating birds and insects, areas to enjoy the greenroof, entertainment areas and, of course, art and design.

Website and blog: http://leilalevi.com/greenroof/. Architect’s rendering and elevations emailed to LUPC and on VNC/LUPC web site.

This building is 30’high and is under dual jurisdiction, City and Coastal, and can be 35’ high with a varied roofline, which can go 40’ high, with a set back of 5’. The solar shield and panels qualify as “varied” roofline. Note that the zoning is Neighborhood Commercial. Building & Safety conditioned a 5’6” railing around the perimeter of the roof. Solar shield and panels would be 8’ high.

Applicant is requesting that LUPC recommend that the VNC Board of Officers send a letter of support for this concept to Councilman Rosendahl, City of Los Angeles Planning Dept. and Building and Safety. Draft of letter included.

Summary of Arguments Against this Project: That the rooftop be restored to its condition when and if the project is discontinued. This is reflected in LUPC motion to recommend approval.

Summary of Arguments For this Project: An excellent opportunity for Venice to lead the City of Los Angeles in converting unsightly and wasteful roof tops into sustainable environments for people and migratory birds and insects.

Summary of Public Comment: Approval of this concept.

Authors of Report: Challis Macpherson
Date: September 24, 2008

Draft of LUPC Recommended Letter from VNC Board of Officers to Council District 11 and selected others included at bottom.

Approximate Hours Spent on this Project by LUPC Staff: 28

AGENDA REQUEST SUBMITTED TO ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 25, 2008

LUPC REQUEST FOR BOARD RECOMMENDATION: I, Challis Macpherson Chair of VNC Land Use and Planning Committee, move that the VNC Board of Officers accept the LUPC staff report on this project; and approve the project as presented with the condition that at the end of the project the roof reverts to a state conforming to the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan. Vote 4-0-1

HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT FOR AdCom:

Applicant previously submitted this project to Councilman Rosendahl, who suggested that she present it to the Venice Neighborhood Council. Ms. Levy requests that a letter of approval of this concept be forwarded to Councilmember Rosendahl, LA City Building & Safety, and City Planners. Plans, elevations and related documents and on web site. Staff Report and draft letter to be emailed to VNC board members.

FYI to AdCom members, here is excerpt from draft LUPC staff report:

This is an innovative rooftop concept incorporating solar panels, hydroponic/greenhouse garden to feed a family of four, a cistern for water run-off, a variety of native plants and trees, and water areas for migrating birds and insects, areas to enjoy the greenroof, entertainment areas and, of course, art and design.

Website and blog: http://leilalevi.com/greenroof/. Architect’s rendering and elevations emailed to LUPC.

This building is 30’high and is under dual jurisdiction, City and Coastal, and can be 35’ high with a varied roofline, which can go 40’ high, with a set back of 5’. The solar shield and panels qualify as “varied” roofline. Note that the zoning is Neighborhood Commercial.

Building & Safety conditioned a 5’6” railing around the perimeter of the roof. Solar shield and panels would be 8’ high.

Address of Project: 18 East North Venice Blvd
Size of Parcel: Calculated 4,982.1 square feet
Size of Project: Roof Top of Condominium Building, built in 1983, with an approximate square footage of 3,450 square feet (50’X69’)
Venice Subarea: North Venice subarea; bounded by LA City line on the North, Washington Blvd on the South, Ocean Front Walk on the West and Hampton Drive on the East, in accordance with Exhibit 3a and 3b maps included with Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan.

Zone: [T]{Q}C1.5-1-O-CA
General Plan Use: Neighborhood Commercial
Applicant: Leila Levy
Address: 18 East North Venice Blvd.

DRAFT OF LETTER:

October 21, 2008

Councilmember Bill Rosendahl
City of Los Angeles City Hall, Room 452
200 North Spring
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2601

Subject: 18 East North Venice Blvd., Venice, California 90291 Innovative Use of Rooftop

Dear Councilman Rosendahl:

Attached are the plans and description of an innovative rooftop concept incorporating solar panels, hydroponic/greenhouse garden to feed a family of four, a cistern for water run-off, a variety of native plants and trees, and water areas for migrating birds and insects, areas to enjoy the greenroof, entertainment areas and, of course, art and design. This directly influences this city’s desire to encourage sustainability on a private level. The applicant, Ms. Leila Levy, has been working on this for several years.

Ms. Levy has taken this concept to Planning, Building & Safety and your office. She was told to take it to her local neighborhood council for recommendation. Our LUPC investigated this project and took public comment.

LUPC has recommended that we forward our recommendation that this concept for an innovative rooftop garden be advanced to the Mayor’s office, City Planning and Building & Safety at the highest level to you. Our city needs this.

Sincerely,
Mike Newhouse, President, Venice Neighborhood Council
Cc: Ms. Leila Levy Secretary@VeniceNC.org Challis Macpherson, Chair (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org) VNC Land Use and Planning Committee

Location(s)

See map: Google Maps, Yahoo! Maps

Attachment	Size
080908EthicsCommLtrToLACouncil-NCFinancialDisclosure.pdf	801.03 KB
081021VNCTreasurerReportBudget.xls	51 KB
081021VNCBoardAgendaRev.doc	323 KB
2805 AKB LUPC Staff Report.October 8, 2008.doc	375.5 KB