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WHWCNC REGULAR FULL BOARD MEETING
Supporting documents can be downloaded HERE
WOODLAND HILLS WARNER CENTER NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
June 11, 2025 Regular Virtual Full Board Meeting
BY ZOOM
200 N. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012
Website: www.empowerla.org
Email: [email protected]
6:30 p.m.- 09:00 p.m.
Zoom Meeting Online or By Telephone
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/96493712127
Or Dial (669) 900-6833 to Join the Meeting
Code is 964 9371 2127 and Press #
Si requiere servicios de traducción, favor de avisar al Concejo Vecinal 3 días de trabajo (72 horas) antes del evento. Por favor contacte Karen DiBiase, Secretaria, al 818-639-9444 o por correo electrónico www.whcouncil.org para avisar al Concejo Vecinal.
IN CONFORMITY WITH THE OCTOBER 6, 2023 ENACTMENT OF CALIFORNIA SENATE BILL 411 (PORTANTINO) AND LA CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL ON NOVEMBER 1, 2023, THIS WOODLAND HILLS WARNER CENTER NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY.
Every person wishing to address the Committee must enter the meeting via the above Zoom link or dial (669) 900-6833 and enter 964 9371 2127 and then press # to join the meeting. When prompted by the presiding officer, to provide public input at the Meeting of the Woodland Hills – Warner Center Neighborhood Council [WHWCNC] meeting, the public will be requested to dial *9 by phone or use the Raise Hand option on Zoom, to address the Board on any agenda item before the Board takes an action on an item. Comments from the public on agenda items will be heard only when the respective item is being considered.
Comments from the public on other matters not appearing on the agenda that are within the Board’s jurisdiction will be heard during the General Public Comment period. Please note that under the Brown Act, the Board is prevented from acting on a matter that you bring to its attention during the General Public Comment period; however, the issue raised by a member of the public may become the subject of a future WHWCNC Board or Board meeting. Public comment is limited to 1 minute per speaker, unless adjusted by the presiding officer of the Board.
SB 411 Updates:
In the event of a disruption that prevents the Board from broadcasting the meeting to members of the public using the call-in option or internet-based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the Board control that prevents members of the public from offering public comments using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the Board shall take no further action on items appearing on the meeting agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. Actions taken on agenda items during a disruption that prevents the Board from broadcasting the meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1.
The Board shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting and shall provide an opportunity for the public to address the Board and offer comments in real time.
Notwithstanding Section 54953.3, an individual desiring to provide public comment through the use of an internet website, or other online platform, not under the control of the Board, which requires registration to log in to a teleconference may be required to register as required by the third-party internet website or online platform to participate.
(i) If the Board provides a timed public comment period for each agenda item shall not close the public comment period for the agenda item, or the opportunity to register, pursuant to subparagraph to provide public comment until that timed public comment period has elapsed.
(ii) If the Board does not provide a timed public comment period, but takes public comment separately on each agenda item, shall allow a reasonable amount of time per agenda item to allow public members the opportunity to provide public comment, including time for members of the public to register pursuant to subparagraph (D), or otherwise be recognized for the purpose of providing public comment.
(iii) If the Board provides a timed general public comment period that does not correspond to a specific agenda item shall not close the public comment period or the opportunity to register, pursuant to subparagraph (D), until the timed general public comment period has elapsed.
Board Members:
Area 1 – Karen DiBiase, Geoffrey Hobson, Rochelle / Shelly Schwartz, Reina Cerros- McCaughey
Area 2 – Julian Tu, Masha Dowell, Elie El Habr
Area 3 – Tracey Rosen, Dean Mathew, Harout Z. Aristakessian
Area 4 – Don Patterson, Martin Lipkin, Dena Weiss
Area 5 – Julie Waltrip, Steve Sommers
Area 6 – Danny Mulvihill, Heath Kline, Megan Jacoby, Leslie Payne
Area 7 – Kate Kennedy, Lillian / Joyce Fletcher, Juliet Schwartz
At-Large – August Steurer, Vacant Seat for Alternate
Youth Member – Vacant seat
AGENDA
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Public Announcements:
Office of Councilmember Bob Blumenfield – if available (2 minutes each)
Office of Local and State Officials – if available (2 minutes each)
Other Local Agencies – if available (2 minutes each)
General Public Comment, by the Public, on Non-Agenda Items:
General Public Comment is limited to two (2) minute per speaker and 10 minutes total.
- Organization, Operation, Policies, & Procedures & Reports:
All comment is limited to 2 minutes per speaker, unless adjusted by the presiding officer of the Board. There will be ONE opportunity to speak only unless allowed by the presiding officer. Time limits set for each agenda item may be adjusted by the presiding officer of the Board. Time limits may vary so the public is encouraged to join the meeting several minutes PRIOR to a specific agenda item being discussed.
- Approval of Minutes: Board Meeting – May 14, 2025 (estimated time 5 minutes)
See posted support documents Roll Call Vote
- Officer Reports
(estimated time 5 minutes)
President – Dena Weiss
Vice President – Elie El Habr
Treasurer – Heath Kline
Secretary -Karen DiBiase
Parliamentarian – Don Patterson
- Area Reports (it is requested that each area designate one representative to report each month). (estimated time 10 minutes)
Area 1 – Karen DiBiase, Geoffrey Hobson, Rochelle / Shelly Schwartz, Reina Cerros- McCaughey
Area 2 – Julian Tu, Masha Dowell, Elie El Habr
Area 3 – Tracey Rosen, Dean Mathew, Harout Z. Aristakessian
Area 4 – Don Patterson, Martin Lipkin, Dena Weiss
Area 5 – Julie Waltrip, Steve Sommers
Area 6 – Danny Mulvihill, Heath Kline, Megan Jacoby, Leslie Payne
Area 7 – Kate Kennedy, Lillian / Joyce Fletcher, Juliet Schwartz
At-Large – August Steurer, Vacant Seat for Alternate
- Items for Discussion and Possible Action:
Item No. 1
Heath Kline, Treasurer
(25-049) Approval of MER for June 2025
For discussion and possible action (estimated time 5 minutes)
Motion for the Board to approve the May, 2025 Monthly Expense Report (MER).
See posted MER included in supporting documents (18 pages).
Roll Call Vote
Item No. 2
Don Patterson, Martin Lipkin, Chairs of PLUM Committee
25-050 Motion for CUB application for full line of alcoholic beverages at Kourosh Restaurant, 22635 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 1367: (ZA-2024-2448-CUB / ENV-2024-2449 CE)
For discussion and possible action (estimated time 15 minutes)
Conditional Use Permit request to allow the sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption in conjunction with an existing 2,990 square-foot Persian restaurant (Kourosh Restaurant) that has operated at this site since 1990, with 57 indoor seats and existing parking in a large parking lot in front. They seek to be able to operate from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., daily. The project does not involve any interior or exterior alterations to the building, and there will be no entertainment.
MOTION:
As pertaining to the proposed issuance of a CUB for serving a full line of alcoholic beverages at Kourosh Restaurant, 22635 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills CA, 91367, and after having held one(1) public meeting over Zoom for the application filed by the restaurant owner, Famoush Ranjbari, the WHWCNC Planning, Land Use and Mobility Committee hereby finds
that:
WHEREAS, the proposed project is in basic compliance with all of the requirements of the Los Angeles City Municipal Code, and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC); and
WHEREAS, the proposed project adheres to all of the requirements of the City’s and State’s codes without requesting variances or exemptions; and
WHEREAS, the restaurant seeks to be able to operate from 8 AM to 2:00 AM daily; and
WHEREAS, the restaurant will have 9 parking spaces specifically designated for their use, and dozens of other parking spaces that patrons may us within the shopping center lot; and
WHEREAS, there will be no modifications to either the interior or exterior of the restaurant;
THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Planning Land Use and Mobility Committee (PLUM), for the findings and recommendations stated herein, recommends that the application and plans submitted by Kourosh Restaurant at 22635 Ventura Blvd. for a CUB to sell and serve a full line of alcoholic beverages receive the support of the Board of the Woodland Hills-Warner Center Neighborhood Council (WHWCNC).
The Planning, Land Use and Mobility Committee also recommends that the Board of the Woodland Hills –Warner Center Neighborhood Council advise the City of Los Angeles Planning Department and Council District 3 Councilmember Bob Blumenfield of its findings and recommendations to SUPPORT this motion presented to the WHWCNC Board on June 11, 2025.
Motion: Matt Richman
Second: Marty Lipkin
VOTE: YES -6 (Steurer, Wasserman, Rice, Richman, Fletcher, Lipkin)
NO -0
ABSTAIN-0
Roll Call Vote
Item No. 3
Joyce Fletcher, Chair of Community Services Committee
(24-51) (CIS) Community Impact Statement, Council File 25-0600-S7
For discussion and possible action (estimated time 15 minutes)
Council File 25-0600-S7
The WHWCNC joins other Neighborhood Councils in Supporting Council File 25-0600-S7 for the City Council to restore Neighborhood Council (NC) budgets from the current proposed $25,000 back to $32,000.
The $32,000 funding is critical for operational effectiveness, community engagement, and support for local nonprofits and community focused events. This proposed reduction represents less than half of the original $50,000 allocation intended when Neighborhood Councils were initially established, not accounting for inflation, which significantly magnifies the impact of this funding decrease.
The WHWCNC also requests a rollover of supplemental funds from the prior fiscal year. Unspent rollover funds are a part of each NC’s allocated funds and are necessary to maintain effective community outreach and engagement, as has been practiced in previous fiscal years.
Vote at Committee: Yes 3 No 0 Abstain 0.
https://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=25-0600-S7
Roll Call Vote
Item No. 4
Joyce Fletcher, Chair of Community Services Committee
(24-052) (CIS) Community Impact Statement, Council File 25-0002-S29
For discussion and possible action (estimated time 15 minutes)
Council File No: 25-0002-S29 – Support AB 867.
Motion: The WHWCNC Board to supports AB 867. On April 8, 2025, the Resolution (Blumenfield – Hernandez) was introduced in support for AB 867 (Lee), which would prohibit the declawing of a cat unless a veterinarian performs the procedure for a medically necessary purpose that benefits the cat’s health. The Resolution states that cat declawing is a cruel and unethical surgical procedure that includes the amputation of the first knuckle of each cat’s toes, resulting in lifelong disfigurement and pain. The Resolution further states that declawing is prohibited or considered unethical in several countries, including Sweden, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom as well as in 15 counties and cities in the United States including New York and Los Angeles.
The Department of Animal Services is in support of AB 867. At its meeting held on May 13,
2025, the Board of Animal Services Commissioners approved a report in support of AB 867.
Vote at Committee: Yes 3 No 0 Abstain 0.
https://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=25-0002-S29
Roll Call Vote
Item No. 5
Joyce Fletcher, Chair of Community Services Committee
(24-053) (CIS) Community Impact Statement, Council File 22-0560
For discussion and possible action (estimated time 15 minutes)
City Council File No. 22-0560
Municipal Lobbying Ordinance
Motion: The WHWCNC Board approve and requires the Ethics Commission and the City Council to take immediate action, to approve and enforce a Municipal Lobbying Ordinance that will finally put an end to lobbying and behind the scenes deal making that benefits special interests that has allowed and promoted corruption in Los Angeles City Government.
This action is long overdue and the WHWCNC is shocked to learn that this ordinance was not approved in 2022. The WHWCNC also objects to the exemptions being considered in the
Municipal Lobbying Ordinance for 501(c)(3)s and 501(c)(5)s as these exemptions have been abused and used as an avenue for corrupt practices and activities.
In May 2022, the Ethics Commission recommended comprehensive updates to the
Municipal Lobbying Ordinance (MLO). See Council File No. 22-0560. The Ad Hoc Committee
on Government Reform held hearings on the Ethics Commission’s policy proposal in February
and March of 2023.
But no further action was taken and the council file expired on March 17, 2025.
On April 23, 2025, the members of the Ethics Commission voted to retransmit the previous 2022 recommendations.
The City Council is required to hold a public hearing on policy proposals that are transmitted by the Ethics Commission within 180 days. If a hearing is not held within that time period, the City Clerk is required to schedule the policy proposal at the next regular City Council meeting. Los Angeles City Charter § 703(c).
Vote at Committee: Yes 4 No 0 Abstain 0
Go to the link below to see the full report.
https://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=22-0560
Roll Call Vote
Committee Reports, (estimated time 10 minutes)
Budget Committee – Heath Kline, Chair Arts and Culture Committee – Masha Dowell and Harout Aristakessian, Co-Chairs
Community Services Committee – Joyce Fletcher, Chair
Community Outreach Committee –Tracey Rosen, Chair
Education and Youth Committee – Julie Waltrip, Chair
Environmental & Beautification Committee – Karen DiBiase, Chair
Governance Committee – Dena Weiss, Chair
Government Relations Committee- Reina Cerros McCaughey, Chair
Homeless and Social Justice Advocacy Committee –Chair pending appointment by Governance Committee
Public Safety and Transportation –Julie Waltrip, Chair
PLUM Committee – Don Patterson and Marty Lipkin, Co-Chairs
WHIP Committee – August Steurer and Heath Kline, Co-Chairs
Adjournment of Meeting
The next Regular Board meeting will be held IN PERSON on July 9, 2025. Please visit the calendar page at whcouncil.org for the complete details and to confirm the date and time.
Meeting dates for the 2025-2026 year: Full Board meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Check the NC website calendar for a complete list of committee and board meetings. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Check the NC calendar for updated meeting schedules.
*THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT – As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate based on disability and, upon request will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure the availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) before the meeting by contacting the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment by calling (213) 978-1551 or email: [email protected].
*PUBLIC ACCESS OF RECORDS – In compliance with Government Code section 54957.5, non- exempt writings that are distributed to a majority or all of the board in advance of a meeting may be viewed at our website: www.whcouncil.org or at the scheduled meeting. In addition, if you would like a copy of any record, if available, related to an item on the agenda, please contact the President and / or Dena Weiss, at email address [email protected].
*PUBLIC POSTING OF AGENDAS – agendas are posted for public review as follows:
- whcouncil.org and go to the website Calendar page and click on the date – Board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month. Check the calendar for any change of meeting date and/or time.
- You can also receive our agendas via email by subscribing to A. City’s Early Notification System at https://www.lacity.org/subscriptions
A copy of this agenda is also physically posted in the plexiglass case fixed to the front door of the Fire station 84 located at 21050 Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA, 91367
- .
- *RECONSIDERATION AND GRIEVANCE PROCESS – For information on the WHWCNC process for board action reconsideration, stakeholder grievance policy, or any other procedural matters related to this Council, please consult the WHWCNC The Bylaws are available at our website at www.whcouncil.org
- SERVICIOS DE TRADUCCIÓN – Si requiere servicios de traducción, favor de avisar al Concejo Vecinal 3 días de trabajo (72 horas) antes del evento. Por favor contacte a Dena Weiss al [email protected] o por correo electrónico avisar al Concejo Vecinal.
- Notice to Paid Representatives – If you are compensated to monitor, attend, or speak at this meeting, City law may require you to register as a lobbyist and report your activity. See Los Angeles Municipal Code §§ 48.01 et seq. More information is available at lacity.org/lobbying. For assistance, please contact the Ethics Commission at {213) 978- 1960 or [email protected].Jun 11, 2025