WHWCNC Regular Full Board Meeting 2/12/25

WOODLAND HILLS WARNER CENTER NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

 

      February 12, 2025 Regular Virtual Full Board Meeting

 BY ZOOM         

 

200 N. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

Website: www.empowerla.org

Email: NCsupport@lacity.org

 

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, Jayce Baron

Area 4 – Don Patterson, Martin Lipkin, Dena Weiss

Area 5 – Julie Waltrip, Steve Sommers

Area 6 –William Barnett, Heath Kline, Megan Jacoby

Area 7 – Kate Kennedy, Lillian / Joyce Fletcher,  Rosaleen O’Sullivan
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 one (1) minute per speaker and 10 minutes total.

 

1. Organization, Operation, Policies, & Procedures & Reports:

All comment is limited to 1 minute per speaker, unless adjusted by the presiding officer of the Board. There will be ONE opportunity to speak only. 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.

 

1. Approval of Minutes: Board Meeting – December 11, 2024, January 27, 2025                                                                                                             (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

See posted support documents                                                                      Roll Call Vote

 

1. Officer Reports

(estimated time 5 minutes)

President – Dena Weiss 

Vice President – Tracey Rosen

Treasurer – Heath Kline

Secretary -Karen DiBiase 

Parliamentarian – Don Patterson

 

1. 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, Jayce Baron

Area 4 – Don Patterson, Martin Lipkin, Dena Weiss

Area 5 – Julie Waltrip, Steve Sommers

Area 6 –William Barnett, Heath Kline, Megan Jacoby

Area 7 – Kate Kennedy, Lillian / Joyce Fletcher,  Rosaleen O’Sullivan

 

2. Items for Discussion and Possible Action:

 

Item No. 1

Heath Kline, Treasurer

(25-013) Approval of MER for December 2024 and January 2025

 

For discussion and possible action                                          (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

Motion for the Board to approve the December 2024 and January 2025 Monthly Expense Report (MER).

 

See posted MERS included in supporting documents via the Board Calendar Event post.

Roll Call Vote

 

Item No. 2

Dena Weiss, Chair of Governance Committee

(25-014) Motion to Approve  Juliet Ladines Schwarz for the Area 7 Alternate position

For discussion and possible action                                          (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

Motion to approve Juliet Ladines Schwartz  for the Area 7 Alternate position.

 

Vote at Governance Committee- 4 yes, 0 no, 0 abstained- unanimous.

Roll Call Vote

Item No. 3

Julie Waltrip, Chair Education Committee

(25-015) Motion to Approve $4,800.00 NPG for Taft Charter High School

 

For discussion and possible action:                                           (estimated time 10 minutes)

 

WhereAs, The Education Committee has received an NPG Application from the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for Taft Charter High School (Area 5- Ventura Boulevard and Winnetka Avenue).

The Education Committee hereby requests $4,800.00 towards their $16,250.00 (total) to provide funding for Department Stipends and the Positive Behavior Intervention & Support/Restorative Justice (PBIS/RJ) Program. These on-campus projects are scheduled annually and are on-going throughout the school year from February 2025 until the last day of school in June 2025. Both programs are happening now and will continue regardless of the source of funding; and Leegie Parker, PTO President provided the committee a detailed presentation of these projects, including resources and supplies needed for multi-departmental curriculum and execution inside of classrooms. The Department Stipends include classroom materials such as arts supplies, books, calculators, software, sheet music and instruments, and equipment for labs, Physical Education and Robotics. Stipends will provide 2,200 Taft students, grades 9 through 12 these tools needed for an enhanced education. Departments include: AIAT-full inclusion gifted program, Art-Fine, Art-Visual, College Office, Computer Science, Drama, English, Foreign Language, Health, Library, Mathematics, Music-Instrumental, Music-Vocal, Physical Education, Science, Social Special Education and Vex Robotics.

 

The PBIS/RJ Program is a new initiative at Taft this school year. The objective is to encourage all students to act responsibly, address conflict resolution through positive communication and underscore behavior expectations campus-wide. Funds will be used for the production of displays and posters, with placements throughout the campus highlighting these objectives.

 

Wristbands will be created for every student to serve as a reminder to make positive choices. A resulting productive and harmonious school atmosphere will positively impact the greater community as students carry these modeled, learned and practiced values into their homes, neighborhoods, places of work/higher education and beyond; and

WhereAs, The Education Committee, after receiving input and having discussion via zoom voted yes to recommend to the full Board passage and funding of the attached NPG.

Therefore, The Education Committee, moves that the full board approve the attached

Taft Charter PTO NPG for $4,800.00 and direct the treasurer to submit this NPG and

 

supporting documentation to the City Clerk for funding tomorrow, Thursday, February 13, 2025.

Education Committee Vote: Julie Waltrip YES, Reina Cerros McCaughey YES, Elie El-Bahr YES, Heath Kline NO, Shelly Schwartz NO, and Steve Sommers YES

See Taft NPG (19 pages) included in supporting documents.

Roll Call Vote

 

Item No. (4)

Joyce Fletcher, Chair of Community Services Committee

(25-016) Request for Mitigation Related to Street Racing 

 

For discussion and possible action                                              (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

MOTION: The Woodland Hills-Warner Center Neighborhood Council (WHWCNC) recognizes that Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted new laws designed to clamp down on street racing and automotive sideshows. These laws primarily affect organized racing events and side shows.

AB 1978 authorizes police officers to impound vehicles of cars and spectators at such events.

AB 2186 extends to cars caught racing on private property or makeshift tracks, like parking lots.

AB 3085 enables authorities to later impound vehicles identified at street races, even if the cars weren’t seized during the event.                                                                                                                                                AB 2807 clarifies what constitutes a ‘sideshow’ or ‘street takeover,’ terms often used to describe these gatherings, which can range from spontaneous racing to coordinated displays of car stunts.

 

However, these laws will not solve general street racing on neighborhood streets as law enforcement cannot be everywhere all the time. Often street racing can involve several racers, two racers or one racer.

 

(NTHTSA) The Risks Associated with Street Racing

Street racing is not merely a nuisance; it poses significant risks to public safety. According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), street racing contributes to a notable percentage of traffic fatalities and injuries. The reckless behavior of participants often leads to accidents that can affect innocent bystanders, making it a pressing issue for law enforcement and community leaders.

In addition to physical dangers, street racing can disrupt the peace in residential neighborhoods. The noise generated by revving engines and screeching tires can disturb the tranquility of late-night hours, leading to increased stress and anxiety among residents. This disruption is not just an inconvenience; it can have long-term effects on mental health and community cohesion.

 

In Area 7 of the WHWCNC street racers have become a loud and dangerous problem.

At night, cars and motorcycles race up and down Mulholland Drive and South Topanga Blvd. The cars, with engines screaming at top speed and tires burning, they can be heard all over the neighborhood all night long. The noise can be heard inside of homes that are blocks away. All night, every night, racers race down the street with the intention of making as much noise as possible and intentionally driving as fast as possible. We feel bad for the residents living on, or closer to, the streets. Often the racers hit and damage the cars of residents legally parked on Topanga Blvd.

 

Therefore, we request the following mitigation be implemented by the Department of Transportation (LADOT), Caltrans, LAPD, CHP, and Council District 3.

 

1. Gavin Newsom signed AB-645 into law and six cities in the state will receive speed cameras in their neighborhoods starting in 2024. Los Angeles is one of those cities. Speed cameras stop speeders as they are designed to photograph and generate speeding tickets that are then mailed to offenders and include a first-time warning, fines beginning at $50 and subsequent costlier tickets sent to drivers through the mail without adding any points to the driver’s records nor impacting the driver’s insurance

 

The WHWCNC requests a speed camera be installed in Woodland Hills on       Mulholland Drive and South Topanga Blvd.

 

The WHWCNC also requests speed cameras be installed on other streets in       Woodland Hills where neighborhoods are negatively impacted by street racing.

 

2. Advocacy groups such as “Street Racing Kills,” focuses on educating young people about the significant risks associated with street racing. While the new laws offer a stronger framework for law enforcement, prevention through education could more effectively deter youth from engaging in such perilous behavior. If we start teaching kids about these dangers early, perhaps we can prevent more tragedies.

 

The WHWCNC requests the Department of Motor Vehicles, Recreation and Parks, LAPD and LAUSD fund classes and programs that directly educate youth of the dangers of street racing. Those dangers include racer deaths, accidental deaths caused by racers that may lead to imprisonment, damage to streets, damage to resident cars and homes, lawsuits, arrest and loss of driver license.

 

The Board of the Woodland Hills-Warner Center Neighborhood Council advises the following government agencies and departments of its findings and recommendations:

California Department of Motor Vehicles

City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks

Los Angeles Police Department

Los Angeles Unified School District

Los Angeles Department of Transportation -LADOT

California Highway Patrol

California Department of Transportation – Caltrans – District 7

Council District 3 – Councilmember Bob Blumenfield

 

Community Services Committee Vote: Yes 3    No 0    Abstain 0         Absent 1

Roll Call Vote

 

 

Item No. (5)

Joyce Fletcher, Chair of Community Services Committee

(25-0017) Funding for a WHWCNC Booth at the 4^th Annual Valley Asian & Pacific Islander Cultural Festival

 

       For discussion and possible action                                         (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

Motion to approve $250 from the WHWCNC 2024/2025 Budget-General Outreach, to provide a WHWCN booth to participate on May 10, 2025, from 11AM to 5PM at the West Valley Warner Center Chamber of Commerce Community Benefit Foundation 4th Annual Valley Asian & Pacific Islander Cultural Festival celebrating the vast diversity from the Asian cultures that enhance the San Fernando Valley and the City of Los Angeles.

The event will highlight the cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands focusing on expression through music, dance, food and children’s activities. The San Fernando Valley has a large Asian & Pacific Islander population with over 100,000 residents who make a substantial contribution to our economy and community.

 

Exhibitor: ($150 discounted rate until April 14th with receipt of completed application and payment or after April 15th $250.)

 

$150 To Exhibit. $250 on April 15 or later.

Community Services Committee Vote: Yes 3     No 0     Abstain 0     Absent 1

 

      See Supporting Documents.

Roll Call Vote

 

Item No. (6) Community Services Committee – Joyce Fletcher, Chair

(25-018) Funding for Non-Profit, Mini Therapy Horses 

For discussion and possible action                                                (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

Motion to provide $600 in funding from the WHWCNC 2024/2025 NPG Funds and/or emergency funding to support  the non-profit Mini Therapy Horses for the care and feeding for a mini therapy horse for (1) one year.

 

In return the WHWCNC will receive a personalized digital certificate, a digital fact sheet, and periodic updates about the mini.  These items can be displayed on our NC website and in our NC newsletter. The minimum annual funding is $600/year to support a mini therapy horse.

 

Mini Therapy Horses was founded in 2008 by Victoria Nodiff-Netanel and is a recognized leader in equine assisted activities (EAA) and equine assisted therapy (EAT) with miniature horses.

Mini Therapy Horses conducts regular visits at Shriners for Children Medical Center in Pasadena, Ronald McDonald House in both Pasadena and Los Angeles, the Department of Children and Family Services Juvenile Court, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center,

UCLA Santa Monica Hospital, the Greater Los Angeles Veteran’s Hospital and L.A. Family Housing, amongst others. Whether comforting children bedside after surgery as they come out of anesthesia or visiting with a veteran who just wants to sit quietly and share space with one of our horses, the MTH team is there to bring a sense of calm, comfort and happiness.

 

As members of the LA Mayor’s Crisis Response Team, the highly trained teams offer resources and support to survivors of  traumatic incidents city-wide. These little horse heroes have responded to tragedies like the mass shootings in San Bernardino, Las Vegas and Thousand Oaks and also served as first-responders during the Woolsey Fire.

 

Community Services Committee Vote: Yes 4         No 0      Abstain 0

 

See Supporting Document.

Roll Call Vote

 

Item No. 7

Julie Waltrip, Rosaleen O’Sullivan, Chairs of Public Safety Committee

(24-019) Motion to Approve Public Safety Committee Hosting KravGirl Safety Event – Open to the General Public

For discussion and possible action                                       (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

WhereAs, The Public Safety Committee and co-sponsor Councilmember Bob Blumenfeld’s office will host an event with local business person and Krav Maga specialist Jennifer Silverstein of KravGirlTactics.com on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 2pm to 4pm at Warner Center Park.

Jennifer Silverstein provided the committee a detailed presentation of the elements of the event, which will be a 90-minute introduction of self-defense and awareness for the community. All members of the public are invited to learn basic skills to stay safe and be aware of potential threats before they become an imminent danger. The event will consist of an introduction to Krav Girl/ krav maga tactics, as well as possible speakers including an officer from our local PD and/or the head of security at a local business. Participants will learn what to do in “red, orange, yellow” danger zones, and will also have 40 minutes of practice with hands-on tactics. Participants will leave the training feeling better prepared to defend themselves regardless of age, gender, or ability.

The event is scheduled to be held at Warner Center Park and will be free of charge. The event will be located at the north side of the park in the Lou Bredlow Pavilion. The Public Safety Committee will meet shortly before the event to set up our WHWCNC booth in the location to signal visitors where we will be meeting. The Public Safety Committee will budget $100 to provide water and snacks to attendees.

WhereAs, The Public Safety Committee, after receiving input and having discussion over two meetings voted unanimously to recommend to the full Board the approval and implementation of this event.

Therefore, The Public Safety Committee moves that the Board approve and volunteer if possible at the event, and approve a budget of $100 for water and snacks.

Vote at Public Safety Committee – Bill Barnett YES, Rose O’Sullivan YES, Shelly Schwartz YES, Julie Waltrip YES, Steve Sommers YES.

See Supporting Documents.

Roll Call Vote

 

Item No. (8)

Tracey Rosen, Chair of Community Outreach Committee

(25-020) Approval of Banner Designs 

For discussion and possible action                                                (estimated time 5 minutes)

Replacement banners were previously approved by the Board. The Outreach Committee motions for the board to approve one of the two presented street banner designs to promote the Woodland Hills – Warner Center Neighborhood Council.

Vote at Outreach Committee – Tracey Rosen YES, Joyce  YES, Kate Kennedy  YES, ONE ABSENT.

See Supporting Document.

Roll Call Vote

 

 

 

 

 

Item No. (9)

Dean Mathew, Chair of Hybrid Ad hoc Committee

(25-021 ) Funding for Hybrid Meeting Equipment

For discussion and possible action                                       (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

Motion for the board to approve funding for Hybrid Meeting Equipment up to $1,600.00 to support the monthly Operations of the WHWCNC.

The Committee proposes funding can be reallocated from the 2024/2025 WHWCNC Budget – Operational Expenses, (Line Item No.30 Paper and Ink $400) and from (Line item No.35 Board Retreat $800) and from (Line item Water and Refreshments $400) and allocated to (Operational Expenses – Line Item No.36 Hybrid Meeting Equipment which is currently $0.00) or from other such available Budget Line Items, where those funds will probably not be spent by the end of the Fiscal Year June 30, 2025 and as determined by the Treasurer and approved by the board. EmpowerLA and SB2499 Rules apply to Hybrid Meetings.

 

Vote at Ad Hoc Committee to be provided

 

See Supporting Document. Description of proposed Hybrid Meeting Equipment.

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 –Jayce Baron, Chair

Public Safety and Transportation –Julie Waltrip and Rosaleen O’Sullivan, Co-Chairs
PLUM Committee – Don Patterson and Marty Lipkin, Co-Chairs

WHIP Committee – August Steurer and Heath Kline, Co-Chairs

Ad Hoc Committee for Standing Rules- August Steurer and Heath Kline, Co-Chairs

Ad Hoc Committee for technology use at Virtual Meetings- Dean Matthew Chair                                 Ad Hoc Holiday Decorations Committee – Joyce Fletcher and Masha Dowell, Co-Chairs

 

Adjournment of Meeting

The next Regular Board meeting will be held IN PERSON on March 12, 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: NCsupport@lacity.org.

 

*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 d.weiss@whcouncil.org.

 

*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 weiss@whcouncil.org 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 ethics.commission@lacity.org.Feb 12, 2025