Spring 2014
News and Noteworthy Goings-on in the Glen
In This Issue Holiday Party Filled with Food, Fun and Friendship Holiday Party Recap...... 1 by Sharalee Flesche, Social Chair President’s Message...... 2 he evening of the Annual Residents mark your calendars and save the date for of Beverly Glen holiday party was June 1st from Noon-5pm. Board Reports...... 3-4 Ta chilly one but the warmth of the A very very special thank you to News and Notices...... 5-6 community prevailed as it was standing Jadon Friedberg for all of his hard work room only on Sunday providing the At Your Service...... 7 December 8th. sound equip- Membership Application...... 8 The tables over flowed ment and with generous and deli- his technical cious food items from savvy for our what appeared to be enjoyment of just about everyone that the movies, attended. I would like to the music, extend a warm thank you and all of the to all of you that took the entertainment. Steven Foonberg shares some holiday spirit with time to attend and partici- his daughters, Talia (l) and Maya (r) along with In closing I pate in the community Michelle Vannoy. want to thank event. everyone that Hold thefor Dates A special thank you came early and to Vinnie and Emil of stayed late for The Garden Walk Fabrocinis for the pasta the set-up and Sunday March 30th platter, Barry and Loretta clean up. It From 12:30-3:00 pm Coleman of Beverly Glen takes a lot of Meet at LDRCC at 12:30 pm Deli for the deli platter, work to put on Joe of Beverly Glen the events big The Annual Fair Market for the platter or small. The Sunday June 1st of sliders and Abe, Lisa community From Noon-5pm and Adam of the Glen participation market for donating all of Jadon Friedberg gets a bit of lovin’ in Beverly Beverly Glen Place from Janine Gershon. the non-alcoholic bever- Glen is impres- ages. The wine tasting Photos: Sharalee Flesche sive and it’s a table hosted by Steven Foonberg and wonderful place to live. generously poured by Michelle Vannoy The next event is the Annual All Beverly Glen residents are was a big hit and not a drop was left in Garden Walk on Sunday March 30th invited to attend the Board Meetings any bottle. from 1pm-3pm. We will meet at the A highlight of the evening was a Community Center at 12:30 for lunch. held the 2nd Monday of each month, performance by our local talents Shayne If you would like to showcase your from 7:30 – 9:00 pm at the LDRCC. Warnken and Noah Harris. They toughed property as an architectural gem or Come join in the discussion and let out the cold and warmed the air with their showcase your garden or both please us hear your views and concerns. beautiful music and holiday songs. They contact me at [email protected]. promise to perform again at the 54th Happy New Year, Residents of Beverly Glen Annual Fair so Sharalee Flesche www.beverlyglen.org The Glenite Spring 2014 Letter from the President The Glenite Founded 1953 Winter in Los Angeles is so different of people have spent countless hours than places north and east. They look protecting these trees. We are walking Published by The Residents of Beverly Glen, Inc. at us and see sunshine, dry, warm air, a fine line between protecting the 10409 Scenario Lane • Los Angeles, CA 90077 no snow, and no ice – paradise. We community from Fire and protecting www.beverlyglen.org see it a little differently. We are in the the trees as law requires. Everyone has middle of a winter with little to no rain. done an excellent job in this endeavor. I RBG Board of Directors Roster and Contact Info: We need water, especially in The Glen. would like to personally thank everyone President Tensie Palmer We have hillsides that are dry, trees that involved, but especially this group that [email protected] are stressed and watering is needed put their lives aside, through health to keep things green. Green does not problems, jobs, and family: Richard Vice President Gillian Calof stop wild fires, but it does not burn as Renaldo, Pam Cooke, Jane Curry, [email protected] quickly. We have had quite a month Travis Longcore, Ron Rosenblatt, Susan Treasurer Karen Simonson here in The Glen. I have learned so Armenti, Rhoda & Chris Holabird, and I [email protected] much about protected species of trees am sure I am missing someone. (forgive in Los Angeles. Do you know which me) Secretary Hildreth Simmons [email protected] ones they are? Oak trees (California The bottom line is we love where we Live Oak, Valley Oak, and all other oaks live. We are a community, a neigh- Board Member at Large Barbara Rapoport indigenous to California, except Scrub borhood that is in a canyon, with a [email protected] Oak), Western Sycamore, Southern traffic corridor street running through Emergency Dan Palmer California Black Walnut, and California it. We want to keep our quality of life Preparedness [email protected] Bay. These are all protected by the City protected. We would like peace here in of Los Angeles in Ordinance 177404. the Glen. Please join with your leaders Glen Fair 2014 Check out your property so you know here and help in any way possible. Coordinator Sharalee Flesche which trees are protected. You can We are unpaid, caring people from all [email protected] read the ordinance at http://cityplan- walks of life. We need you to be part of Hillside Federation Rep Stephen Benson ning.lacity.org/Code_Studies/Other/ the team. Membership is inexpensive, [email protected] ProtectedTreeOrd.pdf. We have many events are fun and your time is invalu- of these trees in Beverly Glen and they able! LDRCC Representative Janine Gershon offer people, birds and animals a great See you at one of our monthly meetings [email protected] benefit. They offer us beauty, shade, (2nd Monday at 7:30 p.m.) or at the Membership Bob and Elaine Grunauer fresh air, and so much more. Have Garden Walk! you noticed all the yellow ribbons and [email protected] bows on several trees up and down Tensie Palmer Neighborhood Council Robert Ringler & Ramin Kolahi North Beverly Glen? A valuable group President, ROBG [email protected] Playgroup Representative Heidi Miller [email protected] Social Sharalee Flesche [email protected] Traffic Lawrence Imel [email protected] Website Jeff Schroeder [email protected] Zoning & Development Chuck Buell [email protected] Representative-at-Large Jim Earnhardt [email protected] The Glenite Staff Editors: Sally and Frank Krasne [email protected] Photos: Marc Olevin & Sharalee Flesche Graphic Design by Bacall:Creative
Please submit articles and notices to: [email protected] (electronic versions only please!) Glenite Summer 2014 deadline: Friends of The Glen Submissions needed by April 15, 2014 Page 2 The Glenite Spring 2014 Board Reports
Bel Air Beverly Crest get more than its fair share of pothole repairs, is supportive of more open transparency but Neighborhood Council thanks to all of those who took time to fill out disagree with City about holding elections. (BABCNC) the forms. The last time we did that, three people voted on two positions. RoBG and other asso- by Ramin Kolahi, Neighborhood Council Rep. Emergency Preparedness Committee - The BABCNC’s Emergency Preparedness/Public ciations do get good turnout at their annual September, October, November, Safety Committee is going strong coming up meetings; so we are trying to convince the December 2013 on its first year of holding regular meetings. City to use those powerful processes. & January 2014 Meetings Besides staying in touch with LAFD and LAPD, Contact [email protected] with any the committee has set up an emergency phone questions... The former Four Oaks Restaurant has been system to communicate to Board members so closed for many years. Though the prop- that we can communicate to you! Speaking of Traffic erty has a Zoning Variance granted in 2005, which, you can sign up for a County run program RoBG believes many of those provisions (in By Lawrence Imel, Traffic Committee Chair called SNAP, especially good for elderly and particular continued operations of the restau- Over the past several weeks, the traffic others, snap.lacounty.gov. Check out what the rant) are in violation and thus require a public committee has received several e-mails from committee is up to by going to babcnc.org. hearing process so that the public can review residents expressing their concerns about the proposed operation plans as they impact Transit Motion - BABCNC approved a motion various traffic-related issues in the Glen. traffic, parking, noise and in particular across calling on Metro to prioritize the San Fernando It appears that, with each passing week, from our Community Center and our cherished Valley Connector as a transit project and not more and more residents are reaching their Playgroup preschool. Working with the folks a bus project. We approved Measure R some tolerance for the many perils that naturally at Councilman Koretz’s office, we were able years ago and are seeing much needed transit stem from the heavy volume of traffic in the Glen. We have all experienced commuters to track some letters and information about improvements in LA (Expo Line, Orange Line traveling at excessive speeds, running red the new owners and their plea to maintain etc.). However, Metro seems to have completely lights, crossing the double yellow line to the variance in place. At issue is if the owner- ignored the most congested and trafficked pass those driving within the speed limit and ship allowed necessary licenses to expire, highway segment in the nation, 405 from 101 to 10 (yes its true, even Metro acknowledges the traffic congestion caused by sanitation thereby abandoning the variance granted use trucks picking up trash during the morning it). Why does it matter to the Glen? As the City of a restaurant. The current owners do not rush hour. grows and people need to commute from the believe there is a need for community input, I have heard some people claim that the basin to the valley, how will they get there? but we continue to work with the Council traffic-related issues that we cope with on a Yes, via the Glen, unless we provide an alterna- office. LED Conversion Program - It was daily basis “come with the territory” when brought to the Board’s intention that the City tive (transit, not buses) that can handle that you choose to live in the Glen. I’m not buying plans to replace all street lights with LEDs volume! But in the horse-trading Metro did it and it doesn’t appear that you are either. for energy savings. While the Board supports some years back, it seems that funding carpool In the many e-mails that I have received, I the idea, it suggested the alternative option lanes, that will do nothing for traffic, was more am pleased that many of you have presented of LEDs with a better light spectrum that will important than plans that would actually help ideas to alleviate our traffic issues which allow us to have more visually pleasing lights alleviate traffic. Keep an eye out; we may need include, but are not limited to: to really impress it upon Metro! in the canyons without the need for bright, • The installation of additional and cold lights. By-Laws - BABCNC is still revising its by-laws. larger speed limit signs; Operation NC Blitz - Last year, RoBG (with Per prior updates, the Board count has been • The installation of a radar sign that the help of its active residents) was able to reduced. At issue is how board members are flashes the speed of commuters and elected/selected from the public. The Board Continued on p. 4
GLEN MARKET Large Selection of Fine Wines & Spirits Available Specials for April, May & June Cakebread Cellars Johnnie Walker Blue Label Chateau Montelena $169.99 Reds Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon The Prisoner $69.99 Abstract Silver Oak Alexander Valley Champagnes Cabernet $49.99 Cabernets Dom Perignon Opus One Veuve Cliquot Malt Whiskeys Far Niente Duckhorn Macallan Robert Mondavi Reserve The Glenrothes 1603 N. Beverly Glen Blvd. • Bel Air, CA 90077 Chardonnays We also have bourbons, Delivery Available • 310-4741272 gins and much more . . . Far Niente FRIENDS OF THE GLEN www.beverlyglen.org Page 3 Board Reports The Glenite Spring 2014
Continued from p.3 posts the maximum speed limit; Hillside Federation org/about/donate/ ?vsmaid=187&vcid=88 • The installation of additional Update — spring 2014 For more information on these items controlled intersections; and or any other hillside item, please feel free • The rescheduling of trash pick-up by Stephen Benson to visit the Hillside Federation Website, outside of peak traffic times. 1819 Laurel Canyon – Hillslide Cleanup HillsideFederation.org, or email me directly at [email protected]. These ideas all have merit. The reality, <
Page 4 www.beverlyglen.org Board Reports News & Notices The Glenite Spring 2014
Continued from p.4 water from emptying into our storm drains or In January of this year, however, after the On Monday February 3, residents tried to pool on the surface. “Gray water” is clearly initial email to Travis but before any informa- to save the large Sycamores at the corner differentiated from “black water” and “recy- tion was made available, the project came of Caribou Lane, but were unsuccessful cled water” in the information from the city. again to Beverly Glen, starting at Mulholland. because they did not provide 14 feet clear- The Bureau of Sanitation provides an Rather than informing the community or ance at the curb, even though the road had descriptive and thorough application form on coming to Residents of Beverly Glen as was over 30 feet width of sufficient clearance. it’s website. Google: LADBS P/PC 2011-012 done in 2012, the contractor worked quickly We tried to talk reasonably with the Fire to remove all canopy that extended out past Department, but they called the LAPD Fire Department’s Tree the curb. As the contractors moved down the on a group of us, including a mother with Canopy Removal Project canyon, the trimmers literally cut mature oak her toddler, which seemed unnecessary By Travis Longcore and Catherine Rich trees in half and removed others. The new to say the least. The Council office had Inspector and his boss were not interested been called and was coming to the site Over the holidays, one of us (TL) received in the community’s opinion and insisted that but the Fire Department would not wait an email from the tree contractor who had they were just following orders, claiming that for the staff person to arrive and instead trimmed the trees in Beverly Glen for the clearing from curb to sky was required by law, removed the trees with a police guard. Fire Department in early 2012. He said that and providing a range of explanations for the By the next day, apparently prompted by the Fire Department had a new Inspector project, including that the State made them do some intervention by the Mayor’s office, who was requiring “more work” in Beverly it, that Beverly Glen would be an escape route the Fire Department had agreed not to do Glen. Our response was that this needed in case of an earthquake, and that clearance further removals of native trees (the Oaks to be presented to the residents and the was needed for aerial surveillance during an and Sycamores) — which are protected Neighborhood Council. Despite repeated emergency. Above all, they claimed the project under City law (and such protection is attempts to get more information, including was absolutely mandated by law. This, as it encouraged under State law) — but it is calls to the Fire Department, none was forth- turns out, was not factual. unclear if they will be back to remove them coming. It was an inauspicious beginning to We, along with others in ROBG, involved in the future. Community engagement will a project that would see major removal of Councilmember Koretz’s office and the remain critical. heritage trees and tree canopy on Beverly Inspector agreed to present the project to the It became obvious through the course Glen before community action and political Bel Air-Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council. of this experience and a significant amount intervention slowed the damage. But there he simply invoked the Oakland fire of research that the Tree Canopy Removal The Fire Department’s “Tree Canopy of 1991 as a rationale for removing all tree Project did not have its basis in the Fire Removal Project” appears to have had its canopy over Beverly Glen and other hillside Code. Although the Fire Department had genesis in 2010, when then-Mayor Antonio boulevards (never mind that the Oakland hills started with the standard of clearing to Villaraigosa took a flyover of the City with were dominated by exotic and highly flam- the sky from curb to curb, we were able the Fire Chief, who insisted that the canyon mable Eucalyptus trees, while the canopy to show that in fact no State or City code roads were not safe because of overgrown tree over Beverly Glen is mainly native Coast required this, which was confirmed by the canopy. But rather than proposing to bring Live Oaks and California Sycamores). After LAFD Research Unit itself. Rather, our the roads up to City code of 14 feet vertical being contacted by Mayor Garcetti’s office, ongoing review of City documents indi- clearance for a minimum of 20 feet width to the Fire Captain and his supervisor agreed cates that it was probably funded under a accommodate fire fighting apparatus, the Fire to a hastily convened meeting at Fire Station State and/or federal emergency prepared- Department sought to removal all of the tree 71 the following Monday (January 27) where ness grant, wherein the canopy removal canopy over main canyon roads, in their words, about 20 Beverly Glen and Benedict Canyon was part of some evacuation plan or home- trimming “from curb to sky.” In late 2011, residents attended. Little progress was made land security measure. The problem with and with no public input or expert oversight there either, but residents began to hear more this is that a major discretionary project is regarding actual fire safety needs, the project about the project and concern was growing. being implemented in the hillside neighbor- started in Laurel Canyon and was met with By that Thursday a group of 40 residents, hoods without any accountability in terms dismay by many residents. The tree contrac- convened by Richard Renaldo, met with the of public input, environmental review, tors proceeded to Benedict Canyon in early tree contractor at the community center. By or transparency. The project also raises 2012, where residents objected so strenuously Friday morning, the Fire Department had significant issues of due process, in that (and engaged in civil disobedience) that the changed the trimming order to clearing 14 feet trees originating on private property were Inspector at the time realized that he needed vertically from curb to curb. But even this new cut by the City without first allowing the to have some flexibility. When the project standard, which goes well beyond the 20 feet owner to investigate or remedy any alleged came to Beverly Glen soon thereafter, Travis width of clearance required by code, put many violation of the Fire Code. Perhaps the City worked with the Inspector and contractor to heritage trees at risk and a group of residents did this because owning a tree with canopy keep the native Coast Live Oak and California walked Beverly Glen over the weekend to over the street is not a violation of the Fire Sycamore canopy and ensure that the project put yellow ribbons around trees of particular Code, and the City was removing canopy as only raised the clearance to 14 feet as required importance to the canyon. a completely discretionary action. by law. We thought they were done.
www.beverlyglen.org Page 5 News & Notices The Glenite Spring 2014 Profile Page
IN THE KITCHEN Pictured L to R: Tina Campbell (Mary Mary), Carla Smith, Yvette Pye (Life Worth Saving Founder), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Jane Padgett, Catherine M. Dang, M.D., Erica WITH DIANE Campbell (Mary Mary) John Scott (of Twin Tappers Sean & John) and seated is Marilyn Jackson. by Diane LaFleur Jane Padgett Honored by “Life Worth Saving” Preserved Lemons n January 11, 2014, the first annual warriors, Carla and Marilyn, also serious This is a Moroccan style recipe that uses kosher “Life Worth Saving” event took place warriors who help others immensely besides salt to pickle lemons. It is a very simple recipe, but Oat The Century Community Charter trying to take care of their own families. Incredible!” takes about 5 weeks to have the final outcome. I just School in Inglewood, and our very own Jane Padgett was one of the three honorees. “A Along with a “Life Worth Saving Breast love the flavor and they are good in so many dishes. Life Worth Saving” was founded and orga- Cancer Warrior” award, Jane was honored INGREDIENTS nized by Yvette Pye, a three-time cancer with a certificate of recognition from Steven warrior and survivor, and is designed to reach C. Bradford assembly member for our (62th) 6 large lemons, well scrubbed and cut into quarters urban, primarily African American, women district along with a City of Los Angeles (Look for unblemished, firm lemons that feel undergoing cancer treatment to provide commendation by Zev Yaroslavsky, Supervisor heavy for their size and have no tinges of green, financial, educational and emotional support. of our (3rd) county district. All “warriors” which indicates that they’re under-ripe. Lemons According to Jane, this group, not reached were also presented with a Certificate of with a thick skin are best for this recipe. Avoid very by Susan G. Komen for the Cure, consists Special Recognition by Maxine Waters, pale lemons, as they are older, and will contain less of “women who are so busy working two or Member of Congress for the 43rd District, juice). three jobs while taking care of their families California. A special award was also given 1/2 cup kosher salt (more or less) that they often don’t have any time left over to to the keynote speaker for the event, Dr. Sterilized quart canning jar with lid (I sterilize take care of themselves or get mammograms Catherine M. Dang, Associate Director of the the jar by placing it and the lid in a cold oven. Turn and pap smears. Besides being busy, there Wasserman Breast Cancer Risk Reduction is also the fear of cancer and the legitimate Program and a surgeon in the Department on the oven to 325. When it reaches 325 take out and very real fear of the cost for cancer treat- of Surgery and the Saul and Joyce Brandman and cool). ments! And while being treated for cancer, Breast Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Place about 2-3 Tbsp of salt in the bottom of the trying to take care of work and family is over- Dr. Dang spoke about cancer and bravery. sterilized jar. One by one add a few lemon pieces and whelming! The dollar amount is staggering, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, our repre- then more salt until all of the lemons and salt fit but the emotional cost of cancer to an entire sentative to Congress, presented the multiple tightly into the jar. Push down. Cover with more salt family can be devastating!” awards and the certificates of recognition to and push down again. The juice will start to come Jane was nominated for this award by the warriors. She also spoke about raising out of the lemons. her social worker at Cedar Sinai and was awareness of cancer and how wonderful it is Seal the jar and let sit on your kitchen counter selected as an honoree not only because she that now, with Obamacare in effect, people overnight. The next day open the jar and push in a has had two women’s cancers and has had a can no longer be denied insurance if they have few more lemon pieces and add in a final layer of salt very long and hard fight, but because of her cancer or another preexisting condition! positive attitude and outreach to others. Jane The Master of Ceremonies were the on top. Now, let this stay on your kitchen counter is a fighter who never gives up on herself popular gospel-singing duo Mary-Mary, for about 5-6 weeks. Over time the rind of the lemon while actively encouraging others to fight on, otherwise known as sisters Erica and becomes very soft and the salt begins to turn into a get second opinions, and reach out for help. Tina Campbell, whose hit song breakout beautiful syrup. Two other cancer warriors, Carla Smith and was “Shackles (Praise You)”. The invoca- After 5-6 weeks, try one of the lemons. Cut a Marilyn Jackson, were also honored along tion was done by Pastor Lonnie McNamee small piece (these really go a long way), rinse. Use with Jane. All have stage IV women’s cancers from the Do-Right Christian Church which, just the rind and white part. Chop into small pieces and have had serious and long fights, but all according to Jane, also provided “very and add to steamed carrots with olive oil and parsley. are still winning and inspiring others to win nice young men who gently escorted [the Really good in salads of any kind. Sprinkle on as well. honorees] to the stage.” chicken before baking. Add a little fresh garlic and When asked about the award, Jane said, “I The event, which included performances olive oil and mix with cooked beats. You can store provide other cancer patients with emotional by professional singers and tap dancers along support, driving, you name it . . . but I am with a silent auction and, of course, plenty these in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. nothing next to Yvette; she is an amazing of food, was a huge success with a sell-out energy force! What a woman, I am so proud crowd of hundreds. You can find out more Page 6 www.beverlyglen.org to know her and my other amazing sister about this group at www.lifeworthsaving.org. At Your Service The Glenite Spring 2014 Profile Page
Glen Market
www.beverlyglen.org Page 7 Residents of Beverly Glen - Membership Application The Glenite Spring 2014
2014 membership is now due. ____ Single Membership - $25.00 a year ____ Family Membership - $35.00 a year ____ Silver Sycamore - $50.00 donation ____ Golden Oak - $100.00 donation
Please make checks payable to “Residents of Beverly Glen, Inc.” and send with this form to 10409 Scenario Lane, Los Angeles, CA 90077
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