Benedict Canyon Summer 2005 Benedict Canyon Association Newsletter Volume V Issue 8

JOSEPH STEFANO: BENEDICT’S RESIDENT MASTER OF FRIGHT By Geoff Miller

ven in a community as rich Stewart types. But he had reached a told more about himself, in a deeper with talent as Benedict point in his professional life when sense, than he realized. He had been Canyon, it’s rare to meet an he was ready for a totally different very concerned about his health, individualE responsible for writing kind of picture. and I think he made the film at the one of the most influential movies very time he was grappling with his of all time. Case in point: Joseph own mortality. After all, he had Stefano, renowned as the author of been very ill in 1957, and Alma had the screenplay for Alfred been very ill in 1958. Then in 1959 Hitchcock’s original , and a along came this murderous film. I Canyon resident since 1960. think it was the sudden-death aspect One would hardly cast the live- that involved him emotionally.” ly, jovial Stefano as the chief col- Spoto’s analysis continues: laborator in creating Hitchcock’s “Stefano’s script took shape quickly most chilling (and controversial) and much to Hitchcock’s pleasure. masterpiece. Even Joe was sur- (‘Alma [Hitch’s wife and some- prised at “Hitch’s” interest in the times collaborator] liked your open- original book upon which it was ing scenes very much’ was the only based. As he told Hitchcock biogra- way Hitchcock could express his pher Donald Spoto* some years satisfaction and was the single ago: moment of appreciation he offered “Psycho is important not so the writer.)” much for what it is, but for what it The picture is also different, is not. It lacks everything pre- and surreptitiously shocking, for the dictable in Hitchcock up to that degree to which Stefano and time. The characters in it were not Hitchcock manipulate viewers into people he knew or wanted to In Hitchcock’s previous films becoming unconscious co-conspira- know—they were not the Cary he told things about himself he tors. When the killer, Tony Perkins, Grant or Grace Kelly or James thought were true, but in Psycho he Cont. pg. 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Joseph Stefano: Benedict’s Resident Master of Fright, pg. 1. . . .Life in Benedict Canyon - Top Five List, pg. 2 . . . .Take a Deer to Lunch, pg. 3. . . .Speed Demons, pg. 5. . . .Too Hot to Handle - A Boy Learns His Lesson, pg. 6. . . .BCA 2005 Membership Application, pg. 7. . . . BCA 2005 “Trees of Support” Donor Roster, pg. 8. . . .What a Dump, pg. 9. . . .President’s Letter, pg. 10. . . .County Ridgeline Ordinance Passes, pg. 10. . . .Mosquitoes in Our Midst, pg. 11. . . Slip Slidin’ Away - Hillside Ground Cover, pg. 11. . . .Retaining Wall is the Law, pg. 12. . . .Three Jeers For the Green, Black and Blue, pg. 12. . . . How to be a Good Neighbor, pg. 13 BCA Newsletter (310) 553-4BCA benedictcanyon.org

Joseph Stefano successful TV scriptwriting With Cont. from page 1 mock pride, he admits to turning out the original jingle that helped launch LIFE IN tries to dispose of a car containing Ford Motor’s notoriously unsuccess- BENEDICT CANYON the corpse, for instance, Stefano’s ful Edsel. For good measure, he’ll script called for the car to pause even sing a bar or two for you. momentarily before sinking into the Following Psycho, Joe wrote - Top Five List - swamp. As Spotc notes, “the viewer several more successful films before is relieved when it disappears at last turning his attention primarily to tel- with a septic gurgle.” evision as a series producer for The Joe and his wife of over 40 Outer Limits and writer of countless S EEL years, Marilyn, moved into their other series and made-for TV F IKE L N A Y house on Cielo Drive not long after movies. His favorite method for NIT TER the release of Psycho. Marilyn, a turning out so many imaginative E tireless civic activist and board scripts has to do with the years he member of the Benedict Canyon shared the peace and quiet of his Association, remembers first meet- Cielo Drive hideaway with Marilyn and son Andrew. As Joe puts it, he would spend many “pre- 1. While waiting to enter conscious” hours working on domestic projects surrounding Benedict Canyon traffic, the very bucolic environment you manage to complete of the house, then retire to his the L.A. Times crossword study to write the stories puzzle. which had been percolating all the while just beneath the surface. 2. Your car costs more Of the many writing awards today than your house did he has won over the years, in the 1970’s. one in particular sticks in Joe’s mind. It was the 1960 Edgar Allen Poe Award from 3. Your dog can bark in the Mystery Writers of Spanish. America for the script of Psycho. Ironically, they chose 4. You’ve actually consid- , author of the book upon which the film was ered a hand crank gener- ing Joe over a jukebox in New York based, to present the award. As ator for your TIVO dur- City. Marilyn had strolled over to Stefano was making his way to the ing power failures. select some music when Joe worked podium, Bloch remarked, “I don’t up the nerve to sidle up and say, know why they picked me to give “Pick that one.” out this award. I never even saw the 5. Your neighbor invites “Why?” Marilyn asked movie.” you to his party, not to “Because I wrote it,” Joe “That’s okay,” Stefano quipped, see you but rather to grinned. as he reached the microphone “I Indeed, Joe began his career as a never read the book”. secure your parking songwriter in Manhattan, before *The Dark Side of Genius: The Life spaces. Hollywood offered him a contract of , by Donald after he had begun combining his Spoto: Little Brown and Company (with thanks to Phil Proctor) bread-and-butter composing with 1983 I

Summer 2005 2 Volume V Issue 8 BCA Newsletter (310) 553-4BCA benedictcanyon.org

Take a Deer to Lunch . . . The Four Footed Gardener

Kathryn Scott Miller

Early one Spring morning, as I padded out to our driveway to retrieve the newspapers, I glanced across the street and was captivated by the sight of deer moving through my neighbor’s garden. At that peaceful hour of the morning, with misty fog still clinging to the hillsides, a doe and her Bambi moved easily through the ground cover feeding on tender young shoots and budding saplings, all newly planted.

I stood for long minutes, barely breathing, watching of years ago we had to telephone the Department of the deer feed. At times the animals ventured to within Animal Services to fish an injured deer out of our swim- thirty feet of me to browse on a low hedge near the ming pool. On that occasion two animal control officers, street. Soon rush hour traffic started whizzing down the utilizing a special harness and pulley contraption, man- canyon road and the deer strolled leisurely back into the aged to wrangle the floundering animal out of the water. denser brush toward the ridgeline. I turned back to the In certain situations such as this, an equine air res- house, thrilled once again by my proximity cue team is deployed to airlift stranded to nature and wildlife in Benedict and injured deer by helicopter. Canyon. The sight of the graceful Sadly, several times during doe, and her young spindly our many years living in legged offspring, was so Benedict Canyon, we’ve enchanting I have to had to call the City’s admit I gave scant Bureau of Sanitation thought to the devasta- to report a deer tion in my neighbor’s lying by the road- newly landscaped side, killed by a front yard. speeding car. However, on Mule Deer often another early morn- bound onto the ing months later, I road without warn- looked out through ing and/or stand our bedroom window mesmerized by to catch a fleeting oncoming lights. glimpse of several deer Collisions between deer leaving our back garden. and vehicles are common, This time I was less than capti- “She’ll have the White Azaleas with Asparagus Ferns and can cause considerable vated when I realized I’d provided and I’ll have the Deep Canyon Special with the damage to vehicles and injury these marauders with a tasty smorgas- Prized Rose Garden Appetizer.” to occupants. Most deer are killed or bord. My garden was destroyed, not a single critically injured by the impact. According bloom or bud left. Every rose bush along the winding to a spokesperson with the Bureau of Sanitation, in one walkway was stripped, only bare twigs remaining. 30-day period there have been up to six reported collec- “Damn deer,” I muttered as I walked through my tions of dead deer in Benedict Canyon alone. flower beds, bemoaning the fallen wire mesh fence at the Mule deer present little danger to people, although rear of our property that had been left flattened during male deer (bucks) can be aggressive toward people or brush clearance. Obviously, what is a glorious, magical pets during the fall breeding season (a time known as the sight in a neighbor’s garden is less than welcome in one’s “rut”), and can strike out with their hooves or use their own backyard. antlers to charge intruders. Normally Mule deer chose to We’ve had other encounters with deer, too. A number Cont. pg. 4

Summer 2005 3 Volume V Issue 8 BCA Newsletter (310) 553-4BCA benedictcanyon.org

DEER TO LUNCH Cont. from Pg. 3 Common Deer Resistant Plants flee when approached by humans or dogs, and they panic easily. Often they will injure Annual/ Buttercup themselves by becoming entangled on Biennals Calamint fences, or crash through windows in an Pansy Common dill attempt to escape. Periwinkle Clematis Mountain lions are their major natural California Poppy Geranium predator, but with fewer preying in urban Dahlia Foxglove areas, the Mule deer population has Sweet Basil Euphorbia increased-and those of us who take pride in Snapdragon Evening primrose Juniper our gardens have to accept some responsibil- Marigold Delphinium Buckthorn ity for these voracious browsers. “After all, Verbena Ferns Fir an irrigated garden with a lush buffet of rose Honeysuckle Sage Common lilac bushes and green lawns is very appealing,” Myrtle Hyacinth Deodar Cedar says Lieutenant Wendell L. Bowers, a 16- Virginia Creeper Heather Beech year veteran of the City of Los Angeles Wisteria Lavender Crape Myrtle Department of Animal Services. “And our Sweet Pea Rosemary Bottlebrush sprinkler systems, bird baths and swimming Morning Glory Rhubarb Boxwood pools provide water. One of the most sensi- Nasturtium Oregano Gingko ble solutions is to landscape with deer resist- Parsley Mint Dogwood ant plants.” Mullein Oleander Indeed, landscape damage is the most Perennials/ Painted daisy Pines common complaint about deer. The Bulbs Sumac Department of Animal Services, Wildlife Anise Trees/Shrubs Division, provides a number of useful tips on Baby’s breath Holly reducing damage. Exclusion fencing is effec- Bee balm Bittersweet tive, but so are repellants that deter brows- ing. Among the home remedies are cayenne pepper, bone meal and blood meal sprinkled around plants. Try hanging ammonia soaked rags on fences where deer tend to congre- gate. Hang aluminum tape strips from trees and plants, or bars of deodorant soap on sus- ceptible plants. String noise-makers, such as cans, around areas deer frequent.

USEFUL NUMBERS: Dead Animal Pickup: The City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Sanitation: (800) 773 - 2489. City of Los Angeles Department of Animal Services: (888) 452 - 7381 Web: www.laanimalservices.com California Wildlife Center - volunteer organi- zation for sick, injured, orphaned wild ani- mals. (818) 591 - WILD I Beverly Hills 1924

Summer 2005 4 Volume V Issue 8 BCA Newsletter (310) 553-4BCA benedictcanyon.org

Speed Demons on Benedict

By Geoff Miller

ike many Benedict Canyon Drive residents, I live on a curve. Not a blind curve, but oneL with the proverbial “limited visi- bility.” Accordingly, my wife and I exit our driveway with extreme care, even during light traffic hours. We make sure there are no cars visible, then make a jackrabbit right-hand run for the one available lane, well aware that cars can roar up behind us out of nowhere. We gave up making left-hand turns onto Benedict years ago-it just wasn’t worth the risk. Nonetheless, we are treated at least once a week to a horn blast from someone outraged that we would dare to interrupt, even for a second, their 60-mph Grand Prix up Benedict. I’d like to believe that none of these rude, reckless fools are fellow residents, but I suspect, sadly enough, this isn’t the case. In the almost 30 years I’ve lived on Benedict, there have been at least 15 gaters who often enough simply run modern two-story Mediterranean serious accidents in front of our the traffic light at Clearview, only to home next to ours, and it is still truly house, virtually all of them the result be held up later by the long light at at one with its setting. But Tony’s of speeding, and many of these inci- Hutton-what are they gaining? sign was from a kinder, gentler time dents have involved Canyon resi- Speed limits are clearly marked all in the canyon. If he were still my dents. The newly-painted stripes on along Benedict, usually 35 mph, neighbor, I’d propose to him that he the side of the road have helped, to which is appropriate for any residen- attach an addendum to the sign, per- the extent that it has lessened curb- tial neighborhood. haps in less elegant lettering: THIS hugging on the part of the curve-lov- Many years ago, my beloved ISN’T A FREEWAY! ing speeders. neighbor Tony Dalu, taking note of We may not be able to do much Lately, we’ve begun to notice an the increased traffic on Benedict, about the marauding hordes who use even more insidious habit on the part hand-carved the elegant and orna- Benedict as their personal speedway of the lunatic leadfoots. They think mental wooden sign near the storm to and from the Valley, but as fellow nothing of crossing over the double drain at the Beverly Hills foot of the residents, perhaps we could at least line, even on a blind curve, and pass- canyon, reading: “BENEDICT resurrect the earlier spirit of respect ing not just one car, but often two or CANYON RESIDENTIAL AREA. and neighborly consideration for three. Some will take advantage of a DRIVE CAREFULLY.” those who are merely trying to exit traffic signal or stop sign to sprint Tony was a deeply civilized man their homes and side roads safely. It around another car. Increasingly, I and a true citizen of the canyon. He might even demonstrate to the out- I find myself dogged by fanatic tail- conceived and built the romantically siders that a little civility is in order.

Volume V Issue 8 5 Summer 2005 BCA Newsletter (310) 553-4BCA benedictcanyon.org

tour the firehouse, beginning with a Too Hot to Handle - demonstration of all the features of the shiny fire engine parked out A Boy Learns a Lesson front. The first thing the boy learned By Kathryn Miller was the difference between a fire engine and a fire truck: the engine carries water, and a fire truck carries arly one Sunday morning in electronic fire starter his parents the hook and ladder, fire fighting Benedict Canyon, a six-year- thought they’d stored in a safe place, tools and such special equipment as old boy came across all the he just had to see if he could make it the Jaws of Life. As a result of ingredientsE he needed to make mis- work. The lure of shooting sparks fundraising sponsored by the chief: a small pile of dried Poinsettia from that red plastic wand was too Benedict Canyon Association this leaves, some discarded gift wrap and tempting to resist. So, aside from past year, the fire department now an electronic fire starter. In less than their own vigilance, his parents won- has a portable backpack with a bat- a minute he’d started a blaze. There dered how they could reinforce the tery-operated Jaws of Life for use in was more combustible material near- fire safety measures they had already car accidents and over-the-hill res- by, and the fire could have spread taken, to avoid cues. The second thing he learned quickly if the smell of smoke another, possibly was that firemen only use ladders hadn’t alerted his parents, worse, incident. made of wood, not metal, because who were lingering over they are more durable and don’t con- breakfast in the duct electricity. Most captivating kitchen. They was the enormous nozzle on top of raced into the the engine that, without having to living room, hor- hook up to any lines, can rified to find their son produce up to 600-1,000 kneeling on the hearth, gallons of water per transfixed by the minute, and the flames licking at huge panel of the mounds of tis- gauges that sue and wrapping looked to paper. the boy like The child, the cockpit who knew very of a starship. well that he had The family done something also toured wrong, even the kitchen, dangerous, recreation room jumped to his feet and ran. and the eight-bed dorm and lock- While his father stomped out the The following day, as the fam- er room, where everything was in its fire, the mother followed the boy to ily drove along Mulholland Drive, proper place, easily accessible. The his room where she found him hid- the boy’s father spotted a bright red child’s parents, looking around the ing in a closet, frightened and cry- fire engine sparkling in the sunny neat, orderly living quarters, could ing. driveway outside Fire Station #99. only hope their son was picking up Disaster had been averted, but On impulse, he pulled off the road more than fire safety tips. the “what ifs?” were terrifying-and and parked, hoping the firemen The boy, himself, was fascinated perplexing. The boy had been wouldn’t mind if his family dropped by the mound of boots and pants on instructed in fire safety both in in unannounced. As it turned out, the floor next to each bed. “You school and at home, but once he’d they were warmly welcomed and see,” he was told, “if the alarm managed to get his hands on the soon found themselves invited to sounds in the middle of the night, a

Cont. pg. 9

Volume V Issue 8 6 Summer 2005 Benedict Canyon BENEDICT CANYON ASSOCIATION 2005 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION I want to help protect and preserve our canyon and the environment in which we live and express my support by joining the Benedict Canyon Association at the following membership level:

______$1000+ Oak Tree ______$500 Sycamore Tree ______$250 Eucalyptus Tree ______$100 Pine Tree ______$75 Basic Membership

Name ______

Address ______

City, State, Zip ______

Daytime Phone ______Evening Phone______

E-Mail Address ______

Benedict Canyon Association mailing lists are strictly confidential and are never sold or shared.

______I do not wish my name to appear in the BCA Newsletter, but please accept my enclosed contribution.

You can become a member of BCA through Basic Membership or as part of our “Trees of Support” Donor Program. Many members are choosing to designate their membership “In Honor of...” or “Memory of...” for someone who used to live in Benedict Canyon, a beloved family pet or anyone whom you would like to honor in this special way. Basic Membership names will not be published. Also, you may contribute at the donor level and elect not to have your name published. Benedict Canyon is protected only through your individual contributions. Thank you for supporting your community.

For membership information, please call our Hotline - (310) 553-4222(4BCA) Benedict Canyon Association is a non-profit organization.

My payment of $______is made by:

______Check payable to Benedict Canyon Association e n i

L ______Please charge my ______VISA ______MasterCard ______AMEX d e t t

o Card# ______Exp. date______D

n Name as it appears on card ______O t u

C Signature ______

Please return this application along with your payment to: Z Benedict Canyon Association, P.O. Box 1265, Beverly Hills, CA 90213 Summer 2005 Benedict Canyon 2005 BCA “Trees of Support” Donor Program Roster

OAK TREE Dr. & Mrs. Issac Berman Richard & Dea Holesapple In Memory of Richard & Diane Naegele Babette Bloomgarden David & Susan Horn Dr. Sheldon Rosenfeld Ronald Boldt & Judith Shelton Chapin Hunt, Jr. Jim & Rachelle Rosten Ron & Jan Cannan Joel Jaffe Norman & Mary Lou Rotenberg SYCAMORE TREE Gary & Rochelle Carmona Ricky Jay & Chrisann Verges Bill & Linda Rouse Alex Bouzari & Yuki Nariai B.G. Carp Preston & Vicki Johnson Roman & Ida Russ Barbara Jaynes Scott Chaplan Greg & Susan Kay Larry C. Russ Maurice Marciano Michael Chasteen John & Melissa Kelly Joanne Sackheim Larry Chrysler Bernard Kester Jeffrey & Mindy Salberg Eric Cleveland & Gertrude Kline John Samore, Jr. EUCALYPTUS TREE Annette Stanton Rosa Koppens Sam & Shanit Schwartz Joshua & Jennifer Berman Jeffrey Cohen David & Terry Kramer Stephen & Sara Schwartz Joni Berry Rafe & Susan Cohen Don & Hope Kurz Stanford & Randi Schwimer Jacqueline Bisset Gary & Mary Ann Collins Morrie & Patti Lachman Arthur & Arlene Schwimmer Ted & Karen Coyne Cheryl Conhaim Daniel & June Lang Martin & Sheila Seaton Kenneth & Randee Devlin Craig & Kira Cooper Lee Lasker Evelyn Shapero Vera Dunn Hal & Marta Cooper Monte M. Lemann II & Norm & Libby Shapiro David & Barbara Elson Mr.& Mrs. Alessio Coppola C.C. Pulitzer-Lemann Bernie & Mary Sharf Evans Frankenheimer Healy & Gary Cosay Dr. & Mrs. Marvin Levin Sheldon & Andrea Shapiro Keith Herman Mark & Maggie Damon Lawrence Leviton & Arlene Ruby Dariush Shirmohammadi In Memory of Gloria Kahn Marvin & Patti Demoff Paul Lipari Barbara Shuler The George R. Kress House Joe DiStefano & Beth Rubin Gene Lucero & Marcia Williams Perry & Linda Silver Ian La Frenais Evelyn Furtah-Dorfman Mr. & Mrs. Mahdavi Jay Silverman & Janet Wood Deborah Klar Marks Nassir Ebrahimi Gail Malmuth Cortez Smith Margaret Maw Don Empakeris & Viktorija Joga Joel Mandel Gordon & Diane Smith Mark & Irene Montgomery Lisa Engel & Brent Smith Barbara Marcus Bill & Lisa Sobel Eustace Moore Ferdinand & Lennie Fam Gerald & Sandy Margolis Andrew Solt & Ellie Neumaier Ruth K. Felmus Ferne Margulies Claudia Falkenburg Fred & Joan Nicholas Don & Sandy Fenmore Thomas & Linda Markovitz Jeff & Annie Stein Rick Nicita & Paula Wagner Alan Fine Lowell & Wende Mate Ted Steinberg & Ellen Brown Norman & Mary Pattiz Burton N. Forester Jim McGuirk Larry Steinman & Lucy Suzar Mr. & Mrs. John T. Pigott Philip Forte Steven & Marsha Mermelstein Alana Stewart Lee M. Polster & Samuel & Ardyth Freshman Geoff & Kathryn Miller Jim & Randi Swindel Marguerite E. Cascio Bradley Friedman Larry & Nickie Miner Frank & Suellen Symons Linda Shokrian Carla Hacken & Wm. Montgomery In Memory of Tess the Baroness Lev L. Spiro & Melissa Rosenberg Lorraine Gallacher Jeff & Sheila Morris Jim & Morgan Thomas Albert Ruddy & Wanda McDaniel Mr. & Mrs. Sam Gordon Alex Moscowicz In Memory of Dudley Trudgett Art Spence Harland N. Green Richard & Sandy Mosk Scott Vaughan Joseph & Marilyn Stefano George & Nana Gregory John & MaryAnn Musico Robert J. Wagner Richard Weisman Peggy Guggenheim Frederick M. Nicholas George Wallach (1) Anonymous Sajeevi Gunasekera Barbara Nichols Brandt Wax Paul & Renee Haas William L. O’Toole Barry & Eleanor Weinstock Gwen & Arthur Hiller David Parry Ernest Weiss & Elaine Lotwin PINE TREE Roger Halfhide & Elizabeth Parry Jacques & Lynn Wertheimer Robert & Maria Abeloff Patricia McVerry Marshall Peck Glen Williams & Elizabeth Hirsch Michael Abrams & Valerie Edwards Stanley & Miriam Handman Dick Perlman Lawrence & Nancy Wolf Dennis & Elaine Abramson Bill & Chris Harper Eddie Pinchasi Timmy Woods Michael & Elaine Agran Robert & Cynthia Hart Gary & Nita Polinsky Joan Worth Virginia Ambrosini David & Bridget Hedison Max Ramberg B.A. Yorkshire Jim Anderson & Lynn Fireside Robert & Mary Ridings Herman Carol & Stephen Randall Greg & Virginia Young William & Phyllis Axelrod Edward & Sherry Heyman Paul & Allison Rohrer Robert Yuro & Rosemary Forsyth Adam & Amy Bass Curtis & Irina Hill Gil & Val Romoff Michael & Leslie Zinberg George & Carolyn Bender Urban S. Hirsch III George Rose (7) Anonymous

*Donations received after June 15, 2005 will appear in the next newsletter.

Summer 2005 8 Volume V Issue 8 BCA Newsletter (310) 553-4BCA benedictcanyon.org

TOO HOT TO HANDLE with a school group, a personal tour Cont. from Pg. 4 of Fire Station # 99 is welcome What a Dump! anytime during daylight hours. ity residents who have paint, fireman can jump into his turnout The two fire stations that serve motor oil, pool and garden boots and pull up his turnout pants Benedict Canyon are: chemicals, electronics or in a matter of seconds.” To the Fire Station # 99 child’s delight, one of the firemen otherC dangerous materials can now 14145 Mullholland Drive safely dispose of these materials at then demonstrated the firemen’s Fire Station # 71 107 S. Beverly the newly opened UCLA S.A.F.E. pole by sliding down it. Glen at Sunset Boulevard Center for household hazardous At one point in their visit, the Captain Tim Quinn also men- waste. The facili- boy’s father quietly mentioned the tions that two of the most serious ty is now open incident with the fire starter. With fire safety issues in the canyon Thursdays, barely a word in his ear, the fireman today involve brush clearance and Fridays looked at the parents knowingly and roadside parking on narrow streets. and took the boy aside for a private chat Fire and emergency vehicles require Saturdays about the dangers of playing with 18-20 feet clearance to pass. There from 8:00 fire. Then, the tour over, the boy have also been a number of traffic a.m. to was presented with a small red fire- accidents lately involving vehicles 2:00 p.m. It man’s helmet and a junior fire losing control on streets that are wet is located at badge, both of which he proudly from run-off caused by sprinklers 550 Charles E. Young brought to school the following day and irrigation overflow. Benedict Drive (just south of Strathmore on to show his classmates. Canyon is entirely residential, and campus). Electronic waste is only As the family climbed back into our narrow, winding streets carry a accepted on Saturdays. the car after their visit, the boy told huge volume of traffic between For more information, call his parents, “I’m sure glad that’s Beverly Hills and the Valley. Be on 1-800-988-6942. I behind me. I’m never going to play the lookout for safety hazards! I with fire again. Starting fires can hurt a lot people and ani- mals.” Later that week, the boy wrote a thank you note to the firemen and delivered it with a plate of homemade brownies and a gift of some kitchen utensils. Little boys (and girls) with matches are a lethal combination, and parents should do anything they can to reinforce lessons in fire safety. Captain Tim Quinn, a 38-year veteran of the fire department, says that perhaps two children a week visit his station on Mullholland for a personal tour and a little talk to dissuade them from playing with fire. While the standard proce- dure is to organize a visit Benedict Canyon - 1926 - North from Sunset Boulevard

Volume V Issue 8 9 Summer 2005 BCA Newsletter (310) 553-4BCA benedictcanyon.org

BCA President’s Letter County Ridgeline Ordinance “Start your Engines, Summer is Finally Here” Passes!

Our roadway will soon be completed and I know you all will be pleased. Scheduled completion is Congratulations and our sincere thanks to Zev November of this year. Yaroslavsky, our County Supervisor , for his pro- posal for a Grading and Ridgeline Ordinance for New curbs, gutters, the Santa Monica Mountains, and promoting its guardrails. drainage and prompt passage by the County Board of surfacing should allow Supervisors on Oct. 26, 2004. BCA sent represen- for smooth driving, but remember to obey our speed tation to the meeting and spoke in support of its limits. The new road will be enticing us all to exceed passage. the limits of current automobile technology. Please The Ordinance applies to unincorporated coun- ty areas in the Santa Monica Mountains that are drive safely! outside of the coastal zone. This covers over 30 Many of you know that this past year your BCA, square miles of the Santa Monica Mountains. The along with 5th District Councilman Jack Weiss and ordinance require a CUP (Conditional Use Permit) unanimous support of the City Council, passed an for any grading over 5,000 cubic yards of dirt, ordinance which limits the height of retaining walls in including total cut plus total fill, or creates a grad- hillside areas. Although we wanted stricter limits than ed area of more than 15,000 square feet of land. It also requires that grading activity will be per- were ordained, we are pleased that “certain” victory formed in a manner that maximizes preservation of was achieved. The maximum height of retaining walls visual quality and community character through is now 12 feet or two 10 foot walls separated by at design features that include, but are not limited to, least 3 feet. A landscape plan must be submitted for reduced structural height, architectural design fea- walls 8 feet or greater. tures of shape, materials and color that blends with Crime is at a level previously unknown to us. If you the surrounding environment, and the use of have an alarm, make sure you turn it on. Report any indigenous vegetation for concealment. A list shall be maintained of appropriate landscaping materials suspicious activity to the police. Be aware of any vehi- required to satisfy this provision. cles following you home. Don’t be a victim of a “follow The Ordinance also provides that the highest home robbery”. point of a structure requiring a permit, shall be We have a new gardening service which will con- located at least 50 vertical feet and 50 horizontal tinue to keep our canyon road clean and orderly. feet from a significant ridgeline, unless it can be I wish you a pleasant and safe summer in the shown that this precludes any use of the site, in which case a variance may be sought. canyon. We are encouraging our City Councilman, Jack Weiss to put forth this same initiative for the City Respectfully submitted, of Los Angeles, and for the Santa Monica Mountains.

Michael Chasteen Barbara Nichols President Benedict Canyon Association

Summer 2005 10 Volume V Issue 8 BCA Newsletter (310) 553-4BCA benedictcanyon.org

Mosquitoes in Slip Slidin’ Away - Our Midst Hillside Ground Cover By Mr. Greenjeans By Monica Schilling here are many good drought tolerant ground covers that work well n an effort to prevent the spread at holding slopes and keeping weeds out. The following all need a of the West Nile virus in our little water in the beginning to get rooted in . . . then will do well on canyon, take a good look around theirT own with just a little water now and then. Iyour property for stagnant water. 1. Trailing Verbena: likes full sun, great color - pinks and purples. Clear all puddles of water in and around your property as they are the 2. Trailing Lantana: Full sun, any soil, great color - white, yellow, pur- breeding grounds and preferred ple, orange, used this in “pots” on Benedict Canyon Drive. gathering places for mosquitoes and 3. Good ice plants: (not to heavy) other insects as well. a. Delosperma - small white flowers, stays low. Californians from nine counties b. Drosanthemum - profuse flowers, pink or purple. have been infected and state officials expect the virus to eventually be 4. Ceanothus: native to California, different types grow from 12” to 3’ found statewide. More than 115 with spreads of 10’ to 30’. I like C. Griseus compacta, 12” high 3’ Californians have contracted the wide with glossy green leaves and small blue flowers, sun or part virus this year, and nearly 500 peo- shade. ple have been infected nationwide. 5. Vinea Major or v. minor: shiny dark green The elderly and people with weak- leaf with blue flower, and very good in deep ened immune systems are most at shade. risk. LA City 6. Trailing Gazania: full sun, any soil, very Council is get- hardy with lots of flowers, white or yellow. ting involved in 7. Ground cover Roses do well and add a nice stopping the splash of color; very hardy; don’t over water. spread of this deadly dis- 8. Several low growing junipers also do well: very nice to mix with other ease plants, nice gray green color, good texture. by a. Buffalo Juniper 3’ b. Tam Juniper 12” - 18” with 3’ - 4’ spread c. Shore 6” 9. Evening primrose: great pink flower, spreads like crazy. going on “pud- 10. Ivy geranium: get trailing variety in pink, red or white, flowers all dle year, also used in the “pots” on Benedict Canyon Drive. patrols”. The Council has also intro- 11. Santa Barbara Daisy: full sun, white flower, very nice look. duced a motion directing city These are only a few, a drop in the bucket to what’s at your local nurs- employees if they see stagnant ery. It is also nice to add other plants to your ground cover for a little waters on public streets to report bulk, such as agaves, sages, butterfly bush, lavenders, rosemary, red that immediately. For more infor- hot pokers, aloes (many different types with great flowers), etc.. mation on the West Nile Virus, A planted hillside is good fire protection, attracts wildlife (birds, butter- please visit the Mosquito & Vector flies, etc), scents the air, keeps the dust down and is just nice to look at. So Control Association of California . . . go ahead and plant your hillside! I website at http://mvcac.org. I

Volume V Issue 8 11 Summer 2005 BCA Newsletter (310) 553-4BCA benedictcanyon.org

Retaining Wall is THREE JEERS FOR THE the Law GREEN, BLACK AND BLUE By Sandy Margolis By Barbara Nichols ow can we make Benedict Canyon more attractive? What do n January 7, 2005, the Los Angeles we have to do?? City Council unanimously passed a Retaining Wall Ordinance for the HThe City of Los Angeles is spending mega-bucks to improve our CityO of Los Angeles, which will limit the roads and water drainage systems to create better safety and a more height of retaining walls in hillside areas to attractive environment for all of the residents. one 12 foot wall, or two 10 foot walls, sepa- Unfortunately, the main road, sidewalks and side streets of the rated by 3 feet. The walls will be required canyon are decorated with our large, ugly green, black and blue trash to be landscaped. barrels! This is the first such ordinance in Los City ordinances clearly state that trash containers cannot be Angeles to establish a limit on the height of placed out prior to 6:00 PM on Wednesdays and need to be removed retaining walls. We are hopeful that we will by 6:00 PM. on Thursdays. never again see walls like those on Davies Please comply with the ordinances. Trash containers left out on Drive that are 35 and 42 feet high. Property sidewalks, and in the streets where there are no sidewalks, can and owners should develop their land with do cause accidents. regard for the impact of their development We will all enjoy admiring lovely landscaping and beautiful on their neighbors. homes without these eyesores. We thank Our City Councilman Jack Thanks for your cooperation. I Weiss, who named some of the offending developments as “Hillside Stranglers”, and his Deputy Bonnie Kopp, for their efforts, in proposing this ordinance to the City Council. We will be seeking further improvements in the ordinance to clarify the landscaping requirements and modify the down slope retaining wall separation of the two walls in order to permit better land- scape options. Next on our agenda, we will push to have the City Council pass a Ridgeline and Grading Ordinance for the City of Los Angeles, like the one approved by the County Board of Supervisors, for property in the Santa Monica Mountains under coun- ty authority. Many of us on your Benedict Canyon Association Board of Directors, specifically Michael Chasteen and Michael Vignieri, have attended numerous meetings, and have spent hundreds of hours on this Ordinance. We are proud to have accomplished some- thing of benefit for the entire City of Los Angeles and all of its residents. I

Summer 2005 12 Volume V Issue 8 BCA Newsletter (310) 553-4BCA benedictcanyon.org

HOW TO BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR – Top 10 List –

1. LITTER. The law requires you to pick up your trash & throw it away. Please encourage your children to do so. (LAMC 57.21)

2. LEAF BLOWERS. The use of gas powered leaf blowers within 500 feet of a residence is prohibited within the city of Los Angeles. (LAMC 112.04c)

3. HONKING THE HORN to call for people in buildings and homes is illegal. The car horn is for emergencies only. Using it any other time is against the law. Ask your visitors to respect the law and our neighborhood Vehicle Code 27001 states: a. The driver of a motor vehicle when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation shall give audible warning with his horn. b. The horn shall not otherwise be used.

4. STEREOS. Loud car or home stereos are against the law. Be considerate. Play it for yourself, not the neighbors. (LAMC 116.01) It is the policy of the City to prohibit unnecessary, excessive and annoying noises from all sources. Benedict Canyon

Benedict Canyon Association Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Michael Chasteen President Vera Dunn Vice President Rodney Kemerer Vice President Sandy Margolis Vice President Barbara Nichols Vice President 5. DOGS. It is against the law to allow a dog to bark continuously or to be off Kathryn Scott Secretary leash. Sanitation laws require all dog owners to pick up after their dogs imme- Alan Fine Treasurer diately and to dispose of properly. (LAMC 53.49) ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Claire Carafello 6. CURFEW LAW requires all children under the age of 18 to be inside by 10 ADVISORS PM. (LAMC 45.03) David Elson — Legal Sheila Morris, CPA — Accounting 7. NO TRESPASSING OR CREATING A NUISANCE (LAMC 56.30, 41.57) Michael Vignieri — Land Use 8. GRAFFITI. It is against the law to deface property with graffiti. Each viola- MEMBERS-AT-LARGE tion is punishable by 6 months in jail or $500. Parents are liable for up to Steven Berck Geoff Miller $10,000. (LAMC 91.8104.15) Joshua Berman Nickie Miner Babette Bloomgarden Mark Montgomery Marcy Braiker Mary Ann Musico 9. SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN. They are your responsibility. Parents can Chapin Hunt, Jr. Gordon Smith be prosecuted if they fail to provide adequate care, control, protection or Don Loze Marilyn Stefano supervision of children. (Penal code section 272) NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE 10. DUMPING old furniture is illegal & unnecessary. Call 311 or 800-773-2489 Rodney Kemerer — Editor direct for Bulky Item Pickup. There is no charge for this service. (LAMC Vera Dunn Barbara Marcus Sandy Margolis Kathryn Scott Miller 66.27) Linda Shokrian Aron Kincaid — Artwork Ben Martin — Photography PLEASE CALL 311 IF YOU SEE A VIOLATION

Volume V Issue 8 13 Summer 2005 HELP PROTECT BENEDICT CANYON

BECOME A BCA MEMBER -DETAILS INSIDE THIS ISSUE-

Due to this year’s excessive rainfall the brushfire danger in Benedict Canyon is extreme.

Please brushclear your property with extra care.

Be “Fire Smart” and “Stop the Start”.

PRSRT FIRST CLASS U.S. POSTAGE Benedict Canyon PAID BEVERLY HILLS, CA PERMIT NO. 1719 Benedict Canyon Association P.O. Box 1265 Beverly Hills, CA 90213-1265

Deliver to Addressee or to Current Resident