September Newsbites

***Cannabis Dispensary on Roscomare Update*** In our efforts to get the City to listen to our reasons for why a retail cannabis dispensary located in the old Bel Air market would be an incompatible land use for our residential community, BAHA has learned some very disturbing news – there is a glaring deficiency in the way that the cannabis dispensary laws are being administered.  Specifically, the complete denial of public involvement and comment in regard to the issuance of a temporary license.  For cannabis dispensaries, there is NO public notice, NO hearing, and NO community input, until after a temporary license has been issued. Potential damage to the neighborhood may have occurred by the time the temporary license is reviewed one year after the dispensary has opened.  The proposed licensee informed BAHA that once the temporary license is issued unless the licensee does something truly wrong, a permanent license will be granted.   Even though the Cannabis Ordinance provides extensive notice and public hearing requirements, this does not apply to the temporary permit process!  This is a serious deficiency in the administration of the Ordinance which, unfortunately, may not be corrected prior to the issuance of a temporary license for 2323 Roscomare Road.   Ironically, the issuance of a license to sell beer and wine requires public notice and hearings. 

Here are some of the actions BAHA has been taking:

1. We have been in constant contact with Councilman Koretz’s office to seek any help they can give us.
2. BAHA has submitted a detailed statement to the Los Angeles Fire Department Cannabis Unit alerting them to the potential fire danger of a retail cannabis store at the edge of a canyon ridge in the middle of the Santa Monica Mountains.
3. BAHA has informed the Bel Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council (BABCNC) of our concerns.  BABCNC agreed with those concerns and sent a letter to the Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) stating its firm opposition to the proposed location for the reasons stated in BAHA’s detailed letter of opposition submitted to DCR.  BABCNC also noted that their Board vote was 22 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 abstention to oppose the proposed cannabis dispensary location.
4. BAHA, through its legal counsel, contacted the attorney for the landlord at 2323 Roscomare Road.  Unfortunately, the attorney would reveal no information.
5. BAHA met with the proposed licensee and he stated that he would be willing to attend a community meeting to discuss his plans and to answer questions.  We will work on the logistics for such a meeting.
6. Our legal counsel is advising the Mayor, City Council members, and the City Attorney of this most serious deficiency in how the Cannabis Ordinance is being administered.
7. Because we believe that the manner in which the Ordinance is being administered is a detriment, not only to our area but to any area in the City of Los Angeles where a proposed cannabis dispensary is to be located, we think this may be of interest to the media.

***SB 9 and SB 10 Update*** In last month’s Newsbites, we informed you these bills have passed the State Senate and were then before the State Assembly.  The bills have now passed both the State Senate and State Assembly and are now before the Governor for signature.  You can still voice your concern about the impact of these bills on local zoning and single-family home neighborhoods by calling the Governor’s office at 916-445-2841.  We discussed these bills in prior issues of Newsbites, but if you would like to understand what these bills do, go to https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB9 and https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB10

***Fire Safety Zoom Meeting*** BAHA is inviting members of the community to an informative Zoom meeting to be led by Armando Hogan, the Deputy Chief, Operations West Bureau, Los Angeles Fire Department.  He will discuss fire preparedness in Bel Air Hills.  A surprise guest might also be there.  The meeting will take place on Sunday, September 12, from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Here is the link:

               Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86822649672?pwd=ODNTVlpGQVRnUzRkQS9ubEo3ekF3UT09

Meeting ID: 868 2264 9672
Passcode: 025009
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+16699009128,,86822649672#,,,,*025009# US (San Jose)
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Meeting ID: 868 2264 9672
Passcode: 025009
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kegnNHAUa3

***Westwood Connect Day - Donations Needed*** The event is on September 28th from 9 am – 1 pm. Drop off location is Supervisor Shiela Kuhl’s office at 1645 Corinth Ave. #102 Los Angeles, CA 90025.  Help our unhoused neighbors by donating your gently used clothing, jackets, business attire, shoes, belts, purses, blankets, backpacks, luggage, reusable bags, tents, sleeping bags, and non-perishable snacks. Please launder used clothing. All socks and underwear must be new in original packaging. To donate please call (310) 231-1170 or email [email protected].

***BAHA Has a New President*** The BAHA Board has elected Robin Greenberg as its next President.  Robin recently completed many years of service as President of the Bel Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council and has graciously agreed to now serve as BAHA’s President.  Robin replaces Wendy Morris, who has served as BAHA’s President totaling 6 years and has been a Board member even longer.  Wendy is pleased to remain on the BAHA Board to continue working in support of our neighborhood.

***Committee Volunteers Needed*** Several BAHA committees need community support, including Membership and Security.  Volunteers will have some specific jobs while meeting new neighbors.  We would like to hear from BAHA members who have a little time to share with our community.  Please contact us at [email protected].  Thank you.

***Fall Festival - Mark Calendars*** BAHA is planning to hold the annual Fall Festival in the afternoon of Sunday, October 17th at Roscomare Park.  We hope to see many members of our community there, including, of course, the youngsters dressed up in costume!  Please look for more details closer to the event.