February Newsbites

***Membership Drive Update***    Thanks to our many great community supporters we are off to a wonderful start with the membership drive this year! If you have not already joined or rejoined BAHA please join now. Your support helps keep our neighborhood strong in many ways. Larger numbers of members help us pay for more services and it lets our elected representatives know that many of us are watching what they do (or don’t do) for our concerns. Plus, the volunteers who are working hard for you every day truly appreciate knowing that we have many neighbors who value our efforts. Thank you for joining!

***Security Camera Update***    In order to determine the best locations for our three security cameras, our Security Camera Committee has worked closely with Flock Security (the company that owns, installs and maintains the cameras).   BAHA wants to give a big thank you to the homeowners who graciously, and without any compensation, are permitting Flock to place the cameras on their property.   This, indeed, is a wonderful example of neighbors helping neighbors and we are all grateful to them!

***Emergency Preparedness***    The following is an update from BAHA’s Emergency Preparedness Committee:  FEMA has stated that Los Angeles County is the U.S. community most at risk of suffering a major disaster. IS YOUR FAMILY READY? Here are some tips and links to help you get ready.

The American Red Cross is now presenting four 1 hour classes on 1) earthquake; 2) wildfires; 3) house fires; and 4) Covid-19.  These are free on their website.  The series is called “Be Red Cross Ready,” and to register, go to     
https://www.redcross.org/local/california/los-angeles/about-us/our-work/virtual-preparedness-classes.html

The Red Cross has also informed BAHA of “Blackout Buddy”, a battery-powered flashlight that is plugged into a power outlet and remains fully charged.  In the event of a power outage after dark, a nightlight on the Blackout Buddy automatically goes on, making it easy to find the flashlight.  Blackout Buddy is available on Amazon.

Announcing the 3rd Annual Westside Safety and Preparedness Fair March 7, 2021, 11 am – 3 pm. Learn how to Prepare, Survive and Thrive. Keynote speakers include a seismologist, an infectious disease specialist, and the LAFD disaster preparedness officer. Click here for the flyer and how to register for free.

***Trash Bins***   Recently, there have been some complaints about trash containers being left on the street well after collection day.  Besides being unsightly, trash containers left on the street can create traffic hazards.  Please note the following information from the City of Los Angeles: 

“Containers must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the day of collection and removed no later than 8:00 p.m. on the day of collection. On collection day all containers should be placed with the handles facing the house with at least 3 feet separating the bins and any other object at the curb…

Collection service will be postponed by one day following these holidays: New Year's Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas. If your collection day falls on one of these holidays, the collection will occur the day after the holiday. If your collection day is any day (within the week) after this Holiday, your trash will be delayed by one day. (Ex: normal trash day is Friday; your trash will be picked up on Saturday). For any questions, please contact the L.A. Sanitation Customer Care Center at (800) 773-2489 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”