December Newsbites

***Revised Wildlife Ordinance ***  As noted in the November Newsbites, the Los Angeles City Planning Department released a revised version of the proposed Wildlife Ordinance in October, (https://planning.lacity.org/plans-policies/wildlife-pilot-study ).  It was also noted that BAHA was studying the revisions and might submit comments, because the provisions of the Ordinance could have significant impact on properties in Bel Air Hills. BAHA did submit comments to the Planning Commission.  The position BAHA stated was similar to the position taken in comments submitted to the Planning Department in August (see https://www.baha.la/readpost.php?news_id=716) but with many more detailed comments addressing the revised provisions.  On one hand, BAHA applauded the intent of the proposed Ordinance, as revised, to preserve and protect existing wildlife corridors and remaining undeveloped wildlife habitats.  BAHA further commented, that when the Ordinance’s provisions are applied to new development in undeveloped areas, the proposed Wildlife Ordinance, as revised, goes a long way toward meeting that goal.  On the other hand, when those provisions are applied to fully developed and well-established neighborhoods, such as Bel Air Hills, they simply do not work.  BAHA’s stated position is that unless the Planning Department can develop an ordinance that makes a distinction between undeveloped areas and fully developed and established areas, with separate regulations that are appropriate to each, BAHA requests that Bel Air Hills be removed from the proposed Wildlife Supplemental Use District. 

***Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project***  The proposals being considered by Metro for this project involve six alternative proposals for high-speed transit that would connect the San Fernando Valley and the Westside.  Proposed possibilities include three monorail alternatives and three heavy rail alternatives.  You may have noticed that Metro is conducting field work on Mulholland Drive, west of Longbow Drive, to perform geotechnical boring to gather information on existing soil and rock conditions (for the subway proposals). Apparently, they are doing the same in the parking area next to the old Bel Air Market.  It is important for Bel Air Hills residents to stay informed on the progress of this project. To obtain information about this project, go to https://www.metro.net/projects/sepulvedacorridor.  To sign up for project updates, go to https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/KsXDI8K/MetroSepulveda.

***BAHA Security Committee***  BAHA’s Security Committee reports that our security cameras placed at strategic entry points to Bel Air Hills are working quite well.  In a recent burglary, the homeowner provided a description of the burglar vehicle and a matching vehicle was found on camera footage from the relevant time frame and the vehicle license plate was sent to our police liaison.   Unfortunately, the police response has been slow.  BAHA’s Security Committee plans to meet with our new Council 5 office to work on improving this situation.

***Neighborhood Council Elections***  If you might be interested in being a candidate for the Bel Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council, the candidate filing period for certain seats is now open, and closes on January 10, 2023 at 11:59PM.  For information on which seats are available, please send your email inquiry to [email protected].  In past years, candidates have been elected with as few as 45 votes, so the idea of running in a City administered election should not be a deterrent. To obtain information on how to qualify, how to apply, etc., please visit:  https://clerk.lacity.org/clerk-services/elections/nc-elections/how-become-nc-candidate.  For complete information on Neighborhood Councils, their purpose, how they work, how to become involved, etc., please visit:   https://empowerla.org/about-neighborhood-councils/. 

***Holiday Lights and Decorations***  The Board of Directors of Bel Air Hills Association hopes our community members will enjoy the holiday lights and decorations throughout December at Roscomare Park {at the southern entrance to Bel Air Hills).

***Holiday Season’s Greetings*** The Board of Directors of Bel Air Hills Association wishes all our members and the entire community, a wonderful, safe and joyous holiday season, followed by a healthy and prosperous 2023!