Neighborhood Council Valley Village Updates

The Wednesday, July 27 meeting of Neighborhood Council Valley Village had a full agenda, with a variety of issues discussed.

Redistricting

The California Citizens Redistricting Commission submitted their preliminary final map on Friday, July 29, splitting Valley Village into two Congressional Districts. The previous proposed draft had the community divided down Colfax Avenue. Dozens of Valley Village stakeholders sent emails, letters, faxes and phone calls to request that the boundary be moved east to the 170 Freeway. However, the final version ended up with the boundary zig zagging across a variety of residential streets, and it seems likely that the commission will be adopting this map on August 15th. They continue to accept public comment on their Web site.

New Web Site, New Banners

The new Neighborhood Council Valley Village Web site is running full steam, with a new look and more information. The updated NCVV pole banners have been installed throughout the community, and are most likely the cause of the rise in Web site hits. The new logo is “It takes a Valley Village” with a tree in the background and myvalleyvillage.com on the bottom of the banner.

SurveyLA

SurveyLA is Los Angeles' first-ever comprehensive program to identify significant historic resources throughout Los Angeles, and volunteers are needed to help identify pertinent sites in Valley Village. People can spend as little or as much time as they desire by walking through their neighborhood and taking notes and photos, performing research, or interviewing long-time residents. Those interested should contact Ginny Hatfield at 818-970-4577.

DWP Presentation

Greg Bartz, LADWP Liaison for Valley Village and Tony Wilkinson, Chair of the DWP Neighborhood Council Oversight Committee gave a PowerPoint presentation explaining DWP’s strategic power investments, the no coal campaign, and answered questions ranging from rate hikes to the timeframe on the repairs to Coldwater Canyon Boulevard (two to three years). The renovations to Whitsett and Moorpark should be completed “very soon.” The PowerPoint presentation and other DWP Webinars may be viewed on DWP’s website. Other links were provided, including those for board meeting agendas, LA City Council and committee meetings, LA City Clerk’s Website Council file management system, LADWP’s electric power generation plan, and LADWP’s urban water management plan.

Helicopter Restrictions

Staffer Pearl Ricci announced that Representative Howard Berman just introduced legislation that would force the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to restrict helicopter flight paths and set minimum altitudes. Apparently many residents have been complaining about low-flying helicopters, primarily from television news stations.

Garden Tour Awards Announced

The Garden of Jacquelyn and Joel Schechter was named Grand Prize Winner in the 2nd Annual Valley Village Virtual Garden Tour. Other awards went to the Colfax Charter Elementary School Garden, the Jackson Garden, the Wanda Barr Garden, the Dmytryk Garden, Eco Garden and the Emiel Garden. There were 23 entries, and judges evaluated the gardens on color, balance, eco-friendliness and overall appearance. The event was sponsored by NCVV, Dorothy Apple with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and Sego Nursery. Photos of the gardens may be viewed on NCVV’s website.

Valley Village Park Improvement Updates

The construction of shade structures and walking paths for Valley Village Park will begin in approximately two months.

Suzanne Lewis to be Married

The NCVV board members presented a bouquet of flowers and provided a Mediterranean feast to fellow board member Suzanne Lewis, who was married on Friday, July 29th, two days after the board meeting. Suzanne has already updated her Facebook status.

Next NCVV Meeting

The next NCVV meeting takes place Wednesday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Colfax Charter Elementary School auditorium. All are invited, and food and beverages will be provided.