West Adams Board regular meeting December 16, 2024 Draft minutes — not yet approved [6:39 pm] Meeting called to order. Quintus Jett presiding. [6:43 pm] The roll was called. Present (7): Jace Dawson, Angela Gilbert, Quintus Jett, Blake Lynch, Brian Piatek, Juilio Valdez, and Richard Williams Absent (5): Dorsay Dujon, Steven Meeks, Tora Miller, Brandy A. Robinson, and Connye Thomas [6:45 pm] Carlin and Carmona - Would like information on construction in the area Fairfax & West Adams. Boardmember Piatek - Informed its a private owned affordable housing building Wants to know what to do about all of the dog pop in her area. [6:46 pm] Tora Miller arrived at the meeting [6:49 pm] Tracy - Suggests we connect her with our SLO as well [6:50 pm] Farmdale & Jefferson On Path to Dorsey, there is a lot of trash [6:53 pm] Stakeholder Question: "Are you allowed to have your windows boarded up for longer than 30 days?" Stakeholder Question: "What should I do about my neighbor's dog that has been incessantly barking? I've contacted a few different city departments but nothing has happened." [6:59 pm] Octaviano Rios NEA - 2025 EmpowerLA Youth Conference 14-17-year-old Application Closes on Dec 20th all-day 8a-4p https://empowerla.org/civicyouth/ April 8 - WANC Election Date Board Member Dujon Asked why Neighborhood Councils were not mentioned. [7:03 pm] Heather Hutt was inaugurated last friday Hosting a Food Drive This Thursday (Must Register) Snow Days coming up at Lemiert and Jim Gilliam Park [7:07 pm] WANC is hosting a Virtual Event this Saturday- Welcome to West Adams Committee Reports Land Use Jan 28th - a Liquor store applicant comes Next Land Use meeting will be having conversations with a cumulus Liquor Store applicant A Cannabis license application Public Safety Traffic Deaths increased in our area Sent 3 letters to CD10 Re Traffic Violence but have not received detailed answers Drafting a community impact form Letter to LADOT asking for more information on their plan 7 streets in WANC are a part of the city's high-injury network [7:13 pm] Treasure's Report [7:16 pm] On agenda item 1b, Richard Williams made a motion to "Approve October 2024 MER" [7:18 pm] The assembly voted on a motion to: "Approve October 2024 MER" Ayes (8): Jace Dawson, Angela Gilbert, Quintus Jett, Blake Lynch, Tora Miller, Brian Piatek, Juilio Valdez, and Richard Williams Noes (0): none The motion passed. [7:20 pm] On agenda item b3 , Blake Lynch made a motion to "Motion to approve reimbursement to Quintus Jett for expenses regarding the Vineyard Recreation Center Halloween Community Event NTE $200" [7:21 pm] The assembly voted on a motion to: "Motion to approve reimbursement to Quintus Jett for expenses regarding the Vineyard Recreation Center Halloween Community Event NTE $200" Ayes (8): Jace Dawson, Angela Gilbert, Quintus Jett, Blake Lynch, Tora Miller, Brian Piatek, Juilio Valdez, and Richard Williams Noes (0): none The motion passed. [7:22 pm] On agenda item 4b, Richard Williams made a motion to "Approve payment to UmeWorks bills in 2024 NTE $290" [7:23 pm] The assembly voted on a motion to: "Approve payment to UmeWorks bills in 2024 NTE $290" Ayes (6): Jace Dawson, Angela Gilbert, Quintus Jett, Tora Miller, Brian Piatek, and Richard Williams Noes (1): Blake Lynch The motion passed. [7:24 pm] On agenda item 6B2, Blake Lynch made a motion to "Motion to Approve publicity expenses for 2025 WANC board elections NTE $2,800." [7:25 pm] The assembly voted on a motion to: "Motion to Approve publicity expenses for 2025 WANC board elections NTE $2,800." Ayes (8): Jace Dawson, Angela Gilbert, Quintus Jett, Blake Lynch, Tora Miller, Brian Piatek, Juilio Valdez, and Richard Williams Noes (0): none The motion passed. [7:30 pm] Motion to approve Dorsay Dujan as a WANC Budget Rep [7:33 pm] The assembly voted on a motion to: "Motion to Approve publicity expenses for 2025 WANC board elections NTE $2,800." Ayes (7): Jace Dawson, Dorsay Dujon, Angela Gilbert, Tora Miller, Brian Piatek, Juilio Valdez, and Richard Williams Noes (1): Blake Lynch Abstentions (1): Quintus Jett The motion passed. [7:34 pm] Dorsay Dujon arrived at the meeting [7:37 pm] On agenda item 5C3, Brian Piatek made a motion to "Motion to approve the CIS language Council File: 24-0602 Title: Synthetic Grass / Artificial Turf / Polyflouroalkyl Substances (PFAS) / Forever Chemicals / Health and Environmental Risks / Drought-Friendly Landscaping Position: Support The West Adams Neighborhood Council supports CF 24-0602. The West Adams NC requests that the report requested from the Chief Legislative Office and the CAO office be unbiased, weigh- ing the pros and cons of using artificial turf to replace grass in residential areas. The West Adams NC expects that in the report is an analysis of the costs, environmental hazards, and human health consequences of artificial turf installations containing polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS in Los Angeles. If the report shows that current installations of artificial turf are detrimental, then that the City Council ban the use of artificial turf for residential purposes in the City of Los Angeles per SB676 passed in 2023." [7:51 pm] Tora Miller left the meeting [7:52 pm] The assembly voted on a motion to: "Motion to approve the CIS language Council File: 24-0602 Title: Synthetic Grass / Artificial Turf / Polyflouroalkyl Substances (PFAS) / Forever Chemicals / Health and Environmental Risks / Drought-Friendly Landscaping Position: Support The West Adams Neighborhood Council supports CF 24-0602. The West Adams NC requests that the report requested from the Chief Legislative Office and the CAO office be unbiased, weigh- ing the pros and cons of using artificial turf to replace grass in residential areas. The West Adams NC expects that in the report is an analysis of the costs, environmental hazards, and human health consequences of artificial turf installations containing polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS in Los Angeles. If the report shows that current installations of artificial turf are detrimental, then that the City Council ban the use of artificial turf for residential purposes in the City of Los Angeles per SB676 passed in 2023." Ayes (5): Quintus Jett, Blake Lynch, Brian Piatek, Juilio Valdez, and Richard Williams Noes (4): Jace Dawson, Dorsay Dujon, Angela Gilbert, and Tora Miller The motion passed. [7:53 pm] Tora Miller arrived at the meeting [7:58 pm] On agenda item 2c1, Blake Lynch made a motion to "Motion to approve Three letters of request to LADOT Letter #1 - Traffic Safety Study Jefferson Blvd Jefferson Boulevard, identified by LADOT’s High Injury Network (HIN) as one of the deadliest streets in the City, continues to pose major safety and mobility concerns to our community members. Already this year, there have been at least three pedestrian and cyclist deaths along the stretch of this boulevard that runs through our neighborhood council district boundaries. Therefore, the West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC) would like to request that LADOT do a comprehensive Safety Study on the section of Jefferson Boulevard between La Cienega Blvd. and Crenshaw Blvd. and report back within 180 days on a list of potential safety improvements. Specifically, WANC is requesting that the Safety Study also include a list of quick-build safety improvements that can be implemented within 6 months. Letter #2 - Bike Lane Feasibility Request for Exposition Blvd Exposition Boulevard is a popular route in our community for cyclists that lacks comprehensive cycling safety infrastructure and is plagued by speeding automobiles and non-attentive drivers. Therefore, the West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC) would like to request that LADOT do a feasibility study on creating a parking-protected bike lane on Exposition Boulevard between Crenshaw Blvd. and La Brea Blvd - similar to what exists on Venice Blvd and San Vicente Blvd. and other streets in CD-10. Letter #3 - Update on Speed Camera Program Implementation In November of 2023, the West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC) submitted a letter of support to LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo for the Speed Camera Pilot Program. Our letter in 2023 noted the urgent need for this program and requested swift implementation of this important traffic-safety tool in our community. Please accept this letter as a formal request for a comprehensive update on the progress of this program in our community, including a timeline for when the program will go live." [8:03 pm] The assembly voted on a motion to: "Motion to approve Three letters of request to LADOT Letter #1 - Traffic Safety Study Jefferson Blvd Jefferson Boulevard, identified by LADOT’s High Injury Network (HIN) as one of the deadliest streets in the City, continues to pose major safety and mobility concerns to our community members. Already this year, there have been at least three pedestrian and cyclist deaths along the stretch of this boulevard that runs through our neighborhood council district boundaries. Therefore, the West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC) would like to request that LADOT do a comprehensive Safety Study on the section of Jefferson Boulevard between La Cienega Blvd. and Crenshaw Blvd. and report back within 180 days on a list of potential safety improvements. Specifically, WANC is requesting that the Safety Study also include a list of quick-build safety improvements that can be implemented within 6 months. Letter #2 - Bike Lane Feasibility Request for Exposition Blvd Exposition Boulevard is a popular route in our community for cyclists that lacks comprehensive cycling safety infrastructure and is plagued by speeding automobiles and non-attentive drivers. Therefore, the West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC) would like to request that LADOT do a feasibility study on creating a parking-protected bike lane on Exposition Boulevard between Crenshaw Blvd. and La Brea Blvd - similar to what exists on Venice Blvd and San Vicente Blvd. and other streets in CD-10. Letter #3 - Update on Speed Camera Program Implementation In November of 2023, the West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC) submitted a letter of support to LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo for the Speed Camera Pilot Program. Our letter in 2023 noted the urgent need for this program and requested swift implementation of this important traffic-safety tool in our community. Please accept this letter as a formal request for a comprehensive update on the progress of this program in our community, including a timeline for when the program will go live." Ayes (7): Jace Dawson, Angela Gilbert, Quintus Jett, Blake Lynch, Brian Piatek, Juilio Valdez, and Richard Williams Noes (0): none Abstentions (1): Dorsay Dujon The motion passed. [8:07 pm] On agenda item 2C2, Brian Piatek made a motion to "Motion to approve a COMMUNITY IMPACT STATEMENT Regarding: Council District 10’s Traffic Safety Plan Position: Against The West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC) is against the Traffic Safety plan presented to the WANC Safety Committee by Council District Office 10 as it lacks urgency, has no comprehensive strategy, and is grossly inadequate to address the traffic safety concerns that have been raised to this office. Traffic violence is one of the most serious threats to public safety in Los Angeles. In 2023, there were 336 traffic fatalities in the City, the most in more than 20 years. Disturbingly, more than half of those deaths were our most vulnerable road users: pedestrians and cyclists. In Council District 10 alone there were 895 total traƯic collisions reported last year, according to LAPD records. Los Angeles traƯic deaths for 2024 are currently projected to exceed the 2023 totals. The West Adams Neighborhood Council community is particularly vulnerable to the threat of traƯic violence as our district is transected by some of the most dangerous streets in the City as identified by LADOT’s High Injury Network (HIN): W. Adams Blvd, Jefferson Blvd, La Brea Ave, Crenshaw Blvd, Obama Blvd, S. La Cienega Blvd, and Farmdale Ave. WANC submitted a formal request to Council District Office 10 in April of 2024 requesting a report, within 60 days, about CD 10’s plan to combat rising traffic violence in our community. The request noted that a “comprehensive strategy and timely implementation of traffic safety measures in partnership with your Office, LADOT, LAPD, and other City agencies is urgently needed.” The “plan” returned back to WANC, after more than 100 days, and had only three (3) future traffic safety installations for our entire neighborhood council district, including: one left-turn phasing, one all-way stop, and one pedestrian hybrid beacon. The traffic safety plan from Councilmember Hutt’s Office is not data-driven and it lacks input from, or coordination with, LAPD, LADOT, and other City agencies. The lack of priority, and the unwillingness to lead on this critical issue from the Council District, is continuing to have adverse impacts on the health, safety, and mobility of our community." [8:16 pm] The assembly voted on a motion to: "Motion to approve a COMMUNITY IMPACT STATEMENT Regarding: Council District 10’s Traffic Safety Plan Position: Against The West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC) is against the Traffic Safety plan presented to the WANC Safety Committee by Council District Office 10 as it lacks urgency, has no comprehensive strategy, and is grossly inadequate to address the traffic safety concerns that have been raised to this office. Traffic violence is one of the most serious threats to public safety in Los Angeles. In 2023, there were 336 traffic fatalities in the City, the most in more than 20 years. Disturbingly, more than half of those deaths were our most vulnerable road users: pedestrians and cyclists. In Council District 10 alone there were 895 total traƯic collisions reported last year, according to LAPD records. Los Angeles traƯic deaths for 2024 are currently projected to exceed the 2023 totals. The West Adams Neighborhood Council community is particularly vulnerable to the threat of traƯic violence as our district is transected by some of the most dangerous streets in the City as identified by LADOT’s High Injury Network (HIN): W. Adams Blvd, Jefferson Blvd, La Brea Ave, Crenshaw Blvd, Obama Blvd, S. La Cienega Blvd, and Farmdale Ave. WANC submitted a formal request to Council District Office 10 in April of 2024 requesting a report, within 60 days, about CD 10’s plan to combat rising traffic violence in our community. The request noted that a “comprehensive strategy and timely implementation of traffic safety measures in partnership with your Office, LADOT, LAPD, and other City agencies is urgently needed.” The “plan” returned back to WANC, after more than 100 days, and had only three (3) future traffic safety installations for our entire neighborhood council district, including: one left-turn phasing, one all-way stop, and one pedestrian hybrid beacon. The traffic safety plan from Councilmember Hutt’s Office is not data-driven and it lacks input from, or coordination with, LAPD, LADOT, and other City agencies. The lack of priority, and the unwillingness to lead on this critical issue from the Council District, is continuing to have adverse impacts on the health, safety, and mobility of our community." Ayes (6): Jace Dawson, Angela Gilbert, Quintus Jett, Blake Lynch, Juilio Valdez, and Richard Williams Noes (2): Dorsay Dujon and Brian Piatek Abstentions (1): Tora Miller The motion passed. [8:20 pm] Dorsay Dujon left the meeting [8:23 pm] Meeting adjourned. The neighborhood council counts abstentions as yes votes.