News

Toluca Lake Food Drive

Sunday, June 14, 2020   10:00 am – 1::00 pm

To benefit the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry
A no contact drive through event at
Chase Bank, 10050 West Riverside Drive
Donors are encouraged to wear masks when passing off donations.

Volunteers are needed to help set-up, collect and sort non-perishable food donations.

For more information, ontact Terry Herkner 818-606-8635 or email: membership@tlhoa.org

NHIFP.Org

Lockdown

Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other 
across the empty squares, 
keeping their windows open 
so that those who are alone 
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know 
is busy spreading fliers with her number 
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples 
are preparing to welcome 
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able 
to touch across the empty square,
Sing.
 
~Fr. Richard Hendrick
 

As we’re all transitioning into a very different way of life for the time being, I wanted to reach out to my District Four family and let you all know that my team is here for you. I know that things have been changing rapidly, and I’m working to get the most updated information out to you as quickly as possible. if you have any questions or concerns about the information you’re hearing, you can reach out to my office and we will help wherever we can.

Safer at Home Order in Los Angeles and Across California

Tonight, the Mayor and Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer announced stronger “Safer at Home” orders, instructing Angelenos to stay at home for all but essential services. This announcement orders the closure of nonessential stores, playgrounds, and bans on gatherings of 10 or more people, effective at 11:59PM on Thursday, March 19th. Shortly after, Governor Newsom ordered all Californians to stay home except for essential purposes. This makes California the first state to impose that strict a mandate on all residents.

Some things you can do:

• Take a walk outside
• Shop for essential items at the grocery store
• Order take-out or delivery
• Commute to jobs deemed essential

Here’s what you can’t do:

• Attend gatherings of ten or more people
• Dine in at a restaurant
• Bring your children to a playground
• Go to a mall or shopping center
• Keep a non-essential retail business open

Retail businesses that are exempt from this order include grocery stores, gas stations, banks, post offices, laundromats, home-based care centers, and more. Read the full list of exemptions in the order. 

Please know that these orders are made after consultation with public health officials, and are only made with the intention of keeping our fellow Angelenos safe. I know this is not an easy time, but I am more than confident that we will meet this moment and get through it together.

Learn more

Team Ryu Updates

In addition to introducing nine pieces of legislation this week to support working families and our most vulnerable Angelenos and increase testing capacity, Team Ryu has been working around the clock to get food and supplies out to vulnerable Angelenos. This week our team packaged hundreds of meals at the Los Angeles Food Bank and at Project Angel Food. These organizations are so important to thousands of Angelenos, and they need our help now more than ever.

More Updates >From the City

Mayor Eric Garcetti, in partnership with City Council, has announced that Los Angeles will add 1,600 emergency beds in thirteen City recreation centers by the end of this week, and will scale up to dozens more in the upcoming days with 6,000 beds provided by the American Red Cross. We’ve learned today that District Four’s very own Pan Pacific Park will be one of the first sites to open. In order to fill the beds, the City, the County, LAHSA and other partners will work together to identify individuals in the homeless population are most at risk. 

The Mayor has also announced an $11 million economic relief package for small businesses, which was approved by City Council this week. The Economic and Workforce Development Department will provide $11 million in no-fee microloans of $5,000 to $20,000.

LAHSA Deploying Hundreds of Sanitation Stations

To better protect our unhoused neighbors, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) has deployed more than 300 hand washing stations across the county. The LAHSA team is working on a map to show where the stations are located. 

The LAHSA team has also secured more than 900 Winter Shelter beds countywide that will continue 24-hours until September 2020. LAHSA is partnering with the city to create Low Barrier Congregate shelters bringing on 6,000 beds across 42 Park and Recreation centers.

Water and Power: Here to Stay

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has made a series of announcements to help ease any community concerns:

Meals for Seniors

Our senior neighbors, who are some of the most vulnerable members of our community, have been at the forefront of my mind. The Los Angeles Department of Aging is committed to continuing to provide low-income seniors with pickup meals from designated meal sites. Since older adults over the age of 65 are known to be at a greater risk of suffering severe outcomes from COVID-19, we are asking that seniors send a caregiver, friend or family member to pick up their meals. A complete list of meal sites can be found here.

Additionally, many stores are offering special hours for seniors to shop before the general public.

If You Are Looking for Help

Jewish Free Loan offers no-fee and interest-free loans to cover lost wages, child care costs, small business losses and more. Loans can be dispersed in a matter of days. Apply online

The Los Angeles Food Bank provides food distribution through a network of local pantries. Find your local food pantry here.

If You Can Help

I’m so grateful to all the members of our community who have reached out looking for ways to help your neighbors in need. Only if you are able, here is a partial list of local organizations that you can donate to:

• Mayor’s Crisis Fund
• Los Angeles Food Bank
• United Way Pandemic Relief Fund
• California Community Foundation Response Fund
• Big Sunday
• Project Angel Food
• Center in Hollywood
• A Place Called Home
• My Friend’s Place

Please stay up to date by checking the Los Angeles Department of Public Health website, the City of Los Angeles website, and the District Four website, where we are posting all relevant updates. 

We are here and working for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and my team at cd4.issues@lacity.org or 213-473-7004.

David Ryu
http://davidryu.lacity.org/

March 20, 2020

Dear Valued Customer,

As an essential services organization, all of us at ACS Security are committed to providing safety and security to the customers and communities we serve. We will be working throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and will continue to follow the best practices for health/safety measures closely.   

As we protect the safety of our customers and the health of our team during this global crisis, we are focusing on ensuring that essential services can be provided. We have a very robust disaster recovery and business continuity plan for our security monitoring facility, and should we need to enact it, have an alternate monitoring facility able to support emergency response calls.  

Essential security support, including monitoring, guard/patrol response, and technical support, will continue to be operating in force.

Please keep us posted if you need anything. We are here to support you.

For non-essential services, please visit our website www.acssecurity.com and login to your customer account. From there, you can make a payment, submit a service question, customer support request, and much more. Our team will be checking regularly and will get back to you as soon as possible. 

We have advised our employees on how to stay healthy and to stay home if not feeling well. We ask the same of our customers. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, traveled outside the United States, or display symptoms indicative of the virus, please cancel your appointment, and we will reschedule you after 14 days of self-quarantine.

Sincerely,
Your Security Team

ACS Security
(310) 475-9016

March 20, 2020

Friends and Neighbors,

As the list of Valley communities with confirmed coronavirus cases grows, I only have two words: stay safe.

Please. The threat is real, especially to those of us who have been around longer than the 118 Freeway.

This will end, but it won’t end nearly as soon as we all would like. In the meantime, please know that my staff and I are here, on the job, doing our very best to help any way we can.

We’re in this for the long haul, however long that is. To share a specific question or concern, please use this link. And stay safe! – Bob Hertzberg

VALLEY CASES RISE AS PATIENTS CONFIRMED IN NEW COMMUNITIES 

The Los Angeles County Public Health Department has identified additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the San Fernando Valley and cities and communities throughout the region. In the San Fernando Valley, new cases have now been confirmed in Granada Hills, North Hollywood, Reseda, Tarzana, Sylmar and Woodland Hills in addition to previously confirmed cases in Encino, Northridge and Sherman Oaks. Updates to case reports are here.  

LA COUNTY OFFERS PENALTY WAIVERS FOR LATE PROPERTY TAXES

Los Angeles County property owners affected by COVID-19 may have late penalties waived if they are unable to pay property taxes before the April 10 deadline. People unable to pay on time due to COVID-19 related reasons can submit a request to cancel their late penalty online starting April 11. County buildings are closed due to COVID-19 and there will be no in-person payments. Property taxes can be paid online, via phone, or mail. For more information, call (213) 974-2111 or visit the website here.

VALLEY STORES SET SPECIAL HOURS FOR SENIORS AT RISK

A number of stores around the Valley have set special hours for seniors and others at high risk to shop when stores are less crowded. Here are some participating merchants:

Albertson’s: Senior shopping from 7 to 9 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Learn more here.

Gelson’s: Senior shopping on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 am. Make sure you bring your identification. Learn more here.

Target: Senior shopping on Wednesdays from 8 to 9 am (all locations). Mission Hills and Burbank locations open at 7 am. Learn more here.

Vallarta Markets: Senior shopping is from 7 to 8 am for shoppers 65 and older, pregnant women and those with disabilities. Learn more here:

Vons: Senior shopping from 7 to 9 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Learn more here.

Whole Foods Market: Senior shopping is from 7 to 8 am for customers 60 years and older to shop one hour before opening to the public. Learn more here.

CALIFORNIA LAUNCHES NEW COVID-19 WEBSITE

Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a new coronavirus website that includes ways to stay healthy and resources available to Californians impacted by the outbreak, including how to apply for unemployment benefits, disability benefits and paid family leave.  The website also serves as a central location for up-to-date and simple guidance, and is part of a broader public awareness campaign to provide information to further prevent the spread of the virus. Access the website here.

FEDERAL RELIEF PACKAGE FINALIZED

A coronavirus relief package, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, has been signed into law. It includes provisions offering paid emergency leave benefits, bolstered unemployment benefits and free diagnostic testing for the COVID-19 virus. The bill provides many workers with up to two weeks of paid sick leave if they are being tested or treated for coronavirus or have been diagnosed with it. Also eligible are those who have been told by a doctor or government official to stay home because of exposure or symptoms. However, those payments are capped at $511 a day. Workers with family members affected by coronavirus and those whose children’s schools have closed can receive up to two-thirds of their pay, though this benefit is limited to $200 a day. Learn more here.

LOS ANGELES TO OPEN EMERGENCY SHELTER BEDS FOR HOMELESS

Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a partnership with the Los Angeles City Council to open thousands of temporary shelter beds to bring more unhoused residents indoors and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Activating a $20 Million City Reserve fund, the City will deploy 6,000 beds provided by the American Red Cross. By the end of the week, 1,600 beds will be set up at 13 City Park facilities. For more City of LA updates on COVID-19, go to https://corona-virus.la. 

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) DISASTER LOANS NOW AVAILABLE

The application link is now open for any California business wishing to apply for a disaster loan related to economic damage from the COVID-19 health crisis. To apply, visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Those businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury and are one of the following types of businesses located in a declared disaster area, may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL):

• Small Business
• Small agricultural cooperative
• Most private non-profit organizations

The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Learn more at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/EIDLLoans.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, DISABILITY, AND PAID FAMILY LEAVE

The California Employment Development Department has developed guidelines for those who are ill, caring for sick family members, or whose job has been disrupted by the Coronavirus.  The guidelines address quarantine-related reduction of hours, missing work due to school closure-related childcare needs, and work loss due to age/underlying health-related isolation, among others. Learn more at https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm

KAISER PERMANENTE AND FACEY MEDICAL GROUP POSTPONES NON-URGENT APPOINTMENTS

To help ensure capacity and equipment to care for the most critically ill patients, Kaiser Permanente is postponing some elective or non-urgent surgeries and procedures. If you have an upcoming appointment scheduled for an elective procedure or a preventive check-up, it may be postponed for a few weeks. The hospital will reach out to you to postpone or reschedule if necessary.

60-DAY GRACE PERIOD FOR INSURANCE PREMIUM PAYMENTS

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has asked all insurance companies provide customers with at least a 60-day grace period to pay insurance premiums so that policies are not cancelled due to circumstances beyond the customer’s control. This request applies to all companies that provide any insurance coverage in California including, life, health, auto, property, casualty, and other types of insurance. In addition, the Insurance Commissioner requests that all insurance agents, brokers, and other licensees who accept premium payments on behalf of insurers include alternate methods of payment, such as online payments, to eliminate the need for in-person payment methods to protect the safety of workers and customers. Learn more here.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR “SOCIAL DISTANCE”

Social distancing means keeping at least six feet of space between you and other people to stop or slow down the spread of contagious disease. This can include

• limiting groups of 10 people or more coming together
• limiting nonessential travel
• working from home
• closing buildings
• canceling events and social gatherings
• suspending in-person classes and going to web-based learning
• modifying business operations to allowing people to come in only to pick up products that have been reserved or requested on-line or by telephone

The minimization of contact with other people will slow the spread of the disease and provide our community with the valuable time needed to be better prepared. Remember: these measures are important to follow, even if you are not exhibiting symptoms. Learn more here.

SELF-QUARANTINE 101

People who have been exposed to the new coronavirus and who are at risk for coming down with COVID-19 might practice self-quarantine. Health experts recommend that self-quarantine lasts 14 days, enough time to find out whether or not they will become ill and be contagious to other people.

You might be asked to practice self-quarantine if you have recently returned from traveling to a part of the country or the world where COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, or if you have knowingly been exposed to an infected person.

Self-quarantine involves:

• Using standard hygiene and washing hands frequently
• Not sharing things like towels and utensils
• Staying at home
• Not having visitors
• Staying at least 6 feet away from other people in your household

Once your quarantine period has ended, if you do not have symptoms, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to return to your normal routine. Learn more here.

BEST PROTECTION FROM SCAMMERS: COMMON SENSE

Scammers depend on fear and confusion to perpetrate fraud. Your most effective weapon against scammers is your good common sense. Scammers push for an immediate response, stressing your urgent need to act. Always take a breath and think before responding to a text, email, phone call or in-person visit from someone you don’t know.

If a bank texts you with a fraud alert, for example, don’t click on any link in the text.  Instead call the bank, or use the official app or website to confirm whether the contact was really from your financial institution.  Never give out your account numbers, pins, passwords or social security numbers in texts, emails, or phone calls. Do not electronically transfer money to people you don’t know.

If someone knocks at your door claiming to be a utility or public health official, ask to see identification before opening your door.  You can also ask them to wait outside the door and call the entity they claim to represent for verification. The Federal Trade Commission has some helpful tips about COVID-19 scams on their website here and here, along with tips to safely work online from home.

DENTISTS CALL FOR URGENT VISITS ONLY

The California Dental Association is urging all seniors and those people with chronic conditions to stay home unless they need urgent dental care.  They also strongly recommend that dentists postpone all non-essential or non-urgent dental care at least for the next two weeks. They have urged dentists to continue to make themselves available for emergency care and other critical services.  All of us must make our own judgments about the urgency of our dental needs, and should continue to take all of the recommended precautions for protecting ourselves when we are out in the community.  Please make sure to cancel your normal dentist appointments if you do not need them.  If you want to keep on top of the Dental Association’s announcements, you can find them at: www.cda.org

L.A. CITY CREATES SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY MICROLOAN PROGRAM

The City of Los Angeles has established an emergency microloan program for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.  Borrowers must be microenterprises or small businesses in the city that are low-income or will retain low-income jobs. Further eligibility is based on the following factors: good credit, sufficient cash flow, primary location in the city of Los Angeles, use of funds for reasonable and eligible working capital expenses, requirement for job retention, and all business owners who hold 20 percent or more ownership must guarantee the loan and a co-signer with good credit and sufficient income. There are no application fees.  Loans from $5,000 to $20,000 are available at zero percent interest for 6 months to 1 year or 3-5 percent for up to 5 years.  Learn more at http://ewddlacity.com/index.php/microloan-program.

SCHOOL RESOURCE GUIDES AVAILABLE TO HELP STUDENTS

LAUSD has released a resource guide for parents in both English and Spanish that provide over-the-air, online and other educational options to allow students to continue to learn during school closures. If you do not have home internet, some local internet service providers are offering free service for 60 days to K-12, and college student households. You can find information on how to sign up at https://achieve.lausd.net/itd.

LAUSD OPENING GRAB AND GO FOOD CENTERS

The Los Angeles Unified School District has turned its 40 family resource centers into grab-and-go food centers to provide meals for students. The centers will be open weekdays from 7 to 10 am, and each child can take home two nutritious meals. Locations of the centers can be found here. Free content with at-home learning opportunities is available here: http://bit.ly/lausdcovid19resources.

REMEMBER, WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER

If you have a specific question or concern, please click here to send an email or call my office at (818) 901-5588. And please connect with me on Facebook and Twitter as my office continues to provide more information regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

Bob Hertzberg
Representing the San Fernando Valley

There is a proposed development of 57 apartment units. There has been a long standing “Q condition” along much of the east side of Cahuenga, which has limited the height of development to 30 feet. This development is being built under SB 1818. (https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php/los-angeles/15644-ca-s-density-bonuses-still-not-enough-to-boost-low-and-moderate-income-housing) We are being told, as such, this development can go up to 41 feet. This development will be more massive than others built in the past. The residents who live near the development are unhappy, and understandably so. Even though the developer will be providing one parking space per bedroom with two levels of subterranean parking, there is no requirement to provide guest parking. There is a concern that our already overcrowded street parking will become even more crowded. The challenge is that under SB 1818, and Transit Oriented Community (TOC) zonings, there is a move towards density bonuses with an affordable housing element, and a lower parking requirement. Under TOC zonings, the parking requirement may go down to ½ parking space per bedroom. (Note that this project is not being developed under TOC). There is a push by the City for residents to minimize the use of cars and resort to public transit.

Emma Howard, Director of Planning with Councilmember David Ryu, has kindly offered to be in Toluca Lake to discuss this development and field questions and concerns. Meeting will be Thursday, February 13 at 6:30PM at the Toluca Lake Elementary School. (4840 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood)

There will be a final hearing on 2/27 with the City. Will advise time and location.

The deadline to submit a letter to be included in the case file (which the commissioners will see and hopefully consider in their vote) is Friday, February 14th. All one has to do is type a simple email stating their position and email it to the clerk whose name is Michelle Carter. In the email please state that you want the message to be included in case file #:CPC-2U19-5742 (and maybe type it in the subject line too). Her email is:  michelle.carter@lacity.org 

PROJECT SUMMARY

4366 – 4374 N. Cahuenga Blvd
10551- 10555 W. Bloomfield Street

DEVELOPER / BUILDER

Schaffel Development Company has built, owned and managed quality multi-family developments throughout the San Fernando valley since 1977 and has successfully completed over 100 construction projects.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Demolition of 10 existing apartments and one single family dwelling and development of a 57unit apartment complex, 41 feet in height containing 4 levels of residential over two levels of subterranean parking. 69 parking spaces and 63 bike spaces.

SUMMARY DATA

ENTITLEMENT REQUEST

8.7% Density Bonus

Affordable Set Aside Requirement is 8 affordable units 45 one-bedroom units x 1 space = 45 spaces

12 two-bedroom units x 2 spaces = 24 spaces

Total parking provided — 69 Spaces

(For comparison, TOC required parking is 34 spaces. 0.5 per bedroom) Incentives:

•  11 additional feet in height for a total of 41 feet in lieu of 30 feet

•  20% decrease in open space for a total of 4,800 sf in lieu of 6,000 sf

By a vote of 18 yes to 15 no and 6 abstaining, SB 50 failed to receive the 21 votes required to pass the Senate. SB 50 failed. 

We are very grateful to our Senator Hertzberg who stood up and passionately opposed this bill.  Most of our LA area senators also voted “no” including Henry Stern, Ben Allen, and Anthony Portantino – all from the general Valley area.  These senators understood the damage this bill would cause all of us and that SB 50 did not address the real issue of affordability. 

Thank you to all of you who took the time to write or call once, twice, or multiple times you made the difference.  Staff members of our senators have commented on the massive amounts of calls and emails they received. 

A bill for affordable housing will be introduced again this year and we hope this time it is thoughtful, intelligent, and focused on affordability instead of attacking single-family neighborhoods.  We can all win with smart legislation.  SOHA intends to remain a voice for finding a solution to affordability and opposing the destruction of single-family neighborhoods.

Together with a coalition of our sister HOA’s in Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino and Valley Village, (and of course many of groups), SB 50 has been defeated!

Many of you emailed and called our representatives. We are truly appreciative, as that had a big impact! However, the fight is not over as the Bill may reappear in some other shape or form. We will keep you informed.

A coyote was sighted just after dark on Whipple Street.
Small dog and cat owners please be wary!

Written by Stephen Hampar

The 7^th Annual Turkey Trot returned with a roar, (Or should I say Gobble!) attracting runners and local families to partake in the festivities.  Hosted by the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association, 100% of the proceeds go towards the East Valley PALS program and Toluca Lake Beautification Partners. 

We were fortunate to have with us David Ono, Multi-Emmy winning News Anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News as our Master of Ceremonies.  Festivities kicked off (Literally) with a choreographed demonstration by KMA Martial Art kids.  Next, trainers from the Toluca Lake Tennis and Fitness Club led the runners to an arsenal of stretches to prep them for the run.

A special sentiment of gratitude goes out to the Turkey Trot Committee, co-chaired by Ryan Kugler and Dana Boyd, including Beth Eras, Susanne Hayes, Kari Negri, Leah Mangum, Steve Hampar and Mary Vossler who rounded off the committee.  Of course there was Board Member Bob Wexler, our illustrious Turkey Mascot, who seemed to be everywhere during the event. 

The event could not have been possible without our generous Sponsors: NBCUniversal, Craig Strong, Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce, Toluca Lake Tennis and Fitness Club, Malbec Restaurant, A5 Events and Hampar Properties, Cindy Wexler Real Estate, KMA Black Belt Champions, Davis Education Services, Generales and Generales, Forget Me Not Florist, The Counter, A La Mutt, Sky Properties, Strength Code, Amarano, Trader Joes, Honey Baked Ham, Coffee Bean, Bob’s Big Boy, Romano’s Pizza and Veggie Grill. Thank you Councilmember David Ryu and Alice Roth, and Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian for your support and helping to coordinate with the City.  Thank you to Chase Bank for hosting the event.  Thanks to Officer Kurtis Delbar, and the LAPD for monitoring the race route.  You are all appreciated!

The Toluca Lake Turkey Trot was originally conceived by Toluca Lake resident Piper Welch in 2011, and ran and promoted through the TLHOA.  We hope to see you next year as the tradition continues!

The Toluca Lake Homeowners Association advocates and to gives a powerful voice to the Homeowners of Toluca Lake.

Dear UproarLA Supporters:

It’s a good day for our cause: Today, City Attorney Mike Feuer and the City of LA announced they are filing suit against the FAA in response to Burbank Airport’s new flight path, which as you know sends departing planes “in a singular, repetitive departure track” at extremely low altitudes over our new communities.  In addition, the City is suing the FAA under the Freedom of Information Act in order to obtain documents which might shed light on the reasons behind the illegal and devastating southerly shift. 

Mr Feuer had this to say: “FAA has allowed this change in departure flight tracks with no public notice, public comment or proper environmental review. The southerly shift has caused a significant increase in airplane noise and traffic, and the lawsuit seeks judicial action to require FAA to order its air traffic controllers to direct aircraft to depart the airport using historic departure tracks.”

“We’re fighting to get relief for tens of thousands of residents and businesses in the southeast Valley and Santa Monica Mountains who’ve borne the brunt of increased aircraft noise and other impacts. Today we’re urging the Court to order the FAA to return to previous flight patterns, and divulge information about Burbank Airport airplane traffic which the public has long been entitled to see.” 

Mr. Krekorian added, “While thousands of my constituents have their lives disrupted day and night by departing planes, the FAA refuses to give direct answers why the shift has taken place. This lawsuit is needed to compel the agency to provide critical information it continues to withhold.”

WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE

UproarLA would like to thank you, our supporters, for making the time, for having the courage, for taking the leadership to SPEAK UP and SHOW UP time and time again. It is unlikely that these developments would have occurred without pressure from the community.

And we would like to heap thanks and praise upon Mr Feuer and his attorneys, and Councilmembers Krekorian, Ryu and Koretz for their courage, leadership and steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of their constituents.  

Show them some love!

• Mike Fueur: rob.wilcox@lacity.org
• Paul Krekorian: doug.mensman@lacity.org
• Paul Koretz: joan.pelico@lacity.org
• David Ryu: justin.orenstein@lacity.org

One month ago, we shared the hopeful news with you that LA City Attorney Mike Feuer had issued a cease and desist demand letter to the FAA, requiring that the illegal and devastating new flight paths out of BUR over our communities halt immediately.

To date, not only has the FAA NOT complied with the cease and desist demand — they have not even replied to the City Attorney’s letter.

While we are not surprised by the FAA’s arrogance and disregard for public health and safety, we are nevertheless angry at once again being ignored. Our strong belief is that the City of LA must take the next step and file a lawsuit against the FAA to halt this nonstop assault on our communities.We are in communication with the City Attorney’s office, who asked that we share this update:

“Please let the community know that our FAA team of lawyers is working overtime on strategizing the next steps that will be the most expedient, efficient and effective way to end the onslaught you and your neighbors are suffering.”

We THANK Mike Feuer’s office for their steadfast action to protect LA citizens and for highlighting what we all know is true: the FAA CONCEDED the path has moved SOUTH of the tracks previously established without public notice, comment or review. We respectfully plead with them to take the next necessary step: strong legal action against the FAA. As noted by Mr. Feuer, the FAA is OBLIGATED to use pre-Metroplex departure procedures, as the ones currently being flown over our NEW COMMUNITY are against their own policy and have never been studied.

UproarLA will continue working closely with our local representatives, our attorney, the media, the city of LA and all key stakeholders to fight FAA corruption. We are grateful for the support of the City, and we truly THANK YOU ALL for continuing to join us in standing up against the FAA and Burbank Airport.

We will continue to update you as events unfold.

Let’s continue to be vocal so the FAA hears us loud and clear regarding the airplane noise from the Burbank Airport flight paths!  If you attend the next meeting, take a speaker card so you may say a few words about the noise issues you are experiencing.

Plans for a 234-unit apartment complex that will repurpose a Chase bank right off the 134 freeway in Toluca Lake at Lankershim and Riverside Drive were approved Tuesday by the Los Angeles City Council’s planning and land use management committee.   Read more…