West Los Angeles Community Police Advisory Board
A Partnership Between the Community and the LAPD

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C-PAB TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MINUTES

HIGHLIGHTS
( New Business, Guest Speakers Only )

To request a full version of the
Traffic Committee Minutes
send an email to:
wlatraffic@earthlink.net

April 8, 2003 8:15am-10:00am
West L.A. Police Station
Roll Call Room 8:44 a.m.

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8:44 a.m. Meeting called to order by the chair Robert A. Ringler. Robert thanks everyone for coming.

Attendees:

The Committee thanks Jose Reines for taking minutes at this meeting.

Introduction of Guests

Robert introduced Captain Rich Wemmer, Commanding Officer of West Los Angeles Community Police Station. Captain Wemmer thanks everyone for coming. There are almost a thousand participants on the Community Alert System.

On a side note, Robert comments that of the 180 members that are on the sign-in roster, 80% were e-mailed the information for this meeting. Although not everyone on the roster attends every meeting, some because they are in Sacramento or unable to attend, they take this committee very seriously and want to be kept up-to-date on its progress. Robert explains to the newcomers that this committee is a problem-solving group with the Citizens, Law Enforcement, CHP, LAPD, the Department of Transportation, the Council Offices, and representatives of the Mayor's Office.

Robert introduces today's guest speaker Councilman Jack Weiss. He also introduces Ellis Stanley, the General Manager of the Department of Emergency Preparedness. He also introduces our special guests Jennifer York and Vance Scott from the KTLA Morning News.

New Business

The Chair invites Councilman Jack Weiss to address our concerns and the concerns of the community. He also asks Captain Wemmer, Representatives from the California Highway Patrol, Ellis Stanley, Jennifer York, and Vance Scott to please come up. Robert presents an Award of Commendation from the City Council signed by Councilman Jack Weiss and Councilman Dennis Zine, which reads as follows: "In appreciation for your efforts in improving public safety while informing the motoring public with the morning traffic report, you exercised celebrity justice in doing the right thing as a citizen and as a news reporter by initiating actions that led to the apprehension of a hit and run suspect." Robert shows the committee the video clip of Jennifer York following the hit and run suspect, which led to his arrest. Jennifer and Vance explain that day's situation.

Before the other awards are to be presented, Councilman Jack Weiss describes his involvement with the issue of high-speed pursuits in the Los Angeles Area. Last Monday, he was in Sacramento with the family of a baby who lost his arm as an innocent victim of a high-speed pursuit. Councilman Jack Weiss says that he is trying to change the law in Sacramento so that fleeing police will be a felony. Currently, it is only a misdemeanor. He compliments Jennifer for reporting on traffic every day, as a good citizen, a friend of everyone in this room, and a friend and supporter of law enforcement. Councilman Jack Weiss thanks Jennifer and Vance on behalf of the City of Los Angeles and tells them that we are proud of them and that is a real delight to have them here.

Jennifer explains what Vance's job is. He is the heart and soul of the KTLA Morning News from the operation standpoint. He listens to the scanners and informs the reporters of where to go. He was also very supportive of letting the police know where the hit and run suspect was at all times, which led to his apprehension. Vance went on to say how determined Jennifer was to nail this guy and if it wasn't for Jennifer's knowledge of the neighborhood, the suspect might have gotten away. Jennifer went on to say what a positive response she got from the community. She was amazed how passionate people were about traffic, which drew applause from the committee. Jack Weiss commented, "When Skycam 5 is in the air, you can run but you can't hide."

Captain Wemmer also presented, along with Gene Nebeker, the CPAB Co-Chair, a Certificate of Appreciation from the West Los Angeles Community Police Station to Jennifer and Vance for their ongoing effort.

Captain Calvin Aubrey, along with Officer Leland Tang and Officer Shameil Coleman from the California Highway Patrol, presented Jennifer York and Vance Scott with awards from the California Highway Patrol thanking them for their efforts and all they do to improve traffic safety. Captain Aubrey went on to say that they couldn't do their job without their help.

Ellis Stanley stresses the importance of partnerships and that you as a partner with government have made this a safer place to live and we want to recognize that. We want to offer you this plaque as a token of our appreciation to you and KTLA.

Introduction of Guest Speaker-Councilman Jack Weiss comments that his "presentation" will be a hard act to follow. He reminded everyone that before he became an elected official, he was a member of this committee.

He introduced his staff: Susan Bursk, Beverly Kenworthy, and Fortuna Ippoliti. They come to these meetings because this is where a lot of good ideas come from. This is where he first learned about problems such as not being able to cite individuals with the red light cameras because the cameras only take pictures of the front license plate and not the back. Twenty-five percent of individuals who run a red light at a photo-enforced intersection do not have a front plate. It was this committee that asked that LADOT Parking Enforcement along with LAPD vigorously enforce the No Front Plate Law. His staff not only comes to tell this committee about what's going on in the city, but to learn from you, members of the community.

He acknowledges the officers and appreciates their outstanding work, despite their limited resources. The Council along with LAPD has initiated many successful Cross-Mountain Traffic Sweeps. This is where we target speeders, reckless drivers, and impaired drivers, by concentrating a large number of traffic officers in the Hillsides for a short period of time. His first year in elected office, over one thousand citations were issued in these Cross-Mountain Traffic Sweeps. The Council Office will continue to work hard and also plans to bring this program to other parts of the West Side.

The biggest project, which will take the next three years to complete, will be the Santa Monica Transit Parkway Project. It involves the digging up of Santa Monica from the 405 Freeway into the Beverly Hills border. Little Santa Monica and Santa Monica will be combined into one main Santa Monica. This will impose extraordinary burdens on the West Side because of its impact on transportation and small businesses. Deputy Susan Bursk has been working night and day with the Department of Transportation and all of Public Works Bureaus to try to stay on top of what these agencies are doing. One of the most important things is to keep the traffic flowing on Santa Monica Boulevard during the project. Signage will be put up to inform motorists that Santa Monica is still open for traffic. According to the best-case scenario, the project should be completed in 900 days, but most likely it will be more.

Another thing that is going on in West L.A. is the Century City Development. It is a complex issue because it involves the technical calculations of how many cars going in and out of Century City. The ABC Entertainment Center is located between the Twin Towers and Century City Hotel, which is where the new developer plans on putting in a 700,000 square feet project. The law permits them to put in a 650,000 square feet project without asking the city for permission; therefore, the City has limited leverage over this development. We are working hard to see what the impacts will be and how they can be mitigated. It is likely that Century City will continue to grow. It was originally designed as a place for office buildings.

Councilman Jack Weiss continues to discuss the proposal to increase the HOV lanes on the 405 Freeway, various segments have already been completed. Regarding one of these segments, CALTRANS wanted to either close the Montana off ramp or expand it and loop it through the Westwood Hills Neighborhood, going through numerous houses, thereby changing the character of the neighborhood. Jack met with a representative from CALTRANS and informed him that he was against expanding the Montana off ramp and he personally will do everything he can to prevent that idea from being implemented.

Jack also discusses Benedict Canyon and the proposed changes for the next 2 years. A major capital improvement project will occur in upper Benedict Canyon, between Mulholland and Hutton. He believes this is a good project, but it is a project that will cause serious inconvenience for all of us in the Canyon Areas. This project provides badly needed infrastructure improvements.

Jack is very impressed with the traffic sweeps that LAPD is doing in the Canyons and will try to expand it to other areas of West Los Angeles. This program is especially useful here because of the high proportion of drivers breaking traffic laws on their way to work. Some of the most serious offenders are parents driving near schools. Our Council Office has a program called School Mates where we work with the schools in our District to rationalize the drop-off and pick-up process.

Jack opens up his presentation for any questions, comments, or suggestions. Steve Twining asks what Jack's comments are about the possibility of three Veteran Administration Offices in Century City. Jack explains that the Veteran Administration Office here has been under a mandate from Washington, throughout the Country, to maximize the returns from their assets. From their national viewpoint, something should be done with the most valuable land in the free world. The City will do everything we can to block this. He has been very involved with Supervisor Yaroslavsky, Council Woman Cindy Miscikowski, and Congressman Waxman has been very vocal and active and has helped to get the message across that this property should not be developed. A member of the committee announced a meeting regarding this project. Jack indicated that Susan Bursk will make sure that someone from his office will be attending this meeting.

Robert Ringler brought to Councilman Jack Weiss's attention LADOT's efforts to explore the use of a speed radar trailer or similar device. Pauline Chan is chairing a committee to explore this experimental program. This concept is especially important today in light of the lack of motor officers available to enforce the speed laws in our City. Jack thinks this is a great idea and in the next month, when he is working on the city budget, he will focus on all sorts of traffic improvements and traffic related projects. He asks Pauline to make sure that his office is aware of any funding needed and they will try to help in any way they can.

Walt Lykosh asked is there any reason why Benedict Canyon cannot be done on a seven-day rather than a five-day basis. Jack is not certain. Walt asks if it is a monetary issue. Jack thinks it may be a money issue, but he is not sure. He will look into this with Fortuna. Jack realizes this is a huge burden and he will do everything he can, given budget resources, to make it as less painful as possible.

Steve Twining asked for Jack's opinions on UCLA's expansion. UCLA's long-range plan was just approved by the Board of Regions; however, the representatives of Neighborhood Council, Hillside Federation, and other groups were not allowed to speak due to lack of time regarding the future of this plan. Jack has limited authority since this is a State issue and not a City issue and UCLA is governed by the Board of Regents. Jack can try to exert subtle, unofficial influence to make certain that the community will have their voice heard at these hearings. Steve proposes one practical solution: for UCLA to provide students, staff and faculty with free bus passes for MTA.

Steve Twining comments that we are the only part of town without any significant form of rapid transit and asks what will be done in regards to rapid transit to West Los Angeles. Santa Monica is interested in the Expo Line. Jack tells everyone that a lot is going on in terms of MTA work to try to expand public transportation. A proposal is subject to Federal Transportation Funding and it is a frustrating process.

Fortuna and Susan will speak with anyone who wants more information on the School Mates Program. We bring bureaucratic entities and community together to counter the impact of dangerous drivers near the schools. This program has been successful in several places and if any was interested, please get in touch with Fortuna and Susan.

Jack thanks everyone for having him speak today.

Jack introduces Commander Paul Kim to the committee. Commander Kim wanted to tell everyone that he understands the traffic situation. It affects everyone, regardless of where they live. He knows the impact it has on the quality of life and lifestyle. LAPD is trying to work with the committee and do some genuine problem solving. He feels that law enforcement has a vital role to play, despite various other governmental agencies involvement in traffic issues. He hopes that what they have done has been satisfactory and if not, he welcomes any suggestions and comments.

Captain Wemmer stated that anyone interested in the Community Alert System should fill out a form and contact Officer Alex Rodriguez, the CPAB Liaison Officer. Any comments or requests for patrol should be given to Officer Alex Rodriguez or Sergeant Craig Lally.

Approval of Minutes

Robert Ringler asks for a motion to approve the March 11, 2003 minutes. Len McRoskey moves and Gordon Smith seconds to approve the minutes as written.

Community Traffic Reports

Glenroy Avenue and Sunset Boulevard-E-Ho Lin introduced himself as a resident living on the North East corner of Sunset Boulevard and Glenroy Avenue. He discussed in detail the dangerous situation on Sunset as cars going westbound, especially when it's raining, have wound up in his front yard, which is adjacent to a bus stop. In the right turn lane, there is also a protrusion of the curb that contributes to the accident history at this intersection. He is concerned that someone waiting at the bus stop may be killed as well as the property damage it has caused my residence and the damage done to vehicles due to accidents at this intersection. He distributed pictures illustrating in detail the nature of the intersection and the problem. Also, correspondence he has had with different City Agencies in their attempt to correct this situation. Fortuna commented that she has been at this site and collaborates with Mr. Lin that everything he's saying describes the dangerous nature of this intersection. Robert asked Jody Litvak if safety is an issue, does MTA ever allocate money to a City Agency like Public Works to improve a dangerous situation. Jody responded by saying that MTA has co-funded projects in the past. Robert asked if this could be put on MTA's list of things to fund. Jack Richards from the Bel-Air Association commented that a few years ago when Councilman Mike Feuer was in office, the slope was raised by four inches, thousands of dollars were spent, but it is still not raised sufficiently to prevent accidents. He thanks the committee for inviting him and allowing him to present his case.

Castle Heights Neighborhood Association-Rich Levier introduced himself and thanked Deputy Susan Bursk and the Chair Robert Ringler for inviting him. His neighborhood is situated on Robertson Boulevard, north of the 10 Freeway. One of the streets that was mentioned earlier Cattaraugus serves as a cut through street for cars on their way to Century City. In his area, there is an elementary school called Castle Heights Elementary School, which, thanks to Councilman Jack Weiss's office, has a curbside drop-off program. The elementary school is located between Beverwil and Castle Heights, which become high-speed thoroughfares for cars on their way to Century City, which creates a safety problem for children at the school. A similar problem exists at Hamilton High School where cars speed on Robertson Boulevard. There is a new stop sign on Bagley Avenue which is very effective. He wants to once again thank Jack Weiss and his staff.

Mountaingate-Ernie Frankel is not present. Patricia Bell, a resident in the area, asked if she could speak. She wanted clarification on the State Law that requires a speed survey if police officers are to use radar in enforcing speed limits in that area. She was disturbed to hear that the speed limit in order to use radar is determined by the speed of 85% of the vehicles using that roadway. Pat agreed to pursue this issue and Robert asked if anyone else would like to join her in pursuing this project. Officer Mike Davis from Community Traffic Service Unit (CTSU) at the West LA's Community Police Department volunteered to assist in this effort and his contact information is (213) 473-0125. Officer Leland Tang from the CHP mentioned there was a Bill working through the Senate that is trying to allow Cities to set their own speed limits and waive the 85-percentile rule.

Beverly Glen-Yfat Reiss not present. Dan Buben, the Vice-President of Residents of Beverly Glen requested for a report on the Ferrari accident on Beverly Glen. Fortuna Ippoliti informed us that a new wall will be built for the residents who live at the scene of the accident.

Wilshire Corridor-Marilyn Lewis not present.

Santa Monica Canyon/BOCA-Leslie Hope had two issues to discuss. The first concerned a problem with people parking along upper Entrada. There are two houses for sale and whenever the real estate agent has an Open House, she has permission from the City that allows prospective buyers to park along upper Entrada that does is normally a no parking area. She also has a large sign up that will not being coming down until April 15. The parked cars make it difficult for residents to get out of some of the side streets such as Kingman and San Lorenzo. This parking issue is upsetting residents. Next, Leslie asked Pauline when they were going to get their traffic study. Pauline responded that she has to contact several people and meet with them to address the concerns in the area.

Brentwood-Noreen Brau commented on the traffic on Sunset Boulevard approaching the 405 Freeway is practically gridlocked every afternoon. It also affects the side streets because residents cannot get onto Sunset Boulevard. The traffic is affecting the quality of life for the Brentwood residents. The 405 Freeway affects everyone starting from Wilshire Boulevard and Barrington Avenue starting at 3:30 pm. Nicole Foos, the President of Parent Association at Kenter Canyons School, commented on the serious traffic problems in the area and she will be pursuing the School Mates Program with Cindi Miscikowski.

Comments from the Chair-Robert Ringler interrupted the Community Traffic Reports to suggest to newcomers to this Committee that in order for problems to be resolved, you must come to every meeting. If it is inconvenient to attend a meeting, please send a representative to delegate in your place. Also, please e-mail or call to be put on the agenda.

Holmby Hills-Marcia Selz commented that the Harvard Westlake School Expansion, which affects traffic in the neighborhood, was brought up before the Bel-Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council. She discussed the 1984 Agreement with the school that limits growth. We are looking for litigation measures from the school. The Bel-Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council voted to support the residents of that community in their attempt to have the 1984 Agreement upheld.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The folowing items were also discussed:

Neighborhood Council/Community Council Reports

Department of Transportation Report

Police Department Report

Deputy Mayor's Office Report

Council District 11 Report

Council District 5 Report

General Discussion

Announcement of Next Meeting

Meeting Adjourned

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NOTE:

To request a full version of the
Traffic Committee Minutes
send an email to:

wlatraffic@earthlink.net

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