EMPOWERMENT CONGRESS WEST AREA NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Meeting Minutes

May 4, 2013
Crenshaw United Methodist * 3740 Don Felipe Drive * Los Angeles, CA 90008
Na me
Pres en t Excused Un- excus ed

Na me

Pres en t

Excused

Un- excus ed

David Winston, Chair X Wendell Conn (Area 2) X Denise Stansell, Co-Chair X Carl Morgan (Area 2) X Yvonne Ellett, Rec Secretary X Lark Galloway-Gilliam (Area 3) X Madeleine Renee-Walters, X Jackie Ryan (Area 3) X Corresponding Secretary Treasurer - Vacant X Ronda Brown (At Large) X Karen Caesar (At Large) X Mary Jones-Darks (Area 1) X Jason Lombard (At Large) X Wilson Washensky (Area 1) X Johnnie Raines (At Large) X Call to Ord er & R oll C all : The meeting was called to order at 9:37 am by David Winston, Chair. A quorum was present. David read the rules of the meeting. Everyone introduced himself or herself. Everyone in attendance arrived by 10:00 am. Addi tio nal Agen da It em s: David asked for a vote to include the following 4 items to the Agenda: 1) LAPD Teen C-PAB request for $940; 2) LAPD Youth Conference for $1,900; 3) Community Build Festival of the Masks for $6,000; and 4) Letter of support for Chipotles Conditional Use Permit. VOTE: 13 YAYS, 1 NAY (Wendell) SLO Rep ort : Teen C-PAB Officer Elveth reported that Property Crime is ongoing, particularly when it pertains to automotive theft. He asked that everyone follow the LAPD Lock It; Hide It; Keep It campaign. He offered the LAPDs non-emergency number: 1-877- ASK-LAPD and praised the Citys new MyLA311 app for Android and I-phones as great for reporting graffiti. Elec ted Of ficial & Pu blic Ag ency Co m men t s: Kimani Black (CD10) gave a report on the Jim Gilliam trees in relation to the Don Ricardo homeowners, whose views are being blocked. The Dept. of Recreations arborists did an inspection of all of the parks trees and will trim 81 of them. None of the trees that require trimming are the ones affecting the residents views. The Department does not trim healthy trees. The Ralphs at Rodeo/Crenshaw is closing by May 25 to make way for District Square construction. The retail development is breaking ground in June. Trees have been trimmed in Baldwin Vista. Now that most of the trees in the area have trimmed, the Council District will return to the normal cycle of tree trimming. The Endeavour Ad Hoc committee (Johnnie) needs to coordinate its final tree trimming list with the Council Office. Kimani offered suggestions towards complaints of dog feces in the Leimert Park Plaza: - The Conservation Corps can do leaflet dropping to educate area residents about picking up after their dogs; - ECWA can contact the Dept. of Animal Services for dog care kits to hand out to stakeholders; - The Dept. of Animal Services can also cite and fine dog walkers who are on a regular poop schedule. He advised everyone to stand up for our community and say dont poop on our lawns! He stressed that no stakeholder should accept the runaround from City departments. He advised everyone to call their elected officials to complain so their requests can be answered and to stop the cycle. Public C o mm ent : Ayndrea Wilson wanted to say Thank You to ECWA for awarding her organization a Neighborhood Purpose Grant. She showed everyone picture boards of the projects her kids have done over the years, including the hot spots painted on a building wall in Leimert Park Village. Unfortunately the building owner had the decorative spots painted over. Louis South, a retired school counselor, is looking to do a proposal that would include the parks in our Area. Hes worked in the Jefferson Park area. He passed his card for contact information. ECWANDC Meeting Minutes | Page 1

 Romerol Malveaux announced the SLAANC Candidates forum on May 11th at Angeles Mesa Elementary School. The candidates will first answer prepared questions, then move into a Town Hall format for stakeholder questions. Flyers were placed on the hand- out table. Denise announced Summer Nights Lights is accepting Youth employment applications available from Jim Gilliam Park. Jason announced Baldwin Hills Crenshaws Cinco de Mayo celebration happening at the Mall promenade on Saturday, May 4. He also spoke about the return of the BHCP Live series. The first concert will be on May 26, featuring Loose Ends and Klymaxx. The second will be the following weekend on June 2 as one of two pre-Playboy Jazz Festival celebrations. That concert features Patrice Rushen. Mary announced the Million Marijuana March, also on May 4 beginning at 11:30 am. Crenshaw Blvd. will have rolling street closures to accommodate the 30 or so participants. * Rev. Mark Gory complained about the boxes of BOTACH that had been lined up on Crenshaw Blvd. and that members of the community are concerned about the warehouses inventory. - Carl replied the Neighborhood Council is vigilantly working on the topic. However LAFD reported there arent any guns or ammunition. - Karen confirmed the boxes were completely blocking the sidewalk and she took photos. - A stakeholder said the boxes were part of the suppliers annual drop-off. - Officer Elveth offered the following as a remedy: Since Building and Safety doesnt have a dispatch, stakeholders should call the LAPD non-emergency desk. When they call, they must let the dispatch operator know there is a violation occurring: The sidewalk is being blocked. They should give the operator a contact number and request the responding officers to call when they arrive on the scene so the officers can speak with the stakeholder directly. Call back if the wait time seems excessive. And have multiple people call about the same violation, with each giving their phone numbers. Yvonne announced Community Health Councils Complete Streets Forum and encouraged all stakeholders to participate in learning about the processes the City uses to increase mobility. The Forum is on May 9 at 6-8 pm. She gave out CHCs address. She also encouraged participation in the South LA Mobility Councils bicycle ride of the Vernon/Crenshaw/King/Main loop. There will be a meeting preceding the ride at 10 am. The ride will be at 11 am. She will post both events on the N/C Facebook page. Ben Caldwell of the Kaos Network described the 10 week Mask Ancestry Workshops, leading up to the Leimert Park Artwalks 3rd Anniversary in June. The workshops will include a cultural relationship with Nigeria for authenticity. He also described the Leimert Park Phone Company as an artistic and cultural method of repurposing phone booths with free WiFi. Drake Dillard, Vice-President of the Baldwin Hills Estates Homeowners Association, announced the HOAs successful Emergency Preparedness event, adding how the HOA wants to grow it to include more people in the community. David said Carl shared ECWA info and the N/C donated 100 bottles of water and provided giveaways. David also personally provided gift certificates. Me tro Cren sh aw Lin e (Lab or o nly) - Mary Jon es-D ark s Item : Discu ssio n Marian Long, MTA Project Labor Agreement liaison, described the Project Labor Agreement as the first of its kind Highligh t s: in the US, where labor agrees not to strike for the length of a project and the MTA agrees to hire people new to the construction trades. She alerted stakeholders that the MTA would not be deciding the contractor for the Crenshaw/LAX line until June. Jackie Cornejo, Director of Construction from the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE), described the object of the program is to reach out to areas that need jobs the most. She stressed there are 17 very hard to get into apprenticeships. But the programs help with paying fees and purchasing necessary tools and clothing. Once learned, the skills are employable everywhere. Ken Billups, We Build LAUSD, said the Adult Education-based program began in 2004. It is a 10 week/300 hours basic training program. Over the years it has established a great relationship with the trades unions. Roy Kim, UAW Work Source Vermont/King location, described two networking programs -- for recently trained and skilled laborers that may have let their union affiliation lapse. Work Source can help with Union dues. All workers must have their documents: a valid drivers license and a High School diploma or GED certificate. The Work Source Center is building a database of workers. All programs are doing outreach campaigns throughout the city in order to garner interest. They are also trying to find the nearly 1800 African American workers that have either been through all or some of the training in order to fast track them towards employment. They asked everyone to spread the word. Several stakeholders noted the MTA has had poor African American hiring practices or that Latin labor bosses have been unfair. Ms. Long explained the construction trades are 75% Hispanic and 3-6% African American. She also pointed out the programs that were just described are not just for African Americans, but are directed towards all low-income unskilled workers who want better-paying skilled careers. They responded positively when David asked if the group was willing to return. ECWANDC Meeting Minutes | Page 2

Item :

Public La nd U se a nd Be au tifica tio n C om mi tte e - C arl

Discu ssio n Carl said the PLUB Committee recommends granting Chipotle a Full Conditional Use Permit as long as there is a Highligh t s: Security Guard on the premises. Valerie Sachs, Liquor License Specialist speaking for Chipotle, said the store currently uses the Malls security. Although there is an outdoor dining option, no alcohol would be allowed outside. The store wants to sell beer and pre-made margaritas (no bar). The menus ingredient quality and architecture differentiates Chipotle from standard fast food fare. The Chipotle chain has a good record of compliance in regards to liquor sales. Jason, in is role of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Outreach, understands PLUBs security concerns. He said the North Lot security has an assigned, specific truck that rolls between 6 am-12 M. In addition, there is foot patrol. Between Midnight and 6am, the security trucks patrol the entire property. Jenny, from Chipotle, added the chain cards anyone who appears to be 40 or under and the employees must be of legal age to serve alcohol. Chain-wide, liquor only accounts for 1-1 1/2% of sales. They also have a strict policy of only selling liquor with food purchases. Mary asked how the store would avoid having liquor outside. Jason replied that the staff monitors the dining areas with frequent table touches. Valerie asked that PLUBs recommendations not require Chipotle to specifically provide security since the Mall provides security. Yvonne motioned for the ECWANDC to write a letter in support of Chipotles Conditional Use Permit. Karen Acti on / Foll ow-u p: seconded. Carl amended PLUBs recommendation from Chipotle-supplied to a security guard. VOTE: 10 YAYS / 1 NAY (Wendell) / 1 ABSTENTION (Jason) Outre ach Co m mitt ee - De nise Item : Discu ssio n Denise directed everyone to the ECWA water bottles on the back table featuring the N/Cs new logo. She added Highligh t s: the typo will be corrected. Item : Safe ty Co m mit tee - Jo hnni e Discu ssio n No report Highligh t s: Item : Me eting Mi nu te s Discu ssio n The April 15 Board Meeting minutes were unavailable for review and voting. Highligh t s: Item : P-Car d Exp endi ture s Discu ssio n David read the individual P-Card expenditures for a total of $538.28 between 3/22-4/22. Highligh t s: Acti on / Foll ow-u p: Mary motioned to accept the P-Card expenditures. Johnnie seconded. Discussion: Wendell requested that a copy of the P-card expenditures be emailed prior to the meeting. David responded that his request is not a DONE requirement. VOTE: 9 YAYS (Carl not in the room for the vote) / 1 NAY (Wendell) Re-POW ER L. A. Laur a Nie to

Item : Discu ssio n The purpose of the coalition is to create policy, to push DWP to be more efficient, and to develop DWP careers. Highligh t s: Re-POWER L.A. and the IBEW created a paid apprenticeship program. There is a Home Energy Improvement Program for homeowners to apply for where they can save 15-20% on their annual utility bills. The Small Business Install Program is the same as the HEIP, except for small businesses. Laura asked for help with outreach to business corridors. Theres also an LAUSD Direct Install Program developed for the school system. ECWANDC Meeting Minutes | Page 3

 In addition to energy efficiency, Re-POWER pushes for the cheapest and cleanest methods of moving from coal and towards conservation. Laura can be reached directly at: (213) 977-9400 or by email lnieto@laane.org Item : Baldwi n Hill s Cr en sh aw He alt h F air A nit a Willi a m s Discu ssio n The extensive health fair on May 18 & 19 will have 15 vendors inside the mall and outside vendors for Highligh t s: Mammograms, HIV and blood pressure testing. There will be cooking demonstrations in the food court One focus was to bring in health care and fitness vendors from the community. The mall already has its B-FIT program for fitness. The health fair will B-HIP (Healthy-Informed-Proactive) Anita reminded everyone that ObamaCare will be rolling out in the fall and even she isnt completely versed in it. There will seminars on both days to provide information on the national plan and health care changes it will bring. Anita is available by phone if anyone needs more information: (310) 882-9875 Denise motioned to extend the meeting 15 minutes. Jason seconded. Acti on / Foll ow-u p: VOTE: 11 YAYS Item : Fina nce Co m mit tee Jo hnni e / Mar y Discu ssio n The discussion began with a tally of the N/Cs available funds (math as approximated at the meeting): Highligh t s: $ 28,000 (showing available on DONE website) 5,000 (office lease) 5,000 (sidewalk repair) 2,500 (Tom Bradley school) 3,000 (LAPD I-pads) 1,430 (Senior Fun Day) 3,000 (Outreach Committee expenses) 2,000 (Jackie Tatum Tennis Tournament) 538 (P-Card expenses) $ 19,000 apprx total available The Finance Committee met prior to the Town Hall Meeting. Yvonne asked when the Agenda was distributed. David said it did not go out. (The Brown Act requires Finance Committee Agendas must be posted 72 hours in advance) The Finance Committee members are: Lark (chair), Johnnie, Mary, and David. According to the by-laws committee members are appointed by the Chair. Because funding grant expenditures need to be finalized prior to May 15, the 3rd Monday Board meeting was moved Acti on / Foll ow-u p: one week ahead to 5/13. The Finance Committee will meet prior to the Board meeting. Acti on / Foll ow-u p: Item : Tee n C-P AB Of ficer Pa ul El vet h Discu ssio n All 21 LAPD stations have Community Police Advisory Boards (C-PAB). Only 4 stations have Teen C-PABs. Highligh t s: Southwest has one. Teen C-PABs run their own meetings and create their own agendas. Kevin, one of the current C-PAB members, described how the teens help their communities by using the techniques theyve been taught. They use fundraising efforts to purchase meeting supplies. Genesis, another member, is in her first year. She spoke about their toy drive and potluck for families in need. She also said her High School, Dorsey, has an LAPD officer program. Jason, a member since 10th grade said that Chief Zimmerman and Member-At-Large Johnnie Raines influenced him out of trouble. Teen C-PAB helped him become a role model at his school Edgar, also older, agreed the organization helps teens break social norms. And the upcoming conference will be reaching out for the LAPD and local youth to work together. ECWANDC Meeting Minutes | Page 4 Mary motioned to extend the meeting 10 minutes. Johnnie seconded. VOTE: 11 YAYS

Item :

Ad H oc Bu dget Co m mit tee R o merol Malve au x, Mayor s Bu dget Ad voca te Alter na te

Discu ssio n The Mayor released his Budget on April 22. He included tree trimming and sidewalk repair. The budget remains Highligh t s: for staffing 10,000 police. There are also allocations for The Vision Theater and graffiti removal. Mayor and Council approved establishing new Economic Development Department effective May 22, 2013. Proposed merging of Planning Department and Building and Safety awaiting city council approval. The City Council will begin its review process prior to approval on May 22. The next Mayor will have to work with the new City Budget for at least 6 months. Modifications can occur around December. At that time, there will need to be a decision made in regards to 2014 5% pay increases and the 10% increase for the city worker health plan. Final No te s: The current Fiscal Years P-Card is will be usable until June 14. The Neighborhood Councils new offices are available for future meetings as of this week: 3701 Stocker, Suite 106 Los Angeles, CA 90008 Also effective this week, Madeleine has resigned as interim Treasurer. She will continue in her role as Corresponding Secretary. ECWA will need its new budget by June 21. Me eting Ad jo urned at 12:03 pm Minutes as Approved by Board at __5__/__13__/_13___ Meeting Signature: _________Yvonne Ellett______________ ECWANDC Recording Secretary

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