THANKS TO ALL THE VETS WHO HAVE SERVED THIS NATION. Our freedom rests on your shoulders. God Bless.

NEXT WHHO MEETING

December 18, 2024 – 7:30 PM on ZOOM – Election of he WHHO Officers and Board Members.

Speaker – TBA

No Meeting for November – Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving

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October Speaker  – Tanks again to Captain Lopez. 

LAPD Captain Rudy Lopez, Commanding Officer Topanga Station,

He gave us some interesting insights to safety issues in the Valley including the recent Mall Smash and Grab, safety of our schools in light of the rise in antisemitism, what to look for during the holiday shopping season to be safe, and how we can harden our homes and neighborhoods to prevent crime.

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September 25th Meeting – Thanks to the Candidates for LAUSD District 3,

Scott Schmerelson (incumbent) and Dan Chang (challenger).

Many issues were discussed. A video replay of the Candidate Forum is available on this YouTube LINK. This video and material is the property of the WHHO – (© Copyright, 2024, Woodland Hills Homeowners Organization, Inc. and all rights are reserved. No campaign or commercial use is permitted without the written consent of the WHHO).

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PROPOSED Citywide Housing Incentive Program Ordinance (CHIP) and it affect on the S.W. Community Plan.

You can view a copy of he Proposed CHIP Ordinance here: Draft Ordinance (September 2024)

• Clean version
• Strikeout version

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July Meeting – Thanks to all that participated in the July Meeting for an in depth discussion of the PROPOSED Citywide Housing Incentive Program Ordinance (CHIP) and it affect on the S.W. Community Plan.

CLICK TO VIEW – WHHO Letter to City Planning Re Draft City Wide Housing Program Ordinance Dated 7-17-24

Click HERE for the Fire Zone Map (more details in this one)

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Special thanks to the LA City Planers – Lucy Martinez, Tal Steinberg, David Olivo and Pryia Mehendale who helped explain the Southwest Valley Community Plans. The City of Los Angeles is proposing drastic zoning and building allowance changes that could forever alter many of our neighborhoods—along with the entire West Valley.

This topic is confusing and the WHHO has recorded the session and you can view it on YouTube by Clicking HERE.

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Special thanks to the mayor’s South West Valley Representative, DAVID BRIGHT, and Kevin Keller for helping us understand some of the Mayor’s view about the valley and taking our concerns back to her.

You can view the YouTube Video buy CLICKING HERE

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 Send us any suggestions on topics or speakers you would like to hear. Send to john@whho.com

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March Speaker: Special thanks to Vahid Khorsand, LA Board of Public Works Commissioner.

View the Video of the Meeting, CLICK HERE.

For those who were looking for the map of road paving, CLICK HERE for the link.

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FEBRUARY MEETING – CANCELLED: Sorry that we had to cancel the February Meeting at the last minute due to a scheduling conflict for the speaker.

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January 2024 Meeting – Special thanks to Councilman Bob Blumenfield for being the WHHO Guest Speaker.

The Councilman discuss the accomplished of last year and the hopes or the coming year, including issues of homelessness, street takeovers, housing legislation, budget issues and the LAPD, and safety for our community.

To view the video of the meeting click here.

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December Meeting – Special hanks to Susan Shelley. for her insights to the Tax Initiatives and other legislative issues.

The web Site she mentioned for the Petitions can be found at repealthedeathtax.com which will redirect yo to the original site of https://reinstate58.hjta.org/ where you can final all the documents you might need.

To view the video of the meeting click here.

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October Meeting: Special thanks to our Senior Lead Officers (SLOs) for meeting with us – Officer Brittney Gutierrez and Officer Jose Fernandez.

(SLO) Brittney Gutierrez.

(SLO) Jose Fernandez

To view the video of the meeting click here.

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September’s Meeting – Thanks to former City Council Member

He provided us with a unique insight into the thinking of a former Council member about government and the issues that are facing us all now. If you missed the meeting, it is available online on YouTube. See the link below. He provided insights into the LAPD and enforcement and safety, the homelessness issues and his insights into city government – especially how to get things done and what a city council member can really do.

If you want to watch the rebroadcast of the meeting, click HERE.

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June Meeting – Thanks to the Ram’s Representatives for their presentation on what the new practice field will look like on the old Anthem property.

Rams Practice Field in Warner Center

If you missed it, the Recorded version of the Meeting can be viewed by clicking HERE.

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May Meeting:  Thanks to Ken Craft for answering question about the “family” homeless housing at the 818 Hotel (now called the Woodlands). Information always helps to ease the anxiety about change.

Ken Craft – CEO for Hope of the Valley (Hope the Mission),

They took over ownership of the 818 Hotel (renamed “The Woodlands”) across from Taft High School.

As you know the 818 Hotel facility will be turned into a “family” home for the unhoused. He will address what will come next and what we can expect from him and the organization that will be helpful to our community and not create a risk for those at Taft and the surrounding area.

The Video of the meeting can be viewed by clicking HERE.

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March Meting: A special thanks to our New Supervisor, Lindsey P. Horvath

Finally!!!! A County Supervisor who would  came to the valley to listen. We deeply appreciate that she would come and speak with us. We learned a lot about what she intends to do and what she cannot do. And we earned more about the 818 Hotel across from Taft and what we can expect. We are looking forward to working with her in the future to make our community even better.

The video of the meeting will be uploaded here soon.

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Our February Meeting – Special thanks to Senior Lead Office Sean Dinse for his insights to that homelessness situation in our area and the suggestions on how to help.

Here is a copy of the items he spoke about. Click on he one you want to see:  Trespass Signs ;  Trespass Arrest Authorization Letter ; LAMC 41-24 – Trespass .

CLICK HERE for the video of Sean Dinse presentation

We also appreciated Greg and Sara for talking about their proposed 8-story Permanent Supportive Housing Development project at 23036-23060 Ventura Blvd, (next to the old Bowlero) and taking our question. There will be more to come in the future.

CLICK HERE for the video of their presentation.

Click HERE to see the letter to Councilman Blumenfield requesting the signage.

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Special thanks to Councilman Blumenfield for joining us at our January Meeting and giving us an update on what has happened in the Valley and what we can expect for the coming year. .

The video can be viewed by clicking HERE

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Thanks to all that participated in our December General Meeting for the “Open Mike”. It was informative to say the least.

You  Elected the following Officers and Board Members for 2023:

WHHO Officers & Directors for 2023:
President: John Walker
Vice-President: Dennis DiBiase
Vice-President: Marty Lipkin
Treasurer: Silvia Anthony Murley
Secretary: Nancy Porter
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Ari Coin                     Armen Hovanessian
Shelly Schwartz         Aaron Williams
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BOETHING TREELAND UPDATE – Here is their PowerPoint that was presented to the Neighborhood Council on 10/6/22. CLICK HERE

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October’s Last Meeting

Special thanks to Councilwoman Lindsey Horvath and State Senator Robert “Bob” Hertzberg, the Candidates for County Supervisor for attending a rather long meeting and answering questions for our members at the October 12th Meeting.

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JULY’s PAST MEETING

Special thanks to LAPD Senior Lead Officer Sean Dinse for informing us about the safety (and lack of it) in Woodland Hills. His service to the community is deeply appreciated.

The Recording will be posted in the future.

Here is the Link to the Senior Officer Lead Map with their contact information: CLICK HERE

Link to Homeless SLO Contact Page: CLICK HERE

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Special thanks to our guest at the June Meeting from the City Planning Department.

• Andy Rodriguez, Senior City Planner
• Tal Harari, Senior City Planner
• Jojo Pewsawang, Senior City Planner
• Erika Cui, City Planner
• Lucy Martinez, City Planning Associate

Here are the important emails to let them know what you think about areas that should have an appropriate Designation:

• Tal Harari, Senior City Planner – tal.harari@lacity.org

• Lucy Martinez, City Planning Associate – lucy.martinez@lacity.org

The Recording will be posted in the future.

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UPDATE OF THE RAMS AND WARNER CENTER:

As you know the owner of he Rams has previously purchased he Promenade Property in Warner Center. Well, they now have purchased the Anthem building property – the whole property. That brings there holding to about 65 acres total. Probably the biggest land holder in the West Valley.

What will they do with it? We are waiting for formal details and will let you know as soon as we do. The WHHO has met with them before they purchase of the Promenade and we are excited and hopeful to work with them to assure a great project that will have only a minimal negative impact on traffic and noise.

Here is an interesting article link to the LA TIMES. https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-06-06/rams-buy-warner-center-office-tower-does-stan-kroenke-plan-sofi-stadium-like-development

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Congratulation to Councilman Bob Blumenfield for his re-election to the City Council.

For those who missed the Candidates; Debate, at this Past May’s Meeting, look no further. The link is below.

WHHO thanks the candidates for Council District 3, Bob Blumenfield and Scott Silverstein, for their participation in the Candidates’ Debate this past May 18th. We all learned a lot about them and some of the hot issues.

                       Bob Blumenfield (Incumbent)               Scott Silverstein (Challenger)

The Recording of the Debate is available. CLICK this Link: https://youtu.be/r4wOs_AYtu8wi

(Note that it begins at the end of Bob’s opening statement – I forgot to start the recording on time)

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THE PANTRY ADDITION

Click here for a copy of the Administrative Approval of the Pantry (41 pages)

CLICK  – Food POantry-Determination Lttr-ZA-2021-8374-CU_Signed LOD

The Woodland Hills Homeowners Organization (WHHO) Opposes
Food Pantry Expansion

Appeals have been filed: Now, those who believe the West Valley Food Pantry has outgrown its location in the middle of a residential neighborhood will have another chance to convince the City of Los Angeles that it has made a huge miscalculation and failing to impede the growth. The organizations and individuals who filed appeals against the Zoning Administrator’s determination, will be able to present their challenges and arguments before  the South Valley Area Planning Commission in a special hearing on August 11, 2022 after 4:30 PM at an exact time to be determined as the date nears.

In an April 14 letter to the City Zoning Administrator the Woodland Hills Homeowners Organization formally asked the Administrator to deny the West Valley Food Pantry at Prince of Peach Church’s plan for expansion. The main thrust of the letter was that the Food Pantry, while noble in its goals, after 50 years has outgrown the residential neighborhood where it sits. Several concerns were addressed, including increased traffic in a single-family community, truck deliveries, noise, garbage, drug use and transient confrontations. The letter states that, “Both the West Valley Food Pantry and the Church hierarchy have resisted requests from various neighborhood groups or homeowner organizations to try and solve the ever-growing (problem).”

WHHO would like to see the pantry in a new commercial location, “better suited to serving the growing number of West Valley individuals and families who are suffering from food insecurity.” Failing a total move, the letter gives a number of restrictions it would like the pantry to put into place.

You can view the full letter here: Click this link below

WHHO Recommendation Letter- Case No. ZA-2021-8374 (002)

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818 Hotel and the Extended Stay

View the WHHO Position Letter concerning the 818 Hotel and the Extended Stay facility on Ventura Boulevard across from Taft High school:

Click on this Link:

1 – Letter to Bob Blumenfield re Housing First Sites on Ventura Blvd 3-3-22

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Councilman Bob Blumenfield’s Response Letter:

Click this Link:

My Reply Regarding WHHO Boards Position Regarding Homelessness Intervention 3-22-22

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March’s Speaker

Special thanks to STACEY BRENNER of the Brenner Consulting Group, the spokesperson for the West Valley Food Pantry and to KIRK THOMPSON who responded to the request to expand the Panty’s service.

The video of the meeting can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gqniCVtay8

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February’s Speaker

Special Thanks to our February Speakers. You can view the full web meeting here: https://youtu.be/9jIvD6HH5tc

KEN CRAFT

Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission

…And Councilman Bob Blumenfield who joined us for an in depth discussion on the 818 Hotel and the Extended Stay Facility on Ventura Boulevard across from Taft High School

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January’s Speaker:

Councilman Bob Blumenfield

A Special thanks to our Councilman Bob Blumenfield for fielding some very tough questions and giving us an update on thinks going on in our community like the County’s attempt to turn the 818 Hotel across from Taft into a family homeless housing facility.

You can view the full web meeting here: https://youtube.com/channel/UCzCqSoQWjYgrHfEaBlaoP6g

He gave us great insights into the actions and frustrations being a State Senator.

We look forward to hearing more from him in the near future about our State and what we can do to help him and other make it a better place to live, work and play.

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Special thanks to our speakers for October From Councilman Blumenfield’s Office:

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August’s   MEETING.

A special thanks to Susan Shelley for her insights and stimulating thought.

A link to her Daily News Article about SB9 and SB 10 can be found here: CLICK

Susan Shelley

Susan Shelley is a columnist and a member of the editorial board of the Southern California News Group, eleven daily newspapers including the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Daily News. Immediately prior to becoming a columnist, she was a candidate for the California Assembly in the west San Fernando Valley. Her Op-Ed Articles in the Daily News are always thought provoking.

She spoke about her thoughts,  insights and opinion on State Legislation against property owners like SB 9 & SB10; homelessness issues; defund the police; LAUSD and the need for a school here at the OSO School property; redistricting and how important is it really; and just about anything else she wants to talk about that would concern us here in Woodland Hills. WHHO thanks her for her time spent with us an encourage her to continue writing about issues that affect us all.

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Last May’s Meeting with

Jill Stewart

A special thanks to Jill Stewart for her excellent insights to the the “Horror” Legislation proposed in Sacramento at our May Meeting.

The lawmakers in Sacramento are trying to do to your home, your neighborhood and your community. They have created 7 Frankenstein Bills that keep coming back to life even after they have been supposedly killed. And each of those legislative monsters can rip apart your lifestyle and leave your biggest investment near death.

You Doubt it! Watch this 2 min. video: Click Here

We have asked Jill Stewart – the  renowned investigative reporter and editor, and TV commentator – to share her insights at the WHHO May 26 General Meeting and guide Woodland Hills homeowners on this perilous journey through Sacramento’s on-going attempts to remove all local zoning regulations, turn over planning and land use decisions to contractors, and destroy the neighborhoods we all love.

Jill Stewart is one of the most knowledgeable and articulate experts on what both the State Senate and State Assembly are planning on springing on every California city and town. And she=ll tell us how we need to protect ourselves before we run for the pitchforks and firebrands.

Here are some of the onerous pieces of upcoming “Yes in my backyard” legislation that she will address:

• SB 1385: “A Frankenstein Bill” that was previously killed but has come back to life. It empowers developers to override cities, to buy and destroy stores and businesses to build dense market-rate housing. It perpetuates the falsehood that market-rate density somehow results in “affordable housing.
• SB 8: A 5-year extension on a bad bill that was scheduled to die. It rewards gentrification, ignores the homeless, creates NO affordable units and silences communities facing big luxury projects. Limits public to 5 hearings.
• SB 9: Brings back from the dead the despised SB 1120 bill. It would end single-family zoning to allow 6 units where 1 single family home is now situated. Add on the already legally allowed 2 Accessory Dwelling Units and the number of “homes” next to yours could be 8Cwith no way to stop it.
• SB 10: A copycat of the previously defeated SB 902 Weiner bill that lets a simple majority on city councils to override CEQA safeguards to allow 10-unit pricey, market-rate apartments almost anywhere – over-riding voter-approved land protection measures, including open space!
• SB 478: Another Weiner monster, it is a radical “tiny lots” bill that overrides your city zoning and lets developers destroy older, modest, multiple-unit housing to instead build ultra-dense market-rate housing C on severely small lots (lot size: 1,700 square feet).
• AB 1322: Lets city councils override voter-approved housing laws and restrictions.
• AB 1401: reduces parking in buildings within 1/2 mile of major transit (Bus) stops. Forces residents to find parking in adjacent neighborhoods

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A special thanks to our April Speaker,

Alexis S. Montevirgen, Ed.D. Pierce College President.

If you missed him, you can watch the meeting on YouTube. the link will be up soon.

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A special thanks to our March Speaker,

NICK MELVOIN – Board Member, District 4, LAUSD

If you missed him, you can watch the meeting on YouTube at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz75ujefoJU

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Special Thank to Vahid Khorsand. the Mayor’s West Valley Representative for his thoughtful comments at our February Meeting. If you did not get a chance to join us, we will post the conversation on YouTube soon.

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A special thanks to COUNCILMAN BOB BLUMENFIELD for attending our January Meeting. His insights into our local issues is always great.

You can view the entire session on You Tube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/W8W-qzLU1qA

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October, 2021 Meeting – with the Candidates for the LAUSD School Board was great. A special thank from the WHHO to Marilyn Koziatek and Scott Schmerelson for their participation.

You can view it on YouTube at the link: https://youtu.be/XDP_SIwjxe4

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Octo

WHHO invites Planning to explain the new Southwest Valley Community Plan

CLICK