Sunday, September 23, 2012
Modified Parking Requirement Districts
An ordinance amending certain Sections of the Zoning Code and adding a new Section 13.17 to allow for the adoption of Modified Parking Requirement (MPR) Districts implementing one or more of seven specified parking requirement modification tools becomes effective on October 9th. You can download Ordinance No. 182,242 at http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2011/11-1332_ord_182242.pdf
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Banning Plastic Carry Out Bags
Dear Stakeholder,
The City of Los Angeles is proposing to adopt and implement an ordinance to ban the use of single-use plastic carryout bags, charge a fee on paper bags, and promote the use of reusable bags at specified retailers within the City. A six-month grace period would be provided for large retailers and a one-year grace period would be provided for small retailers, which would include a public education component.
The City of Los Angeles has completed an Initial Study which indicates that the proposed project may result in significant impacts and therefore an Environmental Impact Report will be prepared.
The Notice of Preparation and Initial Study are available for public review from September 20, 2012 to October 19, 2012. If you would like to comment, please send your written comments so that they are received no later than October 19, 2012 to:
Daniel Hackney, Program Manager
Bureau of Sanitation,
1149 S. Broadway, 5th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90015.
The City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Sanitation will hold meetings to receive public input on the proposed project and the Initial Study, as follows:
October 2, 2012, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm – Ronald F. Deaton Auditorium (in Police Administration Building), 100 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
October 3, 2012, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm - Wilmington Recreation Center (Multi-Purpose Room), 325 Neptune Ave, Wilmington, CA 90744
October 4, 2012, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm - Cheviot Hills Recreation Center Auditorium, 2551 Motor Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064
October 10, 2012, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm - Van Nuys City Hall, 14410 Sylvan Street, Van Nuys, CA 91401
The Initial Study is available for review at the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation at 1149 S. Broadway, 5th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015, www.lacitysan.org under What’s new…, and at the following public libraries:
Central Library, 630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Van Nuys Branch Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91401
West L. A. Regional Branch Library, 11360 Santa Monica Bl., Los Angeles, CA 90025
San Pedro Regional Branch Library, 931 S. Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
Thank you for your participation.
The City of Los Angeles is proposing to adopt and implement an ordinance to ban the use of single-use plastic carryout bags, charge a fee on paper bags, and promote the use of reusable bags at specified retailers within the City. A six-month grace period would be provided for large retailers and a one-year grace period would be provided for small retailers, which would include a public education component.
The City of Los Angeles has completed an Initial Study which indicates that the proposed project may result in significant impacts and therefore an Environmental Impact Report will be prepared.
The Notice of Preparation and Initial Study are available for public review from September 20, 2012 to October 19, 2012. If you would like to comment, please send your written comments so that they are received no later than October 19, 2012 to:
Daniel Hackney, Program Manager
Bureau of Sanitation,
1149 S. Broadway, 5th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90015.
The City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Sanitation will hold meetings to receive public input on the proposed project and the Initial Study, as follows:
October 2, 2012, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm – Ronald F. Deaton Auditorium (in Police Administration Building), 100 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
October 3, 2012, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm - Wilmington Recreation Center (Multi-Purpose Room), 325 Neptune Ave, Wilmington, CA 90744
October 4, 2012, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm - Cheviot Hills Recreation Center Auditorium, 2551 Motor Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064
October 10, 2012, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm - Van Nuys City Hall, 14410 Sylvan Street, Van Nuys, CA 91401
The Initial Study is available for review at the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation at 1149 S. Broadway, 5th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015, www.lacitysan.org under What’s new…, and at the following public libraries:
Central Library, 630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Van Nuys Branch Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91401
West L. A. Regional Branch Library, 11360 Santa Monica Bl., Los Angeles, CA 90025
San Pedro Regional Branch Library, 931 S. Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
Thank you for your participation.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
LADWP 2012 IRP Meeting
LADWP annually prepares a Power Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to provide a 20-year framework to ensure that current and future energy needs of the City of Los Angeles are met. In order to do so, the IRP lays out alternative strategies for meeting LADWP’s regulatory requirements and environmental policy goals for increasing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while maintaining power reliability and minimizing the financial impact on the city’s ratepayers.
A major goal of the IRP process is to ensure that our customers have ample opportunity to provide input and comments. Towards this end, you are cordially invited to attend a workshop regarding LADWP's 2012 Integrated Resource Plan. Your presence and participation in this process is valuable to us. Please join us:
October 11, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
111 N. Hope Street, A-Level Auditorium
Los Angeles, CA 90012
A major goal of the IRP process is to ensure that our customers have ample opportunity to provide input and comments. Towards this end, you are cordially invited to attend a workshop regarding LADWP's 2012 Integrated Resource Plan. Your presence and participation in this process is valuable to us. Please join us:
October 11, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
111 N. Hope Street, A-Level Auditorium
Los Angeles, CA 90012
AGF Ordinance Amendment Passes City Council
Good News!
The Council unanimously adopted a motion made by Rosendahl/Buscaino amending the committee reports (item 22 on today's meeting agenda). Motion is at the following link: http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2009/09-2645_mot_9-11-12.pdf.
Included among the ordinance amendments will be: eliminating utility pole exemption, expanding notice (see motion for specifics) and enhancing aesthetic criteria.
Unfortunately, the Council did not adopt the one recommendation of the two committees to include permit duration limits; however, the Council did add other provisions requested: RF emissions certification and requiring the applicant to prove gap in coverage.
Also, the Council didn't adopt our request to expand appeal rights, require applicant to bear cost of technical expert, or require mapping or projection of future needs.
The Council unanimously adopted a motion made by Rosendahl/Buscaino amending the committee reports (item 22 on today's meeting agenda). Motion is at the following link: http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2009/09-2645_mot_9-11-12.pdf.
Included among the ordinance amendments will be: eliminating utility pole exemption, expanding notice (see motion for specifics) and enhancing aesthetic criteria.
Unfortunately, the Council did not adopt the one recommendation of the two committees to include permit duration limits; however, the Council did add other provisions requested: RF emissions certification and requiring the applicant to prove gap in coverage.
Also, the Council didn't adopt our request to expand appeal rights, require applicant to bear cost of technical expert, or require mapping or projection of future needs.
Monday, September 10, 2012
STNC Board Installation
LADWP Tujunga Spreading Grounds Enhancement Project
Hello East Valley Area NC Board Leaders,
Although this project may not be directly located in your NC area, it might be of interest to you as Valley stakeholders. This is regarding the LADWP Tujunga Spreading Grounds Enhancement Project at our facility located at the corner of Sheldon Street and Roscoe Boulevard. Please disseminate to your NC boardmembers and other constituencies who might want to attend.
The project Draft Environmental Impact Report is currently in it’s public review period and a public hearing is scheduled for this Wednesday evening, September 12, 2012 beginning at 6:00 PM at the LADWP Truesdale Training Center, 11781 Truesdale Street Room 205/211, Sun Valley CA 91352.
Attached is a copy of the 2-page Notice of Availability for the EIR which includes a project description as well as the public hearing info and locations where printed copies may be viewed. It also contains contact information for any questions and input.
The full DRAFT EIR (302 pages) as well as other project related documents can be accessed on the LADWP website by clicking on the following link:
LADWP Tujunga Spreading Grounds Enhancement Project-Draft EIR
My apologies for the short notice but I just became aware of this hearing and many of you might already be aware of it through other contacts or the official notification process.
Regards,
Greg Bartz
LADWP LOCAL GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY RELATIONS LIAISON
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS 2, 4, 6, & 7
EAST VALLEY & NORTH CENTRAL LOS ANGELES NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL AREAS
(213) 367-2800
Although this project may not be directly located in your NC area, it might be of interest to you as Valley stakeholders. This is regarding the LADWP Tujunga Spreading Grounds Enhancement Project at our facility located at the corner of Sheldon Street and Roscoe Boulevard. Please disseminate to your NC boardmembers and other constituencies who might want to attend.
The project Draft Environmental Impact Report is currently in it’s public review period and a public hearing is scheduled for this Wednesday evening, September 12, 2012 beginning at 6:00 PM at the LADWP Truesdale Training Center, 11781 Truesdale Street Room 205/211, Sun Valley CA 91352.
Attached is a copy of the 2-page Notice of Availability for the EIR which includes a project description as well as the public hearing info and locations where printed copies may be viewed. It also contains contact information for any questions and input.
The full DRAFT EIR (302 pages) as well as other project related documents can be accessed on the LADWP website by clicking on the following link:
LADWP Tujunga Spreading Grounds Enhancement Project-Draft EIR
My apologies for the short notice but I just became aware of this hearing and many of you might already be aware of it through other contacts or the official notification process.
Regards,
Greg Bartz
LADWP LOCAL GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY RELATIONS LIAISON
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS 2, 4, 6, & 7
EAST VALLEY & NORTH CENTRAL LOS ANGELES NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL AREAS
(213) 367-2800
Saturday, September 08, 2012
LA's Ratepayer Advocate Supports 11.2% 2-Year Power Rate Increase
UPDATE 9-8-12 DWP Committee Meeting
Fred Pickel, the Ratepayers Advocate, discussed why he supports the DWP’s proposed two year, 11.4% increase in our power rates. Driving the rate increase are environmental mandates, the need for investment in the infrastructure to improve reliability, and investments in energy efficiency and conservation.
Ratepayers Advocate: Review of LADWP Power Rate Proposal
http://www.dwpreform.lacity.org/documents/OPAproposal20120822.pdf
Fred also referred to the PA Consulting report. While the report is 143 pages, you can get an a quick understanding by reviewing the Executive Summary as well as Appendix E: Table of Recommendations (16 recommendations: 4 on Rate Restructuring, 9 on Cost Savings Studies, and 3 on Processes Reviews).
Power System Financial Review and Rate Restructuring Analysis
http://www.dwpreform.lacity.org/documents/CostReductionReport20120823.pdf
It is anticipated that the DWP Board of Commissioners will meet on September 12 at 10:30 AM.
It is expected that the Energy and Environment Committee will begin its review the following week and that the new rates will be effective in November or December.
There is concern that once again homeowners, especially those in The Valley, will be subject disproportionately higher tiered rates.
We discussed the need for increased transparency related to the implementation of the 16 recommendations, the relationship with the IBEW, pet projects, the dumping of 1,480 City employees and their unfunded pensions on the DWP, the efficiency and timing of the environmental mandates, and the legality of the $250 million transfer from the Power System to the City’s General Fund as a result of the Proposition 26 (The Supermajority Vote to Pass New Taxes and Fees Act) that was passed by the voters in November of 2010.
The DWP Committee passed the following motion with a unanimous vote:
All Department of Water and Power labor negotiations should be open and transparent, they should be conducted by DWP management, and the Ratepayers Advocate should have access to all information on a timely basis.
The proposed increase in our water rates requires additional review and analysis.
Dear Fellow Stakeholders: DATE: August 22, 2012 4:24:11 PM PDT Neighborhood News and Information Alert Statement by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power General Manager Ronald O. Nichols Following Today’s Report by the Ratepayer Advocate, Dr. Fred H. Pickel, On LADWP’s Requested Two Year Power Rate Increase "We are pleased that the Ratepayer Advocate has presented his review of LADWP’s two-year power rate request. To make this review possible, the LADWP provided more information than has ever been released in the history of the Department in connection with a rate increase. It has been an exhaustive, but important effort to honor the Charter Amendment approved by voters nearly 18 months ago, which created the Office of Public Accountability and instituted a process for independent review of LADWP rate requests. The summary report reaffirms that the cost increases our Power System is facing to comply with legal mandates and invest in basic reliability are unavoidable and absolutely necessary. The Ratepayer Advocate recognizes that LADWP has taken significant steps to cut costs and it affirms the approximate 10% system average power rate increase proposed by LADWP. We look forward to receiving the Ratepayer Advocate’s report on requested water rates and moving forward with consideration by the Board of Water and Power Commissioners and City Council in September. There is no doubt that there remain continued cost pressures beyond the two-year period covered by the rate proposal. The Ratepayer Advocate has addressed this issue in his report. During the next year we will be looking to refine our estimates for those mandated and critical investments. We will also remain completely committed to reducing our costs as much as possible to keep future rate increases as low as possible for our customers, while maintaining reliable service, and we will work with the City to do so." To learn more about LADWP’s proposed two-year rate proposal and use a customer friendly rates calculator, please visit www.ladwp.com/rates.
Friday, September 07, 2012
AGF Ordinance Moving On to City Council
AGF Update September 7, 2012 - Finally, the AGF ordinance will be at City Council on Tuesday, September 11 - item #22. You are encouraged to write to the City Council to support the new ordinance. Here's a sample letter you can send:
Honorable Councilmembers:
AGF Update June 4, 2012: Good news! The AGF ordinance (cell towers in the public right of way -- Above Ground Facility) will be moving forward to the full City Council. This move will give the green light for the City Attorney to draft the final ordinance. All sides of the issue are pleased with the outcome of today's PLUM hearing. Not sure when this will be at City Council but I'll let you know when I do hear. Below is a recap of where this is at now. I think this is a big win for our community as well as communities across the City. --Cindy Today PLUM approved the May 10 Public Works Committee recommendation to draft a cell tower ordinance consistent with Ted Jordan's (Deputy City Attorney) report from last June and bring this forward to Council. Recommendations out of Public Works Committee follow: "1. Delete exemption for cell installations mounted on utility poles so that these installations will be regulated under the ordinance. Also, with regard to installations on street lights, either to delete the exemption or to develop pre-approved antenna configurations - within certain power limits and/or aesthetic appearances - that would qualify for exemption. 2. Broaden public notice of applications & public hearings, which should include adjacent property owners, abutting property owners, Council office, possibly relevant HOA, and possibly within a specific radius, such as 500'. 3. Enhance aesthetic requirements by adding specific criteria to be applied and if not satisfied then the decision maker would be authorized to deny a permit application on aesthetic grounds. Referenced page 9 of June 7, 2011 report entitled "Developments in the Law Regarding Regulation of the Placement of Cell Towers and Related Equipment." In this regard, the cabinetry, the pole and antenna configuration as well as placement of the foregoing would all be reviewed for aesthetics against the applicable criteria. 4. Create a time measure for permits of somewhere between 2 and 10 years prior to expiration. 5. Mandate certification that antennas installed operate within FCC requirements." CM Ed Reyes expressed concern today at PLUM that the notice provisions be broad enough to include tenants or occupants.
Honorable Councilmembers:
We support the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council and communities across the City of Los Angeles pertaining to amendments to the City's Above Ground Facilities (AGF) Ordinance, Item #22 on the City Council Agenda for September 11, 2012, specifically:
-- support the proposed amendments to the AGF Ordinance as set forth
in the reports to the Council from the Public Works and PLUM committees;
-- request additional, reasonable amendments to the AGF Ordinance including:
• Elimination of the utility pole exemption
• Expansion of the notice provisions
• Enhancement of the aesthetic provisions
• Imposition of permit duration
limits
-- request enactment of an Interim Control Ordinance (ICO) that would
impose a temporary moratorium for a specific period of time on
applications for permits and installation of wireless facilities in the
public right of way while the Ordinance amendments are being drafted.
I request that this letter be filed in Council File No. 09-2645.
AGF Update June 4, 2012: Good news! The AGF ordinance (cell towers in the public right of way -- Above Ground Facility) will be moving forward to the full City Council. This move will give the green light for the City Attorney to draft the final ordinance. All sides of the issue are pleased with the outcome of today's PLUM hearing. Not sure when this will be at City Council but I'll let you know when I do hear. Below is a recap of where this is at now. I think this is a big win for our community as well as communities across the City. --Cindy Today PLUM approved the May 10 Public Works Committee recommendation to draft a cell tower ordinance consistent with Ted Jordan's (Deputy City Attorney) report from last June and bring this forward to Council. Recommendations out of Public Works Committee follow: "1. Delete exemption for cell installations mounted on utility poles so that these installations will be regulated under the ordinance. Also, with regard to installations on street lights, either to delete the exemption or to develop pre-approved antenna configurations - within certain power limits and/or aesthetic appearances - that would qualify for exemption. 2. Broaden public notice of applications & public hearings, which should include adjacent property owners, abutting property owners, Council office, possibly relevant HOA, and possibly within a specific radius, such as 500'. 3. Enhance aesthetic requirements by adding specific criteria to be applied and if not satisfied then the decision maker would be authorized to deny a permit application on aesthetic grounds. Referenced page 9 of June 7, 2011 report entitled "Developments in the Law Regarding Regulation of the Placement of Cell Towers and Related Equipment." In this regard, the cabinetry, the pole and antenna configuration as well as placement of the foregoing would all be reviewed for aesthetics against the applicable criteria. 4. Create a time measure for permits of somewhere between 2 and 10 years prior to expiration. 5. Mandate certification that antennas installed operate within FCC requirements." CM Ed Reyes expressed concern today at PLUM that the notice provisions be broad enough to include tenants or occupants.
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