PUBLIC LAND USE & BEAUTIFICATION
TUESDAY MAY 28, 2013
6:30 PM.

Crenshaw stakeholders have already thought of what to do with Marlton Square.

Join PLUB Chair Carl Morgan for an engaging and informal session.  All that’s required is your input.  The Community Build presentation on Marlton Square will be reviewed for possible implementation.

The Jim Gilliam trees receiving a badly needed trim prior to Summer 2013.

If you’ve only ever driven past the Jim Gilliam Park, you’ve probably noticed the namesake’s ball field and  well-lit tennis courts.  Now that the shaggy trees have been groomed, you can actually see so much more!  This is one of L.A.’s special parks, a recreation center that has nearly everything.

In addition to the ball field and tennis courts, there is a putting green, a gym path, picnic areas, and even more trees.  A facility on the property offers day care.  The interior hosts a beautiful basketball court, several meeting rooms, a gym, computer classes, and a Senior Rec program that includes activities and meals.  The invitation below encourages everyone to visit.  It is one of the original venues included in departing Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s “Summer Night Lights” program which gives kids a place to gather until late at night.  The program has proven to decrease gang activity.

Like what you’ve just read?  Then get involved.  Call (323) 291-5928.  The Park is seeking members of the community interested in adding fresh ideas and volunteer time towards keeping Jim Gilliam one of L.A.’s almost-hidden gems.

A Neighborhood Council receives $37,000/year to fund its area’s projects and events

While the rest of the City is enjoying the Spring weather and getting ready to celebrate Memorial Day, the 95 Certified Neighborhood Councils are in a frantic rush to complete their FY12/13 funding. The City’s Fiscal Year is drawing to a close and every duck needs to be put in order. Just as ECWA prepares to close its books, our area’s Communities and Organizations are preparing and finalizing their Summer items. It happens every year like this and, somehow, it always gets done just in time. This year, that time is May 15.

First, we invite you to join ECWA’s Finance Committee for its meeting. There, all of the funding items on the Agenda will be discussed, then recommendations will be made. Listening to the discussion can help you understand if ECWA could be a funding option for your neighborhood or organization. The committee considers:

- The type of event or project;
- The amount being requested;
- Whether the funding falls within the City’s guidelines towards funding.

But, wait! There’s more. The Finance Committee then brings its recommendations to the ECWA Board for final funding approval. The Board may have a few questions. Afterwards it will motion, second that motion, then approve or deny the funding. Before the May 15 deadline, the Finance Committee will work with the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) to finalize the requests and, if everyone’s paperwork is in order, the City will approve funding.

We work like a mini-City Council, except every Board member is a volunteer. As always, ECWA looks forward to seeing our Stakeholders. Bring your concerns, questions, or announcements to the meetings. After all, this is your Neighborhood Council. 

Below the Finance Committee Agenda scrolls first, followed by the Board Meeting Agenda.

TRADES POSITIONS

Discussed during the May 4, 2013 Town Hall Meeting

We had an extraordinarily large turn-out for our May 4th Town Hall, with many in attendance interested in the Metro Crenshaw Line.

The MTA signed a Project Labor Agreement in early 2012.  Succinctly, labor promises not to strike for the duration of a project and the MTA agrees to follow the landmark agreement’s equal opportunity provisions.  It is the first of its kind in the U.S. to be implemented by a regional transportation agency.  It’s disheartening to realize in the 2010′s that MTA had to be bartered with to facilitate changes in construction hiring in this City.

How bad is construction hiring for African Americans? Do your own Google search for the sobering understanding.

2013 California Oil and Gas Legislation

Overview of bills related to hydraulic fracturing for the 2013-14 CA legislative session.
This represents language as of 3/22/13. For up to date language and status, visit: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/

SB 4 (Pavley)
Omnibus regulations on hydraulic fracturing

This bill would provide a comprehensive framework for the permitting and disclosure of fracking in California and would require an independent scientific study on fracking addressing occupational, public and environmental health and safety be conducted by January 1, 2015. It would require DOGGR to adopt fracking regulations by January 1, 2015 that include full disclosure of the composition and disposition of hydraulic fracturing fluids with trade secret protection for chemical formulas extended to industry. The bill would require that well operators obtain a permit for fracking. The bill would require at least 30 days advance notice to the public, DOGGR and the regional water quality control board of the intent to frack a well. The bill would allow neighbors to have baseline and follow-up water quality testing on water wells and surface water by the regional water board. If the independent study is not completed by January 1, 2015, no fracking permits can be issued until after study is completed. The bill would require that DOGGR develop and maintain its own web site for fracking information by January 1, 2016. DOGGR would need to annually report to the Legislature on fracking, disclosing key data.
Status: Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee 4/9/13

SB 395 (Jackson)
Oil and gas wastewater classified as hazardous waste

This bill would define produced water, formation water, injection water, and any chemicals added downhole or during the oil and water separation process, and require its regulation as a hazardous substance during the extraction of oil and gas, including hydraulic fracturing operations. This change in law would result in the requirement for a manifest to be attached to these wastes and to follow them through the disposal process.
Status: Senate Environmental Quality Committee 4/3/13

SB 665 (Wolk)
Bonding levels

Existing law requires an operator of an oil or gas well, or a well located on submerged lands under ocean waters, or a class II commercial wastewater disposal well, who engages in the drilling, redrilling, deepening, or in any operation altering the casing, of any well, to file with the State Oil and Gas Supervisor an indemnity bond in a specified amount. This bill would: delete the amounts specified in these provisions for indemnity bonds and deposits in lieu of indemnity bonds, leaving those amounts unspecified, but with an expectation that they will be increased to meet current costs associated with
fixing problems in a well or well fields.
Status: Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee 4/23/13

AB 7 (Wieckowski)
Disclosure and trade secrets

This bill would establish a framework for regulating hydraulic fracturing, which would need to be adopted by January 1, 2014. The bill requires disclosure of details about hydraulic fracturing operations, including the chemicals used, allowing for trade secret claims to keep information confidential. The bill would also require a comprehensive report on fracking to be completed by January 1, 2016 and annually thereafter.
Status: Assembly Natural Resources Committee TBD

AB 288 (Levine)
Positive approval/time period

This bill would establish a positive approval permit process for hydraulic fracturing projects, extending the length of notice to DOGGR from 10 to 30 days and requiring DOGGR to actively approve the project and notify the appropriate regional water board.
Status: Assembly Natural Resources Committee TBD

AB 669 (Stone)
Wastewater approval
Sponsor: Environmental Working Group

This bill would require the operator prior to drilling operations to submit proof to the supervisor that the appropriate regional water quality control board has approved the method and location of wastewater
disposal for the well.
Status: Assembly Natural Resources Committee TBD

AB 649 (Nazarian)
Moratorium on fracking near water

This bill would prohibit fracking within X miles of groundwater. The moratorium may not be lifted until an independent advisory commission, under the joint administration of Cal EPA and the Natural Resources Agency completes a study of hydraulic fracturing in California. Prior to January 1, 2019, the secretaries of both agencies shall make a determination as to whether, and under what conditions, hydraulic fracturing shall be permitted within the state. The determination shall be made only after measures are in place to ensure that any activities related to hydraulic fracturing do not pose a risk to the public health and welfare, environment, or economy of the state.
Status: Assembly Natural Resources Committee TBD

AB 982 (Williams)
Groundwater monitoring Sponsor: Clean Water Action

This bill would require groundwater monitoring before and after any hydraulic fracturing operations. Any notice of intent to drill, rework, or deepen a well where hydraulic fracturing will occur will include a groundwater monitoring plan for review and approval by the supervisor and the appropriate regional water quality control board. The bill would also require public disclosure of all groundwater monitoring data and providing specific information regarding the amount of water, the source of the water, and the method of disposal of produced wastewater during hydraulic fracturing operations.
Status: Assembly Natural Resources Committee TBD

AB 1301 (Bloom)
Moratorium on fracking

This bill would prohibit fracking until the legislature has acted to remove the moratorium and determined whether and under what conditions hydraulic fracturing may be conducted while protecting the public
health and safety and the natural resources of the state.
Status: Assembly Natural Resources Committee TBD

AB 1323 (Mitchell)
Moratorium on fracking
This bill would prohibit fracking through a moratorium that may not be terminated until an independent advisory commission, under the joint administration of Cal EPA and the Natural Resources Agency completes a study of hydraulic fracturing in California. Prior to January 1, 2019, the secretaries of both agencies shall make a determination as to whether, and under what conditions, hydraulic fracturing shall be permitted within the state. The determination shall be made only after measures are in place to ensure that any activities related to hydraulic fracturing do not pose a risk to the public health and welfare, environment, or economy of the state.
Status: Assembly Natural Resources Committee TBD

Join us on Tax Day, Monday April 15 for our monthly Board Meeting.

Board meetings aren’t flashy, but there are plenty of items of interest.  At this particular meeting we’ll be discussing Financials.  All Neighborhood Councils have until May 15 to approve funding.  This meeting will give you insight into how we fund and the discussions that precede voting.

Would you like it if your water bill went up…  Again?  We’re going to hear the pros and cons about the Bay City Delta Project planned for Sacramento.  This project could very well affect our water rates, even if L.A. never gets a drop of the water.

The end of the Fiscal Year will also bring a close to a few Board positions.  Request an application to become a formal member.  Stakeholders are welcome to volunteer for one of our committees.

The El Segundo Blue Butterfly

It’s the first Saturday of Spring, which also means it’s time for the Empowerment Congress West’s Town Hall Meeting!

We’re pleased to announce that Assemblymember Holly Mitchell will be making a special appearance to speak to the stakeholders.   She’s a passionate speaker who will make sense of what’s going on in Sacramento. 

In addition to the Assemblymember, the Agenda also contains two topics that are very much about renewal.   We first met Brenna Norton last year when we learned about hydraulic fracturing process (‘fracking’) that’s being used throughout California, including the Inglewood Oil Fields.  This time she’ll be with us to discuss the Bay Delta Conservation Plan.  The BDCP seeks to improve the health of the San Joaquin ecological system as a whole and includes water conservation as well as endangered species protection.  You may review the Plan prior to the meeting at The Bay Delta Conservation Plan website to be familiar with the subject.  Brenna will be able to field your  important questions. 

Palms Neighborhood Council member Charles Miller helped create LA Native,  a coalition of local and national organizations who are committed to convincing the MTA and Expo Authority to use native plants for landscaping light rail stations.  The coalition’s first efforts will be directed towards Phase Two of the ExpoLine.  It’s always great to learn from other neighborhoods and how they solve the same issues we encounter.  You’ll be able to get great tips on how to use native plants in your garden to reduce water use and to keep your landscaping looking great all year with minimal care.

We look forward to seeing you and hearing from you.  Bring a neighbor!

April Agenda

http://www.scribd.com/doc/133959605/ECWANDC-Town-Hall-Meeting-April-6-2013

Public Land Use and Beautification Committee Meeting

SPECIAL MEETING

Join us for a very special discussion on Monday, March 25 at 6 PM.  The focus will be on The West Adams Community Plan.  This will be one of your last opportunities to learn about the Community Plan — the good parts and the parts that still need to be defined.