March Update 3-14-03

Needle Exchange Meeting: The meeting on the 10^th of March was well attended. FHHCC is going forward with its position against the location of Clean Needle Now at the Hollywood Free Clinic. 

Crossing Guard at St. Andrews & Hollywood: There is now a crossing guard positioned at St. Andrews & Hollywood – congratulations to those who made their voices heard on this issue. Added Bonus: The Department of Transportation is designing a “Smart Crosswalk” for that area that would signal cars that pedestrians are about to cross. FHHCC has formally requested a signal light and this is being studied. We are hoping for the signal light but are eager to see which works best for this dangerous area in our community. 

Fire Station 82: The Prop F. Fire Bond folks (Roberto DeLeon & Allan Kowaguchi) are moving ahead with their efforts to locate a Fire Station at Hollywood and Garfield and Gramercy Places. While the city councilman (LaBonge) told the community that this Fire Station would be scaled back to one acre, we have documents that reveal that the intention of the Fire Bond folks is to continue their plans for a 2-acre site displacing many families in the process. We are continuing our efforts to see to it that Fire Station 82 is not moved from Bronson into an area that is already extremely well-served and AWAY from the hillside residents. These hillside locations are difficult to reach and moving the station away will ADD response time – something that Prop F is designed to reduce! Say “NO” to their plan to relocate it. All letters opposing this plan should be sent to Councilman LaBonge tlabonge@council.lacity.org or fax him your feelings about this 213-624-7810. Want to participate in the next protest march? Call 323-462-1514. 

Sidewalk Improvement: On Franklin at Van Ness, the trees that caused severe and dangerous buckling of the sidewalk have been removed. The stumps will be ground out, the sidewalk replaced and new trees planted. 

Vista Del Mar Steps: FHHCC is still moving along through the process of getting these vintage steps not only nominated and declared historic but also getting the city to fully restore the many wonderful features that exist there. 

For more information, check the website at www.FranklinHollywoodHills.org or call 323-462-1514.