Hollywood-Gower Neighborhood Association 

Neighborhood Meeting Report 

May 20, 2003 

This night brought new faces to the neighborhood meeting.

Fran asked for first time attendees to introduce themselves.

We were pleased to have residents of Carlton Way, a Carlton Way building manager and the Director of Operations at Pantages Theater, to name a few. 

Many eagerly awaited Captain Downing’s presentation, but were disappointed to find out that he had a last minute meeting and would not be attending the meeting at Q-Topia. Fran suggests that we call Captain Downing (213) 485-4310 and share our disappointment for his absence and to invite him to next week’s meeting. 

Senior Lead Officer, Maria Gholizadeh then apologies on behalf of Captain Downing and begins with this week’s crime report from papers she and her partner passed out before the start of the meeting. Hollywood ranks #2 in arrests in both the Week To Date and Year To Date categories.  Hollywood ranks #1 in arrests in the Last 28 Days. 

Maria shares the story of a second murder in her patrolling area in Hollywood.

This, the second murder in just a few weeks, occurred on Cherokee Ave., between Hollywood and Franklin. The victim was shot in the back several times after handing over his car keys to the perpetrators in a car jacking.

The victim reportedly had a Lexus car with spinning rims, an expensive and popular item. The perpetrators were (at least) two black males. They and the stolen car not been found. 

When asked about the rise in murders in such a short period, Maria states that crime activity increases during the summertime. 

Maria goes over Handy Numbers in paperwork (i.e. 311, animal regulation, bulky item pick up, tagging, homeless, etc.) and “Coffee with a Cop” every Tuesday and Thursday. 

Fran gives out Bulky Item & Graffiti Removal Request Forms. 

Neighborhood Prosecutor Bill Kysella speaks about the Citywide Nuisance Abatement Program, primarily Vice and Narcotic Abatements (i.e. prostitution, crack houses, etc.), which seeks voluntary solutions to these problems. If problems are not solved by these means, they then go to the courts.

The extra funds in these “boxes”, which have been created by Captain Downing, are to help problem sections in Hollywood primarily with City Services. Bill Kysella urges neighborhood to tell Captain Downing that the Hollywood Blvd./ Melrose/ Western Ave./ Vine St. area needs to be included in the focused “Box” area. 

The NEAT program uses inspectors during a 90 day period to focus on an area. 

Jordan, from Q-Topia, speaks about the homeless/ vagrants that have been attacking and harassing his patrons for over a month. Pantages Theatre’s Director of Operations suggests that Jordan get on and off duty security officers to help with this problem.

Bill, from Q-Topia, requests that task forces help the with prostitution and homeless problem. 

Residents of Carlos and Vista Del Mar complain of heavy prostitution in their area. They are very interested in permit parking on their streets. 

Mr. Kysella suggests getting petitions for permit parking in their area. Typically, this is done within an area of 6 blocks, but in this case, permits are still possible. 

Steve mentions Homeless program director, Charles Ellis (323) 653-1677, has number for a task force with lots of resources to get persons off the street.

Tenants and/or owners must give permission to go on property. 

www.empath.org has a facility on Beverly and Vermont with services for homeless. 

Everyone is asked to speak to Fran about parking permit information. 

Mr. Kysella says that abandoned buildings can be addressed by inspectors to get squatters out. 

Fran brings up Gavin’s request to have building security at the strip mall (on the northeast corner Gower and Hollywood) do their jobs. Fran says that she pointed out to the security there a person harassing her for money, then went upstairs to the security office and told management of this guard’s disregard for doing his job. Fran says that the guard asked the panhandler to leave and he left.

Fran says that everyone getting hassled should complain to building security, in the same way, to assure that they do their job. She says to also identify yourself as a member of the Hollywood-Gower Neighborhood Association.

Tags are mentioned as a suggestion to identify members of HGNA. 

Bill, Tee-a, Maria and Bill Kysella collectively identify person harassing and beating up people as the black male with rottweiler dogs and his friends.

Maria will patrol Tee-a’s street (Carlos St.) to try to move prostitutes and their Johns out of this residential neighborhood and will now take dogs away from black male harassing everyone.

Maria tells everyone about a black male transient that has burglarized homes in the Hollywood Hills above Franklin. He steals small things and has been sighted wandering in the area. 

Property owners need to ask the police to give them the form that allows the police to go on their property to remove vagrants and homeless while the business owner is not on premise. An annual Trespass Arrest Authorization is available to property owners.  Call Bill Kysella for info: (310) 575-8745 or email wkysell@atty.lacity.org 

Everyone thanks Bill Kysella for taking the time to speak. 

Robert and Chris talk about the CRA’s imminent domain program taking over small businesses and the property getting bought by out by larger companies.

They ask for people that are concerned about losing great historic and

long-lasting businesses in their community to contact their councilperson and voice concern. 

Meeting adjourned. 

This report prepared by Teresa Bustillo