Annual Meeting Recap Thank you to the hundreds of members who attended our annual meeting Wednesday night via Zoom. As the largest association in Brentwood with over 1,500 members, we were pleased that the City’s top leaders and decision makers could be a part of our panel discussion. For those of you who could not make it or had to sign off early, you can watch the presentation HERE.
Thank you to Councilmember Mike Bonin, City Controller Ron Galperin, LAPD Chief Michel Moore, and LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas for answering questions posed by President Kathleen Flanagan and Secretary Tania Greenberg about Sidewalk Homeless Encampments, Crime and Police Response, and Fire Safety.
Sidewalk Encampments Outside of VA We know that the encampments at the VA are of concern to everyone. Unfortunately, the one representative who has the authority to do something about it did not attend the meeting. Supervisor Kuehl was invited and the absence of anyone from her office limited the discussion of solutions for the San Vicente homeless encampment next to the VA. However, BHA will continue to support the Community Council's efforts to work with the County to enforce the laws that keep the sidewalks ADA compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act) and to move those living on the streets out of tents into homes with the services they need.
Notable Points by Our Panelists Chief Moore said even with budget cuts there are now more officers on patrol and that response times in Brentwood are better than the City average. In addition, he will make sure the street next to the VA remains clear and passable.
Chief Terrazas highlighted the equipment and technology his department now uses to track, predict and fight fires, which is impressive. His department uses the AlertWildfire cameras in our area to track fires and twice discovered fire from these cameras before it was called in to 911.
City Controller Galperin discussed the need for the funds raised by Measures H and HHH to be spent more wisely and cost efficiently. (Read more about it here). LA needs to do better in addressing the homelessness crisis. The current response is not working.
Councilmember Bonin discussed the need for better services that meet the needs of the homeless to move them from encampments. While the encampments outside of the VA are on County land, he committed to working with Supervisor Kuehl on addressing the problem.
We would also like to thank Deputy Chief Vito Palazzolo, the Deputy Chief of the West Bureau, for participating as well as Captain Tom and Officer Kirk of the LAPD, and Chief Hogan of LAFD for their ongoing support in keeping us all informed and safe throughout the year.
We will notify the winners of where and when to retrieve their prizes next week!
Let's be sure to supervise all our tree trimming and landscaping activity. This heap was left on south Carmelina!
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