On November 10, 2004, members of the Overland Avenue Community, again many wearing their red “Save Little Overland” T-shirts, attended the Transportation Committee Meeting held downtown. The Committee room was standing room only, packed with neighbors on and off Overland Ave., so much so that not only did the DOT staff again have to stand to the side of the room and watch but also other people on the agenda were turned away at the door.

Although Councilmember Greig Smith was absent due to illness, Councilmembers Antonio Villaraigosa and Tom LaBonge listened to presentations from our Councilmember Jack Weiss, DOT and members of the Overland Avenue Community regarding the pending Motion to re-designate Little Overland Ave. from a secondary highway to a collector road. Councilmember Jack Weiss commended the members of the Overland Avenue Community for both the organizational efforts and for the impressive amount of people willing to take time out of their busy lives to attend the meeting. Councilmember Weiss then made a powerful presentation to the Transportation Committee regarding the basis for his Motion and his support behind the members of the Overland Avenue Community. DOT was also provided an opportunity to present their opposition to the Motion. Finally, several Overland Avenue Community members, including a very courageous appearance by Carolyn Rowan, spoke in favor of Councilmember Weiss’ Motion. Upon the conclusion of all speakers, Councilmember Tom LaBonge moved to pass the Motion and Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa seconded the Motion.

The Motion was then approved by the Transportation Committee and will be forwarded to the Planning, Land Use and Management Committee for their review and approval.

On October 27, 2004, members of the Overland Avenue Community, many wearing their red “Save Little Overland” T-shirts, attended the Transportation Committee Meeting held downtown. The Committee room was standing room only, packed with neighbors on and off Overland Ave., so much so that the DOT staff had to stand to the side of the room and watch.

The Councilmembers (Antonio Villaraigosa, Tom LaBonge and Greig Smith) who sit on the Transportation Committee took time out of their busy agenda on this date to hear from the residents on the issue of Councilmember Weiss’ Motion regarding re-designating Little Overland Ave. from a secondary highway to a collector road. Not only were the residents pleased that they took the time to discuss this issue in earnest with us but also that they clearly understood the importance of the issue before them. In addition, as residents, we were reassured by their statements of support of the Motion. The Committee clearly understood that the root cause of our public safety concern is the nature and degree of traffic on our street and we appreciated their firm commitment to improving our quality of life. The Committee also commented that they were impressed by the tremendous showing of people who had taken the time out of their day to come to City Hall in support of this type of legislation.

The meeting ended in a photo op of all the Council Members holding up "Save Little Overland" T-shirts. The Overland Avenue Community will have a second opportunity to speak, and the DOT will have its first opportunity to speak at the hearing on November 10, 2004.

Westwood Charter School's Annual Halloween Hoot celebrated its 57th year on Sunday, October 24, 2004. The Hoot, hosted by The Westwood Charter School Booster Club, is a fun and safe Halloween Celebration the whole family can enjoy. It has evolved into a wonderful community builder that involves not only the entire school, but also the surrounding neighborhoods. The Hoot is the entire school yard filled with games, rides, challenges, mysteries, magic shows, music, food, prizes, and costumes.

The Overland Avenue Community was given the opportunity to set up a booth near the entrance of the Hoot as patrons entered and exited the event. The location gave Overland Avenue community volunteers the opportunity to do outreach the neighboring streets, to raise awareness of the issues affecting Little Overland Avenue and garner support from the surrounding community.

Not including Little Overland Avenue residents, over 200 non-Little Overland Avenue residents stopped by the booth, bought T-shirts that state "Save Little Overland" and filled out post cards supporting the re-designation of Little Overland Ave. from a Secondary Highway to a Collector Road with the accompanying safety measures and opposing ever widening the street.

On October 10, 2004, at 2:00 p.m. in the Westwood Charter Elementary School Auditorium, the Overland Avenue Community came together for a second general meeting regarding the traffic problems associated with "Little Overland" Avenue between Pico and Santa Monica Boulevards.

The goal of the meeting was again to further establish a collective voice regarding the traffic and safety problems when communicating with our elected officials and the City as well as to discuss what if any progress was being made to achieve our goal of making "Little Overland Avenue" a safer place for its residents and children. At the meeting, residents discussed the August 30, 2004 email progress report from DOT Senior Transportation Engineer Pauline Chan to the Overland Avenue Community, the August 31, 2004 Action Plan for Overland Avenue from DOT Principal Transportation Engineer Glenn Ogura to Councilmember Jack Weiss, the October 5, 2004 Report on Re-designation from DOT General Manager Wayne Tanda to the Transportation Committee Chairperson Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa, DOT’s plans to widen Overland Avenue between Santa Monica Boulevard and Pico Boulevard and what the community would have to do in order to achieve the re-designation of “Little Overland” and prevent it ever being widened.

The attendees discussed the progress of the previously identified traffic and safety mitigation recommendations and the DOT’s progress on the following items:

1. Re-designation of little Overland Ave. from a Secondary Highway to a Collector Road. On June 23, 2004, Councilmember Jack Weiss announced at the Westwood South of Santa Monica Homeowners Association meeting that he introduced legislation to re-designate Little Overland Ave. from a Secondary Highway to a Collector Road earlier that same day. As of October 1, 2004, there has been no movement on the passing of the legislation introduced by Councilmember Weiss on June 23, 2004. It appears that both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Planning Department have to prepare reports regarding the legislation. The DOT has begun theirs while the Planning Department is yet to start preparing their report. On October 8, 2004, representatives received the October 5, 2004 Report on Re-designation from DOT General Manager Wayne Tanda to the Transportation Committee Chairperson Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa which opposed re-designation and suggested widening of the street. We have taken to heart Councilmember Weiss’ words of caution that a strong showing of residents is essential at the upcoming hearing of the City Council regarding the proposed legislation to re-designate Little Overland Ave. from a Secondary Highway to a Collector Road. We are now waiting to find out the date, time and location for this hearing as we want to assure as many residents as possible at the hearing. We believe the date to be on or about October 27, 2004.

2. Installation of a painted edge line along the east side of little Overland Ave. demarking the parking lane in order to address side-swiping of parked vehicles. In or about April, 2004, the DOT painted an edge line along the east side of little Overland Ave. demarking the parking lane in order to address side-swiping of parked vehicles.

3. With the scheduled June 2004 resurfacing of big Overland Ave. between Pico Bl. and Notre Dame H.S., DOT will change the striping going northbound on Overland Ave., south of Pico Bl., to reduce the two northbound through lanes to a single lane before the cars cross Pico Bl. so that the cars will already be in single file when traversing Overland Ave. In or about June, 2004, DOT changed the striping going northbound on Overland Ave., south of Pico Bl., to reduce the two northbound lanes to a single lane before the cars cross Pico Bl. so that the cars will already be in a single file when traversing Overland Ave. On August 30, 2004, DOT Senior Transportation Engineer Pauline Chan stated the arrow pavement markings have been installed. There are two "double right turn" regulatory signs for northbound traffic, one at beginning and one at the intersection. There are advanced warning signs that indicate that northbound curb lane becomes a right-turn-only lane. Also, on the signal mastarm there is "double left-turn, no U-turn" sign. There is no need for additional lane assignment signs.

4. At the cost of $7,000 to $14,000, DOT will install a speed display sign that reads "25 mph" and underneath that "your speed" with the display that shows the vehicle speed. DOT Senior Transportation Engineer Pauline Chan stated that the above depends on finding overtime monies to fund the design and construction. Ms. Chan stated she believes the speed display sign is very necessary; that DOT needs overtime funds for its design group and that DOT also needs to work with DWP to lay down the source conduit to power the sign or, if this is not possible, then a solar unit that operates 12 hours a day could be installed. On August 30, 2004, Ms. Chan stated that DOT can expedite the installation of the speed display signs by using the in-stock solar units instead of signs that require a/c electrical power source from DWP. All present agreed that we do not want these installed. If there is no money for mitigations 7, 8, and 9 below, it hard to believe that DOT has $7,000 per speed display to spend. It may be better to spend the $7,000 per sign on other mitigations rather than a sign which will ultimately be ignored. In fact, should DOT insist on installing these signs, the residents expect DOT to check with the residents in front of whose homes they will go. Are they noisy? Are they very bright? Will these new speed displays simply be ignored by drivers and annoy the residents? Also, sign placement was a consideration. Sign installation would seem more appropriate closer to the intersection of Overland Ave. and Tennessee Ave. as vehicles seem to reach their top speeds at that point.

5. Increase and improve the amount and types of signage on Overland Ave. (ie. 25mph signs, no trucks over 6000lbs signs, school zone, school crossing signs). Specifically, DOT will replace the 25 mph sign on little Overland Ave. just north of Pico Bl. in front of 2362 Overland Ave. with a larger, more visible sign and move it closer to the intersection of little Overland Ave. and Pico Bl. DOT will study the placement of the current signs on little Overland Ave. to see whether or not there are other locations for the signs on the street that would be more effective. DOT will also consider better and more visible placement of the school zone signs denoting Westwood Charter Elementary School. Although the school sign north of Olympic Bl. was relocated closer to Olympic Bl., it is still not visible to vehicles just south of Olympic Bl. as they travel northbound on Overland Ave. until they come upon the actual sign. The existing sign is still obstructed by the trees and light posts. The residents still want DOT to please install a school zone sign on the northbound 2200 block of Overland Ave. This would notify drivers to expect Westwood Charter Elementary School and thus the driver will hopefully modify their driving accordingly. Furthermore, DOT was able to install a new school zone sign for southbound traffic on the 1800 block Overland Ave. that does the very thing just described. The residents also discussed the need to get a new 6000lb sign, as well as a new street sign, at the southwest corner of the intersection of Overland Ave. and Olympic Bl. as it was recently damaged by a truck weighing in excess of 6000lbs.

6. DOT will change the timing of the left-turn arrow westbound Olympic Bl. at Overland Ave. to reduce the number of cars that take little Overland Ave. southbound to the 10 Freeway. DOT Senior Transportation Engineer Pauline Chan originally stated that she would speak to Signal Timing design folks in DOT and would let us know when we can expect this timing change to occur. However, it turns out that her optimism for reducing the green arrow time was premature. DOT can't shorten the green arrow time. Apparently, DOT has already set the green arrow time to a minimum of 5 to 6 seconds of time, and only when there is at least 5 cars in the pocket (the queue detector is placed around where the 5th car is situated in a queue). The history also indicated a historical pattern of left-turn queues spillover onto the adjacent through lane. Considering the number of cars that get through, the timing of the left-turn arrow is not an issue. Rather, the residents want the left-turn arrow removed all together. After a careful review of DOT’s “Master Files” for the intersection of Overland Ave. and Olympic Bl., there is nothing in the file that ever supported the installation of the left-turn arrow in the first place. In fact, neither the residents directly impacted by the left-turn arrow, nor the Homeowners Association were ever notified, surveyed or asked about the installation. DOT clearly acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner, to the detriment of the tax paying, voting, residents of Overland Ave., when it installed the left-turn arrow. DOT didn’t even extend the residents the same courtesy DOT is willing to extend neighboring streets when discussing mitigations for Little Overland Ave.

7. DOT will add a left-turn arrow eastbound Pico Bl. at Beverly Glen Bl. to encourage traffic to use Beverly Glen Bl. to get to Century City. DOT Senior Transportation Engineer Pauline Chan stated Transportation Engineer Mo Blorfroshan has put in an order with DOT’s design group for this installation. However, no definite date can be given yet because the need for signal construction citywide exceeds DOT's limited budget for the Traffic Signal Construction Program. (Completion Date: Unknown) The residents of the Overland Avenue Community feel that instead of spending $7,000 per speed display sign, DOT should spend part of that money to immediately add a left-turn arrow eastbound Pico Bl. at Beverly Glen Bl. to encourage traffic to use Beverly Glen Bl. to get to Century City.

8. DOT will add a left-turn arrow westbound Olympic Bl. at Westwood Bl. to encourage traffic to use Westwood Bl. to get to the 10 Freeway. DOT Senior Transportation Engineer Pauline Chan stated Transportation Engineer Mo Blorfroshan has put in an order with DOT’s design group. However, no definite date can be given yet because the need for signal construction citywide exceeds DOT's limited budget for the Traffic Signal Construction Program. The residents of the Overland Avenue Community feel that instead of spending $7,000 per speed display sign, DOT should spend part of that money to immediately add a left-turn arrow westbound Olympic Bl. at Westwood Bl. to encourage traffic to use Westwood Bl. to get to the 10 Freeway.

9. DOT will add specific signage which would direct traffic to use alternate routes, other than little Overland Ave., to Century City, Westwood Village and the 10 Freeway even if only with arrows pointing underneath. DOT Senior Transportation Engineer Pauline Chan originally stated that this would require a work order and would take time as there is a staffing shortage in DOT. Also, DOT Senior Transportation Engineer Pauline Chan stated that since this was less important and there was a need to prioritize, the installation would occur in about a year. Notwithstanding the above, on August 30, 2004, DOT Senior Transportation Engineer Pauline Chan stated that amongst the number of things that are on the table that may be done to enhance safety on Overland Ave., the guide signs would be the least cost effective. At this time, DOT would like to focus their very limited resources on measures on Overland Ave. and more effective/immediate measures. The residents of the Overland Avenue Community feel that instead of spending $7,000 per speed display sign, DOT should spend part of that money to add specific signage which would direct traffic to use alternate routes, other than little Overland Ave., to Century City, Westwood Village and the 10 Freeway even if only with arrows pointing underneath.

10. At the February 26, 2004 and May 26, 2004 meetings with DOT and CD 5, the residents discussed improving the visibility of the crosswalks on Overland Ave. next to Westwood Charter Elementary School. DOT stated it will repaint the crosswalks next to the school in addition to repainting the faded limit lines of the intersections north of the school. In the alternative, raised, stamped asphalt to look like brick was suggested where already marked crosswalks already exist. In or about August 2004, DOT repainted the crosswalks next to the school in addition to repainting the faded limit lines of the intersections north of the school. Residents of Overland Ave. also requested a contact name from the Bureau of Street Services (BSS) who implement textured/stamped/color crosswalk pavement from DOT. On August 30, 2004, DOT Senior Transportation Engineer Pauline Chan stated that the BSS’ workload already exceeded staffing level and therefore recommended that CD 5 work with BSS to see if stamped crosswalks are possible, and when and how they can be installed.

11. The residents continue to request that DOT implement a four-way stop with marked crosswalks at Tennessee Ave. and Overland Ave. DOT wants to construct a landscaped median island on Overland Ave. at the intersection with Tennessee Ave. with marked crosswalks. Those present discussed the fact that the residents want a four-way stop with marked crosswalks in order to meet all of our public safety needs; specifically, causing traffic speed to slow, improve public safety for pedestrian crossing and allowing for safe passage of four way traffic. After review and discussion of the plan among the residents of little Overland Ave. and now the residents that live to the east and west of Overland Ave., all agreed that a four way stop with marked crosswalks would be the most desirable solution to the problems at the intersection of Tennessee Ave. and Overland Ave. The goal of the residents is to make Little Overland Ave. a SAFE place to live by controlling traffic in a meaningful way. The way we want to control traffic is by modifying driving behavior. A four-way stop and speed tables will modify driving behavior by causing drivers to drive slower and more cautiously. This will result in less auto accidents and potential pedestrian fatalities. In addition, those living east and west of Overland Ave. not only want to be able to cross safely as pedestrians but also would like to be able to cross the intersection safely in all directions with their vehicles.

In order to achieve many of the aforementioned traffic mitigation requests, including re-designation, attendees discussed the fact that one of the most important steps would be to put pressure on all of the Council Offices (Jack Weiss, Antonio Villaraigosa, Tom LaBonge and Greig Smith) involved by way of letters, emails, phone calls, faxes and post cards. It was also agreed that residents would begin to put up lawn signs, wear T-shirts and attend the Westwood Charter Elementary School’s Halloween Hoot to garner support from the surrounding streets and neighbors.

************ THE COUNCIL WILL VOTE ON NOVEMBER 10 ************

When:
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 - 2:00PM

Where:
200 N. Spring Street
(The entrance is 200 N. Main Street)
Los Angeles, 90012
Rm: 1050
(Parking will be provided free if you call 213-473-7005 to make arrangements)

The single most important thing you can do to help the cause is to attend this meeting. We MUST show up in force in order to counteract the negative report from the Department of Transportation (DOT). (See the report for more detials)

If you need a ride or have room to bring others, please email OverlandAve@hotmail.com.

Make your plans now; don't delay!

The second most important thing you can do is call, email and write EVERY OFFICIAL (see below).

Note: please indicate that you SUPPORT Jack Weiss on this. He is the one who introduced the motion and it's important that he understands that we're in this together.

Councilmember Jack Weiss (sponsor of the motion):
(213)-473-7005 AND (310) 289-0353
200 N. Spring St., 4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
weiss@council.lacity.org

Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa (chairman of the transportation committee, seconded the motion):
(213)-473-7014 AND (323) 526-3059
200 N. Spring Street
Room 425
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Councilmember Tom LaBonge (on the transportation committee):
(213)-473-7004 AND (323) 957-6415
City Hall Office
200 N. Spring Street, Rm #480
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Mailstop: #206
tlabonge@council.lacity.org

Councilmember Greig Smith (on the transportation committee):
(818) 756-8501 AND (213) 473-7012
200 North Spring St.
Rm 405
Los Angeles, CA 90012
smith@council.lacity.org

Wayne Tanda (General Manager of DOT, author of the widening plan submitted to the above councilmembers):
(213) 485-7792 AND (213) 580-1177
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
221 N. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Figueroa Plaza, Suite 500
wtanda@dot.lacity.org
ladot@dot.lacity.org

When:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27 - 2:00PM

Where:
200 N. Spring Street
(The entrance is 200 N. Main Street)
Los Angeles, 90012
Rm: 1050
(Parking will be provided free if you call 213-473-7005 to make arrangements)

OVERLAND RESIDENTS

PLEASE JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORS FOR
A VERY IMPORTANT MEETING

TO DISCUSS THE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS ON OUR STREET THAT AFFECT US ALL AND HOW TO SOLVE THEM AND STOP THE CITY FROM EVER WIDENING LITTLE OVERLAND AVENUE

In a letter to Councilmember Jack Weiss dated August 31, 2004, Department of Transportation Principal Transportation Engineer Glen Ogura stated:

"...[T]o meet the ultimate performance criteria, full right-of-way dedication along with roadway widening would be required to improve this portion of Overland Avenue to the ultimate secondary highway standard width, which would accommodate four full-time through lanes and a left-turn lane..."

WHEN: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10TH 2:00 P.M.

WHERE:
WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
2050 SELBY AVE (Selby and Mississippi)

FAMILIES WELCOME

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

WWW.OVERLANDAVE.ORG

Unbelievable. Unacceptable.

It is simply unbelievable that after 1) the death of a resident, 2) the almost unanimous uprising and support of the entire neighborhood and 3) the public support of Councilman Weiss in changing the designation of the street to 'force' DOT to install the universally supported measures of a stop sign/crosswalk at Tennessee, removal/reduction of left turn traffic at Olympic/Overland and installation of crosswalk measures near the Overland School that DOT and Pauline Chan in particular STILL are saying exactly the same thing: DOT will NOT do what you ask, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, NO MATTER WHAT RESIDENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES SAY OR DO. Dick Rowan's death means nothing to them. Nothing.

Ms. Chan is still making the exact same arguments that she made the very first time we asked for her help -- and they still make no sense. All the issues could be FIXED by three "Gizmos" as Councilman Weiss puts it -- most importantly the installation of the last "missing" stop signs at Tennessee -- fixing this lethal intersection. Obviously one death is not enough for DOT and Ms. Chan to simply install a stop sign, as there is at EVERY OTHER SIMILIAR INTERSECTION ON THIS STREET. "Involving the neighborhood" is simply a way to delay. Overland has been the recipient of many 'unilateral' negative moves by DOT over the last 10 years, but when we need help on a deadly safety issue, all of a sudden it becomes 'regional. It's bull, and everyone knows it. She just does not want to do what we want. Period.

When the next pedestrian or driver is killed, crippled or permanently injured because of excessive speed NOT controlled at the intersection of Tennessee/OverlandFrom, AS WE HAVE ASKED FOR, IN THE PUBLIC RECORD WITH OVERWHELMING RESIDENT SUPPORT,

We will hold DOT, the City, and Pauline Chan responsible, both personally and professionally.

I pledge to you that I will use everything in my power as a citizen, as a doctor and as a member of the media to make sure that everyone at DOT, and Ms. Chan in particular, are held responsible. I will personally testify, under oath, about the repeated warnings to the city and the DOT about this intersection and the particular misuse of Overland by DOT. I will devote myself to making the next death a very public issue. I will devote myself to seeing that those people whose malpractice as engineering professionals, as well as representatives of the public in forums of government and public safety are removed from their jobs and held responsible to the maximum legal extent, in criminal, civil and public opinion forums. It will be the only way I'll be able to deal with whatever sense of failure I feel at not being able to prevent the next death.

I will support and advocate that the families of those future victims receive the largest possible financial support from whatever monetary awards are possible against the city, state, DOT as well as those individuals, Ms. Chan in particular, who have repeatedly failed to exercise the powers of their jobs, as servants of the citizens of the city, in particular in the FAILURE TO REPAIR A PUBLIC DANGER, EVEN WHEN REPEATEDLY AND FORCEFULLY DIRECTED BY THE TAXPAYERS AND RESIDENTS OF THIS CITY.

I will be drafting a notarized letter to this effect, which will be sent by certified mail to everyone involved this week, and I suggest we all do the same -- to put finally into the public record that we have done everything we can to fix this problem, as reasonable residents and citizens, and to warn -- once and for all -- the city, DOT, the state and the individuals who refuse to make our streets safe (by the most simple, common sense and economical means) that legally they have been warned, notified, and petitioned to redress this problem, and to remind them that when the next tragedy occurs that the writer of the letter has done everything morally and legally possible to avoid the problem, and to remind them that they will not be able to say, 'we didn't know.'

Shame on you, Pauline Chan. Shame on you, DOT. When a neighborhood comes to you begging for help, smarting from a horrible butchering in the middle of our street, when the Councilman directs you to do your job, when the clock ticks toward another death or crippling with every day, you refuse, stall, misrepresent because you don't agree. There is still time to admit that your resistance is wrong, and do the right thing, prevent the coming tragedy -- and if not, then those responsible deserve whatever nightmares and restless nights they will have earned, for the rest of their lives.

I'm sure if Ms. Chan and DOT actually, literally, had real blood on their bare hands from one of the neighbors, as I have, they might be a little more humble and a lot less dogmatic. They might be a lot more frightened of this particular ticking time bomb, as I am everyday.

Mark Morocco, MD Clinical Instructor in Medicine/Emergency Medicine Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA UCLA Emergency Medicine Center Los Angeles, CA

The preceding was prompted by the following progress update (requested in May 2004) from the Department of Transportation (DOT)

-------------- Forwarded Message: --------------
From: "Pauline Chan"
To: , "Paul Backstrom"
Cc: , "Mario Enriquez"
Subject: Re: Overland Ave. Update
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 22:50:31 +0000

Please see the response (in bold) to each item below ...

What is the progress on the following traffic mitigation/calming measures:

1. Although the striping going northbound on Overland Ave., south of Pico Bl., to reduce the two northbound through lanes to a single lane before the cars cross Pico Bl. so that the cars will already be in single file when traversing Overland Ave. has occurred; what is the status of the necessary signage to accompany the new striping and what is the status of arrows to be painted on the ground to direct drivers of the two left turn lanes, the two right turn lanes and the one through lane the proper directions to go? In previous meetings, DOT stated that the expected completion date would be June, 2004. Any update on the final completion date?

Status: The arrow pavement markings have been installed. There are two "double right turn" regulatory signs for northbound traffic, one at beginning and one at the intersection. There are advanced warning signs that indicate that northbound curb lane becomes a right-turn-only lane. Also, on the signal mastarm there is "double left-turn, no U-turn" sign. There is no need for additional lane assignment signs.

2. At the cost of $7,000 to $14,000, DOT will install a speed display sign that reads "25 mph" and underneath that "your speed" with the display that shows the vehicle speed. In our prior meeting, Pauline stated that the above depends on finding overtime monies to fund the design and construction; how! ever, Pa uline also stated that she believed the speed display sign is very necessary; that DOT needs overtime funds for its design group and that DOT also needs to work with DWP to lay down the source conduit to power the sign or, if this is not possible, then a solar unit that operates 12 hours a day could be installed. Pauline informed me that the expected completion time for this installation is within the next six months (approx. December, 2004). What is the status of the sign?

Status: We can expedite the installation of the speed display signs by using the in-stock solar units instead of signs that require a/c electrical power source from DWP. We will install one sign to face northbound traffic south of Tennessee (near Address #2346), and one sign to face southbound traffic north of Tennesse (near Address #2235). We will still to do a design sketch/plan in order to sort out the substructure issues for the foundation work, hence I don't have the exact time frame. I'm guessing we can probably accomplish this within two months.

3. Although DOT has added/improved the amount and type of some signage, it appears that the 6000lb sign northbound Overland Ave. near Pico Bl. is still missing as is a school zone warning sign northbound Overland Ave. just south of Olympic Bl.; could you please let us know the status of the installation of these final signs? Pauline earlier informed us that she expected all of this work to be completed in June 2004 at the earliest and hopefully no later than August 2004.

Status: A "No Trucks Over 6,000 lbs" sign has been installed on the signal pole at Pico Bl. There is no need to add another school sign south of Olympic Bl. The school sign north of Olympic Bl was relocated closer to Olympic Bl for better visibility.

4. At the May 26, 2004 meeting, the resident representatives were informed that DOT will change the timing of the left-turn arrow ! westboun d Olympic Bl. at Overland Ave. to reduce the number of cars that take little Overland Ave. southbound to the 10 Freeway. Could you please let us know the status of this item?

Status: I talked with the Signal Timing experts. It turns out that my optimism for reducing the green arrow time was premature. We can't shorten the green arrow time. Apparently, DOT has already set the green arrow time to a minimum of 5 to 6 seconds time, and only when there is at least 5 cars in the pocket (the queue detector is placed around where the 5th car is situated in a queue). The history also indicated a historical pattern of LT queues spillover onto the adjacent through lane.

5. DOT will add a left-turn arrow eastbound Pico Bl. at Beverly Glen Bl. to encourage traffic to use Beverly Glen Bl. to get to Century City. In our prior meeting, Pauline stated Transportation Engineer Mo Blorfroshan has put in an order with DOT's design group for this installation and that it should occur in about 6 months (some time in December, 2004) as there is a back up in expedited requests. Can we still expect the installation of this arrow by the end of this year?

Status: A Work Order was submitted to DOT's design group for plan preparation. However, no definite date can be given yet because the need for signal construction citywide exceeds DOT's limited budget for the Traffic Signal Construction Program.

6. DOT will add a left-turn arrow westbound Olympic Bl. at Westwood Bl. to encourage traffic to use Westwood Bl. to get to the 10 Freeway. In our prior meeting, Pauline stated Transportation Engineer Mo Blorfroshan has put in an order with DOT's design group for this installation and that it should occur in about 6 months (some time in December, 2004) as there is a back up in expedited requests. Can we still expect the installation of this arrow by the end of this year?

Status: A Work Order was submitt! ed to DO T's design group for plan preparation. However, no definite date can be given yet because the need for signal construction citywide exceeds DOT's limited budget for the Traffic Signal Construction Program.

7. DOT will add specific signage which would direct traffic to use alternate routes, other than little Overland Ave., to Century City, Westwood Village and the 10 Freeway even if only with arrows pointing underneath. In our prior meeting, Pauline stated that this would require a work order and would take time as there is a staffing shortage in DOT - perhaps as long as one year. Does this staffing shortage still exist? Can we expect to see the additional signage some time within the next year?

Status: Amongst the number of things that are on the table that may be done to enhance safety on Overland, the guide signs would be the least cost effective. At this time, we'd like to focus our very limited resources on measures on Overland Ave. and more effective/immediate measures.

8. At the February 26, 2004 and May 26, 2004 meetings, we discussed improving the visibility of the crosswalks on Overland Ave. next to Westwood Charter Elementary School. DOT stated it will repaint the crosswalks next to the school in addition to repainting the faded limit lines of the intersections north of the school. In the alternative, raised, stamped asphalt to look like brick was suggested where already marked crosswalks already exist. Previously, Pauline indicated that this would simply require sending staff out to the location and writing up a work order to repaint the cross walks around the school. Based on this statement, the residents of little Overland Ave. assume that this will not take very long to do. However, we have not noticed any improvements being implemented by DOT. What is the status of this item? In addition, since the raised asphalt is a Bureau of Street Services issue, could you please provide us with the name and contact information of the person we should speak to in order to have this installed?

Status: Work orders for repainting the pavement markings were submitted, which should be done soon. Textured/stamped/colored asphalt crosswalk pavement may enhance visibility of pedestrians crossing. Ususally, it is the Bureau of Street Services that installs this type of pavement, but their workload already exceeds staffing level. I recommend that CD 5 works with BSS to see whether stamped crosswalks are possible, and when and how they can be installed.

9. Regarding the intersection of Overland Ave. and Tennessee Ave., what is the status? Although we know that DOT is interested in installing a median with a marked crosswalk to prevent cross-traffic at this intersection, the residents continue to request that DOT implement a four-way stop with marked crosswalks at Overland Ave. and Tennessee Ave. The residents renew their request for a four-way stop with marked crosswalks as this is the only reasonable alternative which would meet all of our public safety needs; specifically, causing traffic speed to slow, improve public safety for pedestrian crossing and allowing for safe passage of four way traffic. This item is perhaps the single most important item on this list of traffic mitigations and it is imperative that we have some resolution on this matter as soon as possible as accidents continue to occur on almost a weekly basis.

Status: The installation of stop signs will surely cause significant traffic to divert to adjacent residential streets, especially Tennesse Av and Manning Av. There are other non-diversionary ways to prevent cross-traffic collisions, shorten and enhance the safety of the pedestrian crossing, and to reduce speeding. The speed display signs, the median islands along the centerline of Overland Av, the bump outs on Tennessee to shorten the ped! estrian crossing on Overland would address all of these concerns. These ideas were presented to the Overland Av residents in previous meetings and at the annual homeowners meeting. If diversionary measures are still sought, then an area-wide strategy is needed, which requires the participation of residents from the broader community, esp. on streets that would be affected by the diversion of traffic.

File Number
04-1226

Last Changed Date
6/24/2004

Title
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT / WEST LOS ANGELES WESTWOOD COMMUNITY PLAN

Initiated By
Weiss Mover 2004 / Villaraigosa

Subject
Motion -Traffic volumes and driving behavior on Overland Avenue between Pico and Santa Monica Boulevards - a completely residential area - have changed so detrimentally that they are having serious adverse safety and health impacts on the residents of Overland Avenue and the surrounding neighborhoods in this area. Due to the proximity of major traffic arteries such as Pico, Olympic and Santa Monica Boulevards, action is needed to downgrade this portion of Overland Avenue between Santa Monica Boulevard and Pico Boulevard from a Secondary Highway to a Collector Street.

THEREFORE MOVE that the Planning Department be directed to prepare and present the necessary documents and plan amendments to the "Streets and Highways Designation Map" of the Transportation Element of the General Plan and to the West Los Angeles / Westwood Community Plan to redesignate and downgrade from a Secondary Highway to a Collector Street, Overland Avenue between Pico Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard; and

FURTHER MOVE that in anticipation of the approval of this plan amendment the Department of Transportation be directed to immediately evaluate other traffic calming measures which would need to be implemented to improve public safety in this area; and

FURTHER MOVE that this redesignation of Overland Avenue be expedited through the Planning Department's process to ensure that future street improvements and traffic controls are conducive to and consistent with the low density residential character of the street.

Council District
5

Date Received
6/23/2004

File History
6-23-04 - This day's Council session
6-23-04 - Ref to Transportation Committee
6-23-04 - File to Transportation Committee Clerk

In a continuing effort to keep the residents informed, there was the Westwood South of Santa Monica Homeowners Association Annual Meeting held at the St. Timothy’s auditorium on June 23, 2004 from approximately 7:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. The auditorium was filled to capacity, largely by residents of Overland Avenue.

After a welcome and call to order by President, Bob Cimiluca, the new homeowner’s Board of Directors for 2004-2005 was voted in by affirmation. The new members of the Board of Directors are as follows (in alphabetical order): Barbara Broide, Rich Cahalan, Bob Cimiluca, Marilyn Cohon, Fred Golan, Len Green, Katharine Greenebaum, Michael Hayes, Margaret Healy, Arturo Martinez, Mark Morocco, Pat Tobais, Ty Vahedi. Len Green then provided a Treasurer’s report and Barbara Broide spoke regarding the summary of issues being addressed by the homeowners association. Invited speakers included County Supervisor Zev Yaroslovsky, Karen Bass, Candidate for the 47th Assembly District, the Los Angeles Police Department and Councilmember Jack Weiss.

Councilmember Weiss informed those present at the meeting that he was very impressed by the “human power point presentation” provided by the Overland Avenue resident representatives on June 21, 2004 and that he was committed to working closely with the community and City agencies to push for traffic calming measures that will preserve the residential character of Overland Avenue and improve traffic safety.

To the surprise and gratification of the Overland Avenue residents, Councilmember Weiss announced that he had introduced legislation that morning to the City Council petitioning the re-designation of Overland Avenue between Pico Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard from a Secondary Highway to a Collector Road. In response to the cheers of the audience, Councilmember Weiss cautioned that it was imperative that a strong showing of residents would be required at the hearing of the City Council to assure the passage of this legislation. Please make sure to check the website, www.OverlandAve.org, for updated information regarding the date, time and place for the hearing regarding Councilmember Weiss’ proposed legislation. Your support and attendance at this hearing is essential.

In a continuing effort to keep the residents informed, there was a meeting on June 21, 2004 from 8:30am to 9:20am hosted by Council District 5 to discuss the re-designation of little Overland Ave. to address the existing traffic problems. Those present included:

Councilmember Jack Weiss
Councilmember 5th District

Renee Schillaci
Deputy Chief Of Staff, Councilmember Jack Weiss

Paul Backstrom
Field Deputy, Councilmember Jack Weiss

Julie Sandor
Overland Ave. Resident

Mark Morocco
Overland Ave. Resident

Shannon Burns
Overland Ave. Resident

Bob Cimiluca
Overland Ave. Resident and President of the Westwood South of Santa Monica Homeowners Association

Arturo Martinez
Overland Ave. Resident

At the request of the Overland Ave. residents, Councilmember Jack Weiss and his staff (Renee Schillaci and Paul Backstrom) met with Overland Ave. representatives to discuss the issue of re-designating Little Overland Ave. between Pico Bl. and Santa Monica Bl. from a secondary highway to a local or collector road.

The Overland Ave. representatives presented a well organized, cohesive and compelling argument for re-designation by explaining orally, in writing and with pictures the need to make Overland Ave. a safer place to live for its residents. As self-described by Councilmember Weiss at the June 23, 2004 Westwood South of Santa Monica Homeowners Association Meeting, the Overland Ave. representatives presented him with a “human power point presentation.”

Those present clearly outlined the problems as well as proposed solutions to make life on Overland Ave. safer and made clear that Overland Ave. is in immediate need for pro-active traffic mitigation. Moreover, the resident representatives informed Councilmember Weiss that all his constituents living on this street have experienced firsthand the dangerous conditions that exist on Overland Ave. as a result of the increased level of traffic in recent years. The resident representatives also explained that re-designation is the door to opening a wide variety of traffic mitigations for the street and by doing so improving public safety.

Not only did Councilmember Weiss discuss the re-designation of Little Overland Ave. between Pico Bl. and Santa Monica Bl., but also discussed the installation of a four-way stop at Overland Ave. and Tennessee Ave., the removal of the left turn arrow at Olympic Bl. and Overland Ave. and the use of speed tables to make Westwood Charter Elementary School and the rest of Little Overland Ave. a safer place to live.

In addition, the resident representatives were reassured by Councilmember Weiss statement that Little Overland Ave. would not be widened. It was clear that the Councilmember understood that the root cause of Little Overland Ave.’s public safety concern is the nature and degree of traffic on our street.

The meeting ended with a firm commitment by Councilmember Weiss to improving the quality of life of his constituents on Little Overland Ave by considering the Overland Ave. residents’ request for re-designation in earnest and promising to respond back to the residents in less than thirty days.

In a continuing effort to keep the residents informed, there was a meeting on May 26, 2004 from 9:30am to 12:45pm hosted by Council District 5 to discuss the Overland Ave. traffic problems. This was a follow up meeting to the February 26, 2004 meeting. Those present included:

Paul Backstrom
Field Deputy, Councilmember Jack Weiss

Glenn Ogura
Principal Transportation Engineer, Department of Transportation

Pauline Chan, P.E.
Senior Transportation Engineer, Department of Transportation

Susan Strick
Deputy City Attorney - Neighborhood Prosecutor West Los Angeles Division

Senior Lead Officer Ali
LAPD West Los Angeles Division

Officer Leonard Johnson
LAPD West Traffic Division (In charge of school safety)

Michael Hayes
Overland Ave. Resident

Ruth Greenberg
Overland Ave. Resident

Julie Sandor
Overland Ave. Resident

Barbara Rico
Overland Ave. Resident

Barbara Broide
Secretary of the Westwood South of Santa Monica Homeowners Association

Arturo Martinez
Overland Ave. Resident

As a result of the traffic study conducted by DOT in January 2004, DOT informed the resident representatives at the meeting that DOT will do the following:

1. With the scheduled June 2004 resurfacing of big Overland Ave. between Pico Bl. and Notre Dame H.S., DOT will change the striping going northbound on Overland Ave., south of Pico Bl., to reduce the two northbound through lanes to a single lane before the cars cross Pico Bl. so that the cars will already be in single file when traversing Overland Ave.

2. At the cost of $7,000 to $14,000, DOT will install a speed display sign that reads “25 mph” and underneath that “your speed” with the display that shows the vehicle speed.

3. Increase and improve the amount and types of signage on Overland Ave. (ie. 25mph signs, no trucks over 6000lbs signs, school zone, school crossing signs). Specifically, DOT will replace the 25 mph sign on little Overland Ave. just north of Pico Bl. in front of 2362 Overland Ave. with a larger, more visible sign. DOT will study the placement of the current signs on little Overland Ave. to see whether or not there are other locations for the signs on the street that we would be more effective. DOT will also consider better and more visible placement of the school zone signs denoting Westwood Charter Elementary School. And DOT will explore the placement of a “reduce speed ahead 25 mph” sign for the mast arm of the traffic signal post that spans Overland Ave. at Pico Bl. on the northeast corner near the Exxon gas station.

4. DOT will change the timing of the left-turn arrow westbound Olympic Bl. at Overland Ave. to reduce the number of cars that take Overland Ave. southbound to the 10 Freeway.

5. DOT will add a left-turn arrow eastbound Pico Bl. at Beverly Glen Bl. to encourage traffic to use Beverly Glen Bl. to get to Century City;

6. DOT will add a left-turn arrow westbound Olympic Bl. at Westwood Bl. to encourage traffic to use Westwood Bl. to get to the 10 Freeway;

7. DOT will add specific signage which would direct traffic to use alternate routes, other than Overland Ave., to Century City, Westwood Village and the 10 Freeway even if only with arrows pointing underneath.

8. We discussed improving the visibility of the crosswalks on Overland Ave. next to Westwood Charter Elementary School. DOT stated it will repaint the crosswalks next to the school in addition to repainting the faded limit lines of the intersections north of the school. In the alternative, raised, stamped asphalt to look like brick was suggested where already marked crosswalks already exist. However, DOT informed the resident representatives that this is the responsibility of the Bureau of Street Services and the resident representatives are in the process of obtaining the contact information for the proper person in that department.

9. The residents continued to request that DOT implement a four-way stop with marked crosswalks at Tennessee Ave. and Overland Ave. Instead, DOT wants to construct a landscaped median island on Overland Ave. at the intersection with Tennessee Ave. with marked crosswalks. According to DOT, this plan would eliminate cross traffic at Tennessee Ave., would prevent northbound and southbound vehicles on Overland Ave. from turning left onto Tennessee Ave., will require the removal of a few on-street parking spaces from Overland Ave., will make it difficult for large vehicles turning right from Tennessee Ave. to Overland Ave. and may slow and “calm” traffic through visual enhancements. Furthermore, DOT stated it wanted to try this plan before implementing a four-way stop with marked crosswalks at Tennessee Ave. and Overland Ave. DOT plans to have drawings of this proposed plan available for the residents’ review at the Westwood South of Santa Monica Homeowners Association (HOA) meeting on June 23, 2004.

The resident representatives also requested notification of any and all signal installation, traffic control devices, and work to be done by DOT that may effect traffic on little Overland Ave. between Pico Bl. and Santa Monica Bl.

A follow up meeting with DOT is expected to occur in July, 2004.

Our next election for the WNC Governing Board will be in December. DONE requires us to submit our proposed procedures by August. The procedures will determine how the electoral process will be conducted,

There will be two meetings to do this, one in June and one in July.

We need to hold a workshop in October for stakeholders interested in running for a seat on the board. This committee will be responsible for creating a flyer to be distributed in Sept. explaining the up coming elections and workshop. We will also design the ballot and decide on rules and regs for campaigning and election day. We will need people who are not running to work on election day.

If you would like to participate on this ad hoc committee pls. let me know ASAP. We are considering June 7th around 11am as our first meeting date.

Terri Tippit, chair

On April 18, 2004, at 2:00 p.m. in the Westwood Charter Elementary School Auditorium, the Overland Avenue Community came together for a general meeting regarding the traffic problems associated with "Little Overland" Avenue between Pico and Santa Monica Boulevards.

The goal of the meeting was to further establish a collective voice regarding the traffic and safety problems when communicating with our elected officials and the City. At the meeting, residents discussed the recent accidents, the mutual problems experienced by the residents such as getting in and out of driveways, pot holes caused by commercial vehicles exceeding the 6,000 lb. limit and safety issues pertaining to pedestrians, especially those at the corner of Tennessee Avenue and Overland Avenue, as well as around Westwood Charter Elementary School.

The attendees then broke down the problems and specific traffic and safety mitigation recommendations on a block-by-block basis, starting at Pico Boulevard and ending at Santa Monica Boulevard. Common traffic mitigation measures for all blocks include:

(1) the posting of improved and additional signage regarding the 25 m.p.h. speed limit, the 6,000 lb. weight limit restriction, school/children crossings, "residential neighborhood" signage and signage encouraging drivers to use alternate routes to get to Century City, Westwood and the 10 Freeway,

(2) the installation of a four-way stop and cross-walk at Tennessee Avenue and Overland Avenue (the only block without a four way stop between Pico and Santa Monica Boulevards) as well as the implementation of "Botts Dots" at the cross-walks around Westwood Charter Elementary School,

(3) the re-striping of the intersection of Overland Avenue and Pico Boulevard to encourage cars to form a single lane south of Pico Boulevard, rather than North of Pico Boulevard and to reconfigure the Selby Avenue turn lane,

(4) installation of "right turn only" signs at the alley leading into Overland Avenue near Pico Boulevard,

(5) reduce the use or remove the left-turn arrow at Overland Avenue and Olympic Boulevard (and/or add cameras at this intersection to catch red light violators) as well as both increase the use of the left-turn arrow at Olympic Boulevard and Beverly Glen Boulevard and the installation of left-turn arrows at Olympic Boulevard and Westwood Boulevard,

(6) request additional law enforcement assistance to catch traffic law violators,

(7) implementation of speed bumps, and

(8) implementation of a road closure at Overland Avenue and Pico Boulevard (much like Malcom Avenue has at Pico Boulevard).

In order to achieve many of the aforementioned traffic mitigation requests, attendees discussed the fact that one of the most important steps would be to get the City to re-designate Overland Avenue from the current status of "Secondary Highway" to a "Collector" or "Local" street. Attendees unanimously agreed to sign a petition protesting the mis-designation of "Little Overland" as a "Secondary Highway" as "Little Overland" clearly did not meet the legal definition/description of a "Secondary Highway."

Two additional Overland Avenue matters discussed by attendees were the following:

(1) Overland Avenue has been experiencing a persistent problem with having street lights outages at night. It was recommended to call 311, the general number for all City services, to report any problems with street light outages and to record the date, time and name of operator of the report; and

(2) Overland Avenue is often used as a thoroughfare for UPS trucks in violation of the 6,000 lb. weight limit restriction. Residents should write down the date, time, the license plate and/or truck number and report it to either the Westwood South of Santa Monica Homeowners Association (who will write a letter to UPS notifying them of their drivers' violations) and/or directly to the UPS Station on Santa Monica Boulevard, just east of Overland Avenue.

Attendees agreed to schedule another meeting in June, 2004, whereby elected officials will be invited to appear and be presented with a comprehensive and cohesive list of the residents' traffic mitigation requests. In the interim, attendees would complete (and encourage their neighbors to complete) the traffic mitigation surveys available at the meeting and on the website, http://www.overlandave.com/survey.html, in order to obtain a consensus on the most popular traffic mitigation measures desired by the local residents.

Further, attendees supported the need for each and every resident to continue writing letters to their elected officials regarding both the traffic problems occurring on Overland Avenue, as well as our requests for mitigation. The addresses of the proper elected officials can be found on the website http://www.overlandave.com/contacts-officials.html or by contacting the block volunteers. Moreover, copies of all written communications are encouraged to be sent to the webmaster at http://www.overlandave.com for posting and tracking on the website.

Attendees were also asked to monitor "Little Overland" for any future accidents and to record the date, time, place, and, most importantly, the police Incident Report number and to send this information to the appropriate city officials as well as the webmaster at www.overlandave.com for compilation and posting on the website.

Cheviot Hills Traffic Calming

Pauline Chan (Dept. of Transportation) and Paul Backstrom (Council District 5) were invited and present to discuss the traffic calming measures taking place, and to listen to neighborhood concerns.

Pauline Chan provided the committee with a copy of the Traffic Calming flyer that was sent to neighborhood residents, the latest print-out of the map with measures to be taken, and a schedule for work to be performed by DOT, updated on April 6, 2004 for the" Century City Neighborhood Traffic Management Project."

The map is also on the DOT website (which is lacity.org/LADOT) The plan was approved by the City Council on July 8, 2003.

The timeline consists of "Phase One" work. "Phase Two", consisting of landscaping and non-traffic measures will follow Phase One, after a traffic survey has been completed.

The plan commenced in 1998, with 2 open houses at Palms Library regarding the spending of funds received from Century City developers for traffic calming purposes for the area adjacent to Century City. A diagram of the plan was shown to those residents of the community who were informed of the open house. Various associations discussed the plan with the City and DOT. Changes were made to the plan with some input from the community. The "final" plan (as shown on the map) was presented at a May, 2003 open house at Palms Library. Information regarding the open house was supposedly given to the board members of the various homeowner's associations around the project in order for them to disseminate the information to the homeowners. According to several Committee members (who are also board members of several homeowner's associations), the information was not provided as the DOT suggested. One member of a local HOA stated that their association did not learn about the open house in May, 2003 until they heard it through another source AFTER the fact. Another committee member also complained that none of the proposals offered during meetings with DOT and the City Council incorporated into the eventual plan.

Pauline and Paul said the May, 2003 open house was sent out via newsletter by email to all the tract associations, and out through the "Weiss Wire", which you can sign up for on the City Council website.

In other words, information regarding the final plan for review was not received by the community as a whole.

Pauline indicated that there are two phases to the "Century City" area neighborhood traffic management project:

Phase 1 (which is currently going on) consists of traffic control devices/street marking changes, etc.
Phase 2 consists of landscaping and bump-outs.

After Phase 1 is completed, a traffic study will be done to determine what is working and what isn't, so they can "tweak" the mitigation efforts. They do this by looking at the traffic data they already have and compare it to the new data.

A committee member asked the DOT representative what the traffic study will consist of: For example, the plan only involves the area with boundaries as follows: Pico to the North; Overland to the West; Robertson to the East; and National Blvd/S.M. Freeway to the south. Does this mean DOTwill only be looking at traffic within those boundaries, or will DOT look at the "whole picture", in other words, streets surrounding the plan site, such as Overland north of Pico or Westwood west of Overland, to determine the possible negative impact of the streets surrounding the project?

DOT stated that other than Overland north of Pico, they didn't have traffic counts before the project started, and the plan was to only look at traffic within the boundaries, but they could extend it out to look at other streets, like Overland north of Pico, since they have the data. It was mentioned that the neighborhood outside the project boundaries have already encountered substantial negative impact as a result, and the intersection at Olympic/Overland is completely blocked up during rush hour. It is only time before a major accident will result.

DOT agreed to extend the study. A member suggested that there are so many "F" rated streets in the neighborhood (streets like Overland, that are filled beyond capacity), that the impact would still leave it with the same rating. Unless they revised their rating to provide for various degrees of "F", how could a negative impact be determined?

A member questioned whether the entire "pot" held by the City in trust would be devoted solely to traffic calming in Cheviot Hills, or would the other neighborhoods abuting Century City receive assistance. The concern was that only a small amount of the funds would be used for traffic calming purposes for neighborhoods directly affected by the development, while funds that could be used to help the traffic issues in these neighborhoods would instead be used to plant trees and flowers in Cheviot Hills. The Committee did not receive a clear answer to thos question.

Overland Ave. Bridge Widening Project
The discussion then turned to the Overland Avenue bridge widening project. Pauline said the funds were already available for this project, and it's currently with the project management team and Cal Trans. The Committee was provided a 3 year time line before construction starts. There was a consensus that the bridge must be widened on the West side of Overland at the bridge, not the East side, to deal with the backed up traffic trying to get onto the freeway.

Santa Monica Blvd. Project
The streets adjacent to Santa Monica Blvd. will get calming measures. Pauline indicated that she needed input and a consensus from residents directly south of S.M. Blvd. as to what they want done. They want to have the calming measures completed by the end of the construction project.

Trip/Traffic Counts
The DOT does have trip/traffic counts online and available to download. There is a minimal cost to download the information. To do this, an account must be set up.

Other Discussion Topics
Paul Backstrom reported that the mayor has a task force ready to roll off the plan recommendations made in the last month. That information is located on the City's website. DOT will work with the arterial streets in meeting the objectives of this plan.

In order to accurately determine what issues are most important to the residents of Overland Ave., a survey has been created. All residents are encouraged to take the survey *before* the General Meeting on 4/18/04.

All residents are urged to attend the first Overland Avenue General Meeting on 4/18/04 at 2pm at Westwood Charter Elementary School in the Auditorium to discuss Overland Avenue Traffic Issues and Mitigation.

In a continuing effort to keep the residents informed, there was a meeting on February 26, 2004 from 9:30am to 12:00pm hosted by Council District 5 to discuss the Overland Ave. traffic problems. This was a follow up meeting to the December 18, 2003 meeting. Those present included:

Susan R. Bursk
Chief Field Deputy, Councilmember Jack Weiss

Paul Backstrom
Field Deputy, Councilmember Jack Weiss

Pauline Chan, P.E.
Senior Transportation Engineer, Department of Transportation

Mohammad H. Blorfroshan, P.E.
Transportation Engineer, Department of Transportation

Officer Tim Scully
LAPD West Traffic Division

Mark Morocco
Overland Ave. Resident

Shannon Burns
Overland Ave. Resident

Julie Sandor
Overland Ave. Resident

Kathy Bowers
Overland Ave. Resident

Marilyn Cohon
Vice President of the Westwood South of Santa Monica Homeowners Association

Barbara Broide
Secretary of the Westwood South of Santa Monica Homeowners Association

Arturo Martinez
Overland Ave. Resident

As a result of the traffic study conducted by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in January, 2004, DOT informed those present that it would be able to justify the following:

1. Adding a left-turn arrow eastbound Pico Bl. at Beverly Glen Bl. to encourage traffic to use Beverly Glen Bl. to get to Century City;

2. Adding a left-turn arrow westbound Olympic Bl. at Westwood Bl. to encourage traffic to use Westwood Bl. to get to the 10 Freeway;

3. Changing the timing of the left-turn arrow westbound Olympic Bl. at Overland Ave. to reduce the number of cars that take Overland Ave. southbound to the 10 Freeway (however DOT at this point refuses to remove this left-turn arrow that was installed without surveying the traffic or the residents on Overland Ave.);

4. Taking the resident's request to implement a four-way stop at Tennessee Ave. and Overland Ave. to the "powers that be" at DOT;

5. Implementing one of three possible plans to extend the sidewalk along Overland Ave. at Tennessee Ave., effectively removing cross-traffic at Tennessee Ave.; yet not addressing the speed issue on Overland Ave.

The three plans are as follows:

(a) tearing out the orange pylons and adding a planter on each side of the street, while retaining the right-turn only signs and the addition of a cross walk;

(b) increasing the sidewalk on opposite sides of the street (i.e. northeast corner of Overland Ave. & Tennessee Ave. and southwest corner of Overland Ave. & Tennessee Ave.) to create a crosswalk that crosses directly across the street rather than at an angle. In this scenario, traffic on Tennessee will not have access to Overland at all. However, traffic on Overland will have turn access onto Tennessee; or

(c) increasing the sidewalk on opposite sides of the street (i.e. northwest corner of Overland Ave. & Tennessee and southeast corner of Overland Ave. & Tennessee Ave.) to create a crosswalk that crosses directly across the street rather than at an angle. In this scenario, traffic on Overland will not have access to Tennessee at all. However, traffic on Tennessee will have right-turn access onto Overland.

6. Increasing and improving the amount and types of signage on Overland Ave. (ie. 25mph signs, no trucks over 6000lbs signs, school crossing signs);

7. Installation of a painted edge line along the east side of Overland Ave. demarking the parking lane in order to address side-swiping of parked vehicles;

8. Exploration with Caltrans the addition of specific signage which would direct traffic to use alternate routes, other than Overland Ave., to Century City and the 10 Freeway; and

9. Exploration and solictiation of their design group regarding the changing of the striping going northbound on Overland Ave. at Pico Bl. to reduce the two lanes to a single lane before the cars cross Pico Bl. so that the cars will already be in single file when traversing Overland Ave.

However, DOT refused to consider the request by the residents of Overland Ave. of implementing speed bumps/speed humps/speed tables due to the daily traffic of 16,000 to 19,000 cars on Overland Ave. DOT also refused to consider the request by the residents to review the issue of removing the secondary highway designation --- stating that this is primarily a City Planning and Engineering responsibility.

In a continuing effort to keep the residents informed, there was a meeting of the Block Volunteers and other concerned residents on February 22, 2004 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm in order to better organize the residents of Overland Avenue to better address the traffic problems that plague this street. The ultimate goal is to unite all Overland Avenue residents in order to make Overland Avenue between Santa Monica Bl. and Pico Bl. a safer place for its residents and children.

Those present discussed the following:

1. Ways in which to improve contact among the residents of the 2000-2300 blocks of Overland Avenue, including door knocking of neighbors and obtaining their contact information;

2. The logistics involved in having a meeting in Mid-March, 2004 of all the Overland Ave. residents between Santa Monica Bl. and Pico. Bl. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss various traffic mitigation needs/suggestions for the street and to develop Petitions based on those suggestions;

3. Brief discussion of the various traffic mitigation needs/suggestions for all of Overland Ave. between Santa Monica Bl. and Pico Bl. A survey regarding Overland Ave and traffic mitigation will be generated and distributed to all the residents in anticipation of the Mid-March general meeting;

4. Methods by which to organize the 1800 and 1900 blocks of Overland Avenue as these are mostly multi-unit, rental properties; and

5. Drafting of multiple petitions for the various traffic mitigations desired by the residents.

The Overland Avenue Community (OAC) Web site launched today, providing the residents of Overland Ave. North of Pico Bl. an on-line forum for addressing the urgent safety needs of their street.

The site outlines numerous problems affecting safety on Overland Ave., as well as a list of objectives. Now, residents of Overland Ave. can use this site to share news, photographs, correspondence, and to further organize in an effort to bring about immediate traffic mitigation to their street.

Should anyone be interested in attending this meeting, please feel free to show up and participate as we can use all of the help that we can get! (The meeting will be held on 2/22/2004 at the Starbucks on Westwood next to Baskin-Robbins.)

Among the topics expected to be discussed:

1. Having a meeting of all the Overland Ave. residents between Santa Monica Bl. and Pico. Bl. and the logistics involved.

2. Traffic mitigation needs/suggestions for all of Overland Ave. between Santa Monica Bl. and Pico Bl.

3. How to organize the 1800 and 1900 blocks of Overland Ave.

4. Multiple petitions for the various mitigations we want for the street.

5. Any other ideas and issues that come up.

In a continuing effort to keep the residents informed, there was a meeting on December 18, 2003 from 9:30am to 11:30am hosted by Council District 5 to discuss the Overland Ave. traffic problems. Those present included:

Denise Sample
Chief Of Staff, Councilmember Jack Weiss

Susan R. Bursk
Chief Field Deputy, Councilmember Jack Weiss

Pauline Chan, P.E.
Senior Transportation Engineer, Department of Transportation

Mohammad H. Blorfroshan, P.E.
Transportation Engineer, Department of Transportation

Officer Mike Goldstein
LAPD West Traffic Division

Officer Mike Davis
LAPD West Traffic Division

Officer Tim Scully
LAPD West Traffic Division

Richard Rico
Overland Ave. Resident

Barbara Rico
Overland Ave. Resident

Shannon Burns
Overland Ave. Resident

Bob Cimiluca
Overland Ave. Resident and President of the Westwood South of Santa Monica Homeowners Association

Arturo Martinez
Overland Ave. Resident

Those present discussed the Overland Ave. traffic problems, the traffic history on Overland Ave., the lack of LAPD West Traffic Division resources in order to do enforcement, the need for proactive traffic mitigation measures, the need to be placed on a time table by The Department of Transportation (DOT) for traffic mitigation to be implemented on our street, and last, but not at all least, the death of neighbor, Richard Rowan, who was killed in December, 2003 while crossing Overland Ave.

In addition, DOT and LAPD West Traffic Division acknowledged having on file the numerous letters that Overland Ave. residents have written regarding the problems on Overland Ave. and the need for traffic mitigation. The Overland Ave. residents present at the meeting took the opportunity to personally provide copies of previously written letters addressed to Councilmember Jack Weiss and his Planning Deputy Renee Schillaci describing the the traffic problems on Overland Ave., the need for proactive traffic mitigation and mitigation suggestions.

The DOT agreed to study the problem and conduct a traffic survey/study/count in January, 2004. The DOT also agreed to schedule a follow up meeting in February, 2004 to discuss the result of their study and mitigation proposal. (The second meeting has been scheduled for February 26, 2004.)

When the residents present at the meeting asked for a public forum to have our Overland Ave. traffic concerns addressed, LAPD West Traffic Division officers informed them that the West LA Police Department CPAB (Community Police Advisory Board) has a traffic committee which holds meetings the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 8AM in the roll call room at the West LA Police station located on Butler Ave. at Iowa Ave. At these meetings various City representatives, including DOT, are present to discuss local traffic issues. According to DOT, this would be the appropriate venue to have the residents voice their traffic issues and have them addressed. In order to get the Overland Ave. traffic concerns on the agenda, those interested residents should call Robert A. Ringler, Chair, CPAB Traffic Committee - 310-475-5978 - wlatraffic@adelphia.net, who schedules the meetings.

Around 3 p.m. today there was a pretty major accident at the corner of Overland Ave. and Tennessee Ave.. A black van, on the west side of Overland Ave. on Tennessee Ave. decided to ignore the right turn only sign and make a left turn onto Overland Ave. Needless to say he was hit really hard. The telephone poll was hit and is now leaning. Based on the glass, debris, and transmission fluid all over the road and on the front lawn of the house at the Southwest corner of Overland Ave., it looked as though the cars did not exist any longer, except for the bits and pieces strewn over the front lawn and the sidewalk. There were injuries; the police arrived and took a report; the fire department was there, as were ambulances.

Photos have been taken of the remaining debris, along with the chalk marks made by the police during the investigation.

Photos were also taken of 6 cars in a span of about 10 minutes ignoring the right turn signal on both sides of the street. One extremely dangerous example was of two cars at Overland Ave. on Tennessee Ave. heading West. One car was in the correct lane; the other car created his own left turn lane on the wrong side of the street. When the guy intending to make the left turn realized photos were being taken, giving it away, he turned right, luckily before the car to his right drove right across Overland Ave. to the other side of Tennessee Ave.

Often, the reason stated by various opponents of installing speed humps on Overland Ave. is that the humps may interfere with emergency and municipal vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks. However, it should be noted that there are humps specially designed to accommodate such needs. The humps have a track - or groove - in the center that allows the vehicle to travel down the middle of the road uninterrupted. Also, because of Overland Ave.’s heavy traffic situation, emergency vehicles rarely use Overland Ave., and if they do, they frequently travel down the middle of the road.
(click here to see picture 1 of hump)
(click here to see picture 2 of hump)