Operation Healthy Neighborhoods Comes to Pico Boulevard!
On April 1, 2002, the Office of Mayor Jim Hahn will launch a pro-active revitalization program in the Pico Corridor. From April to June, Operations Healthy Neighborhoods (OHN) will scour the Corridor tackling visual blight problems between Sierra Bonita and La Brea.

The City will utilize its resources and partner with communities to combat graffiti, illegal dumping, trash, and broken windows that often lead to crime in neighborhoods. Public Works will remove bulky items, trash and graffiti; replace burnt out streetlights; clean sidewalks and streets, and fix potholes. To reinforce neighborhood safety, Building and Safety and Housing Inspectors will look for code violations and unsafe housing.

One special feature has been added: the Watershed Protection Department will begin tackling the environmental hazards and pollution inflicted upon the Corridor by non-compliant auto shops.

More details about Operation Healthy Neighborhood is available on this "one sheeter" pdf document. There is also a report form to bring any concerns related to Pico Corridor to the attention of the city. This form is available in both English and Spanish.

Abigail P. Zimmerman, West LA Project Manager from the Mayor's Office, is leading the Operation Healthy Neighborhoods along Pico Corridor. Please contact her by form, phone, or email explaining the concerns you have on the Corridor. This is a unique opportunity for all of us to command the actions of the City. Without your participation, the city teams will not best serve your community.

Abigail P. Zimmerman
Office of Mayor James K. Hahn
West Los Angeles Project Manager, Neighborhood Improvement Division
Operation Healthy Neighborhoods (Pacific and Wilshire Divisions)
Targeted Neighborhood Initiative
p: (213) 978-0761
f: (213) 978-0750

Here is a letter from Abigail to all interested in Pico Corridor:

March 26, 2002

I wanted to take a minute to update all of you interested activists on what we've been doing on the Corridor.

First, the Watershed Protection Department has begun pro-active code enforcement inspections of auto shops along the targeted Corridor. Yesterday, I drove along as we scouted shops for illegal water discharge into the drains. When we found a perpetrator, we stopped and searched the premise for further code violations. Violators were issued a notice to comply and given 15 days to provide a written account of what they have done to meet the clean water standards. Two locations have been monitored thus far. We plan another drive either Thursday or early next week.

The Watershed Program has amicably agreed to target the Corridor in this new proactive program after Mayor Hahn's Office relayed the concerns of the Pico activists. Four specific sights have been targeted with resident and merchant complaints, personal observations of misconduct, and the list of previous code violations from the Department of Building and Safety. One location, formerly TopLine, now Bestech Auto at 5353 Pico Blvd., has appeared willing to work with the Inspector to comply with LAMC, the AQMD, and Health Authorities. The new company (Bestech) was just purchased from TopLine in the past two months and seems to have moved away from the previous occupant's flagrant violation of water and air quality codes. I'll keep you posted. NOTE: WPD Inspectors will be scouting the Corridor for the next three months to ensure compliance.

Second, I met with your Senior Lead Officer, Fred Alexander yesterday to be briefed on the criminal behaviors along the Corridor. Should you have any safety concerns, please let me know the specific location you worry about before I tour the Corridor with him on Monday, April 8, 2002. Also, if you'd like to know what crime has occurred in your areas, let me know and I can provide you with general information.

Third, the Comedy-Union has another weekend of stand-up improv this weekend. I've never been a comedy club before the C-U. Enss Mitchell has done a spectacular job. You should definitely get out and show your support for the obviously improving addition to the Corridor. The Club is directly next to Puget Sound, the former Del Mar Theater (another wonderful example of where Pico may be heading thanks to Joe Milner).

Abigail P. Zimmerman
Office of Mayor James K. Hahn