LFIA Book Offer:
Los Feliz - An Illustrated Early History
Get your copy here!
Read more about
the book here
Zoning Administrator Albert Landini granted Wolfgang Puck a variance on June 29, 2007 to serve a full line of alcoholic beverages at catered special events at the Griffith Observatory. His decision was actually made a few days prior to the Parks Commissioners approval of RAP guidelines. Thus those guidelines were not considered at all, nor was the overwhelming public opposition. LFIA received a copy of his decision by mail on July 3.
The entire 50 page document is not available electronically. You
can call the Office of Zoning Administration at 213 978 1318 to request
a copy be mailed to you free of charge. In the meantime, here is
a summary of the Zoning Administrator’s
findings:
1. There shall be no more than 36 catered events a year at the Observatory
serving alcohol, of which 6 may go as late as 1 a.m., the remaining 30 to end
no later than 11 p.m. All events may start as early as 11 a.m.
2. No limit on the nature of the event except it must be approved by the Department
of Recreation and Parks (without specifying which employee). Example given
are: "Observatory-sponsored events and events sponsored by City agencies
and departments, nonprofit group events, charity events, corporate meetings
and events, political fund raisers and private groups.”
3. Events may be held in any part of the Observatory, including the grounds,
roof and exhibit areas.
4. There is no limitation on interfering with public access; the only limit
being no alcohol is to be served in the cafe when it is open to the public.
7. There is no limit on the maximum or minimum number of persons allowed at
an event.
8. The variance expires in five years and the applicant is required to
file an Approval of Plan 12 months after the effective date of the variance,
which will be subject to a public hearing and may result in the revocation
of the variance or a modification of its conditions
Because the Zoning Administrator ignored public input and because he failed to establish a single one of the criteria for granting a variance, LFIA filed an appeal on Thursday, July 12. This appeal is downloadable here.
Letters to the Planning Commission supporting our appeal would
be greatly appreciated. Both individuals and groups may file letters
of support. You must reference Case No. 2006-10405(ZV). Letters of
support should be sent to:
Central Area Planning Commission
200 N. Spring Street
Room 532
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Documentary filmmakers/ authors Jon and Nancy Wilkman will discuss their new book, “Picturing Los Angeles” on Thursday, May 13th at the Los Feliz Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library at 6:45 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The book is a visual survey of modern Los Angeles highlighting two hundred years of fascinating people, intriguing places and dramatic events. The Wilkmans’ films include: “Chicano Rock! The Sounds of East L.A. and the upcoming “Mogols and Millionaires: A History of Hollywood.” They have also authored “Los Angeles: A Pictorial Celebration.”
The library is located at 1874 Hillhurst Ave. on the corner of Franklin Ave. For more information, please call the library at 323-913-4710 during regular business hours.
The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Los Feliz Library, merchants of the Los Feliz Village BID and Skylight Books. Skylight Books will provide related architecture books for purchase.
1965 Hillhurst, Los Angeles CA 90027