City Council Votes on LAFD Deployment Plan

I spent Wednesday at City Hall as the City Council voted on the LAFD FY2011-2012 Deployment Plan that would make major cutbacks at Fire Station 69.

As we expected, the new plan was passed overwhelmingly.

Councilman Rosendahl presented a motion asking for full staffing at Fire Station 69. He spoke passionately several times about the fact that we are an isolated community that is a high brush fire zone. He insisted that Chief Peaks and City Council needed to consider that the current construction on the 405 at Sunset, and the sewer construction on PCH, along with the upcoming Santa Monica incline construction cause major traffic gridlock and will hamper response time to the Palisades that could endanger lives.

The bad news is that only two City Councilmembers voted against the proposal. Councilman Rosendahl was one.

The good news is that City Council did vote that this WILL NOT BE A PERMANENT CUT. And any concession from the Fire Union (they are expecting $7 million) would go
right back into restoring service. The Chief said he would be happy to negotiate with the Councilman when they were off the Council floor for a return of some of our men.

As for the jaws of life there is some good news. PPCC brought to the Fire Department's attention at our meeting on Friday that when we are at 50% staffing (which will be on many days with this new plan) the jaws of life will just sit in our station with the hook and ladder truck because there won't be enough manpower to run it. Chief Richmond told me today LAFD realized this was indeed a serious concern. They are now planning to go to the fire foundation that often gives them funds for special items, and get money to buy a battery run jaws of life that can be used on an Engine. We will always have enough men for an Engine.

In addition, City Council order Chief Peaks to report back to them every quarter on how the plan is working so that it can be re-evaluated if necessary. So if necessary
we can go back to City Hall every three months and plead our case.

Janet Turner, Chair
Pacific Palisades Community Council

MAY 13 IS LAST DAY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED FIRE STATION 69 CUTBACKS

Friday, May 13 is the last day for public comment on the Mayor's budget.  This includes the proposed fire station cutbacks that are officially known as the Los Angeles Fire FY 2011-2012 Deployment Plan.

It's important that City Council see large numbers of people opposed to these cutbacks. 

To make your voice heard you need to go to

City Hall, Room 330

200 North Spring Street

Los Angeles, CA

Public Comment will be from 10 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m.

Warning:  Starting at noon LAUSD teachers will be descending on City Hall about cuts to teachers.

Parking is very expensive.  There are some lots a block or two away where you can get reasonable rates.

I'll see you there on May 13.

THEN ON WEDNESDAY MAY 18...

THE CITY COUNCIL VOTES ON THE PROPOSED FIRE STATION CUTBACKS

The actual vote on the Fire Station cutbacks (The Los Angeles Fire FY 2011-2012 Deployment Plan ) will be next Wednesday, May 18.

Although public comment will not be allowed, again, it is very important to show City Council that the people want to them to oppose the Fire Station Cutbacks.

You're presence will send a very loud message to those voting. 

Same location as above.  Same time.

I'll see you there.

In addition, Flo Elfant has created several disaster preparedness documents that can be downloaded for free at the following address.  Please take a moment to download these documents and familiarize yourself with their contents.  The time you take may just save the lives of you or your loved ones in the event of major emergency.

Emergency Preparedness Guides

Best,

Janet Turner, Chair

Pacific Palisades Community Council 

Cutbacks at Fire Station 69

First let me say that Fire Station 69 is NOT CLOSING.

However there will be cut backs. They are cutting the manpower for our second engine.

The engine will stay at Station 69 and on Red Flag days will be manned, but on other days it will not.

In exchange we will be getting a second ambulance.

On Thursday, May 12 Councilman Rosendahl and LAFD Chief Peaks or one of his top deputies will be speaking at the PPCC meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Palisades Library. You are welcome to attend.

In the meantime, tell us how you feel about this, and we will pass your comments along to City and Fire officials.  Just click on the "comments" link immediately below this post.

Thanks,
Janet Turner
Chair