RHA members and area residents were presented with a wealth of information on two different topics at our last meeting. The first topic was “Granny Units” aka ADUs or Additional Dwelling Units. The other topic featured two views of the Butcher-Solana project: the bad news about ambient contamination, and the good news about what the future could bring to this site.
The state ADU mandate
Granny Units were explained by Linda Cessna, Deputy Director of the Community Development Department, and by Leo Oorts, City Planner. ADUs are part of a new state law which is designed to ease the problem of insufficient housing. The gist of the law is that homeowners may remodel a previously existing space, say an office room, to be a separate dwelling within their home. This space may be rented out or offered to another resident.
Leo Oorts, Torrance Community Development Dept delivers an FYI on the ADU
If someone wants to build a room addition onto their home, and they are in the Hillside Overlay, will they have to abide by the Hillside Overlay Ordinance (HOO)? A phone call to Planning Department on 10/22 got the answer from a planner “Yes, they will have to abide by the Hillside Overlay.” If the building is less than 14 feet tall? The planner we spoke with was not sure. We will have to see how this is enforced. It is likely that it will put pressure on the HOO and will require our vigilance and interaction with the City.
In case you missed it: click here for the complete ADU Presentation shown at the meeting.
More B-S
The second topic was the Butcher-Solana development. PV Estates resident and activist Joan Davidson (whose husband is on the PVE city council) presented an impressive amount of research and visuals which showed that the site is even more contaminated than we had thought.
Joan Davidson offering evidence of Butcher Hill contamination
Butcher Hill itself has been an unregulated dump site for decades, so it is not known exactly what is in the ground there, but methane, benzene and toluene, all dangerous contaminants, have been found there, along with silica and crystalline silica, a known carcinogen when stirred up by vehicles and construction.
The good news? Jacob Varvarigos, the president of a very active land conservancy, the South Bay Parkland Conservancy, shared his views of what this land could be.
RHA board members Amy Josefek and Judy Brunetti, along with other members of the community, met with Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi on Wed. Oct. 17 to discuss the project.
We hope to bring you more good news before long.
Membership drive underway
Membership dues are what allow the RHA to continue, and fall is our prime time to accept your voluntary dues. Our costs are going up, but so far not our low membership fee. Help yourself by maintaining a vibrant Hollywood Riviera community. Join or renew today !
New members joining between now and October 31 1918 are eligible for a drawing to win a case of Castle Rock wine — Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Winner will be announced on this website by November 15. Only a few days left!
Don’t wait for the next meeting – contribute your voluntary dues here. A heartful thanks to the many who offered their dues at our first meeting, and those who sent them in by mail or Paypal!
Announcing A Ribbon Cutting Event!
Mark the date: Sunday, October 28, 2018, 2 pm
Dedication of the new Hollywood Riviera Historical Marker at the corner of Via Monte d’Oro and Palos Verdes Blvd.
Please join us and the Friends of the Hollywood Riviera to celebrate our two new markers AND the 90th Birthday of the Hollywood Riviera!
More info: 310.375.6539
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Riviera Homeowners Association 