LFNC Election 2018: Giuseppe Asaro, Candidate, District E

1.  How long have you lived in District D/E?

I have lived in district E for almost 3 decades and I did vote in previous elections.

2.  How many hours a week can you devote to the work of the Neighborhood Council and its subcommittees? 

4 to 6 hours a week but as much as necessary to help improve our neighborhood.

3.  How many Neighborhood Council meetings have you attended in the last six months?

Since deciding to candidate myself for this election, I have attended several meetings to meet with the board and the various committees and to get familiar with the various issues.

4.  The Neighborhood Council has a number of areas of interests and concerns.  What areas of interest do you plan to become involved in?

My primary areas of interest embrace 3 aspects of our neighborhood, all equally important to further improve the quality of life of our community; Environment, Safety and Beautification.

As a daily hiker in Griffith Park, I feel the importance of protecting the environment. I would like to hear and share ideas on how make the park the ultimate destination for physical activities, while conserving the natural habitat from pollution.

A lot can be do improve the park; for example, creating safe cycling lanes, adding clean filtered water in the fountains and adding solar powered recycled benches.

As a Los Feliz resident for the past 28 years, I would like to improve the safety of our neighborhood by continuing to build an informed community connected via social media as well as through community improvement efforts. I believe that cleaning and improving the neighborhood is a great deterrent to crime.

5.  How familiar are you with the particular issues, projects, and nuances of your particular District?

As I have begun to attend the LFNC meetings, I have been listening to neighbors’ concerns and ideas to improve District E.

The increasing homeless population as well as the recent spike in crime are quite serious concerns. Traffic and pedestrian safety are other concerns that are afflicting many residents. For example, applications that redirect traffic cause more blockage than assistance.

6.  What issues in your District make you interested in representing it? Why do you think you are qualified to work on these issues?

In addition to my interest in preserving the environment, improving public safety and enhancing the beautification of our neighborhood, I would like to promote the protection of Historical Architectural Landmarks such as the Stairways and the Shakespeare Bridge and other less known architectural piece of history that gives the unique character to the neighborhood.

7.  Once elected, you will be representing a specific District.  How do you plan to stay in touch with the residents of your District?

Since I have always tried to be in touch with my neighbors and by patronizing the local businesses, if elected as a representative for district E, I plan to increase my involvement and attendance to the LFNC meetings, committees and groups involved with supporting initiatives that will improve our community.

8.  What activities have you been involved in with the community? (Give examples)

As a filmmaker over the course of the years, I have brought a lot of photography and film work in the community. I have been hiring many residents, renting great locations, and shared my favorite local restaurants with my clients, casts and crews.

I open my home studio to local and international artists, in an effort to build community while sharing inspiration.

9.  Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself part of the community with a stronger sense of commitment having contributed to the improvement and beautification of our neighborhood.

Questions About Airbnb and the Los Angeles Home Sharing Ordinance / Carole Nese

Many FHRA residents have infinite questions and concerns about Air BnB <include examples...>. The city of Los Angeles has very specific rules in their Home Sharing Ordinance Background and Frequently Asked Questions Fact Sheet updated on June 2017.

The summary states that “short term rentals, which are rooms one may rent for less than 30 days, are currently not permitted in the vast majority of Los Angeles under the zoning code. However, with the growth of Internet companies such as Airbnb and VRBO, there has been a significant rise in this activity. While there are many benefits to sharing one’s home, it presents challenges for the City’s neighborhood, its zoning regulations and to an already tight housing stock.”

The Home Sharing Ordinance outlines the main criteria for Home-Sharing:
-Short-term rental of one’s own primary residence only
-No more than 180 days a year
-You must possess a Transient Occupancy Tax Registration Certificate from the Office of Finance
-Operation of only one short-term rental in the City
-Approval from a landlord (if a tenant)
-Not located in a unit subject to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance
-Home-Sharing takes place in area approved for residential

There are specific rules for enforcement of the ordinance...”fines or fees will accrue if the non-permitted activity does not ceased within a specified time.”

For more complete information see the Los Angeles City 2017 Home Sharing Ordinance Background & Frequently Asked Questions.

 

HYPERION AVENUE SPRING CLEAN UP 2016

Among the volunteers were a dozen students from John Marshall High School's Environmental Science Academy. They worked hard at removing graffiti, picking up loads of trash and removing weeds from the parkway. More than 30 trash bags were filled.

FHRA Vice President Shirley Mims, one of the March 20th event's coordinators said, "I hope that this event helps to perpetuate care and maintenance for Hyperion Avenue."

Despite the continuing drought there were plenty of weeds that found enough water to flourish along the Hyperion's parkway areas.

Despite the continuing drought there were plenty of weeds that found enough water to flourish along the Hyperion's parkway areas.

City Councilmember David Ryu (left) joined with about three dozen neighborhood volunteers to clean up Hyperion between Tracy and DeLongpre on Sunday, March 20th.

City Councilmember David Ryu (left) joined with about three dozen neighborhood volunteers to clean up Hyperion between Tracy and DeLongpre on Sunday, March 20th.