12 Comments

1. MCC Owners Webmaster on November 6, 2023 at 9:17 AM

   Owners’ Group Meeting Nov 2, 2023
   WHAT THE OWNERS ARE TALKING ABOUT, and WE TOLD THE BOARD

   The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm, and ended at 8:18, with 30 connections. Some of them were couples so participation was higher.

   1. MAJOR TOPIC: Something the Board and Management should consider is the identification of people and vehicles on the property. The price for this would certainly outweigh the ramifications of not doing it.
   a) Identification of workers: Many residents are concerned about what they perceive as a lack of security. They see people here that they suspect should not be on the property. Some participants are afraid that if a resident or employee is injured by someone who should not be here, an expensive lawsuit may result. It was suggested that all delivery people and non-MCC employee workers be required to wear an identification tag showing that they are allowed on the property. They could be given at the entrance gates. Independent day workers hired by MCC residents could be exempt, provided they have been registered with management.
   b) Parking: It seems to be a free-for-all all, with nonresident members complaining that they can’t find convenient upper-level parking because it is being taken up by either workers or owners who have more cars than their allotted parking spaces. As a result, vehicles are parked permanently in the spaces that should be for nonresident members or resident’s guests. The last thing we need is for nonresident members to quit the club because of the difficulty finding convenient parking (as some are threatening to do now). It is suggested that window decals be issued to all residents and workers to distinguish who is parking where. For example, blue for residents, Red for workers (all of whom should be parking on the bottom level), Green for nonresident members and regular passes for guests to put on the dashboard. Then, parking rules should be enforced. If a blue or red is parked in a nonresident/guest spot, the driver should be warned that the vehicle must be moved by a certain date and towed if it is not.
   c) Restaurant events: Many more owners would like to attend the special dinners and events (4th of July, Memorial Day, etc), but for dietary purposes or other obligations, they don’t want to buy a meal and would like to come later just to see friends or have a drink. There are ways for dishonest people to be thwarted from piling their plates for others who haven’t paid for a meal. For example, nontransferable wrist bands for the attendees who have paid for a meal that is served between 7 pm and 8:30 pm (or, just don’t let any non payer in). After the meal service is OVER at 8:30, any member and their guests can come in. The bar business would boom and that is where the money is made.

   2. Discussed deal re Ground Rent: Encouraged people to attend the upcoming meeting on Wednesday to get the full scoop.
   3. Having a task force to Deal with Homeless Issues: It looks like Betsy Starman is going to be very active on this issue. Sheldon/Arlene Fisher as well.
   4. Reported on Mayor Karen Bass withdrawing her support for replacing the 91 Freeway: A comment from Donna Bryce on the Owners’ web page for this meeting gives details on what one can do to let public officials know how you feel about it.
   5. Short-term Vacation Rentals: Encourage d people to be vigilant to report knowledge of short-term rentals to PMP.
   6. Helping to find candidates for the next COA Board Election: It appears to be difficult to get any real traction on this. We are not giving up!
   7. Massilia Project: At the request of Dr. Albert Reff, Donna brought us up to date on this. MCC has submitted many good arguments against the proposed disruptive rooftop plans next to the West Towers. At this time, we are in holding mode while the County Planning Department prepares its draft of their proposed Conditional Use Permit. Until we know what the County will allow, we don’t know what our next action will be.
   8. Charging Stations: There is always interest. We reported the latest news.
   9. Betsy Starman is planning to do a chart of the various entities involved with the MCC: Goal is to have something for people who are as confused as she is in how this all fits together.
   10. Elevator protective mats: At least in the CTS the mats fall down creating a bit of a safety hazard. Something should be done to minimize the chance of them falling.
   11. Heating/Air Conditioning: One person is complaining about their unit being way to cold and wants heat turned on. Suggestions include: improved weather stripping on doors and windows, and residents should purchase portable fans (for those too hot) and small space heaters (for those too cold).
   12. Security: Several people expressed concerns about security, and about the lawsuits that might follow if something seriously bad happened here due to a lack of real security. A suggestion to have guards armed with tasers to patrol the property continuously is probably not going to happen because of the cost. As noted above, it was suggested to have a badge prepared for any visitor, which they must wear while on the property. That badge would identify who they are why they are here and where they expect to be on the property. This would make it easier for residents here to report people who shouldn’t be here, or on where they are supposed to be.
   13. Retrofit Status: We reported on the current status of this effort.
   14. Sky Market: Some would like to know what’s happening here. We successfully reported that we have no idea. And that this is in the hands of Essex.

   For the Owners’ Group
   Donna Bryce and Fred Krogh

2. Alan Carey on November 3, 2023 at 2:13 PM

   Sorry I miss the meeting yesterday – Question: Why do we have Tennis tournament and not racket ball , handball or pickle ball, as wells table tennis or pool, which may be would attract younger people. So I asked Mathew Ribb and he said good question, so I ask the social committee and they say they did not know . We have the equipment so it is not a question of organizing those tournament part of the offering of the fitness center?

3. MCC Owners Webmaster on November 3, 2023 at 6:03 AM

   I promised to add this address for those who want to oppose closing the 90 Freeway. the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, will determine if the promoters of the closure will receive a 2 million dollar grant to study the idea.

   U.S. Department of Transportation
   Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation
   1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
   Washington DC 20590

4. Donna Bryce, MCC Owners Webmaster on November 3, 2023 at 6:01 AM

   I promised to add this address for those who want to oppose closing the 90 Freeway. the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, will determine if the promoters of the closure will receive a 2 million dollar grant to study the idea.

   U.S. Department of Transportation
   Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation
   1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
   Wahington DC 20590

5. Donna Bryce MCC Owners Webmaster on November 2, 2023 at 2:39 PM

   Excerpts from the Petition “Stop the 90 Freeway Tear Down!” are posted here for reference purposes only. The names and addresses of county, state, and federal government decision-makers are at the end. Hope to see you at the meeting tonight. Donna Bryce

   The proposed 90 freeway tear-down has raised significant concerns among Los Angeles County District 2 residents of Ladera Heights, Marina del Rey, Windsor Hills, Culver City, and Westchester regarding its potential consequences. While we understand the need for infrastructure improvements and urban development, it is crucial that these decisions are made with careful consideration for those who will be most affected by them. Our input should be valued and taken into account before any federal funds are granted by Pete Buttigieg, Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation, for the proposed feasibility study justifying the demolition of the the CA 90 freeway.

   I’m calling on _________________ to follow the leadership of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass who rescinded her support of the $ 2 million dollar federal grant application submitted by Streets For All founder Michael Schneider, who wants to demolish the CA 90 freeway. I am deeply concerned about the proposed 90 Freeway tear-down that will directly impact our community. It is crucial that Ladera Heights, Marina del Rey, Windsor Hills, Culver City, Westchester, Playa Vista, Play del Rey and Inglewood residents have a say in this decision-making process, as it directly affects our daily lives and well-being.

   As tax-paying citizens, our input is necessary BEFORE any decision is made to tear down the CA 90 freeway as it will disrupt our daily lives – from commuting times and traffic congestion to access to essential services and the quality of life of thousands of constituents who use the freeway every day. Traffic congestion is already a major issue in Los Angeles County, and tearing down the 90 Freeway without proper planning could exacerbate this problem significantly.

   Our communities deserve a pre-grant award opportunity to express concerns, ask questions, propose alternatives and ultimately shape decisions that will have long-lasting consequences for all Los Angeles County and City residents. We insist on transparency and meaningful public participation before Pete Buttigieg, Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation, makes his decision.
   Let us ensure that decisions affecting our communities are made with transparency and accountability. Mayor Karen Bass heard us loud and clear. Now it’s time for ALL California political officials to listen and STOP the 90 Freeway Tear Down!

   List of County, State, and Federal government decision-makers:

   Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Los Angeles County 2nd District, 500 W. Temple St. #866, Los Angeles, CA 90012
   213-974-2222

   CA Assembly Member Tina McKinnor, 61st District, 1 Manchester Blvd. #601, Inglewood, CA 90301 310-412-6400

   CA State Senator Ben Allen, 24th District, 111 Penn Street, El Segundo, CA 90245 310-414-8190

   Representative Ted Lieu, U.S. Congressperson 36th District, 2454 Rayburn HOB, Washington D.C. 20515
   323-651-1040

   U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, 20th District, 112 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington D.C. 20510 202-224-3553

   U.S. Department of Transportation
   Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation
   1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
   Washington DC 20590

6. Sheldon Fisher on November 2, 2023 at 10:03 AM

   1- The new elevator protective mats seem to be a good choice. The problem is 8 out of ten times I enter the service elevator, the mats fall to the floor. This represents a major safety problem for law suits, as well as an esthetic one. I’ve e-mailed the Board and CC’d Jennie ways to fix this, but seemingly fell on deaf ears. Perhaps someone can help me with this simple solution.

   2- With so many fun functions at the MCC, I was wondering if anyone would want to establish a “Debate” Activity?
   With so much going on and many people not wanting to discuss current events with family or friends (for fear of losing them), may be a nice way to express and vent. Of course guns would be checked at the door:)

7. Betsy Starman on November 1, 2023 at 10:17 AM

   We are told that the deal with the county that could offset money that we use for upgrades and repairs will NOT affect increases in our maintenance fees. Then what exactly does the deal “offset” that will be of use to the owners?

   Also, I’m recently attending all meetings (trying to) in order to put together some type of organizational chart that depicts exactly who is who, i.e., The Board, Management, PMP, Essex, and the array of other boards / committees. I feel like all the new companies within Essex are a form of gaslighting and with an Organization Chart we could see what’s “really” going on. I believe we need to see all of it – in real life, on paper.

   I’m talking a chart here, not a verbal or written explanation. I’ve done many for many companies. It’s not that hard. I’ll even do it . . . but with who?

   • MCC Owners Webmaster on November 1, 2023 at 10:21 AM

     If you do it, we will certainly get it on this website. Perhaps you can get it on the condocontrol website as well, but that is up to the board. Before posting here we would have others look at it to ensure accuracy.

8. Holly Doxrude on October 31, 2023 at 1:14 PM

   What is the status on the EV charging stations?

   • MCC Owners Webmaster on October 31, 2023 at 3:30 PM

     Currently they say we should have them in the first quarter of next year. January seems like a possibility.

9. Albert Reff on October 31, 2023 at 9:53 AM

   Please discuss what is known about the current status of the Masilia issue.

10. MCC Owners Webmaster on October 30, 2023 at 11:04 AM

    Things we would like discussed include:
    1. Anyone out there to take on Fred’s Owners’ Group computer work?
    2. The board and others, including mainly Edward Robin have reached a deal with the county which will give COA a significant amount of money that we can use for upgrades and repairs.
    3. Should we, the Owners’ Group have a task force to take action concerning the homeless encampments in our neighborhood.
    4. The LA mayor, Karen Bass has removed her support for removing the Marina Freeway. What can you do to help make sure that the Freeway stays.
    5. Can we do more to limit the vacation rentals at the MCC?
    6. What can we do to help find candidates for the next COA board election?
    7. We keep notes for our meetings and for those of the COA board. These notes are on the same page as the meeting notice.
    8. You can post issues for our meetings as part of the meeting notice. You can do the same for other meeting notices and we will make an effort to have those addressed if we can do so.