#5 BILLBOARD ALERT

BILLBOARD ALERT!!!

COALITION TO BAN BILLBOARD BLIGHT (CBBB)

NOW COMES THE "SUPERGRAPHICS" TO FURTHER
DESPOIL THE ENVIRONMENT!!!

This "supergraphic" sign on both north and south side of the building at 3415 Sepulveda Boulevard in West L.A. is in violation of the L.A. Municipal Code, and since it is right next to the north bound 405 Freeway it is also in violation of the provision prohibiting off-site signs within 660 feet of a freeway. So far we have not heard of any action taken by the Department of Building and Safety who is responsible for the enforcement of the Sign Code. CBBB is pressuring for such enforcement. If anyone happens to run into other "Supergraphic" signs in the City of L.A. please let CBBB know the exact address and, if possible, attach a photograph of such a sign. Thank you.

Ted Wu
President, Coalition to Ban Billboard Blight, Inc.
2700 Military Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90064
310.474-1711
cbbbla@verizon.net

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Monday, November 19, 2007 1:30 PM
Mr. Wu,

We read with interest your mass e-mail suggesting that Councilmember Wesson is moving to have the City Council veto the October 30 Board of Building and Safety Commissioners' decision on the Korean Consulate digital display sign appeal. Frankly, it was news to us.

The digital display sign was applied for by the Korean Consulate to be located in Koreatown as a tool for public advertising, as well as promotion of tourism and trade between the City of Los Angeles and the Republic of South Korea. The Commission fairly heard this case and rejected the appeal.

For the record, Councilmember Wesson had no intention of proposing a veto of the October 30 decision of the Board of Building and Safety Comissioners. According to the City Charter, Section 245, the City Council may consider vetoing a decision by any City Commission if it acts within 5 Council days of the decision. If he were so inclined,
Councilmember Wesson would have had to propose a veto by Friday, November 9, 2007. As you can see, Councilmember Wesson did not make any such move. It is also important to note that the City Council cannot overturn the decision of the Board, only veto the decision and send it back for reconsideration.

We would also like to take this opportunity to address some of the insinuations voiced at the hearing that Councilmember Wesson and the Mayor's office unduly pressured the Board by making phone calls and other communications asking that this be approved. Neither the Councilmember, nor any person on his staff, contacted any member of the
Board on this matter. Per our conversations with the Mayor's office, they did not contact any member of the Board either.

We appreciate your dedication to your cause, but in the future, we invite your Coalition to discuss these and other matters with us and have an open dialogue instead of making unfounded, untrue accusations via e-mail. This Council Office has always had an open-door policy and a willingness to meet with concerned parties.

As a final note, we would ask that you forward this to all of the individuals and organizations that received your previous email. We are sure you would like to uphold and maintain your integrity as much as we work hard for the people of Los Angeles to ensure our commitment and integrity never waivers.

We hope this clarifies the matter and wish you an enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday!

Andrew J. Westall
Senior Deputy
Office of Councilmember Herb J. Wesson, Jr.
(213) 473-7010
andrew.westall@lacity.org

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Monday, November 19, 2007 9:31 PM
Andrew J. Westall
Senior Deputy
Office of Councilmember Herb J. Wesson, Jr.

Dear Andrew:

Thank you for your e-mail of the 19th regarding the proposed video billboard in Koreatown, which we are attaching herewith. It pleased us to no end to learn that Councilman Wesson was not going to try overriding the Board of Building and Safety Commissioners