Los Feliz Climate Action Plan by Vi Ho

LOS FELIZ CLIMATE

ACTION

PLAN

2023

Sustainability Group Hoang Vi Ho Master of Planning Candidate Winnie Fong Master of Planning Candidate Karen Momper Master of Landscape Architecture Candidate Yiran Wang Master of Landscape Architecture Candidate

University of Southern California School of Architecture - ARCH 519 Russell Fortmeyer Sustainability Advisor

Fall 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Overview of Los Feliz

BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY Strategies Measures of Success Social Impacts

PARKS & OPEN SPACE + HEALTHY FOOD Strategies Measures of Success Social Impacts

WATER + WASTEWATER Strategies Measures of Success Social Impacts

ACCESS + MOBILITY Strategies Measures of Success Social Impacts

WASTE + RECYCLING Strategies Measures of Success Social Impacts

CONCLUSION Resources

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Introduction The issue of climate change is one that is threatening our planet by disrupting the health and balance of ecosystems. The health and well-being of the human species is dependent on healthy food, clean water, fresh air, shelter and relative climatic consistency (WHO, page1). Countries, cities and districts need to face the challenge and fight climate change now to avoid devastating consequences later. Even small neighborhoods, such as Los Feliz, California, can make a difference when it comes to climate action. The purpose of this plan is to provide strategies on how to create a livable, clean community for the health and well-being of Los Feliz residents, and reduce individual’s and business’ carbon footprints. It aims to promote adaptability, resilience, and innovation as we build a better world for future generations.

Context Situated in a prime location at the base of Los Angeles’ biggest park, and bordered by the freeway system, Los Feliz’s site situation as had a tremendous affect on the health and well-being its residents. In 2004, reported air pollution rates in carbon emissions exceeded 51.6 million metric tons of CO2 in Los Angeles alone (City of LA EnvironmentLA). Also, excess CO2 emissions from the freeway due to congestion and traffic caused 3,578 million pounds of pollution in 2011 (2012 Urban Mobility Report, Texas A&M Transportation Institute). With increasing levels of CO2 emissions, it would be important to formulate solutions to mitigate emissions levels and improve the quality of air for the surrounding neighborhood.

Key Objectives and Goals The main objective of the plan is to take the strengths of Los Feliz and use them to further the neighborhood’s sustainability efforts. It aims to develop strategies to accomplish this, as well as overcome the challenges that the neighborhood faces. The LFSAP has a target of achieving its goals within 10 years, by 2023. The timeline of this plan will be updated every 10 years with annual updates to monitor the performance benchmarks and projects.

GOALS executive summary

energy efficiency

parks + healthy food

water + wastewater

access + mobility

waste + recycling

conclusion

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Los Feliz Stakeholders

+ + + + + + + +

Residents Los Feliz Neighborhood Council (Includes the Greater Griffith Park Area) Local business establishments Los Angeles City Council District 4, Local Leaders City of Los Angeles Griffith Park - LA Department of Parks and Recreation Schools Hollywood Community Plan Area

Sustainability Strategies Based on the baseline conditions and the current neighborhood sustainability efforts, the LFSAP will examine the following 5 categories:

BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY PARKS & OPEN SPACE + HEALTHY FOOD WATER + WASTEWATER

ACCESS + MOBILITY WASTE + RECYCLING

CATEGORIES

Category Elements

Goals: Desired result and long-term aspiration for sustainability Time Frame: How long strategies will take to implement Cost: The monetary cost to achieve goals Strategies: The means and actions to achieve each goal with case studies to support the feasibility of the strategy + Measures of Success: Indicators by which the performance may be measured + Social Impacts: Assessment of goalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; affect on the local community + + + +

Time Frame Short Term

executive summary

energy efficiency

Long Term

parks + healthy food

Cost Low Moderate

water + wastewater

High

access + mobility

waste + recycling

conclusion

OVERVIEW OF LOS FELIZ This section of the Los Feliz Sustainability Action Plan (LFSAP) 2023 provides a profile of the neighborhood, as well as evaluate the current data and inventory of the area to serve as a baseline of the existing conditions.

Geography Los Feliz is a 2.6-square mile neighborhood in the City of Los Angeles of 40,158 people (2010 US Census). The population density in the neighborhood is among the highest in the city with approximately 15,445 people per square mile, compared to 8,092 people per square mile in the City of Los Angeles (2010 US Census). The neighborhood lies north of Hollywood Boulevard, south of Griffith Park, east of Western Avenue, and west of Hyperion Avenue, the I-5 freeway, and the Los Angeles River borders.

Demographics Overall, the people who live in Los Feliz are generally older, more affluent and educated compared to the rest of the city. Based on the demographics in 2010, the median age is 36, which is just slightly older compared to the rest of the city at 34. According the the US Census, the housing stock is made up of approximately 75% renters and 25% owners. 2010 DEMOGRAPHICS

LOS FELIZ

LOS ANGELES

CALIFORNIA

Population Density

15,445

8,092

239

Median Age

Unemployed

9.1%

6.1%

5.8%

Below Poverty

25%

20%

14%

Owner Occupied

25%

38%

56%

Renter Occupied

75%

62%

44%

Household Median Income

$79,798

$50,028

$61,632

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OVERVIEW OF LOS FELIZ

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OVERVIEW OF LOS FELIZ Land Use + Infrastructure Los Feliz is bounded by Interstate 5, US Highway 101, and Route 66. The area provides public transportation options with 15 DASH bus stops and 111 Metro Stops locating throughout the neighborhood. There are currently no Metro rail lines that run directly through the neighborhood, but there is a Metro Purple Line and a Metro Red Line which service areas near the Los Feliz boundaries. According to the Metro Bike Map, there are no designated bike lanes within the neighborhood. Currently, there is a Class I bike path that runs along the Los Angeles River, and a Class II bike lane along the eastern boundary on Griffith Park Boulevard between Los Feliz Boulevard and Hyperion Avenue, which leads to the Los Angeles River.

Land Use Map in Los Feliz

Source: City of los Angeles, Department of City Planning

The neighborhood is predominantly occupied by low to low-medium density housing with some medium density housing located north of Vermont Ave. and along Los Feliz Blvd. There is also small pockets of open space located between the cluster of housing throughout the community. The boundaries within Los Feliz also includes a part of the Griffith Park. There is also a concentration of general commercial land uses situated along Vermont Ave. and Hollywood Blvd. with some light commercial along Hillhurst Ave. The commercial manufacturing land use is identified as the ABC-TV Studios on Prospect Ave. Los Feliz has one central library and a total 11 private and public schools located in the community.

Community Identity + Culture Los Feliz is a community of art and culture. It is reflected in the creative people who live there and in the landmarks and institutions located in the neighborhood, such as public parks, art galleries, museums, music and performing arts theatres, and architecture. Los Feliz also houses some of the idyllic homes that nestle in the north hillside foliage. Walk up further north towards the Griffith Park gives people a view from the observatory of the sprawling city below.

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OVERVIEW OF LOS FELIZ The community members are active in helping to enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood and giving back to the community. For example, every third Saturday of the month is the Los Feliz Neighborhood Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official Council Day of Service in which residents come together to give back to the community through volunteer activities. Los Feliz strives to promote sustainability through various local organizations and programs, which include: Green Space Los Feliz Brings the park to the people by creating community green spaces in a city with limited space for parks, gardens, and playgrounds. +

Activities/Accomplishments: Fundraising and gathering local volunteers to prepare the site for the Paseo de Los Feliz project to restore and redesign the landscaping around the US Postal Office on Vermont Ave.

Los Feliz Neighborhood Council Green Committee Mission is to improve our community by promoting sustainable solutions for our changing environment through action, education and participation. + Activities/Accomplishments: Every 3rd Saturday of the month is the Los Feliz Neighborhood Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official Council Day of Service where residents come together to give back to the community through volunteer activities. The council is currently working towards zero waste, banning leaf lawn mowers, creating a city compost, and organizing a Green Biz Certification Workshop

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OVERVIEW OF LOS FELIZ LAUSD School Conservation Program (Los Feliz Elementary) This program allows schools to share in a portion of the utility bill savings from their on-site conservation efforts. + Activities/Accomplishments: Los Feliz Elementary is the only LAUSD school in the community that is participating in the yearlong Power Cup Competition in the district. And the Seasonal Rounds to commit to reducing electricity and water consumption of at least 5% each quarter.

Los Feliz Business Improvement District Each year, this organization hosts the Annual Los Feliz Village Street Fair and offers eco-friendly options with a goal of total sustainability. + Activities/Accomplishments: In 2013, the BID converted all duties to paperless by performing all administrative work and planning for the Annual Los Feliz Vllage Street Fair electronically.

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OVERVIEW OF LOS FELIZ The neighborhood has also undergone some projects to support and encourage green sustainability. A few of the recent accomplishments include: 1

Beautification of Thomas Starr Middle School garden

Friends of Franklin Walk to School Day

Sustainable Workshops with Los Feliz Elementary

Edible Gardens in Los Feliz Elementary

3 4

Strengths + Challenges Los Feliz exhibits strengths that would help facilitate some of the goals towards sustainability and identifies some of the key strategies to help the community achieve it. However, there are some challenges that hinder the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capability to effectively do so. Strengths + +

Current efforts to become more green through local organizations Affiliation with other neighborhood groups to potentially partner in future sustainable efforts, such as Los Feliz Improvement Association, Friends of Franklin, Friends of Griffith Park, Friends of the Los Feliz Library, Friends of T.S. King Middle School, Los Feliz Estates Homeowner Association, and Barnsdall Art Park Foundation Strong community involvement in volunteer activities through the public schools and residents

Challenges + +

+ + +

Existing infrastructure that is not conducive to improving sustainable transportation, such as lack of designated bike lanes According to Trulia, roughly 70% of the existing residential homes were built prior to 1979, which creates a challenge in some modern retrofitting because older homes used different techniques and materials than most modern structures Dense neighborhood plan with little existing re-usable open space The backlash against gentrification Social equity

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BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY Often times our buildings and infrastructures are the biggest components of our energy usage. From heating, cooling, cooking, lighting, the building stock perform many load bearing energy tasks that accounts for more than 4 Million Metric Tons of Green House Gas Emissions (LA Community Climate Action Plan, Draft GHS Emission Inventory and Forecasts, 2010). In 2009, the EIA Household Consumption Survey reported that Californian households consumption rates included 44% in appliances, electronics, and lighting; 27% in space heating; 25% in water heating; and 4% in air conditioning. Energy loads on electricity for small appliances often go overlooked but are the biggest consumers in electricity. Significant changes must happen in the future to sustain the current energy usage but also mitigate by conserving resources. By creating a clean and sustainable energy future for all residents, this will encourage a healthier and more environmentally friendly place to live. This goal can be addressed on a local scale and community scale in Los Feliz that can be implemented from ground up. Also, producing local power from solar or biomass can be an economic revenue or strategy that can feed into the local economy. Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Building Energy Efficiency Standards are updated on approximately three year cycle. This means that improvements for new construction, additions or alterations to residential and non-residential buildings must meet the standards in effect. California households used 61.5 million Btu of energy per home in 2009 (National Averages from EIA 2009 RECS data, Table CE1.5). Also, households consumed on average per household 7,000 kilowatthour which was less than national average of 11,000 kilowatthours but spent an average of $1400 dollars due to higher electricity prices in the state. The age of the households also factor in the efficiency and energy consumed in a home. Often times older homes need more retrofitting or insulation to save on utility bills. Los Feliz with a growing population of residents with single and multi family housing, over 11 schools and 3 major hospitals, various infrastructure needs can be addressed to reduce energy cost. By implementing measures and incentivizing residents and business owners to achieve the long term energy needs, the productivity will increase and the costs will decrease, investing in the future energy needs.

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BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY Goals 1

Improving local energy consumption to achieve net zero by producing renewable energy

Incentivize energy efficiency retrofitting and green technologies throughout existing residential/commercial buildings

Improve overall energy efficiency in all buildings, residential, commercial, hospitals through solar installation

Create community awareness through outreach programs and community involvement

Time Frame &

Cost

Short term improvements include rebates and incentives for homeowners and businesses, energy audits, and retrofits and would be achievable by 2018. Long term goals, such as solar canopies and panels installations take longer to reap monetary benefits. Also, evaluations and reporting on building energy usage from 2013 to 2023 would be calculated over the long term. (Moderate) Cost range from $30-50 for smaller projects to larger scale projects of [$2,000$5,000]

Source: CA Electricity Consumption Data Management System (2011)

Residential Buildings in Los Angeles currently use 7507.6 millions of kWh of energy and the goal would be to reduce by 30% to 5525.3 million kWh by 2030. Commercial Bldgs currently use 10241.7 millions of kWh of energy and the goal would be to reduce by 25% by to 7681 millions of kWh by 2030. These numbers can be achieved by the following strategies proposed.

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STRATEGIES Incentives + Assistance Providing the ability to make energy efficiency improvements to the existing buildings in Los Feliz will take some time and financial support. There are many incentive, financing and programs that can make the transition easier for residents and business owners alike. There are many existing multifamily and residential programs to retrofit appliances and installing solar on homes to reduce Energy Usage. The goal by 2030 would be that thirty percent of multifamily and commercial buildings have conducted the necessary energy upgrades. Incentivize existing multifamily/residential housing to retrofit to efficient appliances and installing solar on the home to reduce Energy Usage by 30%.

+ SoCalGas - Southern California Gas Company offers rebates and incentives for property owners and homeowners to upgrade or retrofit existing systems.

+ Multifamily Residential Rebate Program for Property Managers and owners Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs Energy Upgrade California- Green LA County Case Study Utilized

“LEED

for

Homes

Program”

incentive

program under Energy Upgrade California, Step Up on Vine, is a 1924 multifamily studios for the homeless retrofitted from a former hotel with green and energy saving upgrades. The 34-unit, LEED-certified housing project and community center was completed in December 2012. Incorporating a number of green technologies and progressive design concepts, the building aims to be environmentally low-impact, while providing its residents with a supportive facility and resources that encourage fiscal and social responsibility through community involvement and engagement. The building will also feature a rooftop paved deck herb garden for unit residents as well as an innovative plant-based “green-screen” on the building’s façade to cost-effectively cool and shade the structure itself. These plants grow vertically in hydroponics. Expected savings included, $6,600 in energy costs saved per year and 25 tons CO2 emissions avoided per year.

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STRATEGIES Energy Supply Currently sources of heating and cooling requires actions of many systems that require on site sources to cool/heat buildings. Creating or harvesting on site renewable energy sources will decrease energy cost and tap into Southern California’s natural resources. The goal would be to maximize infrastructure performance at all hours by 2030. + SmartLight: New innovative take on solar power. This method developed a coating of tiny, fluid-filled cells that can be applied to windows on outside walls and to new interior windows. With a small electric pulse, the fluid in the cells changes shape so it can direct the light where it’s needed--to the ceiling for ambient lighting, to a special fixture to provide task lighting, or across the top of the room to “light-locked” areas.

+ LA Solar Map Radiation Model-The model calculates and ranks incoming solar radiation every 25 square feet in the County, using roof pitch, orientation, and shading from surrounding structures and trees to provide the best estimates possible. This model can evaluate roof systems to see if viable for solar energy options. + Create solar canopies/panels on suitable building roof tops- Possible locations include the Prospect Studios (ABC-TV) parking lot and on the roof, Jon’s Marketplace grocery store roof and lot. These ventures would entail 3rd Party Agreements to lease out the roof space for solar energy development. The City of Los Angeles could solicit grant funding for solar canopies on private developments. This option raises many questions including the amount of staff time required, specific regulatory and reporting requirements, and the unlikelihood that the grant would cover the entire cost of the array, leaving the City or a third party responsible for the remaining balance. The City could also seek a 3rd party financing model, whereby the City would lease space to a solar developer who will fund, construct, operate, and maintain the system for a designated number of years. This option is viable because it does not require an upfront monetary investment for the City, but rather the City would receive a payment for leasing property for the development of clean, renewable energy.

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STRATEGIES Information To be an informed homeowner and business owner about your own energy usage will give you the ability to make smarter decisions about your energy usage. These methods will help consumers make educated decisions about energy upgrades and retrofits to their existing systems. Home Energy Info + Encourage energy audits- increase by 20% by 2030 will make Los Feliz a competitive place to live and work. +

RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) gives access to train technicians to inspect homes and businesseses for viable options to be more energy efficient.

Smart meters and smart thermostats give homeowners and business owners the ability to control and monitor their HVAC systems even from afar. New systems such as EnTouch Controls provide monitoring of the HVAC systems via web access and even provide a remote service to help small business owners.

There are about 25,000 Renters and 9,000 Homeowners in Los Feliz. The highest potential for energy saving costs in the housing stock is to retrofit and take advantage of the many rebate programs offered to residents and landlord/owners. Since most of the building stock was build in the 1950s-1980s, the potential savings with simple retrofits could save homeowners hundreds of dollars each year.

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STRATEGIES Performance Standards The goal would be to improve overall energy efficiency of Municipal Buildings, hospitals and schools in the Los Feliz area. LA Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, and Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center serve a large regional demographic. + Retrofit to occupancy sensor lighting, LAUSD School Conservation Programâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; only one school out of 3 in the area are enrolled in the program. This would save in energy cost during peak hours of operation for the hospitals and schools. + Pilot a program that would direct funding to priority projects to provide assistance local educational agencies with a demonstrated need for energy efficiency improvement. Create a bench mark for all the local schools to achieve and provide education and assistance to do so. + Research Federal funding programs to help in the funding for these projects. The Hospital Energy Conservation Act (Introduced) H.R. 1968 113th Congress Hospital Energy Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish a pilot program to award grants and loan guarantees to no more than six hospitals during FY2014-FY2015 to carry out energy conservation projects for: (1) significantly improving energy efficiency; and (2) encouraging on-site power generation and energy storage, capable of operating independent of the grid, and providing sufficient on-site emergency backup power for essential hospital functions. + Achieve 50% & 80% reduction by 2018 and 2023 within Los Feliz LAUSD Schools. Data example from Los Feliz Elementary School. ELECTRICITY (kWh)

2013

2018

2023

Fall Subtotal

108750

54375

21750

Winter Subtotal

86341

43170

17268

Spring Subtotal

73398

36699

14679

Annual Total

268489

134244

53697

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MEASURES OF SUCCESS

BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

SECTOR

INDICATOR

TARGET

Residential & Commercial Buildings

Energy Usage (millions of kWh)

30% Reduction by 2030 25% Reduction by 2030

Incentive Programs

Enrollment reporting

Double the amount enrolled partcipants collecting rebates

Retrofitting Programs

Measure cost savings (Before/After)

Increase programmable thermostats/smart metering to 75% by 2030

Energy Audits

Measure enrollment (Before/After)

Increase by 20% by 2030

Certified public buildings

Provide opportunities to new construction or existing buildings to become LEED Certified

LEED Certified Buildings

SOCIAL IMPACTS Attaining energy efficiency for buildings in Los Feliz by 2030 will have long lasting impacts. The condition of the current building stock would need significant upgrades to achieve optimum performance and money saving goals for homeowners and business owners. Not only will residents and business owners benefit from cost saving techniques, the city can also invest in solar and energy saving technologies that can decrease costs for operations and maintenance. Buildings are often the biggest consumers in energy and use up most of the monthly budget. By taking proactive steps to save on energy, cost savings will add up and the future will look even brighter.

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PARKS & OPEN SPACE + HEALTHY FOOD

PARKS & OPEN SPACE + HEALTHY FOOD Access to park space and open space is crucial to a healthy community. Promoting a healthy lifestyle, concurrent to health and well being can also improve the current WalkScore of 83 to an even greater value. Currently around the Los Feliz boundaries include, Griffith Park and Observatory to the north (4,310 acres) and Barnsdall Art Park to the south (57,855 sq. ft). However, these parks only border the neighborhood, and in general, the area is very dense with housing and business developments and people. There are many underutilized big box parking lots and lots that are closed after business hours. This was observed during field study in the area to assess the potential for alleys and parking lots to be reused during non-peak hours into community gardens, farmer markets, parklets, or green alley programming. These types of innovative developments are crucial in the Los Feliz neighborhood as it has limited existing unused open space to utilize for parks and greening. Additionally, according to the tree coverage map created from County GIS data (next page), the Los Feliz tree canopy is densest to the north, northwest, and east, but rather sparse in the central area, to the south, and the southwest. The neighborhood could certainly benefit from additional tree plantings in those zones. “Million Trees LA” is an excellent resource for increasing tree plantings throughout the city, and could potentially help fund this goal. Accessibility to local and/or healthy food options is also a priority of the Los Feliz community. There are seven private schools and four public schools within the neighborhood boundaries. There is also a children’s hospital and two medical centers in the area. Promotion of healthy food options can be programmed into the schools and hospitals. According to the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust community garden map, there is currently only one community garden in the area. Los Feliz Elementary School recently planted an edible garden in raised beds. This should serve as an example for other schools in the neighborhood and would help expand the acccessibility and education of healthy food. The neighborhood’s residents would greatly benefit from increased ability to participate in urban agriculture.

Goals 1

Expanding access to open spaces, parks, and natural resources

Create a livable, clean community for all residents’ health and well being

Preserve the habitat connections between Los Feliz and Griffith Park

Develop a neighborhood Green Alley Program

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PARKS & OPEN SPACE + HEALTHY FOOD Time Frame &

Cost

Short term improvements include utilizing parking lots as flex space as events or installations can â&#x20AC;&#x153;pop-up.â&#x20AC;? In general, most other strategies are considered long term since they require the redesign of space and implementation, and installation of plantings that will take years to fully establish and for the community to reap the benefits - these include community gardens, urban agriculture, and the Los Feliz Green Alley Program. (Moderate to High) Cost for implementation and maintenance of gardens will be not be less than $1000, and in many cases, could exceed $10,000 (such as green alleys).

Background + Analysis

Los Feliz Tree Coverage

Park Locations bordering Los Feliz

Griffith Park

Tree Coverage Map of Los Feliz

Source: Authors created using County GIS data, 2010

Barnsdall Art Park

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STRATEGIES Community Gardens + Urban Agriculture Creating a community garden is an excellent strategy for making better use of underutilized/vacant space. While there is only one community garden in Los Feliz currently, there are eleven public and private schools. This strategies aims to expand community garden programs within these local schools and near community facilities by creating four new community/educational gardens within one mile walking distance. These gardens would benefit Los Feliz in the following ways: The only existing community garden in the neighborhood: The Norman Harriton Community Garden. (Yellow dot on map below)

Improved health through consumption of locally grown, fresh, organic food

Allowing families and individuals without land, which is common in the neighborhood, to produce â&#x20AC;&#x153;home grownâ&#x20AC;? food

Conserve resources by shortening the commodity chain, saving on fuel-demanding transportation and packaging.

Filter rainwater and reduce soil erosion and runoff, which lessens flooding

Restore oxygen to the air and reduce air pollution and reduce the heat island effect

Serve as an outdoor classroom where youth can learn valuable skills, including the importance of community, stewardship and environmental responsibility

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STRATEGIES Below is an example of converting an underutilized space in Los Angeles into a productive community garden.

Before

After

Case Studies

El Dorado School, New Mexico Edible Garden

CPCS School, New York Edible School/Community Garden

The El Dorado School Community Garden has 32 square foot inground and raised beds. It is accessible to the public as well as the students. A membership fee of $30 is required for new members plus $35 for each plot. They also offer shared plots in their communal area.

The school/community garden has become a rich resource for classroom activities and, for some students, as a peaceful place to enjoy recess time. The garden is cared for in the summer by families who adopted the garden for a week, weeding and watering and harvesting.

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Los Feliz Elementary Edible Garden A hands-on lesson on healthy eating through a partnership with ACC and dozens of students from the LA’s BEST After School Enrichment Program. “The children took pride in tending their own garden,” said Edith Ballesteros-Vargas, director of BEST Fit at LA’s BEST. “They nurtured it, watered it, and saw it sprout right before their eyes. This garden is a living, breathing example of healthy living and sustainability. Today they saw the fruits of their own labor.”

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STRATEGIES Incentives + Fundraising +

Create an incentive program for residents who convert their lawn into urban agriculture or water-conserving plantings such as California natives.

Provide fundraising for the Green Space Los Feliz organization to continue its efforts.

Urban Forest Expansion +

Increase tree plantings by 20 trees per 1000 people by 2023 in areas designated as â&#x20AC;&#x153;sparseâ&#x20AC;? according to the tree coverage map (page 20).

Create a green buffer zone (urban forest) along Interstate-5 to raise air quality levels.

Los Feliz Green Alley Program Green alleyway design provides an opportunity to better manage our resources and improve our environment. They improve stormwater management by allowing rainwater to percolate through permeable paving back into the earth, thereby reducing flooding, recharging groundwater and saving taxpayer money that would otherwise be spent treating stormwater. Green alleys use light, reflective surfaces, reducing the heat island effect typically created by paved surfaces in urban areas. They can be constructed with recycled materials, which would reduce the amount of construction and industrial waste hauled to landfills. This strategy aims to design green alleys as part of the new Los Feliz Green Alley Program suggested by this LFCAP 2023. There is currently 6,833 linear feet of alleyways in Los Feliz (see map page 25) with potential for being converted to more sustainable and aesthetically-pleasing green alleys. Case Study

Detroit Green Alley UCCA, Green Garage and Motor City Brewing Works developed a green alley that connects to the Midtown Loop, and incorporate storm water retention, native plants, historic pavers, and induction lighting. (2010)

Before

After

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STRATEGIES The following are possible techniques to be implemented in the green alleys and their materials and benefits. (Source: City of Chicago Green Alley Handbook, 2010)

Permeable Pavement +

Permeable pavement is designed with pores that allow water to percolate through and into the subsoil. It can come in many forms or materials including asphalt, concrete and pavers.

Benefits

•

Slows stormwater runoff rate and quantity

•

Reduces stress on sewer system

•

Recharges groundwater

•

Filters pollutants and debris

High Albedo Pavement +

High albedo pavement is a light colored material which reflects sunlight from the surface, reducing the heat radiated by the pavement, and thereby reducing the urban heat island effect. It has a higher SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) than conventional pavement.

Benefits

•

Reduces the urban heat island effect

•

Conserves energy by reducing cooling costs

•

Improves air quality

•

Can be used under a wide variety of site conditions

Rain Garden +

A rain garden is a landscape feature planted with native plants and designed to slow the rate of stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces (roofs, sidewalks, parking lots, alleys) and allow it to infiltrate into the soil.

Benefits •

Reduces rate and quantity of stormwater entering sewer system

•

Provides habitat for birds and wildlife

•

Filters pollutants and debris

•

Recharges ground water

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STRATEGIES

Green Alley Dual Purpose: Dog Park Since Los Feliz is heavily developed and has one the densest populations in the city, it is currently lacking in green open space for dog owners to take their pets to play in the dirt and grass. For a lot of residents, a trip to Griffith Park is not necessarily easy or readily accessible. After alleyways are converted to green alleys, the space can be walled or fenced in and double as an urban dog park where dog-walkers can let their pooches off the leash and be free to run and play safely. Below is an example of the conversion of a typical alley in Los Angeles to a green alley and dog park, as well as the environmental benefits achieved from the transformation.

Before

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STRATEGIES Parking Lots Utilized as Flex Space There is approximately 111,433 square feet of parking lot space in the Los Feliz neighborhood (see map below). In many cases, these parking lots are only used during certain times of day or certain days of the week. This underutilized open space could be used as flex space for mobile or temporary events or installations. This could include anything from community events and farmer’s markets to dumpster gardens and dumpster pools. The dumpster gardens and pools serve the community as portable verdant gardens, swimming pools, or even productive gardens that would make a small but significant impact as they travel from place to place. The dumpster would be repurposed from the local disposal yard and converted. They would be transported from one location to the next by a dumpster truck. Case Studies

Atwater Village Parking Lot Farmer’s Market

Before

After

Before

After

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MEASURES OF SUCCESS

PARKS & OPEN SPACE + HEALTHY FOOD

SECTOR

INDICATOR

TARGET

Community Members

Survey feedback

Majority positive feedback on community gardens

Green Alley Program

Measure number of users/ visitors (before & after) Measure environmental benefits

Double number of monthly visitors 70% Reduction in stormwater runoff

Urban Forest Program

Calculate CO2 sequestration based on biomass

30% Increase in CO2 sequestration

Air Quality Audits

Measure air quality level bi-annually

30% Improvement in air quality

Incentive Programs

Number of educational events, programs, and classes

Increase awareness of incentive programs and monitor their use

Educational Programs

Carbon footprint evaluations

Individual use of carbon footprint calculators, development of personalized climate action plans

SOCIAL IMPACTS The suggested strategies in the Parks & Open Space + Healthy Food category, once implemented, will provide great value to everyone in the community. Community gardens will benefit people of all ages, through the education of youth and the exercise and therapeutic benefits for adults and elderly. Local, fresh food production will raise the quality of health in the neighborhood and decrease the obesity rate, which was 16.8% for Council District 4 in 2007. Community gardens provide a place to retreat from the noise and commotion of urban environments. Developing and maintaining garden space is less expensive than parkland area. Using the composting strategy from the Waste + Recycling section for the community gardens saves on landfill space, which saves the neighborhood and tax payers money. These gardens have also proved to increase property value in the immediate vicinity of their location. Green alleys will serve the community as â&#x20AC;&#x153;green fingers,â&#x20AC;? connecting otherwise disconnected space and giving dog lovers a place to interact and their dog to play.

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WATE

R+W

ASTEW

ATER

WATER + WASTEWATER Water is one of our greatest natural resources. However, for most urban areas in California, this precious resource is limited. Annual rain events cannot meet basic water needs for California cities such as Los Angeles. According to the California Department of Resources, if more supplies are not found by 2020, the region will face a severe shortfall nearly as great as the amount consumed today. Los Angeles is only able to support its maximum population as 1 million people on its own water. But the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population is projected to reach 41 million by 2020. The population of California continues to grow by more than two million a year and is expected to reach 75 million in 2030. However, water shortage is likely to surface well before then. It is very important to use water responsibly as soon as possible for our future generation. According to the The Water Conservation Act of 2009, California State mandates that water usage needs to be reduced by 20% by the year 2020. Water rates in most areas in Los Angeles, including Los Feliz, will still increase as the DWP purchases more expensive water from the Metropolitan Water District because of lower deliveries from the Owens Valley due to environmental regulations (Owens and Mono Lakes) and less snowfall. In the 2012 report by LADWP, 59% of water sources was from MWD, and only 1% from recycled water. Therefore, Los Angeles people were paying more for using water, and are going to pay more if water recource distribution remains at the level it is currently, and water use pattens are not changed to save. Water conservation a the high priority for all Angelenos.

Goals 1

Reduce usage of potable water

Reduce outdoor water usage and urban runoff

Preserve the water resources and enhance current water systems

Stimulate on-site water use and decentralized water strategy

Time Frame &

Cost

Improvement of fixtures, toilet flushing systems, and introducing pool covers, meters, and stimulating more local carwash business, are considered short term programs with quick returns and constantly updating. they would be activated within two years, and achieve the target coverage within five years by 2018. Landscape improvements such replacing turf grass, reducing sprinklers, introducing drought gardens and bioswales would be achieved in the long term. (Low - Moderate) Around $100 Improvements for small fixtures and system upgrades ; $100$1000 for bigger technique application; $2000-$5000 estimated for large scale improvements.

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WATER + WASTEWATER Background & Analysis The land use map (left) of Los Feliz reveals the area with a high density of residential housing but with a lower density in resident population. With its great location of Griffith Park to the north, and Hollywood to the west, Los Feliz is one of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;fancyâ&#x20AC;? neighborhoods in the city. Based on analysis about living patterns in Los Feliz, two highlighted water saving and wastewater recycling strategies will be addressed in this section, along with a summary list of possible strategies for the community. Land Use Map in Los Feliz

Source: City of los Angeles, Department of City Planning

Indoor and Outdoor water use in LADWP service area Source: LADWP, Urban Water Management Plan, 2010

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STRATEGIES The two strategies featured in the subsequent pages are the most innovative and pragmatic measures for the Water + Wastewater category. Listed below is the full strategy list targeting water conservation and wastewater reclamation. They are selected based on analysis of the current situation of Los Feliz.

Improve performance of gadgets +

+ + + + +

Increase use of reclaimed water +

The Los Feliz Neighborhood Council should organize regular checking for residential water system performance( leaks, sprinklers, etc.). It should raise a neighborhood foundation for maintenance and fixture upgrade. Reduce sprinkler use for outdoor landscape by phases (turf reduction). All outdoor swimming pools with a surface area bigger than 150 sf should install pool covers (types not restricted). Toilets should have dual flushing system. Introduce smart water meters in residential houses. Replace landscape turf. Encourage native drought tolerant landscape for residential houses. Create yearbook for best water efficiency home gardens for the neighborhood.

Use reclaimed water for landscapes of office and institutional buildings. Encourage residential housing to use on-site recycled water for landscape (rain water, cleaner washing water, etc.). Encourage more professional car washing businesses in the neighborhood, and a new carwash center with water reclamation.

Increase public awareness of water conservation and wastewater reclamation +

+ +

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Set up a platform (physical or digital) for related information exhibition for the community, especially providing information about government rebate or retrofit projects. Provide water conservation related classes or programs in schools. Water usage charge will only be paid by renters/owners, rather than managers. In Los Fefliz, more than 60% houses are occupied by renters. In many cases, the renting company or individual might cover utility fees including water usage. This would result in a careless water use behavior from renters. Therefore, rent should not include utility fees related to usage of water resources.

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STRATEGIES Pool water savings

one outdoor swimming pool

Location of Identifiable Outdoor Swimming Pools in Los Feliz Average house value in Los Feliz is $704,825. Great mansions with beautiful gardens are common in the north and east area of Los Feliz. As the map above indicates, there are many outdoor swimming pools, which constantly use a great amount of clean water. Outdoor swimming pools are the second major use of outdoor water in the urban Los Angeles area, following landscape water use. According to Joseph Lee and Benedikt Gross, the average size of swimming pool in Los Angeles has a surface area of 430 square feet with a depth of 5.5 feet, a volume of 18,000 gallons of water. One average size pool circulates about 20,000 gallons of water in one day. A human, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Atlas of L.A. Poolsâ&#x20AC;?, an digital analysis, by on average, drinks about 15,000 gallons of Joseph Lee and his research partner Benedikt water for a lifetime. However, such a huge Gross, identified in total 43,123 swimming pools part of clean water in our pools would mainly in Los Angeles basin area. evaporate due to the bright California sunshine.

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STRATEGIES The very simple solution to effectively reduce evaporation of outdoor swimming pools is to install a radiation to sky pool cover. According to the AWWA REUWS, homes 20% with pools use twice the amount of outdoor water as homes without pools, and it is an under-addressed losses to market. Pool covers have been available for years ground but residential pool owners are still less aware of how and other 10% much water evaporates from their pool each day, and how easy it could be to reduce that evaporation simply with a cover on top, thereby saving water, evaporation 70%% chemicals, natural gas or electricity, and of course money. In addition, a cover keeps the pool water clean, which means that the energy-intensive filter One swimming pool in Los Angeles pump does not need to run as much. Pool covers’ evaporates approximately 19,659 solar energy absorption could increase the pool’s gallons of water. We lose roughly water temperature as much as 10 degrees, saving 2,000 acre-feet of water per year to homeowners money on heating costs. A survey done evaporation of swimming pools. by Outlier experts reveals that pool homes annually consume 49% more electricity and 19% more natural gas than their non-pool neighbors. A pool costs $500 more per year in energy bills – and nearly double that in states with higher electric and gas prices.

Pool

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35%

50%

70%

Chemical cost/$

60%

Heating cost/$

30%

Make-up water/Gallons

In 2003, MWD initiated a rebate project for pool covers, with a $455,000 budget. And the savings were estimated as 40% for the pool covers used in the project. The rebate offered was $75 per pool cover ($50 from DWR and $25 from MWD). 5,000 rebates were issued over a three-year period.

30%

Evaporation/Gallons

The price for purchase and installation of a 100% pool cover varies from by type. According to a survey by Homeadvisor, the average cost of a pool cover in Los Angeles is $1,004, with minimum cost of $200, and maximum of $2,000. Another survey by Homeadvisor shows that the average cost in Los Angeles of a one-time maintenance of a swimming pool is $294, with maximum of $700. For Los Feliz pool owners, with an average household annual income (for the entire area) as over $66,000, a pool cover would not likely add much to their budget.

Pool Cover Savings Data souce: MWD of Southern California, Swimming Pool Cover Rebate Program

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conclusion

STRATEGIES Community Professional Car Wash Business According to the ACS 2011, 5 year estimate, in Los Feliz, 90% of all housing units have cars, 40% housing units have more than 2 cars. However, within the entire area, there is only one commercial car washing business, which indicates that most of the Los Feliz residents either prefer or have to wash their cars at home. In the Urban Water Use Characteristics in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California report, car wash consumes almost 7% of single family water usage. With a running hose at home, washing a car uses 80 to 140 gallons of water every 10 minutes. And most of the released water, mainly contaminated Vehicles availability per house in Los Feliz water (soap, oils, sludge, etc.), washes down Data Source: The US Census Bureau, ACS 2007the driveway or down the storm drain, directly 2011, 5 years estimate affecting the environment. Los Angeles issued the City of Los Angeles Emergency Water Conservation Plan in 2010. There are 6 phases, every latter one has a higher standard and more restricted requirement than the former one. The city is currently in Phase III. And under the description of Phase III, there is one ordinance saying that â&#x20AC;&#x153;No washing of vehicles is allowed except at commercial car washes.â&#x20AC;? This clearly states that a professional car wash is better than home washing with regard to water conservation in Los Angeles. The three major types of professional car washes are self-serve car washes, in-bay automatic car washes, and conveyor car washes. Based on a California Carwash Association survey, such professional car washes could save more 100 gallons of water in one wash.

conveyor

in-bay

home self-service

Water Consumption in Car Wash Data Source: California Carwash Association

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STRATEGIES Professional car washes use high pressure nozzles and pumps to get the most use out of water flow. A regularly scheduled leaking check for such commercial businesses would prevent extra water loss. More than a higher efficiency of water usage, professional car washes either recycle water on site or send the used water (grey water) to a treatment plant, which is much better for the whole drainage system and ecosystem compared with home washing (dirty water goes directly to runoff). Professional car wash water reclamation has been in use and growing in sophistication for at least three decades. The International Carwash Association (ICA) “Think Tank” identified water reclamation in professional car washes as a central concept in water conservation for car wash businesses. At a minimum this process requires the separation of grit, oils and greases from the water prior to being reused in the professional car wash. Additional treatment processes such as filtration, flocculation, oxidation, deodorization, and de-ionization can be used to extend the usefulness of reclaimed water through different parts of the professional car wash process (Chris Brown, Water Conservation in the Professional Car Wash Industry, 2000).

Schematic of a Separation Tank

Source: Chris Brown, Figure 1, Water Conservation in the Professional Car Wash Industry

Professional car wash business, as a supported water conservation action, could explore its great potential market in Los Feliz. More cost and savings analysis can be found in Brown’s report. In addition to businessman benefiting from opening a profitable local business for the neighborhood, public car wash centers could also contribute to a more activated community life. Since Los Feliz, like many other places in Los Angeles, is heavily car dependent, generally where cars go together, there are people coming together. A well designed public professional car wash center could serve more than a service infrastructure, but rather an educational showcase, and social communication platform.

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MEASURES OF SUCCESS

Reclamation Awareness

WATER + WASTEWATER

Gadgets

SECTOR

executive summary

INDICATOR

TARGET

Maintenance Services

Foundation Report

Sufficient to cover at least half the cost of maintenance 80% Reduction of ordinary leaking

Sprinklers

Number

80% Reduction for schools, offices, and institutional buildings 50% Reduction for residential

Swimming Pool Covers

Number and Types

90% of pools have covers 20% increase in solar covers

Toilets

Flushing Water Use

80% Reduction for schools, offices, and institutional buildings 50% Reduction for residential

Smart Meter

Reading

20% Reduction annually

Landscape

Plants

No turf 80% Native plants 50% Drought tolerant plants

Reclaimed Water Use

Water Bill

30% Increase in reclaimed water 20% Reduction in potable water use

Professional Car Wash

Car Wash Business

At least 5 professional businesses in the area, 1 of which should have water reclamation system

Information Platform

Website Hits

Reaches 50% of population monthly

School Involvement

Class Homework Exhibitions

Every elementary school opens realated class, high school organizes project or exhibition

Water Bill Payer

Water Bill

20% Reduction in renter water bills

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SOCIAL IMPACTS Even though water rates is currently and will continue to go up, households with a higher income would not consider it much of a financial burden. It is a fact that wealthier families use more water than those with lower income, since they need more water to keep running fountains, clear pools, polished cars, etc. It is important to target this group of residents in Los Feliz to participate in water conservation in California. A significant amount of water could be saved with more efficient water-use patterns, which might not involve high-tech or big investment for utilities.

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ACCESS + MOBILITY

ACCESS + MOBILITY Automobiles are the biggest contributor to CO2 emissions that pollute the air and water, thus, reducing the quality of life. According to the EPA in 2011, the combustion of fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel to transport people and goods is the second largest source of CO2 emissions that account for 31% of total U.S. CO2 emissions and 26% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2011. And this impact has been proven to cause an increase in people with asthma and premature births (EPA, Overview of Greenhouse Gasses). Reducing the use of cars and encouraging the use of transit, walking, and biking would greatly reduce the air pollution caused by vehicles. According to the 2000 US Census, 72% of Los Felizâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residents commute by car with an average commute time of 10-15 minutes. About 10% of the population commute by carpooling. On the other hand, Los Feliz excels in walkability with a WalkScore of 83 points (out of 100), compared to 79 points in the rest of the city, which indicates that most places can be traveled by foot. Currently, the Los Feliz Elementary School is one of the 10 LAUSD schools participating in Metroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Safe Routes to School Pilot Program to develop safe and active travel options among students. The area provides public transportation options, which includes the DASH and Metro, as shown in the map on the following page. Los Feliz performs better in terms of public transit with a score of 56 points in the Transit category of WalkScore, compared to 46 point in the city. The infrastructure in Los Feliz is not conducive to bicycling, despite its relatively flat roads. The lack of designated bicycle lanes deter people from riding their bikes.

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ACCESS + MOBILITY Goals 1

Provide various transportation options to reduce CO2 emissions

Increase all WalkScore categories by 5 points by 2023, such as walking, biking, and transit

Meet the targeted goal of all modes of transportation to reduce car dependency

Provide the means that will incentivize behavioral changes and collaborate with neighborhood organizations to support and achieve these goals

Time Frame A majority of the following strategies are achievable within a short-term. However, timing depends on the collaboration between local organizations.

Cost

(Low to High) Cost range for larger scale projects of providing solar powered bus shelters [$30,000 each]

Los Feliz Transportation

Local Bus Stops Bus Rapid Transit Stops Vermont/Sunset Metro Station Local Bus Routes Bus Rapid Transit Routes Metro Red Line Interstate 5 Streets

Source: City of Los Angeles 2013 executive summary

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STRATEGIES Reduce Car Dependency Provide car sharing opportunities to reduce the reliance of cars as a mode of transportation. According to RAND, car sharing can reduce carbon emissions by cars by at least 1.7% as it attributes to fewer vehicle miles traveled, fewer cars being manufactured, and more efficient vehicles being used more of the time. There is only one carsharing service available in Los Feliz, and that is RelayRides with 9 personal cars available for rental use. Currently, Zipcar does not serve the Los Feliz community. This strategy will establish Zipcar in the Los Feliz neighborhood. The areas that Zipcars currently serve in the Los Angeles area include Hollywood, West Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, and universities such as UCLA and USC. +

Establish Zipcar in the community and work with Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) in negotiating designated parking spaces for Zipcars.

Providing available parking that is specifically reserved for zipcars is an incentive to join the program.

Car sharing locations would serve best in Hollywood/Western or Vermont/Sunset for the Griffith Observatory. Case Study Zipcar locations are exist throughout the Hollywood area just west of the neighborhood. According to Zipcar, members taking five or more trips in a month decreased by 26% and the number of participants driving fewer than 500 miles per month increased by more than 17%. After joining Zipcar, 90% of their members drove 5,500 miles or less per year. That adds up to more than 32 million gallons of crude oil left in the groundâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or 219 gallons saved per Zipcar member. Zipcar also hosts the Annual Low Car Diet Challenge, where Zipcar users vow to walk, bike, ride transit, and use only Zipcarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vehicles for 30 days. The participants will receive prizes to make the challenge exciting and rewarding.

Parking spaces reserved for Zipcars

Zipcar Annual Low Car Diet Challenge results

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STRATEGIES Increase Transit Ridership The transit ridership levels has potential to increase in the Los Feliz area with the close proximity of the Vermont/Sunset Red Line Station located just outside of the Los Feliz boundary. The area provides public transportation options with 15 DASH bus stops and 111 Metro Stops locating throughout the neighborhood. There are two key strategies that can be implemented to encourage local residents, as well as visitors outside of Los Feliz to take transit into the area for commercial activity and access to Griffith Park. +

Encourage public transit to Griffith Park by extending the existing DASH Shuttle from weekends to every day of the week. The route runs from the Vermont/Sunset Red Line Station to the park via Hillhurst Avenue. Collaborate with LADOT to work on extending this route to every hour during weekdays and more frequently on weekends from every 35 minutes to 20 minutes.

Some recent studies suggested that ridership has increased on routes with weather protection, as well as live status updates. Collaborate with Metro and CBS Outdoor/ JcDecaux advertisement to run and fund a pilot program to install energy efficient bus shelters along the Metro routes with little shade. The solar energy from the day powers the lighting of the shelter at night which makes it safer to board transit at night, as well as power the LED arrival time display. Case Study San Franciscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MUNI transit system first installed the solar panels in 2009 and plan to expand more throughout the city by 2013. The LED lights being used are four and half times more efficient that than fluorescent lighting in the old shelters. The roof is constructed from an innovative 40% post-industrial recycled polycarbonate material embedded with thin-film photovoltaic cells, and the steel structure is composed of 75% recycled material. The panel powers the NextMuni display that tells people when their bus is coming.

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STRATEGIES Become More Bike-Friendly Bicycles can be an important and growing part of the mobility system. This strategy aims to transform the neighborhood to become more bike-friendly. Currently, there is a Class I bike path that runs along the Los Angeles River, and a Class II bike lane along the eastern boundary on Griffith Park Boulevard between Los Feliz Boulevard and Hyperion Avenue, which leads to the Los Angeles River. The Hollywood Community Plan proposes to amend its Bicycle Plan to include the Los Feliz Area Bike Map some routes in Los Feliz area as study corridors for potential bike lanes, bike routes or bicycle boulevards, which are highlighted in the map below. While there is current policy in place to connect existing and proposed bike infrastructure in Los Feliz, the community should look at mobilizing residents to bike more. +

Install more unique bike racks and corrals at business storefronts and at the Los Feliz Library to encourage cycling. As a culturally diverse community, the neighborhood can promote visibility of these new bike racks by working with local artists and the Los Feliz Charter School for the Arts to design these bike racks as a form of public art.

Work with Los Feliz Neighborhood Council and the Los Feliz Business Improvement District to create a ‘BikeFriendly Business Campaign’, a partnership with local business owners to encourage customers to shop by bike. Customers who cycle to these bike-friendly businesses receive rewards for choosing a healthy, environmentally friendly way to get around town. There is an abundant amount of boutiques and local cafes/restaurants along Vermont Avenue, which would serve as a primary area for these businesses. Case Study In Long Beach, California, the city’s program encourages local businesses to display the program’s ‘Bike Saturdays’ decal to reward bicyclists by offering incredible shopping and dining discounts and perks every Saturday. In Monclair, New Jersey, by showing your bike or helmet at these participating businesses, customers receive a free item or discount at all bike-friendly businesses.

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STRATEGIES Improve Walkability Los Feliz is built within walking distance of coffee shops, theaters, boutiques, and sidewalk cafes on Vermont Avenue, between Franklin and Hollywood, or the Hillhurst corridor between Los Feliz Blvd. and Prospect Avenue. And according to a University of Michigan study, about 32% of all fatal vehicle accidents in the City of Los Angeles between 2002 and 2009 were pedestrians struck by cars, compared to the national average of 11%. This strategy focuses on pedestrian safety to encourage people to walk and promote an active and healthy lifestyle. +

Intersection on Vermont Blvd, in Los Feliz

Encourage more people to walk by using art to transform pedestrian crosswalks. Work with LADOT and local artists to design and create unique crosswalk art to make motorists become aware of pedestrians using the crosswalks at major intersections along Vermont Avenue, which is considered one of the busiest corridors in a commercial area of Los Feliz. Case Study In 2012, the City of Yorkton in the Saskatchewan Province of Canada, launched a community art project to promote pedestrian safety that encourages people to use the crosswalks and drivers to be more aware of them. Local designer Kelly Litzenberger created 3 designs for the first crosswalks adorned as cutlery, piano keys, and neckties on 8 intersections with 32 crosswalks. The project was sponsored by the Yorkton Business Improvement District, and the Crosswalk Art also benefits from a publicprivate sector partnership called artsVes, which provides matching funding for arts and culture organizations that raise new sponsorship dollars from the business community.

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MEASURES OF SUCCESS

ACCESS + MOBILITY

SECTOR

INDICATOR

TARGET

Reducing Car Dependency

Car Ownership by Zip Code from CA DMV Records, Fleet of Zipcar vehicles

Reduce car ownership by 5% by 2023 and add more Zipcar vehicles to 20 by 2023

Increase Transit Ridership

WalkScore Data and METRO and DASH Statstics

Increase Transit Score by 5 points by 2023

Become More BikeFriendly

Number of Transactions related from Bike-Friendly Business Campaign

Increase Bike Score by 5 points by 2023

Improve Walkability

WalkScore Data

Increase Walk Score by 5 points by 2023

SOCIAL IMPACTS These incremental changes may seem minimal in the beginning, but would lead to a long-term effect in terms of mobilizing Los Feliz residents and visitors towards sustainable transportation. The key strategies are aimed to provide low-cost and affordable transportation options for all that would also encourage people to become more â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;?. Establishing Zipcar in the community would also encourage drivers to rely less on the automobile and encourage them to use other modes of transportation, such as walking, biking, and transit.

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WASTE + RECYCLING

WASTE + RECYCLING Promoting waste reduction and recycling of resources consumed by residents and businesses will reduce waste going to landfills everyday. On average, 10.6 pounds of solid waste is produced per person and sent to landfills. This average is about 3,963 pounds per person per year (USC Neon Tommy, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It Takes a Village to Green a Cityâ&#x20AC;?, 2012). Also, enhancing recycling programs on a neighborhood level could ultimately lead to landfill diversion and reduce the frequency of waste/recyclable pick up. In addition, the Los Angeles County Building Code requires that all new construction use 50% local or recycled materials (LEED). Creating a culture of sustainability and reuse can be implemented on a policy and practice basis for businesses, restaurants, schools, in cafeterias, and in the three hospitals in Los Feliz. The City of Los Angeles passed a local ordinance to ban plastic bags in large grocery chains as soon as January 2014, whereas smaller businesses have until July 2014. This measure will ensure the sustainable programs implemented will have support. Cities such as Santa Monica and San Francisco have successfully banned plastic bags in stores for years. Consumers will need to bring their reusable tote bags or pay to use paper bags. This will be an opportunity to encourage other forms of more sustainable consumer packaging.

Average solid waste produced per person is 10.86 pounds per day

= 3,963 pounds per year executive summary

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WASTE + RECYCLING Goals 1

Increase access to recycling and waste management facilities and bins

Replace plastic bags with compostable bags at local business establishments, farmers market, and restaurants all by July 2014

Dining establishments required to use BPI certified compostable Eco Products for take-away food containers and beverage cups

Provide opportunity for composting for businesses and individual residences

Create opportunities for local art through recycled materials and papers

Time Frame &

Short term goals include plastic bag ban and BPI certified compostable Eco Products in restaurants and businesses. Long term goals would be to replace existing trash bins with solar bins and increase composting sites & locations. Recycled art and materials is an short term, easy to start goal that could be in collaboration with local artists and art foundations.

Cost Cost range from $30-50 for smaller projects to larger scale projects of [$2,000$5,000]

62,467 tons of solid waste goes to landfills per day in Los Angeles

15 tons of organic compost is produced every day at Griffith Park Composting Facility

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STRATEGIES Composting and bio-degradable Work with the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council Green Committee to encourage backyard composting for residents and businesses through a shared system. + Griffith Park has a composting facility, Griffith Park Composting Facility, and offers classes every 4th Saturday. The City of Los Angeles Sanitation Department offers free composting workshops and bins for local residents. Currently there is about 7000 yd of green waste per year that the facility processes and 15 tons of organic compost ready and distributed per day (City of Los Angeles Sanitation, Department of Public Works). + Create an online network via Google Maps to show local composting bins, public, private, and shared to let residents know of proximity to their home or business. By incorporating the use of biodegradable bags into local businesses and restaurants, this will expedite the process to 3-6 months compared to over hundreds of years for ordinary plastic bags in the landfill. The bags will be used in lieu of plastic bags, which can also be used for food waste to encourage composting.

Local business initiatives Collaborate with the Los Feliz Business Improvement District (BID) to create an incentive program for all 66 dining establishments in the neighborhood to use BPI certified compostable ECO Products for take-aways and food storage. Businesses who participate in the program will receive a discount on advertising in the local Los Feliz Ledger. In conjunction with the Los Feliz BID, New BigBelly Solar Trash compactors can be added along the streetscape to promote recycling. This would also decrease the amount of trash pick up times per week to less than half. Also space on the exterior of the compactors would be a great advertising space for businesses and could be utilized as public art. Case Studies Examples from San Diego and Philadelphia show exterior space being used for advertising or art.

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STRATEGIES Expand clean up program Create an opportunity for businesses and residents to use their compost material for the benefit of local community gardens. This could be done in collaboration with the active program, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clean Up Los Feliz,â&#x20AC;? and expand the program to average 50 volunteers per clean up with a twice a month frequency. Composting materials can be reused for the local community garden to expand knowledge about the garden and also be a resource for the local schools as an educational program.

Recycled Art Program In collaboration with Barnsdall Art Foundation and the Los Angeles Unified School District, create an after school program for kids. Not only will this reuse local materials, it will provide an opportunity to impact future generations on how they look at recycling. This initiative can be done through the schools, parent-teacher associations, and even as a volunteer outreach to capture weekend farmer markets. Creating recycle crafts also can divert trash to our landfills.

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MEASURES OF SUCCESS

WASTE + RECYCLING

SECTOR

INDICATOR

TARGET

Composting Facilities

Organic compost (tons/year)

Increase by 25% distributed per day

Recycling Programs

Enrollment reporting

Create 85% recycling goal at all schools and establish after school program at all schools

Paperless Initiatives

Incentive program through BID

Provide advertising for businesses who use paperless options

Reusable Bag Program

Annual savings cost (Before/After)

Complete 2014 goal of reusable bag program & continue on

Biodegradable products

Measure cost savings (Before/After)

Track inventory cost savings through business reporting

SOCIAL IMPACTS Having a basis for a green community starts with the community members themselves. Promoting education and recycling from an early age in the schools, all the way to community programs for adults, will educate and set a basis of practical goals to be achieved by 2023. Creating a shared composting network will give residents and local restaurants the opportunity to produce organic waste and reuse it for home gardening and community gardens. This is a very effective diversion of trash to landfills and will ultimately decrease the millions of tons that go to the landfills each year.

executive summary

energy efficiency

parks + healthy food

water + wastewater

access + mobility

waste + recycling

conclusion

CONCLUSION Achieving the strategies and goals set forth in the Los Feliz Sustainability Action Plan for 2023 will require a strong commitment and a combined effort by our civic community and active organizations towards achieving sustainability. The short-term and long-term goals will transform the neighborhood in the future with better investments as we plan to achieve net zero, as well as decrease energy cost and usage for a better and healthier environment. As these foundations are set, Los Feliz will contribute to making an even greater positive impact for the entire Los Angeles region and serve as a catalyst for all communities in reducing carbon footprints.

Building Energy Efficiency 1. Improving local energy consumption to achieve net zero by producing renewable energy 2. Incentivize energy efficiency retrofitting and green technologies throughout existing residential/commercial buildings 3. Improve overall energy efficiency in all buildings, residential, commercial, hospitals through solar installation 4. Create community awareness through outreach programs and community involvement

Parks and Open Space + Healthy Food 1. 2. 3. 4.

Expanding access to open spaces, parks, and natural resources Create a livable, clean community for all residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; health and well being. Preserve the habitat connections between Los Feliz and Griffith Park Develop a neighborhood Green Alley Program

executive summary

energy efficiency

parks + healthy food

water + wastewater

access + mobility

waste + recycling

conclusion

CONCLUSION Water + Wastewater 1. 2. 3. 4.

Preserve the water resources and enhance current water systems Stimulate on-site water use and decentralized water strategy Reduce usage of potable water Reduce outdoor water usage and stormwater runoff

Access + Mobility 1. Provide various transportation options to reduce CO2 emissions 2. Increase all WalkScore categories by 5 points by 2023, such as walking, biking, and transit 3. Meet the targeted goal of all modes of transportation to reduce car dependency 4. Provide the means that will incentivize behavioral changes and collaborate with neighborhood organizations to support and achieve these goals

Waste + Recycling 1. Increase access to recycling and waste management and promote waste re-use 2. Replace plastic bags with compostable bags at local business establishments, farmers market, and restaurants 3. Dining establishments required to use BPI certified compostable Eco Products for take-away food containers and beverage cups 4. Provide opportunity for composting for businesses and individual residences 5. Create opportunities for local art through recycled materials and papers

executive summary

energy efficiency

parks + healthy food

water + wastewater

access + mobility

waste + recycling

conclusion

RESOURCES General “Learning Green LAUSD Sustainability Initiatives.” Learning Green. LAUSD, Aug. 2013 Web. 08 Dec. 2013. Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning. Community Climate Action Plan. Working paper. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County, 2010. Print.

Building Energy Efficiency “Alter Eco House Is a Marvel of Green Building.” The Daily Green. Web. Nov. 2013. “Cleaning Up and Going Green: Top 7 Renewable Energy Resources.” Web. Nov. 2013. “Egan | Simon.” Egan | Simon. Web. Nov. 2013. “EnTouch Raises $8.5M for Small Commercial Energy Monitoring.” Greentech Media. Web. Nov. 2013. Peters, Adele. “Forget Solar Panels: This Sun-Powered Light Doesn’t Need Electricity | Co.Exist | Ideas Impact.” Co.Exist. N.p., 18 Nov. 2013. Web. 02 Dec. 2013. “Smart Thermostat Market Will Grow Tenfold by 2020.” Greentech Media. Web. Nov. 2013. U.S. Congress, Residential Energy Savings Act of 2013 U.S. Energy Information Administration. “U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA Independent Statistics and Analysis.” Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS)Jan. 2009. Web. 26 Nov. 2013.

Parks and Open Space + Healthy Food City of Chicago. The Chicago Green Alley Handbook: An Action Guide to Create a Greener, Environmentally Sustainable Chicago. Chicago. 2010. Print. http://www.communitygarden.org/docs/learn/articles/multiple_benefits.pdf “Edible Santa Fe.” Home Grown New Mexico. Web. Nov. 2013. “Green Alley Project.” Midtown Detroit Inc. Web. 0 Nov. 2013. “LA’s BEST - After School Enrichment.” LAs BEST. Web. Nov. 2013.

executive summary

energy efficiency

parks + healthy food

water + wastewater

access + mobility

waste + recycling

conclusion

RESOURCES Water + Wastewater Brown, Chris. “Water Conservation in the Professional Car Wash Industry: A Report for the International Carwash Association, International Carwash Association.” 2000. City of Los Angeles. City of Los Angeles Emergency Water Conservation Plan. Ordinance No. 181288, 2008. Hanemann, W. Michael. “Determinants of Urban Water Use.” Urban Water Demand Management and Planning, Dec. 1, 1997. Hogue, Terri S. “Los Angeles Residential Water Consumption: Patterns and Key Drivers.” UCLA Symposium. Feb. 26 2013. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. 2008 Annual Water Quality Report, 2008. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Urban Water Management Plan, 2010. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, “Grant Application for Swimming Pool Cover Rebate Project.” 2003 Urban Water Conservation Program, 2003.

Access + Mobility “Carbon Dioxide Emissions.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. Nov. 2013. Synder, Tanya. “RAND: Car-Sharing Could Cut Carbon Emissions From Cars By 1.7 Percent. Web. 01 Dec. 2013. “UCR Newsroom.” An Alternative to Owning a Car. Web. Nov. 2013. “30 Zipcar Users Walk 2,250 Miles, Bike 4,200 Miles on 30-day Low-car Diet.” AutoblogGreen. Web. Nov. 2013. Tang, Lei. “Ridership effects of real-time bus information system: A case study in the City of Chicago”. Transportation Research Part C. Jan. 2012 “SOLARBrella Powers Laptops & Hotspots.” Daily Wireless. Web. Nov. 2013. “Times: Metro Should Raise Fares.” Streetsblog Los Angeles. Web. Nov. 2013. “Art Musings.” Art Musings. Web. Nov. 2013. DJ Waldie, “To Walk and Die in LA” KCET, Web. 03 Dec. 2013.

executive summary

energy efficiency

parks + healthy food

water + wastewater

access + mobility

waste + recycling

conclusion

RESOURCES Waste + Recycling “CPR3, Recycling Center Program.” True reUSAble Bags. Web. Nov. 2013. “L.A. at Home: When a Community Garden Isn’t so Rosy.” Los Angeles Times Blog. Web. Nov. 2013. “BigBelly Solar - The Smart Grid for Waste & Recycling.” BigBelly Solar. Web. Nov. 2013.

executive summary

energy efficiency

parks + healthy food

water + wastewater

access + mobility

waste + recycling

conclusion