Author: Reynier Village Neighborhood Association

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Reynier Village Neighborhood Association Newsletter – February 2025

📰 Neighborhood News 📢

WE DID IT!

🎉

Our TOWN HALL on Tuesday evening, January 28 was a smashing success! The Reynier Village Neighborhood Association Board organized this first community meeting in quite some time, bringing neighbors together for an important discussion.

We had LAPD give crime reports, and representatives from Councilwoman Heather Hutt’s office provided updates and took questions from over forty neighbors who showed up to address issues that matter to our community.

Building a Stronger Community

We intend to hold these public meetings four times a year and hope to see even more of you join us in the future!

A Fond Farewell & A New Introduction

Our beloved LAPD Lead Officer Chris Baker, who has served our community for years, bid his farewell as he transitions to working west of Robertson Blvd.

We were introduced to Pete Ojeda, our new Lead Officer. With 23 years of service in the LAPD, he brings a wealth of experience. He can be reached at 36393@lapd.online.

Crime Updates: The Good & The Bad

  • Robbery (street confrontations) is down 80% – great news!
  • However, home burglaries in neighboring Cheviot Hills have spiked.

When asked how we can best protect our homes, Chris Baker shared these essential tips:

✔ Lighting: Keep outdoor lights on all night.
✔ Hardwired Cameras: Bad guys use WiFi jammers—don’t rely on internet-connected cameras.
✔ Dogs: Yappy dogs are the best deterrents.
✔ Alarms & Windows: Always set your alarm and secure second-story windows—burglars use backyard ladders!
✔ Know Your Neighbors: Start a neighborhood text chain for quick alerts.
✔ Trash Cans: If you’re away, have someone pull in your bins.
✔ Suspicious Vehicles: See something off? Grab a hose, water the lawn, and take a photo—it doesn’t hurt to be noisy!
✔ Calling 911: If your alarm goes off, check your notifications. The magic words when calling 911? “Burglary in Progress.”

Addressing Safety in Reynier Park

Many neighbors have reported concerns about a mentally ill man isolating in the Reynier Park restrooms, known as “The Screamer.” His presence near the children’s play area has alarmed many residents. LAPD officers continue to offer him services, bringing in the Mental Evaluation Unit, but he has refused assistance each time.

The Need for More LAPD Patrols

Several residents expressed concerns about the lack of police patrols in our area. Here’s why:


🔹 Our LAPD division covers 65 square miles but only has 220 officers, making it the least staffed division in the U.S.
🔹 We have only four officers in two patrol cars covering our area—assuming no one is sick, in court, or handling an arrest (which takes 4–6 hours per case).
🔹 Just four years ago, LAPD had over 10,000 officers. Today, we’re below 8,800.

City Updates from Heather Hutt’s Office

Terence Gomes and Mayra Guevara, representing Councilwoman Heather Hutt, provided updates on citywide issues:

  • 4,118 encampments have been offered services this year, especially near schools.
  • Heather Hutt strongly supports moving unhoused individuals into services and housing, believing it’s a quality-of-life issue for both them and residents.

Reynier Park Renovation: Coming This Summer!

Exciting improvements are on the way:
✅ New security cameras monitored by LAPD.
✅ Termite-proof pergolas.
✅ Exercise stations.
✅ New water fountains.
✅ New picnic tables and benches.
✅ New playground surface & fully restored play equipment for our little ones.

We’re making real progress together—let’s keep building a stronger, safer, and more connected Reynier Village!

– Pete, the Park Commish

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 Summer Park Fun + Update

 Splish Splash Waterslide Bash – August 4! 
Get ready to beat the heat and have some splashtastic fun! Join us for the Splish Splash Waterslide Bash on August 4 at Reynier Park! From 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, we’ll be sliding down epic waterslides, splashing in the water, and enjoying refreshing treats. 

📍 Location: 2803 Reynier Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034
🕒 Time: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
🧃 Refreshments: Kosher snacks will be available upon request.

Don’t forget your swimsuits and sunscreen! Let’s make a splash together! 
🎥 Movies in the Park – August 9! 🍿

Join us for a magical evening under the stars with Movies in the Park on August 9! We’re screening the delightful Disney Pixar’s ELEMENTAL!  It’s a free event for all, so bring your family and friends, blankets, and picnic baskets. The movie starts at 6:00 PM, but come early to grab the best spot!

📍 Location: Reynier Park, 2803 Reynier Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034
🕖 Doors Open: 6:00 PM

Enjoy a fantastic night of fun, laughter, and community spirit! See you there! 
JOIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP NOW!
📰 Neighborhood News📢
Stay alert, residents!  Our friendly Reynier Village was the site of a terrible crime this past Tuesday, July 29th.  Around 3:20 AM, police officers responded to a burglary radio call in the 2600 block of Halm Ave, near Shenandoah Elementary School.  Residents tell me an elderly individual was home.  LAPD detained possible suspects in a vehicle near the house, but are subsequently not certain they were involved.  LAPD saw smoke coming from the house and requested LAFD.  Fireman entered the house and found a man armed with a large knife.  It appears this intruder set the fire.  LAFD exited and LAPD set up containment on the house.  A bean-bag projectile was fired at the suspect who retreated deeper into the house and barricaded himself in.  Ultimately, LAPD SWAT responded.  Around 7:05AM, the suspect exited the house armed with that knife.  The suspect was struck by police gunfire and died at scene.  No one else was injured.  The elderly resident is now safe.  Whew.
I will add that this is a good reminder to access your home’s vulnerability.  We personally have an alarm service, four hard-wired exterior cameras plus a RING doorbell camera, a fence with a driveway gate, and we keep outside lights on all night.   Police always tell me lights are a fabulous deterrent.  My next door neighbor got hit two years ago by a crew of burglars who came over his back fence, and when they jimmied open his rear door, an alarm went off, and they immediately fled.  Video cameras captured this, but the intruders used hoodies and COVID masks.  Please invest in your safety!
Pete the “Park Commish
🚨 PUBLIC SAFETY🚨
Download the most recent LAPD Community Report.LAPD COMMUNITY REPORT
👔 President’s Corner 💼
Dear Reynier Village Neighbors,
As we enjoy the long, sunny days of mid-summer, we hope everyone is taking time to appreciate our beautiful community. Please remember to stay safe and report any suspicious activities to the police immediately.
For any neighborhood concerns or requests, don’t hesitate to reach out to our councilwoman’s office (cd10@lacity.org), and make sure to utilize the MYLA311 app for service requests such as street sanitation, graffiti removal, etc.
Your vigilance and proactive efforts help keep Reynier Village a wonderful place to live. Enjoy the season!
Mauro Bordovsky, RVNA Co-PresidentMichael Rozales, RVNA Co-President
See something? Say something!GET THE LA 311 APP NOW
LOCAL UPDATES
Click below to access theSouth Robertson Calendar Of EventsSORO Events
Click below to access your localCouncil District Website CD 10CD 10 Website
🦺 Emergency Preparedness Tip ⛑️
Ensure your family knows what to do in an emergency by creating a family emergency plan. Include important contact numbers, meeting spots, and evacuation routes. Practice the plan regularly, so everyone knows what to do and where to go. Stay safe and be prepared! 🌟🚨
OFFICERS: WHO’S WHO
Co-President – Mauro Bordovsky – president@reyniervillage.orgCo-President – Michael Rozales – president@reyniervillage.orgSecretary – Jeff Baughman – secretary@reyniervillage.orgTreasurer – Hector Garza – treasurer@reyniervillage.orgCommunication – Matias Baker Masucci – info@reyniervillage.org
DON’T FORGET!
JOIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP NOW!
Now you can easily change your email or mailing address and join our newsletter online. Just go to reyniervillage.org. Under ‘Membership’ in the main menu you can select ‘Newsletter Sign Up.’ Use the form to update your old email or add a new one. Don’t forget to spread the word, sit back and wait for awesome things to hit your inbox!(Please note: there can be multiple values/entries per household.)
“A neighbor is someone who cares when your child is sick, lends you a cup of sugar when you run out, and lets you know when you have something in your teeth.”– Mr. Rogers
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Park Nights Are Back! Wed 5/15 6:30 PM + Local Updates

close up photography of yellow green red and brown plastic cones on white lined surface

We’re thrilled to announce the return of our beloved Park Nights!

Join us for an evening of fun, friendship, and community spirit. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet your neighbors and learn more about the Reynier Village Neighborhood Association. 🎉

📅 Date: Wednesday, May 15th

🕡 Time: Starting at 6:30 PM

📍 Location: Reynier Park

Bring your family, friends, and pets to enjoy a wonderful evening in the park.

Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or a longtime resident, we can’t wait to see you there!

Let’s make this a night to remember! 🌳💬✨

🌳 Park Update🌲

Happy to report we expect to see major improvements this late summer and fall. I am told by Terrence Gomes in Councilmember Heather Hutt’s office that the new design looks great. There was a delay due to the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) needing to test the playground equipment to see if the swing set and slide structure needed to be replaced – and it has been determined they are okay. There was also a cost overrun of $105,000 dollars. An amendment has been submitted to LA City to increase the project total to $805,000 dollars for improvements, and Heather Hutt is confident this motion will pass, as the money is already there. Get ready for new lights, surveillance cameras, hydration, benches, and a new fitness area by the restrooms. The new pergolas will now be called “shade structures.” There will be wheelchair access. And a new pour and fill playground surface to keep our kids safe.

Last month, we asked what is going on with the boarded-up Palms Westminster Presbyterian Church. Well, great news! We received a lovely letter from Mary Park, a Church Elder, and are happy to report that we have now established a dialogue between our association and the church. Members of the RVNA Board will be meeting with Church members to assist in any way we can.

Disturbing Trend: This past week, catalytic converters were stolen from two cars parked by residents along Reynier Ave! I know there have been several thefts on Hargis too. What is going on? On the plus side, new street lights were installed along Shenandoah behind the park.

Exciting News: The new Helms Bakery is almost open! With construction completed across from Father’s Office, Chef Sang Yoon has led the redesign. Get ready for a revitalized, modern interpretation of the original bakery. This includes a multi-space layout with a full-service restaurant for breakfast and lunch, a dedicated bakery with a takeaway counter for prepared foods, and a retail section for specialty products. This is going to be awesome!

Pete the “Park Commish”

👔 President’s Corner 💼


Hello neighbors. We hope everyone is well and healthy, and taking care of yourselves and your loved ones. These are challenging times for many of us, and it can be tough to stay optimistic and hopeful. So, please remember to prioritize self-care activities that help you relax and recharge (e.g., exercise, mindfulness, meditation, loved ones, etc.), and to lean on your support system. If you need to talk to someone, reach out to family members, friends, spiritual leaders, your mental health professional, your employer’s assistance program, etc. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Stay safe, stay strong, take care.

RVNA Board continues to work with City and Council offices on issues such as illegal parking, RV encampment, etc. Even if those “wheels turn slowly,” please know that we are doing what we can to keep our neighborhood safe.

We have some ideas for social events that we hope to implement soon. As you know, however, these events require funds. That is how your annual membership can help. If you haven’t already done so, please consider paying the annual membership – $20/year. Please see payment options at the following link.

And please remember to report any graffiti and suspicious or illegal activities in our neighborhood through the MyLA311 app or website. The more we report suspicious activities, the greater the chances of increased police presence in our neighborhood.

Mauro Bordovsky, RVNA Co-President

Michael Rozales, RVNA Co-President

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Reynier Village Neighborhood Update for April 2024

🏡 What’s A Block Captain Anyway? 📢
Hello, Reynier Village Community!

Would you like to hear about an exciting opportunity to deepen your connection with our community and play a pivotal role in enhancing our collective safety, communication, and sense of belonging?

Become a Block Captain: A Gateway to Community Engagement
Are you passionate about fostering a safe, welcoming, and closely-knit community? Interested in meeting more of your neighbors and actively participating in shaping the vibrant fabric of our neighborhood? Becoming a Block Captain could be your perfect next step!

Block Captains are the backbone of our association, bridging the gap between the Reynier Village Neighborhood Association and our members.
They are instrumental in:

Fostering Community Safety: By being a go-to point for safety concerns and information, helping to create a secure environment for everyone.
Enhancing Communication: Aiding in the efficient flow of information between the association and its members, ensuring everyone is informed and connected.
Building Relationships: Meeting new neighbors and strengthening bonds within our community, making Reynier Village a friendlier place to live.

A Call to Existing Block Captains

If you’re already serving as a Block Captain, we salute your commitment and encourage you to reach out to us. Let’s collaborate on new ways to engage and support our community together. Your insights, experiences, and suggestions are invaluable to us, and we’re keen to hear how we can make your role even more impactful.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US 📧
🌳 Park Update🌲
This is Pete, the Park Commish:

Happy to report that our park is looking green and beautiful. Recently, Javier and his apprentice at the California Conservation Corps took care of the graffiti on the house on Shenandoah facing Reynier Park. They are hired by the city to do this. Javier said his job was quiet for a long time but has recently gotten very busy due to an uptick in graffiti. Javier says the garage was tagged by a gang, but the fence was different – the work of a tagger who posts his graffiti on social media. Javier is now in charge of cleaning up graffiti in the area. His boss is away on maternity leave. He also is in charge of pulling weeds, plus picking up discarded trash & furniture, etc. They did a great job, and the two men did it with a smile.  They power washed the plastic fence and actually painted the garage door, which is good to know if they tag your house.

Happy to report the city installed bright new streetlights along Shenandoah between Gibson and Olin Streets. Thank you!

Regarding the park improvements, Terrence Gomes reports they are still waiting for final estimates on the new pergolas, so stay tuned.

Big Question: What is happening with the boarded-up PALMS WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH at 2908 Robertson Place on the corner of Cattaraugus and Robertson? Over three years ago, on Aug 3rd, 2020, a fire broke out. Firefighters extinguished the flames in about 25 minutes with minimal fire extension/smoke damage. No injuries were reported. And the burned-out church, Sunday school, and community room has remained boarded up ever since.

How can we help this church? This was once a great asset to our neighborhood. Does anybody know what is happening? What can we do to get this church facility renewed, so it is once again a thriving asset to our Reynier Village community?

On a fact-finding mission, I have left numerous phone and written messages for the church but have gotten NO RESPONSE. I hear nobody can get them to return inquiries. I am told that the church pastors are elderly, and we suspect they don’t have enough money to rebuild and bring the building up to code. Neighbors think the current congregation is looking for another church to partner with them to share costs as the membership has dwindled. How can we help?

Since nobody at the church is responding to inquiries, I was told to call LA City Building and Safety. They kindly referred me to code engineer Will Michalak, who told me there are multiple reports of trespassing inside the boarded-up property. The code engineer said he would personally visit the property to inspect it again, and possibly refer the property to LA City Vacant Buildings Dept for further action. He said he wanted to tread lightly, respectfully, because this was a church and we all want to help them get back up and serving our neighborhood.

Pete the “Park Commish”
NOT A MEMBER? CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!
🛟 Spring Safety Festival 🎈
Our neighboring association (Beverlywood HOA) is thrilled to invite everyone to their Spring Safety Festival at Circle Park!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 19th, from 11 AM to 2 PM, and join us at 2000 South Beverly Drive for an unforgettable day of community fun and education.

What’s Happening:

Train Rides: Chug along on delightful train rides.
Face Painting: Get transformed with fantastic face painting.
Fire Trucks: Explore the thrilling world of firefighting.
Dog Adoption: Find your new best friend with our dog adoption station.
Learn CPR: Equip yourself with life-saving CPR skills.
Safety Experts: Gain valuable safety insights from experts.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to meet your neighbors, enjoy a day out with the family, and engage with the community in a meaningful way. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the neighborhood, we welcome you to come together for a day filled with joy, learning, and connection.

For more details, please visit our website at www.beverlywoodhoa.com/events.

See you there for a Spring-filled day of fun!
👔 President’s Corner 💼
Hello neighbors. Welcome to Spring and a new season filled with possibilities for our community. The RVNA board members have been meeting monthly. We are committed to finding ways to provide value and service for all our neighbors so we can ultimately increase our membership and keep our association thriving. We look forward to the return of our upcoming Summer evening park nights along with other events. If you have already renewed your $20 annual membership, Thank You! If not, please use the links below to easily and conveniently renew your $20 annual RVNA membership.

Mauro Bordovsky, RVNA Co-President
Michael Rozales, RVNA Co-President
See something? Say something! GET THE LA 311 APP NOW
LOCAL UPDATES
Click below to access theSouth Robertson Calendar Of EventsSORO Events
Click below to access your localCouncil District Website CD 10CD 10 Website
🦺 Emergency Preparedness Tip ⛑️
Did you know that L.A.’s Emergency Management Department offers your neighborhood a FREE workshop to prepare you and your neighbors to prepare your street for a major disaster?

RYLAN – The Ready Your LA Neighborhood Workshop provides the tools to prepare and organize your neighborhood to respond together in that first hour after a disaster to reduce injuries, protect your property and the environment, and most importantly, to save lives.
This free workshop is 90 minutes or less and can be held virtually or in person. The Emergency Management Department will provide the material needed for you to run this workshop with your closest neighbors. Depending on the size of your area, this may mean your full apartment building or just your closest 5-7 houses. You may choose to facilitate the workshop yourself, or Emergency Management Department staff can do so upon request.

By requesting a workshop, you will be provided with all the tools and materials needed to develop a neighborhood response plan. Emergency Management Department staff are available to support your efforts at every step. Once you submit your information, you will receive an email from us with the next steps and links to the associated materials. Hard-copy materials are also available upon request.

What does a neighborhood response plan include? It will include a list of skills and equipment that you and your neighbors possess, what steps to take immediately after a disaster, and how to break up into response teams.

After you have submitted your information, expect EMD staff will to reach out within two weeks to discuss the specifics of your workshop and help plan your approach. The EMD staff assigned to your area will continue to support as much as you would like leading up to and following your workshop.
RYLAN WEBSITE
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Spring Safety Festival with Beverlywood HOA!

Our neighboring association (Beverlywood HOA) is thrilled to invite everyone to their Spring Safety Festival at Circle Park!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 19th, from 11 AM to 2 PM, and join us at 2000 South Beverly Drive for an unforgettable day of community fun and education.

What’s Happening:

  • Train Rides: Chug along on delightful train rides.
  • Face Painting: Get transformed with fantastic face painting.
  • Fire Trucks: Explore the thrilling world of firefighting.
  • Dog Adoption: Find your new best friend with our dog adoption station.
  • Learn CPR: Equip yourself with life-saving CPR skills.
  • Safety Experts: Gain valuable safety insights from experts.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to meet your neighbors, enjoy a day out with the family, and engage with the community in a meaningful way. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the neighborhood, we welcome you to come together for a day filled with joy, learning, and connection.

For more details, please visit our website at www.beverlywoodhoa.com/events.

See you there for a Spring-filled day of fun!

SpringPoster-4.2.24Download