Greetings to all. I have lived on Ellsmere Avenue for over thirty years, and while the conditions of Picfair Village have dramatically improved over the decades, I have still noticed some rather disturbing trends that need to be addressed. (I have had to post this message here because I am usually unable to attend the meetings on Saturdays.) The first problem (which I have already seen addressed in this thread) is the dog problem. Because of an increasingly rude and unsympathetic type of dog-owner that has moved into this neighborhood, I have all but given up on even trying to reason with them about the urination/defecation on my front lawn (and even the occasional dog tearing up the freshly-planted flowers on my front lawn), and as such, I have had to resort to my own "alternative measures" to address the problem. Oddly enough, the dog problem is not the worst for me. The real issues that need to be addressed are the parking problem and the "speed-demon" problem. I'll start with the parking problem. With the exception of street-sweeping hours, Ellsmere Avenue has no parking restrictions. It would be great if the street could stay that way, but if there are enough inconsiderate neighbors who continue to abuse this freedom by inviting HUNDREDS of their non-carpooling friends and relatives to repeatedly take up the parking on the street so that nobody can park on it for blocks on end, then the eventual involuntary enactment of "permit-only" parking will take that freedom away. Regardless of the reason for the gathering of so many people, that many drivers parking their vehicles on the street is simply too much for the street, especially for those inconvenienced neighbors who own vehicles that do NOT fit in the driveway or the garage. Then there's the "speed-demon" problem. Ellsmere does not have any speed-bumps or speed-humps, and there have been numerous drivers speeding down the street at well over 45 mph. That's downright dangerous, especially for those of us who have children that have been known to dash out into the street. And unfortunately, a good number of the speeding drivers are merely passing through the neighborhood, using Ellsmere as an alternate route for their hectic "daily commute." I would hope that these aforementioned trends can be dealt with in a manner satisfactory to all neighbors. It would truly be sad if the freedoms and privileges enjoyed by all neighbors were completely destroyed by the rudeness and inconsiderate nature of a mere few.

hello, my hubby and I are house hunting and saw a gorgeous home on S. Orange Grove. But we have concerns regarding crime and gang activity in the neighborhood. In addition, we have a smallish 20 pound terrier and we have a baby on the way. I am very concerned about feeling safe walking my dog and strolling with a baby carriage around the area-- especially with off leash dogs running around. Are these dogs a big problem in this neighborhood? As a dog owner, I know that dogs attract other dogs, even from a distance and my pup was attacked once in my own hood by an off leash dog. It's a terrifying experience, one I'd hate to have repeated. Also, how safe is it walking around at night? Any insight into crime, gangs, safety and dogs would be greatly appreciated.

Gardengal,
Please pick another neighborhood. No parking and dog doo doo all over the lawn every morning. It gets worse every week. It used to be really nice. But as the yuppies take over it is much less warm and friendly than it was once. You can't even go for a walk with your kids because your are going to run across some jerk with an unleashed dog. My little girl was charged last year by an unleashed animal. It's not nice here anymore. Unless you are one of those people that lets your dog terrorize your neighbors.

Edited by author 08-12-2008 04:00 PM
I have noticed a distinct deterioration in the quality and friendliness of my neighborhood due to the incredible number of people who feel free to walk their dogs off leash. The whole neighborhood is turning in to an off leash dog park. I asked one such specially entitled "neighbor" to please walk his dog on the leash and you would have thought I asked him to have the animal put to sleep. There is one resident at the corner of either Genesee or Spaulding and Airdrome who has made it impossible for me to walk in that direction by myself or with my pet because his dogs are out side, off leash running wildly up and down the street as the owner throws a ball up and down the street. It is ruining what was once a nice neighborhood. It seems as though some of the newer residents feel that their dogs right to "run free" supercedes my right to go for a walk in my neighborhood without being charged by an unleashed dog.

Dear genessetrio. I am the secretary of Picfair Village Community Association. We are constantly dealing with the issue of cars/vans/RVs/trailers parked for days on end on Venice Blvd. We have discussed this issue regularly at our general meetings. The problem with Venice Blvd is that it is not just City property, it is also a State Highway (yes, that's right!) and that involves CalTrans. So City departments have to cooperate with State departments (imagine how difficult that is to coordinate). Of course there is a law against parking longer than 72 hours in one spot. But someone has to report the offending vehicle(s). Then the City has to send someone out to mark the vehicle(s) which could take some time. Then the "72 hours" starts running. Then the vehicle gets a citation and may or may not be towed. You see how frustrating it is for us who see the same RVs/trailers every day. You can help by calling 1-800-ABANDON regularly to report the vehicles you see parked on Venice Blvd. Check our website www.picfairvillage.org for links to other issues that are important to our community.

I am unable to attend the monthly meetings because of my work schedule. Please inquire about a city ordinance or law prohibiting turning Venice Blvd. into a storage yard / parking- used car lot, for days on end. this is very unsightly, and dangerous. Thank you.I have been here for 15 years now and have enjoyed all of my neighbhors.

Gardengal,

I moved into Picfar last August and feel like it is an incredibly friendly, safe neighborhood. I lived at Melrose and Fairfax for 8 years and find Picfair to be much homier. People here say hello as I walk my dog around the neighborhood and often will stop and have a brief chat with me. I came home yesterday to find that my sweet neighbor had left a bag of lemons for me at my doorstep. I don't know about block by block. I think that anything west of Hauser is a safe bet.

Hi, I noticed the last post was over 6 months ago. What do people feel about this neighborhood now? Improving? We have been looking in this area as a possible place to buy a home. Is each street/block it's own personality? Meaning, is it hit and miss depending on the street/block or is the PicFair area a good one overall? Just curious for your input.

Just saw this message board and el_g's concern about our neighborhood. This is a great little neighborhood and it's only getting better. We have to work together to keep it safe: We try to get to know our neighbors by attending our association meetings where we're kept up to date on what's going on, and we can bring issues that concern us to the attention of our neighbors.

Hello Kitty: I feel your pain. I am a dog owner and I hate seeing all the poop that is left on lawns and parkways. I don't mind obedient dogs off leash, but my pet peeve is the selfish people who don't pickup after their pets. You should contact LA Animal Services and ask them to patrol the area. Unless you have address(es) of the offending people, there's not much else they can do.

I have a fabulous home for sale in our neighborhood! If you know of someone that would like to live in Picfair for under $500,000, please have them call Amanda Andrews 323 496 9772

CHARMING SPANISH BUNGALOW IN HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER PICFAIR VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD. UPDATED KITCHEN WITH STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, REMODELED BATH, NEW ELECTRICAL, CENTRAL AIR AND HEAT,HARDWOOD FLOORS, FRESHLY PAINTED INSIDE AND OUT, ONE CAR GARAGE AND A LARGE PATIO IN THE BACK. SECOND BEDROOM DOES NOT APPEAR ON PROPERTY PROFILE. WALKING DISTANCE TO NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPS AND CAFES. PRIVATE HOME OWNERSHIP; NO HOA'S......
MLS# 07-221533
Square Feet: 720
Lot Size: 1751
Year built: 1924
Heating: Central
Air Conditioning: Central
Bedrooms: 2 (prop. profile shows 1)
Bathrooms: 1

My family is considering moving to Picfair Village. It's supposed to be one of the more desirable/up-and-coming neighborhoods in LA. Is this just a realty ploy? From reading a few of the posts here, it seems that Picfair may not be changing for the better, and that gang activity continues there. Any thoughts/suggestions? Thanks!

Was anyone awakened by the loud boom on Monday morning at around 1:30 am? Resident on Airdrome/Sierra Bonita. Still wondering what the heck that was. It must have been gang activity because after that I heard sirens and saw the helicopter overhead. Somewhat new to the area, feeling very uneasy about the recent situation and increasing graffiti in the area.

I don't think you should use this board to sell things or advertise your business! You realitors already put tons of fliers on our doorsteps and in our mail boxes. Enough already!

Edited by author 06-13-2007 04:40 PM
I have lived in this area just about all my life. I have noticed a very disturbing trend as the neighborhood changes. people are not obeying the leash laws. I have been charged by unleashed dogs and my neighbors little kids were recently terrorized by a large dog off the leash. I find huge turds in my lawn at least twice a week. I have spoken to some dog owners regarding the fact that the dog that trampled my flower beds should be on a leash; the offending owner usually gets a nasty attitude about it. It is making a tense situation for me. I have called the 10th district office to see how I can get more enforcement, but to no avail.