Of Bags in Trees, Junkyards, Funeral Homes, A Patch of Grass and More

Do you have a question about Studio City? Community activist Lisa Sarkin answers questions about history and issues in our area in this  column. She knows who to call, and where to go to get things done. Send questions to  or leave it in the Comments section below. Thanks!

Bags in Trees

There's a guy who comes every few months and hangs something in the tree across the street from Carpenter in the house, and he is from some agency that checks on bugs in the area? Do we know if Studio City has a specific bug problem? Can someone say "I don't want you to hang that in my tree?" Do you know what that is?

The bag will have written information on it from the agency putting it out. has reported finding mosquitoes and the following information was issued:

“Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer vacation but not the end of mosquito season. West Nile virus will continue to be a threat this year as long as temperatures remain high. The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) has identified an additional 23 West Nile virus positive dead birds, 29 WNV positive mosquito samples and six sentinel chickens showing WNV antibodies this week.” 

The Studio City community having six dead birds and 10 mosquito traps testing positive for the virus.

The tree is probably on public property, in the parkway, so you would not be able to stop the county from hanging the bag there.

Environmental Committee?

Is there such thing as an Environment committee on the Neighborhood Council that deals with  Studio City, or is that the Beautification and River project?

The Studio City Neighborhood Council had an Environment Affairs Committee, but it was disbanded last year. Most of these issues would be heard at the Budget Committee or the Land Use Committee. You may check the SCNC website www.studiocitync.org to view the meeting dates and agendas.

No Funeral Home

Why is there no mortuary or funeral home in Studio City, especially with Forest Lawn so close? Was that part of the local plan, or is there just no room?—Ricky Carlito

There is nothing prohibiting a mortuary of funeral home in Studio City.

A Patch of Grass

There’s a patch of grass between the sidewalk and the road and I wanted to plant plants there, but my neighbor says the city owns it and I shouldn’t do it, and I called the city and no one seemed to know, and they said it sounds like it should be my property. Any ideas?—Joey Dillus

The area you are referring to is called the parkway. The trees are planted by the City of Los Angeles and usually grass surrounds the trees. The property owner is required to maintain it. You are unable to remove the trees or trim the trees without permission by way of a permit. The area is usually left clear so people exiting cars can step out onto the parkway.  It would be up to you whether the plants you want there would interfere with the exiting from a car.

No Junkyard

Is there a junkyard or scrap metal yard in Studio City? 

Not to my knowledge and I do not find any property where such a business would be permitted.