LA MUSEUM OF THE HOLOCAUST

Friday, February 4, 2011

site visit 2.2.11

Site Visit Report and Meeting Notes:
Date: 2/ 2/11
Participants: Jesus, Aaron, Martin, Mark, Karla, Lisa

Summary of Meeting:
Issues: While on our walk through several issues/ concerns were noted please see below:

1.Path Drainage on east side: Heavy erosion was noted on east DG path coming down from top of roof
2. East groundscape bed appeared to be over watered with moss on the surface.
3. On the North east bed leading up to the slope there we weeds present in the planting bed.
4. The cactus in both the east and west beds have mealy bugs
5. There were weeds such as euphorbia, bitter lettuce, and oxalis among others present in every bed ( see example photographs)
6. There was an irrigation leak on the east side of the bed number 3 near the sky lights)
7. Grasses need to be cut back- for this season and next only cut back desiccated inflorescence and stalks
8. Irrigations seems spotty, too wet some areas to dry others.
9. Areas were trampled due to traffic in area 7?) and upper north bed.
10. there were heavily wet areas along bottom of steep section # 2. reason to believe burrito drain may be clogged
11. Bikes coming along concrete along the side of entrance by monument
12. bikes and pedestrian traffic entering over sod area to east.
13. Parks/ ampitheater step/ liability issue. Not to code
14. leaves gathered by drinking fountain clogging drain.
15. leaks in concrete on north side( martin had already addressed)
16. Weeds in DG path along north side.
17. 3 shrubs replacing by pergola area
18. garbage the roof

Maintenance Manual: The maintenance manual was reviewed by all participants. Special attention was spent with Jesus and Mark. It was decided to create a more in-depth report for valley crest to fill out for bi monthly visits. Jodi as manager of operations also reviewed maintenance manual and will be point person for LA MOTH. It was decided that a follow up visit in May 2011 was necessary and one in sept 2011 and one again in Dec 2011. Either karla or lisa will go and walk through the site.

Action Steps required:
1. Design proposal and pricing for east side bike deterrent, pedestrian deterrent ( options: planting/ concrete bench).
2. Design proposal and pricing for drainage solution on east DG path( options, steel edger/ concrete slab).
3. Design Proposal for bike area west of monument entrance.
4. Re design Check list for bi monthly maintenance visits by valley crest.
5. Bi monthly maintenance visits by Valley Crest.
6. Full weeding and grass cutting to take place this friday of entire roof.
7. 30% of lyceum needs to be replaced.
8. Beteluoa that are smaller than 4" diameter and 3" high need to be replaced
9. Drainage at the bottom of area 2. needs to be checked/ by digging up the drain where it goes through the parapet wall.
10. Weather sensors put in many areas to determine irrigation amounts.
11. Irrigations in ground landscape turned down.
12. Replace shrubs by pergola area.
13. Regular reports from Valley Crest required.
14. garbage on the roof will be dealt with by Valley Crest.

Monday, December 13, 2010

site visit 12.13.10

Hello All,
I had the pleasure of stopping by the museum yesterday. It is coming along very well. Karla and I have truly been honored to work on this project and although very happy with the end result in October, we still have a long road ahead of us. I also did want to mention that I saw honey bees, 4 different species of butterflies and several other invertebrate species on the roof today which is a tremendous measure of success.

I did have several concerns and wanted to address them in this email: I have attached slides to correspond with these issues.

Mark, I also wanted to check in and see if you have received the Maintenance Manual and if you have any questions or comments or would like assistance in coordinating with Valley Crest. Martin has requested a copy of the Maintenance Manual. I will send a virtual copy today.

Slides:

1. Maintenance and irrigation:

a. there is an invasion of euphorbia and other weeds on the roof. The euphorbia will take over very quickly and be impossible to get rid of. It will need to be handpulled along with other broad leaf weeds such as the oxalis and bitter lettuce on the roof. Would it be possible to be informed of Valley Crest's intended maintenance plan and received their maintenance reports and photos from them so we can keep tabs and keep the weeds under control. Again they must be handpulled and no spray is to be used.

b. The cactus appear to have some type of mealy bug. These shall be dealt with but in an organic matter, so either removed by hand or sprayed off with a water jet. They will kill the catcus. We can also add more of these in areas that we want to keep people out as they are doing a wonderful job and growing well.

c. The ground landscape is being heavily overwatered and has resulted in growth of moss on the soil. The plants we have chosen are drought tolerant and will not survive under these excessively wet conditions.

2. Access and Damage:
The roof is not ready for foot traffic and it is imperative that the "walkway" be discouraged until the grasses are properly established. If you choose not to do this it will result in a constant bare and ugly scar on the roof. I recommend carrying the railing over at the top and bottoms ends which can be removed once plants are established. You will notice the dead and struggling plant material/ disrupted erosion blanket and dog feces.

3. Access and liability:
Martin had noticed that people use this as a main entrance. the sod will get worn over time and if we want to be proactive we can look at designing another seating wall? or alternative that fits with the building and encourages people to use the concrete paths. Martin also mentioned that the bikes are able to run down the side of the railing and we may want to discourage this as well for liability.

4. Biodiversity:
Look at the biodiversity already appearing on the roof!!!! I am researching to find out what exact species these are so we can document!

Other recommendations
-Seeding:
We may want to seed the on the ground landscape with the Blue Grama grass( bouteloua gracilis ) this winter as well as the struggling/ bare parts of the roof. This will get a more filled in look and make up for the slow start of the plants due to being planted in the extreme heat conditions.

Overall we are on the right track. It would be helpful to set a schedule for our February maintenance visit this month if possible. Karla and I are available the week of the 14th or the week of the 21st.
Thank You!