Oct-03-03 09:58 From-DAPEEEROSENBL ITLITVAKLLP 3235874190 T-688 P. 02/02 F-387 =
3295876150 T-818 P. 02/05 F-808
Sex-28-03 08:41 Fraz-DAPEEEROSENBLITLITYAKELP
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AGREBMENT FOR CODE ENPORCEMENT SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF BARSTOW Zozenblit & Litvak, LUP faceipater the "Pia") dad the City of Barssow Cercinatter th bis Agreemont is mado sud entered into by aad betwens ibe law fras of Dapcas "City"),
RECITALS:
The City desires to retain the Firza to rovide Dado eaforcement and prusecuto ervices to the City and to designate a member of the Firm as City Proseculul Cottonia and an otto gey of to prit are day is canted panded be a poete sat of NOW, THEREFORE, the partits bereto agree as follows;
Scope of Services
The legal and solaced services to be pruviced by du Firau sball consist of the Fir, and attachod herero as Exbibit "A" and clail be billed it the rates set farta thargit. thoss set forth is the "Proposal to Provide Code Enforcemen/Prosecutor Services" submited by The Firm shall use its best efforts to provide legal services in a compelta! B.
nature typically provided by an in-house City Prosecutor or code erdorcement astorey unless and professional mammer. The Flu shall provido all legal survices to the City of the land and specifically stated otherwise in this Aggsemani or osherwiso directed by the City. Brontmhere 10-2-03 cantlict of intorost natos requiro vitornica, in Cisy Attoroy suail paperrise tho activistas of serves pu 10-3-03
serites prior to paysarns by tity stall
Phone calls made by Councimembers or through the City Managi's ay the City Proseoutor or dosignated attarsey aud a response initiated; DoT that a legal problem b nice shall be returned Within 24 hours. This shall rehre oaly that a gituation bo acknowledge resolved.
Designation of City Prosecutes.
estat then the Fiza may, frora tinat to tima, utilize other stromaye within the Firma to assis Steven Koseablt is designared as City Prosecees. The parties waderssand n Mr. Rosenblit in the performance, of this Agroument.
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IEIPEESETZ 26:68 688Z/02/68
ZON NINT ONORANATOO
58/28 #DVd
ZON NINET ONOMINATO 89:00 8082/Z8/0T
29/28 300d
Billing Procedures and Monthly Statements.
The Pum shall submit to the City, within thirty (30) days after the end of cach statements is expected to be made within thirty (30) days of the billing date.
The Firm will bill the City for attorney service charges, commercial database use, on-line legal research, copies, and faxes, at the rates set forth in Exhibit A. These items will be separately designated on the Firm's monthly statements as "disbursements," and will be billed in auditive lu fees fur professional services. The Firm will bill the City for extraordinary exponses, with prior City approval, as set forth in Exhibit A.
b) Time will be charged by the Firm in increments of 1/10 of an hour (i.e., six- minute units). The rate structure in general, or the rates of particular attorneys, may be increased or altered from time to time, after written notice to the City. To the extent feasible, such adjustments will be made so as to coincide with the beginning of the City's fiscal year. c) The Firm will charge the City for the time devoted to travel to and from the City's offices as set forth in Exhibit A and the Firm will provide 800 unbers tu permit the City to make toll-free calls to the Firm's office voice and telecopier lines.
4. Resolution of Fee Disputes.
The City is entitled to require that any fee dispute be resolved by binding arbitration in San Bernardino County pursuant to the arbitration rules of the San Bernardinc County Bar Association for legal fee disputes. In the event that City chooses not to utilize the San Bernardino County Bar Association's arbitration procedures, City agrees that all disputes regarding the professional services rendered ur fees charged by the Fian shall be submitted to binding arbitration in San Bemardino County to be conducted by the American Arbitration Association in accordanoe with its commercial arbitration rules.
5. Term of the Aercement.
This Agreement shall be effective as of September 15, 2003 and shall be and remain in full force and effect until terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 hereof.
6. Termination of the Agreement.
City has the right to terminate the Firm's representation at any time, without cause, subject to an obligation to give notice in writing to the Firm at least thirty (30) days prior to termination. The Firm has the same right, subject to the Firm's ethical obligations to allow the City sufficient notice prior to termination so that City will be able to arrange alternative representation. In either circumstance, City agrees to secure new counsel as quickly as possible •
IGIDEEGEIZ ZE:608002/$2/60
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and to cooperate fully in the substitution of the new counsel as counsel of record in any action in which the Firm may represent the City. The Firm agrees to cooperate fully in any such transition, including the transfer of files. Nolwithstanding the terminalion uf the Firm's representation, City will remain obligated to pay to the Firm all fees and costs incurred prior thereto.
7. Files.
All legal files of the Firm pertaining to the City shall be and remain the property of City. The Firm will control the physical location of such legal files during the term of this Agreement.
Modifications to the Agreement.
Unless otherwise provided for in this Agreement, modifications relating to the nature, extent or duration of the Firm's professional services to be rendered hereunder shall require the prior written approval of the City Council of the City. Any such written approval shall be deemed to be a supplement to this Agreement and shall specify any changes in the Scope of Services and the agreed-upon billing rates to be charged by the Firm and paid by the City.
Independent Contractor.
No employment relationship is created by this Agreement. The Firm shall, for all purposes, be an independent contractor to the City.
10. Nondiscrimination.
In the performance of this Agreement, the Firm shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, medical condition, or any other unlawful basis.
11. Assignment and Delegation.
This Agreement contemplates the personal professional services of the Firm and this Agreement, or any portion thereof, shall not be assigned or delegated without the prior written consent of the City. Delegation to attorneys outside the Firm shall be limited to those City Manager of the City, The Firm shall supervise delegated work, except where precluded fu doing so by virtus of a conflict of intorest, and where otherwice agreed to by the parties hereto.
60/08 39Vd 16 IDEESE TZ ZE: 60 6002/02/60
12. Insurance.
a) The Firm currently maintains in full force and ellect a professional liability insurance policy which provides coverage in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate. Said insurance policy provides coverage to the City for any damages or losses suffered by the City as a result of any error or omission or neglect by the Firm which arises out of the professional services required by this Agreement.
The Firm currently maintains workers' compensation insurance in accordance with Section 3700 of the California Labor Code.
The Firm agrees to notify City in the event the limits of its insurance should fall below the coverages stated in paragraph A or if the insurance policies noted here are allowed to lapse and substitute insurance is not obtained.
13. Entire Agreement.
This Agreement, together with Exhibit "A" hereto, shall constitute the full and complete agreement and understanding of the partics and shall be deemed to supersede all other written or oral statements of any party hereto relating to the subject matter hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the duly authorized representatives of the parties have causco this Agroomont to be executed as of SepremBER 15, 2003.
CITY OF BARSTOW
Perce Extale
CITY CLERK MAYOR
DAPEER, ROSENBLIT & LITVAK, LLP
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* SEPT. 30.1847
By:_
Stever. H. Rosenblit)
60/90 IGIDEEGEIZ ZE :60 E00Z/tZ/60
:...
EXHIBIT A
Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LLP
Proposal to Provide Code Enforcement/Prosecutor Services Section 1 Firm History
1.1 The firm (hereafter "DRL") consists of partners - Kenneth B.
Dapeer, Steven H. Rosenblit and William Litvak and six associates. The firm is "AV" rated by Martindale-Hubbell (their highest rating). All attorneys are licensed by the State of California. Fifteen support persons also assist the attorneys.
1.2 Messrs. Dapeer and Rosenblit have served as city prosecutors since 1979. William Litvak joined the firm in 1989. The firm has provided services to forty-six (46) cities/agencies in six (6) counties as hereafter described.
1.3 DRL has also acted as educators in the field of code enforcement as follows:
• Workshops with city councils, commissions and staffs. • Speaker at a convention of the Independent Cities
Association.
Instructor for the Southern California Association of Code Enforcement Officials ("S.C.A.C.E.O").
• Instructor for the California Code Enforcement Council ("C.C.E.C.") association.
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•
• Lecturer, L.A. County Fire Department - Fire Prevention.
Lecturer - Artesia, Baldwin Park and Montebello Crime Free Multi-Housing Programs.
• Lecturer - March, 2001 - CALBO Annual Business Meeting. • Lecturer - August, 2001 - L.A. County Housing Program.
Section 2 Services
2.1 DRI's philosophy and commitment are to obtain voluntary code compliance whenever possible. The arts of persuasion and diplomacy are utilized with great success to achieve this objective and to either avoid or conclude litigation. This is evidenced by the fact that the DRL starts less than ten (10) jury trials a year.
2.2 DRL adapts to each city's code enforcement program and regards itself as a "team player."
2.3 DRL is typically asked to provide the following services:
• Oversee investigations and analyze legal issues.
• Issue "compliance letters" to violators who have ignored staff notices of violations.
• Conduct compliance conferences with violators at City Hall. • Obtain inspection warrants from a court when consent to 2 •
enter private property is refused and abatement warrants when city forces elect to abate a public nuisance.
• Prosecute violators (whether actions are commenced by citation or complaint) to obtain court imposed conditions of probation that achieve code compliance.
Initiate probation violation hearings for future code
violations that are in disregard of conditions of probation. • At the request of the city attorney, file civil actions in the superior court to declare and enjoin the continuing
commission of a public nuisance. This extends to almost any type of prohibited condition or activity since municipal codes provide that any violation thereof is unlawful and a public nuisance.
At the request of the city attorney, seek the appointment of a receiver to oversee and cause the abatement of housing code violations.
• Provide comments to staff regarding proposed conditions to permits and licenses, particularly when future code
compliance is of concern.
• At the request of the city attorney, represent staff at administrative proceedings to declare and abate a public nuisance and for the revocation of a permit or license. • Review existing and proposed ordinances for code
enforcement issues.
3 •
• If requested, provide training to staffpersons to promote effective code enforcement procedures. Topics may include review and analysis of frequently used codes, proper
inspections of code violations, the selection of the best remedy, report writing, techniques for eliciting prompt voluntary compliance and testimony in court.
2.4 DRL seeks the recovery of staff investigative costs in obtaining code compliance as part of the disposition of court cases. Depending on the size of the code enforcement program, this can amount to thousands of dollars a year.
2.5 Steven Rosenblit would be the firm's designated attorney for the city. The services of associates would be utilized as needed.
Section 3 Experience
3.1 DRL brings over thirty (30) years of code enforcement experience, and the resulting wisdom and sound judgment, to each municipal client. This enables the firm to expeditiously resolve routine and complex code enforcement cases and to reduce the need for, and duration of, litigation. Attorney's fees are thus substantially conserved.
3.2 DRL's experience is also demonstrated by effective communication and advocacy. In our contact with the public, we cultivate a sense of civic responsibility so that persons do not violate municipal codes in the first place and, should this occur, they voluntarily and promptly fulfill their legal obligations. The firm discharges its responsibilities to each city by:
• Promptly returning telephone calls and responding to
....
questions or assignments.
.4
•
Counseling each client on the best remedy or solution to a code enforcement problem.
• Providing staff with copies of our communications to
violators or their attorneys. This includes written updates regarding court appearances and other case developments. • Always discussing options to resolve a case with staff before acting on same.
• Providing a client with a monthly case summary.
Identifying possible civil ramifications in a code enforcement matter and promptly reporting same to the city attorney. • Advising each client on the need for new legislation or the amendment of existing ordinances with regard to code
enforcement matters.
3.3 DRL has served the following clients:
CITY SERVICES COMMENCING
1. Huntington Park 1979
2. Cudahy 1986
3. South El Monte 1986
…....
5 4. West Hollywood
1986
5. San Marino
1988
Artesia 1989
Bell
1989
8. Lynwood 1990
9. South Gate 1991
10. Commerce 1997
11. Monterey Park 1991
12. Carson 1991
13. Hesperia 1992
14. Agoura Hills 1992
15. Bellflower 1993
16. Baldwin Park 1993
17. Bell Gardens 1993
18. Malibu 1993
19. Cerritos 1994
6 :.. •
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20. Hawaiian Gardens 1994
21. Beverly Hills 1994
22. Rancho Cucamonga (as special counsel) 1994
23. Sierra Madre 1995
24. Irwindale 1995
25. Hemet 1995
26. Montebello 1995
27. Pomona 1995
28. La Habra Heights 1996
29. Los Alamitos 1997
30. Costa Mesa (as special counsel) 1997
31. Compton 1997
32. Lomita (as special counsel) 1997
33. Temple City 1997
34. The City of Big Bear Lake 1997
•
•
35. Pacifica 1998
36. San Dimas 1999
37. Palmdale 1999
38. Culver City 2000
39. Monrovia 2001
40. L.A. County Housing Program 2001
41. Benecia (Special Counsel 2001
42. La Canada Flintridge 2002
.....
43. San Bruno 2002
44. Pleasant Hill 2002
45. Diamond Bar 2002
46. Colma 2003
3.4 DRL has successfully resolved thousands of cases involving the following:
Building Codes
• Illegal garage conversions, room additions, structural hazards, alterations or other construction without all
required permits and approvals.
... •
• Unpermitted conversion/expansion of tenant dwellings, garages and other structures.
• Actions in disregard of stop work orders.
• Maintenance of unsafe buildings.
• Hazardous excavations and embankments. Grading without all required reports, permits and approvals.
Zoning Codes
• Improper uses in all residential, commercial and other zones. • Violations of conditional use permits, temporary use
permits, variances and site plan approvals.
¿...
• Illegal outdoor storage.
• The use of illegal screening or fencing materials.
• The display of signs without permits or which are otherwise illegal.
• The establishment or intensification of a use on property without submitting to a site plan or other review process.
Fire Codes
• Overcrowding in places of public assembly.
• Failure to install or maintain department approved fire 9 • • • •
alarms systems and/or sprinklers in commercial structures. • Maintaining obstructions to fire doors & fire apparatus. • Improper storage of flammable substances and the
maintenance of other fire hazards.
Property Maintenance & Health Codes
• Maintaining structures in a state of disrepair or
deterioration.
• Maintaining unsanitary premises.
• Accumulations of junk, trash, debris and discarded items o noperable vehicles in yard areas
• Overgrown vegetation.
• Prohibited outdoor storage.
Specially Regulated Activities
• Activities by fortune-tellers, dance halls/club operators, junk dealers, arcade operators, private security operators, motel operators, masseurs, escort services and valet operators without the required permits, or in violation of conditions thereof.
• Illegal activities by taxi operators, refuse haulers and bus bench providers.
10 •
• Activities without special event and/or entertainment permits.
License and Tax Codes
• Unlicensed business operations.
• Non-compliant hotel operators.
• Failure to pay delinquent business taxes or transient occupancy taxes and penalties.
• Illegal home occupations.
Miscellaneous Matters
...
• Working with police/sheriff agencies to abate narcotic and red light nuisance violations.
• Police citations for noise disturbances, illegal peddling, drinking in public, aggressive panhandling, illegal use of public property and vicious dog bite cases.
Representing staff in administrative proceedings involving tax issues, nuisance abatement actions, permit revocations and appeals.
Defending cities in mandamus proceedings in the superior court.
• Representing appellants and respondents in governmental and private party appeals.
11 Formulating or revising code enforcement programs.
• Assisting task force programs (police, fire, building planning, county health and state agencies) to reduce crime and
related Housing and Building Code violations.
Overseeing "sting" operations by police/sheriff personnel regarding motel operators and illegal massage parlors.
• Presenting cases to district attorneys for possible state code misdemeanor and felony offenses.
• Prosecuting injunctive actions in the superior court to abate continuing public nuisances
• Prosecuting related state code misdemeanor offenses with district attorney approval pursuant to Government Code.
Section 41803.5, if asked to do so by a city.
• Implementing cost recovery programs.
• Analyzing ordinances, or proposed amendments thereto, for code enforcement issues. Such reviews have been undertaken for zoning, fire, license, narcotic nuisance and property maintenance codes.
3.5 The following results also indicate the breadth of the firm's experience in the field of code enforcement:
• Illegal hospital/medical facilities were closed.
....
• Illegally operated massage parlors were closed.
12 An unlicensed and unpermitted tatoo parlor was closed.
Our firm successfully defended a lawsuit to overturn a city's closure of two massage parlors.
A property owner demolished a structurally unsafe
apartment building, by reason of a successfully negotiated plea agreement.
• Delinquent transient occupancy taxes exceeding $320,000 have been recovered from delinquent hotel operators.
Delinquent business taxes exceeding $3,000,000 have been recovered in the past thirty-six months from business
operators.
Typically, violators are convicted, placed on probation and, as conditions thereof, ordered to correct all outstanding code violations, obey all laws, as well as pay fines to the court clerk and restitution to the city for investigative costs.
Section 4 Proposed Fees and Costs.
4.1 A monthly retainer is not requested. The firm proposes to charge an hourly rate of $130.00 for attorney time, except for travel time to City Hall or court which would be charged at the hourly rate of $100.00. Attorney's fees are conserved whenever possible by scheduling several matters/appointments for a given day. DRL also utilizes toll free phone and fax numbers for use by staff and the public.
13 4.2 Miscellaneous Costs.
Attorney Service Charges - As incurred (our cost) for service of arraignment notices, the filing of pleadings in court and the procurement of public records from governmental agencies or court reporters, when needed, for a particular case.
Commercial Data Base Providers - Our firm is often asked by staff to conduct public record searches (via DSL lines) to identify property owners or the form of business operations, as well as to locate violators. Non-lawyer staff time is billed at the rate of $15.00 for each request/search, in addition to the actual charges of the service provider which are passed through to the city at cost. It should be noted that these providers are not utilized if staff provides the firm with the needed information to carry out a particular assignment.
On-Line Legal Research Charges - As incurred.
Copier charges - 20 cents a page; Faxes - 25 cents a page.
Extraordinary expenses, with prior city approval for:
Any third party expert witness or consulting fee.
• Any court reporter or transcript fees.
Any exhibit preparation or photograph expense.
Kenneth B. Dapeer is authorized to execute this proposal on behalf of the firm.
Dated: August 19, 2003 Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LLP
Kohl i Daper. Partner
14 The City of
BARSTOW
AGENDA MATTER:
PROPOSAL FROM DAPEER, ROSENBLIT & LITVAK, LLP TO PROVIDE LEGAL
SERVICES TO ENFORCE BARSTOW MUNICIPAL CODE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Barstow does not currently enjoy the services of an attorney to prosecute violations of the Barstow Municipal Code. Due to this lack of prosecution, many ordinances have become unenforceable and this lack of enforcement has created a variety of problems in the Barstow community.
DISCUSSION:
For many years, the City of Barstow has not had an effective municipal code prosecution effort.
This has resulted in a number of public nuisances, such as illegal dumping, overgrown vegetation, dead trees and other conditions that result in a detriment to neighborhoods to continue for an extended period and has created an unfavorable environment in our community. Additionally, a number of ordinances related to peace, morals, and safety, such as curfew, loitering, drinking in public, and illegally discarded refrigerators, have not been enforced due to a lack of legal support and prosecution.
Dapeer, Rosenblit, & Latvak, LLP, (DRL) has submitted a proposal to provide legal services to enforce the Barstow Municipal Code necessary to insure code compliance. Their proposal does not require a monthly retainer. These services would be billed according to the specific services rendered. DRu provides similar services for a number of Southern California cities, including Hesperia and Big Bear in San Bernardino County.
For the remainder of FY 03/04 staff does not expect the costs of this program to exceed $10,000.
Funds collected from the administrative citation program and fines collected from prosecution of municipal code violations could be used to fund this program. If the costs of this program in FY 03/04 exceeds the funds collected from administrative and criminal citations the remainder would be funded through the general fund contingency account.
Beginning in FY 04/05, a budget for this program will be developed as part of the City's budget process, and will be based upon our experience this year.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Accept the proposal and authorize Mayor to sign an agreement with Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LLP.
PROPOSED BY FUNDS BUDGETED FUNDS REMAINING MEETING DATE Chieft Gipson Al September 15, 2003
C.M. APPROVAL AMOUNT REQUIRED CATEGORY ITEM NUMBER
Vijay Singhal, ICM- Police
:
OFFICES
DAPEER, ROSENBLIT & LITVAK, LLP
METROPOLITAN CMES OFFICE: PLEASE DIRECT ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO WEST LOS ANGELES OFFICE:
2770 E. SLAUSON AVENUE ORL MAIL CENTER 11500 W. OLYMPIC BLVD.. SUITE 550 HUNTINGTON PARK. CA 90255-3089 HUATION PARK. C0902853090 LOS ANGELES, CA 90064. 152 STEVEN H. ROSENBLIT
тоМ ПО 05-03Е МО
TOLL FREE FACSIMILE NO
(888) 700•5188
August 19, 2003
Vijay Singhal
City of Barstow
220 East Mountain View St.
Barstow, CA 92311
Re: Code Enforcement and City Prosecutor Services
Dear Mr. Singhal:
Enclosed herewith, please find an original and four copies of our proposal for services. This document sets forth our qualifications, services, the firm's experience, and our proposed fees and costs. A summary of important points about our firm is as follows:
Over thirty (30) years of code enforcement experience while representing forty-six (46) cities in six (6) counties.
Full range of pre-litigation services designed to obtain code compliance as soon as possible with the conservation of attorney's fees. Our firm excels in obtaining results without resorting to court actions.
Full scope of litigation services utilizing a city's administrative, civil/injunctive and criminal remedies.
Extensive background as instructors regarding code enforcement and nuisance abatement procedures, as well as legal and cost recovery issues.
Excellent relationship with city attorneys.
Proposed compensation for all attorneys is $130.00 an hour without a monthly retainer. Travel time is charged at $100.00 an hour. -
Vijay Singhal
City of Barstow
.po..
August 19, 2003
Page Two
I am also providing you with a Statement of References, seven letters of recommendation and one letter of commendation as part of our proposal package. 1 am • also forwarding a duplicate original of this proposal to Chief Lee Gibson.
Thank you considering our firm as a possible provider of code enforcement services. If you have any questions regarding our proposal, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely yours,
Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LLP
Kenneth B. Dapeer
Encis.
:
STATEMENT OF REFERENCES
City Managers
Dave Adams, Agoura Hills (818) 597-7300
Maria Dadian, Artesia City Manager (562) 865-6262
Mark Scott, Beverly Hills (310) 285-1012
Dennis Davis, Cerritos A/City Manager (562) 916-1021
Robert Dominguez, Los Alamitos (562) 431-3538
Chris Jeffers, Monterey Park (626) 307-1256
City Attorneys
Larry Wiener, Beverly Hills (310) 285-1055
Mark Steres, Monterey Park (A/City Attorney) (213) 687-2100 Cecilia Guick, Pacifica (650) 738-7308
Kevin Ennis, Artesia (213) 626-8484
Stephen Deitsch, Big Bear Lake (909) 686-1450
Wm. Matthew Ditzhazy, Palmdale (661) 267-5108
Cesar Bertaud, Senior Deputy, Palmdale (661) 267-5108
Pamela Thompson, San Bruno (650) 616-7057
Debra Margolis, Pleasant Hill (925) 671-5270
Department Heads
Agoura Hun, Director of Community Development
(562) 597-7300
Beverly Hills
Ron Clark, Director of Building & Safety (310) 285-1172 Don Oblander, Director of Finance (310) 285-2411
Big Bear Lake
Philip K. Mosley, Chief Building Official (909) 866-5831 ext. 134
Carson
Mike Preston, Director of Public Safety (310) 952-1786
Hemet
Greg Flannery, Code Enforcement (909) 765-2339
Malibu
Vic Peterson, Building Official (310) 456-2489
ext. 257
MonterCy Pera, Community Development Director (626) 307-1327 Montebello
Tonya Pace, Planning Division (323) 887-1475
Pacifica
Steven Brandvold, Building Official (650) 738-7344
San Marino
Dave Saldana, Planning & Building Director (626) 300-0710 South Gate
William Campana, Building Official (323) 563-9514
Veronica Lopez, Programs Manager (323) 563-9549
Law Enforcement
Frank Wills - Chief, San Marino P.D. (626) 300-0720
Albert Munoz-Flores - Lieutenant, Beverly Hills P.D. (310) 285-2176 Michael Stedman - Captain, Baldwin Park P.D. (626) 813-5226 2 :.
Staff
Agoura Hills
Tony Falcone, Building Official (562) 597-7332
Beverly Hills
Bart Swanson, Code Enforcement Manager (310) 285-1173
John Shea, Senior Code Enforcement Officer (310) 285-1146 Chris Castner, Collections Specialist (310) 285-2430
Tedi Wheeler, Collections Specialist (310) 285-2425
Carson
Anita Kincherlow, Code Enforcement Supervisor (310) 830-7600 Nate Williams, Business License Officer/C.E.O. (310) 830-7600 Cerritos
Pam Douglass, Code Enforcement Officer (562) 916-1203
Mike Rittel, Code Enforcement Officer (562) 916-1203
Commerce
Denise Miley, Sr. Code Enforcement Officer (323) 722-4805 Lynwood
Jorge Arellano, Code Enforcement Officer (310) 603-0220 Malibu
Craig George, Sr. Building Inspector (310) 456-2489
Gail Sumpter, Code Enforcement Officer (310) :456-2489
Montebello
William Naylor, Code Enforcement Officer (323) 887-1490 West Hollywood
Sam Taylor, Code Enforcement Officer (323) 848-6459
CITY F
AGGURA HILLS
"Gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area" October 18, 2001
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for Steven H. Rosenblit To Whom It May Concern:
Steven Rosenblit, with the firm Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak LLP has served the City of Agoura Hills since 1992. I am continuously impressed with the professionalism of this firm and proud of the way they have represented our City. I have personally worked with Steve since 1997 on numerous cases involving all aspects of building code enforcement.
He is always meticulous and judicious. He is assertive when called for, yet sensitive when needed, always cognizant of our citizen's rights and receptive to the information they bring to him. He possesses the right combination of knowledge, experience, skill and personality traits which in my opinion makes him the optimum City prosecutor.
Steve and his firm are in tune with our local courts and judges, and know the specific requirements needed to successfully bring a case to prosecution or obtain a warrant.
Whenever we have had a time sensitive case Steve will always do whatever is necessary to meet the deadline. I have worked for numerous jurisdictions over the past 17 years, and it is my pleasure to state that I have never worked with a more professional or competent prosecuting attorney.
Please feel free to contact me at 818-597-7332 or [email protected] for further information.
Sincerely,
Falcon
Tony Falcone, Building Official
City of Agoura Hills
30001 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 • Telephone (818) 597-7300 • Fax (818) 597-7352 e-mail: ci.agoura-hills.ca.us
CITY F
AGOURA HILLS
"Gaseway to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area" October 16, 2001
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for Steven H. Rosenblit To Whom It May Concern:
It is with great pleasure that I give Steven H. Rosenblit and the firm Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak LLP, my highest recommendation for City Prosecuting Attorney services. I have known Steve since 1992 when the City of Agoura Hills first entered into a contract with his firm to serve as the City Prosecutor. Over the past nine years his firm has handled almost 400 municipal code enforcement cases. He has done an outstanding job in his role as City Prosecuting Attorney and has consistently accomplished compliance within the timelines specified by the City:
Steve serves as an excellent extension to our City code enforcement staff and always looks for ways to most effectively and efficiently gain compliance. He communicates well with and provides training and education for our code enforcement staff. He keeps thorough records of all cases, files all court documents, makes court appearances, and performs follow-up services. Steve is very knowledgeable in his field, is extremely responsive to our needs and timelines, and treats all cases small and large with equal importance.
It is without hesitation that I recommend Steve Rosenblit and the firm of Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak LLP. If you should require additional information, please feel free to contact me at (818) 597-7321.
Sincerely
Mike Kamino
Mike Kamino, Director of Planning & Community Development City of Agoura Hills
30001 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 • Telephone (818) 597-7300 • Fax (818) 597-7352 e-mail: ci.agoura-hills.ca.us
:
BUILDING AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT RONALD B. CLARI
455 N. Rexford Drive Director of Building and Safet!
Beverly Hills, CA 90210-4817 (310) 285-1141
FAX: (310) 273-097:
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
February 3, 2000
Re: Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LLP
To Whom It May Concern:
The : law firm of Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LLP has served as City Prosecutor for the City of Beverly Hills for more than five (5) years.
The firm was • recommended to the City by the City's long-time contract City Attorney, Richards, Watson & Gershon, when it at tore city became clear that the ( City required the services of attorneys who specialize in the resolution/prosecution of municipal code violations.
Since Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, ILP joined the City team, the timely handling of municipal code violations has dramatically changed for the better. Not only are violations handled in a much more timely and effective manner, but a large amount of revenue is returned to the City in the process.
While I have had the pleasure of working most frequently with Mr.
Steven Rosenblit, who has taught me and my staff a great deal about the law and how to more effectively deal with a wide variety of municipal code violations, I have also had the opportunity to work with other attorneys in the firm. They are all extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and proficient at what they do.
To Whom It May Concern:
Recommendation of Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LLP
February 3, 2000
In summary, I couldn't be more pleased with the expert legal advice and services provided to the department by the firm of Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LUP. I can unequivocally, and without hesitation, recommend their services to anyone.
Sincerely,
Strald Blark
Ronald B. Clark
Citp of San Marino
Planning & Building Departmnent
February 2, 2000
To Whơm It May Concern:
The Law Offices of Dapeer, Rosenblit, and Lityak, LLP, have been providing the City of San Marino with City Prosecutor/Code Enforcement services for approximately 10 years My department is charged with condüciing code enforcement activities. San Marino, as you may know, is an upper income single-family residential community that prides itself in a high level of property maintenance and enforces some of the strictest laws in the State of California. I have found Dapeer, Rosenblit, and Litvak, LLP., to be a natural :
extension of the City staff when enforcing our laws. What really sets them apart from Jarger law firns is their commitment to individualized service. On most occasions my staff and I are dealing directly witt one of the firm's principals, which is extraordinary. I highly recommend you seriousły consider Dapeer, Rosenblit, and Litvak, LLP, when considering the need for City Prosecutor services.
Sincerely,
Wl sallano
David A. Saldañia, AICP
Planning and Building Director
C:lmydóc cr-ltr of recommendation
2200 Huntington Drive, San Marinio, CA 91108-2691 •Phone: (626) 300-0711 Fax: (626)282-3587 City of South Gate
8650 CALIFORNIA AVENUE • SOUTH GATE, CA 90280-3074 × (213) 563-9571
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND SAFETY
ENCARNACION "CHON" CERVANTES
DIRECTOR/BUILDING OFFICIAL
January 31,2000
To Whom It May Concern;
RE: The Law Offices of Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LLP.
In 1992, the City of South Gate retained the services of Dapeer, Rosenblit &Litvak, LLP, Preservation Attorneys to assist the Building and Safety Department's Code Enforcement Division
The law firm is an exceptional group of Lawyers that are dedicated, creative, professional and responsive with the highest integrity. Without a doubt, the City has gained an asset that without their assistance, code compliance would be hard to come by. In fact, the City's code compliance increased dramatically when they became involved in the program.
They enhanced the program, improved it and the program continues to be a success in that it has gain creditability and respect with the community and staff. Thanks to them, the City's Code Enforcement team has gain knowledge with respect to using proper procedures that ultimately, prevents and protects the City from liability.
I highly recommend the Law Offices of Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LUP. This law firm would be a valuable addition and an asset to any organization.
If there is any questions or additional information, please call me at this office:
Sincerely,
Granpatr Gendar
Encarnacion "Chøn" Cervantes
Director/Building Official
cc: file
City of Malibu
23555 Civic Center Way, Malibu, California 90265-4804
(310) 456-2489 Extension 25 1 Fax (310) 456-3356
ENVIRONMENTAL AND BUILDING SAFETY SERVICES
Victor Peterson, Building Official
October 24, 2001
To Whom It May Concern:
The law firm of Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak has provided City Prosecutor services to the City of Malibu since 1993. The services they have provided to the City and the assistance they have provided to our Code Enforcement program have been outstanding.
The attorneys in this firm are all very responsive. They provide regular status reports and never fail to respond in a timely manner to our inquiries. On more than one occasion, we have had to request their assistance on an urgent basis and they have never failed to come through. For example, last year the City Council scheduled a community workshop regarding Code Enforcement issues. Despite the short notice, the DRL firm helped us plan and put on a presentation which was very effective.
I have worked with many of the attorneys in the DRL firm. Each one has proved to be capable and helpful. The fact that there are a number of attorneys to call on is very helpful in that a prompt response to our inquiries is always available.
I have no hesitation in recommending the services of the Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Very truly yours,
Nite Siteron
Victor Peterson
Building Official
THE CITY OF ARTESIA, CALIFORNIA
18747 CLARKDALE AVENUE, ARTESIA, CALIFORNIA 90701
CALIS Telephone 562 / 865-6262
FAX 562 / 865-6240
"Service Builds Tomorrow's Progress"
April 4, 2002
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
The law firm of Dapeer and Rosenblit has been serving in the capacity of City Prosecutor's for the City of Artesia well over eight years. During this time, I have had the privilege of working with the firm's professional and efficient team of attorney's.
They have served us well and have certainly enhanced the welfare and quality of life of our residents.
When asked to provide a letter of recommendation, 1 readily agreed. The firm is a definite asset to any organization in accomplishing abatement of nuisances in the community, recommending codes and ordinances, training enforcement personal in the application of city codes, working in a team effort with City staff to produce successful outcomes, and more importantly prosecuting violators of City Codes. You can be assured that your organization will benefit by their services.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (562) 865-6262.
Piladiai
City Manager
:
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
FIRE
FIRE DEPARTMENT
1320 NORTH EASTERN AVENUE
_OS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90063-329
CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT
(323) 890-4144
P. MICHAEL FREEMAN
FIRE CHIEF
FORESTER & FIRE WARDEN
March 7, 2000
Mr. Steve H. Rosenblit, City Prosecutor
City of Palmdale
38300 N. Sierra Highway
Palmdale, CA 93550
Dear Mr. Rosenblit:
SUBJECT: COMMENDATION LETTER
I'm writing to thank you for your support with the Antelope Valley Mall (AVM) fire alarm citation that was issued in January. Due to the swift action by your office, cooperation from the AVM was immediately obtained, even though repeated attempts to attain compliance had already been made by fire alarm inspectors from this Department.
Protecting the public from fires or other hazards is this Department's goal and because of your involvement, I feel confident that public safety has been secured. Thank you again for assisting us in meeting our goal of protecting the public.
Very truly yours,
i rulee TOR
ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF ROBERT J. NEW
FIRE MARSHAL
FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION
RJN:fm
c: Robert Toone, City Manager
SERVING THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND THE CITIES OF:
ACTUA HILLS CALABASS ODEN HIL ANUATE PALS EROES ESTATE: TEMPLE CI
GUANO BAR INTINGTON PA A PUENTE WALNUT
CARSON INDUSTRY LAWNDALE PARAMOUNT WEST HOLI
BLOWN PARK CLAREMONT GLENDORA EL MONTE RWINDALE LOMITA PICO RIVERA WESTLAKE
LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE MALIBU POMONA WHITTIER
RANCHA PAI AS VERDES SOUTH EL MONTE