“Last night, Silver Lake joined the growing ranks of L.A.’s neighborhood councils that favor legalized beekeeping. Mar Vista, Del Rey, Greater Griffith Park, South Robertson, and Silver Lake have each now signed on to resolutions supporting “the legalization of urban beekeeping in Los Angeles and urges all City of Los Angeles Council Members to direct the City Planning Department to revise codes to allow residents to keep honeybees as part of an effort to ensure the survival of this vital species.”
In its statement of support, the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council cited “increased pollination of backyard fruit trees, a healthier environment and a microbusiness opportunity for Los Angeles residents.” Reason against: “Approximately 2 percent of the population has the susceptibility to anaphylactic shock caused by bee venom which can be life threatening and necessitate emergency treatment.”
Maybe it’s not surprising that Silver Lake loves beekeeping. An at-large rep and outreach committee member, Leonardo Chalupowicz, lists himself as “a local LEED accredited architect, artist, and amateur beekeeper.” But it probably wouldn’t have happened without Honeylove. They argue all over town that the city is the last refuge for the honeybee.
I profiled the fledgling almost-not-quite-in-process nonprofit Honeylove last September. Chelsea & Rob McFarland say they’re still working on their nonprofit status, but they’ve got more momentum in more parts of town (and a new website) to back them up. Next up for Honeylove and bee-lovin’ bee-lievers of Los Angeles: they’ll amass at the neighborhood council meeting for Hollywood United on Monday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. After that, it’s Studio City in April.”