We need to hold our public officials accountable for decisions that affect the quality of our lives. The Neighborhood Councils are one avenue to address local concerns. They were created in 1999 as part of the City Charter reforms. These reforms were fueled by the City secession movement in the San Fernando Valley, and the growing resentment by homeowners and local businesses to City land use and development policies. In spite of the huge geographic area, and the lukewarm support provided by the City thus far, the Neighborhood Council movement is growing. To date over 100 Neighborhood Councils have applied for or completed certification. Each Council receives $50,000 in funds for community projects, outreach activities and administrative expenses.

Any person who lives, works, or owns property within the boundary of a Council is a "stakeholder," and can vote on Council positions. The responsibility of the Board of Directors of each Council is to determine those issues, needs, and concerns that are important to the stakeholders and to communicate them to the responsible City officials. There are direct lines of communication between the Councils and elected officials and City departments, and there is an "early notification system" to make certain that City Hall does nothing to impact the neighborhood without first letting the Council express its views.

We encourage you to attend your local Council meetings and find out what is happening in your neighborhood. If there are issues the WLADC should take on, please let us know. We can form a committee to lobby City officials, or support the Councils on issues they are struggling with.

There are currently 8 Neighborhood Councils within our 11th Council District. Some of the most active include the Neighborhood Councils of Westchester/Playa del Rey, Mar Vista, Del Rey, and Palms. The Department of Neighborhood Empowerment website (www.lacity.org/done) provides a listing of all neighborhood Councils, rosters, maps and boundaries, and meeting schedules. Some of the issues the Councils have addressed include:

• LAX expansion proposals
• Sea Glass Condominium development at Toes Beach in Playa del Rey
• Jets at Santa Monica Airport
• Beautification of median strips
• DASH buses to provide public transportation

Be a good neighbor, and help make your community a better place for all of us!
If you would like more information about forming a committee around YOUR issue, contact Rose Marie Dela Pena, 310.390.3849 or email localissues@wladems.org.