City Clerk to Administer NC Elections

TO: Neighborhood Council Board Members

FROM: BongHwan (BH) Kim, Interim General Manager, Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE)

RE: Neighborhood Council Elections to be Administered by City Clerk Beginning in April, 2008

December 21, 2007

Dear Neighborhood Council Board Members,

On December 18, 2007, the Los Angeles City Council approved a package of recommendations from the Neighborhood Council Review Commission (NCRC). Perhaps most significant among those adopted recommendations, with possible immediate impact on your Neighborhood Council, is the recommendation that the City Clerk of Los Angeles assume responsibility for conducting Neighborhood Council elections beginning in 2008.

The adoption of this recommendation is a groundbreaking change to the Neighborhood Council system and will usher in an era of new partnerships with City Departments, an expansion of resources available to Neighborhood Councils, and a re-orientation of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment towards assisting Neighborhood Councils with the community engagement mission for which they were created.

This adopted reform will also mean a time of transition for Neighborhood Councils and the Department In the coming weeks, our Department, in conjunction with the Offices of the City Clerk and the City Attorney, will share with you all relevant information as it becomes available. In the meantime, your board should immediately consider the following information:

1) Summary of the transitional phases adopted by the City Council, and how they will affect Neighborhood Council election schedules.

2) Summary of the immediate actions your board may wish to take in the first month of 2008.

3) List of additional resources you may refer to for more comprehensive information on the election transition program.

Above all, we look forward to partnering with you as we move into the next phase of neighborhood empowerment. Please do not hesitate to contact your Neighborhood Council Advocate for assistance or for further information regarding any aspect of the election transition.

PHASES OF ELECTION TRANSITION

The NCRC election recommendation approved by City Council, when adopted by ordinance, will result in the City Clerk conducting Neighborhood Council elections during the 2nd quarter of 2008 and in every even-numbered year thereafter for all Neighborhood Councils.

During the transitional year, 2008, the City Clerk's office will begin to assume the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment's administrative election duties. In 2008, the City Clerk's office will be responsible for conducting some NC elections and the Department will have the responsibility for approving and assisting others according to the transitional phases below:

* Elections in January-March, 2008: Neighborhood Councils scheduled to elect board members during the first quarter of 2008 will hold elections under the current process outlined in the Citywide Election Procedures, conducted by an Independent Election Administrator with administrative approval and assistance from DONE.
* Elections in April-June, 2008: The City Clerk will conduct elections scheduled during the second quarter of the year, under procedures recommended by the City Clerk
* Elections in July- December 31, 2008: Neighborhood Councils whose elections are scheduled for these months may select one of the three (3) options listed below.

Neighborhood Councils must notify the City Clerk of their election option NO LATER THAN February 1, 2008:

(i) Move election forward to 2nd quarter of 2008 to be conducted by the City Clerk. To do this, your board must make, DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY, 2008, the necessary bylaw amendments to adopt the new election schedule.

(ii) Extend the terms of current board members to 2010, so that the City Clerk conducts your election in 2010. To do this, your board must amend its bylaws to adopt the schedule change.

(iii) Proceed with elections as currently scheduled under the current process in the Citywide Election Procedures. Your Independent Election Administrator will conduct these elections with administrative approval and assistance from DONE.

ACTION STEPS YOUR BOARD MAY WISH TO TAKE IMMEDIATELY

1. Ensure that any election-related bylaw amendments that your board may wish or need to adopt are placed on your January, 2008 meeting agenda.

2. If your regular meeting schedule does not allow for sufficient time to consider possible amendments, your board may choose to schedule a special meeting at a later date in the month of January. Be sure to review your own bylaws to note whether your Neighborhood Council may adopt bylaw amendments at a special meeting, or whether your board MUST adopt bylaw amendments at a regular meeting of the board.

3. Review attached information for a more comprehensive background on the election transition.

4. Consult with your Neighborhood Council Advocate for additional assistance and/or information. In particular, your Neighborhood Council Advocate can help with any bylaw amendments your board may need to make quickly in order to modify your current election schedule and/or provisions

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES FOR YOUR BOARD

Beginning December 24, 2007, please find the below-listed documents on our Department's website. Our website address is: www.lacityneighborhoods.com

You may also request that the Department forward the following documents to your electronic mail address.

1) Addendum re: Election Transition for Neighborhood Councils-This correspondence outlines more comprehensive election-related bylaw adjustments your board should consider immediately and in the longer term.

2) Report from the City Clerk-This report outlines the City Clerk's vision of how his office will conduct Neighborhood Council elections during and after the transitional phases.

3) Department of Neighborhood Empowerment Report to City Council Re: NCRC Recommendations-This report summarizes the Department's anticipated reforms and activities as related to NCRC recommendations.

4) Report from the Chief Legislative Analyst-This report analyzes the procedural and legislative aspects of City Council's adoption of the NCRC recommendations.

LAUSD New Construction Project

LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
New Construction - Community Outreach Department: Pre-Construction Notice

Central Region Elementary School #15
About the Project: The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is building a new elementary school at 1723 W. Cordova Street (corner of Budlong Avenue and Cordova Street), Los Angeles, CA 90007. The project consists of 23 classrooms, a library, multi-purpose room, food service and lunch shelter, administration, playfields, and underground parking. The new school will relieve overcrowding at 10th Street Elementary School, Magnolia Elementary School and Politi Elementary School.

Construction Schedule: Construction is scheduled to start in March 2008. Construction completion is scheduled for January 2010.

Hours of Construction: In accordance with regulations related to construction
work in the City of Los Angeles, construction activity will take place between the
hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The construction crew may work restricted hours on weekends as needed.

Whom do I call if I have questions? If you have any questions, please call Steven Song of LAUSD Community Outreach at (213) 893-6834 or toll-free (800) 704-1267.

For more information about this project, please attend a community meeting on: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 6:00 pm at:
Salvin Special Education Center (Auditorium)
1925 Budlong Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90007

AVISO SOBRE EL INICIO DE LA CONSTRUCCIÓN

Central Region Elementary School #15
Resumen sobre el proyecto: El Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Angeles (LAUSD) está construyendo una nueva escuela primaria en 1723 W. Cordova Street (en la esquina de Budlong Avenue y Cordova Street), Los Angeles, CA 90007. El proyecto consiste de 23 salones, biblioteca, salón multi-usos, servicios alimenticios y un lugar bajo techo para el almuerzo, administración, áreas de juego y estacionamiento subterráneo. La nueva escuela aliviará la sobrepoblación estudiantil en las primarias 10th Street, Magnolia y Politi.

Jornadas de trabajo: La construcción está programada para comenzar en Marzo de 2008. La construcción está programada para terminar en Enero de 2010.

Horario de Construcción: De acuerdo con los reglamentos referentes al trabajo de construcción en la ciudad de Los Angeles, la mayoría del trabajo de demolición se hará entre 7:00 a.m. y 9:00 p.m., de lunes a viernes y entre 8:00 a.m. y 6:00 p.m. los sábados. Sólo si es absolutamente necesario se trabajará durante los fines de semana.

¿Con quién hablo si tengo preguntas? Si tiene preguntas sobre este proyecto, por favor llame a Steven Song de LAUSD Community Outreach al (213) 893-6834 o gratis al (800) 704-1267.

Para más informes sobre este proyecto, asista a la junta que se llevará a cabo el: Miércoles, 16 de Enero de 2008 al 6:00 pm en:
Salvin Special Education Center (Auditorio)
1925 Budlong Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90007

Expo Line: Farmdale Crossing Meeting

The Exposition Construction Authority invites you to a presentation to review the grade crossing alternatives proposed for Farmdale Avenue for the Exposition Light Rail Line.

Date: Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: West Angeles Church of God in Christ
The Crystal Room
3045 Crenshaw Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90016

Church-owned parking lots and street parking are available within walking distance to the West Angeles Church’s Crystal Room.

EXPO Light Rail ProjectGovernment/Community Relations
CONTACT INFORMATION
Greg Starosky
Representative
Tel. 213-243-5534
gstarosky@exporail.net

Torri D. Hill
FCI/Fluor/Parsons, a JV
Tel. 323-290-7605
torri.hill@parsons.com

www.BuildExpo.org
213-922-EXPO (3976)

Climate Change

City of Los Angeles
Department of Public Works and Million Trees LA
present the
2007 Environmental Youth Conference
Climate Change:
How it impacts us now
How we can make a difference

December 8, 2007 - Saturday
7:00 am Registration
8:00 am - 1:00 pm Conference

Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall (Yorty Hall)
1201 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015

Admission is FREE for youth ages 12 to 21
For more information call 213.473.9950 or visit www.milliontreesla.org

Parks & Recreation Needs Your Input

YOUR PARKS...YOUR CITY...YOUR FUTURE
SUS PARQUES...SU CIUDAD...SU FUTURO

The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks wants your input...

The Citywide Community Needs Assessment will provide the City of Los Angeles with valuable information to be used in planning for the future and will contribute to the protection and expansion of Los Angeles’ 15,000 acres of existing parkland. Join us in shaping the future of parks in Los Angeles.

Please invite your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to the public meeting in your area. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your voice heard! The meeting will start promptly and will include a presentation and an interactive work session.

Refreshments will also be provided.

Este estudio proveerá a la ciudad de Los Angeles la información valiosa que se utilizará en la planificación para el futuro y contribuirá a la protección y a la ampliacion de parques existentes. Participe en planificar el futuro de parques en Los Ángeles.

Invitar por favor a tu familia, amigos, vecinos ycolegas a la reunión pública en tu área. ¡No pierda la oportunidad de comentar! ¡Su voz es importante! La reunión comenzará puntualmente e incluirá una presentación y una sesión interactiva del trabajo.

Los refrigerios también serán proporcionados.

For more information, please call 213-928-9136 or visit us online at www.laparks.org.

Para más información, por favor llamar 213-928-9136 o visitemos en línea en www.laparks.org.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! - ¡NECESITAMOS SU PARTICIPACION!

CITY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS
2007 CITYWIDE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMPLETE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
HORARIO DE TALLERES COMMUNITARIOS

COUNCIL DISTRICT 1
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2007
10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Lincoln Park Recreation Center
3501 Valley Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90031

COUNCIL DISTRICT 2
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2008
6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Studio City Recreation Center
12621 Rye St.
Studio City, CA 91604

COUNCIL DISTRICT 3
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2007
6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Woodland Hills Recreation Center
5858 Shoup Ave.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367

COUNCIL DISTRICT 4
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2007
6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Friendship Auditorium
3201 Riverside Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027

COUNCIL DISTRICT 5
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2008
6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Westwood Recreation Center
1350 Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025

COUNCIL DISTRICT 6
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2008
6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Sun Valley Recreation Center
8133 Vineland Ave.
Sun Valley, CA 91352

COUNCIL DISTRICT 7
THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2008
6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Ritchie Valens Recreation Center
10731 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
Pacoima, CA 91331

COUNCIL DISTRICT 8
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2008
10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Expo Center (EPICC)
3980 S. Menlo Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90037

COUNCIL DISTRICT 9
SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2008
10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Ross Snyder Recreation Center
1501 E. 41st St.
Los Angeles, CA 90011

COUNCIL DISTRICT 10
MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2008
6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Rancho Cienega Sport Complex Center
5001 Rodeo Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016

COUNCIL DISTRICT 11
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008
7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Stoner Recreation Center
1835 Stoner Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90025

COUNCIL DISTRICT 12
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2007
10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Mason Recreation Center
10500 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth, CA 91311

COUNCIL DISTRICT 13
SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2008
12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Glassell Park Recreation Center
3650 Verdugo Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90065

COUNCIL DISTRICT 14
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2007
6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Ramona Hall Community Center
4580 N. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90042

COUNCIL DISTRICT 15
THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2008
6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Peck Park Community Center
560 N. Western Ave.
San Pedro, CA 90732

YOUR PARKS..YOUR CITY..YOUR FUTURE

New Film: Angels in the Dust

The ARROYO SECO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL - Outreach Committee
Invites you to a screening of
ANGELS IN THE DUST
directed by Louise Hogarth.
RECEPTION 6pm
SCREENING 7PM
Followed by a talk/Q&A with the Director

Wednesday, October 24th 2007

JACK AND DENNY MULTI PURPOSE ROOM
Mount Washington Elementary School
3981 San Rafael Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90065

Angels in the Dust is a story of hope and healing in the face of a staggering crisis. AIDS is leaving entire South African villages decimated and thousands of children orphaned, with no adults to raise them. The inspiring story of Marion Cloete, a university-trained therapist who — with her husband and three daughters — fearlessly walked away from a privileged life in a wealthy Johannesburg suburb to build Botshabelo, an extraordinary village and school that provides shelter, food, and education to more than 550 South African children.

Check out www.dolfilms.org/angels/index.html

2nd ANNUAL "TASTE OF SOUL"

Come and join Supervisor Yvonne Burke & Councilmembers Bernard Parks, Jan Perry & Herb Wesson at the Greatest Street Scene Ever. Entertainment, Food Vendor &
Activities for All Ages!

When: Saturday October 13, 2007

Where: On Crenshaw Bl. between King Bl. & Rodeo Rd.

Sponsors: Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper, V100 Radio & McDonald's

Contact Info:
Brenda Marsh, Los Angeles Sentinel 323-299-3800 or
Debbie Beavers, 8th Council District 213-485-7616

Free PSAT Test

FREE PSAT SAMPLE TEST SEMINAR

When: Saturday, October 6 from 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Where: The Watts Branch Library

What: Prepare to take the new PSAT test by attending.

This is a FREE sample test of the PSAT.

Why: Princeton Review is providing this unique opportunity to improve your test score!

Alma Reaves Woods – Watts Branch
Los Angeles Public Library
10205 Compton Avenue
Compton, CA
(323) 789-2850

You Should Be a Harvard Student

Introducing the HBS 2+2 Program.

Now accepting applications from college juniors. As a friend of the Harvard Business School community, we are excited to share with you the launch of an innovative new program: HBS 2+2.

The HBS 2+2 Program targets talented college students who traditionally would not consider business education. The program accepts applications from college juniors for deferred admission to Harvard Business School. HBS 2+2 is positioned as a four-year experience comprising two years of work after the completion of an undergraduate degree followed by two years of immersion in our MBA Program.

Once students are admitted to HBS 2+2, they become connected to the HBS community and enjoy a range of program-specific benefits.

These benefits include dedicated career coaching and self-assessment, access to select recruiting partners, and two on-campus summer programs (after graduation and between the first and second year of work).

To learn more about the program, visit the 2+2 Program Website www.hbs.edu/mba/2%2b2/.

Additionally, we welcome you to download the HBS 2+2 Program brochure www.hbs.edu/mba/2+2/brochure.pdf .

Please feel free to contact us with any questions at
2plus2@hbs.edu.

Don't Believe the Hype!

From the 'Do Not Call Website' (www.donotcall.gov)

Despite Re-Circulating E-mail, It is Still Not Necessary to Register Cell Phone Numbers

As the number of phone numbers on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry surpassed 139 million, the Federal Trade Commission today reiterated that despite the claims made in e-mails circulating on the Internet, consumers should not be concerned that their cell phone numbers will be released to telemarketers at any time in the near future. In addition, according to the agency, it is not necessary to register cell phone numbers on the DNC Registry to be protected from most telemarketing calls to cell phones.

The truth about cell phones and the DNC Registry is:

* Contrary to the e-mail, cell phone numbers are NOT being released to telemarketers, and you will NOT soon be getting telemarketing calls on your cell phone.

Spend $125 Million

Consolidated planning is your opportunity to tell the City of Los Angeles how to spend more than $125 million.

Did you know these funds are used to finance:

* Training for start-ups and small businesses

* Construction of day-care centers

* After-school programs for the children of low- and moderate-income working parents

* Hot meals and health screening for elderly and disabled citizens

* Construction or expansion of community centers and health service facilities

* Street lighting and sidewalk repair

Now is your chance to say how $125 million in Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds should be spent for the upcoming year. Come to a meeting in your community to offer your ideas. Funds must be used to primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Your viewpoint is essential to wise use of these funds; we welcome your participation, and your voice will be heard.

Residents are invited to attend one of six community meetings throughout the city of Los Angeles to provide input on priorities for expenditure of HUD Consolidated Plan
funds over the next five years, and for the upcoming 34th Program Year. The City receives approximately $125 million annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for new housing construction and rehabilitation of existing housing, public services, programs for the homeless and those living with HIV/AIDS; community facilities; and economic development. Activities funded through the CDBG program must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income people, eliminate blight, or generate jobs.

Meetings are scheduled at the following locations. All sites are disabled accessible, and Spanish-speaking translators are available.

Please contact the CDD Grants Section at (213) 744-9021 if you need additional information about these meetings or directions. For those that cannot attend but still wish to participate, comments or suggestions may be sent to:

City of Los Angeles
CDD Administrative Services Division, Grants Section
1200 W. 7th Street, 4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Attn: Grants Supervisor

The South LA meeting will be held on:
Tuesday, September 4, 2007 @ 6: 00 p.m.
Ascot Public Library
120 W Florence Ave
Los Angeles CA 90003

Beautification Grants

The deadline for the City's $10K Community Beautification Grant is quickly approaching (October 17th), and traditionally our community never gets its fair share because fewer people/organizations apply and apply correctly.

The City is holding two of their nine final grant writing workshops in our backyard to help individuals better understand the program and fill out the application:

Wednesday, August 29 - 6PM - South LA Constituent Service Center - 8475 S. Vermont 90044 (Vermont & Manchester)

Tuesday, September 4 - 6PM - Council District 10 Community Room - 1819 S. Western Ave 90006 (Western & Washington)

Please pass on this info to all interested people in our community.

For more info about the program go to the City's Office of Community Beautification website at www.laocb.org.