NC's Seeking independence, leadership
"...To secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it..."As a teacher it has always amazed me how few people know those words, or can even identify their source let alone their meaning. July 4th seemed to be the perfect time to provoke a discussion of the quiet revolution taking place in our city. A revolution that as I have said before is on the verge of boiling over, much like it did over two hundred years ago.
Many believe that the Neighborhood Councils have begun to grab the reins of power in this city, still others view them as a group of dysfunctional community activists so intent on bickering with each other that they fail to see the big picture. Even the nay-sayers believe that what is missing in the Neighborhood Council system is leadership.
That may be about to change.
On Saturday July 8th the Neighborhood Council Congress, in formation for the past year, will choose its first chairperson. Nominees for this position are:
Senator Jim Alger - (President Northridge West NC)
Senator Charley Mimms - (Chair, Greater Griffith Park NC)
Senator Len Shafer - (President Tarzana NC)
Senator Brady Westwater - (President Downtown NC)
Will this be a momentous occasion for the Neighborhood Council System? Or fizzle out due to infighting and bickering?
Before you say it is just NC's that fight, keep in mind that the State of New Jersey shut down yesterday because the Democratic Legislature tried to stop the Democratic governor from raising taxes.
Anyway, each candidate has been sent a few questions and over the course of the week I will highlight each candidate, and their answers. This can be a history making event for the NC system, if they allow it to be. I can think of one former General Manager who is looking on like a proud papa on graduation day.
LET FREEDOM RING!
Posted by Councilman John @ 7/02/2006 02:04:00 AM
89 Comments:
It will be interesting, and telling, who the NC'S choose. I am really glad your giving this some attention.
These are all very very strong candidates who have proven they can organize and make things happen. Yes, indeed the NC's have power and that's what Antonio and city council are afraid of. Good luck to them all.
LA Times shockingly published a GREAT OP-ED from Daniel Hernandez from LA Weekly on Antonio's 1st year. He criticizes the paper for being too soft on Antonio. Surprised LA Times printed it but kudos to them. The cartoon on from page of Current Section is hilarious.
Senator? Sheesh. Talk about delusions of grandeur. The next think you know, they'll want to be refrred to as the Vice-Mayor of Los Angeles County.
First of all, Jim Alger is not a nominee. That can only happen on the floor of the congress and it didn't happen at its last session. He may have arranged a nomination for himself at the next session, but he isn't a nominee yet.
Second, I couldn't agree more with the person who posted about the pretensions of the "senator" title. As an NC person, I strongly recommend they stop using it. It is silly and juvenile.
Third, Len Shaffer declared before he was elected that he would not accept a nomination for permanent president. PLus, he's on the 912 commission. So much for spereading the "empowerment." Is the NC system just creating more politicians?
Fourth, and most important,all of these nominees are middle-aged, white men. Can they not muster one nomination for a woman or a person of color? But be clear - the Congress has plenty of both women and women of color. If they can't take responsibility for nominating one of their own, they have no one to blame but themselves.
The Congress is in grave danger of destroying what is best in the NC system. It only has 39 members, out of 87 NCs. Should we declare a moratorium on the Congress?
I still think the NC's are political ant-traps, the primary purpose of which is to distract politically active people so they won't scrutinize the actions of the Mayor and City Council. By getting these people to spend their time fighting over relatively minor matters (e.g., how to spend $50,000 per year), the pay-to-play politicians have a free hand to loot the fisc.
Spoken like someone who's never had anything to do with neighborhood councils. That is typically contrarian and m ore inspired by the desire to have an opinion than an analysis of any empirical evidence.
If you were very dialed in, you'd know no one's arguing over how to spend $50,000 because (unfortunately) no one is spending it. And NCs have inarguably provided scrutiny. Ask anyone is city hall if NCs have become an additional hurdle to passing legislation and they will tell you yes. The politicians aren't doing anything that no one sees, and that pay-to-play idea gets more tired every second.
I've been observing NCs in my area for several years, and despite the obvious growing pains, generally believe they have at least some degree of minimal power and influence. Still with no real power of the purse, the fact that NCs are not the creation of AV, I wonder where they're going and if they'll be able to meaningfully shape the development and zoning issues that are challenging and changing LA.
That said, what are some of the specific "victories" of NCs in this early period of their existence? If I'm not mistaken, I think Jim Alger was able to halt a DWP fee increase, but what else? Specific, important issues where NCs were able to significantly shape the outcome.
10:28
Although I agree that NC's are another hurdle to local legislators, I think you're cry that "pay-to-play" is getting tired is way off base.
Walter is obviously not involved in his own NC as you can see by his writing, but you are either blind to the obvious pay-to-play or uneducated about it.
'Senator' Jim Alger?
ROTFL!
Everyone loves to talk about "pay to play" but where are you seeing it come to light? If you look at commission appointments, are the majority major donors? Or is it city contracts we're talking about? The former is permissible, perhaps even understandable (if indeed it is the case) but the latter is a felony.
Um...Jim Alger didn't stop the DWP rate hike. He was a key figure in organizing NCs, but by no means the only figure and many (most?) had already acted to take a position opposing the hike before he started campaigning for it.
There have been several citywide NC victories -- not to mention the regional or neighborhood-specific wins, which are probably more significant but get less notice. Westside wealthies stopped the burglar alarm change. The Silver Lake NC got base cable rates slashed. The gay caucus got the city to lobby (successfully) to get same-sex marriage bill passed in the legislature. And there's Jason Lyons's council file motion, which may or may not prove to be another NC victory. If it does, that will radically alter the councils' power.
My point is, it seems very clear that NCs have made some pretty hefty changes and can and will make more over time. Now if they could just change the acting GM of DONE...
12:33
Thanks for the info. And I should have said JA helped; I didn't mean to imply he was the sole force opposing the DWP hike business.
Let's be clear about Algers involvement. The rate hike was announced in December of 04. Alger immediately began organizing the NC's from he start and personally went to dozens of NC meetings around the city, countless city council meetings and so forth. He by no means was the ONLY person, but he was the LEADER of the movement.
It was Alger who cornered Gerry Gewe of the DWP at an Eagle Rock NC meeting and asked if the DWP "had enough" or should the NC'c continue beating them up. It was Algers signature that appears on the Letter of Intent to form an MOU with the LA NC system. It is how I, and most of us NC members even met Jim Alger.
So was he the only person? No. But make no mistake, NONE of this would have ever happened without him.
Walter, you really need to quit yacking about what you know nothing of.
The NC's don't "squabble over how to spend 50K" they are to busy fighting with City Planning, the City Council or developers to take the time to spend their money.
Neighborhood Councils do shape decisions being made and as they grow the strength of those decisions will increase.
IF a strong leader were to be elected, does anyone really think the NC system will not grow?
If you do, you don't get it.
8:20 AM FYI I received the list of candidates from the official LANCC Website and this weeks edition of City Watch.
Councilman John = Jim Alger.
JK, JK.
Alger is listed a non-nominee who has declared an intention to run. And since he took out a color ad in CityWatch, I guess we can take it his intention is serious.
Ok, you pro-NC people, who is the most influential (that is, EFFECTIVE) person in NCs? I want names.
1:29, Councilman John - a "candidate" is different than a "nominee." Some of the former never get to be the latter. :-)
Has anyone listened to Snoop Doggy Dogg's latest album yet?
Alger, Millar, Jacoberger, Lyon, Westwater and Ken Draper all come to mind.
Kim Thompson.
Don Garza - he's the mack daddy of the NCs. He's puppeteering Brady Westwater to be prez
I've never even heard of don garza. whos' he? and i'd be surprised if brady got pres, "puppeteering" or no. don't you at least have to shave to get that gig?
NC's have to work with other organizations for their victories. Alger's NC can certainly claim that victory because they worked on it.
No one in politics single handedly wins anything, even their own campaigns (e.g. I remember Bill Rosendahl's victory being called "the revenge of Ruth Galanter" on Which Way LA).
Our NC just seated its first permanent board; that's 16 stakeholders participating in the process. That, in itself, is a victory.
And it's not all white men either. 6 are women, 5 are Latino, 2 are Black, and one is Asian. We've got a ways to go toward full representation, but that kind of diversity in the incipient stage is another victory.
All these people are engaged in city politics and working together, sharing ideas, and yes, sometimes disagreeing. We organized a neighborhood that had next to none.
And we did all of that BEFORE receiving our $50,000.
And I'll say one more thing. You're not going to hear the names of the real heroes behind the neighborhood councils. Just because you've never heard of someone doesn't mean they haven't moved mountains.
All this fuss about NC's. As a former Council employee, I can confirm that NC board members are nothing more than lapdogs for the Council and the Mayor.
NC's reps are gaining power that's why Lisa Sarno and Antonio's croonies are afraid of their power. All anyone has to do is go to a city council meeting where there's an agenda item they don't like and hearing from 6-10 difference NC's gets the point across. I would like to see them speak out more in public. Its not fair naming certain ones but I'll say the most active and the proactive ones are well known citywide.
One of the things the Hollywood Studio District NC did in its interim stage was to pester Eric Garcetti, the Community Redevelopment Agency, and the press about the eminent domain procedings at Hollywood and Vine. Garcetti, in a reversal, is now brokering a deal between the CRA, Legacy Partners, and Bernard Luggage.
Garcetti's a guy most of us like quite a bit, but we disagreed with him on this one and he listened. It didn't hurt that the HSDNC, and several of its board members were mentioned in the LA Times and USA Today.
It's not over, and we certainly can't take all the credit, but if a suitable deal is worked out, the HSDNC can claim a victory.
Lapdogs, indeed.
ITS ABOUT TIME. NOW IF THEY CAN WORK ON ABUSING THE SPECIAL EVENT WAIVERS.
Recommendation for Council action,pursuant to Motion(Garcetti - Greuel, et al.):
AMEND the Rules of..City Council to adopt the following new rule under Chapter IV, Council Meeting Days and Time, Order of Business, and Quorum: Commendatory presentations,including Introductions, shall be limited to a total of 8 at such presentations each Friday,or the next or previous regular meeting..No presentation shall be made unless a request for it has been made and granted prior to the meeting by the president..Each request shall be granted on a first come, first served, basis. The duration of each presentation shall be no longer than 6 minutes..except if members wish to speak on the presentation of another member, an additional 1 minute per
member shall be allowed for such purpose.
that lapdog thing is so stupid. If they're lapdogs, they need obedience school.
When someone is running for any position, the conversation gravitates to that persons qualifications because ultimately it IS about the individual seeking the position as much as it is about position itself.
I think that Councilman John raises a very interesting point when he asks essentially are we going to take ourselves seriously. To believe in a system, we must first believe in ourselves. We must see problems as solutions waiting to be found. We must never take our eye off of the ball, regardless of what others say or do.
As for NC achievements, the list is rapidly growing across the city and anyone who thinks NC members are "lapdogs" for their City Councilman needs to give their City Councilmember a call and see how they feel about that. A few councilmembers immediately come to mind who would strongly disagree with that statement.
I have been given alot of credit for several high-profile victories of the Neighborhood Councils but the truth is, and I have said this before, none of it would have happened if not for the support and hard work of countless dedicated people.
It is also important to know that all NC's are inextricably linked.
The DWP rate hike battle created the MOU which set the stage for MOU's with other departments as well as the creation of the Congress...
The defeat of Wal Mart in Northridge created the precedent to help those who were fighting a Home Depot in Sunland Tujunga.
The City Council file issue brought forward by Jason Lyons in Silver Lake will empower the entire system and so on and so on.
If some want to dismiss Neighborhood Councils, that is just fine with me. You keep doing that and we'll keep affecting public policy, fighting for the little guy.
And before you keep on with the "middle aged white people from the valley" nonsense. It is easy to play the race card but at 36 I don't think I am yet middle aged and while I can't help my heritage, one of the more recent things I was involved in was an eminent domain issue in South LA.
So enough of the race-baiting... how about instead of pointing out perceived problems, you come to the table and help us all solve it as a community?
As a man much smarter than me once said, "we must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately."
Former Council employee (4:44 p.m.) must have worked in a weird district where the NCs are weak and ineffective, because most of the Council offices have their hands full and are often at odds with NC boardmembers.
Kim Thompson knows better than to be another "Senator Wannabe" in that new congress. Let the boys have their fun.
And let them figure out how to repeal the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution if they really want to take control of land use decisions from City Hall. There's only so far MOUs and a lot of neighborhood empowerment bluster can take you when you're up against 230 years of U.S. history and a Republican Supreme Court. Get real guys!
Don Garza is a lazy do nothing homeless guy who thinks he's important. He's not puppeting anyone.
5:50 - You have no idea what your talking about at all. 5th ammendment?
The Supreme Court has held that the federal government and each state has the power of eminent domain—the power to take private property for "public use". The Fifth Amendment limits the power of eminent domain by requiring that "just compensation" be paid if private property is taken for public use.
The owner of the property that is taken by the government must be justly compensated. Speculative schemes that the owner claims the property was intended for use in need not be taken into account when determining the amount that must be paid. Normally, the fair market value of the property determines "just compensation". If the property is taken before the payment is made, interest (though the courts have refrained from using that term) accrues.
The federal courts have not restrained state and local governments from seizing privately owned land for private commercial development on behalf of private developers. This was upheld on June 23, 2005, when the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Kelo v. City of New London. This 5–4 decision remains controversial. The majority opinion, by Justice Stevens, found that it was appropriate to defer to the city's decision that the development plan had a public purpose, saying that "the city has carefully formulated a development plan that it believes will provide appreciable benefits to the community, including, but not limited to, new jobs and increased tax revenue." Justice Kennedy's concurring opinion observed that in this particular case the development plan was not "of primary benefit to . . . the developer" and that if that was the case the plan might have been impermissible. In the dissent, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor argued that this decision would allow the rich to benefit at the expense of the poor, asserting that "Any property may now be taken for the benefit of another private party, but the fallout from this decision will not be random. The beneficiaries are likely to be those citizens with disproportionate influence and power in the political process, including large corporations and development firms." She argued that the decision eliminates "any distinction between private and public use of property—and thereby effectively [deletes] the words 'for public use' from the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment".
None of this relates to the NC's accept it is an action of Government, therefore political and NC's can exhert political pressure which is more powerful than any court ruling.
Interesting. Kim Thompsons board appointed Senator Joe Vitti to the LANC Congress. So you appear to be misinformed. Shocking huh?
...and to set the context of Jim's posting even wider, the idea for an MOU with DWP was borne of the previous MOU with Public Works. it's really not about individual credit, it's about the whole system, and everyone participating and understanding their own context in the system. For example, to use a current example, it's about knowing that your NC's election being canceled or postponed is part of a much larger problem and it's time for all of to stand up and say enough is enough. Support the moratorium!
Well , I know Don Garza and he is a fabulous guy and marvelous fellow.
He fights more with BRady Westwater than he does pupeteering anyone. As a matter of fact his blog is full of brady slams.
As a matter of fact I too know Don Garza, Oh wait!!
That's me.
I live in skid row.
And I look and feel just marvelous .
and of course love life .
And the above anonymous post about me being fabulous was posted by me.
I am fabulous. I look spectacular and continue to lose weight.
And I couldn't agree more with the poster who said I am not that important in the larger scheme of things , I am not . But hey , I can get things done , like putting a press conference together to present a horse . NO biggie!!!
Being a part of neighborhood councils is about develeoping reltionships at City HAll to be able to get things done.
For me that is just quality of life. My life line is the street cleaners continuing to make their way every weekday several times a day here in skid row , so that I and my neighbors who are ill , do not become even more so. Simple stuff for me. But those things are important.
I will hold Jan Perry to her word. And she will tell you she knows this. She said she wanted us during redistricting , well I will remind her every chance I get. And she will agree that that is the case. No shame there.
Although the poster above who has continuously drug my name into all of this and answers them himself as well . I suspect I know who it is... The same person that is telling members in the community I am Jan Perry's wind up toy... HEy , these folks when hearing that makes them want to get closer to me not more distant.
He still hasn't been able to discredit me and I am sure it bugs him to no end that I still haven't been felled by his sociopathic behavior and am still effective in my efforts to make my neighborhood and the quality of life for myself and my neighbors happen , little by little.
But I am not that important I agree.
LAnd Use issues aside, neighborhood councils are a way to get those quality of life issues addressed.While everyone squabbles over the large land use issues etc. many of us behind the scenes are contnent to just get our Councilmembers and City to be more responsive to the simple things they were elected to oversee.
Our pride & joy LA--32 NC is #1
Oh great, now you got both "Weird Al" Alger AND Godzilla on the same post...
NC's aren't exactly lapdogs, they're more like ankle-biters. They raise what seems hell when you cross their paths. But an NC is as powerful as the number of voters it can mobilize come election day. Case study for all you Sammistas is CD14. Remember the vitriol coming from Eagle Rock? What was it all worth, when these organizations couldn't translate their perceived power into political action?
Which brings me back to the ankle-biter remark. While NC's get victories here and there, they're mostly NIMBY-related, like the Wal-Mart thing in the Valley. And is it really any surprise to you all, considering that we live in the largest anti Wal-Mart city in the nation? Even if CM Smith had endorsed the plan, it was him against the rest of the Council and the Mayor.
This is not intended as a knock on NC's. If my ankle-biter remark sounds crude, please take it with a grain of salt. It's Neighborhood Council, please recognize your roles, in your neighborhood. You guys were never intended to have any real power, and in the unlikely moment you gain any, the horseshoe posse will make sure to put you back in your place.
Attention Bloggers
What NC had an increase in resignations in last 2 years?
And Why?
Feliz 4 de Julio!
Happy 4th comrades!
Whoever is posting about NC resignations needs some wake up juice.
People resign for lot's of reasons and many resign because they just don't have time to go to the meetings . These are volunteer organizations.
Palease....
NC's = Incompetent arrogant "volunteers"
8:50, it's hard to take such a sweeping, flat-footed generalization verys seriously. They're all arrogant and incompetent? And I love that the ONE thing you put in derisive quotes is the only thing that is actually true in your statement. They (we) are all volunteers, so back the fuck off, you lazy, complaining, standing on the sidelines, do-nothing whiner.
Watch this clip
Who is Peter paroding?
City of Angels
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwwPQhmKXc4
Happy Fourth of JULIO
Oh Shit, Walter is this you?
9:18 PM,
How do you know he/she is not another Council employee, more than earning their keep (more than you, anyway)?
You NC folk come out as overall arrogant, especially those from more bourgeois neighborhoods.
9:18 The Truth Hurts
9:18 (deranged NC supporter)
As a member I witnessed fighting, lies, political associations, undisclosed shameful plans, refuse to aknowledge stakeholder demands, jealousy, greed
7:43
you must be kidding! right? the LA32 cannot even get their shit together to get their "April's" elections going - the LA32 pres is to full of himself he and his cronny, lapdog, VP were the only ones in riding in lamest 4th of July parade in El Sereno. Did anyone ask Hugo why he celebrated the 4th and rode in the parade although he refuses to say the flag salute at their meetings? what's up with that MEChA boy? did you get permission from Marcos Aguilar to ride in the parade? did you bring to the "Social Justice Committee" for approval?
Hugo - you are just an ignorant wannabe popular guy - it's not working!!!!! (by the way stop shaving your eyebrows - the Rupal look is not attractive on you!)
hey july o2 8:20am
what happen to the any of the past DONE commissioners? were any of them any good to sit on the 9/12? Let's ask Greg.
Little town El Sereno had a 4th of July parade? Did Marcos show up to protest the AMERICAN HOLIDAY? Who is this Hugo?
Who is the La32 pres and vp and what areas does la32 cover?
Hey F'n poster @ July 02, 2006 10:43 PM
You must be one of those racist f'ers.
Attention previous poster
Here's a clip of LA32 in action
MANIA: BOARD MEETING
Kim Thompson is a very effective neighborhood council member. I'm not sure she involved in the Congress, but maybe she should be. Is she the only woman out there? Just one white woman. She may good, but she is the only minority been listed so far. How about some Latina's???
THAT VIDEO IS FUNNY 11:11
Nobody shared this awesome video. Where are all the crazy illegals?
These guys were all happy to fly an American flag. All were in good spirits, happy, proud to be Americans.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZrD6w5WETI&mode=related&search=los%20angeles%20politics
Bueno anon, but you missed this awesome video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgbCB8QlQWw
12:35 am You dont nominata a Latina just because she is a Latina you jackass. Besides, the LANCC allows you to self-nominate so if any group isn't represented in the nominations it is because THEY CHOSE NOT TO BE!
You see. You made the GRINGO mad. Como erese TARADO WHEY!
Whoever thinks the 5:50 comment is about eminent domain isn't paying attention to what NCs spend half their time debating when it comes to land use. City Hall rarely uses eminent domain, but it sure issues lotsa building permits. Get your eyes on the prize and stop trying to wow us with your erudite (but erratically spelled) "wizdom" on the Supreme Court's eminent domain decision.
Hey July 02, 2006 11:01 PM
NO, MORON - you are f'ng racist...you are the one who divides and rules with a whip; why wave the flag at the lame parade if you don't want what it stands for? hypocrite if you ask me...
July 02, 2006 10:59 PM
Who is the La32 pres and vp and what areas does la32 cover?
LA32 covers the El Sereno Community only (thus the very "creative" name since their zip code is 90032) it has about 54,000 and the f'ng moron president is hugo garcia and he is a total waste of time- he made it possible to get rid of the last loser just to become a bigger loser in that position. His biggest worry right now is how to clean up after his buddy marcos aguilar (spit) and kissing up to the rose hills area of el sereno because he is afraid of the reps on the board from that area....another loser trying to become somebody...
the vp is ray gutierrez another wannabe somebody... the frik and frak show....
LA32NC cover
Ray Gutierez coach for little league ball? Same dude? How close are Aguilar and Hugo. By reading your posts reflect a strong bond between these two.
Anon
Social Justice Committee has pushed effective agendas for LA32.
1. Each stakeholder changes name to Nahuatl name
2. Every Friday is Aztec dress day
3. Hold Benicio Juarez Parade yearly
4. Keep agendas on the down low!
5. Help Marcos build gigantic Nahuatl school and locate additional funds
Academia Semillas del Town
Oh? Post a list of LOCAL supporters who backup this school.
I won't shop or use their services.
Prev. Post by anon
"El Sereno while in Huizar district is heavily influenced by Reyes who chairs the commitee for the City park and city after school centers. Maybe the community councils were intended to stop pay and play, but it one only needs support of few hundred or so votes in neighborhoods wherever they be Hermon, Lincoln Park, El Sereno, Mt. Washington - to exert an disproportionate amount of influence."
LA32 CAN'T GET 6 STAKEHOLDERS TO ATTEND AND WATCH MEETING. WHO VOTES MEMBERS IN?
I've been to this NC's meetings many times -- the audience was typically 50 people. Once, more than 100 attended.)
Nope! 6 attendees at best. The 50 people are Marcos Aguilar staff & parents at meeting typically 10 minutes. Agenda item handled, clan leaves. Who's left?
NC President Hugo Garcia IS the main cheerleader for the school on the board.
And so this is what I'm reffering to when I badmouth NC's. Just look at these lame posters. They big-bark, yet can't translate any of their talk into political walk.
You cunts can have your 'Senator' titles, we at the Council will keep the real power.
Now, Mr. President Garcia, LA32 NC, do not dilute yourself and think that 5 people in the audience at your last general meeting lacking quorum (two meetings in a row now!) represented 50 members. It is ludicrous and insulting to have driven not only good people on your board away but also community members who had the best intentions to support you when you decided to go after the last loser (Acosta) and lying to all of us that you were the best thing since sliced bread. And by the way, your Social Justice Committee, which you run because its chair is never there and you knew that was going to happen, is just a way to continue your MEChA ways; funny, you were a nobody in college and like Marlon Brando said boy (you) could have been somebody; I (you) should have been somebody but it never happened with you - guess old habits die hard!
Exelente comentario!
Marcos Aguilar has strong influence on some members and trying to get free or cheap land for his next school. If he can't get part of DEBS Park, then threre is always City Redevelopment Property on a adjacent hill, or putting the squeeze on the owner of Elephant Hill for a piece of the his land with the threat of emminent domain.
LA32 NC requires itself to resign as entire board. The board is in dire need of new ideas & activism. Old Timers in El Sereno are stubborn old fools who continue their attempt to rule at local meetings.
It's over old timers. You must go!
11:55-
I see what you're saying. I'm a very active member of my neighborhood council and one who is embarrassed by the posters here who claim to represent neighborhood councils. I've been embarrassed by City Council on more than one occasion too though.
I'll just quietly continue on with the business of my own community where I know for a fact that much of our work has translated into "walking the walk". Some of us don't even need kudos. We'll continue doing what we do no matter what.
Marcos Aguilar is working with the Environmental Group Northeast trees on "environmental Curriculum" for the Hazard park Wetlands Project. People who were supported of the Project now are taking back their support. Further, NET would not allow community members to paetake in ameeting between L.A. City Parks and Rec.and NET to discuss funding of project.
12:23 What community do you serve?
LA32?
11:43 said "Oh? Post a list of LOCAL supporters who backup this school.I won't shop or use their services."
You may want to start a boycott of El Sereno Chamber de Comercio. Rumor in that stink hole El Sereno claims Chamber members touted Academia Semillas during local chamber party. These fools support mecha school.
1:02
Not 32. North Valley.
valleygadfly? More like northeastgadfly
12:23 PM,
Folks like you are the ones that matter. You are the ones whose opinion the Councilmembers actually respect and value. Sadly, your kind is few and far between. But you guys know who you are, and you know that you when decisions are made.
If only DONE could develop some more effective education seminars, things would be different...
people check out the agenda and social justice committee report from the LA32NC - A*hole hugo has the entire f*ng agenda for this wednesday's meeting about the semillas shit.... this is not what this NC should be doing... and we are letting him and his cronnies do this kind of shit... hey lisa sarno what do you say about that...i bet any money that the room will be full - at least for the first few minutes because as typical they are on the bottom of the agenda but A*HOLE hugo will motion to hear it first so that the semillas can go home... and leave 5 or 6 people in the audience... loser hugo, loser.....
Where can I get a copy of LA 32 agenda?
Who is Hugo and where can we get a copy?
Anonymous said...
HERE IS THE AGENDA - LETS SEE IF THEY GET A QUORUM THIS TIME AROUND - PATHERIC
AGENDA
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
LA-32 NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OFFICERS
HUGO GARCIA
PRESIDENT
VACANT
VICE-PRESIDENT
JOE MANZANO
TREASURER
LINDA MAGUIRE
RECORDING SECRETARY
RAY GUTIERREZ
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY CALIFORNIA 90032 Communities
EL SERENO
EMERY PARK
HILLSIDE VILLAGE
ROSE HILLS
SIERRA PARK
UNIVERSITY HILLS
LA-32 NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, July 5, 2006 – 6:00PM
El Sereno Senior Center
4818 Klamath Place
Los Angeles, CA 90032
1. Call to Order/Welcome to Community: H. Garcia
2. Flag Salute: L. McGuire
3. Roll Call: L. McGuire
4. Minutes for Approval: None
5. Welcome to Elected Officials, Staff and Guests
6. Public Comment –Comments from the public on non-agenda items within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction. Public comments are limited to one (1) minute per speaker and 15 minutes total.
7. President's Report (H. Garcia – 10 min)
A.) Action Item: “Motion to support that all future LA-32 NC approved funding request
activities that generate revenue be assigned a LA-32 NC liaison that will witness all
financial and operational aspects of the event and report back to the Board.”
B.) LA-32 NC Ad-Hoc Special Projects Committee
C.)
8. Treasurer’s Report (J. Manzano – 5 min)
A.) Current balance
B.) Current outstanding liabilities and status of payments
C.) Follow-up on status of all “new” funding applications
9. Committee Reports
Ad-Hoc
A.) Elections Committee – L.McGuire (10 min)
*By-Law Amendments: Please review “Attachment A” concerning proposed LA-32 Neighborhood Council By-Law amendments. The posting of these proposed By-Law amendments is in compliance with LA-32 NC’s 30-day public notice and comment period requirement before taking action on by-laws.
B.) Budget Committee – N. Chavez (5 min)
(a) Action Item: “Motion that the LA-32 Neighborhood Council support funding in the amount of $4,054.00 for the Peace and Unity Car Show.”
C.) Public Safety Committee – Michael McGuire (10 min)
(a) Action Item: “Motion that the LA-32 NC accepts the letter developed by the LA-32 Public Safety Committee concerning traffic and pedestrian safety outside of the El Sereno Middle School area”
(b) Action Item: “Motion that the LA-32 NC supports the community’s wish to have the Caltrans owned bungalows on Maycrest Avenue demolished”
D.) Social Justice Committee – J. Granados (3 min), Video on Semillas Del Pueblo (10 min)
Presentation on Semillas – Marcos Aguilar (10 min)
(a) Action Item: “Motion that the LA-32 Neighborhood Council opposes hate crimes and terrorist threats against anyone in our community, particularly the children of our community.“
(b) Action Item: “Motion that the LA-32 Neighborhood Council supports the right for Semillas Del Pueblo to exist and operate in our community.“
(c) Action Item: “Motion that the LA-32 Neighborhood Council supports that the LA-32 Neighborhood Council Corresponding Secretary draft and send a letter to the Disney corporation to request a meeting with Disney representatives, Semillas Del Pueblo and members of the LA-32 Social Justice Committee to address recent broadcasts by KABC Talkradio concerning Semillas Del Pueblo and the subsequent impact in the community of El Sereno. “
(d) Action Item: “Motion that the LA-32 Neighborhood Council supports that the LA-32 Corresponding Secretary draft and send a letter to local elected officials informing them that the LA-32 Neighborhood Council condemns attacks against our community, our community institutions and our children and ask for their assistance.“
E.) Land Use and Development Committee – P. Navarro (3 min)
F.) Economic & Business Development Committee – R. Gutierrez (5 min)
(a) Action Item: “Motion that the LA-32 Neighborhood Council supports, via the
Economic and Business Development Committee, a request that a “needs assessment”
study of the 90032 zip code (El Sereno) be conducted by the City of Los Angeles.”
(b) Action Item: “Motion that the LA-32 Neighborhood Council supports funding in the
amount of $1,190.00 for economic and development training and certification for two
members ($595.00 apiece) of the Economic and Business Development Committee “
G.) Grievance Committee – L. Allard (3 min)
H.) By-Laws Committee – Santos Rodriguez (3 min)
I.) Website Development Committee – N. Chavez (3 min)
Standing
A.) Membership Committee – S. Vargas (3 min)
Miscellaneous Reports
A.) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – A. Medina (3 min)
10. Old Business
A.) College Fair update – Patricia Alarcon (5 min)
B.) Safe Passages Program – Tammy Membrano (5 min)
11. New Business
A.)
B.)
12. Future Agenda Items
13. Adjournment
AND THE COVETED "SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE" REPORT
LA-32 NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
AD-HOC SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
JESSE GRANADOS
CHAIRPERSON
SADRA LARSEN
MEMBER
HUGO GARCIA
MEMBER
CALIFORNIA 90032 Communities
EL SERENO
EMERY PARK
HILLSIDE VILLAGE
ROSE HILLS
SIERRA PARK
UNIVERSITY HILLS
Tuesday, June 27, 2006 – 6:30PM
Antigua Cultural Coffee House
4836 Huntington Drive South
Los Angeles, CA 90032
In attendance: Committee Members: Jessie Granados, Hugo Garcia and Sadra Larsen. Community: Semillas Del Pueblo Representative: Marcos Aguilar
1. Call to Order: 6:35 PM
Committee members agreed that public comment was welcomed, but would be limited to one minute.
2. Mr. Aguilar provided committee members with an update and review of the Academia Semillas Del Pueblo Charter School being under attack by negative media coverage. On May 31, and June 1, 2006, KABC Talk radio (owned by Disney) broadcasted that Semillas was teaching an Anti-American curriculum, as well as instilling racist beliefs in their schoolchildren. Semillas has a progressive multicultural curriculum that is approved by the state. The local television media also attacked the school by reporting the school had low test scores and only catered to Latino families. However, Semillas is able to refute all allegations as it serves children of all races in the community, in addition to helping children that might not have a chance to succeed. Semillas is at the forefront - ahead of other schools in addressing the need for schools to teach other enrichment languages such as Mandarin, as identified by the Department of Defense. The school is competitive with other schools in that area and can chart the progress of each student. Lastly, Semillas’ student body reflects the demographics of the local community it serves. However, due to the negative exposure, the school staff and student body came under attack. The school received racist/terrorist threats, which included bomb threats to the school and the children that attend the school.
After the verbal update, Mr. Aguliar screened a video to committee members detailing the false accusations against Semillas as well as what he and the school, in fact, do.
3. The Social Justice committee agreed to and will request several Action Items at the next General Board Meeting on July 5, 2006, that would support:
• The Semillas school has the right to exist
• Semillas’ Multicultural curriculum
• Positions against hate crimes and terrorist threats to staff and children of the Semillas School
The Committee also is requesting that the neighborhood council support a call for a meeting involving Disney, the LA-32 Neighborhood Council Social Justice Committee, and Semillas to address our concerns.
Other avenues covered were the need for LA-32 to develop a letter of support by the Corresponding Secretary. This letter would be distributed to local elected officials and LAUSD. Mr. Aguilar will provide the list of officials.
Another recommendation is for board members to write their own letters of support to both elected officials and Disney.
The Committee invited Mr. Aguilar and the school community to attend the next General Board Meeting on July 5, 2006, to screen the Semillas CD and inform the board and stakeholders of what is happening at Semillas. On behalf of Semillas Mr. Aguilar agreed.
Meeting ended at 8:00 pm
Respectfully submitted by Sadra Larsen
IS A SHAME THAT A*HOLE hugo IS "DRAGGING" GOOD PEOPLE INTO THIS MESS....
Speakers on LA32 agenda= ALL AV Supporters
Antonio Villaraigosa kiss asses and retards support Marcos Aguilar.
Each name in agenda is moron.
AV Puppets
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