SZONE.US Forums - California http://www.szone.us/ Top Stories - RSS Feed en Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:44:53 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.szone.us/images/misc/rss.jpg SZONE.US Forums - California http://www.szone.us/ Oakridge Estate Park Advisory Board Meeting, Northridge http://www.szone.us/f76/oakridge-estate-park-advisory-board-meeting-northridge-49156/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:03:33 GMT Oakridge Estate Park Advisory Board Meeting

We encourage you to attend one of the Oakridge Estate Park Advisory Board Meetings every 4th Thursday of the month at 3:00 pm at Fire Station #87, located at 10124 Balboa Blvd. in Granada Hills.

In 2009 we completed the purchase of the Oakridge Estate for the City to preserve the cultural-historic landmark in Northridge as a treasure of culture, history and open space.

For more info call (818) 756-8501.

News Letter from Greig Smith's Office Councilman 12 District, Los Angeles,CA
]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/oakridge-estate-park-advisory-board-meeting-northridge-49156/ Help Support Devonshire PALS at the Monte Carlo Casino Night http://www.szone.us/f76/help-support-devonshire-pals-monte-carlo-casino-night-49155/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:00:57 GMT Help Support Devonshire PALS at the Monte Carlo Casino Night...

Don't miss the annual Monte Carlo Charity Casino fundraiserto help support the Devonshire PALS (Police Activities League Supporters) programs at the Greig Smith LAPD Devonshire Youth Center in Northridge.

The fun annual event is on
Saturday, October 2 in
in Northridge. For information and to purchase tickets visit www.montecarlofundraiser.org or call (818) 882-7336.

News Letter from Greig Smith's Office Councilman 12 District, Los Angeles,CA ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/help-support-devonshire-pals-monte-carlo-casino-night-49155/ <![CDATA[Equinox Folk Music, Dance & Storytelling Festival]]> http://www.szone.us/f76/equinox-folk-music-dance-storytelling-festival-49154/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:59:00 GMT Equinox Folk Music, Dance & Storytelling Festival...

We are proud to co-sponsor The Fall Equinox Folk Music, Dance and Storytelling Festival on Sunday, Sept. 12 at El Rancho Cordillera del Norte in Northridge.

Don't miss this fun family event presented by the California Traditional Music Society and FolkWORKS, featuring 21 concerts, 40 workshops, 7 hours of dance performance, a children's activities area, craft and food booths and more.
Sunday, Sept. 12
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
El Rancho Cordillera del Norte
Corner of Wilbur Ave. & Nordhoff St.

For more information, email lisar@ctmsfolkmusic.org or visit www.ctmsfolkmusic.org/equinox.


News Letter from Greig Smith's Office Councilman 12 District, Los Angeles,CA
 ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/equinox-folk-music-dance-storytelling-festival-49154/ Northridge, Valley Interfaith Council Labor Day Picnic… http://www.szone.us/f76/northridge-valley-interfaith-council-labor-day-picnic-49153/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:56:43 GMT *Valley Interfaith Council Labor Day Picnic…* Join Valley Interfaith Council (VIC) for their annual Labor Day Picnic and Program. Following the free BBQ dinner, stay for Rev. Peter Laarman’s discussion on “A Moral Economy and the California Budget and Crisis.” Monday, Sept. 6 Dinner served at 5:30 pm Program starts at 7:00 pm Northridge United Methodist Church 9650 Reseda Blvd., (at Superior) Northridge
Valley Interfaith Council Labor Day Picnic…

Join Valley Interfaith Council (VIC) for their annual Labor Day Picnic and Program. Following the free BBQ dinner, stay for Rev. Peter Laarman’s discussion on “A Moral Economy and the California Budget and Crisis.”
Monday, Sept. 6
Dinner served at 5:30 pm
Program starts at 7:00 pm
Northridge United Methodist Church
9650 Reseda Blvd., (at Superior)
Northridge

The purpose of this program is to strengthen the connection between the religious and labor communities in support of common values.
For more information, contact Rhetta at 818-781-1101 or visit
www.vic-la.org

News Letter from Greig Smith's Office Councilman 12 District, Los Angeles,CA ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/northridge-valley-interfaith-council-labor-day-picnic-49153/ Northridge, Volunteer Community Clean-Up Efforts http://www.szone.us/f76/northridge-volunteer-community-clean-up-efforts-49152/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:53:33 GMT Volunteer Community Clean-Up Efforts...

Don't miss Northridge West Neighborhood Council's clean-up effort this Saturday.

They will continue their volunteer community clean-up effort to remove weeds and trash on Tampa Ave. every Saturday morning through the end of the summer. Bring sturdy shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, water and work gloves if you have them.

Saturday, Sept. 4
7:00 am to 10:00 am
Corner of Tampa and Halstead St., Northridge

We applaud these initiatives to help keep our community clean and beautiful and encourage you to volunteer!

For more information, visit www.NorthridgeWest.org.

News Letter from Greig Smith's Office Councilman 12 District, Los Angeles,CA
 ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/northridge-volunteer-community-clean-up-efforts-49152/ 91st Neighborhood Council of Los Angeles, Northridge South http://www.szone.us/f76/91st-neighborhood-council-los-angeles-northridge-south-49151/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:50:10 GMT *91st Neighborhood Council of Los Angeles…* We are proud to welcome Northridge South Neighborhood Council, the 14th Neighborhood Council in Council District 12! Congratulations to the new executive board members! The Northridge South Neighborhood Council meets: 4th Thursday of each month 7:00 pm NorthridgeMiddle School 91st Neighborhood Council of Los Angeles…

We are proud to welcome Northridge South Neighborhood Council, the 14th Neighborhood Council in Council District 12!

Congratulations to the new executive board members!

The Northridge South Neighborhood Council meets:
4th Thursday of each month
7:00 pm
NorthridgeMiddle School
17960 Chase St., Northridge


For more information, visit http://northridgesouth.wordpress.com/

News Letter from Greig Smith's Office Councilman 12 District, Los Angeles,CA ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/91st-neighborhood-council-los-angeles-northridge-south-49151/ City Wide Joint Committee Meeting on DWP Reform Measures http://www.szone.us/f76/city-wide-joint-committee-meeting-dwp-reform-measures-49150/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:48:29 GMT City Wide Joint Committee Meeting on DWP Reform Measures…

Over 100 community members came and give their input on our DWP reform measures at a joint off site meeting of the City Council's Rules & Elections Committee and Energy & Environment Committee in Northridge on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

Community members and Neighborhood Council representatives from all over the City voiced strong support for our DWP reform measures that will be on the Citywide ballot in March

The next DWP Reform Meetings will be held:

Tuesday, Sept. 7
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Mar Vista Recreation Center
11430 Woodbine Ave., (West LA)

Thursday, Sept. 23
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Council District 8 (South LA)
Location TBA

To see our package of DWP reform motions, visithttp://tiny.cc/SmithDWP. To see our motion to create an independent Inspector General over the DWP visit http://tiny.cc/InspectorGenDWP.

News Letter from Greig Smith's Office Councilman 12 District, Los Angeles,CA ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/city-wide-joint-committee-meeting-dwp-reform-measures-49150/ <![CDATA[Los Angeles & Surrounding area Extreme Heat Advisory!]]> http://www.szone.us/f76/los-angeles-surrounding-area-extreme-heat-advisory-49149/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:45:26 GMT *Extreme Heat Advisory! * Weather forecasts predict temperatures will surpass 100 degrees in the San Fernando Valley this week, so be prepared to beat the heat! The effects of heat can quickly overcome anyone. However, seniors, young children, people with health conditions or illness are especially vulnerable. Many seniors do not have Internet access at home, so please pass this information along to your elderly friends, family members or neighbors. *Beat The Heat!* • Take a cool shower or bath. • Spend the day in an indoor air-conditioned mall. You can walk around, window shop, have something to eat or drink and use the benches and tables. Extreme Heat Advisory!

Weather forecasts predict temperatures will surpass 100 degrees in the San Fernando Valley this week, so be prepared to beat the heat!

The effects of heat can quickly overcome anyone. However, seniors, young children, people with health conditions or illness are especially vulnerable.

Many seniors do not have Internet access at home, so please pass this information along to your elderly friends, family members or neighbors.

Beat The Heat!
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Spend the day in an indoor air-conditioned mall. You can walk around, window shop, have something to eat or drink and use the benches and tables.
• Visit friends or relatives who have air conditioning.
• Drink a lot of water! It is extremely important to stay hydrated to avoid negative effects of heat.
• Stay indoors and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest time of the day.
• If you go outdoors, wear a sun hat, and cool, well-ventilated clothing that will protect you from the sun.
• NEVER leave a pet or a child unattended in your car!

In the City of Los Angeles, most Senior Centers, Park Recreation Centers and Libraries will serve as Cooling Centers. Click here to see a complete list of the City cooling centers, and other heat emergency information. The centers in the San Fernando Valley have been highlighted. You may also call 311 to find out where the nearest cooling center is.

News Letter from Greig Smith's Office Councilman 12 District, Los Angeles,CA


 ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/los-angeles-surrounding-area-extreme-heat-advisory-49149/ More Flexible Lawn Watering Schedule Now in Effect... http://www.szone.us/f76/more-flexible-lawn-watering-schedule-now-effect-49148/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:42:19 GMT * RECENT LEGISLATION More Flexible Lawn Watering Schedule Now in Effect... *Our motion to change the City’s lawn watering restrictions from two to three days a week in an effort to make it easier for residents to keep their lawns green, conserve more water, and reduce stress on our aging water infrastructure, is now in effect. The motion changed the Department of Water and Power (DWP) Water Conservation Ordinance lawn irrigation restrictions from two days per week for 15 minutes per day, to three days per week for 8 minutes per day, before 9:00 am and after 4:00 pm. Under the new rules, odd-numbered addresses can water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while even numbered homes and businesses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Addresses ending in a fraction should follow the schedule for the last whole number on the address. Hand watering with a garden hose is still allowed without time limits as long as it is before 9:00 am and... RECENT LEGISLATION
More Flexible Lawn Watering Schedule Now in Effect...

Our motion to change the City’s lawn watering restrictions from two to three days a week in an effort to make it easier for residents to keep their lawns green, conserve more water, and reduce stress on our aging water infrastructure, is now in effect.

The motion changed the Department of Water and Power (DWP) Water Conservation Ordinance lawn irrigation restrictions from two days per week for 15 minutes per day, to three days per week for 8 minutes per day, before 9:00 am and after 4:00 pm.

Under the new rules, odd-numbered addresses can water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while even numbered homes and businesses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Addresses ending in a fraction should follow the schedule for the last whole number on the address.

Hand watering with a garden hose is still allowed without time limits as long as it is before 9:00 am and after 4:00 pm, in order to minimize evaporation.

The new rules will reduce watering from 30 to 24 minutes per property per week and reduce the stress on our aging water infrastructure.

To see a more detailed explanation from DWP on all of the water conservation rules, please visit the Community Resources page of our website.

News Letter from Greig Smith's Office Councilman 12 District, Los Angeles,CA


 ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/more-flexible-lawn-watering-schedule-now-effect-49148/ Calif Lawmakers Reject Bans on Open Guns and Plastic Bags - Edited: Sara Epstein http://www.szone.us/f76/calif-lawmakers-reject-bans-open-guns-plastic-bags-edited-sara-epstein-49136/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:52:02 GMT With Time Waning, Calif Lawmakers Reject Bans on Open Guns and Plastic Bags LEGISLATIVE SESSION WRAP
Edited: Sara Epstein

With time running out on the last day of their regular legislative session, California lawmakers dealt with a slew bills but produced few surprises.

They rejected the California Open-Cary Gun ban and the proposed ban on plastic bags and passed measures dealing wth the City of Bell scandal. Here’s a roundup of what your representatives did on your behalf … at the last minute.

● CALIFORNIA LEGISLATORS OK PAY REFORMS (Complete Report) – LA Times
● CALIFORNIA OPEN-CARRY GUN BAN REJECTED-HuffingtonPost.com
● CALIFORNIA SENATE REJECTS MEASURE TO BAN PLASTIC BAGS-NeonTommy.com

Photo credit: NeonTommy.com

NewsLetter from; CityWatch exists to monitor the political business of City Hall, and other government agencies, to monitor the progress of the empowerment of LA's neighborhoods and to encourage grass roots civic engagement.
CityWatch is an electronic journal of observations, analysis and perspectives ... complimented by ideas and information all viewed and presented from the POV of LA's myriad grass roots neighborhoods engaged in the ongoing struggle for empowerment. We hope you find it useful, informative and provocative.
For those of you who have been with us for the two years past, we thank you for your support and your input. Without which we could not have grown from the 256 email addresses of two years ago to the better than 60,000 subscribers of today ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/calif-lawmakers-reject-bans-open-guns-plastic-bags-edited-sara-epstein-49136/ New Theater Concept: Good Movies, Good Popcorn, Good Prices … Ah, That’ll Never Fly http://www.szone.us/f76/new-theater-concept-good-movies-good-popcorn-good-prices-ah-ll-never-fly-49135/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:48:20 GMT New Theater Concept: Good Movies, Good Popcorn, Good Prices … Ah, That’ll Never Fly *MY TURN* Diana L. Chapman “MoImage: http://citywatchla.com/images/stories/Sept10/cw8-70d.png m, you’ve got to write about it,” my son said as he bounced in the door. It’s not often my 16-year-old suggests I write about anything, so my attention was 100 % focused on what he had to say. He was referring to the new Terrace Cinema 6 on Western Avenue in Rancho Palos Verdes that once belonged to Regal Cinemas. Star Theatres, which owns four other cinemas in Southern California, took over in February, turning the neglected and aging theater with block-buster low attendance, into a much more polished gem for the surrounding community. Bravo! New Theater Concept: Good Movies, Good Popcorn, Good Prices … Ah, That’ll Never Fly MY TURN
Diana L. Chapman

“Mom, you’ve got to write about it,” my son said as he bounced in the door.

It’s not often my 16-year-old suggests I write about anything, so my attention was 100 % focused on what he had to say. He was referring to the new Terrace Cinema 6 on Western Avenue in Rancho Palos Verdes that once belonged to Regal Cinemas.

Star Theatres, which owns four other cinemas in Southern California, took over in February, turning the neglected and aging theater with block-buster low attendance, into a much more polished gem for the surrounding community.

Bravo!

“The tickets prices are low and the picture quality is much better,” Ryan chirped.

“And they remodeled the whole thing,” added his friend, Derek.

When kids give me tips on stories – I check it out. So it wasn’t more than a week later, my husband and I were walking across the new rust-cream colored lobby tile to watch the surreal , dream-state movie, Inception. Everything the boys said was true. We were greatly impressed with the plush, rocking seats – comfort plus in my book -- and the new hi-definition digital projection and Dolby sound.

And we weren’t even dreaming; I encourage residents to attend this great facility so it stays in operation. Frankly, I was tired of driving to Torrance or Rolling Hills Estates to get a quality picture. Now, I am reaping the rewards at the overhauled six-screen, 907 seat theater in my own backyard.

Because the owner of Star Theatres is family oriented, the shows playing will tend to reflect movies for all ages and ticket prices are about $2 less than elsewhere.

During the day, tickets range from $4 to $6 before 6 p.m. or after that $9 each. Last I went to a matinee – before the new cinema opened – I was chagrined at paying $8 for a matinee.

For this price, a lot more families can attend. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the cinema hosts $4 tickets all day ($2 additional for all 3-D films.) Senior citizens’ tickets are $4 all day on Wednesday.

In addition, food prices are lower, such as a large jumbo tub of popcorn costs $6, candies range from $2 to $3.50 and drinks range from $4 to $5.

“People are responding to our prices,” said J. “Sabrina” McGuire, a published poet and the cinema’s general manager, who opted to stay with Starlight Theatres when Regal sold it. She was pleased when the new owner immediately pumped money into fixing the uncared for theater. “All of our theaters have new seats, new screens, new projectors.”

Due to the owner, who asked not to be named, the cinema has removed any games with violence, Sabrina said.

The attendance numbers have gone up, she added, explaining when they did $5 tickets for midnight airings of the third Twilight movie, Eclipse, five of the cinemas were packed and the sixth was nearly full.

Good movies, good environment, good popcorn, good prices. What a concept!

Visit www.Terrace Cinemas.com or call (310) 831-1100 for further information.

(Diana Chapman has been a writer/journalist for nearly thirty years. She has written for magazines, newspapers and the best-seller series, Chicken Soup for the Soul. You can reach her at hartchap@cox.net This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or her website theunderdogforkids.blogspot.com ) -cw

NewsLetter from; CityWatch exists to monitor the political business of City Hall, and other government agencies, to monitor the progress of the empowerment of LA's neighborhoods and to encourage grass roots civic engagement.
CityWatch is an electronic journal of observations, analysis and perspectives ... complimented by ideas and information all viewed and presented from the POV of LA's myriad grass roots neighborhoods engaged in the ongoing struggle for empowerment. We hope you find it useful, informative and provocative.
For those of you who have been with us for the two years past, we thank you for your support and your input. Without which we could not have grown from the 256 email addresses of two years ago to the better than 60,000 subscribers of today ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/new-theater-concept-good-movies-good-popcorn-good-prices-ah-ll-never-fly-49135/ City Clerk Casts Last Vote in Westwood NC Election: Ken Draper http://www.szone.us/f76/city-clerk-casts-last-vote-westwood-nc-election-ken-draper-49134/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:45:51 GMT City Clerk Casts Last Vote in Westwood NC Election *NC WATCH* Ken Draper The LImage: http://citywatchla.com/images/stories/Sept10/cw8-70c.png A City Clerk on Wednesday overruled a Neighborhood Council Election Challenge Review Panel and dismissed charges of inappropriate campaigning and electioneering in the Westwood Neighborhood Council June election. The Clerk’s Election Division Chief, Arleen Taylor, said in a letter that “all electioneering was dealt with on Election Day” and that the Clerk’s office disagreed with the NC Review Panel in finding that there were insufficient facts to support the Challenge and the Panel’s decision. The NC Review Panel is made up of two NC stakeholders and one City Commissioner … all of whom voted to support the Challenge. The Panel also wanted the “Team Westwood” candidates disqualified. The Clerk found that to be punishment out of proportion to the crime. With the Clerk’s ruling, the Westwood Council can now seat its new board and get... City Clerk Casts Last Vote in Westwood NC Election NC WATCH
Ken Draper

The LA City Clerk on Wednesday overruled a Neighborhood Council Election Challenge Review Panel and dismissed charges of inappropriate campaigning and electioneering in the Westwood Neighborhood Council June election.

The Clerk’s Election Division Chief, Arleen Taylor, said in a letter that “all electioneering was dealt with on Election Day” and that the Clerk’s office disagreed with the NC Review Panel in finding that there were insufficient facts to support the Challenge and the Panel’s decision. The NC Review Panel is made up of two NC stakeholders and one City Commissioner … all of whom voted to support the Challenge. The Panel also wanted the “Team Westwood” candidates disqualified. The Clerk found that to be punishment out of proportion to the crime.

With the Clerk’s ruling, the Westwood Council can now seat its new board and get down to the business of Neighborhood Counciling.

As these kinds of things always do, the decision and the process left a bunch of unanswered questions it its wake. Not the least of which is: Is it right for the Clerk to “cast” the last vote in a Neighborhood Council election dispute?

More on that issue another time. In the meantime, here’s the Election Chief’s letter and the decision.

● Letter from City Clerk Chief of Election Division

● Decision PDF

(Ken Draper is the Editor of CityWatch. He can be reached at Ken@CityWatchLA.com This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ) -cw

NewsLetter from; CityWatch exists to monitor the political business of City Hall, and other government agencies, to monitor the progress of the empowerment of LA's neighborhoods and to encourage grass roots civic engagement.
CityWatch is an electronic journal of observations, analysis and perspectives ... complimented by ideas and information all viewed and presented from the POV of LA's myriad grass roots neighborhoods engaged in the ongoing struggle for empowerment. We hope you find it useful, informative and provocative.
For those of you who have been with us for the two years past, we thank you for your support and your input. Without which we could not have grown from the 256 email addresses of two years ago to the better than 60,000 subscribers of today ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/city-clerk-casts-last-vote-westwood-nc-election-ken-draper-49134/ Is the BONC Lost … or Just Out of Touch? Greg Nelson http://www.szone.us/f76/bonc-lost-just-out-touch-greg-nelson-49131/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:30:53 GMT Is the BONC Lost … or Just Out of Touch? *POSTING AGENDAS—LET ME COUNT THE WAYS* Greg Nelson Image: http://citywatchla.com/images/stories/Sept10/cw8-70a.png After two years of work, the final report of the Neighborhood Council Review Commission (NCRC) included Recommendation #31 that simply read: BONC shall be subject to the policies, rules, and regulations it establishes for neighborhood councils. The recommendation was a reaction to complaints from neighborhood council members that the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners had become drunk with the power to regulate, restrict, and hinder neighborhood councils. Perhaps this “arrogance of power” is what caused the deputy mayor to tell neighborhood council members that they, as volunteers, were being over-regulated and “over-bureaucratized.” The NCRC felt that if BONC had to follow the same rules it imposed on neighborhood councils, it would be more thoughtful while discussing them. And perhaps it would be careful not to... Is the BONC Lost … or Just Out of Touch? POSTING AGENDAS—LET ME COUNT THE WAYS
Greg Nelson

After two years of work, the final report of the Neighborhood Council Review Commission (NCRC) included Recommendation #31 that simply read: BONC shall be subject to the policies, rules, and
regulations it establishes for neighborhood councils.

The recommendation was a reaction to complaints from neighborhood council members that the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners had become drunk with the power to regulate, restrict, and hinder neighborhood councils. Perhaps this “arrogance of power” is what caused the deputy mayor to tell neighborhood council members that they, as volunteers, were being over-regulated and “over-bureaucratized.”

The NCRC felt that if BONC had to follow the same rules it imposed on neighborhood councils, it would be more thoughtful while discussing them. And perhaps it would be careful not to raise the bar higher for neighborhood councils than it is for itself.

Using any rational thought process, it makes no sense to impose more restrictions on those who advise the decision-makers than on the decision-makers themselves.

A few weeks ago BONC adopted a new policy regarding the rules for how neighborhood councils must post their agendas.

Now, not only will neighborhood councils have to continue posting agendas for their board and committee meetings (some councils have more than two dozen committees) in five physical locations, but on their website as well. And they have to send them to everyone on their e-mail list whether or not those on the list want the agendas.

There are numerous problems with this action.

BONC totally ignored Recommendation #31. Not only does BONC only post its agenda in only one location, but it’s impossible to find that location on the DONE website.

The policy resolution states that posting agendas in multiple locations “serves the important goal of outreaching to area stakeholders …”

Yet, both BONC and the DONE staff report [LINK] failed to substantiate this claim. It was one of those “it is so because I said it was so” situations that causes a disconnect between city government and the people it serves.

I suspect that very few people rely on physically posted agendas.

It would have been easy for BONC to survey the board members and stakeholders on its mailing list.

The new policy also fails to take in account the fact that some councils may have websites or e-mail lists, but nobody to run them at certain times.

BONC now requires neighborhood councils to post the electronic agendas in accordance with the state’s Brown Act.

This may be a loophole for the councils because the Brown Act doesn’t set electronic posting deadlines, which is the reason that so many city agencies have posted agendas after the 72-hour deadline for physically posted agendas.

Missing is what the penalty may be for violation of the BONC policy. This may give DONE and BONC a wide array of punishments, including decertification.

Finally, there is no mention of which penalties would be imposed on DONE if it received an agenda from a neighborhood council but did not post it on its website before the legal deadline.

It should be possible to read the minutes of this BONC meeting on the website and understand the commission’s rationale.

But the minutes are embarrassingly inadequate. They basically just list the final action.

As a result, it is not possible to know what the commissioners were thinking, in which ways they disagreed with the DONE staff report, and what those who addressed the commissioners had to say.

Click this link and see for yourself:

I’m willing to bet that any randomly-selected minutes from a neighborhood council meeting would be more revealing.

This whole experience strengthens the argument for the mandatory training of BONC commissioners and nominees in the principles that guide our neighborhood council system.

(Greg Nelson participated in the birth and development of the LA Neighborhood Council system and served as the General Manager of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. He also served as Chief of Staff for former City Councilman Joel Wachs. Nelson now provides news and issues analysis to CityWatch. He can be reached at: gregn213@cox.net. This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ) –cw


NewsLetter from; CityWatch exists to monitor the political business of City Hall, and other government agencies, to monitor the progress of the empowerment of LA's neighborhoods and to encourage grass roots civic engagement.
CityWatch is an electronic journal of observations, analysis and perspectives ... complimented by ideas and information all viewed and presented from the POV of LA's myriad grass roots neighborhoods engaged in the ongoing struggle for empowerment. We hope you find it useful, informative and provocative.
For those of you who have been with us for the two years past, we thank you for your support and your input. Without which we could not have grown from the 256 email addresses of two years ago to the better than 60,000 subscribers of today ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/bonc-lost-just-out-touch-greg-nelson-49131/ City Facing Crisis: Here’s Why There’s Hope Bob Schoonover http://www.szone.us/f76/city-facing-crisis-here-s-why-there-s-hope-bob-schoonover-49130/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:23:29 GMT City Facing Crisis: Here’s Why There’s Hope *LABOR DAY SPECIAL* Bob Schoonover The CImage: http://citywatchla.com/images/stories/Sept10/cw8-70e.png ity of Los Angeles enters the Labor Day weekend with huge challenges. The recession is still battering private and public sector jobs, furloughs and cutbacks have hammered city services, and foreclosures are still shattering neighborhoods. But three events that happened this week should give us all hope. One--A new plan to put city employees in charge of golf cart operations at five city-run courses will generate cash for city government. That was a key point in our Strong Budget this year to contract in work that city workers already perform – and crack down on excessive contracting. After a pilot project with city employees that saw revenue increase 11% this year, the City of Los Angeles proposed to end an outside contract for electric golf carts at five city-run golf courses. A report found that the contractor had... City Facing Crisis: Here’s Why There’s Hope LABOR DAY SPECIAL
Bob Schoonover

The City of Los Angeles enters the Labor Day weekend with huge challenges. The recession is still battering private and public sector jobs, furloughs and cutbacks have hammered city services, and foreclosures are still shattering neighborhoods.

But three events that happened this week should give us all hope. One--A new plan to put city employees in charge of golf cart operations at five city-run courses will generate cash for city government. That was a key point in our Strong Budget this year to contract in work that city workers already perform – and crack down on excessive contracting.

After a pilot project with city employees that saw revenue increase 11% this year, the City of Los Angeles proposed to end an outside contract for electric golf carts at five city-run golf courses. A report found that the contractor had underpaid rent to the city and profited from the work of city employees.

When it’s done, the city’s golf division will contribute $1,824,133 a year in golf revenue that supports LA parks and playgrounds, according to the Recreation and Parks Department.

The issue isn’t private business vs. public employees, it’s about who can deliver the best service and value for taxpayers. "As a recreation and parks gardener, I'm always held accountable for what happens in the parks. Outside contracting costs more in the long run," said Andrew Ortiz, a gardener-caretaker at Rio de Los Angeles. “We've been around 100 years; we're not new at this. We know what we're doing."

Two --The city board that oversees civilian retirement recommended major changes that will save the city more than $28 million next year alone. The LA City Employee Retirement System was recently approved for a $20 million federal grant to support retiree health care. As a result, a board committee approved changing the “smoothing” period to mitigate the impact of stock market losses. That was another key plank in our Strong Budget.

Every employee’s retirement has taken a beating in the recession. It’s easy to forget that when public employees get all the blame for cities’ budget crises. But there are real solutions that don’t involve cutting services or the workers who provide them.

Three --It’s not just taxpayers who suffer from contractor profiteering. When a contractor for one of America’s richest companies, JP Morgan Chase, laid off 16 janitors in Century City, 57 of their co-workers came forward in solidarity. They risked their jobs in this recession to stand up for their co-workers.

Los Angeles has the nation’s greatest disparity of wealth and poverty. Unions help fill the middle with workers who can afford to buy homes and keep them up, keep their families healthy, and save and pay for their own retirement.

Those are the things I’m proud of this weekend.

(Bob Schoonover is SEIU721 President and a LA City Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic) -cw

NewsLetter from; CityWatch exists to monitor the political business of City Hall, and other government agencies, to monitor the progress of the empowerment of LA's neighborhoods and to encourage grass roots civic engagement.
CityWatch is an electronic journal of observations, analysis and perspectives ... complimented by ideas and information all viewed and presented from the POV of LA's myriad grass roots neighborhoods engaged in the ongoing struggle for empowerment. We hope you find it useful, informative and provocative.
For those of you who have been with us for the two years past, we thank you for your support and your input. Without which we could not have grown from the 256 email addresses of two years ago to the better than 60,000 subscribers of today ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/city-facing-crisis-here-s-why-there-s-hope-bob-schoonover-49130/ Throw the Bums Out! STRIKING OUT IN DODGERTOWN http://www.szone.us/f76/throw-bums-out-striking-out-dodgertown-49129/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:19:44 GMT Throw the Bums Out! *STRIKING OUT IN DODGERTOWN* Jack Humphreville Image: http://citywatchla.com/images/stories/Sept10/cw8-70g.png What did Dodger fans and Angelenos do to deserve the Boston Parking Lot Attendant and the Screaming Meanie? It is bad enough when we have wine aficionado Mayor Villaraigosa living like a millionaire on the taxpayers’ dime. But who cares about Our Dear 11% Mayor? He’s checked out and termed out. But we do care about the Dodgers. And it is just not right that Frank and Jamie McCourt are living like billionaires, with private jets and estates in Bel Air and Malibu, all financed by increased ticket prices and a depleted payroll. This extravagant lifestyle, along with the expensive divorce lawyers, has impacted the team’s performance on the field, so much so that the odds of the Dodgers making the playoffs are slim. With only 28 games left in the regular season, 18 of which are with teams with better records, the Bums are in fourth place in... Throw the Bums Out! STRIKING OUT IN DODGERTOWN
Jack Humphreville

What did Dodger fans and Angelenos do to deserve the Boston Parking Lot Attendant and the Screaming Meanie?

It is bad enough when we have wine aficionado Mayor Villaraigosa living like a millionaire on the taxpayers’ dime. But who cares about Our Dear 11% Mayor? He’s checked out and termed out.

But we do care about the Dodgers. And it is just not right that Frank and Jamie McCourt are living like billionaires, with private jets and estates in Bel Air and Malibu, all financed by increased ticket prices and a depleted payroll.

This extravagant lifestyle, along with the expensive divorce lawyers, has impacted the team’s performance on the field, so much so that the odds of the Dodgers making the playoffs are slim. With only 28 games left in the regular season, 18 of which are with teams with better records, the Bums are in fourth place in the National League West, nine games behind San Diego. They are in fifth place in the Wild Card race, 7˝ games behind Philadelphia.

The Dodgers would need a miracle. If the Phillies play .500 ball for the rest of the regular season, the Bums will need to win more than 75% of their remaining games. Fat chance.

However, the real action is off the field as the contentious, no-holds-barred divorce proceedings are being played out daily in the media. And it seems that every day another tidbit is published, whether it is dueling documents regarding the ownership of the team, the outrageous fees of divorce lawyers, projected ticket prices and parking fees of $50 and $40 respectively, the high level of debt in the holding company, or that attendance is 15% to 20% lower than the stated numbers because of the no shows.

But Frank McCourt is trying to keep up appearances. Last week, he gave 40,000 tickets with a face value of at least $1.25 million to the 10,000 men and women of the police force. But then again, as Frank’s acquaintances say, he never does anything without a self serving agenda.

In this case, the Dodgers are expecting incremental revenues of $800,000 from the sale of concessions and parking fees, most of which will flow to the bottom line.

But more importantly, Frank is soliciting the goodwill of the City and one of its most powerful unions, just like he did by inviting the Mayor to sit in the owners’ box.

This relationship with the Police Protective League will be useful not only when the team asks the City to bless significant zoning changes necessary for the development of Chavez Ravine, but when the Dodgers ask our cash starved City to fund tens of millions in required road improvements, sewers, and storm water drainage. Of course, this will mean hundreds of millions to the McCourts.

There is no question that the Dodgers must undertake a major financial restructuring of the entire operation. This is being mandated by the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Bud Selig.

This will also require the McCourts to reorganize their own debt laden finances and limit their extravagant spending.

As Bill Shaikin and E. Scott Reckard pointed out in their September 1 article in The Los Angeles Times, “Frank McCourt Has Taken the Dodgers Deep in Debt,” there are significant levels of debt, whether it is $433 million in long term debt, deferred compensation that has been capped at $66 million by the lending agreement with the Bank of America, $60 million of debt secured by the parking lots, money borrowed from friends to help purchase the team in 2004, other debt in the holding company that owns the Dodgers and the land, or personal obligations, including mortgage debt on their multiple residences purchased at the peak of the market, to say nothing of potential tax liabilities.

But the recapitalization of the Dodgers (including Chavez Ravine) and the McCourts will be extremely difficult given the estimated $700 million of debt and liabilities and operating income of only $33 million, a debt to operating income ratio of over 20 times. To put this in the proper perspective, banks today are hard pressed to lend more than six times!

This recapitalization will be made much more difficult, if not impossible, if Frank, the presumptive owner, has to make a meaningful property settlement with Jamie. And the amount of any property settlement is uncertain given the large differences in values.

On the one hand, Frank values the Dodgers at $750 million (a price he would never sell at), while Jamie, looking to the future and based on her excellent management capabilities, believes the values are $1.5 billion.

In any case, any recapitalization is going to require not only new lenders, but new equity investors.

But in reality, who would want to be a lender to or a partner with Frank McCourt, especially after reading Gene Maddaus’ August 5 article in LA Weekly, “Dodger Dog,” where he discusses in detail Frank’s questionable business practices and general lack of ethics.

Maddaus’ findings are consistent with an understated comment by a prominent person in the Boston business and philanthropic community who Frank and Jamie strived to know: “Frank has a personality attractive to some.”

Gone are the halcyon days when the McCourts envisioned a global sports enterprise, owning not only the World Champion Dodgers, but a soccer team in the English Premier League, a regional sports network like the Yankees, a new NFL stadium in downtown LA, and a $500 million Dodger themed development in Chavez Ravine. Jamie was even considering running for President of the United States.

And while Frank has reportedly been turned down for a mere $10 million loan, he will insist that the Dodgers and its related assets are worth a fortune. At the same time, he will insist on absolute control. But this is not going to happen and eventually, if we are lucky, a judge will force a sale of the Dodgers, hopefully to a deep pocketed owner who has the ability to lead the Dodgers to the World Series.

And based on the Los Angeles Times article, poor Frank and Jamie will be left with only $80 million each.

The McCourts had a blast at the party, compliments of the loyal Dodger fans who have been assaulted over the last six years by ever increasing prices. But today, with the poor economy and struggling team, these same fans of the Bums are united in saying, “Throw the bums out.”

(Jack Humphreville writes LA Watchdog for CityWatch He is the President of the DWP Advocacy Committee and the Ratepayer Advocate for the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council. Humphreville is the publisher of the Recycler -- www.recycler.com . He can be reached at: lajack@gmail.com This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ) -cw

NewsLetter from; CityWatch exists to monitor the political business of City Hall, and other government agencies, to monitor the progress of the empowerment of LA's neighborhoods and to encourage grass roots civic engagement.
CityWatch is an electronic journal of observations, analysis and perspectives ... complimented by ideas and information all viewed and presented from the POV of LA's myriad grass roots neighborhoods engaged in the ongoing struggle for empowerment. We hope you find it useful, informative and provocative.
For those of you who have been with us for the two years past, we thank you for your support and your input. Without which we could not have grown from the 256 email addresses of two years ago to the better than 60,000 subscribers of today ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/throw-bums-out-striking-out-dodgertown-49129/ California State prison officials considering layoffs http://www.szone.us/f76/california-state-prison-officials-considering-layoffs-49122/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:00:53 GMT *State prison officials considering layoffs* California prison officials are reviewing recommended staff eliminations sent to them last week by prison wardens. State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials in August asked for a 3 percent employee reduction - about 1,100 positions - to save between $80 million and $100 million. An analysis of the potential cuts is expected to be completed in about 30 days, state prison officials said. Details on recommended cuts at California Institution for Men and California Institution for Women, both in Chino, as well as California Rehabilitation Center in Norco were not released by prison officials. Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (http://lapd.com/r/A/NzAxOTI/MTI3NzM4/0/0/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5kYWlseWJ1bGxldGluLmNvbS9jaV8xNTk2NjQ4OQ) Newsletter from LAPPL; About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police... State prison officials considering layoffs

California prison officials are reviewing recommended staff eliminations sent to them last week by prison wardens. State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials in August asked for a 3 percent employee reduction - about 1,100 positions - to save between $80 million and $100 million. An analysis of the potential cuts is expected to be completed in about 30 days, state prison officials said. Details on recommended cuts at California Institution for Men and California Institution for Women, both in Chino, as well as California Rehabilitation Center in Norco were not released by prison officials.
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Newsletter from LAPPL;
About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com
Los Angeles Police Protective League
1308 West Eighth Street
Los Angeles, California 90017
phone: (213) 251-4554
 ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/california-state-prison-officials-considering-layoffs-49122/ Bruce Lisker should be sent back to prison, state lawyers say http://www.szone.us/f76/bruce-lisker-should-sent-back-prison-state-lawyers-say-49119/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:55:20 GMT Bruce Lisker should be sent back to prison, state lawyers say

State lawyers have asked a judge to reverse her decision to overturn the murder conviction of a man who was set free last year after serving 26 years in prison. Bruce Lisker, who was accused of killing his mother in 1983, should be sent back to prison because the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled in another case that inmates should not be allowed to file late petitions for release even if they can prove they are innocent, according to the attorney general's motion.
Los Angeles Times

Newsletter from LAPPL;
About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com
Los Angeles Police Protective League
1308 West Eighth Street
Los Angeles, California 90017
phone: (213) 251-4554
 ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/bruce-lisker-should-sent-back-prison-state-lawyers-say-49119/ The $29 Million Air Pollution Penalty http://www.szone.us/f76/29-million-air-pollution-penalty-49109/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:36:13 GMT Americans for Prosperity - California ... (http://www.americansforprosperity.org/090210-29-million-air-pollution-penalty) Americans for Prosperity - California ... ]]> California AFP http://www.szone.us/f76/29-million-air-pollution-penalty-49109/ Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs SB 1395 http://www.szone.us/f76/gov-schwarzenegger-signs-sb-1395-a-49098/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:14:45 GMT For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 2, 2010 Contact: Aaron McLear Matt Connelly 916-445-4571 *Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs SB 1395*
For Immediate Release:
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Contact: Aaron McLear
Matt Connelly

916-445-4571

Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs SB 1395

Legislation Makes it Easier for Californians to Affirm Their Organ Donor Status, Creates Nation’s First Kidney Donor Registry

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement after signing SB 1395 by Senator Elaine Alquist (D-Santa Clara):

“Organ donors are true heroes and I’m proud to sign SB 1395. This legislation will help save the lives of those waiting for a transplant by making it easier for Californians to affirm their preferred organ donor status. It will also create the nation’s first donor registry for kidney transplants to help connect those in need of a transplant with those willing to give. I applaud all of those who were involved in passing this life-saving legislation.”

On March 19, Governor Schwarzenegger and Senator Elaine Alquist (D-Santa Clara) announced the introduction of SB 1395. The legislation will give Californians a choice between registering to be an organ donor or considering at another time via a mandated question through the Department of Motor Vehicles driver license application/renewal or state ID card application process. The legislation also creates the nation’s first living donor registry for kidney transplants to better connect those who want to donate with those in need of a transplant.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Gov.CA.Gov
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814 ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/gov-schwarzenegger-signs-sb-1395-a-49098/ Bill granting carpool stickers to plug-in hybrids signed into law http://www.szone.us/f76/bill-granting-carpool-stickers-plug-hybrids-signed-into-law-49083/ Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:11:13 GMT *Bill granting carpool stickers to plug-in hybrids signed into law* Coming eventually to a diamond lane near you: 40,000 plug-in hybrids that will be eligible for carpool stickers starting in 2012. A bill signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, SB 535, also extends the current carpool perk for hybrids by six months, until July 1, 2011. The governor had already signed AB 1500, which extended until Jan. 1, 2015, the current carpool privileges for owners of electric vehicles and cars running on compressed natural gas. Those owners can immediately apply for white stickers, and there is no limit to how many can be issued. San Jose Mercury-News (http://lapd.com/r/A/NzAxNjM/MTI3NzM4/0/0/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb250cmFjb3N0YXRpbWVzLmNvbS9wb2xpdGljcy1nb3Zlcm5tZW50L2NpXzE1OTU1MzQ5P3NvdXJjZT1yc3MmbmNsaWNrX2NoZWNrPTE) Newsletter from LAPPL; About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn... Bill granting carpool stickers to plug-in hybrids signed into law
Coming eventually to a diamond lane near you: 40,000 plug-in hybrids that will be eligible for carpool stickers starting in 2012. A bill signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, SB 535, also extends the current carpool perk for hybrids by six months, until July 1, 2011. The governor had already signed AB 1500, which extended until Jan. 1, 2015, the current carpool privileges for owners of electric vehicles and cars running on compressed natural gas. Those owners can immediately apply for white stickers, and there is no limit to how many can be issued.
San Jose Mercury-News

Newsletter from LAPPL;
About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com
Los Angeles Police Protective League
1308 West Eighth Street
Los Angeles, California 90017
phone: (213) 251-4554
 ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/bill-granting-carpool-stickers-plug-hybrids-signed-into-law-49083/ Illegal immigration slows in California, across the U.S. http://www.szone.us/f76/illegal-immigration-slows-california-across-u-s-49082/ Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:09:52 GMT Illegal immigration slows in California, across the U.S.
The number of illegal immigrants in the United States has declined for the first time in 20 years, and California's share of the undocumented population has shrunk, from 42 percent in 1990 to 23 percent in 2009, according to a study released yesterday by an independent research group. The Pew Hispanic Center estimates there were 11.1 million illegal immigrants living in the U.S. in 2009 - an 8 percent drop from a peak of 12 million in 2007 and about the same as in 2005.
California Watch

Newsletter from LAPPL;
About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com
Los Angeles Police Protective League
1308 West Eighth Street
Los Angeles, California 90017
phone: (213) 251-4554
 ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/illegal-immigration-slows-california-across-u-s-49082/ Tribute to first responders,Torrance, CA http://www.szone.us/f76/tribute-first-responders-torrance-ca-49080/ Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:06:11 GMT *Tribute to first responders* The Harbor City/Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce invites you to the Tribute to the First Responders Luncheon. Thursday, September 16th, Sunrider International 1625 Abalone Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501 between the hours of 11:30 to 1:30pm with a tour of the Chen Art Gallery Special Guest Sheriff Lee Baca and Chief Charlie Beck. Torrance Daily Breeze (http://lapd.com/r/A/NzAxNjA/MTI3NzM4/0/0/aHR0cDovL2V2ZW50cy5kYWlseWJyZWV6ZS5jb20vdG9ycmFuY2UtY2EvZXZlbnRzL3Nob3cvMTQwNzY2MjY1LXRyaWJ1dGUtdG8tZmlyc3QtcmVzcG9uZGVycw) Newsletter from LAPPL; About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com (http://www.LAPD.com) Los Angeles Police... Tribute to first responders
The Harbor City/Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce invites you to the Tribute to the First Responders Luncheon. Thursday, September 16th, Sunrider International 1625 Abalone Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501 between the hours of 11:30 to 1:30pm with a tour of the Chen Art Gallery Special Guest Sheriff Lee Baca and Chief Charlie Beck.
Torrance Daily Breeze

Newsletter from LAPPL;
About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com
Los Angeles Police Protective League
1308 West Eighth Street
Los Angeles, California 90017
phone: (213) 251-4554
 ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/tribute-first-responders-torrance-ca-49080/ <![CDATA[Sheriff Baca says state's medical marijuana program has been hijacked by criminals...]]> http://www.szone.us/f76/sheriff-baca-says-states-medical-marijuana-program-has-been-hijacked-criminals-49078/ Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:59:48 GMT Sheriff Baca says state's medical marijuana program has been hijacked by criminals, citing triple slaying

Sheriff Lee Baca said the recent triple murder in West Hollywood during an illegal sale of medical marijuana is another example of how the industry has been taken over in part by enterprising criminals. "The medicinal marijuana program that voters authorized years ago has been hijacked by underground drug dealing criminals who are resorting to violence in order to control their piece of the action," Baca said.
Los Angeles Times

Newsletter from LAPPL;
About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com
Los Angeles Police Protective League
1308 West Eighth Street
Los Angeles, California 90017
phone: (213) 251-4554
 ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/sheriff-baca-says-states-medical-marijuana-program-has-been-hijacked-criminals-49078/ When it comes to walking, L.A. is more deadly than other cities http://www.szone.us/f76/when-comes-walking-l-more-deadly-than-other-cities-49077/ Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:54:33 GMT Public SafetyWhen it comes to walking, L.A. is more deadly than other cities
If Los Angeles is going to be the greenest city in the nation, making it walkable should be a major part of that effort. Part of walkability is planning a neighborhood or commercial district with the right mix of amenities and destinations. Another part is safety. Because if walking to the nearby grocery store means putting your life overtly at risk, then you're just going to start driving. In North America, three out of every 100,000 pedestrians are killed. In Los Angeles that number increases to 7.64.
LAist

Newsletter from LAPPL;
About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com
Los Angeles Police Protective League
1308 West Eighth Street
Los Angeles, California 90017
phone: (213) 251-4554 ]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/when-comes-walking-l-more-deadly-than-other-cities-49077/ ride with pride up date http://www.szone.us/f76/ride-pride-up-date-49049/ Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:53:15 GMT Hi everyone. Hope you are all getting ready for a nice holiday weekend. This e-mail may end up being a little lengthy, but it will contain a lot of updated information about the program. As always if for any reason you do not want to receive these e-mails please let me know. I will try to go in chronological order to make things easier. Credit card donations can now be made through our web site. It’s never too late to donate! First as of September 1st , you can renew your Ralphs community partners designation. Please go to our web site www.ridewithprideth.org (http://www.ridewithprideth.org) and there is a link to Ralphs and you can also print out the bar code letter from there. I have also attached the bar code letter in case you threw away the last one. Print it and pass it around. Please sign up it is a really easy way to raise a few dollars for Ride with Pride. September 4th. (Yes I know it is a holiday weekend, but time is short) Concert in the canyon meeting... Hi everyone. Hope you are all getting ready for a nice holiday weekend. This e-mail may end up being a little lengthy, but it will contain a lot of updated information about the program. As always if for any reason you do not want to receive these e-mails please let me know.

I will try to go in chronological order to make things easier.

Credit card donations can now be made through our web site. It’s never too late to donate!

First as of September 1st , you can renew your Ralphs community partners designation. Please go to our web site www.ridewithprideth.org and there is a link to Ralphs and you can also print out the bar code letter from there. I have also attached the bar code letter in case you threw away the last one. Print it and pass it around. Please sign up it is a really easy way to raise a few dollars for Ride with Pride.

September 4th. (Yes I know it is a holiday weekend, but time is short) Concert in the canyon meeting after horse care. Horse Care 8:30-10:30 and the Concert in the Canyon meeting is at noon. It shouldn’t take too long. We will need lots of help to make this a success so if you cannot make this meeting try to make one of the next planning meetings.

September 11th: For those of you working on grant writing, meeting is at 9:00am in the office.

September 13th: Our regular general meeting and board meeting combined. It will be at 7:00pm in the boarders lounge at the ranch. Hope to see you there as there will be lots to discuss.

Weekend of September 25th and 26th. On the 25th we will be taking three horses and associated paraphernalia to the Hanson Dam Equestrian Center for the Kiwanis Show for Disabled Riders. There will be lots to do so please come and help out. We will be taking 4 riders to the show. Show is on the 26th. Please lend a hand and support our riders. It should be a really nice event.

On October 2nd we are having our first fundraiser of the year. A Concert in the Canyon featuring the Doo Wah Riders and a silent auction. The Kiwanis club will be BBQ’ing hot dogs and hamburgers, which will be available for a donation or bring a picnic and come enjoy the music. Susan and Ann are working very hard on the silent auction. If you have items or know of someone who might please let us know. The success of this event is very important to the program so please pass the word to all your friends and neighbors. I have attached a flyer and if you would like more just ask.
The concert will be from 2:00pm to 6:30pm so people will not have to drive the canyon road in the dark. $20 admission, 7-12 half price and 6 and under free.

We really hope to see you all at one or more of these events.

If I have forgotten something please let me know. Thanks Pat
Attached Images
File Type: pdf RidewithPride Concert 8-25-10.pdf (1.81 MB)
]]> California Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f76/ride-pride-up-date-49049/