So back in November we asked the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, who oversees Neighborhood Councils, for a quick 5 question interview...
LAist: Okay, so what the heck is a DONE Advocate and what are these Neighborhood Councils all about?
DONE: ...
LAist: Why should our readers get to know their Neighborhood Council?
DONE: ...
LAist: What is one step our readers can do right now to participate to help mold the future of Los Angeles?
DONE: ...
LAist: Many people feel like their Neighborhood Council never reachs out to them or they feel like they don't even exist in their part of town. Why is this happening and what is DONE doing about it?
DONE: ...
LAist: What is your favorite Neighborhood Council success story?
DONE: ...
If you didn't notice, DONE has nothing to say. Repeated requests, even an e-mail to Interim General Manager, Lisa Sarno, went without response. All I got was "we are working on a media policy." Well, today is January 24th, 2007. The interview was requested on November 1st, 2006. We're almost at a whole business quarter later!
And it wasn't like these were hard hitting questions. These were happy go-lucky cheerleading questions. But no, there's a policy and well, "we'll be working on that policy for the rest of your life you press people."
I'm sorry, but I did not realize my 5 encouraging questions needed a policy.
So there you go residents of Los Angeles. This is how much the department that oversees Neighborhood Councils wants you to know about or to be involved with Neighborhood Councils... (hint, it rhymes with DONE).
By the way, LAist thinks you should get involved with your Neighborhood Council. It is a rewarding experience. Just stay away from upper management and get your neighborhood looking and feeling great!
No comment necessary....
I was involved with GRVNC "Grass Roots Venice Neighborhood Council" before the "Independant" conservative developers took over and removed the "Grass Roots" from the title. It was an ugly battle involving a dog that could vote and thereby ruin the liberal majority on the council. DONE was always a major obstacle for those who support less condo development and less traffic. When the new VNC began they changed several of the bylaws to accomoday more development with plenty of help from DONE. More homes for people to live in (as opposed to on the street)is a great idea BUT where is the public transportation? What about rentals? Do we really need more luxury condos? Not everyone is making a six figure income. Venice is a rare example of the battle for real-estate money that trickles down some and kicks other out of the city of LA and some even out of the state. Check out my video about Lincoln Place at:
ReplyDeletewww.youtube.com/graysonvideo
Make any comments you wish and most importantly stay involved before you get steam rolled by those who are supposed to be protecting you.