The BCNA received an e-mail from Councilman David Ryu's office during the Christmas week, telling us that additional officers had been assigned to our area for the holidays and we then gave our obligatory "thank you".

Now that Christmas and New Years celebrations are behind us, we know we give whole-hearted and sincere thanks because, after years of neglect and disinterest from City Hall, the freshest air we have felt has just blown through.

On New Year's Eve, the traffic back-up on Beachwood was palpable. Three traffic officers were screening drivers going up Beachwood and sending away anyone on a tourist excursion and allowing local traffic through. Although at the bottom of the hill, this seemed inconvenient, the greater good was being served. The area leading to Mt. Lee was kept clear for emergency responders in case of fire, or other events. Councilman Ryu has stated many times that his ultimate decisions on how to handle the crowds up here will be made with public safety in mind first and foremost. This valuable exercise continued on New Year's Day!

Happy New Year! Councilman Ryu and staff, thank you for taking our concerns to heart and responding vigorously and attentively. Many of us in the Canyon, are thanking the universe or higher power of our choice for bringing all of you to our community.