I hope this newsletter finds you well. I'm sad to share the loss of one of our Neighborhood Council family, John Greenwood of Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council, who passed suddenly last month. I asked his council to share some memories of him below so we can give thanks for his work and life and so we can appreciate those special people in our own lives tomorrow.
With Thanksgiving upon us, I have been thinking about how thankful I am for our wonderful Neighborhood Council leaders, Department staff, Board of Neighborhood Commissioners and City partners, particularly the Mayor, Councilmembers, Controller, CLA, CAO, City Clerk, City Attorney and all of their amazing and hardworking staff. I see more and more collaborations happening on all levels, which I know will result in a stronger, empowered LA. I'm already seeing the momentum build from these connections just this week.
We celebrated a great Mayor's Budget Day on Saturday with over 200 participants (more below)! On Monday, the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners reviewed Councilmember Huizar's subdivision and factual basis stakeholder motions with additional discussions to come as they review updates to the Plan for a Citywide System of Neighborhood Councils. They also approved letters of support for the Department's proposed budget and the reinstatement of Neighborhood Council funding back to $50,000. In the evening, Commissioner Paul Park and I met with Neighborhood Council leaders from East LA to discuss common community issues and the revival of an alliance in the area, which was met with much enthusiasm.
Yesterday, the Education and Neighborhoods Committee with Councilmembers Parks and Zine reviewed elections, Neighborhood Council Funding, Councilmember Huizar's motions and Neighborhood Council outreach regarding City issues. It was clear that any advancement in these areas requires collaborative discussion with Neighborhood Councils and City electeds and Departments in the upcoming months. Last night, we certified the last Neighborhood Council elections, which was really a model of how we can accomplish monumental tasks in a short period of time if we work together.
I am so grateful for these opportunities to work with such inspirational leaders in our LA communities.
Thank you so much for the work you do to Empower LA!
I wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!