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General Manager's Update
I hope this newsletter finds you well. I'm out of town this week, but delighted that Cindy Cleghorn accepted my offer to write the GM message. I have known Cindy since I started with the Department almost six years ago and am just amazed at her work not only with her own Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council, but also with PlanCheckNC and as Chair of the Congress of Neighborhoods Planning Committee. She's a gem in our system, and I thank her for stepping in to write today.
Have a great weekend!
 Best,
Grayce Liu,
General Manager
Department of Neighborhood Empowerment
Empower Yourself.
Empower Your Community.
Empower LA.
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Dear Neighborhood Council Leaders,
A little over 10 years ago I moved my business to Tujunga. Little did I know that I would soon become involved in starting up the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council and serve as one of the first board members, a City Commissioner, chair of PlanCheckNC and the NC Congress. I guess its true what they say about busy people! I enjoy learning and getting others to learn more about how the City of Los Angeles works. How we can Bridge the Gap and work together to make our communities better places to live work and play. As a business owner, its important to build relationships. The Congress of Neighborhoods is "the" place on one day, once a year for us to do just that.
The Congress Planning Committee is looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, September 28 at City Hall. "Bridging the Gap - Bringing Government Closer to the People" is the theme for this year's NC Congress. The NC Congress is "the" place to meet those who make a difference in the City of Los Angeles. We have a new Mayor, City Attorney, City Controller and City Councilmembers to step up and say hello, get to know, and "Bridge the Gap".
What is unique about the NC Congress is our ability to take "action." In 2011 NC leaders brought back "elections" that had gone dormant and pushing NC leaders to remain in office beyond their expectations. In 2012 NC leaders came together to support the appointment of Grayce Liu as General Manager of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment/EmpowerLA.
We have an exciting line up of workshops and speakers. There is something for everyone. EmpowerLA training classes in finance as well as classes to kick off the next NC elections season. We also have workshops with DWP and Sanitation updates, SB1818, Lobby Like a Pro - Insiders Secrets and much, much more. NC Volunteers are working on every little detail to make this Congress a great experience in your journey as a neighborhood council leader.
I am looking forward to seeing you on September 28. Don't miss this event! Thank you to the Neighborhood Councils who have made the Congress possible and to outstanding, dedicated volunteers and EmpowerLA staff.
Here's the line up for the day's activities:
8:00 a.m. - Registration, Breakfast, Networking, Table Top Exhibits
8:45 a.m. - Opening Session & Keynote Speakers
9:30 a.m. - Session 1 Workshops
10:50 a.m. - Session 2 Workshops
12 Noon - Lunch, Networking, Table Top Exhibits
1:10 p.m. - Session 3
2:30 p.m. - Action Session
You are encouraged to register now for the Congress.
Cindy Cleghorn, Chair
Congress Planning Committee
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Mayor Eric Garcetti wants to hear from you! As the Mayor of Los Angeles, he will be holding his second session of office hours this Tuesday, September 3rd at the Van Nuys City Hall. He wants to meet directly with you so he can hear your questions and comments and so he can help you get the city services that you need. To participate in the Mayor's Office Hours... >>> continue reading
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Neighborhood Council leaders have it made, at least that's what the evidence indicates, confirming what sociologists have long claimed, that people who get involved in their community live happier, more prosperous, and longer lives. A study of volunteering in Germany explored how volunteers experience more happiness in their lives as they engage in activities that benefit others, resulting in higher life satisfaction. Fast Company reports that there's a magic number, just two hours a week spent on civic engagement will result in an increase in happiness, which results in improved health...
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A member of the press asked a simple question, "Do Neighborhood Councils do anything fun or is it all long meetings?" A quick survey reveals that the answer is a resounding "Yes!" The Venice Neighborhood Council just wrapped their annual Community BBQ and Picnic, a social event that features the grilling skills of the Venice firefighters from Station #63. The Park Mesa Heights Community Council is holding their award-winning Unity Fest this weekend, a community event that brings the neighbors out and connects them with the council, local services, and each other...
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LA's claim to the title of the Mural Capital of the World is back in play according to CurbedLA, now that the City Council has approved Council File 11-0923 by a 14-1 vote, bringing a two year journey to an end, almost. At issue is the 11 year old mural moratorium that has been in effect, blocking muralists from plying their trade and artists from working their craft... >>> continue reading
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On August 20th, the City Council's Education and Neighborhoods Committee (commonly called E&N) met for the first time since the City's newly elected officials took office. The Chair of the Committee, Councilmember Bernard Parks, welcomed the two new Committee members - Councilmember Nury Martinez and Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell. Most issues related to Neighborhood Councils first go through this Committee...
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We are working towards finalizing the selection of a bank that will assist us in making the NC Checking Account System a reality. Our target date for implementation is now October 1st. After the bank has been selected, the Department will be contacting the Treasurers and Signers to have them complete a bank application to open the accounts. We'll keep you posted!...
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I was happy to learn of so many of you attending the Ethics and Open Government trainings across the City provided by the Office of the City Attorney. It is very inspiring to see you show up at these events time and time again with such a desire to learn and get informed; such diligence truly speaks to your commitment to the NC system and to your community as well, kudos to all of you!...
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The survey for the nine NC Plan Review committee recommendations will close this weekend, but the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners hopes that Neighborhood Councils continue to send in resolutions or comments until the Commission is able to agendize the issues in a couple weeks. The nine motions address important policies which govern the Neighborhood Council system, including... >>> continue reading
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DEADLINES
September 1
Approved Budgets for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 due
(extended deadline)
September 1
Funding Training and Ethics Compliance for NC Board Members
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RSVP Register now for the Congress of Neighborhoods Saturday, September 28 at City Hall.
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UPCOMING
CANCELED - Board of Neighborhood Commissioners Meeting
Tues, Sept. 3
(next meeting scheduled for
Mon, Sept. 16, 1 pm)
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Harbor Alliance of NCs (HANC)
Time 6:30-8:30 pm
Kaiser Permanente Conference Center
25965 Normandie Av.
Harbor City 90710
********NC Budget Advocates
Time 7:00 pm
Neighborhood
Empowerment
City Hall, 20th Floor
200 N. Spring St.
Los Angeles 90012
********DWP Advocacy Committee
Time 8:45-10:00 am
Hollywood Constituent Center
6501 Fountain Ave.
Los Angeles 90028
********LA NC Coalition (LANCC) Meeting
Time 10 am-1 pm
Hollywood Constituent Center
6501 Fountain Ave.
Los Angeles 90028
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Valley Alliance of NCs (VANC) Meeting
Time 6:30 - 9 pm
Sherman Oaks Hospital Doctor's Conference Room
4929 Van Nuys Bl.
Sherman Oaks 91403
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Contact Us
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Phone: (213) 978-1551
Fax: (213) 978-1751
Our Address:
200 North Spring Street
20th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
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