Innovation Week Has Arrived We are a city of innovators: a place where artists, entrepreneurs, academics, and creators of all kinds are constantly pushing the boundaries of possibility to bring something new to our city and the world. That's why I'm excited for Innovation Week. You can find a full calendar of events here. Earlier this week, our city was the proud host of City Lab 2014, which brought...

In a continued effort to increase safety and accessibility on LA's streets, Mayor Garcetti and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation have released a strategic plan aimed at reducing pedestrian deaths and improving efficiency, bikeability, and walkability on the city's streets and sidewalks. The plan builds on the Mayor's Great Streets initiative, which treats LA's streets as assets...

Experience the one-day interactive conference that celebrates tech's bright future and the innovators who will usher it in. Packed with high-energy panels, hourly giveaways, a Maker Room with interactive tech, immersive breakout sessions, contests and more, TechOut LA is an LA Innovation Week event you won't want to miss. TechOut LA brings together tech founders, VC funders, entrepreneurs, educators...

City Council President Herb Wesson will be attending the next Board of Neighborhood Commissioners meeting, scheduled to take place this coming Tuesday. He will be discussing his approach to leadership development and providing pointers to neighborhood council leaders in their leadership practice. Throughout his 20-year career in government, President Wesson is well known for his uncanny ability to...

On September 30, the Neighborhood Council Budget Advocates met with Mayor Garcetti to discuss their questions regarding the proposed 2014-2015 budget and hear the Mayor's vision for how the Budget Advocates can better weigh in on the budget process. The voice of neighborhood councils from across the city can play a crucial role in guiding the city's budget priorities and providing the Mayor and...

Are you looking to improve your digital presence, spruce up your website, or create more eye-catching flyers for your events? Want to hire an expert who can help you streamline your social media platforms, create attractive templates for your online content, or manage your newsletter and email lists? Don't know where to look? EmpowerLA is putting together a list of approved vendors that can provide...

Earthquake shaking can move almost anything, even large or heavy items. Imagine your home or workplace being picked up and shaken sideways - what would fall or be thrown around? How can you prevent it? Attend the Preparedness Fair and find out how you can be ready for the BIG ONE! Drop, Cover, & Hold On Earthquake Preparedness Fair Tuesday, October 14 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm Highland Park Gold...

Did you know that district-wide, only 16% of LAUSD students that graduate in four years complete the required college entry coursework? This rate is significantly lower for students living in South LA. This Saturday, the Central Alameda, South Central, CANNDU, Voices of 90037 and Zapata/King Neighborhood Council(Forming Committee) are sponsoring a College Prep Workshop for students throughout the...

"The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining." - John F. Kennedy We all know the old "location, location, location" adage in real estate -- but in the case of neighborhood councils, you're probably aware that the more appropriate slogan is really "outreach, outreach, outreach." Good outreach doesn't happen by accident. Even if you have the most gregarious, social, and friendly...

This general message is being sent in order to assist your Neighborhood Council when you have a situation where your board will provide a grant or payment to a non-profit and one of the Neighborhood Council board members is also a member of that non-profit. Many Neighborhood Council board members are also active in non-profits in their communities. Your Neighborhood Council may provide a grant or...

Everyone, everywhere, should know how to protect themselves in an earthquake. Even if earthquakes are rare where you live, they may happen where you or your family travel. Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are an annual opportunity for people in homes, schools, and organizations to practice what to do during earthquakes, and to improve preparedness. On Saturday October 11th the City of Los Angeles...

We are a city of innovators: a place where artists, entrepreneurs, academics, and creators of all kinds are constantly pushing the boundaries of possibility to bring something new to our city and the world. Earlier this week, our city was the proud host of City Lab 2014, which brought together over 300 mayors from around the world to talk about the urban future. City Lab chose LA because, as one panelist...

CicLAvia, the event that turns LA streets into a haven for cyclists and pedestrians for a day, will return to the Heart of LA on October 5 from 9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m. with an almost entirely new route, and the first to leave LA city limits. CicLAvia is a free event. No registration is required and there is no starting or ending point. All you need to do is show up somewhere along the route, travel any...

Ambulante California has been exhibiting documentaries for free in public alternative spaces all over the greater LA area since Sunday September 21. You don't want to miss this weekend as the tour makes its ultimate stop and docks at The Bowtie Project alongside the LA River (Cypress Park) with two awesome films. Friday night at 7pm we will begin with Echo Park Film Center's The Sound We See: A Los...

Register today for a free women's self-defense workshop in one of several locations around the city. The workshops will take place on the following dates: October 4 10 AM - 12 PM LA Police Department, Mission Area 11121 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills October 4 1 PM - 3 PM Panorama Recreation Center 8600 Hazeltine Ave., Panorama City October 18 1 PM - 3 PM North Hollywood Recreation Center 11430...

Neighbors in South and Mid City Los Angeles spent an informative and fun-filled Saturday morning learning how to prepare for a potentially catastrophic natural disaster that could strike Los Angeles without warning. The Mid City and the United Neighborhoods Neighborhood Councils provided financial support for the LAFD's Disaster Awareness Course (DAC) which was held on September 27 at the Iglesia...

Following similar ordinances in cities across the state, Jerry Brown has signed a bill banning plastic shopping bags in grocery and convenience stores, making California the first state to institute such a policy. The ban is scheduled to take effect in July 2015, though a coalition of plastic bag manufacturers will attempt to seek a voter referendum repealing the law. State Bill 270 will phase out...

Voices Neighborhood Council and Councilman Curren Price are partnering with Normandie Avenue Elementary School for a Walk to School Day event next Wednesday, October 8. Normandie Avenue Elementary School Walk to School Day begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 8:00 a.m. on the School Playground. Meet us beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Corner of Vernon Avenue and Raymond Avenue to begin our walk into the school...

In collaboration with Councilman Tom LaBonge and Mitch Englander, this month's Emergency Management Department (EMD) bulletin discusses earthquake preparedness for older adults. Seniors, especially those with medical issues and/or limited mobility, can be especially vulnerable should an earthquake strike. It is recommended that senior citizens create a personal support network made up of several...

On October 11, 2014 the Neighborhood Council Budget Advocates will be hosting their regional Budget Day from 8:30am - noon. The locations for each region are as follows: Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4: Van Nuys City Hall 14410 Sylvan St. (at Van Nuys Blvd.), Van Nuys, CA 91401 Regions 5 and 6: Hollywood City Hall 6501 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles CA 90028 Regions 7 and 8: Glassell Park Community Center 3650 Verdugo Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065 Regions 9, 10 and...