I hope our newsletter finds you well. I was happy to attend a few receptions this week to say hi/bye to some of the City/County leadership. CAO Miguel Santana and his office held a reception to bid Assistant CAO Robin Engel good-bye on Monday morning as he heads off to become Vice President of Arnie Berghoff & Associates. Mayor Eric Garcetti welcomed Los Angeles World Airports new Executive Director Deborah Flint and Metro CEO Phil Washington at a reception on Monday evening. Metro Board of Directors Chair and County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who started the Empowerment Congresses which influenced the creation of the Neighborhood Council system, also attended and spoke on the importance of Los Angeles' transportation systems.

The Board of Neighborhood Commissioners met last night in Los Feliz. HUGE thanks to Los Feliz Neighborhood Council President Linda Demmers for being a perfect host in organizing the location of the meeting. Vice President Mark Mauceri gave an excellent presentation on how the LFNC continues to excel in getting their name and work out in the community via social media. The Commission finalized a letter to City Council on CF 15-0524 and also voted to request that City Council give them the authority to clarify the term "substantial and ongoing" for the community interest stakeholder definition. The Commission will meet next at City Hall on August 17, 2015.

It's a busy weekend with our live board orientation, funding and ethics training in South Los Angeles from 10 am to 2 pm. Check out our EmpowerLA Calendar for more details. Venice Neighborhood Council's famous BBQ is also tomorrow from 12 pm to 4 pm. The fun continues in Venice on Sunday when Ciclavia runs between Culver City and Venice.

Hoping we enjoy the BBQ this Saturday and then burn it off Sunday together, but if not, have a great weekend!