Updates

SAVE THE DATE - Councilmember José Huizar Invites You to the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of The Hermon Park New State-of-The-Art Playground Equipment.

Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 10 a.m. @ Hermon Park, 5568 Via Marisol, Los Angeles, CA

Join Councilmember José Huizar and the Hermon community for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new state-of-the-art ADA compliant playground at Hermon Park, on Saturday, February 10, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

Aside from the new playground, the new Hermon Park improvements include more security lighting throughout the park, and new irrigation.

Come, bring your children, celebrate with your friends, and neighbors this great community accomplishment. For more information, please call the El Sereno District Office at (323) 226-1646.

---

SAVE THE DATE - Councilmember José Huizar Invites You to the “Open House” Celebration of The Ascot Hills Phase II Park Improvements.

Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 10 a.m. @ Ascot Hills Park, 4371 Multnomah Street at Gateside Drive

Councilmember José Huizar invites you and your family to join your neighbors to the “Open House” celebration of the much-anticipated Ascot Hills Phase II park improvements.

See the progress of the new park improvements, which include the full stream restoration, an outdoor amphitheatre, irrigation and fire safety installations, landscaping, hiking trails, and native plantings, and much more.

Come and join Councilmember José Huizar at the “Open House” as we celebrate together in the spirit of community these long-awaited park improvements.

For more information, please call my El Sereno District Office at (323) 226-1646.

---

Posted at 1:48 PM

---

Highland Park Mural Restoration Kick-Off Celebration

Posted at 3:44 PM

---

El Sereno’s ‘"Our Downtown” Vision Plan Workshop Monday

January 10, 2010 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. @ the Barrio Action Community Room, 4927 Huntington Drive, Second Floor

Councilmember José Huizar invites interested residents, business owners and community stakeholders to join him for the second workshop of the ‘Our Downtown’ Vision Plan. The Vision Plan involves the design and installation of creative, low cost pedestrian improvements on designated sections of Huntington Drive. The community is invited to participate in the selection of which improvements are to be built, including decisions on design. Some initial concepts include: * Building of creative, low cost public spaces, such as a plaza or mini-park * Installation of creative, low cost neighborhood identity markers that foster a sense of place * Community involvement in the design and implementation of bicycle lanes already included in the City of Los Angeles Bicycle Master Plan We look forward to your participation in this exciting initiative! For information contact: El Sereno Office 323.226-1646

---

Councilmember José Huizar's Bulky Item Drop-off Program

Saturday, January 8, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Two Locations 1) El Sereno Park 4721 Klamath St. (Corners of Ruth Swiggett and Eastern) 2) Rose Hill Park 4530 Mercury Avenue (Corners of Beryl and Mercury Ave Bring your bulky items (couches, sofa's etc) this Saturday to these dumpsters. If you are unable to do this, remember you can always call 3-1-1 to arrange a future pickup. It is illegal to dump items on the streets or sidewalks without arranging for collection. Please do not bring construction materials, or green waste.

---

All Things Hermon invites you to Hermon’s First “Clean Team” of 2011

Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 8 a.m. @ Monterey Donuts, 5930 Monterey Road Volunteers meet every first Saturday of the month by Monterey Donuts (5930 Monterey Road.), and then go out in teams to different locations in-and-around Hermon to clean up their community. Volunteers are needed. So come join Hermon’s Clean Team! New volunteers will get one of our their royal blue Clean Team T-shirts that you can always wear with pride!

---

Posted at 2:00 PM

---

Boyle Heights Farmer’s Market

Every Friday from 3 p.m – 8 p.m. @ Mariachi Plaza Metro Gold Line Station (1st and Bailey)

Several vendors participate on a weekly basis to bring you organic fresh fruits and vegetables, hot foods, prepackaged nuts and legumes, and a variety of jewelry by artisans.  The farmers’ market operates every Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Councilmember José Huizar, along with Primera Taza Coffee House MJ Boutique, El Centro de Ayuda, TeleSofa, and Metro, is co-sponsoring the new Farmers’ Market.  This fun-filled event is the perfect family destination for Boyle Heights families on Friday evenings.  Families can take advantage of purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables directly from farmers, enjoy a nice meal to eat, and enjoy the live entertainment.

Resurrection Neighborhood Watch

Every Monday at 6 p.m. @ 3324 Opal Street, Los Angeles, CA 90023

Join several active community residents and leaders as they discuss crime and other quality of life issues in their neighborhoods. LAPD officers and detectives attend these meetings and provide crime updates relevant to the Hollenbeck Division and Resurrection area.

Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 

2 p.m. @ Hollenbeck Police Station, 2111 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Join business leaders and Chamber board members as they discuss upcoming development projects, issues, and updates relevant to the business community in Boyle Heights. For more information on the Boyle Heights Chamber of
Commerce, please visit www.boyleheightschamber.com or contact them at info@boyleheightschamber.com.

SurveyLA: Boyle Heights Community Survey Unveiling & Tour

Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 10 am. – 1:00 p.m.
Puente Learning Center @ 501 S. Boyle Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033

Join Councilmember José Huizar, the Office of Historic Resources, Department of Cultural Affairs, Community Redevelopment Agency, The Boyle Heights Historical Society, and The Los Angeles Conservancy as we celebrate the first- ever comprehensive pilot survey program: SurveyLA that will identify significant historic resources throughout our city.

Councilmember Huizar fought for Boyle Heights to be a pilot area for the SurveyLA program. SurveyLA – the Los Angeles Historic Resources Survey – is Los Angeles' first-ever comprehensive program that will identify and highlight the many historic and cultural treasures in Boyle Heights. The survey marks a coming-of-age for Los Angeles' historic preservation movement, and will serve as a centerpiece for the City’s first truly comprehensive preservation program. Light refreshments, activities for children, and walking tours of historic properties along Boyle Avenue will be offered, free of charge.

Hollenbeck Community-Police Advisory Board

Wednesday, January 19, 2011
6 p.m. @ 2111 E. 1st Street (location may vary), Los Angeles, CA 90033
323.342.4100

Come meet your Hollenbeck Police Captain, Sergeant, Senior Lead Officers for your area, and your community representatives. These meetings occur once a month and local residents are welcome to join and discuss public safety issues and upcoming events in their respective areas. Please call the number listed above for more information and to confirm meeting time and location.

Entrepreneur Training Program Class XXXI

Next course starts January 25, 2011

The Eastside Business Center offers a seven week training series for individuals seeking to start their own business. This series is comprehensive, taught by experts and filled with valuable information for practical applications focused on
business plan development. The classes are provided by the City of Los Angeles' Business Assistance Program (LABAP) and are targeted to entrepreneurs for the purpose of enhancing efficient, sustainable growth for profitable new and growing micro-enterprises and the jobs they create!

Topics include:

• Business Concept Development
• Initial Steps of Business Setup
• Developing a Business Plan
• Strategic Marketing/Credit Repair
• Record Keeping & Booking
• Financial Planning
• Business Insurance
• E-Commerce

Seats are Limited. Please call to register at: (323) 726-7734.

Posted at 10:26 AM

---

El Sereno’s ‘"Our Downtown” Vision Plan Workshop

Posted at 4:03 PM

---

Highland Park's 'new York' Vision Plan

Wednesday, January 5, 2010 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. @ the Glass Studio, 5052 York Blvd.

Councilmember Huizar invites interested residents, business owners and community stakeholders to join him for the second workshop of the ‘new York’ Vision Plan.  The ‘new York’ Plan involves the design and installation of creative, low cost pedestrian improvements on designated sections of York Blvd between Avenue 50 and Avenue 56. The community is invited to participate in the selection of which improvements are to be built, including decisions on design. Some initial concepts include:

* Building of creative, low cost public spaces, such as a plaza or mini-park

* Installation of creative, low cost neighborhood identity markers that foster a sense of place

* Community involvement in the design and implementation of bicycle lanes already included in the City of Los Angeles Bicycle Master Plan

3rd Annual Glassell Park Tree Lighting

Friday, Dec. 10, 2010 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. @ Rite Aid Parking Lot, 4044 Eagle Rock Blvd.

Posted at 3:11 PM

---

Boyle Heights Farmer’s Market

Every Friday from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. @ Mariachi Plaza Metro Gold Line Station (1st and Bailey)

Several vendors participate on a weekly basis to bring you organic fresh fruits and vegetables, hot foods, prepackaged nuts and legumes, and a variety of jewelry by artisans. The farmers’ market will operate every Friday from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Councilmember José Huizar, along with Primera Taza Coffee House MJ Boutique, El Centro de Ayuda, TeleSofa, and Metro, is co-sponsoring the new farmers’ market.  This fun-filled event is the perfect family destination for Boyle Heights families every Friday evenings. Families can take advantage of purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables directly from farmers, enjoy a nice meal to eat, and partake in the live entertainment.

5th Annual Boyle Heights Tree Lighting & Toy Giveaway

Saturday, December 11 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. @ Mariachi Plaza

Join Councilmember José Huizar for our annual toy giveaway and tree lighting celebration. Thousands of children and their families receive a free gift and photo with Santa Claus courtesy of our generous sponsors: Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council and CVS.

The event also features several other fun and free activities for the family such as a petting zoo and light refreshments. Please join us. For more information please contact the CD14 Boyle Heights Field Office at 323.526.3059.

20th Annual Mariachi Festival

Sunday, December 19 (please not date change from November 21) from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. @ Mariachi Plaza
1st Street (between Boyle and State) Los Angeles, CA 90033 (Gold Line Stop at Mariachi Plaza Station)

Join the annual celebration of great Mariachi music. The annual event celebrates the Mariachi music genre and its deeply rooted culture in the Boyle Heights community. Headliners include Jose Hernandez and Mariachi Sol de Mexico,
Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, and Mariachi Voz de America.

Posted at 2:58 PM

---

Olvera Street Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Saturday, December 04, 2010

6PM to 7PM

El Pueblo Historical Monument. Olvera Street @ 125 Paseo de La Plaza/ Placita Olvera

Join Councilmember José Huizar and Olvera Street Merchants for the traditional annual Olvera Street Tree Lighting Ceremony. Get in the holiday spirit and bring your friends and family for this yearly tradition at the historic El Pueblo, the
birthplace of the City of Los Angeles.  Hot refreshments and live entertainment are part of the festivities.

********************************************************************

Arts District Winterfest 2010

December 10 and 11, 2010

7PM to midnight

833 E. Third Street, The Downtown Arts District

The Los Angeles River Artist and Business Association, (LARABA) and the Los Angeles Downtown Arts District Space invite you to the Winterfest 2010. Come and enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment and art displays.

********************************************************************

Downtown on Ice is back

December 3, 2010 - January 17, 2011

10 AM to 10 PM

Pershing Square @ 532 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles

Downtown on Ice celebrates its 12th season at Pershing Square. Enjoy a little Winter Wonderland here in Downtown Los Angeles ice-skating for a low price of six dollars. The Winter Holiday Festival weekend includes a free concert series.

Posted at 4:51 PM

---

Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce 39th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

Friday, Dec. 3, 2010 from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

If it rains, the event moves to Center for the Arts.

Posted at 4:47 PM

---

UPCOMING EVENTS

Boyle Heights Farmer’s Market

Every Friday
3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Mariachi Plaza Metro Gold Line Station @ (1st and Bailey)

Several vendors participate on a weekly basis to bring you organic fresh fruits and vegetables, hot foods, prepackaged nuts and legumes, and a variety of jewelry by artisans. The farmers’ market will operate every Friday from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Councilmember José Huizar, along with Primera Taza Coffee House MJ Boutique, El Centro de Ayuda, TeleSofa, and Metro, is co-sponsoring the new farmers’ market.

This fun-filled event is the perfect family destination for Boyle Heights families every Friday evenings. Families can take advantage of purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables directly from farmers, enjoy a nice meal to eat, and partake in the live
entertainment.

Boyle Hotel Groundbreaking

Thursday, December 9
11:00 a.m. @ (1st and Boyle)

Join several Boyle Heights community residents, East Los Angeles Community Corporation, Councilmember Jose Huizar, CRA representatives, and several others at this momentous groundbreaking ceremony to restore the historic Boyle Hotel known as the Cummings hotel back in 1882.  The hotel will receive much needed restoration and will provide housing to the mariachis who currently occupy the hotel as well as local residents.

5th Annual Boyle Heights Tree Lighting & Toy Giveaway

Saturday, December 11
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Mariachi Plaza

Join Councilmember José Huizar for our annual toy giveaway and tree lighting celebration. Thousands of children and their families receive a free gift and photo with Santa Claus courtesy of our generous sponsors: Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council and CVS.

The event also features several other fun and free activities for the family. Please join us. For more information please contact the CD14 Boyle Heights Field Office at 323.526.3059.

20th Annual Mariachi Festival

Sunday, December 19 (please not date change from November 21).
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Mariachi Plaza @ 1st Street (between Boyle and State), Los Angeles, CA 90033

(Gold Line Stop at Mariachi Plaza Station)

Join the annual celebration of great Mariachi music. The annual event celebrates the Mariachi music genre and its deeply rooted culture in the Boyle Heights community. Headliners include Jose Hernandez and Mariachi Sol de Mexico,
Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, and Mariachi Voz de America.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY MEETINGS

Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting

Tuesday, November 9
12:00 p.m.
Hollenbeck Police Station (location varies) @ 2111 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Join business leaders and Chamber board members as they discuss upcoming development projects, issues, and updates relevant to the business community in Boyle Heights. For more information on the Boyle Heights Chamber of
Commerce, please visit www.boyleheightschamber.com or contact them at info@boyleheightschamber.com .

Please RSVP your attendance to confirm visit and meeting location.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN

FREE Computer Literacy Course for Beginners at Pueblo de Sol Community Service Center

Tuesdays & Thursdays

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Please call 323.980.8100 to enroll.

The Roosevelt Community Adult School in partnership with Pueblo del Sol Community Service Center is providing this FREE beginner’s computer literacy course.  Learn basic computer skills to help your child do better in school. Participants will learn basic computer components & access, basic computer skills, basic email skills, internet basics, and computer skills for parents with elementary, middle, and high school-aged students. English fluency is not required for this course.

Posted at 4:34 PM

---

Hermon Tree Lighting Ceremony

Friday, December 3, 2010

6 PM to 7 PM

Hermon Community Church @ 5718 Monterey Road, Los Angeles, CA

 

Councilmember José Huizar and the Hermon community invite you to attend the traditional Hermon Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Hermon Community Church, located at 5718 Monterey Road in Hermon. Bring the entire family for a night of fun and entertainment. Hot refreshments and live entertainment are part of the holiday festivities.

Posted at 4:31 PM

---

Arts District Dog Park Will Soon Get Water

Thanks to the efforts of local property owners, residents, businesses and Councilmember José Huizar, the Downtown Arts District the Dog Park will soon get the installation of a water fountain to keep pets hydrated while playing.  The dog park, which was opened back in September of this year, is a true grass roots community efforts, spearheaded by the Los Angeles River Artist and Business (LARABA), LAPD senior lead officer Jack Richter, and area residents.

********************************************************************

Cervantes Center of Arts and Letters Presents the special Screening of “Memorias de un Mexicano” 

Date:             Saturday, November 20, 2010

Time:            7 PM

Location:       Million Dollar Theatre, 307 Brodway Avenue, Los Angeles, 90013

The Cervantes Center of Arts and Letters celebrates the Centennial Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution with a special screening of Memories of a Mexican a historic documentary feature about the Mexican Revolution. The film is composed of real life footage filmed during the most decisive historical events during this period in Mexican History.  The film is in Spanish with English subtitles.

********************************************************************

"Women Who Rock," a benefit for South L.A. women's shelter His Sheltering Arms

Date:            Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Time:            7 PM

Location:      Belasco Theatre, 1050 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 

Come and enjoy an evening of entertainment in benefit of South L.A. women's shelter His Sheltering Arms, with a private concert international recording star Michelle Shocked.  The event is being held in the beautifully restored Belasco Theatre.  Join the Los Angeles Police Department Command Staff, Los Angeles City officials, business and civic leaders, residents, and many more others, for a night of food and entertainment benefiting the Los Angeles area women’s shelter, known as “His Sheltering Arms.”

Admission to the event is free with any donation, and a silent auction will be held to raise additional funds for the shelter.

********************************************************************

Downtown on Ice is back

Date:             November 18, 2010  - January 17, 2011  

Time:            10 AM to 10 PM

Location:       Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA

Downtown on Ice celebrates its 12th season at Pershing Square. Enjoy a little Winter Wonderland here in Downtown Los Angeles ice-skating for a low price of six dollars.  The Winter Holiday Festival weekend includes a free concert series. 

*******************************************************************  

Mexican Cultural Institute of Los Angeles presents "La Revolucion"

Date:             November 20, 2010 

Time:            3 PM to 8PM

Location:      Mexican Cultural Institute Art Gallery, 125 Paseo de La Plaza/ Placita Olvera

In celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Mexican Revolution, the Mexican Cultural Institute presents “La Revolucion” The Revolution an educational and cultural event featuring live entertainment and art exhibit.

Posted at 4:20 PM

---

Fraternal Order of Eagles invites you to a Free Thanksgiving Dinner Honoring “Uncle Max”

 Thursday, November 25, 2010 from Noon-3:00 p.m.

 Eagles Hall, 1596 Yosemite Dr.

********************************************************************

Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, 9:00 am - 6:00 PM

 2 Locations: 

1) Eagle Rock: Eagle Rock City Hall parking lot, 2035 Colorado Blvd. at Maywood 

2) Highland Park: The City parking lot at 5058 Meridian Ave (corner of Ave. 51 and Meridian)

Bring your bulky items (couches, stoves, etc.) this Saturday to these dumpsters. If you are unable to, you can always call 3-1-1 to arrange a FREE future pickup. It is illegal to dump items on the street or sidewalk without making arrangements for collection. 

Councilmember Jose Huizar and the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce Invite you:

39^th Children’s Olde Fashioned Christmas

Eagle Rock City Hall, 2035 Colorado Blvd. (Corner of Colorado Blvd. and Maywood)

Friday, Dec. 3, 2010 at 7 PM 

Fun for the who family.  In case of inclement weather, event will be held at the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock

 ********************************************************************

66^th Northeast Los Angeles Holiday Parade & Winterfest

Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 1 p.m.

The 66th Northeast Los Angeles Holiday Parade will officially bring in the holiday season on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 1 p.m.

The city’s second oldest annual holiday parade offers has become a great attraction for entertainers and audience alike! Our list of participants has multiplied in the past two years, offering more marching bands, drill teams, dancers, musicians, floats, equestrian units, celebrities and community representatives. As in years past, Santa Claus has already confirmed his visit to Northeast L.A. and will be accepting letters from children as part of the Holiday celebration.

This annual volunteer-organized community parade is being presented by the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce with collaboration from Los Angeles City Councilmen Ed Reyes (CD 1) and Jose Huizar (CD 14) as well as the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and numerous local businesses and organizations.

The parade will proceed from North Figueroa Street and Avenue 60, southbound to Sycamore Grove Park where Winterfest  activities continue, offering live music and  the announcement of the award-winning Parade entries. Accessible by the Metro Rail Gold Line, the parade also introduces visitors to the Northeast area’s cultural and historic facilities and unique shopping experience. 

******************************************************************** 

Councilmember Jose Huizar, Council President Eric Garcetti, The Glassell Park Neighborhood Council, The Glassell Park Improvement Association, Glassell Park Chamber of Commerce and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles cordially invite you to the 3^rd Annual Glassell Park Tree Lighting Ceremony

 Friday, Dec. 10^th, 2010 at 6 PM

Rite-Aid Parking Lot, 4044 Eagle Rock Blvd.

Special thanks to Rite Aid for their support!

Posted at 4:12 PM

---

Olvera Street Merchants Association Celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution

Date:             Saturday, November 20, 2010

Time:            10 AM to 10 PM

Location:       Olvera Street, 125 Paseo de La Plaza, Los Angeles, CA

The Olvera Street Merchants celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution with a day of fun and live entertainment. Come and celebrate this  historic epic event, which helped shape the history of Mexico. This year’s event has a special significance due to its centennial anniversary.

********************************************************************

Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council Monthly Meeting

Date:             Monday, November 22, 2010

Time:            7 PM

Location:       Ramona Hall, 4580 N. Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA

The Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council invites all interested stakeholders to attend their regular board meeting.  Come and find out about issues related to this community ranging from constituent/residential concerns, public safety, and many more.

Posted at 4:08 PM

---

Sunday, November 7, 2010 @ Eagle Rock City Hall

The 5th Annual Northeast Veterans Day Parade will start on Sunday, November 7, 2010 with the Solemn Ceremony at the Eagle Rock City Hall beginning at 11:00 a.m. Bishop William Cruver of the Pillar of Fire Church in Highland Park will do the invocation. It will be followed by remarks from Veteran Stephen Early of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, Councilmember Jose Huizar and other veterans. Wreaths will be placed at the two monument signs and taps will be played by Nathan Miranda. Veterans and their families are all welcome.

The parade begins at 1:00 p.m. from York Blvd., north to Eagle Rock Blvd. and culminate at Merton & Caspar for a live USO type entertainment on stage. Eagle Rock Blvd. will be closed to thru traffic beginning at 10:00 a.m. and re-open after the parade. Please bring your family and friends and enjoy our parade to welcome our returning veterans from Iraq and salute those who are still in service for our country. The theme this year is "Honoring Those Who Have Served and Grateful Nation."

The Parade is proudly sponsored by Councilmember Jose Huizar, The Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, The Glassell Park Neighborhood Council and the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce.

Posted at 1:56 PM

---

Posted at 1:39 PM

---

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS TO FREQUENT QUESTIONS

Why NEIGHBORHOOD VOTE CENTERS and VOTING BY MAIL for Special Elections?

Special district elections in Los Angeles can cost nearly $2 million dollars with only 7-20% of voters voting.

By automatically mailing every voter in a district a ballot we make it easier for voters to cast a ballot and increase voter participation.In a 2009 special general election 51% of permanent absentee voters submitted ballots, compared to 7% who voted in person.

Setting up Neighborhood Vote Centers gives voters who want to vote in person or need special assistance, including voters with disabilities or language assistance needs, sufficient support.

What are NEIGHBORHOOD VOTE CENTERS?

Neighborhood Vote Centers are convenient, accessible, and secure locations with trained staff to assist voters with casting ballots in a service-friendly, respectful manner.

A Neighborhood Vote Center could be open for several days leading up to and including Election Day, providing more convenient days and hours to voters.

With public input, we would work with the City Clerk to identify locations that are community-friendly, on transit lines with easy parking, accessible, well-lit and inviting.

How many NEIGHBORHOOD VOTE CENTERS would we choose to implement?

Anywhere between 10-66% of the number of poll sites we have now.The fewer we have the more we’ll save.

How will NEIGHBORHOOD VOTE CENTERS and VOTE BY MAIL affect minority populations?

In Denver, CO, voter participation in heavily Latino and African American precincts increased in years when ballots were automatically mailed to registered voters.

How will NEIGHBORHOOD VOTE CENTERS and VOTING BY MAIL be secure from fraud?

Every ballot will be subject to a signature match before it is counted.

Los Angeles City bans third parties from handling ballots without the voter’s express permission.

Who supports NEIGHBORHOOD VOTE CENTERS and VOTE BY MAIL?

·Common Cause

·California Participation Project

·California Voter Foundation

·Fair Vote California

·Greenlining Institute

·Long Distance Voter

·U.S. Postal Service

·Valley Industry & Commerce Association (VICA)

·The Vote by Mail Project

Posted at 3:47 PM

---

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS TO FREQUENT QUESTIONS

WHY REMOVE THE TRUST FUND CAP?

Los Angeles voters adopted public matching funds to help restore trust in governmental and electoral institutions, specifying annual contributions be made to the Matching Funds Program Trust Fund.The Charter currently caps the Trust Fund at $12 million.This cap is too low for election years with numerous open seats, like the upcoming 2013 elections.

Eliminating the trust fund cap will also allow the City to strengthen the system and move to full public funding of municipal campaigns when more funds become available.

WHAT ABOUT CAMPAIGN VIOLATIONS?

This measure increases maximum penalties for illegal contributions and ethics violations to five times the unlawful contributions.

WILL THIS ALLOW FULL PUBLIC FINANCING?

These technical charter amendments are a necessary step to allow full public funding of campaigns in L.A. in the future.Achieving full public funding will require additional funds to become available in later years.

WILL IT ALLOCATE MORE CITY FUNDS?

This measure does not increase funds allocated from the overall City budget.The annual appropriations, currently $3 million, are unchanged from the current City Charter.

HOW DOES THE CURRENT SYSTEM WORK?

Candidates must raise significant qualifying contributions (e.g. $25,000 for City Council) and agree to spending caps to qualify.They then receive limited public matching funds on a 1-1 basis for the first $250 from each individual ($500 for Citywide candidates).

DO PUBLIC FUNDING OF CAMPAIGNS WORK?

The Center for Government Studies found that the city's current system has increased the importance of small contributors and enabled grassroots candidates to run competitive campaigns.It needs updated, however, as fewer candidates have used it in recent years.

DO LOS ANGELES VOTERS SUPPORT PUBLIC FUNDING OF CAMPAIGNS?

Yes!The voters of Los Angeles passed the current matching funds program in 1990.In 2010, 51.9% of Los Angeles voters voted Yes on Proposition 15, the California Fair Elections Act.

WHO SUPPORTS PUBLIC FUNDING?

Over 500 organizations, elected officials, and other leaders endorsed Proposition 15, the California Fair Elections Act, including:

·League of Women Voters of California

·California Common Cause

·California Clean Money Campaign

·AARP

·American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

·California Clean Money Campaign

·California Coalition for Civil Rights

·California Labor Federation

·California Nurses Association

·California Primary Care Association

·Consumer Federation of California

·NAACP

·United Teachers of Los Angeles

·William C. Velázquez Institute

·Sierra Club

·Voto Latino

·Los Angeles Times

·Los Angeles Daily News

Posted at 3:44 PM

---

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS TO FREQUENT QUESTIONS

WHY RANKED CHOICE VOTING?

Many Los Angeles voters are suffering from fatigue, with multiple elections for local officials (twice in odd years), County, State and federal officials (twice in even years), and more and more special elections due to term limits.

WHAT IS RANKED CHOICE VOTING?

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) allows voters to indicate their top three choices in a single election, which the City Clerk would use to determine a winner with greater than 50% support.Second choices of last place candidates are redistributed to other candidates and this process repeats as many times as necessary until a majority is reached.

HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST?

The County Registrar-Recorder is currently developing a new voting system that will be RCV compatible, meaning that there will be no cost for the City, LAUSD, or the Community College District to adopt such an approach.

Ranked Choice Voting has the potential to produce significant financial savings for the City in the long run, with initial savings targeted at outreach and voter education, especially for limited English speakers, using community nonprofits.

There also is the likely potential for reduced matching campaign fund payouts with one election instead of two, which would free up more funds to enhance the current system.

WILL VOTERS GET IT?

The experience in San Francisco (which has used RCV since 2004) shows that all ethnic groups, including immigrants, can understand RCV with strong community-based outreach.

Anyone who has voted for a candidate who did not make the runoff has had to rank candidates in order to choose their next choice in a runoff.

We would first try out RCV in special elections for vacant City Council districts, which would reduce the amount of time that they sit empty.

HOW LOW IS NORMAL RUNOFF TURNOUT?

Turnout in the last regular runoff, in 2007, was only 7.4%.Turnout in that primary was also low, but was nearly 50% higher than the runoff, meaning nearly 50% more voters would have voted in the final decision if RCV was used.

DO VOTERS IN CALIFORNIA SUPPORT IT?

Voters in San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, and Santa Clara County voters have all approved RCV.Long Beach is seriously considering.

WHO SUPPORTS RCV AS A CONCEPT?

John Chiang, CA State Controller; Wendy Greuel, City Controller; Carmen Trutanich, City Attorney; Monica Garcia, President LAUSD School Board, Los Angeles City College District; Debra Bowen, CA Secretary of State; Mark Ridley-Thomas, Board of Supervisors; L.A. Chamber of Commerce; National Latino Congreso; Asian Pacific American Legal Center; African American Voter Registration Education Project; Service Employees International Union Local 721; Teamsters Joint Council 42; Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education; ACLU of Southern CA; Center for Governmental Studies; William C. Velasquez Institute; Feminist Majority; National Organization of Women; Californians for Electoral Reform; State Democratic Party; Progressive Democrats of America; San Fernando Valley Alliance for Democracy; Southern California Americans for Democratic Action; 9 neighborhood councils.

Posted at 3:41 PM

---

  1 . Voters should have the right to elect a government of, by, and for the people, not special interests, by moving to Voter-Owned Elections.

As long as City candidates have to raise money from private interests to run for office, they will always have a tension (whether real or perceived) between being fully responsive to constituents and the pull of various special interests. It’s time to open the door to Voter-Owned Elections.  Without taking one extra dime from the General Fund (beyond those already dedicated), we call on LA City to remove the cap and grow the Trust Fund to allow the City to adopt a more robust campaign finance system in the near future.

-          Target date: 2011-12. 

-          Lead agency: City Ethics Commission.

2. Voters should have the right to convenient voting through their choice of either Neighborhood Vote Centers or ballots mailed directly to their residence.

Voter participation in Los Angeles city elections is appallingly low.  It’s time to remove the barriers to convenient voting by giving people access to the ballot. Starting with special elections, we call on LA City to set up Neighborhood Vote Centers AND automatically mail ballots to voters, giving us a choice of when and how we cast our ballot.  This added convenience will also save tax dollars spent on administering elections. 

-          Target date: 2012 for special elections as a pilot, 2015 for citywide elections (or whenever the

City Clerk deems it feasible and has an implementation plan prepared and adequate staffing).

-          Lead agency: City Clerk Election Division.

3. Voters should have the right to a quick and efficient election through Ranked Choice Voting.

Voters are tired and confused by the number of elections the City and other levels of government hold.  To save the City money and save voters time, voters should have only one regular city election per year.

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) creates a plurality polling winner without requiring the two separate City elections we often have now -- a primary and a general race.  Voters will have their voices heard and Los Angeles should see greater voter participation.  Any savings from reduced matching funds can be put toward improving the City’s campaign finance system (initial savings will go toward voter education).

-  Target date: 2015 or whenever the County can provide the new voting system and the City Clerk and City Ethics Commission have an implementation plan. 

-          Lead agency: City Clerk Election Division and County Registrar-Recorder

4. Voters should have the right to register and vote on Election Day and have their votes counted.

If a citizen is eligible to vote, and this can be securely verified, he/she should be able to register and cast a ballot on Election Day at a pre-designated Vote Center.  Other states that have implemented Election Day Registration have seen an average increase of 6%+ in voter turnout. This added convenience will save tax dollars spent on manually processing hundreds of provisional ballots after the election. 

-Target date: 2012 or whenever the State passes implementing legislation and the Secretary of

State implements a statewide voter registration database, or 2014 if County Charter is amended

to allow for locally.

-         Lead agency: County of Los Angeles or State of California

Posted at 3:29 PM

---

The new Hollenbeck Police Station in Boyle Heights opened in July 2009. It is being dedicated to the first Latino commanding officer, Captain Rudy De Leon, who served there in the 1970s.  Join Councilmember Huizar, the De Leon family, LAPD Police Chief Charlie Beck and the Boyle Heights community for the dedication ceremony.  For more information, call the CD 14 Boyle Heights Field Office at 323.526.3059

Posted at 6:12 PM

---

Posted at 6:07 PM

---

Councilmember Huizar joined other civic leaders in calling for election reform on the steps of City Hall.Calls were made for everyone to come together to fight voter apathy and fatigue, and the creation of the Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights was announced as a major step in that direction. It came out of the Government Reform Forum Series launched by Huizar earlier this year and is part of a larger goal of increasing voter turnout in the City of Los Angeles, ensuring fair elections and saving the City much-needed money.

Here is a link to the Councilmember’s remarks as well as the full news conference from start to finish. It is hoped that the four-part Bill of Rights proposal to be placed on the March 2011 ballot.

Enjoy the slideshow and footage of the event. Here are links to coverage in the Daily News and L.A. Times as well as the press release issued.

Posted at 5:48 PM

---

The City Council approved Councilmember Huizar’s legislation for $3.6 million in emergency bridge loans to ensure that the City’s senior meals programs – which were threatened to run out due to the state’s budget stalemate – continue uninterrupted. The City receives more than $18 million in federal funding for its senior food programs, programming at 16 senior multi-purpose centers and a low-income senior job training program for more than 300 seniors. The Department of Aging estimates that the $3.6 million will allow agencies that offer these programs in the City to keep them running through the end of December, with the expectation that the budget will be settled by then. The no-interest loans will be repaid to the City once the guaranteed federal funding is released by the state. Councilmember is also seeking legislation to amend the Older Americans Act so that federal funds can be released directly to providers and not be held up by the state in unrelated budget actions.

Enjoy the slideshow and footage from the press conference.
Posted at 5:47 PM

---

The community of Hermon has much to be proud of with the recent groundbreaking on a $750,000 improvement project at the Hermon Park at the Arroyo Seco Dog Park. The Prop K improvements will include a new ADA compliant children’s playground, increased and more efficient security lighting throughout the park, and the installation of a new irrigation system. Councilmember Huizar worked with local stakeholders and the Bureau of Engineering on the design and implementation of the project. The Councilmember enlisted the help of the City’s General Service Department to complete the project after it nearly stalled when the original contractor defaulted on their BID. Special thanks to the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council and Friends of the Herman Park in bringing this community improvement project to Hermon.

Enjoy the slideshow and footage from the event.

Posted at 5:45 PM

---