Department of Neighborhood Empowerment
Newsletter

September 16, 2005

Re: MAYOR TO ATTEND CITYWIDE ALLIANCE OF NCs MEETING.  EMERGENCY ACTIONS.

MAYOR TO ATTEND CITYWIDE ALLIANCE OF NCs MEETING

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 17 at Los Angeles City College at Vermont and Melrose in the Faculty Center. Meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. and the mayor is expected at 11:00 a.m.

EMERGENCY ACTIONS

The Brown Act allows a body to act on a motion the same day that it is presented under very restricted situations, and it is nearly impossible to think of any circumstances under which a Neighborhood Council could do so.

The provision was included so that a body like a City Council could react quickly after the earthquake or the terrorist act to allocate funds, pass critical laws, etc. Whether it's for something like this, or another urgent legislative matter, there would have to be a finding made that there wasn't enough time to post a public notice (and don't forget that special meetings can be called with 24 hours notice), AND that the need to act is so urgent that there is no time to post a notice. And even then, the City Council must seek advice from the City Attorney before doing so. Therefore, if you believe that such an urgency exists, please contact the City Attorney through your Project Coordinator first.

The reason for all this is simple. Even if the Brown Act didn't exist, I'm pretty certain that the Neighborhood Councils would want to adhere to the fundamental principle of transparency and openness, and ensure that their stakeholders have an opportunity to know what they are about to discuss and come to the meeting and join the discussion. Remember, that the first few words of the City Charter say that the purpose of the Neighborhood Council system is to promote public participation in government.

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Greg Nelson
gnelson@mailbox.lacity.org

866 / LA HELPS
213 / 485-1360
213 / 485-4608 fax
done@mailbox.lacity.org email
www.lacityneighborhoods.com website