Ven-Mar Neighborhood Association

WANA Meeting held on Tuesday, August 7, 2001

Aug 10, 2001

There were more than forty people, some first-timers, at our "first Tuesday of the month" meeting at the Penmar Recreation Center.

George Gonzalez, Chief Forester, City of Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services, gave a concise presentation on the scope of the City services in respect of trees on the City's parkways, and fielded questions. On receiving a telephone enquiry, Street Services will send out an inspector who will suggest suitable species of trees for the specific situation. Trees are available from the City or from certain volunteer organizations, or may be planted by a homeowner after receiving a Permit from Street Services. Routine maintenance by the City is at seven year intervals. George Gonzalez was accompanied by William E. White, Assistant Director, Street Services.
Christy Boardman lead the next part of the agenda, which dealt with "Issues" that have a direct impact on the quality of life in our neighborhood and which have raised concern. A vote was taken in favor (-with one vote dissenting) of a motion to arrange all previously identified issues into four groups. People were given the opportunity to sign up for each of these groups. Questionnaires were distributed to determine issue priority.

David Grunwald addressed the meeting on "Organization and Outreach". David expressed concern about a relatively small group, such as we are at present, adopting bylaws which would apply to a presumably much larger group following an outreach drive. It was pointed out that it was usual for organizations to start small and decided to proceed with organization and outreach simultaneously. David suggested that we adopt a name which better indicates the area in which we are active, perhaps some combination of Mar Vista and Venice, such as "MarVen", rather than "Walgrove Area". No other name was suggested. (See "Talk-About-It" on this website). It was decided to meet in future on the first Tuesday of the month, preferably at Penmar Recreation Center. David said that Mark Twain School would be available for meetings at a cost of $25, including use of the PA system. A questionnaire was distributed asking for volunteers for Outreach and Meeting Set-up. Alex Utas agreed to put a flyer on the internet for downloading.

A big "thank you" to Christy Boardman who thoughtfully provided refreshments. Christy had to leave early to meet a plane. She is out-of-town until Monday, 8/13.