Ven-Mar Neighborhood Association

WANA Meeting held on Tuesday, September 4, 2001

Sep 07, 2001

An estimated 40 people attended this regular meeting. About 15 newcomers were welcomed.

Abraham Navarro of the City's Special Projects Division, addressed us about Sidewalk Maintenance and Repair, and Thomas Thomas of the City's Resurfacing and Reconstruction Division about road resurfacing. Both divisions are in the Department of Street Services. The presentations were well received (see under "Community Pages" on our website)

The Community Development committee (convener Rick Brown) reviewed the public space available in our area for the recreation of adults and the young, namely the playgrounds at our public schools and the grounds of Penmar Park. (No mention was made of the City's Golf Course on Rose Avenue? AU). It was decided to contact the Director of the Penmar Recreation Center, Amber Johnson, about developing Penmar Park and also to explore the availability of City funds for that purpose.

The Streets and Traffic committee (convener Sheila Bernard) discussed unsafe intersections and unpaved sidewalks before concentrating on Lincoln Blvd traffic. The expected negative effect of the Playa Vista and the Marina developments on Lincoln Blvd traffic was considered. Skepticism about our ability to make an impact on the situation was followed by a willingness to try. It was determined that we needed to know more about the extent of these developments in the light of recent reports of scaling back Playa Vista. This led to a proposal for holding a forum to which the developers, Ballona Wetland conservationists and the Lincoln Corridor Task Force would each have an opportunity to explain their position, plans and proposals. Sheila agreed to work on organizing a special WANA meeting to be held in a school auditorium on a mid-month evening, where this forum would be the main item on the agenda.

The Organization and Outreach committee (convener Evelyn Dravecky) discussed a Vision Statement, a Mission Statement and Bylaws for our association, in general terms. Evelyn distributed her draft Vision and Mission Statements to give the general membership an opportunity to comment. Both Statements are posted on our website. Evelyn favors using the Bylaws of Grassroots Venice, which impressed her favorably, for establishing ours. David Grunwald promised to involve three more lawyers in reviewing and commenting on our draft bylaws. Although draft Bylaws have been posted on our website for many weeks, he is the only person who has admitted to having read them (-bravos to David!).
In Evelyn's report to the general membership she appealed for proposals of a more appropriate name for our organization. (Add your suggestions to those to be found on our website under "Talk About It".)
Alex Utas

P.S. A man's jacket was found left behind at the meeting. Will the owner please call Alex Utas to reclaim it. 401-1101