Mixed Income Housing in Los Angeles Wrap

Another day of some civic duty. Today's calling, affordable for housing for all Angelenos.

During the committee meeting today, an hour of public comment revealed a Los Angeles that's mostly ready for change, even if grudgingly. Of course the grassroots type organizations like Acorn, LA Voice, and Housing LA rallied an impressive group of commenters spanning economic, social and cultural line. The opposition mostly soft spoke the decision of the council to include some "last minute" amendments to promote mixed income housing. I only heard one strong dissension from a home owner who felt like the city is responsible for systemic limiting of home owners' rights. I could sympathize, but don't share her views. Councilmen Reyes and Weston ran the public meeting with light hands, being generally civil in enforcing the one minute time limit.

While many who spoke today overfilled their sixty seconds, I came in on the short side. Brevity is the soul of wit! Public speaking is scary, but I decided that not saying anything about a problem is worse than looking like a fool for it's sake. So whether or not my words flowed eloquently or not is of less importance to me than actually being there and speaking. In my short experience with LA politics, it seems there's a lot of power in the act of showing up.

So to any others out there in the City of Angels, if you have a problem with some aspect of the local politic or decision making, my advice is to speak up in the public forums and find others to join their voices with yours.

Peace.

Mixed Income Housing for Los Angeles

After a skimpy earthquake this morning, I worried about taking the red line to City Hall.

Pastor Ryan quickly allayed my fears, and even though the subway ran slower than normal due to "seismic activity" I'm now getting ready to speak. The combined PLUM (Planning and Land Use Meeting Planning & Land Use Management) and Housing Committee is discussing the city's housing element. This is or opportunity to try and get a law on the books to promote mixed income housing for the city of Los Angeles. Stay tuned for a wrap up after the meeting.