SONC to Receive 'EMPOWERLA' Award Saturday

[The following is an edited press release from BONC.]

The Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council is among several Neighborhood Councils that will receive one of the inaugural EMPOWERMENTLA Awards presented Saturday at Los Angeles City Hall.

Seven Neighborhood Councils from all regions of Los Angeles, including the Sherman Oaks and North Hills East Neighborhood Councils from the Valley, will receive EMPOWERLA awards at the annual Citywide Congress of Neighborhoods on Saturday. Each will be invited to participate on a panel to share their best practices with other neighborhood activists.

The award, created by the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners, highlights Neighborhood Councils that excel at engaging local stakeholders with government and that strive to meet the ideals of inclusiveness, nondiscrimination, transparency and independence for the Neighborhood Council system.

The Board of Neighborhood Commission (BONC) is the city entity charged with setting policy and oversight of the 95 neighborhood councils.

"The Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council is a a well established, high functioning NC and very involved in local land use issues," said Karen Mach, Outreach Committee Chair of BONC. "They are seen as a major player in their area." 

Other Neighborhood Councils receiving EMPOWERLA awards are: Mar Vista Community Council, Park Mesa Heights Neighborhood Councils, Silver Lake Neighborhood Council, Harbor Gateway Neighborhood Council and Mid Cities Neighborhood Council.