Getting to Know Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association

By: Ellen Vukovich, Member Board of Directors - Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association ("SOHA")

If you live or work in Sherman Oaks, there is a chance you have heard of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association.  For over 40 years, SOHA’s volunteers have been helping to preserve and protect Sherman Oaks’ quality of life. Usually, we are known for our work on real estate development issues. Many incorrectly assume that SOHA is set on automatic opposition for developments planned in our community. That alone is sufficient cause for me to blog on PATCH for SOHA - I want to help PATCH’s readers understand just what SOHA does and why.

Since 1985, Sherman Oaks has been home. Like many before and after, I became active in our community after attending a SOHA monthly Community Meeting (details below). There, I found the answer as to why I couldn’t find parking in front, near or down the block from my home. I learned the businesses and restaurant employees and patrons were mostly responsible.  Further, not only did I find neighbors wanting to remedy the street parking problem close to Ventura Boulevard homes, but other dedicated volunteers working on additional Sherman Oaks’ issues.

Little did I realize that meeting started me on a new path. One that I am still traveling! First, I asked to co-Chair a neighborhood based SOHA Committee to resolve the parking shortage. That led to countless public and private meetings with residents and members of the adjacent business and restaurant community.  I then helped mobilize many neighborhoods into circulating Petitions to the City of Los Angeles to establish parking restrictions.   Eventually, these combined efforts lead to the creation of LA’s second largest Preferential Parking District thanks to the support of our then City Council Members, (LA County Supervisor) Zev Yaroslavsky and (City Planning Commissioner) Michael Woo.

Preferential Parking District 51 covers the neighborhoods from Fulton to Hazeltine, approximately one block north and south of Ventura Boulevard.  Its’ objective has been met over the last 20 years – everyone can park find street parking.

Following that adventure in local politics and bureaucracy, Yaroslavsky appointed me to serve as one of Sherman Oaks’ first Ventura Boulevard Specific Plan Review Board Members. However, that’s a story I plan on sharing next week since I suspect you’ll be interested to learn why Sherman Oaks still has a small town feel.

Community Meeting info – Refreshments at 6:15 p.m., Speakers begin at 7:15 p.m., Notre Dame High School Cafeteria, Riverside and Woodman, free parking.  City Council President (and rumored Mayoral candidate) Eric Garcetti speaks Wednesday, May 18.