Keeping Sherman Oaks Whole

In the upcoming weeks, you will be reading about the Los Angeles’ Redistricting efforts.  The new draft versions of the Council Maps released January 25th represents local history in the making.  For the first time, there are almost six complete Districts covering the San Fernando Valley.  And, equally important, the entire community of Sherman Oaks is part of a District primarily located in the Valley and represented by one Councilmember, Tom LaBonge, 4th District.

For decades, Sherman Oaks has been a divided community in the Los Angeles City Council. We are currently carved into two Districts. Ventura Boulevard is the dividing line – south of the Boulevard is part of Council District 5. The other part, roughly north of the Boulevard, is in the 2nd District. And, some believe that our community has suffered from being divided – a lack of cohesiveness on land use issues; a perception that issues differ from north and south of the Boulevard, etc. However, now that could change – depending on what the City Council ultimately approves.

There is no guarantee that the Draft Maps will be adopted by the City Council.  A huge political war may be waged downtown.  Many Councilmembers are upset with the proposed new Districts. Who knows what they will come up with? And, as much as I personally enjoy working with our current Council Members, Paul Koretz (5th District) and Paul Krekorian (2nd District), I suspect I am not alone in recognizing the significance of the Commission’s recommendation that Sherman Oaks be a whole community of interest.  How can we give up being whole in exchange for being split again between two Council Districts?!

I must say it would also be wonderful to be able to work with only one Councilmember on an issue. There would be a holistic approach at problem preventing and solving for all of Sherman Oaks, instead of just part of it. Demanding transparency and accountability will be easier as a result.  

One Councilmember representing Sherman Oaks also increases the likelihood that a Valley resident could be elected as our representative, one who is familiar with our unique and different planning and quality of life issues since 62% of the new District is in the Valley. In fact, our proposed new Councilmember, Tom LaBonge, is termed-out which means in less than three years we could have a councilperson representing us who lives in the Valley for the first time in my memory.

Public hearings are scheduled by the Commission charged with making the Maps. This will be a great opportunity to let them and the City Council know your opinion on this important matter since we can anticipate City Council representatives will be present. Please mark down - February 9, at 6:30pm, Walter Reed Middle-School Auditorium.