Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council

The Sherman Oaks community comes together at the Summer 2002 Concert Series at the Sherman Oaks Galleria.

The Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council General Information: The purpose of the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council is to promote public participation in City governance and decision-making process so that government is more responsive to local needs and requests. Website: http://www.shermanoaksnc.org

How it All Began -- Sherman Oaks Chamber Led Effort to Form Neighborhood Council

Sherman Oaks held its first meeting to organize a Neighborhood Council on August 28, 2001.

The meeting was attended by residents, business people, community organizations, police officers and representatives of education and elected officials. The evening began with a welcome by then Chamber President Tami Ginsburg. Jill Banks Barad, Chair of the Organizing Committee and Chamber Board member, gave an overview of Neighborhood Councils and moderated the panel discussion.

On the panel were: J. Richard Leyner, Chair of the Encino Community Council and Chair of the United Chambers of Commerce (UCC); David Larkin, project coordinator for the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE); and Les Himes, Chair of the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council Formation Committee and UCC representative to DONE. The panel members addressed such issues as: what is required to get a Council started and certified, writing by-laws, and ensuring diversity and community outreach.

The new City Charter calls for the creation of Neighborhood Councils throughout the city. The purpose is to give neighborhoods greater say and control over the decisions that affect them. The Charter mandates that Neighborhood Councils have input in the City Budget and monitor the delivery of City Services.

Also helping to organize this first meeting were Robert Cohen, DDS, Chamber Board member and Sondra Frohlich, Executive Director.