Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council

October 2, 2002
The Board of Neighborhood Commissioners (BONC) certified the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council (ASNC) with all 6 communities including Montecito Heights, Sycamore Grove, Hermon, Monterey Hills, Mt. Washington and Cypress Park.

ASNC leader Jim Thompson easily agreed to several stipulations suggested by BONC. BONC suggested that the larger communities of Cypress Park and Mt. Washington who fear they may lose a voice in their governance might be appeased by the addition of two representatives for the larger ASNC communitites. Mr. Thompson so stipulated on behalf of the ASNC. Cypress Park and Mt. Washington will now have have four representatives on the ASNC board, and Montecito Heights, Hermon, Sycamore Grove and Monterey Hills will each have two representatives. At-large representation remained the same. Other changes were relatively minor, and will be reported in more detail later.

This certification has been a difficult and contentious process for many of us. Some members of the Arroyo Seco community may still have reservations about participating in the ASNC. For that reason I would like to quote Benjamin Franklin:

The opinions I have had of its errors I sacrifice to the public good. I hope therefore, for our sakes as a part of the people, and for the sake of our posterity, that we shall act heartily and unanimously in recommending this [new method of governance] wherever our influence may extend, and turn our future thoughts and endeavors to the means of having it well administered.

To what new method of governance did Benjamin Franklin refer? It was nothing less than the Constitution of the United States of America, a landmark instrument that changed the world, and was crafted after some tremendously angry debates.

Though the establishment of a unified Neighborhood Council does not compare to establishing a new form of government, it does not diminish Franklin's message. We have finished the initial process of establishing our governing structure. Now we move forward together to heal our rivers and parks and support all of our communities. This is an exciting time to live in North East Los Angeles. We're all in it together.

Official ASNC website now available!