PRESIDENT'S 2008 COMMENTS:
During 2008
Mandeville Canyon Association faced challenges and capitalized on
opportunities. Road rage and mansionization were threats to the tranquility
of our Canyon and lifestyle. Both situations were met with immediate and
responsible responses. Both required prolonged involvement and interaction
with our homeowners, the public, and the City of Los Angeles. Both issues
continue into 2009.
On a
positive note we had many successes. MCA assisted with the reorganization of
the Mandeville Canyon Preservation and Conservation Foundation (MCPCA).
This organization a charitable organization recognized as exempt under IRS
code section 501(c)(3). It is the Mission of MCPCF to support public
improvement and safety projects in our Canyon and could include improved
walking paths and the opening of paths, hiking trails, and bikeways through
the Santa Monica Mountains which are the backdrop to our community.
A summary
of accomplishments includes:
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More than $54,000 raised from dues and Holiday Lights Program
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More than 80+ Friends of Mandeville Canyon and 2nd Annual
Friend's Fiesta
Successful administrative reorganization and re-launch of the
MCPCA
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Voting seat on the BCC
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Community Outreach - Campaign Against Unsightly Commercial
Signage
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Significant path improvement to the 2600 block of Mandeville.
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Additional split rails added to the corner of Arbutus and Chalon
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Brush and walkway clearance in several hi-use locations
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Battle to limit mansionization...successful to date
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Lower Westridge Safety Initiative launched with emphasis on safe
passage and better visibility
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Rockingham Trail - issues & strategies defined with the City and
a resolution to move forward
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Better expense management, including more comprehensive (and
less costly) insurance policies
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Holiday Light Program electrical upgrades
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Biggest Holiday Lights Program ever
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All of
these accomplishments (some in progress) are due to the efforts of many
volunteers. Many more neighbors contributed their time and talents to assist
our community during 2008. Many have pledged to do more in 2009. All of us
who volunteer are privileged to bring awareness of our association
activities and the programs and projects MCA supports to maintain our Canyon
lifestyle and conserve the natural resource and bounty of our
neighborhood. Our vision of a better community includes reaching each of you
and letting you know that your voice can be heard and that you too can
participate in making our Canyon better. The proof of our success is in the
obliging support we receive back from our homeowners.
Next year's goals include:
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Active support of MCA and MCPCA projects including opening the
Rockingham Trail
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Upgraded and interactive MCA database system with emergency-call
Reverse 9-1-1 capabilities
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Upgraded and homeowner participatory MCA TODAY Newsletter
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Revised committee structure that will better support
Membership, Safety and Improvements
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More Block Captains and Community participation
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Open steam bed guidelines to be defined through collaborative
interface with the Dept. of Public Works
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Annual Canyon Party - all homeowners and families to be invited!
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As
we approach our Annual Meeting next week, I ask each of you to
reflect on your commitment to MCA and make a renewed pledge to
serve if it's right for you. We will be welcoming more homeowners to
participate and serve in the coming year.
Looking forward to a
strong and prosperous 2009
KATHLEEN DURBIN
PRESIDENT
MANDEVILLE CANYON ASSOCIATION
Kathleen.Durbin@MandevilleCanyonAssociation.com |
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"If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies."
** Moshe Dayan **
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