September 2008

08-0102

How to Lead an Alley Revitalization Project: A Guide

Edith Ben-Horin Rebecca Drayse

 2008 by the Center for Sustainable Cities University of Southern California 3620 S. Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90089-0255 www.usc.edu/sustainablecities 2008 by TreePeople 12601 Mulholland Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210 www.treepeople.org

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We gratefully acknowledge financial support from the John Randolph and Dora Haynes Foundation. We would also like to express our gratitude to Kim Reynolds, Travis Longcore, Joseph Devinny, Hilary Bradbury, Mona Seymour, Jennifer Mapes, Zaria Tatalovic, Greg Elwood, Mia Costa, Rachel Bramwell, Ari Briski, Michael Schreiber, and Ross Stephenson as well as our community partners, TreePeople, Trust for Public Land, Pacoima Beautiful, and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust. This guide was produced for USC by TreePeople and is adapted from TreePeoples Citizen Forester Manual: A Workbook for the Citizen Forester. Preferred Citation: Ben-Horin, E. and C. Imhoff. 2008. How to Lead an Alley Revitalization Project. Beverly Hills, CA: TreePeople. Design by: Jennifer Renteria, Center for Sustainable Cities

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE CITIES The USC Center for Sustainable Cities (CSC) fosters research, education, and partnerships to address the sustainability challenges facing metropolitan regions, and generates innovative solutions that enhance the natural environment, economic vitality, and social equity of cities worldwide. CSC regularly partners with community-based nonprofit organizations, as well as USCs Institute for Prevention Research, on projects that highlight the role of parks and open-space and recreation in increasing physical activity and improving public health, particularly in park-poor neighborhoods. In 2007, CSC conducted an exhaustive study of the physical characteristics and usage patterns of more than 300 alleys across the city of Los Angeles. ABOUT TREEPEOPLE TreePeople is an environmental nonprofit organization that has served the Los Angeles area since 1973. TreePeoples work is about helping nature heal cities through the establishment of functioning community forests urban neighborhoods in which the local residents and businesspeople have taken responsibility for transforming their community into a sustainable ecosystem that exists in a healthy, productive balance, much like a natural forest.

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................................3 ABOUT THIS GUIDE .......................................................................................................................................................4 THE GUIDE....................................................................................................................................................................................6 PROJECT READINESS CHECKLIST ....................................................................................................................................7 STEPS TO FOLLOW FOR A SUCCESSFUL ALLEY REVITALIZATION .............................................................................................................8 TIMELINE ...................................................................................................................................................................10 PROJECT MANAGEMENT ..............................................................................................................................................13 Delegation ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Alley Revitalization Team: Coordinator Descriptions ............................................................................................................ 14 Creating A Timeline ............................................................................................................................................................................. 18 Preparing for A Neighborhood Meeting ...................................................................................................................................... 19 FINANCING YOUR PLAN BUDGET AND FUNDRAISING ....................................................................................................25 AFTER THE EVENT ......................................................................................................................................................28 SUPPORT MATERIALS ........................................................................................................................................................... 30 HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE ALLEY REVITALIZATION LEADER ..........................................................................................31 What is an Alley Revitalization Leader? ...................................................................................................................................... 31 COMMUNITY LEADING & ORGANIZING ..........................................................................................................................33 Building Community as a Neighborhood Leader ..................................................................................................................... 33 DIG ALERT INFORMATION............................................................................................................................................36 Location Request Form for Demolition ........................................................................................................................................ 37 IMPORTANT CONTACTS ...............................................................................................................................................38 City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering ................................................................................................................................. 38 Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils ............................................................................................................................................. 38 Los Angeles City Council .................................................................................................................................................................... 38 Listing of Local Newspapers ............................................................................................................................................................ 40 Concrete and Asphalt Removal ....................................................................................................................................................... 41 Trees and Wholesale Nurseries ....................................................................................................................................................... 41

INTRODUCTION
One of the citys most overlooked assets can be found in every part of the city: a lleys. The City of Los Angeles has over 900 linear miles of alleys, and within these alleys lays the opportunity to improve the quality of life in your community. In many Los Angeles neighborhoods, underutilized alleys offer an opportunity to serve multiple benefits for the community, including: IMPROVING WATERSHED HEALTH by preventing flooding and recharging groundwater GREENING THE CITY through the planting of drought-tolerant trees and shrubs and reducing the heat-island effect ENHANCING NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY by creating attractive, safe play and exercise space, and encouraging neighborhood presence and interaction REDUCING POLLUTION by keeping alleys clear of trash and debris and preventing chemicals from polluting waterways The City of Los Angeles has jurisdiction over alleys. Any changes or alley improvements must be granted a permit by the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering and may also require approvals from other City agencies. Nevertheless, with a positive vision and the help of your community, revitalizing a neighborhood alley is possible.

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This guide is intended to support individuals and communities to create, manage and complete an alley revitalization project in their neighborhood. By reading this guide, you will learn how to gather support for your vision, recruit and manage volunteers, raise funds for your project, work with agency representatives to get your project permitted, plan a community event to revitalize your alley, and plan for care and maintenance of the alley after the project is completed. In this guide, you will find the following sections: o o PROJECT READINESS CHECKLIST . This section will help you ask important questions to determine if your alley needs a revitalization project and if your neighbors are ready to support such a project. STEPS TO FOLLOW FOR A SUCCESSFUL ALLEY REVITALIZATION PROJECT. This section will give you a general idea of the steps you and your team will need to take to make your project happen. Many of these steps will be explained in greater detail throughout the rest of this guide. TIMELINE. This section is a checklist of tasks that will help your project be successful. The tasks are grouped in sections indicating what has to be done months, weeks or days in advance of your alley revitalization event day. PROJECT MANAGEMENT. Here you will find job descriptions for key volunteers on your Alley Revitalization Team, including the Permit Coordinator, Fundraising Coordinator, Design Elements Coordinator, and Volunteer Coordinator. This section also includes helpful information about delegating responsibility to your team members. CREATING A TIMELINE. This section shares tips on when to plan your event and stay on track. PREPARING FOR A NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING. If youve never run a neighborhood meeting, there is no need to worry! This section teaches the importance of holding a neighborhood meeting and gives tips on when and where to conduct the meeting, as well as how to structure the meeting. FINANCING YOUR PLAN BUDGET AND FUNDRAISING. This section will teach you to how to create a project budget, where to look for donations, and how to ask for support. AFTER THE EVENT. Once your project is completed, youll want to celebrate your teams accomplishments, evaluate how things went, and acknowledge the people that made the project possible. This section tells you how.

o o

o o

In addition, we have included Support Materials. This section contains various resources to make your project possible. Support Materials include: o o HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE ALLEY REVITALIZATION LEADER. Here you will learn how to talk to your neighbors, organize your community and be an effective communicator. IMPORTANT CONTACTS. This section includes contact information for the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering and its district offices, Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils, and the Los Angeles City Council. DIG ALERT INFORMATION. Dig Alert the Underground Service Alert of Southern California is a free service to mark the location of underground infrastructure. Before digging, you must call Dig Alert to determine where its safe to dig. 4

o o o

LISTING OF LOCAL NEWSPAPERS. This comprehensive list will help you publicize your event. CONCRETE AND ASPHALT REMOVAL. This list includes referrals for local concrete cutters and asphalt removes. TREES/WHOLESALE NURSERIES. This list includes referrals to local nurseries.

THE GUIDE

PROJECT READINESS CHECKLIST

The first step in the alley revitalization process is for an Alley Revitalization Leader to be selected. Although the conversion effort will involve many members of the community, it helps to have one point person who maintains all records and timelines, has an idea of where the process is at each step, and can delegate tasks to the rest of the Alley Revitalization Team. As an Alley Revitalization Leader, take some time to meet your neighbors and to find out whether your community is ready for an alley revitalization project. . Determine the following: o o o Does your neighborhood lack a safe recreation area, open space or a walkway or bikeway? Does your neighborhood have too much pavement and not enough plants and trees? What kind of project can the alley support? Familiarize yourself with what is possible by asking some questions. Can your alley be greened with trees and plants? Can your alley be converted to a pleasant walkway or bikeway? Is your alley a good candidate for stormwater capture using green infrastructure that could include infiltrators and trees? Do your neighbors support the project? Does the majority of property owners adjacent to the alleys support the project? Are there at least two other neighbors willing to help you organize the event? Will your community come out to volunteer on the event day(s)? Will your neighbors commit to ongoing care of your newly revitalized alley, including caring for trees and plants, and picking up trash?

o o o o o

If you answered yes to most of these questions, youre ready to start your project! Depending on the extent of your alley revitalization project, you may need approvals from several City departments. The Bureau of Engineering, part of the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, has ultimate jurisdiction on most improvements and its district office will help bring your proposal through the permitting process.

STEPS TO FOLLOW FOR A SUCCESSFUL ALLEY REVITALIZATION PROJECT

1. GET YOUR IDEA OUT THERE
TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS. Begin canvassing your neighborhood. Introduce yourself and the project. Who is interested? Who supports alley revitalization? TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL AND CITY COUNCIL. Introduce yourself and your project and ask for their support.

2. LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR ALLEY

IDENTIFY ALLEY STAKEHOLDERS. Who has a stake in the way your alley is treated? Businesses that are adjacent to the alley? Utilities that use the alley to pick up trash or service power lines? Neighbors that live next to the alley? Schoolchildren that use the alley to walk to school? GATHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE ALLEY AND ITS USERS. Collect information about patterns of alley use, alley condition and what utilities exist in the alley. (See Alley Information Coordinator description on page 15) REQUEST A REVIEW OR SITE VISIT. Once you have the project location, know the length of the alley and have in mind a concept of what you would like to see done in the alley, request an initial review from the Bureau of Engineering to learn what is possible.

3. GET YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD INVOLVED

CALL A NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING. Introduce the project, discuss options for revitalization, answer questions, and get a sense of what your community hopes to see happen. Discuss the importance of maintaining the alley after the project is completed, and instill the need for community participation. (See Preparing for a Neighborhood Meeting section on page 19) CREATE A PROPOSAL (maximum 3 pages). Interpret what you learned at the community meeting and create a proposal for alley revitalization. Include in the proposal: a map of the alley, a short description of the surrounding neighborhood, your goals and objectives for the alley revitalization, a timeline, a budget and any funding or support that you have (resident or business involvement, agency staff, local elected officials.)

4. GET YOUR PROJECT FUNDED AND PERMITTED

DETERMINE FUNDING SOURCE. How will you fund your project? Community donations? Private funding? Grants? Local government funds? (See Financing Your Plan Budget and Fundraising section on page 25) BEGIN CITY PERMITTING PROCESS. Submit your completed proposal to the Bureau of Engineering of the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works. (See Important Contacts section to find the nearest Bureau of Engineering district office)

DISCUSS YOUR PROPOSAL WITH AN INSPECTOR. Discuss your proposal with a Bureau of Engineering inspector to determine if everything in your proposal can be implemented. RECEIVE AN ALLEY REVITALIZATION PERMIT. At this stage, you will receive final approval for the elements included in your revitalization proposal.

5. PLAN YOUR EVENT

DETERMINE COMMUNITY WORK DATE(S). Choose your date(s) and make fliers. PUBLICIZE AND RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS. Make and post fliers. Invite friends, family and neighbors. CARE & MONITORING MEETING. Project adoption and planning on how to care for and monitor trees, plants and other project elements. IF PLANTING OR DIGGING, CALL DIG ALERT. If planting trees or otherwise digging holes, call Dig Alert (Underground Service Alert of Southern California) to determine the location of underground utility wires and pipes. (See Dig Alert Information section on page 36) ORDER MATERIALS AND TOOLS. If planting trees or plants, call local nurseries for price bids. If installing recreational equipment or furniture, shop around and purchase highest quality at lowest price. IF REPLACING INFRASTRUCTURE, COLLABORATE WITH THE CITY. Your alley revitalization project may include ambitious plans to install green infrastructure such as permeable pavement, stormwater infiltrators, swales or cisterns. Including this type of infrastructure will require collaboration with multiple city agencies to ensure that the project is properly permitted and funded. In many cases, such a project will be constructed by the city. SOLICIT FOOD DONATIONS. Request any final food or money donations for your community event.

6. REVITALIZE YOUR ALLEY AND KEEP YOUR NEIGHBO RS INVOLVED ONCE IT S DONE
ALLEY REVITALIZATION EVENT. The big day has arrived! ONGOING CARE AND MONITORING. Continue to keep members of the Alley Revitalization Team and other members of the community involved in maintenance. Hold periodic meetings to ensure involvement and ownership of the project.

TIMELINE
It generally takes 6 to 12 months to get your alley revitalized although it could take longer if you have an ambitious project in mind that includes replacement of infrastructure such as pavement or underground infrastructure. Keep in mind that if you are applying for a grant, the funding process can carry on for several months or longer. Read through this timeline to get a better understanding of what you can expect throughout the alley revitalization process.

6 TO 12 MONTHS BEFORE
o o o o o Familiarize yourself with the steps included in this guide and the timeline associated with each task. Meet your neighbors and evaluate your site. Get your neighborhood and city council involved and ask for their support. Identify alley stakeholders. Collect information about how the alley is used. Information should include: o o o o o Vehicle use: numbers of vehicles and time of entry and exit Pedestrian and bicycle use: frequency and reason for use Dumping of large or nuisance items: frequency and amount Utilities: what utility infrastructure exists? Power lines? Storm drains? Sewers? Trash or recyclables pick-up: frequency and number of receptacles Pavement: type and extent of paved area Landscaping: trees and plants that already exist Drainage and flooding: does the alley flood during and after a rainstorm? Parking access: what percentage of residences or businesses access parking through the alley?

Call your district office of the Bureau of Engineering. Request a review of your proposed site and begin the permitting process. Hold a neighborhood meeting. Work with the community to create a proposal that reflects the communitys vision. Include designs of what you would like to see and information about current alley use. Determine funding source(s) and begin grant application process if necessary. If your project involves significant changes to the alley, such as infrastructure replacement or installation, coordinate with appropriate city agencies as specified by Bureau of Engineering.

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3 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE
o o Secure alley revitalization permit. Schedule alley revitalization work day(s).

2 TO 3 MONTHS BEFORE
o o o o o Secure local funding donations. Begin planning your event celebration. Publicize your event and recruit volunteers. Solicit locally for food and material donations. Hold a neighborhood meeting to discuss care, monitoring and maintenance of the project. Create a plan for how the project will be cared for once its finished, and get people to sign up to be responsible for maintenance.

1 MONTH BEFORE
o Call nurseries and other stores to get information on availability of tools and materials. The Department of Public Works or your city council office may have tools available to borrow, so be sure to ask if tools are available for your project. If removing concrete or asphalt, obtain permit from Bureau of Engineering and call concrete cutters to obtain bids. It may be necessary for you to post No Parking signs the day of the event to prevent cars from blocking areas of the alley that volunteers will be working in. In addition, if your project involves removing concrete or asphalt, it may be necessary to post No Parking signs before concrete cutting or asphalt removal. Contact the Department of Transportation to find out. If your project involves digging, call Dig Alert to have utilities marked. Create and distribute revitalization event flier. Recruit volunteers for revitalization event and site preparation. Finalize event day schedule and arrange speakers for the revitalization day ceremony. Secure all food and cash donations. Purchase necessary tools for event day(s).

o o

o o o o o o

1 WEEK BEFORE
o Cut and remove concrete or asphalt; water soil to make planting easier; and place barricades or caution tape to secure open areas. 11

For event day(s), determine: tree and plant watering sources and garbage bin location, bathroom locations, location for sign-in and task demonstration location.

2 DAYS BEFORE
o o If planting, deep water all planting sites. Receive delivery of any materials; have volunteers on hand to help unload large items.

1 DAY BEFORE
o Pick up water and refreshments.

AFTER THE EVENT

o Alley Revitalization Team and the community provide ongoing care and maintenance.

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT
There are many different forms and tools for project management. This part of the guide will show you what works for Alley Revitalization Leaders and supplies you with the tools and resources to effectively utilize these strategies.

DELEGATION
Delegation is a sharing of work and leadership, and it involves and builds community. Part of delegating is leading and monitoring progress.

USE THE SAME RULES FOR YOURSELF AND FOR VOLUNTEERS

When the pressure is on, we may tend to think negatively of others. When the job takes a long time, you are thorough, but your volunteer is slow. When the job is not getting done, you are busy, but your volunteer is lazy. Do not fall into this trap. Always put yourself in the volunteers shoes.

FIND THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE RIGHT JOB

Use your coordinator descriptions (see Alley Revitalization Team Coordinator Descriptions below) to identify the right person for the job. Find out who has what skills and desires. If a volunteer is falling behind on a job, maybe it is not the job for him or her. Remember, there is a job out there for everyone!

DELEGATE PROJECTS, NOT PIECES

Give volunteers whole projects to accomplish. This will enhance their feeling of worth and ownership toward the project. Volunteers and team members want to help let them shine! Good delegating through the use of Coordinators helps make whole projects get accomplished more effectively. See below to learn about successful versus unsuccessful delegation.

HOW TO DELEGATE
Alley Revitalization Leader: Robert Publicity Coordinator: Mary o o o o Mary: Create Fliers Matthew: Contact Media Barbara: Planting Day Signage Jos: Community Poster

HOW NOT TO DELEGATE

Alley Revitalization Leader: Robert Task: Create and distribute media flier o o o o Mary: Design Flier Matthew: Copy Flier Barbara: Distribute Flier Jos: Send Flier to Media

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ALLEY REVITALIZATION TEAM: COORDINATOR DESCRIPTIONS

Now that you know the benefits of delegating, the following pages will assist you in sharing the work. Listed are the coordinator titles accompanied with the key tasks relegated to each position. Use the Timeline section to determine when the tasks listed under each coordinator position will need to be completed.

TEAM LEADER
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o Introduces the project and gains the support of neighbors. Solicits project leaders and community support through personal interaction and community meetings. Schedules and facilitates community meetings. Delegates responsibilities to project leaders. Facilitates the creation of a shared vision of, and commitment to, the improvement and care of your project. Introduces the Citys permitting process. Thoroughly and realistically defines the scope and scale of the project. Communicates with neighbors about the community vision and project, gaining their support. Thoroughly and realistically discusses the cost and budget of the project. Oversees the creation of a budget and fundraising efforts. Manages the project using tools available in this guide. Provides feedback, moral support and problem-solving assistance to project leaders, neighbors and volunteers. Works with the Bureau of Engineering to answer questions, solve problems and stay updated on progress. Handles any questions or concerns from the community. Oversees the revitalization event. Oversees a completion celebration. Helps monitor and care for the project after its completed. Helps ensure that the community meets the commitment to follow-up care. Schedules future follow-up care events with the community. Identifies maintenance situations such as flooding in alley or a tree that is structurally unsound that require expert advice and follow-up.

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ALLEY INFORMATION COORDINATOR

o o o o o o o Observes and records how the alley is used. Makes behavioral observations, noting who uses the alley and for what purpose (e.g., walking, parking, dumping trash). Audits the physical characteristics of the alley, including use, condition, lighting, vegetation, safety and type of pavement. Audits the physical characteristics surrounding the alley, paying attention to the types of adjacent properties and how they use the alley. Maps findings by drawing a layout of your alley and its unique characteristics. Discusses with neighbors and community the benefits alley revitalization. Shares information gathered with the rest of the Alley Revitalization Team and with the Bureau of Engineering.

DESIGN COORDINATOR
o o o o o o o o Works with the Bureau of Engineering to discuss options for planting, adding recreational equipment, adding lighting, removing or replacing pavement, etc. If planting, researches and identifies appropriate tree and plant species in order to plant the species tree for the right spot. Works with project leaders and neighbors to make collective decisions on locations and choices for each of the elements of your revitalized alley. Gives list of locations and decisions to the permit coordinator. Sends list of elements to at least three vendors (if planting trees, send to at least three nurseries to determine best nursery stock and prices). Selects vendor and orders products. Goes to the selected vendor to inspect and tag chosen products. Arranges for the delivery of products and for a safe storage location. With at least three other volunteers, meets the delivery truck to unload goods. On revitalization day, helps deliver the products and materials to their correct locations.

PERMIT COORDINATOR
o o o Works with the Bureau of Engineering to find out what permits are required for your project. Works closely with Design Elements Coordinator. Discusses permitting process with the Alley Revitalization Team and neighbors.

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Discusses with neighbors and community the benefits alley revitalization. Receives city permit, reviews for accuracy, and gives permit to the Alley Revitalization Leader.

CONCRETE/ASPHALT COORDINATOR
o o o o o o o Determines if you will need to cut concrete or remove asphalt. Determines number of locations and size of cuts to be made. Contacts the Engineering Division to secure an A permit for concrete cutting. Sends list of concrete cuts to at least three concrete cutters to determine best price and select, hires and schedules concrete cutter. Determines safety of locations prior to work. Calls Dig Alert and review their markings (see Dig Alert Information). Arranges for barricades or safety tape to mark off cuts on the day of the concrete removal. Is on hand during concrete cutting to answer any questions or address any concerns.

REVITALIZATION DAY COORDINATOR

o o o o o o o o o Works with your neighbors, neighborhood council and city council to determine an event day(s). Works with your team to create a schedule for the day, including opening and closing ceremonies for the day of the event. Determines where to place the sign-in table. Determines where to place food table for morning volunteers. Makes sure there are nametags, sign-in sheets, pens and markers. Arranges for available garbage and recycle bins for the day of the event. Arranges for available restrooms for the day of the event. Helps run the planting event with the rest of your team. Has a map noting where trees or shrubs will be planted, where recreational equipment will be placed, where outdoor furniture will be placed, etc. The map should also show restroom and sign-in locations.

FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR
o o o Develops a budget and timeline for the revitalization project. Works with your neighborhood council and city council to research possible grants. Obtains information, materials and support letters necessary for your grant. 16

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Turns in grant submission(s) by deadline. Manages the project budget. Obtains cost estimates where needed. Oversees food donations. Collects and tracks donations, and sends thank-you letters. Tracks approval of grants and distribution of monies.

PUBLICITY COORDINATOR
o o o o o o o o Ensures plenty of volunteers are at the event and follow-up care events, by publicizing your event to family, friends, neighbors, local businesses and the community. Uses a variety of media to raise awareness of the event and follow-up care events (see Listing of Local Newspapers section on page 40). Considers creative ways to publicize your event such as through email lists, at local schools, libraries, community centers, etc. Designs and distributes all event literature including meeting notices, agendas and event fliers. Designs, creates and helps post all banners and signs. Creates a visible, accessible, permanent record of the revitalization event through photos, video, plaques, bulletin board displays, awards, etc. Takes pictures of alley before revitalization, focusing on areas that are in need of care. Takes pictures of the event day and the design elements, including trees and furniture, after they are installed.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
o o o o o o o Works with the team to determine your volunteer needs and to make sure you have enough volunteers. Works with your publicity coordinator to post fliers and recruit sufficient volunteers for all portions of the project. Carries conversations about the project with a wide variety of people. Coordinates volunteers to get food and equipment donations. Ensures volunteer presence at the event and follow-up care events. Ensures volunteers know what to bring (hat, sunscreen, work clothes). Sets up and staffs the volunteer sign-in table. 17

o o o o o o

Picks up, sets up and cleans up refreshments. Recruits adult volunteers to be involved in follow-up care. Coordinates donations for adequate water and refreshments for volunteers. Involves neighbors in planning and conducting event day celebration. Ensures volunteers feel valued and are thanked with cards or other means. Makes sure volunteers understand their vital role in the event and follow-up care, and know the positive impact they are creating in their community.

MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR
o o o Maintains contact with volunteers for upcoming care events. Sends out and delivers information about follow-up care as needed. Surveys the newly installed design elements to make sure they are doing their job. If you planted trees, makes sure they are watered and staked as needed. Checks project elements periodically. Checks trees during dry months especially. Schedules community follow-up care days.

CREATING A TIMELINE
Creating a timeline will help in organizing your work.

WHEN SHOULD WE PLAN OUR EVENT?

When setting an event date, consider weather. If planting trees, the ideal time in Los Angeles is from October through March. April and May are OK, but warmer and dryer.

SEQUENCING AND SCHEDULING

Once you have chosen an estimated date for your event, work backwards. Some milestones need to be accomplished three to six months before the event, others two to three months, etc.

STAYING ON TRACK
The most effective way to stay on track is to create a plan, monitor the plan, and stay in frequent contact with your project team. Find an effective way for your team to stay in touch. Regular meetings or email communication are a good idea.

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PREPARING FOR A NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

Once you have met your neighbors, addressed any alley concerns and identified at least two project team members, you are ready to call a neighborhood meeting.

WHY SHOULD I HOLD A NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING?

A neighborhood meeting brings your community together and allows your neighbors to meet one another. Neighborhood meetings are a great way to get to know your community! They also provide a valuable forum for introducing your project, answering questions, addressing concerns and getting support for your project.

WHERE AND WHEN SHOULD I HOLD MY MEETING?

Neighborhood meetings can be held in your (or a neighbors) home in a living room, backyard or front yard. Larger meetings can be held at a local school, church, council office, library or other community space. Determine a day that typically works for your community. Weekends are often good, but neighborhood meetings are different for each community. Some neighborhoods hold such meetings on a regular basis. If this is the case, introduce your project by getting yourself and your project on an upcoming meetings agenda. If you live in a neighborhood that has never had a community meeting, calling one can become a bigger challenge. It is often helpful to introduce yourself to your neighbors first. Going door to door is the best way to do this. Briefly introduce yourself and your project. Invite your neighbor to the meeting and leave a flier for them to keep. Having something in writing will help your neighbors remember to come.

WHAT SHOULD I DISCUSS AT THE MEETING?

In some cases, the first meeting is used to meet your neighbors, introduce the project and address any concerns. But the first meeting can also be a time to create your community vision, to learn what each neighbor wants to see in the alley, and sign up volunteers both for the work leading up to the alley revitalization day and for the follow-up care that is so important to your projects success. Agendas for community meetings may vary, but make sure that your neighbors understand the need to commit to followup care and maintenance.

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING PREPARATION

The following guidelines are to help you plan, organize and facilitate community meetings. Using this checklist for all of your meetings will increase their effectiveness.

BEFORE THE MEETING o o o Determine the meeting date and time. Determine the location. Determine how to publicize. 19

o o o

Publicize the meeting and include directions to the location. Identify someone to be the facilitator. The facilitator will help the meeting run smoothly by transitioning from topic to topic, and will help make everyone feel welcome. Identify someone to be the recorder. Its important to record what happens at the meeting by taking notes or by recording audio or video. Identifying someone to do this will help you and the facilitator stay focused and keep the rhythm of the meeting going. Determine the purpose of the meeting. Answer the question, By the end of this meeting, we want to know/have agreement on/be able to Determine the topics, time per topic and speakers for topics. (Remember to have some fun!) If your meeting will have guest speaker(s), notify them of meeting time, location and agenda. Write the agenda on a board or a flip chart pad. List books, pictures, videos and show and tell items you will need. Determine if you will need audio-visual equipment (video player and TV, projector, etc.). Estimate the number of people you are expecting. Determine the seating arrangements. Have someone volunteer to bring refreshments.

o o o o o o o o o

DURING THE MEETING o o o o o o o o o o Post a copy of the agenda. Stay on agenda. Circulate a sign-in sheet. Review agenda with the group and gain agreement. Conduct introductions as needed Have the recorder keep track of action steps, the person responsible and the date by which each action step will be completed. Give everyone a chance to speak. Near the end of the meeting, have the recorder read aloud all the action items, who is responsible for each and the due dates. Summarize what will be covered in the next meeting. Announce date, time and location of next meeting.

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o o

Start and end on time. Set the next meeting date, time, location and agenda.

AFTER THE MEETING o Send out a follow-up note with all of the action steps, the people responsible and the date by which each action step should be completed.

SAMPLE MEETING AGENDA

FIRST MEETING 1. 2. Thank everyone for coming Introduction a. b. 3. 4. 5. Neighbors introduce themselves, and tell where they live and how long they have been in the neighborhood. Dont forget to introduce yourself! Introduce any guests

Review agenda Discuss your community vision and what characteristics the community would like to see for the neighborhood Describe your project idea a. b. c. d. What is your vision for the alley? What parts of the alley will be transformed? What costs are realistic? What are some of the potential elements? i. Trees and shrubs ii. Recreational equipment iii. Outdoor furniture iv. New paving (e.g., walkway, bikepath) v. Lighting e. f. Review the permitting process and the involvement of the Bureau of Engineering Discuss what the revitalization day be like including how many volunteers might be needed and what tasks will need to be delegated 21

6.

Recruit and sign up volunteers, including volunteers to help with follow-up care once the project is completed a. b. c. Distribute Coordinator Job Descriptions (see Project Management section) Identify at least two or three people who will lead ongoing care Circulate sign-up sheet for volunteers

SECOND MEETING 1. 2. Distribute brochures or fliers Discuss the benefits of seeing alleys as an asset a. How can alleys affect the communitys quality of life? i. Safety ii. Walkability iii. Reduced flooding and improved water quality iv. Increase in property values v. Heat-island effect mitigation b. 3. 4. Why are we revitalizing the alley?

Distribute neighborhood map and ask for ideas Describe the revitalization day a. b. c. d. Anticipated date Revitalization day preparation Revitalization day activities Revitalization day donation needs

5. 6.

Do a site walk with the team If planting trees or shrubs, discuss species selection a. b. Discuss tree and shrub species choices Give list of recommended trees and shrubs and ask your team and neighbors to review and choose species, considering water and sun needs

7. 8.

If installing infrastructure improvements, discuss available options If installing recreational equipment or furniture, discuss available options 22

9.

Preparing your site a. b. c. Review any concerns or changes Review volunteers jobs and completion dates Get updates on: i. Refreshment donations ii. Fliers and signs to post and pass around your neighborhood iii. Press releases to local newspapers and newsletters

10. Ask for copies of fliers, press releases and the list of sponsors or donors for your records 11. Running your event a. b. Recruit volunteers to supervise the event Create revitalization event day schedule

12. Discuss follow-up care responsibilities. Identify who will lead ongoing care 13. Revitalization event day coordination follow-up and assignments a. Any last minute items?

14. Revitalization event day preparation confirmation a. b. c. Schedule Food and materials delivery Volunteer coordination

TOPICS FOR A POST-REVITALIZATION EVENT MEETING 1. 2. 3. Ask the group how they felt about the overall project and the revitalization day Review any concerns about the newly installed alley elements Develop a plan for follow-up care a. Follow-up care leaders should have been identified before the revitalization day. If so, confirm with follow-up care leaders and discuss their responsibilities. Otherwise, identify at least two or three people who will lead ongoing care. List tasks and frequency required for each

b.

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4.

If trees and vegetation were planted, demonstrate care techniques a. b. c. Watering Pruning Mulching

5.

Plan your post-revitalization celebration

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FINANCING YOUR PLAN BUDGET AND FUNDRAISING

When budgeting and fundraising, the most important thing to remember is that by asking people for a contribution, you are giving them the chance to be a part of something very special. Everyone has something to give. Some people have time, while others have money or materials. Once you have a clear idea of what you need and you can clearly describe your good cause, you will be surprised at how many people will want to help.

BUDGET WORKSHEET
It is important to have an accurate budget before beginning to raise funds. Being able to discuss your requirements will increase your credibility, and a budget helps to ensure you will raise all the money and supplies needed. Create a budget worksheet in order to come up with a total project budget. Your budget worksheet should include all materials and services that your project will need, such as: furniture, trees, concrete cutting, permit fees, photocopying, food and drinks.

Sample Costs Price o o o o o o o 4 x 4 concrete cut Porous concrete (per sq. yd.) 1-gallon tree or shrub 15-gallon tree Wood stake (2) Tree ties Miscellaneous costs: A permit for cutting concrete No Parking signs Price: $300-800 Price: $200-400 $120.00 $100.00 $4.00 $35.00 $10.00 $1.20 Tax $9.90 $8.25 $0.33 $2.89 $0.83 $0.10 Total $129.90 $108.25 $4.33 $37.89 $10.83 $1.30

* Note: These are estimates. Costs will vary.

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ASKING FOR MONEY

WHO CAN YOU ASK FOR DONATIONS? Once you have an idea of how much money you need to raise, who can you ask? Together with the rest of the Alley Revitalization Team, brainstorm possible donors for materials and money. If a neighbor or team member has a personal connection to a potential donor, have him/her ask. If asking strangers for money or donations seems impossible, keep these things in mind: o A community event is something everybody is likely to appreciate and will want to help with if they can. Explaining what you are doing, why, where, when, what your total budget is and how you are hoping they will contribute will increase your credibility. Dont take rejections personally. Even professional fundraisers receive many rejections.

HAVE YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT Nothing impresses people more when you are asking them for a contribution than explaining your needs clearly. Be sure you have all of the following information figured out ahead of time: o o o o o o o o o Why are you organizing an alley revitalization event? How will the alley be revitalized? Where will it be? When will it be? Who will be involved? What is the total budget? Who else has contributed? Exactly what you asking from the person with whom you are speaking? How will you publicly acknowledge the contribution?

LOCAL GRANTS Local grants and city grants are another way to help fund your project. o o Go to your the City of Los Angeles Web site, or call to ask if there are any greening or revitalization grants available. Check with your local Councilperson about any community beautification funds that may be available.

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o o

Material donations are also available. For example, ask the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to donate trees through their Trees for a Green LA program (1-800-GreenLA) Remember to factor into your timeline deadlines for applications, and if accepted, availability of funds.

FUNDRAISING TIPS Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are getting ready to talk to a potential donor: o o o o o o o o o o o o Make requests in person. Make your request over the phone only as a last resort. Be sincere, confident, relaxed and have an upbeat we deserve it attitude. Always be polite. Mention your association with the neighborhood or city council if they support your project. If the donor says he/she will get back to you, dont wait! After a few days, contact that person again. When talking about the planting, make it sound as if it is going to happen, not as if it might happen. Say we are doing not we might or we are trying. Know your stuff. Know the event facts and what you are specifically asking from the person. If you need, rehearse what you are going to say with a friend. You might even want to have the friend with you to give you feedback. Go to ask in groups of two to three. More than three people might overwhelm the donor, and one is a lonely number. Dont be afraid to negotiate. If the potential donor says he/she cannot give all of what you are requesting, ask what is possible. Dont forget to let a possible donor know you will acknowledge him/her in the community. When you get a yes, send a thank you note right away.

MANAGING DONATIONS o o o Coordinate with your team leaders to make sure your project stays within budget. Keep a list of everything you receive. Track goods, services or money donated.

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AFTER THE EVENT

CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS!
What better way to acknowledge all your hard work than by having a celebration! Not only is celebration fun, it helps to keep your neighbors together and thank all those who helped make it possible. Creating time to celebrate and communicate will greatly increase the community connections you made throughout the revitalization process and will help ensure that your community feels invested in the projects ongoing care and maintenance. It also allows your neighborhood to shine! Work with those who have been involved to decide on a fun, appropriate way to celebrate. Remember, people love to come together around food! Ideas include: a pizza party, a potluck, a barbeque, an ice cream social or a media party, where you could invite local press and grant affiliates to your celebration and show off what was accomplished.

EVALUATION
Evaluation is a great way to look back and learn from what you did. Conduct an evaluation with members of the team and discuss what they saw, heard, felt or learned. Have them answer the following questions: o o o o o o o o o o o Did we accomplish our goals? What was our biggest success? What was least successful? What did you learn? Who was influenced by our action? Did our work change peoples behavior? When did you have the most fun? What was the least fun? What helped you the most? What was your biggest roadblock? How would you do things differently next time?

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REFLECTION
Reflection enables you to give yourself a pat on the back. It creates a space for all who were involved in the planting process to sit back, acknowledge the great work they have done and admire their newly planted trees. Encourage your neighbors and volunteers to stop and look around to admire the wonderful work they have done!

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

The project is not done when the alley revitalization day is over. Ongoing care and maintenance are essential in ensuring that your projects benefits will be enjoyed by the community for many years. Once youve identified at least two or three people who will commit to leading follow-up care, find a way to keep them and your neighbors involved. Regular meetings are a good idea, but each community is different. Find the best method for your community, and dont forget to keep it fun!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT CHECKLIST
Acknowledgement can come in many forms including simple thank you notes, formal letters, plaques or signed pictures. This checklist is to help you remember those who need to be acknowledged. Have you thanked: o o o o o o o Your team leaders? All the volunteers who helped along the way? Your neighbors? Your sponsors and people who made material donations? City council members or other city officials? Special guests? And most importantlyyourself?

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SUPPORT MATERIALS

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HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE ALLEY REVITALIZATION LEADER

WHAT IS AN ALLEY REVITALIZATION LEADER?
AN ALLEY REVITALIZATION LEADER IS A NEIGHBORHOOD LEADER.
Beginning with his/her own vision, the Alley Revitalization Leader forms relationships with neighbors and community members to facilitate a group vision and commitment to the revitalization of the alley(s). The Alley Revitalization Leader uses leadership and community building skills to effectively communicate through one-on-one conversations about the project. He/she runs project meetings, facilitates community meetings, handles objections, builds momentum and inspiration and conducts alley revitalization events and ceremonies.

AN ALLEY REVITALIZATION LEADER IS A DELEGATOR.

The Alley Revitalization Leader knows the value of delegation. In delegating different jobs and sharing the tasks needed to accomplish the revitalization event, the Alley Revitalization Leader helps to share the enthusiasm and commitment to the project.

AN ALLEY REVITALIZATION LEADER IS A PROJECT MANAGER.

The Alley Revitalization Leader manages the project by keeping track of milestones and the project timeline. He/she recruits a project team and shares responsibility with the team. The Alley Revitalization Leader monitors project progress, provides feedback, moral support and offers problem-solving assistance to team members.

AN ALLEY REVITALIZATION LEADER IS A FUNDRAISER.

The Alley Revitalization Leader enables the local community to discover its own economic power and to use its own resources as the foundation to fund the care of its alley(s). The Alley Revitalization Leader facilitates the community in generating funds and gifts-in-kind from local individuals and families, local business and city organizations. The Alley Revitalization Leader and the community use budget creation skills and fundraising techniques.

AN ALLEY REVITALIZATION LEADER IS A RESOURCE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF REVITALIZED ALLEYS.
The Alley Revitalization Leader draws on basic knowledge of the urban ecosystem and of the benefits of building a strong community in order to: o o o o o Discuss the benefits of creating more green space Discuss the benefits of trees, vegetation, and sustainable infrastructure Help translate the communitys vision and bring about positive changes Work with city inspectors to select appropriate project elements Manage the revitalization event and ongoing care

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AN ALLEY REVITALIZATION LEADER IS A MANAGER OF VOLUNTEERS.

Drawing on his/her own volunteer experience and using his/her communication skills and knowledge about the benefits of alley revitalization, the Alley Revitalization Leader ensures that volunteers feel valued and understand their vital role in the event and in follow-up care. The Alley Revitalization Leader facilitates the volunteers understanding of their place and impact on their urban ecosystem and on the quality of life in their community, and encourages the volunteers to become even more active and take responsibility for the ongoing care of the alley.

AN ALLEY REVITALIZATION LEADER IS A PUBLICIST.

The Alley Revitalization Leader works with his/her neighborhood to publicize the event. The Alley Revitalization Leader knows when and how to use community newsletters, announcement fliers, community newspapers, word of mouth and email lists so that neighborhood individuals and families, local homeowners and residents, local businesses and volunteers are aware of the event and enough volunteers come to the event.

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COMMUNITY LEADING & ORGANIZING

BUILDING COMMUNITY AS A NEIGHBORHOOD LEADER
You cannot have a successful community project without successful leadership. Is this difficult? Not with the right attitude and tools. The exercises below will help you adopt the right leadership style for you, and also include techniques for effective communication. The cornerstone of a successful Alley Revitalization Leader is the ability to listen and give appropriate feedback. Communication begins by talking with your neighbors. Part of being a neighborhood leader is getting to know the people who live and work in your community.

COMMUNICATION
Communication is key to successful leadership and community building. The ability to listen and give appropriate feedback is a cornerstone of a successful Alley Revitalization Leader. You will listen to and give and receive feedback with a variety of people throughout your project, including: o o o o o o o Inspectors Supply vendors Neighbors Volunteers Team members Business owners Government employees

LISTENING
Listening is important for an Alley Revitalization Leader. It is one of the greatest tools for a community leader to have. When listening you can: o o o o o o Understand the point of view of the speaker Gain a full set of information before acting Increase potential for success Learn from the speaker Understand others concerns and address their worries Convey respect to the speaker 33

o o

Diffuse tension and negotiate Reinforce enthusiasm and reassure

FEEDBACK
Feedback is giving information about a situation or behavior either to enforce or correct it. You might need to give feedback to reinforce constructive, helpful actions or change destructive, harmful ones. Plan on giving feedback while planning, as well as during the revitalization day event and thereafter. When giving feedback: o o o o o o Do more reinforcing than correcting. Use a 3:1 ratio of reinforcing to correcting. Be timely and specific. Only state actions or behaviors that the person is capable of changing. Create a safe space or simply the right place. Describe the consequences of the action. Be empathetic.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
Do you talk to your neighbors? Do your kids play together? Do you say hello when you pass? Have you ever seen them? In a city as big and diverse as Los Angeles we tend to forget that we live in a community. We get into our cars, go to work, come home and go into our homes. On the weekends we clean house, do laundry, watch TV or get out of town. We leave little time to communicate with those who live near us. How do we change this? Many communities have set up neighborhood watch programs or come together in times of crisis or emergency. Why wait for an earthquake to meet your neighbors? Get to know them in a positive environment so next time you need water or a cup of sugar, you will have a friend in your neighborhood to ask.

TALKING TO YOUR NEIGHBORS

Ive never met my neighbors. How do I tell them about my project? Most people are eager to get behind a positive, community improvement project. It just feels good. Some people need a little more encouragement. Here you will brainstorm what to do with not-so-friendly neighbors, how to show them the benefits of trees and what to do with those excited neighbors who are ready to help!

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I would love to revitalize our alley! Where do I sign? You have a very excited neighbor who wants to support the project. Now what? List ways to help her become involved in the process and keep her involved. o o o

Change the alley? No way! This gentleman raked leaves and picked up trash every Saturday for 15 years. He has sworn off any project that involves trees or any kind of follow-up maintenance ever since. How do you get him involved? Make a list of concerns you think your neighbors will have regarding the alley revitalization project. o o o List ways to effectively address these concerns. o o o

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DIG ALERT INFORMATION

As California continues to grow, so does the important infrastructure that we depend on which is buried underground. Just about anywhere you dig there could be an underground facility lying in wait. With this being the case, how do you avoid hitting them? The easiest way, and the legal way, is to call Underground Service Alert of Southern California, a.k.a. Dig Alert. It's the one-call notification center that supports all of Southern California. Plus, it's a simple process to help you avoid the costly error of cutting a fiber optic cable or placing you in the hazardous situation of damaging a power line or gas main. Visit www.digalert.org or dial 8-1-1 from any phone, anywhere nationwide and you will be connected to the local one-call center.

APWA Utility Electric Gas-Oil-Steam Communication and Cable TV Water Sewer Reclaimed Water Proposed Excavation

Color Code: RED YELLOW ORANGE BLUE GREEN PURPLE WHITE

Common Marking Identifiers: E=Electric G=Gas SD=Storm Drain S=Sewer SL=Street Lighting TEL=Telephone TS=Traffic Signal TV=Television W=Water/Reclaimed Water USA=Underground Service Alert

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LOCATION REQUEST FORM FOR DEMOLITION

For faster service, fill out this form prior to calling. Contact Name: _________________________________________________________________ Phone #: ________________________________ Project Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________________________________________________ State: _______________ Zip:_______________________ Fax: ___________________________________________ E-mail: ____________________________________________________________________ Best hours to reach you: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Foreman: _______________________________________________________________ Foremans cell #: ___________ ___________________ County: ________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________ Second address or descriptive location (Optional): ___________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Closest cross-street: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Thomas Guide page & grid: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Coring/Augering: Yes ___________ No ____________

Type of work (concrete or asphalt removal): __________________________________________________________________________ Work to begin: Date: _________________________________ Time: _________________________________ A Permit #: _________________________________ Not required __________________ Not Available __________________

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IMPORTANT CONTACTS
CITY OF LOS ANGELES BUREAU OF ENGINEERING
More information can be found at: http://eng.lacity.org CENTRAL DISTRICT 201 N. Figueroa St., 3rd Floor Los Angeles, CA 90012 Contact: Lemuel Paco Phone: 213 482-7049 Fax: 213 482-7007 VALLEY DISTRICT OFFICE 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., 2nd Floor Van Nuys, CA 91401-2615 Contact: Mati Laan Phone: 818-374-4600 Fax: 818-374-4618

HARBOR DISTRICT OFFICE 638 S.Beacon St., Suite 402 San Pedro, CA 90731 Contact: Larry Cuaresma Phone: 310-732-4663 Fax: 310-732-4670

WEST LOS ANGELES DISTRICT OFFICE 1828 Sawtelle Blvd., 3rd Floor Los Angeles, CA 90025-5516 Contact: Mike Walters Phone: 310-575-8381 Fax: 310-575-8631

LOS ANGELES NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS

To find your local Neighborhood Council, visit the Department of Neighborhood Empowerments Web site at www.lacityneighborhoods.com or call (213) 485-1360.

LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL

DISTRICT 1 ED REYES City Hall Office (213) 473-7001 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 410 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________ DISTRICT 2 WENDY GREUEL City Hall Office (213) 473-7002 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 475 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________ DISTRICT 3 DENNIS P. ZINE City Hall Office (213) 473-7003 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 450 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________ DISTRICT 4 TOM LABONGE City Hall Office (213) 473-7004 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 480 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________

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DISTRICT 5 JACK WEISS City Hall Office (213) 473-7005 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 440 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________ DISTRICT 6 TONY CARDENAS City Hall Office (213) 473-7006 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 435 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________ DISTRICT 7 ALEX PADILLA City Hall Office (213) 473-7007 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 465 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________ DISTRICT 8 BERNARD PARKS City Hall Office (213) 473-7008 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 460 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________ DISTRICT 9 JAN PERRY City Hall Office (213) 473-7009 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 420 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________

DISTRICT 10 HERB WESSON City Hall Office (213) 473-7010 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 430 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________ DISTRICT 11 BILL ROSENDAHL City Hall Office (213) 485-7011 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 415 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________ DISTRICT 12 GREIG SMITH City Hall Office (213) 473-7012 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 405 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________ DISTRICT 13 ERIC GARCETTI City Hall Office (213) 473-7013 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 470 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________ DISTRICT 14 JOSE HUIZAR City Hall Office (213) 473-7014 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 425 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: _____________________

DISTRICT 15 JANICE HAHN City Hall Office (213) 473-7015 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 435 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Field office: ____________________ Field Rep: ______________________

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LISTING OF LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

Acorn (Westlake Village) (818) 865-8422 Beverly Hills Courier (310) 278-1322 Beverly Hills Independent (310) 829-6811 Beverly Press (L.A.) (323) 933-5818 Brentwood News (310) 476-6397 Bulletin & News (Long Beach) (310) 599-6464 Burbank Leader (818) 843-8700 Burbank Times (818) 841-6397 Carson Bulletin (Compton) (213) 774-0018 Century City News (310) 276-9008 Daily Breeze (South Bay/Torrance) (310) 476-6397 Daily News (818) 713-3636 Downtown Gazette (Long Beach) (310) 433-2000 Downtown News (213) 481-1448 Foothill Leader (818) 249-8090 Gardena Valley News (310) 329-6351 Glendale News Press (818) 241-4141 Grunion Gazette (310) 433-2000 Herald Dispatch (323) 295-6323 Highlander Newspapers (626) 962-8811 Jewish Journal (213) 368-1661 La Opinion (213) 622-8332 Larchmont Chronicle (323) 462-2241 Los Angeles Bay News Observer (310) 674-9390 Los Angeles Independent (213) 932-5397 Los Angeles Sentinel (213) 299-3800 Los Angeles Times (213) 237-5000 L.A. Times, Valley Edition (818) 772-3200 Los Angeles Village View (310) 477-0403 L.A. Watts Times (213) 251-5700 L.A. Weekly (323) 465-9909 Long Beach Press-Telegram (562) 499-1253 Long Beach Reporter (562) 433-4939 Malibu Surfside News (310) 457-6397 Malibu Times (310) 456-5507 Marina del Rey Argonaut (310) 822-1629 NoHo LA (818) 769-8414 Palisades 90272 (310) 476-6397 Palisadian Post (Pacific Palisades) (310) 454-1321 Palos Verdes Peninsula News (310) 377-6877 Park La Brea News (323) 933-5518 Pasadena Star-News (818) 578-6300 Pasadena Weekly (818) 584-1500 Rowland Heights Highlander (West Covina) (818) 962-8811 San Fernando Sun (818) 365-3111 San Gabriel Valley Daily Tribune (626) 962-8811 San Marino Tribune (626) 282-5707 South Pasadena Review (818) 799-2892 The Argonaut (Marina Del Rey) (310) 822-1629 The Foothill Leader (Glendale) (818) 249-8090 The Reporter (Long Beach) (310) 438-5641 Santa Monica Mirror (310) 260-0015 Seal Beach Sun (310) 430-7555 Studio City Lifestyle Magazine (818) 763-7469

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The Tolucan (Toluca Lake) (818) 762-2171 Urban Newspapers of Los Angeles (213) 727-1117 Wave Community Newspapers (213) 290-3000 The Weekly Valley Vantage (Sherman Oaks) (818) 906-2393

West Hollywood Independent (323) 932-6397 West Hollywood Today (310) 553-2111 West Los Angeles Independent (310) 829-6811 Wilshire Independent (323) 932-6397

Valley View (San Fernando) (818) 365-3111 Venice Magazine (310) 452-8452 Venice-Marina News (310) 829-681

CONCRETE AND ASPHALT REMOVAL

Pacific Concrete Cutters 3042 Cordua Ct. Simi Valley, CA 93063 (818) 888-6347 ph (805) 583-0129 fax License # 689826 D06 Intra Cut 7131 Owensmouth #63 Canoga Park, CA 91303 (818) 702-9785 ph (818) 778-1895 fax License #664590 Independent Concrete Cutting 3411 Camino Del Sol Oxnard, CA 93030 (818) 785-8498 ph (323) 864-2419 cell (805) 485-7829 fax License #543268

TREES AND WHOLESALE NURSERIES

Boething Treeland Farms 23475 Long Valley Rd. Woodland Hills, CA 91367 (818) 883-1222 ph (818) 712-6979 fax Green Thumb 7659 Topanga Cyn. Blvd. Canoga Park, CA 91304 (818) 348-9266 ph (818) 348-7699 fax Valley Crest Tree Co. 13745 Sayre St. Sylmar, CA 91342 (805) 524-3939 ph (805) 524-4354 fax Normans Nursery 8665 E Duarte Rd. San Gabriel, CA 91775 (626) 237-0613 ph (626) 237-0662 fax 74 Sakaida Nursery 8626 E. Grand Ave. Rosemead, CA 91770 (626) 285-9981 ph (626) 285-0870 fax Mejia's Nursery Inc. 2100 Greenwood Ave. Monterey Park, CA 91754 (323) 727-2821 ph (323) 727-1100 fax

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