Fellow members of the Association, it continues to be a privilege to serve with a talented and savvy Board that seeks to protect and better the quality of life in Del Rey, week in and week out. Many times, it’s the problems you don’t see that represent the successes of DRH&NA, our colleagues on the Neighborhood Council, and other tireless community advocates.

A good case in point is the recent effort by the acquirer of a commercial property along Centinela, just south of Del Rey, to convert the site to an “adult cabaret”. Such venues are typically found in heavily industrial areas. While we oppose the site use so close to residential neighborhoods on general principle, the viable grounds for opposition by our own and the adjoining Playa Vista community are the proximity of a public park within Playa Vista that is slated for construction immediately across Centinela from the subject property. DRH&NA Board members have attended hearings on the issue and given voice to the community’s concerns. Fortunately, the proposed use has been turned down in both the original hearing and at a subsequent planning commission hearing. We understand that the matter is being litigated, and will keep you informed.

I would like to express admiration and gratitude to two people connected to the DRH&NA Community Newsletter. Former DRH&NA president Steve Knight, when not busy shepherding the creation of Del Rey’s Neighborhood Council and serving as its first president, has continued to do a wonderful job as Editor of the publication, badgering all of us reluctant columnists and assembling the result into a well-received publication for the last several years. Steve, we thank you for this and so many other contributions to DRH&NA and the betterment of Del Rey.
Mary Anderson, our new Editor, is a godsend. She is a highly energetic and articulate community member who brings an exciting skill set to the newsletter. We could not be more pleased that Mary has agreed to take on this time-consuming and challenging role. Mary has also agreed to a Board appointment to our vacant Directorship. And like Steve, Mary is layering these duties on top of her already time-consuming service to D.R.N.C.
Bravo to both!

While introducing people who make a difference, I’d also like to acknowledge our second newest Director, Marlene Savage. Marlene began assisting DRH&NA with last year’s meeting featuring Mayor Villaraigosa, and has been “on the case” ever since. She spearheaded a petition drive to establish a basis for a Board vote adding the neighborhoods around Glencoe-Maxella to our Association “footprint”. Once the addition was made, Marlene was appointed a Director, and continues to provide leadership to programming and planning for our general meetings.

Our Fall general meeting on October 11th surrounds a complex issue, housing. Is it affordable? available? What of the declining stock of reasonably priced apartments? How will the housing bond issue on the November ballot affect these dynamics? Our City Councilman Bill Rosendahl will lead a panel of experts in discussing this issue and taking your questions. Please join us!