Click the links below for the official list of candidates for the March 2, 2010 GHSNC Election, and to read their Candidate Statements.  To read the statements, open up the documents below and click on the candidates’ names.

The Mayor’s Office is launching the Fiscal Year 2010 -11 Budget Survey, the “LA Budget Challenge,” an interactive online survey that allows Angelenos to provide direct input on real budget issues that the City is facing, by participating in a budget balancing simulation exercise. The LA Budget Challenge survey is also designed to educate users on the actual development of the City budget, which . . . → Read More: Los Angeles Fiscal Year 2010/2011 Budget Survey]]> The Mayor’s Office is launching the Fiscal Year 2010 -11 Budget Survey, the “LA Budget Challenge,” an interactive online survey that allows Angelenos to provide direct input on real budget issues that the City is facing, by participating in a budget balancing simulation exercise. The LA Budget Challenge survey is also designed to educate users on the actual development of the City budget, which will be particularly challenging during Fiscal Year 2010/2011.

Please visit the survey site at http://labudgetchallenge.lacity.org and be among the first to take the survey!

As an important part of the annual budget development process, the City Charter requires that each Neighborhood Council have the opportunity to present the Mayor and the City Council with a list of priorities for the City budget. Over the past four years, Mayor Villaraigosa has implemented a structured process to ensure that all Neighborhood Councils and community members have the opportunity to become informed about the proposed City budget and have the ability to submit their ideas, comments, and budget priorities directly to his Office.

The Los Angeles Budget Challenge survey asks respondents to address next year’s projected General Fund budget deficit of approximately $400 million by making decisions on reductions to programs and services, implementing Citywide cost-cutting measures, and by raising revenue through taxes or other initiatives.

While completing the Los Angeles Budget Challenge survey, participants will receive educational information about the City’s finances and opportunities for community input, thereby making the City budget process more transparent and accessible for all Angelenos.

Responses to the Los Angeles Budget Challenge will be compiled, analyzed and presented to Neighborhood Council budget representatives and community members at a budget workshop meeting in early March 2010. Participants will be able to provide additional input on budget priorities, as well as take part in a valuable dialogue on City budget issues.

The Mayor’s Office licensed the budget challenge software from Next 10, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that in 2005 released the “California Budget Challenge” survey to engage Californians in the State budget process. Next 10 can be visited at www.nextten.org.

Like a 21st century Neighborhood Watch, iWATCH brings tips and information from the public into SAR, the LAPD’s Suspicious Activity Reporting system developed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

To access iWATCH . . . → Read More: iWATCH Anti-Terrorism Tip System]]> The iWATCH system was launched in 2009 by the LAPD as a tool to allow members of the public to report suspicious activity that can help efforts to fight and prevent terrorist attacks.

Like a 21^st century Neighborhood Watch, iWATCH brings tips and information from the public into SAR, the LAPD’s Suspicious Activity Reporting system developed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

To access iWATCH visit LAPDonline.org/iwatchla

The 2010 Census is coming.  Click the link below for all the Census information you need.

Census information in English. Información de censo en español.

Many of us have fruit trees and use or distribute only a small portion of the fruit to our friends and families. Here’s an idea that will help you and many others at the same time:

FOOD FORWARD is an all-volunteer grassroots group of Los Angeles residents who care about reconnecting to our food system and making change around urban hunger and food waste. . . . → Read More: Share Your Fruit]]> Many of us have fruit trees and use or distribute only a small portion of the fruit to our friends and families. Here’s an idea that will help you and many others at the same time:

FOOD FORWARD is an all-volunteer grassroots group of Los Angeles residents who care about reconnecting to our food system and making change around urban hunger and food waste. Food Forward volunteers (fully insured) convene at private properties they have been invited to and glean the excess fruit on their trees, donating 100% of it to local food pantries. Food Forward was founded in January 2009 and they have harvested over 130,000 pounds of fresh, free fruit and vegetables. Food Forward supplies the volunteers, equipment and coordination to pull off picks both large and small, creating an atmosphere of community that encourages its volunteers to reconnect and pass along the abundance of food already present in our daily lives. All property owners receive a tax deduction for every pound they harvest.

We encourage you to volunteer your property to be gleaned, or to be part of a pick. Call them at (818) 530-4125 or visit their website: www.foodforward.org. You will be proud to be part of our growing family of FRUITANTHROPISTS – now over 150 strong and growing weekly!

HARVEST FOOD * FIGHT HUNGER * BUILD COMMUNITY

The card and discounts will be offered at http://forlarx.com

Public Libraries, Recreation & Parks . . . → Read More: City Announces Prescription Savings Card]]> Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has launched the LARx Prescription Savings Card Program. The purpose is to provide prescriptions at a lower price. The card will offer prescriptions at a 5% to 40% discount. There are no age, income, or other restrictions on the card – and no enrollment fees.

The card and discounts will be offered at http://forlarx.com

Public Libraries, Recreation & Parks facilities and Senior Centers including those operated by the Department of Aging will have the cards readily available.