Once again the City of Los angeles digs into the pockets of Homeowner Groups to pay for the right to eat at the Developer's table (even the one of the kids). The city as a concept was designed to protect a group of citizens that grouped for their mutual protection. Now the city is trying to protect big developers to get their gifts (kick backs?) from th big boys.
Louis Mraz
Mount Washington

The lack of transparency was illustrated elequently by Alarcon who said many of us (Councilmembers) didn't know about the appeal fee increase, so how can we expect the public to know?

The lack of transparency issue was also illustrated by the City Attorney who expressed great concern (without admitting guilt) about a Brown Act violation and was "playing it safe."

I find it interesting that just before this item was heard everybody was patting Trutanich on the back for his aggressiveness as a City attorney. I think that only reinforces my thought that the City Attorney knew the Brown Act was violated and why they pulled back the August decision on appeal fees to be reheard now.

I am also convinced that appeal fees were attempted to be raised because of a few successful challenges by individuals and small groups against big developers and their City Council buddies.

www.calaware.org/downloads/JGuideSummary.pdf