July 23, 2014 Mr. Richard Hopp PO Box 3601 Van Nuys, CA 91407-3601 Sent Via E-Mail (Mail@MrHopp) Re: Public Records Act Request to Van Nuys Neighborhood Council – Speaker Times PRA Response 7-23-2014 Dear Mr. Hopp: This letter is in response to your letter dated July 13, 2014, requesting certain records from the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council under the Public Records Act. As you are aware, the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council is comprised of members of the public who provide, on a volunteer basis, services to the City of Los Angeles by providing recommendations to the City on issues impacting our community. The Public Records Act allows the public to inspect non-exempt and reasonably identifiable writings relating to the conduct of the public’s business and that are prepared, owned, or retained by a local agency. (Gov. Code §§ 6252 and 6253(d)). Under the Act, the public may inspect reasonably identifiable records only if the records being requested exist and are non-exempt. (Gov. Code §§ 6252 and 6253(d).) Under Government Code section § 6253 (b), a request must reasonably identify or describe the records that are being sought. (See also Rogers v. Superior Court, (1993) 19 Cal.App.4th 469, 481; holding that a request must be specific and focused.). In addition, there is no obligation to create a record for the purpose of responding to a request under the Public Records Act. (Gov. Code § § 6252 and 6253 (d).) The Neighborhood Council has conducted a diligent search in an effort to obtain and identify potentially responsive documents. Your original request and our original response are as follows: Request #1 Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the current rule limiting a speaker’s cumulative comment time to ten (10) minutes at a Van Nuys Neighborhood Council meeting. Response #1 In compliance with Government Code section 54957.5, non-exempt writings that are distributed to a majority or all of the board in advance of a meeting, may be requested by emailing [email protected]. Members of the public are invited to address the council on any items on the agenda prior to any action by the Council on that specific item. Members of the public may also address the board on any matter within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. The council will entertain such comments during the public comment period(s). Public comment will be limited to 10 minutes with 2 minutes per individual for each item addressed. The aforementioned limitation may be waived by the chairperson of the meeting. (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.3(b)) Members of the public who wish to address the council are urged to complete a speaker card and submit it to the President or Secretary prior to commencement of an agenda item. Cards are available at the back of the room. However, should a member of the public feel the need to address a matter while discussion of the item is in progress, a card may be presented to the President or Secretary prior to final consideration of the matter. In the interest of time, All Board & Public Comments will be limited to no more than 2 minutes unless otherwise adjusted at the discretion of the President. It is requested that individuals who require the services of a translator contact the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment 24 hours prior to the meeting. Whenever possible, a translator will be provided. SI REQUIERE SERVICOS DE TRADUCCION, FAVOR DE NOTIFICAR LA OFICINA CON 24 HORAS POR ANTICIPADO. As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assistive listen device, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting you wish to attend by contacting Thomas Soong, Neighborhood Council Advocate at (866) LA HELPS Request #2 Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the contentions limiting a speaker’s cumulative comment time of ten (10) minutes at a Van Nuys Neighborhood Council meeting in reference to question 1. Response #2 In compliance with Government Code section 54957.5, non-exempt writings that are distributed to a majority or all of the board in advance of a meeting, may be requested by emailing [email protected]. Members of the public are invited to address the council on any items on the agenda prior to any action by the Council on that specific item. Member of the public may also address the board on any matter within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. The council will entertain such comments during the public comment period(s). Public comment will be limited to 10 minutes with 2 minutes per individual for each item addressed. The aforementioned limitation may be waived by the chairperson of the meeting. (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.3(b)) Members of the public who wish to address the council are urged to complete a speaker card and submit it to the President or Secretary prior to commencement of an agenda item. Cards are available at the back of the room. However, should a member of the public feel the need to address a matter while discussion of the item is in progress, a card may be presented to the President or Secretary prior to final consideration of the matter. In the interest of time, All Board & Public Comments will be limited to no more than 2 minutes unless otherwise adjusted at the discretion of the President. It is requested that individuals who require the services of a translator contact the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment 24 hours prior to the meeting. Whenever possible, a translator will be provided. SI REQUIERE SERVICOS DE TRADUCCION, FAVOR DE NOTIFICAR LA OFICINA CON 24 HORAS POR ANTICIPADO. As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assistive listen device, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting you wish to attend by contacting Thomas Soong, Neighborhood Council Advocate at (866) LA HELPS. Request #3 Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the points and authorities limiting a speaker’s cumulative comment time of ten (10) minutes at a Van Nuys Neighborhood Council meeting in reference to question 1. Response #3 In compliance with Government Code section 54957.5, non-exempt writings that are distributed to a majority or all of the board in advance of a meeting, may be requested by emailing [email protected]. Members of the public are invited to address the council on any items on the agenda prior to any action by the Council on that specific item. Member of the public may also address the board on any matter within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. The council will entertain such comments during the public comment period(s). Public comment will be limited to 10 minutes with 2 minutes per individual for each item addressed. The aforementioned limitation may be waived by the chairperson of the meeting. (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.3(b)) Members of the public who wish to address the council are urged to complete a speaker card and submit it to the President or Secretary prior to commencement of an agenda item. Cards are available at the back of the room. However, should a member of the public feel the need to address a matter while discussion of the item is in progress, a card may be presented to the President or Secretary prior to final consideration of the matter. In the interest of time, All Board & Public Comments will be limited to no more than 2 minutes unless otherwise adjusted at the discretion of the President. It is requested that individuals who require the services of a translator contact the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment 24 hours prior to the meeting. Whenever possible, a translator will be provided. SI REQUIERE SERVICOS DE TRADUCCION, FAVOR DE NOTIFICAR LA OFICINA CON 24 HORAS POR ANTICIPADO. As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assistive listen device, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting you wish to attend by contacting Thomas Soong, Neighborhood Council Advocate at (866) LA HELPS. Request #4 Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the current rule limiting a speakers cumulative comment time at any City of Los Angeles, neighborhood council meeting. Response #4 The VNNC currently has no documents responsive to this request. Please contact the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment and/or Councilwoman Nury Martinez’s Office for further follow up in response to this request. Request #5 Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the current rule limiting a speakers cumulative comment time at any City of Los Angeles, city council meeting. Response #5 The VNNC currently has no documents responsive to this request. Please contact the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment and/or Councilwoman Nury Martinez’s Office for further follow up in response to this request. Request #6 Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the contentions and points and authorities limiting a speaker’s cumulative comment time City of Los Angeles, neighborhood council meeting in reference to question 4. Response #6 The VNNC currently has no documents responsive to this request. Please contact the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment and/or Councilwoman Nury Martinez’s Office for further follow up in response to this request. Request #7 Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the contentions and points and authorities limiting a speaker’s cumulative comment time City of Los Angeles, City Council meeting in reference to question 5. Response #7 The VNNC currently has no documents responsive to this request. Please contact the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment and/or Councilwoman Nury Martinez’s Office for further follow up in response to this request. If you would like copies of the documents once they are gathered, please note that cost is $1.00 for the first page and $0.10 for each additional page. This amount is calculated pursuant to the Los Angeles Administrative Code, Article 4, Section 12.40 (b). Should you choose to receive these documents electronically via email or facsimile, there would be no cost. In addition, you may also inspect the requested records once they are available for inspection during regular business hours. If you wish inspect these documents, please contact me to make an appointment to view these documents. Please allow 48-hour notice so that I can ensure that I will be able to meet you. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact me at 818-605-8940 or via email at: [email protected]. Please advise if you have any further questions. Very truly yours, George Christopher Thomas, Council President Van Nuys Neighborhood Council vnnc.o -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Public Records Act Request From: Richard Hopp Date: Sun, July 13, 2014 8:01 pm To: July 13, 2014 Pursuant to my rights under the California Public Records Act, I am writing to request a copy of the following writings, documents, and records which I understand to be in the possession, control and/or knowledge of this jurisdiction: 1. Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the current rule limiting a speaker’s cumulative comment time to ten (10) minutes at a Van Nuys Neighborhood Council meeting. 2. Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the contentions limiting a speaker’s cumulative comment time of ten (10) minutes at a Van Nuys Neighborhood Council meeting in reference to question 1. 3. Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the points and authorities limiting a speaker’s cumulative comment time of ten (10) minutes at a Van Nuys Neighborhood Council meeting in reference to question 1. 4. Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the current rule limiting a speakers cumulative comment time at any City of Los Angeles, neighborhood council meeting. 5. Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the current rule limiting a speakers cumulative comment time at any City of Los Angeles, city council meeting. 6. Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the contentions and points and authorities limiting a speaker’s cumulative comment time City of Los Angeles, neighborhood council meeting in reference to question 4. 7. Any and all documents, writings, recordings or combination thereof evidencing, identifying and in regards to the contentions and points and authorities limiting a speaker’s cumulative comment time City of Los Angeles, City Council meeting in reference to question 5. Provide response and responsive documents, records and writings electronically pursuant to Cal. Gov’t Code, § 6253.9 to Mail@MrHopp. I ask that you notify me of any duplication cost so that I may decide which records I want copied. Forward any response in writing to: Richard Hopp, PO Box 3601, Van Nuys, CA 91407-3601; or Mail@MrHopp. All rights and remedies are hereby reserved without prejudice. Thank you for your attention in this matter. Sincerely, Richard Hopp
Posted on: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 07:00:22 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015