Wilmington Neighborhood Council celebrates certification as Los Angeles' first council

The Regular City Council meeting held on December 12, 2001, in Wilmington, Los Angeles, focused on the establishment and recognition of neighborhood councils, highlighting community engagement and local governance.

The meeting commenced with Councilwoman Hahn expressing gratitude for the vision and efforts of those involved in the formation of neighborhood councils. She encouraged members of the audience who were in the process of forming their councils to remain engaged and submit their applications for certification.

A significant moment of the meeting was the presentation of certificates to the Wilmington Neighborhood Council, which became the first certified neighborhood council in Los Angeles. Councilwoman Hahn acknowledged the contributions of key individuals involved in this achievement, including Tony O'Donnell, the chair of the Wilmington Neighborhood Council, and members of the steering committee: Eddie Duque, Gary Kern, and Lucia Moreno. O'Donnell expressed pride in the council's formation and thanked Councilwoman Hahn and her staff, as well as the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, for their support throughout the process.

Following this, the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council was introduced, with Chair Doug Epperhart and steering committee members Bruce Simons and Steve Shore taking the stage. Epperhart recognized the collaborative effort of over 200 community members who contributed to the council's establishment over an 18-month period.

The meeting underscored the importance of community involvement in local governance and the role of neighborhood councils in fostering civic engagement. As the session progressed, Councilwoman Hahn reminded attendees that while the meeting celebrated these achievements, there were also important business matters to address.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the successful certification of the Wilmington Neighborhood Council and the ongoing efforts to establish additional councils, reinforcing the city's commitment to empowering local communities. The council's next steps will involve continued support for emerging neighborhood councils and further engagement with residents.