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CITYWATCH TODAY—LA has heard a lot about empowerment over the last decade or so. Neighborhood Councils brought it on. They were created to empower LA’s neighborhoods. Even created a Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. You would think by now that Los Angeles would have some pretty powerful neighborhoods.
Former city planner Dick Platkin reminds us that there’s considerable difference between empowerment and power. No vote, no power, he says. LA has experienced years of empowerment but the power remains the same place it was when this whole process began. With those in control. With those with the vote. He makes his case in Today’s CityWatch. Check it out and let us know what you think.
Speaking of power, Jack Humphreville offers up an election-time profile on LA’s most powerful Mayor. Trouble is, Jack says, these days you never know which Eric Garcetti you’re going to get … candidate Eric or Mayor Eric. Jack offers up a new moniker for this man of many faces: Flip-Flopper-In-Chief. He’ll explain … in Today’s CityWatch.
Power vs. empowerment is not the only debate that has us busy preachin’ and teachin. Cal State LA has created what they call ‘black-focus’ housing on campus and it has folks in a tizzy. Black-only dorms are the perfect answer to many who have struggled for years to get on campus housing comparable to their white counterparts. It’s the fair and right thing to do. For others, it’s just plain racism. Check out the two perspectives … then give us yours … in Today’s CityWatch.
Ken Draper-Editor, CityWatch
