Community Discussion on Increasing Public Participation in the City Planning Process Scheduled for Next Month

Local residents interested in participating in a community forum on increasing public participation in the city planning process will have their chance at 10 a.m. on Feb. 6.

“We the People: How to Make Voices Heard,” will include a discussion moderated by local photographer Brian Biery, an adjunct professor at Pacific Oaks University.

District 2 Councilmember Felicia Williams will sit on the panel along with community activist and Linda Vista-Annandale Neighborhood Association President Nina Chomsky, former Azusa, Ventura and Santa Monica City Manager and former Pasadena Councilmember and Mayor Rick Cole, and Michael Diedlen, founder and president of Creative Housing Associates.

“People often confuse ‘input’ with ‘participation.’ Input is giving your opinion, which is fine for what it’s worth,” Cole said. “Participation though is actually having dialogue with people of different opinions with the goal of coming to workable solutions. We need more people participating in government, not just expressing their opinions. We ask too much of government and too little of ourselves.”