William Curtis Park tennis courts and basketball court rehabilitated;
'Justice for Neighbors' program focuses on problem properties

By Councilmember Lauren Hammond

Neighbors are very enthusiastic about the rehabilitated tennis court in Curtis Park. The court has been improved from the foundation up. That means a new overlay which will eliminate standing water, new color coat, and striping. Now you can truly enjoy your game. The basketball court also received a new asphalt layer, new nets, posts and two benches. The backboards, hoops and nets are on the way.

Justice for neighbors
Last year, the City Council approved a new program called "Justice for Neighbors", a multidisciplinary approach to community problems seriously threatening the health and safety of our neighborhoods. Since Aug. 1, 2006, 32 cases have been added to the JFN list. These cases are the worst in the city and no one single city department can resolve all of the problems or violations. Thirteen have been successfully resolved. This includes a liquor store, motel and single family residence in District 5. In some cases civil lawsuits were filed or in others the City Attorney's Office and police met with the property or business owners which resulted in changed behavior and dramatic increases in calls for police and city services. I am happy to report that neighbors on 2nd Avenue have become very active and are taking advantage of JFN to find resolution to a problem property on San Fernando Way.

3031 Franklin Boulevard
Several neighbors contacted my office inquiring about 3031 Franklin Boulevard. According to City staff this is a Consumer Self-Help Center that is in compliance and is operating under the conditions for which it is approved. A Special Permit was issued by the City in 1985 and was modified in 1993 to increase the number of people served from 20 to 50. It's a non-residential facility that provides meals, showers, payee assistance and various other services to individuals six days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The city has made the operators aware of the loitering activity and they are working with their clients to resolve that problem.
Please let me know if loitering continues.

Day on the Green
September 29 is the Curtis Fest, a new SCNA William Curtis Park event developed by Bruce Gerth. It is my pleasure to be the movie sponsor, and I hope you and your family have a great time.

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