'Destiny of the West Valley' forum to look at tough issues

A community forum called "Destiny of the West Valley" will be held from 8-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 21, in the auditorium at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, 5601 De Soto Ave. Woodland Hills.

The free, public meeting, sponsored by the Woodland Hills Warner Center Neighborhood Council, will feature a panel of officials who will cover important issues that face the West Valley including traffic congestion, urban design, water reclamation, energy conservation, mass transit, accessibility, mobility, walkability and livability.

"I know many of you are as concerned as I am about our community and its quality of life," said Joyce Pearson, chair of the neighborhood council. "And only you, as a community, can bring a force for the right kind of change on our neighborhoods."

Denny Zane, former mayor of Santa Monica who spearheaded the revitalization of the Third Street Promenade, will address the economics of a walkable community as well as the funding sources for an effective mass transit system.

Gloria Ohland, vice president of Reconnecting America and host of the recent StreetCar Conference in LA, will present transportation options that improve the quality of life in the community, have a positive economic impact for property owners and that relieve congestion and provide viable choices for commuters.

Larry E. Smith, executive director of North East Trees and innovator behind the Green Streets project, will demonstrate how a commitment to improving the quality of life by restoring nature's services will result in water-reclamation standards that will be the envy of the city.

For more information, call Stephen Box at 323-962-6540