This story was updated at 6 p.m. to include a quote from MVCC Green Commitee's Jeanne Kuntz.
The Mar Vista Community Council’s Green Committee has been honored with an EmpowerLA award for its “outstanding community outreach and their “green” program, which has brought in many stakeholders from Mar Vista and beyond,” according to EmpowerLA’s website.
EmpowerLA is a service of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. Through a network of 95 Neighborhood Councils, the City promotes public participation in government and works to improve government responsiveness to local concerns.
EmpowerLA highlighted the council’s efforts to both educating and actively engaging locals in reducing their carbon footprint and planting drough-tolerant gardens as well as highlighting Mar Vista’s annual Green Garden Showcase tour.
Mar Vista Green Committee's Sherri Akers told Patch, "Our green efforts are really a reflection of the spirit of Mar Vista. We are blessed to have a forward-thinking board that listens to the community and takes action on what really matters to them. Our newly elected board seems very aligned with the values and concerns of our stakeholders and I think we are going to accomplish great things going forward. The neighborhood council system is such a strong tool for community activism and driving change in LA. It really is a thrill to be a part of it."
MVCC Green Committee member Jeanne Kuntz added, "Having lived here since 1978, I am still in awe of how much has changed in the past four years. So many long-time residents have sprung up (like blades of grass, popping up between cracks in the sidewalk) ready, willing and excited about living more gently on this little piece of Earth called Mar Vista. And the Green Committee has slowly evolved from a back-breaking effort on the part of a few committed souls to a broad network of engaged citizens. Our work is not done, but Mar Vistans truly earned this award."
