An informed electorate was the goal of the Friends of the Platt Library's October programs. Thanks to our knowledgeable, articulate presenters, we achieved that goal—and then some.
At right, from left: Program Chairman Frona DeCovnick, Senior Librarian Jan Metzler, and speaker Joy Picus following the first session. Below right: After a vigorous debate, moderator Dan “Houdani” Strauss and Frona DeCovnick flank opponents William Powers and Michael Feuer. Bottom left: At the third session, Ellen Pangarliotas unscrambles the many complexities on November's ballot. |
Large audiences attended all three forums. On October 8th, former LA City Councilwoman Joy Picus presented a concise history of the Valley Secession movement, shared her decades-long experience with perennial Valley issues, and gave us an amazingly objective outline of each side's position on each major point. The second meeting was devoted to a debate between former Councilman Michael Feuer for One City and attorney William Powers for Valley Independence, with Friends member Dan Strauss moderating. Both speakers were up-to-the-minute on secession arguments, substantive, and passionate. We also had a great audience; perceptive and occasionally disconcerting questions drove the bulk of the program. Major media debates should be this spontaneous and this focused. October 30th featured Ellen Pangarliotas, Chair of the Los Angeles League of Women Voters Speakers Bureau. Displaying a masterful grasp of legislative intricacies, she explained each of the statewide, county, and other city ballot propositions in detail. All of the presenters were well received and sparked lively discussion over refreshments following the programs.
With this heavy a schedule, special thanks are due to everyone who helped promote our Voter Information Series and especially to Hospitality Chairman Ellie Haney and her team, who provided a deliciously different spread for each event.
Frona DeCovnick, Program Chairman
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It was a big job, but we had the Friends to handle the great turnout for our three Voter Information nights last October. And now, I'd like to extend a special THANK YOU! to Millie Berger, Pam Bieber, Elaine Corman, Annie Haas, Therese Hearn, Eileen O'Neill, Mary Ann Ostrom, Nancy Reeve, Paula Russo, Harriet Strauss, Joan Wagner, and Senior Librarian Jan Metzler (Oh, those coconut cookies!) for so diligently outdoing themselves supplying our guests with delicious refreshments and goodies, as well as setup, serving, and cleanup. Also, for the unusually large assortment of cookies, we owe thanks to Don Hunt, a local realtor who keeps us well supplied. Did I miss anyone in the whirl? If so, let me know. Everyone who helped out deserves a big hand.
Ellie Haney, Hospitality Chairman
2003 Entertainment Books
will be on sale in the Friends Bookstore through Monday, December 23. San Fernando Valley & Ventura books—$20; Los Angeles edition—$30; other areas available by special order.
The Friends of the Platt Library Newsletter is produced and maintained by Hearn/Perrell Art Associates. Editor: Therese Hearn
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