Former LPCA Board Members' Letter To City of Sacramento

In March of last year, four directors left the LPCA board (actually 3 resigned and 1, the then president, was sacked) in protest over the anti-democratic actions of the current leadership of the LPCA. At that time, the directors who resigned each signed the following letter to the City of Sacramento, the text of which is reprinted below. Note the startling similarities of the serious concerns they expressed almost a year over to the issues LPCA Renaissance is now raising in this reform campaign, notably the failure of the LPCA's leadership to allow members to meaningfully participate in the development of LPCA policy and their calculated efforts to suppress member involvement in LPCA affairs. Without adoption of the proposed governance reforms at the special membership meeting on Feb. 11th, nothing is likely to change.

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March 20, 2008


City of Sacramento


Re: Land Park Community Association



The City of Sacramento recognizes the importance of neighborhoods as the foundations of our community in its goal of creating a “City of neighborhoods.” The Land Park Community Association (LPCA) was established in 1995 to promote the Land Park neighborhood. LPCA has a proud tradition pursuing positive change and enhancing the quality of life in our community. At this time, we, the undersigned, agree that LPCA no longer serves this purpose. We believe the organization’s focus has shifted away from broader public purposes and, more importantly, does not provide for an open, participatory process that is a minimal expectation of a community-based organization.

The issue of transparency and accountability to our community is a serious concern. One illustration relates to land use and development activities, an area of increased focus by LPCA. In January 2008, the Board adopted procedures for its Land Use Committee that effectively block opportunities for resident and Board Member input prior to select individuals “negotiating” with applicants on their project proposals. The Procedures were adopted without making them available to the community. Further, appeals by several Board members to consider modifications or at least continue the item explore alternatives and to allow for public dialogue were unsuccessful. The adopted Procedures are attached for your information.

More recently, LPCA has proposed by-law amendments that might be viewed as antithetical to a community organization. First, they remove sensible check and balances with respect to organizational revenue and expenditures. Second, they include a 15-day waiting period for membership prior to participating in Board elections. These features are not consistent with an open and accountable organization and the latter particularly stifles community participation. The proposed by-law changes are also attached for your information.

We are hopeful that LPCA will be reconstructed in the future and that our confidence will be restored in its representations of our neighborhood’s interests. In the meantime, we would encourage you to consider that positions staked out by LPCA do not represent the collective community’s viewpoint. Moreover, we would hope that you continue to solicit and reach out to the community on local issues so that a important public dialogue can be achieved.

Sincerely,

original signed by four former LPCA Board Members