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Earlier today, Barbara Dragich, the leader of Vista del Oro Neighbors Against Condos (VDONAC), and other leaders of that group, met with Mr. Mike Rosenthal and some of his associates in the San Pedro offices of Councilwoman Janice Hahn.

A representative of Ms. Hahn was present at the meeting and remained firm that the Councilwoman would stand strongly with the neighbors living in the area, to find a way that all parties in the many issues find ways to compromise.

A reliable source indicated that Mr. Rosenthal has retained Svornich and Associates for representation and a member of that organization attended the meeting along with a few other associates of Mr. Rosenthal's.

Nothing was decided at the meeting, on the part of the neighbors. Mr. Rosenthal did apparently have some plans (for what, is anybody's guess) but had been 'advised' not to present them (from whom this advise came, I do not know, but my source believes the "advise" came, possibly, from Svornich's office).

For those of you not familiar with the name, Svornich, Rudy Svornich served as an L.A. City Councilman representing the 15Th District of L.A., which San Pedro is part of. Mr. Svornich and his associates also have a history of being retained by Bisno Development LLC, to assist lobbying efforts on the Ponte Vista at San Pedro project.

The process of creating a "Q Condition" on the three lots currently zoned C1-1XL is continuing. If the "Q Condition" is placed on the three lots, it means that construction is restricted, on those lots, to allow for only residential units that are comparable or compatible with existing residential units in the neighborhood. Since the vast majority of residential units in the neighborhood are single-family, detached houses, one per lot, then only a total of three single-family, detached houses could be built on the three lots that are currently zoned C1-1XL.

Simply having a meeting between the developer(s) and neighbors is not going to stop the processes from moving forward.

Plans continue to purchase lawn signs for neighbors and even non neighbors, to place on their front lawns a demand that NO CONDOS are built on the corner of 20Th Street and Walker Avenue. It is strongly hoped that every neighbor wants to show their support for VDONAC's efforts by placing a sign for all to see.

Buttons stating the same thing will be created and everyone will be encouraged to show their support throughout OUR community by wearing a button. I'll get them to Board members as soon as I can, so everyone that wants them, can get them.

The neighbors living in the neighborhood will make the decision on whether to accept the latest compromise from Mike Rosenthal, for a total of 10 houses, or whether they will keep their current demand for a total of six-single-family, detached houses, one per lot, on the six lots now owned by Mr. Rosenthal and possibly others.

Of course, the neighbors could also suggest a compromise of their own and present that to Mr. Rosenthal and see if he will agree to it.

No matter what happens from this point on, please know this, every member of the Vista del Oro neighborhood should be very proud of your efforts so far, and your willingness to go even farther to protect the quality of life in that neighborhood.

Strength in numbers, strength in conviction, strength in purpose, strength in character, the neighbors are willing to do what is necessary, now and in the future.