2019 was a time of transition for the Watts Neighborhood Council. With the arrival of newly elected Board Members, the Council has been working to get everyone trained in their roles and working together for the community.
We were excited to help with outreach for the Veggies and Vehicles event in September to celebrate nature, the environment and clean energy solutions.
One of our greatest privileges is to authorize Neighborhood Purpose Grants to expand our reach in the community. This year we provided funding of $3,153 for Sistahs Soul Food’s annual “Feeding Our Friends Outside Dinner” held November 9 which provided a delicious dinner to those in need.
We also supported Sisters of Watts with a grant of $2,250 for their Community Winter Ball enabling their work in helping Watts families with immediate needs for backpack, turkey, and toy giveaways, bike safety classes and more.
Our Board Members support local community events and reach out to attendees to invite them to join us. This fall, Watts NC Vice President Storm Hopkins and Treasurer Nolan Moore were excited to be on hand for the reopening of the Blue Line as the A Line with the Mayor.
The Board considered and supported several projects this year including the plan for KIPP LA to host a middle school at 102nd and Grape St. and we voted in October to provide a letter of support for the Watts Renaissance Initiative Opportunity Fund.
A lot of great things have been happening in Watts including job funding for Nickerson Gardens, the Los Angeles Rams supporting the Watts Rams, Groundbreaking for the 103rd and Central Avenue Streetscapes and the Grand Opening of the Watts A Bridge Home and Permanent Supportive Housing at 114th and Central.
Something to look for in 2020 is art on our public electric art boxes. In November, we endorsed funding for boxes in Watts through Council District 15 by Pollinator Arts.
The Watts Neighborhood Council invites you to be a part of our vision for 2020 by coming to a meeting and getting involved. Join us on January 14, 6:30pm at the Old Watts Library.