Council OKs Planning Commission Appointee
The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the reappointment of Theodore Stein Jr. to the Planning Commission, praising the Encino resident for service on the powerful panel.
Stein, who was involved in a conflict-of-interest issue two months ago concerning his Chatsworth property holdings, will serve a five-year term on the commission. Council members Hal Bernson and Gloria Molina commended Stein for his willingness to spend long hours studying planning issues.
Last June, the city attorney’s office determined that the Planning Commission could not consider the proposed Porter Ranch development because Stein had part ownership in a subdivision nearby.
The action prompted council members Joel Wachs and Joy Picus to call for divestiture by city planning commissioners of all property they own within city boundaries, a motion that has been referred to a council committee.
Wachs said Tuesday he was “happy to support” Stein’s reappointment because his proposal has yet to become law and because “it would be unfair reflection” on the commissioner to vote against him.
Stein, an attorney, was appointed last year by Mayor Tom Bradley to fill the an unexpired term of former Commissioner Robert J. Abernethy.
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