Planning Chairman to Work for Chick

The chairman of a citizens panel charged with overseeing implementation of the Ventura Boulevard Specific Plan has resigned effective July 1 to accept a job as planning deputy for Los Angeles City Councilwoman Laura Chick.

Ken Bernstein, who is also leaving a job as editor of a monthly Los Angeles planning publication, has chaired the 13-member citizens advisory committee since its inception in March, 1992.

Bernstein, who was appointed to the plan review board by Los Angeles City Councilman Joel Wachs, said he thought it would be inappropriate to continue serving on the board as a Chick staff member. He said he is confident he will be able to continue to work with the board from his new position.

“Being from the Valley, it has always been a thrill to help shape the future of Ventura Boulevard,” Bernstein said. “And I’m now looking forward to helping to implement some of the things the board is recommending.”

Tom Rath, a city planning associate who serves as a staff assistant to the review board, said Bernstein’s leadership would be missed.

“He is probably about as well informed as anybody in the city about Ventura Boulevard,” Rath said. “And he wasn’t the kind of guy who said ‘Oh, that’s a good idea, but I haven’t got time,’ he was involved--he got things done.”

Bernstein plans to begin work July 12 for Chick.