City Atty. Hahn to Address Rotary Club

Up for reelection in November, City Atty. James Hahn will address ways in which his office can improve neighborhood quality of life at the North Hollywood Rotary Club’s monthly luncheon meeting today.

“We think the most successful way to fight crime is to get the people involved, so we get the people involved,” Hahn said.

In particular, Hahn said, he will be touting the 5-year-old Focused Attack Linking Community Organizations and Neighbors program, better known as FALCON. Using the program, community residents are able to work with the police and city attorney’s office to target neighborhood nuisances--houses where drugs are sold; rowdy, noisy bars, or dangerous liquor stores.

Once a problem property is identified, Hahn said, police officers or deputy city attorneys will attempt to meet with the property owner and discuss ways to end the nuisance. The owner will also be informed of any possible legal ramifications if the nuisance does not end.

“Most of the time, property owners don’t know what they can do to end nuisances, so we tell them their options,” Hahn said.

In November, Hahn faces a stiff challenge from Ted Stein, a former Airport Commission president who is among Mayor Richard Riordan’s confidantes.

Nancy Schmidt, president of the North Hollywood Rotary, said club members are keenly interested in city government issues, especially as they relate to the Valley. “It’s part of our agenda to stay educated and involved.”

The meeting will begin at 12:10 p.m. at the Beverly Garland Hotel, 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. It is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. To reserve a seat, call (818) 783-9950.