LOS ANGELES : Change in Planning Panel Is Rejected

A Los Angeles City Council committee voted 2 to 0 Tuesday to reject a proposal by Councilwoman Joy Picus to create four geographically based planning commissions to replace the existing citywide commission.

Councilman Hal Bernson, chairman of the Planning and Land Use Management Committee, said the proposal had some merit but was too costly to implement. Also voting against it was Councilman Nate Holden.

Despite Tuesday’s setback, Picus said she will seek to overturn the committee’s recommendation. The proposal comes before the full council at a date yet to be determined.

Picus’ plan would require a change in the City Charter. First, the measure would have to be placed on the ballot, and then it would have to win approval by the voters. Picus’ measure asks the council to place the proposed change before the voters in next April’s municipal election.