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About
Del Rey

A hidden gem in Los Angeles’ Westside, Del Rey boasts a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. Discover the unique story of Del Rey, where history and modernity intertwine, making it a fascinating locale worth exploring. 

Neighborhood Council

The Del Rey Neighborhood Council (DRNC) was officially certified by the City of Los Angeles in October 2003 to increase our influence with City lawmakers and departments and to improve our community. 

About del rey
Meet the Team

Meet the Board

The DRNC Board of Directors consists of fifteen (15) elected Directors: seven (7) Board officers and eight (8) Area Directors, each representing one geographical area. Individual board members can be contacted below at firstname.lastname@delreync.org. The entire board can be reached at board@delreync.org. See Board member training certifications.

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Ravi Sankaran
President

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Jeremy Schonwald
Vice President

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Daniel Perez
Treasurer

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Sara Siegal
Secretary

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Jonathan Menendez
Comms Officer

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Pooja Bhagat
Land Use Officer

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Jillian Hegedus
Outreach Officer

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Jason Damata
Area A Director

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Barry Rosenthal
Area B Director

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Michael Roth
Area C Director

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Joanna Reynolds
Area D Director

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Quenton Richards
Area E Director

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Jeffrey Tropp
Area F Director

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Maria del Carmen
Area G Director

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Greg Turquand
Area H Director

By Laws
Quicklinks

Quicklinks

Agendas & Documents
Position Letters and Statements
Home Desk

Agendas &
Documents

Access agendas and supporting documents for both past and upcoming board and committee meetings.

Filing
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Board Meeting Archives

Position Letters
and Statements

Review archived documents from previous board meetings, including agendas, minutes, and recordings.

Access official position letters and Community Impact Statements issued by the DRNC on relevant city policies, land use projects and other matters..

DEL REY MAP

Boundaries Map

North: Washington Blvd

South: Jefferson Blvd

East: Culver City Boundary

West: Lincoln Blvd

Area & Director Name 
Neighborhood Council

Del Rey Neighborhood Council

The Del Rey Neighborhood Council (DRNC) is an organization that was officially certified by the City of Los Angeles in October 2003 to increase our influence with City lawmakers and departments and to improve our community. The DRNC came about as a result of Los Angeles City Charter Reform and interested stakeholders in our community.

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The Board is elected by stakeholders and holds monthly meetings, usually on the second Thursday of the month. The Board is comprised of volunteers dedicated to serving the community with you. We are focused on putting the Neighbor Back In Neighborhood.
 

The Board is allocated a budget of approximately $32,000 by the City from your tax dollars.

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The DRNC Board of Directors consists of fifteen (15) elected Directors: seven (7) executive officers and eight (8) Area Directors, each representing one geographical area.

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Purpose of the Del Rey Neighborhood Council

  1. Promote public participation in City governance and decision-making processes so that government is more responsive to local needs and requests and so that more opportunities are created to build partnerships with government to address local needs and requests

  2. Promote and facilitate communication, interaction, and opportunities for collaboration among all Certified Neighborhood Councils regarding their common and disparate concerns.

  3. Facilitate the delivery of City services and City government responses to Del Rey’s problems and requests for assistance by helping Del Rey Neighborhood Council to both identify and prioritize their needs and to effectively communicate those needs.

  4. Foster a sense of community for all Del Rey residents to express ideas and opinions about their neighborhoods and their government,

 

Stakeholder Definition

A Community Stakeholder is defined as any individual who lives, works, or owns property in the neighborhood; OR is a Community Interest Stakeholder, defined as an individual who is a member of, or participates in a Community Organization within the boundaries of the neighborhood council.  See Article IV of the DRNC By-Laws for a precise definition and examples. 

Del Rey: A Historical Overview

Origins and Early History
 

  • Roots in Rancho La Ballona: Del Rey’s history begins in the early 19th century when it was part of the massive Rancho La Ballona.

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  • Founding Families: The land was managed by notable figures such as Augustin and Ygnacio Machado, and Felipe and Tomas Talamantes.

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  • Land Division: By 1868, Rancho La Ballona was divided into 23 parcels, setting the stage for future development.

Environmental and Urban Development
 

  • Features: The area was characterized by Ballona and Centinela Creeks, influencing the local landscape and agriculture.

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  • Flood and Transformation: The great flood of 1862 submerged the valley, significantly impacting the land use and ecology.

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  • Port Ballona: In 1887, Moye Wicks aimed to develop Port Ballona, but by 1889, this dream faded due to financial and environmental challenges.

Modern Foundations

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  • Creation of Del Rey: The transformation from a coastal retreat into a developed area began earnestly in 1902 when entrepreneurs Moses Sherman and Eli Clark bought 1,000 acres around Ballona Lagoon. Under the Beach Land Company, they initiated the development of what they called the “King’s Playground.” This area was soon named Del Rey, marking a new identity separate from its initial association as part of Port Ballona.

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  • Official Recognition: The shift from a loosely defined region to a recognized community was solidified when city planning maps in 1903 officially identified Del Rey as one of nine divisions within the West Los Angeles Planning Commission. This official recognition marked a pivotal moment in its urban development.

Agricultural Shifts and Urban Integration

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  • Agricultural Shifts: During the early decades of the 20th century, despite its urban developments, Del Rey maintained its agricultural character. The area was populated with dairy farms and produce fields, benefiting from the rich soil left by historical floods. This blend of urban planning and agricultural persistence defined Del Rey’s landscape during this period.

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  • Transition to Urban Community: The real shift towards an urban residential area began post-World War II. The need for housing for returning veterans and the burgeoning local industries, including the burgeoning aerospace sector with companies like Hughes Aircraft, encouraged rapid residential development. This period saw the construction of numerous single-story homes designed to accommodate the growing middle class, a characteristic that still defines much of Del Rey’s residential landscape today.

Infastructure and Growth​

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  • Infrastructure Developments: The 1930s and 1940s were significant for infrastructure development in Del Rey. The straightening and permanent paving of Ballona Creek by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1935 were crucial for flood control and urban planning. These changes allowed for more stable and expansive development, reducing the agricultural use of the land and increasing its value for residential and commercial use.

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  • Economic and Cultural Growth: The establishment of Hughes Aircraft in the 1940s in the nearby Ballona Valley was a major economic boost, attracting workers and contributing to a population increase. This growth spurred further urbanization and helped transition Del Rey from its agrarian roots to a more densely populated and diverse community.

Community and Recreation
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  • Mar Vista Gardens: This significant housing complex supports the local Hispanic community with various community services.

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  • Japanese-American Influence: The Venice Japanese Community Center plays a pivotal role in cultural and recreational activities.

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  • Recreational Spaces: Residents enjoy access to Ballona Creek bike path and the green spaces of the Culver City Median path.

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Identity and Modern Recognition
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  • Zip Code Confusion: The U.S. Postal Service recognizes parts of Del Rey as Culver City, which adds to the area’s identity complexities.

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  • Community Identity: Despite these challenges, there is a growing sense of community pride and identity in Del Rey.

Del Rey Today
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These foundational changes set the stage for Del Rey’s evolution into a diverse, culturally rich community. With its roots deeply embedded in local history and its branches extending into a vibrant urban environment, Del Rey continues to flourish as a unique and integral part of the greater Los Angeles area.

Bylaws

DRNC
Bylaws

Standing
Rules

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