Tuesday, September 16, 2003 4:42 PM
As a kickoff to the upcoming elections, can- didates for the board of the Los Angeles Press Club will offer their ideas and visions before members on Sept. 24 at the club’s annual meeting.
A number of vacancies will open on the board, including one left by the planned departure of former executive director Alex Ben Block, whose years of volunteer work inspired many working journalists to join the club and brought sizzle back to the club’s annual awards banquet. The event will be held at the club’s new headquarters at 6464 Sunset Blvd. The candidate presentations are among a number of issues that will be on the agenda for the meeting, open to all members of the LAPC. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a special wine tasting and reception, followed by the meeting in the new forum room on the eighth floor of the building.
Los Angeles Press Club President Ted Johnson will detail club activities, including seeking non-profit status from the IRS and launching charity programs. Sunshine Committee chairperson Karen Ocamb will speak about the group’s latest efforts to improve access to public records.
This will be the first major event at the club’s new headquarters, which has easier access to parking. “The annual meeting is the only gathering of its kind throughout the year,” Johnson said. “It is a chance for members to meet each other, and to offer different ideas about the club and its future.”
As always, the meeting will be the only chance to hear live presentations by board candidates regarding their ideas for the club. Eight seats are open, one for a one-year term and seven for two-year terms. Some incumbent board members plan to seek their seats again, while others, such as Block, will be vacating their seats.
Anyone who has been a member for one year is eligible to run, according to the club’s bylaws. Those interested in running should contact Diana at (323) 469-8180.
“This is a great way to be of service to jour- nalists and the general community, especially as the club increases its efforts to reach out to other non-profit organizations and charitable causes,” Johnson said. The elections are con- ducted by secret ballot, mailed to all members.
Votes will be tallied in November and the newly reconstituted board will be seated at the regular meeting of the Press Club in January.
