SPNA Incorporates as a 501 (c) (4)
Sign In at Taste of South Park, 2022
South Park Neighborhood Association has registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a neighborhood association for the purpose of “promoting the common good and general welfare” for all the people in the community. SPNA is a 501(c) (4) non-profit organization.
As a (c) (4), SPNA can engage in political activities or lobbying activities that align with its overall mission. SPNA’s mission is focused on community building, support for local businesses, and political advocacy.
SPNA’s community building activities include social gatherings such as the upcoming The Taste of South Park at the end of September, the most recent second annual Neighborhood Night Out event held on August 1, Howl-o-ween Dog Costume event, Spring Garden Party in Wishbone Park, Night at the Belasco, Ugly Sweater Holiday event, Wellness Fair, Beer and Cheese Tasting Event, and Rams Home Opener event. The SPNA monthly newsletter distributed through residential buildings plus articles on the SPNA website – Neighborhood News - at www.spna-dtla.org help to grow our community and keep residents informed.
Supporting our local businesses builds community as well. The above events were all hosted by and supported by South Park businesses. Probably the largest event supporting our local businesses is The Taste of South Park. South Park residents can sample tasty treats on September 23 from a variety of South Park businesses– First Draft, HiDef Brewing, Pine and Crane, Arashi Sushi, Aladdin, South Park Pharmacy, Bo Daddy’s, Patroncito, Florina, and more. We also support our local businesses through articles in the monthly newsletter and on the website.
Our political advocacy for the neighborhood also builds community while making a stronger neighborhood. Currently SPNA is garnering support from residents for the closing of an active oil well on Broadway between Pico and 14th Place that is an environmental hazard, affects nearby residents and their health, and has been fined $1.5 million for 600 violations.
SPNA is also committed to increasing voter participation with ongoing voter registration at social events. Voter information about registration, candidates, and voting is in the SPNA monthly newsletter and on the website. The most recent get-out-the-vote activity was an organized walk-to-the-polls for the DLANC (Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council) election.
SPNA, a two-year-old volunteer group, has grown into a registered California nonprofit organization for the benefit of South Park. Follow us to see where we go from here!
By Marty Goldberg and Debra Shrout