CITY PANEL TO HOLD MEETINGS IN VALLEY.

Byline: Deborah Sullivan Daily News Staff Writer

The Los Angeles City Council voted Friday to hold meetings of its planning and land-use committee in the San Fernando Valley when the committee is considering subdivisions or conditional-use permits for Valley communities.

``What we want to do is we want to facilitate making it easier for people in an area to be heard on controversial views,'' said Councilman Hal Bernson, who introduced the motion.

Bernson said some routine matters may still be held downtown but that large proposals such as subdivisions maps; controversial ones like conditional-use permits for schools, churches or liquor stores; and any item on appeal, should be held in the area concerned.

He said the policy would apply to other areas of the city as well as the Valley and would allow residents of far-flung neighborhoods easier access to local government.

Richard Close, president of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association, said the change is a step in the right direction.

``I think it's something that's been needed for years,'' Close said. ``I'm very pleased that the councilman who represents the Valley is taking the lead.''

Close said Valley residents have found it difficult to attend downtown meetings, which require drives on congested freeways, expensive parking and hours of absence from work.

``So this will make it easier and allow for true participatory government,'' Close said. ``I also think the City Council is finally realizing that the secession effort needs to be addressed by making government more local. And this is a vital first step.''

However, Gerald Silver, president of Homeowners of Encino, said the move won't curtail Valley frustration with City Hall.

``It's a little like throwing a bone to the Valley, but I think it's too little, too late now,'' he said. ``We want the entire council regularly meeting here, not just the (planning and land-use) committee. . . . ''