California Neighborhood Coalition

Boundaries of the Areas We Serve

The California Neighborhood Coalition serves residents, faith-based organizations, and local business representatives who live, work and worship in the area bounded by Broadway on the North to St. Louis Avenue on the South; and, from 9th Street on the East to 26th Street on the West. The Mission Statement of the California Neighborhood Coaliton is to revitalize, renew, and reestablish the community.

Executive Officers of the California Neighborhood Coalition

Mr. Michael L. Brooks, President
Michael is the third generation to reside in his home in the California community. He is a graduate of Bellarmine University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a graduate of Sullivan Uninversity (summa cum laude) with a Master of Science in Conflict Management. Mr. Brooks was elected by residents of the California and Park Hill communities in December 2005 to the Board of Directors of the Louisville Metro Community Action Partnership. He now serves as Chairman of its Boad of Directors and oversees its Executive Committee and its annual budget. Michal was selected by the Provost of the University of Louisville to serve on a selection committee to select the most outstanding University of Louisville faculty member, staff member, student, and community partner for 2009.  He is also a member of the of the Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Society; and, the University of Louisville Signature Partnership, Inc., Resident Advisory Council, sponsored by the U. of L. Office of External Affairs, that advises state and local officials, community organizations, and public educational institutions on the social, economic, health and educational needs of Louisville West End residents. Michael was also appointed by Mayor Jerry E. Abramson to the Advisory Committee for the Master Urban Revitalization Plan for the Park Hill Corridor which includes portions of California, Algonquin, Park Hill, Limerick and the Old Louisville neighborhoods as well as a portion of the University of Louisville. Mr. Brooks worked as a charter member of the California Collaborative which recently secured a $150,000 Change Makers Grant from the Community Foundation of Louisville for robust California Neighborhood revitalization.   

Mrs. Anna Haskins Smith, Vice President
Ann is a life-long California area resident that stretches back six generations. She is also a member of the California Neighborhood Advisory Council. and Director of the California Neighborhood Coalition Senior Activities Program.  Ann partners with professional volunteers from the public and private sectors, administrative personnel of Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation, and the California Community Center staff in establishing social programs for seniors and disabled individuals of the California community. Ann also was recognized by Councilman George Unseld as one of the outstanding community builders for our legislative district in 2007.  Mrs. Smith is a member of the California Resident's Community Farm Alliance Task Force. Ann is also Chairperson of the annual area-wide California Neighborhood Reunion Picnic, held each fourth Saturday in August at California Park, 1600 West St. Catherine Street that attracts participants from all over the country.

Ms. Debra "Suzanne" Eades, Treasuruer
Suzanne is a life-long California area resident. She is a graduate of the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology. Suzanne is Assistant Director of the California Neighborhood Coalition Senior Activities Program.  She also studies biblical Greek and is actively involved in area youth mentoring and professional communication.

Mrs. Sue H. Lawson, Chaplain
Sue is a thirty-year member of Southern Baptist Church at 15th and West St. Catherine Streets in the heart of the California community. She is responsible for the spiritual uplift of the coalition's members and board representatives. Mrs. Lawson is an Event Planner for the California Neighborhood Coalition Senior Activities Program, also a member of the California Residents Community Farm Alliance Task Force.

Mrs. Jane Grady, Parliamentarian
Jane comes to the California Neighborhood Coalition with many years of experience in local government. She is a former member of the Multi-Cleints Council that works collaborately with the Legal Aid Society of Louisville, a member of the California Neighborhood Advisory Council, an Event Planner for the California Neighborhood Coalition Senior Activities Program, and she is also past President of the Beecher Terrace Residents Council.

About Our Association

Sick and tired of being sick and tired of neglect, two life-long California area residents decided to make a difference in their community, and to form an independent, non-profit coalition of dedicated and concerned residents, with similar ideas, to work together to make the California community a place where each and every resident would be proud to call home. Both agree that "strength comes in numbers", and that "neighbors should stick together!!"

The California Neighborhood Coalition (CNC) was established in May 2005 and incorporated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in July 2006. As a result of merger of Louisville Metro Government, the California area now encompasses three local legislative districts. There have been several capital improvements in the area since the coalition's establishment. With dedicated and committed California citizens dedicated to improving the quality of life for themselves, we look forward to many other opportunities to enhance our community into being one of Louisville's most top-notch communities for the future.

Membership in the California Neighborhood Coalition is open to any area resident who is 18 years of age or older, who owns, rents or leases real property within the boundaries of the California community.

Mission Statement & Objectives

Our Mission Statement  is to revitalize, renew, and reestablish the community.

 Our Objectives:

1) To establish livability of the area by establishing and maintaining an open line of communication between the neighborhood residents, governmental agencies, and other neighborhoods;

2) To maintain the quality of life and home values of our neighborhood by involving ourselves in property maintenance and neighborhood beautification projects, while working together as neighbors and friends;

3) To bring together dedicated and concerned California area residents to bring about positive changes in the area through social and economic development; and

4) To establish partnerships with other Louisville area churches, schools and businesses.

Email us
MichaelBrooks10@aol.com          AJohnson@JamesSTaylor.com           Debra.Eades@insightbb.com