New App Allows Residents Easy Access to City Services

Looking for somewhere in Woodland Hills where you can take your dog out to play? Or want to report a pot hole down your street? There's a new app for that.

On-the-go Angelenos can now use smart-phones to report potholes, pay their utility bills and look up everything from nearby dog parks to police stations, thanks to a new, free mobile app released Monday by the city.

The "MyLA311'' app can be downloaded from the Apple App and Google Play stores. Currently versions are available for iPhones and Android devices only, according to an app FAQ on a city of Los Angeles website.

"Angelenos now have a direct mobile portal to vital services and key city information,'' Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said. "This will spur a more open and transparent government. MyLA311 puts the power of City Hall in the palm of your hand.''

The app utilizes the camera and GPS features of a smart-phone to give residents the ability to take pictures and submit information about potholes and graffiti to the city, as well as request services such as bulky item pick up and tree trimming.

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers can now use the app to pay their bills will a few taps and swipes of the fingertips.

Residents and visitors alike can also use the app's "Find City Info'' tool, which finds and gives directions to a wide range of city resources, including swimming pools, hiking trails, libraries, recreation centers, museums and senior centers.

The app also connects users to Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.