UPDATE: Steve Soboroff to Join Los Angeles Dodgers, Howard Sunkin Remains Over Neighborhood Relationships

The Los Angeles Dodgers made another smart move Tuesday morning.

They've appointed civic leader Steve Soboroff as vice chairman, effective immediately. According to a Dodgers' release, he's charged with outreach throughout the Southern California area. He'll also head efforts "to improve the fan experience," according to the document. Soboroff will report directly to team owner Frank McCourt. That will include implementing changes recommended by the security team headed by former LAPD police chief Bill Bratton.

Soboroff is a former president of the City’s Recreation and Parks Commission, former CEO of the award-winning Playa Vista community, and currently board chairman of both the Weingart Foundation and the EXPO Center in Exposition Park.  He was also a senior advisor to former mayor Richard Riordan.

In the Dodgers' release, Soboroff is quoted as saying that the "fan experience starts with a safe, comfortable, family environment."

The release said Soboroff plans to meet with a variety of stakeholders in the organization.  Senior Vice President Howard Sunkin, who currently manages the ball club's relationships with its neighboring communities, will remain in charge of those, according to Dodger spokesperson Josh Rawitch.

The Dodgers have traditionally worked with the Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council and several other neighborhood groups.