Krekorian's District 2 Newsletter: Budget Approved, New Parking Meters and More

The following newsletter was released on May 24.

Council Approves Budget  

The City Council approved a $7.7 billion spending plan, on Thursday, that increases the city's reserve fund, provides for greater public safety resources and increases vital community programs. 


The 2013-14 fiscal year budget caps weeks of consideration and debate during hearings of the Budget and Finance Committee led by Councilmember Paul Krekorian. "I am proud of the balanced budget we approved today, but know we still have a lot of work to do in the coming years to ensure our city continues to remain on solid fiscal ground," Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. 
"In this budget, there is more money for street resurfacing, tree trimming and graffiti removal. I am especially pleased that we restored funding for the Senior Meals program, which had been eliminated due to federal cuts.

The city's reserve is now the strongest it has been in a decade, and a healthy budget stabilization fund will make future budgets more stable and send a strong signal that Los Angeles is back on strong fiscal ground."

The Mayor now has five days to sign or veto the budget.

Community Joins Memorial Bike Ride for Hit-and-Run Victim

More than 50 community members rode their bicycles in silence last Wednesday in memory of 18 year-old hit-and-run victim David Granados. Neighbors, students, friends and family gathered at Grant High School, where David was set to complete his senior year, for a seminar on bicycle safety before beginning the seven-mile loop.

The Greater Valley Glen Council, with the help of the office of Councilmember Krekorian, gave away 50 free helmets and bicycle lights to attendees before the start of the bike ride.

The memorial event, commemorating David and cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways, also fell in the middle of Bike Week in Los Angeles, aimed at spreading awareness of bicycling safety.  For more information on how to keep safe on the roads, facts, figures, laws and about biking in Los Angeles, visit the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition.

The LAPD investigation into the fatal hit-and-run collision that killed David Granados is still ongoing. Councilmember Krekorian recently introduced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture and arrest of those responsible for the fatal hit-and-run that took David's life. Anyone with information regarding the investigation should contact the LAPD Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8063.

Students Get Insight into City Jobs on Career Day

Staff members from the office of Councilmember Krekorian spoke with more than 60 students last Thursday for Millikan Middle School's Career Day, about how they can make a difference in the community. 

Doctors, attorneys, artists, musicians, service workers, city and state employees swarmed the classrooms of Millikan last week for the middle school's Career Day to share information about world of career possibilities students can pursue, including working for an L.A. City Council office.

Millikan Middle School's seventh grade classes learned about the functions of a council office and the various tasks members of the council office staff perform as representatives of an elected city official. To learn about different functions of a City Council office, visit our websitefor more information. If you would like to tour City Hall, let us know!

New Parking Meters in Studio City 

Ventura Boulevard, between Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Whitsett Avenue, is now home to the latest model of parking meters, replacing the hard-to-read pay stations.  At the behest of Councilmember and with the persistence of the Studio City Improvement Association, the L.A. Dept. of Transportation installed 142 new card and coin meters with larger, easier-to-read display located next to each parking space, increasing convenience for those visiting this stretch of Studio City.

The LADOT is also requesting that the Studio City community provide comments and feedback about the utility of the new meter. To submit your comments of concerns, email Parking.Meters@lacity.org.   

North Hollywood and Studio City Raise Awareness for Cancer  

Walter Reed Middle School played host to Relay for Life last weekend, a community event geared to raise funds and awareness about cancer. 

The Saturday event kicked off a celebration of the lives of survivors and to remember those who lost their lives to cancer by raising money for cancer research and cancer patients. 

Councilmember Krekorian applauded the efforts of all the American Cancer Society volunteers, many of whom are cancer survivors themselves and committed to the fight against cancer. 

Relay for Life, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, originated in 1985 and has since spread to more than 20 countries across the globe with the mission of raising money for cancer research. Following the mantra cancer never sleeps, relay teams camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around a track. For more information about Relay for Life, visit relayforlife.org. 

Training for Job Seekers 

Los Angeles Valley College is offering free job training to selected individuals looking to compete in the job market through the school's LA Fellows Program. The free professional development program is open to applicants looking for their next career opportunity.

Those accepted into the program will receive nine weeks of training at Valley College regarding advanced computer skills, critical thinking, negotiating, and job search guidance while volunteering their time and sharing their professional expertise at local non-profit organizations. 

LA Fellows participants will be selected through an application and interview process. The program goal is for participants to find full time employment within months of completing the fellowship. 

To learn more about the LA Fellows program and application process, and get your questions answered, job seekers can attend one of the following three informational sessions: Wednesday, May 22, May 29 or June 5. The sessions will begin at 9 a.m. in the Monarch Den, located on campus near the cafeteria. Los Angeles Valley College is located at 5800 Fulton Ave. in Valley Glen. [map] For more information about the program, visit lafellows.org.