Paul Krekorian Newsletter: Open Space, Road Work, Feeding Hungry and More

Hundreds of Acres of Open Space Preserved

LOS ANGELES - The City Council last week approved a long-awaited historic transfer of nearly 280 acres of open space from the Angeles National Golf Club to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), elating the community that has worked for 15 years to ensure completion of the arrangement.

The 277.5 acres adjacent to the golf course stretch well into the Angeles National Forest and will now be preserved as recreational open space and protected from future development. In addition to the transfer of land, owners of the golf club will spend $42,000 annually for 25 years for trail maintenance, $15,000 for the MCRA to develop signage for the area and $250,000 to create and maintain equestrian trails in the Foothills.

"The area surrounding this golf course is among the most scenic open space in all of Los Angeles, and it was imperative to protect it from development," said Councilmember Paul Krekorian, chairman of the Arts, Parks & Neighborhoods Committee. "Today, I am thrilled that a 15-year journey has finally come to a successful conclusion thanks to the persistent efforts of so many in the community, the MRCA and Angeles National, and I am very proud that my office has pushed hard to get this done. Our collective efforts will leave a permanent legacy of environmental protection, recreational enhancements and an improved quality of life in this area."

"Big Tujunga Wash in and of itself is its own force of nature, an unparalleled capsule of biodiversity," said Joseph T. Edmiston, Executive Officer of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. "This acquisition will extend the recreational resource value of the Angeles National Forest into the San Fernando Valley."

See the land to be preserved on our website.   

CITY HALL - During a special meeting on Wednesday November 30, at 3 p.m., the Arts, Parks, & Neighborhoods committee will hear the City Attorney's draft ordinance to delay neighborhood council elections until 2014 and automatically extend the terms of neighborhood council board members to 2014. 

In response, Councilmember Paul Krekorian, chairman of the committee, released the following statement: 

"I oppose this draft ordinance because it is clearly contrary to the spirit of democracy that our neighborhood councils represent. Extending neighborhood council board member terms until 2014 is unacceptable and it continues to be my goal to find a mechanism that allows residents to have a democratic process to select their representation on their neighborhood councils in 2012. I will work with the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, the neighborhood councils, the Mayor's office, the City Clerk and every other interested party to resolve this issue swiftly, transparently and responsibly."
For more information on this meeting, subscribe to our policy blog by entering your email here for updates closer to and during the hearing. 

A Call for Submissions...   

LOS ANGELES - The submission deadline for the 2nd annual Los Angeles Student Media Festival is fast approaching. Set for March 10, 2012, the LASMF is the only film festival intended solely for high school students in the region and participants are encouraged to submit in one of eight categories. 

"This is a fantastic opportunity for high school students in the city and county of Los Angeles to show off their creativity," festival creator Councilmember Paul Krekorian said.     

The LASMF is looking for original pieces created by high school students that do not exceed 7 minutes in length.  Student work that fits into one of the following categories may be submitted and the winner in each category will win recognition as well as exciting prizes to help further their careers in cinema: 

• Animation;
• Comedy (Narrative);
• Commercial;
• Drama (Narrative);
• Documentary / PSA;
• General (If your piece does not fit into any of the other categories, you should enter it in this category.);
• Newscast / Public Affairs;
• Narrative Series  

The deadline for submissions is January 20, 2012. For a complete list of guidelines and more details, please see lasmf.lacity.org.

 

Changes Slated for Community Cops

VALLEY GLEN -The Senior Lead Officer program, in which LAPD officers work directly with neighborhoods to alleviate community-specific concerns, has been a tremendous success story for the city and department.   

Recently, SLO Ron Carter, who enjoyed a close working relationship with the Valley Glen community, was transferred to Sherman Oaks, replaced by Officer Steve Underwood 

"Steve has a strong resume with years of prior experience on patrol, working vice and dealing with gang issues," said Judy Price, president of the Valley Glen Neighborhood Association. 

In an emergency, of course, you should always call 9-1-1. But, if you have a public safety-related concern or question, you are more than welcome to call or email your SLO.  
 
To find your SLO in...

Studio City, Van Nuys, Valley Glen, or North Hollywood, call: (818) 623-4001 

North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Sun Valley or Van Nuys, call: (818) 374-9404

Sunland-Tujunga, Shadow Hills, La Tuna Canyon Foothill or Lake View Terrace, call: (818) 756-8866

You can also check www.lapdepolicing.org to sign up for updates about crime alerts in your neighborhood.  

Road Work in Your Neighborhood

Councilmember Krekorian helps to resurface a Valley Glen street as part of a wider push to deliver city services, Nov. 3, 2011 | More photos here.

LOS ANGELES - If you've noticed an increase in activity by crews from the city's Bureau of Street Services (BoSS) in your neighborhood, such as street resurfacing, curb and gutter repair and tree trimming, it's no accident.

Following deep cuts in the city's budget for such work, Councilmember Paul Krekorian devoted $250,000 in discretionary funds to restoring services that would not have otherwise occurred.

Councilmember Krekorian's office worked with neighborhoods and city crews to target significant problem areas, then set aside funds specifically for these projects in his council district.

"Maintaining our streets and neighborhoods is a core function of city government," Councilmember Krekorian said. "As our city grapples with the impacts of budget cuts, my staff and I will continue to think outside of the box to ensure that we keep our streets livable, clean and safe."

If you have suggestions for additional projects, please contact District Director Damian Carroll at (818) 755-7676 or damian.carroll@lacity.org.

A Project for the Birds

STUDIO CITY - A hundred years ago, before sprawling freeways and wide streets came to define Los Angeles, the region was a habitat for birds, plants and other wildlife. Today, L.A. has retained some of its natural heritage, with an assist from residents and neighborhood groups who step up to protect nature.

One of those groups is the Studio City Beautification Association, which launched a contest recently to design and build birdhouses to ensure the Western Blue Bird and the Barn Owl can continue to thrive. Those are the species, according to the Audubon Society, that are native to the area where the group is developing the project, a pocket of land just off Laurel Canyon Boulevard, south of Ventura Boulevard.

Submissions are now being accepted and for a complete list of all specifications and details, call or email Barry Weiss at (818) 257-3181;BarryWeissLA@gmail.com.

Donations Needed as Contributions Roll in 

LOS ANGELES - Councilmember Paul Krekorian's annual Holiday Food Driveto Stamp Out Hunger continues to net donations - more than 500 pounds so far - but we still need your help to reach more neighbors in need.

Last year, through the combined efforts of many in the community, the office of Councilmember Krekorian collected 1,086 pounds of donations,which included contributions small and large from throughout Los Angeles County.

Donations of non-perishable goods, including unexpired canned goods or boxed foods, will benefit the Sunland-Tujunga Temporary Aid Center and the North Hollywood Interfaith Pantry and are now being accepted at any one of Councilmember Krekorian's three offices in City Hall (200 N. Spring St., Room 435), North Hollywood (6350 Laurel Canyon Blvd.) or Sunland-Tujunga (7747 Foothill Blvd.).

For more information, call project coordinator Geoff Yazzetta at (818) 755-7676.

Fellowship Applications Now Being Accepted

The office of Councilmember Paul Krekorian is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for those wishing to learn about the intricacies of local government. Applications are now being accepted for the 2011 Councilmember Paul Krekorian Fellowship Program in the communications office.

Those who are interested in being an active member of our communications team, get excited about social networking, and writing news articles or working with some of the finest journalists in Los Angeles,email Communications Director Jeremy Oberstein today. Learn more about the fellowship here.