Todd Royal’s Exit Interview: Leaving Studio City

is moving out of Studio City, and with that, he is leaving vacancies on the boards of two of the most powerful local community groups— and the

And at 42, he is the youngest of both boards—something that in an “exit interview” on Sunday with Studio City Patch, he said is one of the important things left to do.

“We need to attract younger people into the groups, more people in their 20s and 30s and my age,” said Royal, who a little over a , Grey Elizabeth, with his wife Joy. He is an aspiring actor and runs a catering business.

“But for people who have young families like me, or are still trying to establish themselves in their careers, it is hard to spend four or five hours at a meeting on Wednesday nights," he said. "I hope they are able to address issues like that.”

Due to family commitments, Royal had to give up his position as vice president of the Studio City Neighborhood Council, and now that his family is moving to La Canada Flintridge he has to give up his involvement with both boards.

“I will miss it, and the people, it was truly the best experience of my life,” said Royal, who counts presidents of the , and Resident Association’s , as among his mentors. “And I hope I have been able to contribute to some of the progress of both groups.”

Walker said, "Aside from being a friend, Todd has worked as chair of Transportation, vice president and served as a board member to better all of Studio City.... Thank you, Todd, for all of your past years of work. We wish you and your family continued happiness and success."

Among his accomplishments, Royal said, is leading the of the Neighborhood Council, dealing with one of the most important issues in the area—traffic.

“I am glad that is chairing the Transportation Committee, it is an important committee,” Royal said.

He is concerned that congested traffic in Studio City is going to be an ever-growing issue, especially with the proposed and other areas.

As vice president, Royal said he wanted to bring in a and more online communication with the general public. He made the Neighborhood Council website more interactive and connected to Facebook and smartphone ready.

But the most important thing, Royal said, is to see the Neighborhood Council and Residents Association work better with the and the.

“Those four groups should work hand in hand and in a much better way,” Royal said.

He said he was angry about how Dymond was “ by the Neighborhood Council” when asking for help with the this past December with the snow in Beeman Park. “I thought they treated Alan unfairly and the whole thing was unfortunate.”

He said the (BID) should “open itself up more to the community” and the Neighborhood Council “has been a bit insular.”

He praised the volunteer work ofd and the (a branch of the Residents Association), and said, “They have kept the area green and looking beautiful.”

Royal, who is also admittedly quite a bit than most of his Studio City colleagues, said he is looking at getting into local politics in the smaller city of La Canada Flintridge. “I am looking at paid or volunteer opportunities in government there,” he said.

“Whoever makes up the agenda for these organizations should make it more realistic for people with younger families, so it’s not just older or retired people being involved,” Royal said. “I hope that I helped address some of those issues to the groups I worked with.”

Meanwhile, Royal and his family have moved to a home on a hill with “a beautiful view of downtown Los Angeles.” But, he said, “I will always love Studio City.”