Here, you can find the latest updates on our ongoing efforts to inform the residents of CD2 and the city of Los Angeles. While you may peruse our press releases, newsletters and other pertinent information to keep you informed, we also have other mediums that allow you to stay connected any time of day. Follow Councilman Krekorian on Twitter (@PaulKrekorian ), become a fan of his on Facebook  or sign up to receive our newsletter by clicking here .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2012

LOS ANGELES – Today, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa released his proposed 2012-13 budget. In response Councilmember Paul Krekorian, chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, released the following statement:

“With the release of the Mayor’s 2012-13 budget, I will convene a series of hearings of the Budget & Finance Committee,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian. “During two and a half weeks of daily meetings, we will hear from each city department, the public and others to shape a leaner, stronger Los Angeles.

“Since 2008, this city has been forced to deal with the worst recession in our lifetime, which has resulted in significant deficits every year. At the same time, the city has struggled to address a structural deficit that has caused a reduction in the services on which our residents depend. It cannot be acceptable to any Angeleno to continue a seemingly endless process of delaying hard choices and slowly bleeding city services away.” 

“Our budget must reflect our city’s values, and our commitment to public safety and core services, yet it must also be based on a long term strategic vision based on efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability. Our collective success in formulating such a budget will determine the future of Los Angeles and whether we will have a city that does not merely remain solvent, but is set on an enduring path to growth.”

Starting April 27, the Budget & Finance Committee will hold a series of hearings to delve into the intricacies of the budget. The complete schedule is available by clicking here.

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Posted at 5:03 PM

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The Budget & Finance Committee of the Los Angeles City Council is set to deliberate on the Mayor’s 2012-13 proposed budget. From April 27 to May 15, the committee, led by Councilmember Paul Krekorian, will hold 13 meetings with each city department before sending its recommendations to the City Council for consideration and approval. All meetings will take place in the John Ferraro Chambers of Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles 90012.

See the schedule here .
Posted at 12:49 PM

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On April 18, 2012, Councilmember Paul Krekorian appeared in front of the Proposition O Citizens Oversight Advisory Committee to voice support for two projects in Council District 2: the Verdugo Hills Stormwater Project Concept and the LA River Natural Park Project Concept in Studio City. Here's what he said .

Posted at 3:03 PM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2012

LOS ANGELES – Councilmember Paul Krekorian, chairman of the Budget & Finance Committee, issued the following statement after Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa delivered his penultimate State of the City address today:

“I applaud the Mayor’s vision and his continuing efforts to ramp up transportation projects and to create jobs.  Just as I did when I authored the Local Preference Ordinance, I will work closely with him in bringing Los Angeles out of its economic stagnation and creating a business environment that offers all Angelenos more opportunity and a better quality of life.

“The Mayor gave only brief mention of his anticipated budget proposal tonight, but when he releases it on Friday, I will work with him in earnest to produce a balanced budget that reflects the values of our city and the priorities of its residents. 

“As we pursue the visionary goals the Mayor laid out tonight, we must also ensure that the City delivers its core services to the people efficiently and cost-effectively.  We need to seize the opportunity to redefine our city government and reinvent the way it does business so that, when we finally do reach the end of this dark recessionary tunnel, the Los Angeles that emerges into the sunlight of the other side will be leaner, more efficient and better able to meet the needs of all its residents.”

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Posted at 5:46 PM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2012

LOS ANGELES – Councilmember Paul Krekorian led the Los Angeles City Council Today in honoring two Valley Glen residents who made history as the first female duo with Down Syndrome to complete a marathon when they finished the 26.2 mile race in Los Angeles March 18.

Antoinette Mendoza and Angela Armenta completed the momentous occasion as team members of ARC, an organization that helps individuals with developmental disabilities, making history by crossing the finish line in 7 hours and 39 minutes and 12 hours and 30 minutes, respectively. 

“Antoinette Mendoza and Angela Armenta are shining examples of the best our community has to offer and I was so proud to honor their achievement today,” Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. “Antionette’s and Armenta’s drive to succeed should serve as an inspiration to us all and proves that nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it.”

Also honored at the council meeting were Rafael Adame and Tim Sathre (ARC clients and athletes who each recently completed their 5th LA Marathon); Brett Bachmann (ARC Executive Director); Jennifer Davis (ARC Day Program Director); Sue Sweeny (ARC staff member); and Doug Dennis (ARC staff member).

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Posted at 10:30 AM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2012

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles City Council today unanimously approved a resolution authored by Councilmember Paul Krekorian in support of Assembly Bill 1648, the California Disclose Act. The legislation, from Assemblymember Julia Brownley, is a bipartisan bill that would curtail an unprecedented level of secrecy that now pervades political spending on campaigns. 

"Anonymous corporate spending on political campaigns has dragged down our political system, depriving Californians of their right to know basic facts about those looking to shape our state’s policies,” Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. “The California Disclose Act is an obvious step in the right direction for the public to take control of elections and really understand who is attempting to influence us in our political decision making.”

As a California State Legislator, then-Assemblymember Krekorian introduced two bills to increase the state’s disclosure requirements, including legislation that would have made it harder for special interests to hide behind deceptively named campaign committees.

If approved, the California Disclose Act would, among other things, require the three largest funders of political advertisements to be clearly identified with their names and logos on the ad – whether it be television, radio, print, mailers or on a website. 

"AB 1648 is a far-reaching effort to lift the veil on the hidden Big Money political campaign spenders in California," said Trent Lange, President of the California Clean Money Campaign, the sponsor of the California Disclose Act. "The endorsement of Los Angeles, the largest city in California, greatly adds to the movement of over 200 organizations and leaders who have endorsed AB 1648 in a call for true transparency in political advertising."

Upon the signature of the Mayor, the resolution will be added to the official list of AB 1648 supporters as the legislation makes its way through the Legislature.

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Posted at 9:39 AM

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FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY
Media contact: Jeremy Oberstein, (213) 359-8506

LOS ANGELES – As the Budget and Finance Committee continue discussing details of the city’s budget – and its effect on neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles – members of the committee will take to the road for a series of four Budget on the Road hearings.

During the 2012-13 Regional Budget Hearings, led by Councilmember Paul Krekorian – the chairman of the committee - residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the fiscal challenges facing the city and offer their input to help the city close its looming deficit that officials warn could be as high as $200 million. Each meeting will also feature representatives from the Chief Legislative Analysts’ office, City Administrative Officer’s office and representatives from various city departments.

The meetings will take place on:

• Wednesday, March 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fairfax High School, Room G90, 7850 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 90036;
• Monday, March 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Port of Los Angeles Administration Building, 425 S. Palos Verdes St. San Pedro, 90731;
• Tuesday, March 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Women's 20th Century Club, 5105 Hermosa Ave. Eagle Rock, 90041;
• Wednesday, March 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Van Nuys City Hall, 14410 Sylvan St., 91401.

Each meeting can be streamed live via Council Audio found on lacity.org or by calling Council Phone: (213) 621-CITY. In addition, updates will be posted to @CD2news with the hashtag #BudgetLA.

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Posted at 12:43 PM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES – More than two dozen films from schools and programs from throughout Los Angeles County were selected as finalists for the second annual Los Angeles Student Media Festival. Thirty-two short films from 17 schools/programs will be screened at the March 10 festival at the El Portal Theatre in the NoHo Arts District, where the winners will be announced. Free tickets are available at lasmf.lacity.org/tickets.
 
Last year, during its inaugural run, the LASMF received about 100 submissions from schools all over the city of Los Angeles. This year, the festival sought submissions from throughout Los Angeles County, collecting about 275 short films. The finalists include 18 films from schools within city limits and others from Burbank, Glendale, La Crescenta, Rosemead and Santa Monica. The complete list is available on lasmf.lacity.org/selections.
 
“After carefully considering nearly 300 submissions, our jury of esteemed media and arts professionals has selected the best of the best from Southern California’s most talented high school filmmakers,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who created the one-of-a-kind festival in 2011. “Now, the work of these remarkable young artists will be on the big screen at the Second Annual L.A. Student Media Festival, demonstrating the immense talent and creativity of today's teens. I’m eagerly anticipating the festival, which will present us all with an opportunity to enjoy an outstanding collection of films, and perhaps also to see the debut of the next generation's Steven Spielberg. This will be a marquee event for the entire region and should not be missed!”
 
The LASMF takes place March 10, 2012, at 5 p.m. in the El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Boulevard  North Hollywood, CA 91601.

Posted at 12:40 PM

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LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles City Council reorganized itself into new committees today, with Councilmember Paul Krekorian taking the helm as chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee. In response, he released the following statement:

“During a time that our City faces unprecedented budget challenges, I accept the responsibility of chairing the Budget & Finance Committee with full awareness that there will be no simple fixes or easy solutions.  But with every great challenge there is great opportunity, and we must seize this chance to create a municipal government that effectively and efficiently provides the services our residents need and deserve.  How we respond to this time of crisis will define Los Angeles for years to come, and the work we do now can and must create a firm foundation upon which to build a strong future for our city.

“For eight years, Councilmember Bernard Parks has led this committee with dedication, skill and vision.  His fiscal discipline has helped keep the City afloat in incredibly stormy seas.  All Angelenos are in debt to Bernard Parks for his service as Budget Chair.       

“I am very proud of the record of achievement that we established during my chairmanship of the Education and Neighborhoods Committee, and I am confident that the path forward for neighborhood councils is now bright.  While I will no longer chair that committee, I will continue my commitment to a stronger neighborhood empowerment movement in this city.”

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Posted at 5:30 PM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES – The Supreme Court of the United States today struck down a California law written by then-Assemblymember Paul Krekorian that banned the introduction of sick or downed cows into the state’s food supply.

“I wrote the Safe Food Law (AB 2098) after horrific evidence surfaced about the abuse of ‘downer’ cows in one of the nation’s largest slaughterhouses,” Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. “Meat from those abused cows, some too sick to even stand up, were served on lunch counters and in markets throughout California, leading to the largest beef recall in U.S. history. My legislation guaranteed the strongest protection of meat safety and animal welfare anywhere in America.

“The Supreme Court’s action to strike down California’s law deprives all states of the ability to protect their citizens from meat unfit to be served. Shockingly, by the Supreme Court’s own calculation, as many as 1 million sick pigs could now be slaughtered for food. I think that most Americans would agree that any animal too sick to walk, is too sick to be eaten.

“The federal government now clearly bears the burden to enact stricter regulations to fully protect our citizens and to protect farm animals from inhumane treatment prior to slaughter. I will be calling upon President Obama to now lead the way in protecting animals, people and our food supply."

Bradley Miller, national director of the Humane Farming Association, said that while there is disappointment, there is also room for optimism:

"While we are disappointed that the Court has exempted slaughterhouses, we are pleased that the rest of the law remains intact – and is still the strongest in the nation,” Miller said. “ It is still illegal in California for any entity other than a slaughterhouse, to buy, sell, receive, or transport a non-ambulatory animals, including cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep."

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Posted at 2:58 PM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES – The jury panel for the 2nd annual Los Angeles Student Media Festival, the county’s only film festival solely for high school students, were announced today. The LASMF, set for March 10, 2012, at the historic El Portal Theatre in the NoHo Arts District, continues to attract films from throughout Southern California as the Jan. 20 deadline fast approaches for student’s to submit their works of art.

Returning for their second year as jurists are Adam Belanoff, writer and producer of The Closer and Carla Garapedian, former BBC World News anchor. Rounding out the LASMF jury panel are Danielle Brazell, Executive Director of Arts for LA; Roxann Dawson, director, actress and producer, whose credits include The O.C.; Richie Duchon, L.A. City Hall reporter for City News Service and former web producer for KCET's Emmy award winning news magazine SoCal Connected; Melinda Farrell, director and founder of the Sustainable Media Studio and former Deputy Director of the California Film Commission; Ed Gutentag, Cinematographer/camera operator who founded the advocacy group Shoot Movies in California; Monica Hicks, Communications Associate for the McGroarty Arts Center in Tujunga; Suzanne Isken, Executive Director of the Craft and Folk Art Museum; Bruce Postman, Director of Recruitment at Columbia College Hollywood, and former screenwriting instructor at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts; Veronique Vowell, film and television location manager, whose credits include Cold Case and Curb Your Enthusiasm; Doug Ward, Academic Administrator and animation department lecturer at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television.

“It’s an honor to be part of the Los Angeles Student Media Festival knowing that I’ll have the opportunity to help cultivate future artists who will fuel not only our creative economy but our a new crop of civically engaged entrepreneurs,” Danielle Brazell, Executive Director of Arts for LA. “I know the students will get an immense amount of enjoyment by taking part in this one of a kind festival, especially with such an esteemed panel of jurists guiding them on their artistic path."
 
One film will be awarded the “Best of Show” prize, which includes a $1000 scholarship for the winning student/team. Additional prizes include lunch meetings at studio lots with industry professionals such as with CBS Studio Center President Michael Klausman and comedy writer/director Roger Nygard (Trekkies, The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm).

Students have until Jan. 20, 2012, to submit films. For more information, check lasmf.lacity.org.

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Posted at 11:34 AM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES – Councilmember Paul Krekorian today issued the following statement after the Los Angeles City Council voted against assuming responsibility as the successor agency for the Community Redevelopment Agency:

“The State Supreme Court ruling that will abolish the CRA has raised understandable public concern about potential impacts in the redevelopment areas in the East Valley and elsewhere. Examining these impacts has been of paramount concern to me, especially regarding Valley Plaza in North Hollywood. I’ve never wavered from my longstanding commitment to economically revitalize Valley Plaza and the surrounding area, which has been ignored for too long, and I never will. Fortunately, it appears that the status of the CRA will have virtually no impact on the plans that are under consideration for the creation of an exciting new development at Valley Plaza.

“Today, the Council voted against the City becoming the successor agency to the CRA to take over its operations as it winds down. It was clear to me that the risks associated with doing so far outweigh the benefits. I cannot in good conscience support any move by the city that could further jeopardize its financial standing by assuming a level of unacceptable risk.

“With or without the CRA, we are going to create a vibrant development at Valley Plaza that will create jobs and revenues, improve the economic health of the region and meet the needs of the neighborhood.”

 

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Posted at 12:48 PM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES –Councilmember Paul Krekorian, vice-chairman of the Energy & Environment Committee, introduced a motion today that asks the L.A. Department of Water and Power to improve its communications strategies and outreach methods to customers, particularly in weather-related emergencies.

Last week, thousands of Angelenos lost power after an historic wind storm ripped through the city, felling trees, downing power lines and knocking out generators.

“For the most part, the city’s response to the weather emergency has been orderly, swift and appropriate,” Councilmember Krekorian wrote in his motion. “Although the damages caused by the weather event were significant, the storm provides an opportunity to evaluate the city’s emergency response performance and find ways to improve, before a more significant crisis occurs, and ensure residents are kept informed.”

Particularly, the councilman called on the DWP to evaluate and improve its emergency information distribution practices and options to improve its outreach to customers who may be without power and/or internet access. He also asked the utility to report on an array of options it can implement to better estimate times it may take for repairs to the power system after widespread outage events.

The motion now heads to the Energy & Environment Committee.

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Posted at 12:16 PM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2011

LOS ANGELES – The City Council today 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.”

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Posted at 12:00 PM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2011

LOS ANGELES – 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.”

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Posted at 11:49 AM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2011

LOS ANGELES – Councilmember Paul Krekorian kicked off his annual   Holiday Food Drive to Stamp Out Hunger today, asking residents throughout his district and the city to help those in need. 

"Each year, hundreds of thousands of Angelenos go hungry, including far too many in the San Fernando Valley," Councilmember Krekorian said. "I was elated at our community’s generosity last year, but the problem of hunger unfortunately persists. Once again, all of us need to donate what we can to help ease the pain of our less fortunate neighbors throughout the Valley."

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.).

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Posted at 9:20 AM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2011

Neighborhood Council Reform Package Approved

LOS ANGELES – The City Council today unanimously approved Councilmember Paul Krekorian’s four motions aimed at increasing neighborhood council accountability and effectiveness, establishing a path to greater self-governance and improving grassroots participation.
 
“Today’s approval was an important step forward in our continued effort to help strengthen and reform the neighborhood council system,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian, chairman of the Education and Neighborhoods Committee. “These reforms are by no means limited to my personal vision but are rather the product of tremendous collaboration of stakeholders throughout the city and will advance our ongoing conversation about enhancing grassroots governance. Going forward, I will continue working with the city’s neighborhood councils and the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment to improve local democracy throughout our communities. ”
 
The four motions deal with (i) improved training for neighborhood council board members, (ii) reforms in the neighborhood council funding program, (iii) a restructuring of managerial responsibilities from the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment to regional collaborations of neighborhood councils, and (iv) a streamlined process to handle grievances in order to maintain the integrity of the system.  

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Posted at 2:38 PM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2011

LOS ANGELES – Zareh Manjikian, the suspect in a North Hollywood murder case that rocked the community and made international headlines after his release from a Puerto Rican jail, was arrested by an LAPD task force outside a Van Nuys courthouse today. Zareh Manjikian is the primary suspect in the 2009 murder of 19-year-old Mike Yepremyan. After an 18-month investigation in which the LAPD, U.S. Marshals and others tracked Manjikian to Puerto Rico, and took him into custody, Puerto Rican Judge Gloria Maynard released the suspect on $50,000 bond.

The judge took that action despite specific requests by the LAPD and the Los Angeles Superior Court not to release the suspect, and after District Attorney Steve Cooley had requested extradition to Los Angeles.

Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who pushed for a federal investigation into his release, issued the following statement:

“Mike Yepremyan’s family and our entire community have been waiting for this moment for nearly two years and I share their tremendous relief. Once again, the brave men and women of the LAPD have proven that there is no escape for those who prey on the innocent. This case has shown the tenacity, ingenuity and professionalism of the LAPD detectives who were relentless in bringing this suspect to justice. While the suspect is now safely behind bars, however, I will not relent in demanding that we get to the bottom of his shocking release by the court in Puerto Rico. Together, we will get answers and, with our partners in law enforcement, we will find justice.”

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Posted at 2:38 PM

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LOS ANGELES – Councilmember Paul Krekorian on Friday introduce a City Council motion calling for a $75,000 reward involving an unsolved double murder that rocked Hollywood and Studio City nine years ago.

At around 1:40 a.m. on Sept. 2, 2002, the charred bodies of Michael Tardio and Christopher Monson were discovered in a burning Mercedes SUV on the 11600 block of Woodbridge Street in Studio City. The unsolved case of thirty-five year-old Tardio, at the time a part-time model and doorman at The Garden of Eden – then, Hollywood’s hottest nightclub – and his friend, Monson, 31, has riveted Hollywood while hesitant witnesses have stymied the investigation.

“For nearly a decade, the Los Angeles Police Department have pursued this case and they haven't given up. But now, they need your help,” Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. “This is an unusual case with lots of intriguing details, but for the families of Michael Tardio and Christopher Monson, who lost their loved ones in 2002, this was an unthinkable tragedy. We hope this reward will give police the information to once and for all put this case to bed and give those involved the peace of mind they’ve been desperately seeking for nine years.”

Read the release and see the reward flyer here

Posted at 10:00 AM

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LOS ANGELES –    The inaugural Los Angeles Student Media Festival – set to become the premier awards show for Southern California’s High School students – will take place Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, at the Beaudry Theater, 1201 W. 5th St., Los Angeles from 4 to 8 p.m.

For the first-ever festival, Councilmember Paul Krekorian’s office received more than 100 submissions from schools throughout the city of Los Angeles, from Verdugo Hills High School in north Los Angeles and San Pedro High School in the south, to Taft High School in the West San Fernando Valley and Grant High School in the East San Fernando Valley.

Read the rest  here.

Posted at 2:15 PM

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Recently, a group of residents in Sherman Oaks became alarmed after they were caught off guard by the construction of a new cellular antennae. The office of Councilmember Krekorian sought to allay their concerns and worked with them to ensure a free flow of information. Below is a letter from our office that outlines how Councilmember Krekorian will push for greater notification of impending cell tower projects and how our office will continue to be engaged in these projects as long as they affect our neighborhoods.

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Dear Neighbor,

On October 30, 2010, residents of Albers Street in Sherman Oaks awoke to find work crews breaking ground on a new project that took many neighbors by surprise.  As part of T-Mobile’s program to expand its 4G Network infrastructure throughout the city of Los Angeles, the crew installed an underground vault and an Above Ground Facility (AGF) - essentially a four-foot high box of electronics that is commonplace on sidewalks throughout the city. The crew also replaced an existing phone pole with a taller pole and cellular facility on the public right-of-way.

When Councilmember Paul Krekorian learned of the project, and of neighbors' growing concerns, he immediately instructed his staff to research the history of the project and to explore every option legally available to help address those concerns.

Over the course of the last 30 days, Councilmember Krekorian and his staff have listened to every concern filed with his office.

Read the whole letter by clicking here. (.pdf)

Posted at 1:44 PM

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LOS ANGELES – Following the passing of Joe Cerrell Thursday, Councilmember Paul Krekorian released the following statement. Joe passed away at St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo following complications related to pneumonia. He was 75.

“Joe Cerrell was a friend and inspiration to me for more than 30 years, and I will miss him dearly,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian. “When I was an 18-year-old student at USC, Joe was my professor and my mentor. When I restarted the first USC Trojan Democratic Club in many years, and served as its president, Joe was my guide, helping to impart the lessons community empowerment that have been the cornerstone of my public service career..."

Read the rest here. (.pdf)

Posted at 11:55 AM

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LOS ANGELES – Councilmember Paul Krekorian, chairman of the city’s Education and Neighborhoods Committee, released a comprehensive review today of local democracy following a nearly year-long study of Los Angeles’ 92 neighborhood councils. The report encompasses the wide-ranging views of community leaders throughout Los Angeles and is online at cd2policy.com .

“As Chairman of the Education and Neighborhoods Committee, I have made it a priority to gather input from neighborhood councils and all other stakeholders interested in the future of the Department Of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) and the neighborhood empowerment movement,” Councilmember Krekorian said.

Read the rest by clicking here  and read the report by clicking here .
Posted at 3:30 PM

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LOS ANGELES - On Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, the Los Angeles City Council  moved ahead with a motion by Councilmember Paul Krekorian to expedite construction of a street light at the intersection of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Archwood Street in North Hollywood. The motion now heads to the Transportation Committee before it will return to the council for a final vote.

On Friday, Nov. 5, Councilmember Krekorian and LAUSD Board Member Tamar Galatzan promised the city and school district would jointly work to speed up the construction process for the light that had been planned for 2012. Today's motion makes good on that promise.

Read the entire statement by clicking here  (.pdf)
Posted at 7:22 PM

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LOS ANGELES -  As the City Council continued its debate about how best to reform the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Tuesday, Councilmember Paul Krekorian called for a “truly independent and robust ratepayer advocate.”

Under Krekorian’s motion, the ratepayer advocate would be appointed by a commission comprised of 12 citizens that would include business and residential ratepayers, and consumer and environmental advocates. Four commissioners would be selected from the city’s neighborhood councils, four by the Mayor and four from the City Council.

“The creation of a ratepayer advocate in the City Charter is a crucial step forward in bringing accountability and transparency to the DWP,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian, chairman of the Education and Neighborhoods Committee. “To be effective, though, the ratepayer advocate must be independent. The selection process I have proposed will ensure that independence, and will ensure that the ratepayer advocate will remain focused on serving the interests of the ratepayers.”

Read the rest by clicking here (.pdf)

Posted at 3:09 PM

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LOS ANGELES - Councilmember Paul Krekorian and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation announced the launch of the inaugural Los Angeles Student Media Festival. The festival will be the first film and media arts competition in the city’s history that caters solely to L.A. high school students.

The event will take place Dec. 18, 2010, in the Academy’s Goldenson Theatre in North Hollywood and will allow young filmmakers who live or learn in the city of Los Angeles to tell their unique stories and showcase them like never before.

“Though we live in the entertainment capitol of the world, our high school students have never before had the opportunity to show off their work in a setting befitting their great talent,” Councilmember Krekorian said.

Posted at 10:28 AM

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Councilmember Krekorian Releases eGovernment Apps

LOS ANGELES – Councilmember Paul Krekorian is proud to announce his release of two new e-government applications designed by his office to increase transparency, accountability, and improve the quality of life and efficiency of city services in his district.

The iPhone and Android applications – available for free online in each respective marketplace – were conceptualized, designed and created in-house, by Krekorian’s staff. They offer constituents in Council District 2 unparalleled access to their councilmember’s office.

“My constituents’ needs don’t stop at 5:00, nor should their ability to interact with their council office,” Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. “With these new apps, we are able to serve residents 24 hours a day. Constituents will no longer have to wait until our office opens to tell us about graffiti, to receive the latest news from our district or to find basic information about our office. Government at your fingertips is now a reality in our office.”

Read the rest here.

Posted at 2:00 PM

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Dear Neighborhood Council Leader,
 
As the chairman of the City Council’s Education and Neighborhoods Committee, I would like to congratulate you on your election to the Neighborhood Council. Through your commitment to service on the neighborhood councils, you have taken an important step toward making your community and out entire city stronger.

Today, the neighborhood council movement sits at a crossroads. Neighborhood councils were born in Los Angeles just a decade ago and we have much to celebrate in what has been a robust start.

Read the rest here. (.pdf)

Posted at 5:00 PM

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Dear Friend,

Recently, the city’s Bureau of Sanitation began a series of public meetings about a proposed ordinance dealing with Onsite Water Treatment Systems (OWTS), commonly known as septic tanks. The Bureau developed the proposed ordinance in response to a California state mandate that was passed by the state Legislature a decade ago. Council District two, which has by far more OWTS than any other district, would be significantly impacted by this ordinance.

My staff and I have been in close contact with the Bureau to ensure that the concerns of the residents of CD2 are clearly heard and accommodated in the development of any OWTS policy. In its current form, the ordinance is not acceptable and I will oppose it. My staff and I will continue to work aggressively to ensure that the regulation of OWTS does not have an undue financial impact on residents.

While I strongly believe we need to make every reasonable effort to maintain the quality of our groundwater supply, all such efforts must be made with thorough opportunity for public input and transparency. Especially at a time when homeowners are struggling economically, we should not be requiring them to pay hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on permits and cleaning fees for OWTS that are working properly and not contaminating the groundwater supply.

Read the whole letter here.

Posted at 4:00 PM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2010

The First 100 Days: A Special Report
Issues special report and plans to hold constituent meet-and-greets

LOS ANGELES - Councilmember Paul Krekorian released a special report yesterday to commemorate his 100th day on the City Council since being sworn.

Krekorian was elected on Dec. 8 and sworn in by City Clerk June Lagmay on Jan. 5. From the first week, when storms pounded the Foothills portion of his district - threatening homes with potential mudslides - to a series of violent acts that upset the peaceful balance of portions of CD2, his first three months have been anything but calm.

"But I expected no less, and my staff and I have done our best to address the city's challenges with vigor," Councilmember Krekorian said. "In my first 100 days, I stood up against three DWP rate increase proposals, took action to eliminate mobile billboards from our streets and helped get the ball rolling in greatly reducing the number of medical marijuana clinics in our community."

The report can be read here (.pdf) via our completely new website, cd2.lacity.org.

In addition to the special report, which was sent to constituents Thursday, Councilmember Krekorian will hold a series of coffees with residents on Sunday, April 25 in both the northern and southern portion of his district. Details on those are forthcoming, but the events will include the entire staff and allow constituents the chance to receive an update from their councilmember and meet staff members with whom they will ultimately work to resolve various issues.

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Posted at 12:45 PM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2010

Krekorian: Diversity is What Makes L.A.Special

LOS ANGELES - Councilmember Paul Krekorian, chair of the Education and Neighborhoods Committee, released the following statement after the committee’s meeting Tuesday. The committee heard testimony relating to proposals to give official recognition to Koreatown by setting its boundaries and to also establish a new "Little Bangladesh."

"Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, each bringing a unique set of traits to the American table that combine to make our society so vibrant," said Councilmember Paul Krekorian, chairman of the Education and Neighborhoods Committee. "Our diversity makes us unique in the world, and that unique diversity makes Los Angeles great. The hearing was an inspiring example of how different communities can work together through positive and respectful dialogue for the collective benefit of all. Before the committee makes a final decision, it’s important to hear from all sides so no one gets shut out of this discussion, and I would encourage the affected communities to continue their positive dialogue."

The committee voted to take action in 60 days to ensure that city departments have the full opportunity to evaluate all impacts of the proposed changes, and that the impacted communities and neighborhoods are heard from before a final decision is made. After the committee renders a decision, the proposal will then move to the full City Council for consideration.

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Posted at 2:45 PM

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Armenian Genocide Survivor Dr. J. Michael Hagopian To Be Honored
Part of city-wide effort to honor the 95th anniversary of the Genocide

LOS ANGELES - Councilmember Paul Krekorian, Council President Eric Garcetti, and others, will commemorate the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Friday, April 23, 2010, as part of a city-wide effort to honor the memory of one its most enduring survivors.

As part of the tribute, Krekorian and Garcetti - along with the entire City Council and other officials - will honor the legacy of 97-year-old Dr. J. Michael Hagopian, a  survivor of the Genocide and founder of the Armenian Film Foundation.

Born to an Armenian family in Kharpert-Mezreh, Dr. Hagopian is a Genocide survivor who has dedicated his life to the visual documentation of the Turkish extermination of 1.5 million Armenians in 1915. In all, his work encompasses nearly 400 interviews of survivors and witnesses to the Armenian Genocide and 40 years of research.

“More than 40 years ago, Dr. Hagopian pioneered the effort to document the horrors of 1915, by capturing the memory of hundreds who survived the 20th century's first Genocide," Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. "His visionary endeavor has left an indelible mark on history, giving future generations an invaluable opportunity to hear the truth directly from witnesses long after the last of them have passed away.”

The Armenian Film Foundation was established in 1979 as a non-profit, educational  and cultural organization dedicated to the documentation in motion pictures of Armenian heritage and life. Its goals are to inspire pride in and to create worldwide recognition of the Armenian people and their contributions, and to preserve the visual and personal histories of the witnesses to the Armenian Genocide of 1915-23. 

Schedule: A 9 a.m. reception will be held in City Hall to be followed by a 10 a.m. presentation in the Los Angeles City Council chambers on the third floor of City Hall.

Please RSVP by April 21, 2010, at 3 p.m., by calling Blanca Maldonado at (213) 473-7002 or emailing blanca.maldonado@lacity.org with "Genocide Commemoration" in the subject line. Upon RSVP, free parking can be arranged with vehicle information to a limited number of guests.

Los Angeles City Hall is located at 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles 90012. The entrance to the building, however, can be found on Main Street.

The event is free and open to the public.

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Posted at 4:00 PM

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