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 .

Click here to read the latest issue, which includes the following stories:

-Chase Knolls Restoration Begins
-Local Hero: Emily Rose Newmark
-Budget Committee Works to Reduce Deficit
-North Hollywood Takes 2nd in National Science Bowl
-Coldwater to be Reduced to Single Lane.
-News You Can Use

Posted at 9:23 AM

---

In 2011, the office of Councilmember Paul Krekorian allocated $250,000 of non-General Fund dollars for a series of projects throughout the east and northeast Valley. From July 2011 to April 2012, nearly half of those funds have been spent. We created this graph to show exactly what what city crews did:


Posted at 2:50 PM

---

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.

###

Posted at 5:03 PM

---

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

---

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

---

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.”

# # #

Posted at 5:46 PM

---

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).

# # #

Posted at 10:30 AM

---

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.

# # #

Posted at 9:39 AM

---

On March 10, eight winners were crowned the best of the best at the 2nd Annual L.A. Student Media Festival . The program included moving speeches by the winning student teams with the top award going to Armed with Love , a documentary from a very talented Providence High School team. Each film was judged by a dozen producers, writers, journalists, actors and arts professionals.

From Van Nuys High School, The Flight was named best film in the Animation category:



From Santa Monica High School, Student Trafficking was named best film in the Newscast Public Affairs category:



From Don Bosco Technical Institute, Remembering Home was named best film in the Narrative Series category:



From El Camino Real Charter High School, Collateral Damage was named best Drama:



From Clark Magnet High School, Bicycle Playing Cards was named best film in the Commercial category:



From El Camino Real Charter School, Ball was named best Comedy:



From Providence High School, Armed with Love was named best Documentary:



From Burbank High School, A Good Time was named the best film in the General category:


Posted at 9:28 AM

---

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.

# # #

Posted at 12:43 PM

---

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

---

Click here to read the latest issue, which includes the following stories:

-Krekorian Tapped to Chair Budget Committee
-Redistricting Commission Submits Draft Map
-Mansionization Ordinance to be Finalized
-Los Angeles, Meet Your Ratepayer Advocate
-Hundreds Submit Films to Student Festival
-Ask Paul on Patch
-Profiles in the Community: Tree People

Posted at 3:42 PM

---

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.”

###

Posted at 5:30 PM

---

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."

# # #

Posted at 2:58 PM

---

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.

# # #

Posted at 11:34 AM

---

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.”

 

# # #

Posted at 12:48 PM

---

2011 was a period of change, progress and a collective desire to better our communities. Read all about it in our retrospective .
Posted at 2:00 PM

---

From the DWP:

LOS ANGELES — As part of construction on a major trunk line replacement project, LADWP crews will temporarily reduce Coldwater Canyon Avenue to one lane of traffic in an area just south of Ventura Boulevard, beginning on December 19 and lasting until approximately December 30. During the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, flaggers will be on-site to coordinate traffic along Coldwater Canyon Avenue, between Van Noord Avenue and Hacienda Drive, allowing one direction of traffic to pass at a time.  Each day, after work is completed, LADWP crews will restore Coldwater Canyon Avenue to two lanes of traffic with a single lane in each direction.

Drivers should expect significant delays due to the reduced traffic flow and are strongly encouraged to take alternate routes. In an effort to minimize traffic impacts, LADWP has scheduled the lane reduction to coincide with the reduced traffic flows during Harvard Westlake Upper School’s winter break schedule.

Informational signage has been posted along Coldwater Canyon Avenue for two weeks alerting drivers and area residents of this upcoming lane reduction. In addition, outreach has been done to inform area residents and project stakeholders of the project’s progress and construction impacts through monthly e-mail updates.

During this period of construction, Halkirk Street will remain closed to through traffic at Coldwater Canyon Avenue. Halkirk Street will be accessible to residents from Alcove Avenue, Goodland Avenue and Goodland Place. Harvard Westlake Upper School’s driveway on Coldwater Canyon Avenue will remain accessible to campus visitors during the winter break.

The construction along Coldwater Canyon Avenue is part of the City Trunk Line South – Unit 5 (CTLS-5) Project, which will replace an aging trunk line built in 1914. The new trunk line, consisting of 54-inch and 60-inch diameter pipe and approximately 1.3 miles in length, will improve the reliability and flexibility of LADWP’s water distribution system.

LADWP’s water system includes approximately 500 miles of trunk lines, which are large-diameter pipes that allow large amounts of water to be transported from one area of the city to another as needed. Construction on CTLS-5 began in June 2011 and is expected to be completed in May 2015.  Trunk lines are in addition to the over 7,000 miles of water mainline and other pipes that run under the city and provide water 24/7 to Los Angeles.

###

Posted at 1:43 PM

---

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.

###

 

Posted at 12:16 PM

---

Click here to read the latest issue, which includes the following stories:

-Hundreds of Acres of Open Space Preserved
-Postpone Neighborhood Council Elections? Krekorian says No
-A Call for Submissions
-Changes Slated for Community Cop
-Road Work in Your Neighborhood
-A Project for the Birds
-Donations Needed as Contributions Roll in
-Fellowship Applications Now Being Accepted

Posted at 10:07 AM

---

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.”

# # #

Posted at 12:00 PM

---

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.”

# # #

Posted at 11:49 AM

---

Should Downer Animals Be Allowed in the Food Supply? That is the question Evan Kleiman of KCRW's Good Food asked Paul this weekend. When he was in the Assembly, Paul introduced and passed a bill that banned the slaughter of animals too sick or hurt to stand. That law is now the subject of a Supreme Court case.

Listen to the segment, which starts a shade before the eight-minute mark, here.

Posted at 9:21 AM

---

Posted at 9:58 AM

---

[Nov. 9: 4 p.m.: The DWP now reports that all lanes on Ventura Boulevard have been restored and the area where the water main burst has a patch of temporary asphalt. The repaving of the ruptured zone will take place within three to four weeks.]

[Nov. 8: 10:20 a.m.: Two lanes on Ventura, one lane in each direction, are now open to traffic. The full stretch between Whitsett and Coldwater may open tonight.]

Just after 8 p.m. Monday night, a 12” cast iron water main ruptured at 12555 Ventura Blvd., near Whitsett and Coldwater Canyon avenues. About 90 commercial customers were affected and the Department of Water and Power shut off the pipes to staunch the flow. At this point, the DWP is reporting that there is “major roadway damage” and Ventura Boulevard remains closed in both directions between Coldwater Canyon and Whitset.  

Crews are on scene, as they have been through the night, to control traffic and begin repairs. Currently, there is no time estimate as to when the repairs will be complete. When that information becomes available, we will let you know.

Finally, the DWP is reporting that there is “no property damage or injuries reported and no boil-water notice needed.” That said, DWP claims personnel are on -site to talk with residents or business owners may have claims or questions. Customers may also contact LADWP Claims Division by phone at (213) 367-4600 or by emailing ccenter@ladwp.com.

At this point, 74 residential customers and 21 commercial customers are without water service.

Details will become available on our website and on our @CD2News Twitter account.

###

Posted at 10:00 AM

---

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.).

# # #

Posted at 9:20 AM

---

Councilmember Paul Krekorian joined city crews to help apply slurry seal to a Valley Glen neighborhood long in need of street improvements. The crews headed to the intersection of Erwin Street and Laurelgrove Avenue to smooth over the rough streets.

While this project was part of the regular effort by city crews to fix streets, recently, the Office of Councilmember Paul Krekorian did allocated $250,000 in discretionary funds for much needed services exclusively in the Second Council District. These services, mostly completed on the weekends, include grinding down stumps in the public right of way, trimming boulevards with large overgrown trees, patrolling areas known for frequent illegal dumping, using asphalt crews to repair damaged streets and sidewalk gaps, and sweeping neglected streets.

See a complete sete of pictures from the outing on our blog.

Posted at 3:15 PM

---

Click here to read the latest issue, which includes the following stories:

-Panel Convened to Chart River Course
-City Approves Economic Stimulus Ordinance
-Showcase of Student Films Returns for Second Year
-Valley Village Park Opens
-Committee Redraws Mural Ordinance
-Governor Signs Extension of Film Credits.
-Police Station Celebrates Five Decades of Service.
-Community, School Welcome New Signal.
-Krekorian Calls on State Leaders to Oppose Adult Day -Healthcare Center Cuts
-Fellowship Applications Now Being Accepted

Posted at 2:38 PM

---

Recently, ABC7 ran the following segment on the city's attempt to eliminate mobile billboards. To read more about Councilmember Krekorian's efforts to ban this blight, check out this article for our recent newsletter .


Posted at 11:11 AM

---

LOS ANGELES – Submissions are now being accepted for the 2nd annual Los Angeles Student Media Festival, the city’s only film festival for high school students, set for March 10, 2012, in North Hollywood. When it premiered earlier this year, the LASMF received more than 100 submissions from high school students who lived or learned in the city of Los Angeles. Now, by popular demand, the LASMF is open to all students who live or attend school in the county of Los Angeles. The festival will take place at the historic El Portal Theatre in the NoHo Arts District.

“Last year’s inaugural Los Angeles Student Media Festival showcased an immense amount of talent; movies that made us laugh, cry and consider a different cinematic vantage point,” Councilmember Paul Krekorian said.  “Now, as we continue expanding the LASMF throughout Southern California, I’m eagerly anticipating what’s in store for the young filmmakers of our city and county. I am proud that the Los Angeles Student Media Festival will no doubt play a role in the start of many promising careers.”  

Read the rest and get more information on lasmf.lacity.org.

Posted at 11:42 AM

---