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#NoTag Our Valley
Learn how you can help keep our neighborhoods clean, and graffiti free.
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San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission Family Thanksgiving Banquet
Nov. 25, 5:30 pm
The San Fernando Valley
for more information.
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Hope of the Valley
Rescue Mission Great Thanksgiving Banquet
Nov. 26, 1 p.m.
Hope of the Valley will host its annual event where the homeless can receive free sleeping bags, blankets, hygiene kits, clothing, services and Thanksgiving dinner.
The Mission is currently in need of table sponsors for the event! Go to
www.hopeofthevalley.org
or call 818-392-0020.
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Krekorian's Corner:
A Community Triumph at NoHo's Whitsett Slope
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Once a concrete slab and unkempt slope, the area has transformed into a place of pride for NoHo. | Photos: CD2
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Dear Friend:
Last week, I helped put the first drops of paint on what will soon be a wonderful public mural at North Hollywood's Whitsett Slope.
The story of the Whitsett Slope is a story of community triumph--people coming together to take something long neglected and turn it into a neighborhood jewel. In many ways, its story mirrors the renaissance of North Hollywood itself.
Not too long ago, the slope was an overgrown, debris-ridden mess with a 240-foot long slab of concrete situated in the middle. Drivers on the 170 Hollywood Freeway or Whitsett Ave. mostly didn't notice it at all. Community members justifiably despised the condition of the hillside, but because it was eroding, it had to be stabilized before we could even begin to clean it up. My office was instrumental in making this happen.
A neighborhood cleanup in spring 2013 initiated a multi-phase beautification plan. Just months after first sprucing it up, my office worked with the North Hollywood West Neighborhood Council, the
North Hollywood Northeast Neighborhood Council, city departments and many others to add plumbing and irrigation for plants and shrubbery. This neighborhood coalition and dozens of student volunteers then planted trees on the slope as part of the 2014 MLK Day of Service Volunteer Cleanup.
With a lot of hard work, the Whitsett Slope transformed into a well-landscaped, attractive space full of native, drought-tolerant plants. Instead of being NoHo's eyesore, it became an eye-catching addition to the neighborhood.
Our vision didn't stop there. I worked with residents to secure funding for a big mural to turn the concrete slab into a work of art that celebrates North Hollywood's vibrant history.
Whitsett Slope's "Vintage North Hollywood Mural" will be a reality soon. Last weekend, I joined artist Ernie Merl�n and his students at Exceptional Minds to outline the mural and start painting the slope. Exceptional Minds is a fantastic non-profit vocational center and animation studio for young adults on the autism spectrum.
You can help us paint the mural on Whitsett Slope. Please come out to the corner of Whitsett Ave. and Saticoy St. in NoHo on the next two Saturday mornings. Volunteers, students and community members will be there, paint brushes in hand, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on both days.
These are important events that will lead up to a big dedication ceremony on Nov. 15. I'll give you more details about that soon.
Very truly yours,
Councilmember Paul Krekorian, District 2
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Reforming City Elections to Increase Civic Engagement
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Councilmember Krekorian discusses proposed reforms with Fernando Guerra,
Loyola Marymount University professor and co-chair of LA's special
Municipal Elections Reform Commission. | Photo: CD2
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LOS ANGELES - On Wednesday, Councilmember Krekorian voted to push forward a proposal to reform the way the City of Los Angeles conducts its elections. Among other reforms, it would move city elections from odd to even years, putting them in line with gubernatorial and presidential elections. Because this would require a change to the City Charter, the proposal will go to city voters as a ballot measure in March 2015. Councilmember Krekorian noted that the proposal would decrease the impact of big contributions from independent expenditure committees run by special interests and make room for more grassroots candidates. "These measures will increase civic engagement and encourage voter participation," he said. "At a time when only 15 percent of registered voters turn out, it is a travesty of democracy. Our status quo is irrevocably broken. Any change will be an improvement." Read the Daily News coverage here.
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Honoring LA's Food Champions
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LOS ANGELES - City leaders and the LA Food Policy Council celebrated the third annual Food Day in City Hall to promote good food policies and recognize community members who have been working to change the food landscape in their neighborhoods. Councilmember Krekorian honored Rick Nahmias as Council District 2's Good Food Champion.
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Councilmember Krekorian and Rick Nahmias
| Photo: CD2
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Ricks Nahmias is the Executive Director of Valley Glen's Food Forward, a volunteer-powered grassroots organization dedicated to
alleviating urban hunger, reducing food waste and providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Since 2009, Food Forward has recovered and donated nearly 6 million pounds of fresh local produce that would have otherwise ended up in landfills--100 percent has gone to more than 200 agencies that feed the needy across the Southland.
Before founding Food Forward, Rick was an award-winning professional photographer, writer and filmmaker whose work focused on the faces and stories of marginalized communities. His professional training as a chef, along with his exploration of California's agricultural workforce in his body of work entitled, "The Migrant Project: Contemporary California Farm Workers," gave him a deep appreciation and understanding of the food justice world.
"In a city with such great abundance, it is really shameful that are so many people who worry just about getting a meal," Krekorian said. "We have those who can be foodies and enjoy the highest cuisine this city has to offer, and yet their neighbors may be worried about going hungry. I am thrilled that we were able to recognize Rick and all of these great champions in our city for the work they've done to promote good food policies and bring access to good food and resources."
To learn how you can become a Food Forward "fruitanthropist" and get involved with the organization's local produce harvesting programs, visit foodforward.org.
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Community Comes Out for NoHo LitCrawl
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Writers at "Unforgettable Characters" during LitCrawl LA: NoHo. Hosted by Vicious Dogs. | Photo: Rosalind Helfand |
NORTH HOLLYWOOD - Thousands gathered on Wednesday night for LA's second annual Lit Crawl. The NoHo Arts District swarmed with LA's literati as writers, poets, comedians, authors and musicians entertained the masses with originals works of literature.
The choose-your-own literary adventure experience allowed event goers to attend more than 30 literary events hosted by restaurants, theaters, galleries, bars and other unique venues. From readings to performances, the second annual Lit Crawl LA: NoHo promoted the creative culture of LA in through a community and business-friendly walkable
experience. Councilmember Krekorian sponsored the event and provided key funding to make it happen.
"This unique and family-friendly event shows that Los Angeles isn't just a film and TV city--it's also a destination for literature lovers and writers," said Councilmember Krekorian. "LitCrawl LA: NoHo embodies the energetic spirit of creativity that has shaped our city. I'm honored to participate in this event and I'm so proud to host it in the heart of my San Fernando Valley district."
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Tips for a Safe and Happy Halloween
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LOS ANGELES - As little ghouls and goblins get ready to roam the streets for Halloween night, remember these few tricks from the LAPD and Councilmember Krekorian to make Oct. 31 a fun and safe treat for the whole community.
- Look in all directions before crossing the street, and use traffic signals and crosswalks;
- Be alert for children darting out into the street or cross between parked cars;
- Never enter strangers' homes;
- Examine all wrapped candy and treats before eating;
- Don't leave your home unattended on Halloween night;
- Keep pets inside your home and away from trick-or-treaters;
- Never drink and drive.
Community Events on Halloween
If you're looking for a spooktacular way to spend Halloween, North Hollywood and Studio City have a host of family-friendly events for a fun-filled evening. The recreation centers of North Hollywood, North Weddington, Studio City, Valley Plaza and Victory-Vineland will have games, snacks, contests, face painting costume parades and more for monsters and ghosts of all ages on Halloween night.
Here's where you can go:
North Hollywood Recreation Center, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
11430 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood 91601
North Weddington Recreation Center, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
10844 Acama St., North Hollywood 91602
Studio City Recreation Center, on 10/25 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
12621 Rye St., Studio City 91604
Valley Plaza Recreation Center, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
12240 Archwood St., North Hollywood 91606
Victory Vineland Recreation Center, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
11117 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood 91606
Oct. 25 Valley Glen Movie Night
Before Halloween, on this Saturday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m., join the Greater Valley Glen Council for a Halloween themed Movie Night in the Park. They are showing Despicable Me 2, at the Valley Glen Community Park, 6150 Atoll Ave. Free popcorn and refreshments will be provided along with Halloween treat bags for the first 250 kids.
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Living History
Looking Back at Los Angeles
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5269 Lankershim Blvd., then and now. | Photo: waterandpower.org (top), google (bottom)
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The El Portal Theatre was once the site of the Weddington family ranch house in North Hollywood.
According to the Water and Power Associates Valley archive, the above photo was used for an article in the Valley Times dated March 4, 1949, which read: "Tiny palm sprout in front of porch of this building, the early Weddington ranch house, grew to be large enough to be lifted out with a steam shovel for groundbreaking for the El Portal theater in 1926. This house was built in the [18]80's, later was a post office of Toluca before the town became Lankershim."
Do you have a piece of Valley history to share? Send photos and comments to [email protected].
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2nd Annual Grow Your Business Seminar
Monday, Nov. 3
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Studio City Library
12511 Moorpark St.
Studio City
Join the Studio City Neighborhood Council and the Studio City Library for a free seminar on how to grow your business.
Learn about business solutions and what resources and services are available to you.
For more information, visit studiocitync.org.
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9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Irvine Ave. and Chandler Blvd.
Valley Village
Join Councilmember Krekorian, the Oakwood School and the community for a cleanup in Valley Village.
Volunteer to help beautify our streets and clean our neighborhood.
For more information, call 818-755-7676.
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First Annual Village Run/Walk
Sunday, Nov. 9
8:30 a.m.
Woodley Park
6350 Woodley Ave.
Van Nuys
The Village Family Services invites you the first annual Village Run/Walk, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, will benefit two crucial agencies in the San Fernando Valley - The Village Family Services and Valley Village.
Click here for more information and to register.
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The 2014 Loy Krathong Festival at the Wat Thai Temple in North Hollywood. | Photo: CD2
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Councilmember Krekorian joined the Universal City North Hollywood
Chamber of Commerce and community members for the 3rd annual
Fit 4 Business Fit 4 Life Health and Business Fair. | Photo: CD2
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Councilmember Krekorian joined former Gov. Gray Davis, Justice Ming Chin, Archbishop Jose Gomez and other dignitaries at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to honor judges, lawyers and other law professionals of all faiths during the 32nd Annual Red Mass.
| Photo: (top) CD2; (bottom) Victor Aleman/Archdiocese of Los Angeles
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Copyright � 2013. All Rights Reserved.
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