Valley Village Streetlight Removed
VV streetlight removal
  
VALLEY VILLAGE -  Crews from the Bureau of Street Lighting (BSL) spent 90 minutes last week removing a streetlight on Ben Avenue, near Magnolia Boulevard where seven people were injured - two fatally - in trying to save a car crash victim in late August.

 

A donation fund has since been established to help cover the Good Samaritan's ambulance billing fees, which you can read more about here. Meanwhile, the high voltage light has been removed, the base covered by cement and BSL officials said nearby LED lights will increase in wattage to ensure the neighborhood and streets are properly illuminated.

 
 
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Submission's Now Being Accepted for  

3rd Annual High School Film Festival  

LOS ANGELES - High school students from throughout Los Angeles County are now invited to submit their short films for the 3rd annual Los Angeles Student Media Festival, the only film festival intended solely for high school students in Southern California.


The LASMF is looking for original pieces created by high school students that do not exceed seven minutes in length. Student work in the animation, comedy, commercial, drama or documentary / PSA category may be submitted and the winner in each category will win recognition as well as exciting prizes to help further their careers in cinema. In addition, the team or filmmaker that takes the top, "Best of Show" award, will also win a $1,000 scholarship.  

 

"Each year, we are treated to wondrous artistic achievements of high school students from every corner of Los Angeles," said Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who created the festival as a member of the State Assembly. "Last year, we received about 200 more submissions than in 2011 and expect more greatness this year as students continue to make us laugh, cry and delve into the emotional depth they are uniquely capable of achieving."

 

Last year, the LASMF received nearly 300 submissions with the final 32 works screened at the historic El Portal Theatre in the NoHo Arts District during which the winners were announced.

 

The deadline for submissions is January 16 and the festival is slated for March 13, 2013. For a complete list of guidelines and more details, please see lasmf.lacity.org.

 
 
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Free Wi-Fi Now at LAX
LAX
Photo from Flickr user sfxeric under CC 2.0

LOS ANGELES - Passengers at one of the world's busiest airports are now able to read the CD2 News online (or any other website, of course) as Los Angeles International Airport becomes the largest airport in the world to offer free wireless internet service for travelers.


Passengers can access the free Wi-Fi for up to 45 minutes a session or pay for  an uninterrupted, 24-hours of browsing. Travelers also have the option of paying for higher speed service for one hour ($4.95) or 24 hours ($7.95).

 

"A major focus of our customer service improvements is to create a positive experience for travelers at LAX," Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey said.  "Given passenger expectations and trends at major airports and other public facilities, providing free Wi-Fi service at LAX allows us to meet the demands of today's travelers and continue our commitment to excellent customer service."

LAX's public internet service infrastructure maintenance is run by Advanced Wireless Group (AWG), which the L.A. City Council approved in June as the sole Wi-Fi provider.  AWG is under a two-year concession agreement with LAWA to upgrade, operate and maintain the Wi-Fi network in the nearly 4 million square feet of public space across the airport's nine terminals.

 

For questions or if technical issues arise at the airport, call the Wi-Fi help desk at (877) 294-9434. 

    

 
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DWP on Scam Alert 
Photo via Flickr user OmarOmar under CC 2.0
 
LOS ANGELES - A billing scam targeting L.A Dept. of Water & Power customers is on the rise, department officials recently said, leading to warnings by the utility that impostors may be posing as DWP employees.

 

The scam has featured suspects seeking to obtain money from customers over the phone by claiming bills are overdue. The impostors then tell the customer to go to a nearby pharmacy, call a specific telephone number and reveal their financial information. 

 

LADWP officials are aware of the issue, as are local law enforcement agencies, and stressed vigilance in protecting their personal and financial information.

 

To report such scams, call LADWP Security Services at (213) 367-3373 or (213) 367-9111, or email SecurityServicesWebNotification@ladwp.com, or visit  www.ladwp.com and click "Security Issue" under "Contact Us." For any emergencies, call 911.

 
 
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Driver Safety Fair for Teens
teen driving safety tips
AAA California's website provides teen driving safety tips.
   

EAST VALLEY - The 6th annual National Teen Safe Driving Week is set for mid-October with a special focus in the San Fernando Valley after the 2010 accident in which a teen driver fatally struck a high school student while crossing Woodman Avenue.

 

The week long focus on safe driving, from Oct. 14 to Oct. 20, is meant to instill good driving habits for teens, especially near schools, shopping centers and other pedestrian-heavy sites. While the national event has taken place since 2006, the local focus took on added significance two years ago, when Conor Lynch was struck and killed by a passing motorist near Notre Dame High School as the 16-year-old track and field runner trained with his team.

 

Following the tragedy, his family started the Conor Lynch Foundation to push for greater safety measures for pedestrians, runners, cyclists and young drivers. Councilmember Krekorian's office has worked closely with the foundation to improve pedestrian and driver safety while also spreading the word about the need for increased vigilance. 

 

The foundation, with AAA of Southern California, is sponsoring a Teen Driver Safety Fair on the final day of Safe Driving Week.

 

The event is slated for Sat., Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Notre Dame High School, 13645 Riverside Dr., Sherman Oaks, 91423. It will feature interactive opportunities for teens, parents and families to learn about the most dangerous driving situations and how to avoid them.

Workshops will also be available to help teens and parents talk about driving, set and enforce rules to address hazards, learn about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving and how to help teens better adjust to their cars.
 
Lots of community resources will be available to fair attendees, in addition to a rock climbing wall, contests, giveaways, and free In-and-Out to the first 500 people. You can visit the AAA website for more information at aaa.com/Safety4Teens or email PublicAffairs4@aaa-calif.com with any questions. Check teendriversource.org for more info on National Teen Safe Driving Week.   
 
 
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Protect Yourself From West Nile
Photo via Flickr user ikkoskinen under CC 2.0

 

LOS ANGELES - As reported cases of the West Nile Virus rise in Los Angeles, officials advise residents to take precautions and work with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVD) to report any incidents.

 

West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals (birds and horses) by infected mosquitoes, though only certain mosquito species carry the virus and very few are actually infected. So far, 75 reported human cases of West Nile have been reported statewide, three in L.A. County.

 

To protect yourself, avoid activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, apply mosquito repellent containing the active ingredient DEET when outside, and wear protective clothing (loose, light colored, long sleeve shirts and pants).

 

If you suspect that an area is at risk, contact your local Vector Control and submit a service request. Do your part by eliminating standing water on your property by dumping or draining water in neglected swimming pools, ponds, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, or anything capable of holding water for more than a few days.

 

Find out more about the West Nile Virus and more tips on how to protect yourself , by visiting the information section on their website as well.  

 

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All Abilities Can Now Access River Tours
 
Wheeling a waterproof wheelchair toward a "kaboat." | Photo/MRCA
 

LOS ANGELES - The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority has been running trips down the L.A. River for more than a year. Until this point, though, those with limited mobility have not been able to join the party. That's all changed with the Access for All program, now in effect through September, which offers developmentally disabled children and adults the opportunity to paddle down the L.A. River.

 

To guide folks down the river, rangers will use specially designed kayaks, called kaboats. Custom designed wheelchairs and walkers are also used to get participants in the boats before starting the two-mile trip through the East Valley waterway.  

 

"The boats are very stable, and everyone is able to enjoy themselves," Chief Ranger Fernando Gomez said.

 

The L.A. River Access for All program is offered every Wednesday through the end of September. For more information, contact the MRCA at (323) 221-9944 x198 or visit lariverexpeditions.com for more information on kayak tours.  


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Campbell Hall's new Arts & Education Center


STUDIO CITY - More than 1,500 students, faculty, staff, community leaders and city officials last week helped unveil Campbell Hall High School's newest addition, the Arts and Education Center.   

 

The $45 million, privately funded project, which broke ground in November 2010, after a decade of planning, features a new, 111,000 sq. ft. building that houses two dance studios, a production studio, arts classrooms and computers. The new art center at the 68-year-old school also features a photo lab, darkroom, movie theater, art gallery and other classrooms specifically dedicated to the arts.

 

"Campbell Hall has a long and storied history as a center of enrichment, molding young minds into future leaders of our community," said Councilmember Paul Krekorian, whose office helped move the project along "This new art center will further enhance the creative learning experience of Campbell Hall's students and attract new ones who will only benefit from these state-of-the-art amenities." 



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Be a Principal for a Day
Photo via Pillar website

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Unified School District are teaming up once again for Principal for a Day on Friday, Oct. 12, and invite you to participate in the 14th annual event.     

 

Principal for a Day, sponsored by Pillar, the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce and LAUSD partnership, offers a firsthand experience for business and community leaders to gain insight into how they can help the students of their community better prepare for college and the workforce.

 

Participating business executives join in an exchange to share ideas, resources and a sense of responsibility for the community's schools. Business leaders shadow a principal, administrator or teacher to learn more about the successes they have achieved and the challenges they face. Additionally, they have the opportunity to interact with students who aspire to enter their industry or profession.     

 

Business leaders who are interested in participating can visit the Pillar website to register to be a sponsor.

 

 

 

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How to Serve on a Grand Jury

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Superior Court is recruiting qualified citizens to serve on the Civil Grand Jury, a citizen body that  investigates operational efficiencies of county, city, and joint-power agencies. The application period is currently open as volunteers are being sought for the 2013-14 service year.     

 

The Civil Grand Jury examines the operations of various government agencies within L.A. County. As a part of its function, the grand jury has the ability to audit operations, accounts, and records of officers and departments of the agency under investigation.      

 

Participation is voluntary but requires a full-time, one-year commitment of 30-40 hours a week. To apply and qualify, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age, a resident of L.A. County for at least a year, of good character, have no prior convictions of a felony and a working knowledge of English.

 

Applicants are interviewed for selection and must go through a thorough background check. If selected and sworn-in to duty, each member of the jury is paid $60 for each day of attendance and for the mileage accrued to travel to meetings.       

 

Applications and instructions are available on the L.A. Superior Court website. Interested citizens must submit their application by Nov. 26.

 

  

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Volume 3, Issue 12Back

September 10, 2012 

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cd2.lacity.org 

In This Issue:
Valley Village Streetlight Removed
Submission's Now Being Accepted for.3rd Annual High School Film Festival
Free Wi-Fi Now at LAX
DWP on Scam Alert
Driver Safety Fair for Teens
Protect Yourself From West Nile
All Abilities Can Now Access River Tours
Campbell Hall's New Arts & Education Center
Be a Principal for a Day
How to Serve on a Grand Jury.

 Are you receiving this newsletter from a friend?

9/11 Remembrance

Tomorrow, the community and nation will honor the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Councilmember Krekorian will lead a remembrance on the southern section of

North Hollywood Park, 11455 Magnolia Blvd. [map]   

 

The event is slated to begin just before 6 p.m. and will include a violin  performance of "America the Beautiful," a poetry reading and remarks from the Councilman.

 

After the program concludes, candles will be lit in memory of the victims.

 

For more info, call our office at (818) 755-7676 or
email us.
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