The policy, which was first reported by The Times on Friday, allows employees at the utility to take paid days off well beyond the agency's 10-days-a-year cap on sick days, the paper said.

In a motion submitted at Friday's City Council meeting, Councilman Paul Koretz said the policy should be investigated "promptly and publicly."

"Clearly, this policy permits abuse and lack of accountability, with the city and the city's ratepayers all at risk," said the motion, which was seconded by council members Paul Krekorian and Mitch O'Farrell. It calls for DWP managers and the utility's ratepayer advocate to report back to the council regarding the policy "and any possible abuses and reforms" within 30 days.

Council Supports Legislation Ensuring Greater Public Safety Measures

Councilmember Krekorian during a May Council hearing to ban the possession of high-capacity magazines in L.A. | Photo/CD2

LOS ANGELES - The City Council last week continued its push toward protecting Angelenos without infringing on 2nd Amendment rights when it lent its unanimous support to three state bills that would ban ownership of high-capacity magazines, establish a registry of assault weapons and ensure background checks are completed for ammunition purchasers. 

While all three pieces of legislation are making their way through the state's legislative processes, one, Senate Bill 396 from state Sen. Loni Hancock, mirrors a city resolution earlier introduced by Councilmember Paul Krekorian.  

Sen. Hanckock's bill complements L.A.'s efforts by extending the ban on high capacity magazines - which are already illegal in California - to prohibiting their possession, which is not currently banned.

"I'm very pleased that Sacramento is acting on this important issue," Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. "It's a loophole in the law that has festered for too long. We need to get these high capacity magazines off our streets."

Read the three state bills here:

Click on the above image to view long term ramp closures for the freeway corridor project | Map/Metro

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - The California Department of Transportation is in the midst of completing High Occupancy Vehicle lanes connecting the 5 and 170 freeways.

Once completed, the $140 million I-5/170 corridor improvement project will let carpoolers travel from one freeway directly to another without leaving the HOV lane. The project, which began in 2010, will also widen four undercrossings and replace sections of pavement to further improve traffic flow, relieve congestion and encourage ride sharing before its scheduled 2014 completion.

As construction continues, commuters can expect some delays due to lane closures and cone zones. Metro and Caltrans encourage motorists to be attentive to closures, slow for the cone zone, and move over one lane where possible.

For more information about the project and ongoing closures call toll-free (855) 454-6335 or visit i-5info.com.

To stay up to date with all MTA happenings, sign up for alerts and transportation information on thesource.metro.net. You can also follow the Metro on Twitter to stay connected. For the latest news from Council District 2, you can also follow us on Twitter.

Remembering a Work of Art 

"We all owe a debt of gratitude to Art for his great contributions to our city," Councilmember Krekorian said. "Not just for his contributions of terrific deli food but his contributions of leadership and inspiration to so many in this part of the Valley. He will very much be missed." 

[Watch the Council tribute in memory of Art Ginsburg]

How to Sign Up for 

the Council District 2 Newsletter

LOS ANGELES - Every week, the office of Councilmember Krekorian highlights important stories from the second district and throughout the city of Los Angeles. Everyone - regardless of whether you are a stakeholder in Council District 2 - is encouraged to sign up for the newsletter, which you can do in less than two minutes following these three simple steps: 

1. Visit our website, cd2.lacity.org/newslettersignup;  
2. Enter your email in the sign-up box, click "join";
3. You will be asked to confirm your email address by simply entering your email address once more. You can also enter your name and neighborhood, if you like. 

You're Invited:

To Our New Field Office Open House!

The Office of Councilmember Paul Krekorian invites you to an Open House celebrating our new district office in the heart of the NoHo Arts District. 

Join us for light refreshments and appetizers featuring the culinary skills of the students of The Art Institute of California - Hollywood, say hi to the staff and get to know the office! 

The open house is slated for Thursday, August 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. RSVP at (818) 755-7676 to let us know that you'll be there.   

The North Hollywood district office is located at 5240 N. Lankershim Blvd., Suite 200. Our office is accessible via bus and the Metro Red Line and street parking is available. For more information about how to get there using public transit, click here.