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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 Thanksgiving
The San Fernando Valley
Rescue Mission will feed more than 500 people at its 15th annual Thanksgiving feast on Nov. 25.
The Mission is continuing this community tradition despite the May fire that destroyed its North Hollywood shelter, facilities and vehicle fleet.
for more information.
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Krekorian's Corner:
A Parking Sign Redesign
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A Victory Blvd parking sign. | Photo: Lisa from Valley Glen
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Have you ever been aggravated when you parked in an area with multiple conflicting parking signs that you really had to struggle to figure out? I'm working to make it much easier for people to know when and where they can park.
I recently introduced a City Council motion urging the city to pursue an alternative, grid-style sign that lays out a 12-hour cycle where parking restrictions are clearly written and understandable to everyone.
Everyone who drives in this city has had to deal with deciphering confusing and complex parking signs. I don't want parking to be a guessing game where people worry about getting ticketed because they can't easily tell where they can park and when.
You shouldn't need the Rosetta Stone to park in Los Angeles.
In 45 days, the LA Dept. of Transportation will present design proposals to the City Council's Transportation Committee, on which I sit. I am confident they will come back with new, simpler signage that we can implement as a pilot program first and later bring to the whole city.
Read my parking sign redesign motion here:
http://bit.ly/1C3kEj1
Watch the ABC 7 News report on my motion.
In the meantime, if you see a crazy sign around LA, take a photo and email it to [email protected] or post it to me on social media using the hashtag #isawthesign.
Councilmember Paul Krekorian
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Historic Sycamore Trees of Studio City
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Sycamore trees on Cantura St. | Photo: CD2
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STUDIO CITY - Cantura Street's Sycamore trees are on their way to historical designation as Councilmember Krekorian moves forward to protect the trees. Last week, he met with the residents of the Studio City neighborhood to discuss the progress.
The quiet street is lined with 90-year-old, 100 foot high Sycamore trees, planted when Studio City was first developed in the 1920s. As developers have purchased homes on the street, they have torn down at least five of these trees in order to comply with current city codes requiring wider driveway aprons from the street. Currently, 105 of the original trees remain.
When residents informed Councilmember Krekorian about the problem, he introduced a motion to designate the trees as a Historic Cultural Monument in the City of Los Angeles. On Oct. 7, the City Council unanimously voted to pass the motion, beginning the process to protect the trees.
"This is one of the most beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods we have in all of Studio City," said Krekorian. "I first learned that there was risk to some of these trees when some of the residents expressed their concern about it. I share their concern. These beautiful trees are worth preserving and I will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that they continue to be the wonderful asset to this neighborhood."
Click here to view pictures from last week's visit.
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LAPD Unveils Little Free Library, Krekorian Announces Memorial Intersection for Fallen Officer Cortijo
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Councilmember Krekorian joined LAPD officials at the library's ribbon cutting. | Photo: CD2
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NORTH HOLLYWOOD - In an effort to promote community engagement and honor a fallen hero, city leaders and law enforcement officials unveiled the LAPD Valley Traffic Division's first Little Free Library and the Officer Christopher Cortijo Memorial. Councilmember Paul Krekorian also announced his initiative to name a nearby intersection "Officer Chris Cortijo Square."
Dozens of community members and children joined officials for the motorcycle-shaped library's unveiling, while Captain Maureen Ryan read a Dr. Seuss classic--The Lorax--in memory of Officer Cortijo. The goal of the library memorial is to build greater sense of community and to promote literacy, while honoring Officer Cortijo.
Last week, Councilmember Krekorian and Councilwoman Nury Martinez also introduced a motion to name the intersection of Van Nuys Blvd. and Arminta St. "Officer Chris Cortijo Square" to commemorate the highly respected Valley Traffic officer who was killed earlier this year.
Officer Cortijo was a 26-year veteran of the LAPD. He was well recognized for his tireless coordination and management of the San Fernando Valley DUI Checkpoints, arresting more than 3,000 drunk drivers during his career.
"Just as Officer Cortijo made the Valley safe for children, Valley Traffic Division is a safe place for kids," Krekorian said. "The little free library will be a lasting reminder of the best of our city, a remembrance of his incomparable contributions and a place where we can build communities through safety and learning."
Visit our Flickr page to view photos from the dedication ceremony.
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Athens Materials Recovery Facility
to Help Los Angeles Reduce Waste
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Councilmember Krekorian joined Councilwoman Nury Martinez in welcoming Sun Valley's new plant. | Photo: CD2
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SUN VALLEY - Last week, Athens Services opened its new state-of-the-art materials recovery facility in Sun Valley. Councilmember Krekorian attended the ribbon cutting and received a tour of the facility.
A first-of-its-kind facility in Los Angeles, the 80,000 square-foot LEED certified recycling plant is powered up to process 1,500 tons of waste a day. The recycling operation is fully enclosed and equipped with fast acting doors and a misting system to assist with mitigating odor, dust, and storm water impacts.
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New recycling facility in Sun Valley.
| Photo: CD2
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Built with the latest in waste processing equipment, Athens also hopes to help LA reach its goal to reduce its trash volume sent to landfills to zero waste by 2025.
In addition to its cutting-edge technology and processing systems, the $50 million facility is providing 110 new jobs for the local community and will contribute $234,000 a year to a community benefits fund.
"Having worked with Athens and the community on this project since 2009, I'm so happy we are finally getting this unique facility off the ground," said Krekorian. "This facility is a big investment in the health and future of Los Angeles and has proven itself to be a community asset and partner."
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Remembering Guy Weddington McCreary
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NORTH HOLLYWOOD - San Fernando Valley businessman, highly accomplished historian, preservationist and descendant of one the Valley's first families, Guy Weddington McCreary lost his battle to cancer earlier this week.
Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, McCreary graduated from North Hollywood High School, received his Bachelor's degree from Whittier College and went on to pursue a Masters degree in Government and history from Claremont College.
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View of the Weddington ranch house, now the location of the El Portal Theater. | Photo: Waterandpower.org
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Throughout his life, he worked to revitalize the Valley and preserve its deep and important history, especially that of this own family, who were instrumental to the region's founding.
In 1886, the Weddington family settled and developed what is now North Hollywood, Studio City and Toluca Lake. They laid the groundwork for what the Valley is today. McCreary's great-grandrather, Wilson Weddington, was the first postmaster of Toluca and became constable in 1892. The Weddingtons' original farm included most of what is North Hollywood's business district today.
Throughout their now 128-year history in the San Fernando Valley, the Weddington family provided the land for the first school, the first jail, the first North Hollywood fire stations and the Southern Pacific train depot that is presently being remodeled next to the Orange Line terminus today.
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The Weddington Bros. General Merchandise Store, owned by Wilson C. Weddington, was established in the 1890s and was stocked with groceries and dry goods. | Photo: Waterandpower.org
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McCreary's family also built the North Hollywood post office, the El Portal Theater, the Bank of Lankershim, the Weddington Brothers General Store and the North Hollywood Library. The Weddingtons also created and dedicated North Hollywood Park (selling it to the City of Los Angeles for $10) and operated the Bonner Packing Co., which produced and shipped fruit from the San Fernando Valley across the nation and internationally.
True to his family's roots, McCreary spent much of his time serving the public. He was a commissioner on the Los Angeles County Commission for Public Social Services and was involved in many organizations, such as the Universal City North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the Jaycees, Toluca Little League, the Kiwanis Club of North Hollywood and the Key Club.
Guy Weddington McCreary and his family were foundational, transformative figures for our Valley. He fought to preserve the past while also ensuring that the Valley continued to develop into the future. Guy Weddington McCreary is survived by his wife, Diane, son Jonathan and many, many friends.
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Living History
Looking Back at Los Angeles
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Filipino American Heritage Month, then and now. Top (l-r): Philippine Consul General Alejandro Holigores with a city leader and FACLA president Ben Manibog. Bottom (l-r): Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell with Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim, Council President Herb Wesson, Linda Granados, President of the Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees, and our very own CD2 staff member, Stephanie Uy. | Photo: CD2
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This week's look back at LA is a spotlight on the rich history of the Filipino American community. On Oct. 10, the LA City Council marked the start of Filipino American History Month, as city leaders led a presentation to celebrate LA's Filipino community and its many achievements.
Thousands of Filipino nurses and doctors moved to the United States to find opportunities and fill a shortage of medical professionals at the time, following the Immigration Act of 1965, which allowed for increased immigration of professional workers.
With more than 375,000 Filipino Americans settling in LA County, the Filipino community is the largest Asian ethnic group in California. By the 1980s, an influx of Filipino Americans moved to the San Fernando Valley for affordable housing and for medical professions, making the Valley one of LA's largest enclaves for the community.
The opening of Panorama City Kaiser Permanente Hospital attracted many Filipino medical professionals to North Hollywood and its surrounding neighborhoods with employment opportunities. The Valley's home-filled neighborhoods also drew Filipino American families.
Beyond the health and medical fields, the Filipino American community has made contributions in other areas, including a legacy of fighting for workers' rights as well as serving our country in the armed forces since World War II. Filipino Americans also bring a rich culture of food, hospitality and tradition to Los Angeles.
Do you have a piece of Valley history to share? Send photos and comments to [email protected].
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NoHo Mural Volunteer Day
Saturday, Oct. 18
9 a.m. to 12 noon
Whitsett Slope
Saticoy St. and Whitsett Ave.
North Hollywood
Be a part of North Hollywood history and join the community in painting the Valley's new mural.
Join the volunteer effort to complete the Vintage North Hollywood Mural project at the Whitsett Slope this Saturday, on Oct. 25 or on Nov. 1. For more information, contact our office at 818-755-7676. |
2nd Annual Grow Your Business Seminar
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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Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet: Veterans Job Fair
Thursday, Nov. 6
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Proud Bird Event Center
11022 Aviation Blvd.
Los Angeles
Attend the Employment Development Dept.'s job fair for an opportunity to receive career information, training and apply for employment.
Meet and interview with employers on-the-spot and learn about resources for veterans benefits.
For more information, call 323-290-5139 |
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Councilmembers O'Farrell, Koretz and Krekorian with Mayor Garcetti
at the 30th annual AIDS Walk LA. | Photo: CD2
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LAPD PALS hosted a chili cook-off at the North Hollywood Police Station earlier this week to raise funds for the station. Eight chili enthusiasts competed in the cook-off challenge, including CD2's very own field deputy, Nikki Ezhari (third from right). | Photo: CD2
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Councilmember Krekorian joined NewFilmmakers LA Executive Director Larry Laboe, actor Parvesh Cheena, Artistic Director Susie Kim and Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell
to celebrate the fourth annual On Location: Los Angeles Video Project
and honor LA's emerging filmmakers. | Photo: NewFilmmakers LA
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Councilmember Krekorian joined Councilmember Paul Koretz to honor International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.) VP Mike Miller, Business Agent Thom Davis and the behind the scenes workers who are the backbone of our film and TV industry. | Photo: CD2
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