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Colfax Bridge Opens for Traffic Thursday
Dear Neighbor:
Today, at long last, I am pleased to announce the opening of the Colfax Avenue Bridge. As of Thursday morning, cars will be free to drive over the bridge and Colfax Avenue will be open again, as the two-year project to widen and modernize the overpass comes to a completion.
I know how frustrating this process has been for businesses, drivers and residents; as one who drives near the bridge each day, it was frustrating for me as well. For that, please accept my gratitude for your patience and know that this project will help Studio City for years to come.
As you may know, this retrofitting project is part of a long-term program to renovate bridges throughout Los Angeles. In 2001, the city set aside $307 million for a bridge improvement program to rehabilitate and replace up to 83 city-owned bridges. Currently, there are 430 vehicular bridges in the city's bridge inventory and the 83 prioritized bridges have been identified as being structurally deficient, functionally obsolete and/or seismically vulnerable.
One of those safety priorities was the Colfax bridge. The project has outfitted the bridge with a wider concrete arched base to meet the latest CalTrans seismic requirements. The new base is about 28 feet wider than the old bridge and will allow sufficient room beneath its surface for a bike path on both sides of the concrete-lined river channel. Additionally, the old pedestrian connection between the street level and the pedestrian bridge will be replaced with a stairway and ramp at the southeast corner of the new bridge.
In addition to solving serious safety concerns, the new bridge allows for new amenities that will add considerably to our quality of life and encourage non-motorized mobility. New bike paths, walking paths, ADA-accessible ramps and new landscaping will be finished within the next couple of months.
These are exciting developments for Studio City and they could not have been done without the help of many in the community, including the Studio City Neighborhood Council, the Studio City Residents Association, the Studio City Beautification Association and all the local businesses, residents and others involved. I want to thank them all - and you - for dealing with the great inconvenience of this closure, which has led to the great improvements produced by this project. I hope everyone enjoys the new and improved Colfax Bridge.
Very truly yours,
PAUL KREKORIAN
Councilmember, Second District
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Krekorian Sworn in to First Full Term  | | The people administer the oath... |
"When I was first sworn into office 18 months ago, my mission was to make City Hall more responsive to the Valley and to ensure that the voices of ordinary Angelenos were heard by their city government," Krekorian said.
"While there is still much work to be done, I am proud of the ambitious agenda we set for ourselves and the work we've accomplished to make neighborhood councils stronger, make our communities safer and improve the business climate of Los Angeles.
"This could not have been done without the engaged activism of residents throughout the Valley who've devoted their time and energy to making their neighborhoods better places to live. I am so appreciative of their role in helping to improve our city and will continue to work in partnership with the many diverse neighborhoods of my district as we collectively work to build a better Los Angeles."
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Krekorian, Community Unveil Military Banners
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Councilmember Krekorian, with the community and members of the armed forces, unveil the city's first military banner program in Tujunga, July 1, 2011
| Photo by Tomi-Lynn Bowling, used with permission.
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TUJUNGA - Councilmember Paul Krekorian, flanked by of veterans and military family members, unveiled the city's first-ever banner program to honor local veterans. Councilmember Krekorian officially launched the Hometown Heroes program - a series of 28 banners posted along Foothill Boulevard in Sunland-Tujunga to honor veterans and active duty military personnel -- just in time for the Sunland-Tujunga Fourth of July parade.
The banners spotlight individuals who have served our country since September 11, 2001, and also collectively honor the sacrifices made by veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. They are posted from Wyngate Street to Newhome Avenue on light posts along Foothill Boulevard.
"The Hometown Heroes program honors the tremendous sacrifice made by the men and women of our armed forces - our neighbors who've stood up to defend this country when we most n eed them," Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. "The 28 banners now atop light posts in Sunland-Tujunga are a small token of our appreciation and an important message that our community honors those who continue to honor the United States through their service. I'm proud that the Sunland-Tujunga community has taken the lead in launching this tribute, and I hope other communities throughout our city will be inspired by this example."
Sunland residents Wendell and Deanna Bowers, whose son John serves in the U.S. Air Force, conceived the idea for the program, and helped bring it to life, with the strong support and guidance of -- Councilman Krekorian's office designed the banners and implemented the program, and continues to seek more nominations for honorees.
"Today is a great day for Sunland/Tujunga and the city of Los Angeles," Wendell Bowers said. "Today I am proud to say that we are the first community in the city to honor the men and women in the military, our home town heroes. We need to remember that they are away from home making sacrifices for each of us. Some have paid the supreme price for us. The banner program is just one way for us to say 'Thank you for all you have done for your country and for all that you continue to do."
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Entertainment Tax Credit Clears Hurdle
Last time, we told you about a report from the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation touting the state's production tax incentive. The study found that the tax credit supported more than 20,000 jobs in the state and generated about $3.8 billion in economic output.
More than $200 million of new revenues went back to state and local governments in the form of income, property, insurance and sales taxes, along with permits and fees, according to the report -- which means that the program actually generated more revenue than it cost.
However, as we reported, the improvement California has seen in stabilizing its heritage industry could be ameliorated if the State Senate fails to approve legislation to extend the incentive for another five years after its expiration date in 2014.
Fortunately, Assembly Bill 1069 - carried by Assemblymember Felipe Fuentes - received a positive initial response as the Governance and Finance Committee voted 9-0 on Wednesday to back the legislation, sending the legislation along to the Senate Appropriations committee.
If you wish to express your views about this legislation, you can contact your State Senator. Find your representative by clicking here.
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Residents, Businesses Meet to Talk Jobs
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Business leaders, residents share ideas with staff member,
in plaid, Geoff Yazzetta | Photo/CD2
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They represented businesses large and small. They hailed from workforce investment boards and neighborhoods concerned about the direction of jobs in Los Angeles. All came together recently for the first meeting of Councilmember Paul Krekorian's Jobs and Business Development Advisory Committee to begin the heady task of expanding opportunities and growing jobs in L.A.
"There were a lot of productive suggestions and ideas," said Councilmember Krekorian, vice-chair of the city's Jobs and Business Development Committee. "It was a good first step toward implementing real changes to making LA a more supportive, affordable and responsive home for business."
Couldn't attend the meeting? Stay tuned for more announcements on how you can lend your ideas to make L.A. a business-friendlier city.
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Real Life Action Hero: Travis Aaron Wade
It could have passed for a scene on a Hollywood back lot, but there were no sets nor stunt doubles in February 2010, when Travis Aaron Wade, a Marine turned actor turned real-life hero, saved a Studio Cit
 | Wade and Busch: Still close a
year after the accident. |
y resident from her burning car.
Wade was on his way to an audition, though happenstance would soon turn him into an action hero for Roslyn Busch, 72, whose burning, overturned car he noticed during the morning commute on Laurel Canyon Boulevard in the hills of Studio City.
Minutes before Wade arrived, Busch's car had malfunctioned. Her engine caught fire for reasons still unknown, the brakes gave out and the steering wheel jammed, limiting her ability to maneuver the smoldering vehicle. But, as a certified driving instructor, Busch had the training and presence of mind to guide her vehicle down Laurel Canyon and near the sidewalk to avoid another collision. In doing so, her car hit a tree, then a guardrail, rolled down the street before it flipped over, rendering her helpless, trapped by an immovable seat belt.
"I could not believe this was happening to me," Busch said. "I was sitting upside down, trapped inside my car. I could see broken glass everywhere, smell the gas leaking from my car and see some black smoke. And I could hear people outside yelling for others to stay away from me... that my car was going to blow up."
Cars continued to pass the burning vehicle -- until one stopped.
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Changes due at Metro Stops
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The Valley College Metro station in Van Nuys, not slated to undergo
schedule changes. Photo/Jeremy Oberstein via LAist
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LOS ANGELES- In an effort to improve the transit system, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority made a series of changes effective Sunday, June 26 that affects parts of the east and north Valley.
Line 794, a bus that runs from Downtown Los Angeles to the Sylmar station via San Fernando Road, has been discontinued on weekends, but its route has not been eliminated In its place is bus Line 94, which runs from Downtown L.A. to Sun Valley via San Fernando Road. Line 94 will make the trips to the Sylmar station on weekends.
Parts of Line 96 also changed. The route from Universal City to the Burbank station via Riverside Drive will be picked up by Line 155, including the portion between the Burbank station and Sherman Oaks. Service for Line 155 will operate along Olive Avenue on the weekends and holidays.
The segment of Line 96 that now travels from Downtown L.A. to Sherman Oaks via Riverside Drive will remain intact.
Metro adjusts its routes twice a year to simplify paths for riders and reduce any duplication that might exist while also seeking to improve coordination between bus and rail service. Changes reflect moves toward greater efficiency, officials have said.
The second round of Metro route changes is slated to take place in December. For more information or to see these routes online, visit www.metro.net
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Council Honors Valley Glen Resident
 | | Asta Criss and Paul, sharing a moment before her honorific |
LOS ANGELES - Councilmember Paul Krekorian honored former Metropolitan Opera dancer and longtime community activist Asta Criss as one of the city's 2011 California Pioneer Women of the Year. The award, part of an annual celebration by the California Commission on the Status of Women, honors women who have made extraordinary contributions to their community.
"Asta embodies the true nature of this award as an advocate for community involvement and integral leader in the San Fernando Valley," Councilmember Krekorian said.
Asta Criss was one of the founding members of the Valley Glen community, which carved out its own niche near Van Nuys more than a decade ago. But years before her activism, Asta had a calling. She pursued ballet at an early age, enrolling in the famed Hollywood Professional School, a dance and acting academy that helped ignite the careers of Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney and other luminaries.
Upon graduation in 1952, Criss traded in palm trees for skyscrapers when she moved to New York City, hoping to capitalize on her education and dream of professional ballet. At 19-years-old, Asta auditioned for the Metropolitan Opera among a pool of 300 girls from throughout the country. Asta Criss was one of six chosen, spending the next three years with the Met as a ballerina performing in operas such as Carmen, La Gioconda, and La Traviata. Fortune continued to smile on Asta when, during her time at the Met, she met her husband, an oboist in the orchestra.
In 1960, Asta returned to Los Angeles, family in tow, settling in the San Fernando Valley where she set aside her ballet shoes to teach young gymnasts.
As her family began to grow, Asta shifted her focus from dancing to community organizing and politics. She helped out President Bill Clinton's re-election campaign while volunteering with the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley, kick starting a love of community activism that still brews.
Since then, Asta helped spearhead the campaign to rename her community Valley Glen, played a pivotal role in forming the Valley Glen Neighborhood Association and worked to create the Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council.
"She literally changed the map of the San Fernando Valley by leading the charge to create and name the community of Valley Glen," Councilmember Krekorian said.
Over the course of 20 years, Asta Criss has helped shape her community and the greater San Fernando Valley. As an active member of her neighborhood association, Asta helped organize block parties, fundraisers and community events. She has remained active in local politics as well, by volunteering her time on many of campaigns at the state and local level.
"I can think of no one worthier to be Pioneer Woman of the Year for CD2 than Asta Criss," said Judy Price, President, Valley Glen Neighborhood Association. "For many years, Asta has been a community leader and cheerleader for the next generation of leaders. She is a tireless and selfless contributor to Valley Glen as well as her many other civic and charitable endeavors. If it takes several ordinary people to get a job done, all it takes is one Asta Criss."
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National Night Out Returns
The annual National Night Out returns for its 28th years this summer, with events across Los Angeles and four in the east and northeast San Fernando Valley.
The yearly event aims  to increase the spotlight on crime and drug prevention while strengthening ties between police, neighborhood groups and local officials.
Nearly three decades ago, the first National Night Out included 2.5 million Americans in 400 communities across 23 states. Last year, 37 million people in more than 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide participated in the event.
This year, National Night Out's are slated for August 2 in:
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North Hollywood in North Hollywood Park, 11455 Magnolia Blvd., from 5 to 9 p.m.;
- Sun Valley in Stonehurst Park, 9901 Dronfield Ave., from 5 to 11 p.m.;
- Valley Village, 200 Westpark Dr., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
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Van Nuys in the Van Nuys Government Center, 14410 Sylvan St., from 6 to 9 p.m.
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With Suspect in Custody, Krekorian Renews Call for Investigation
LOS ANGELES - Last week, the City Council unanimously supported Councilmember Paul Krekorian's resolution calling for a federal investigation into the release of murder suspect Zareh Manjikian by a Puerto Rican judge. Manjikian is the prime suspect in the murder of 19-year-old Mike Yepremyan, who was killed in a Sears parking lot two years ago after sending a text message the suspect deemed insulting.
Recently, an LAPD task force took Manjikian into custody for the 2009 killing outside the Van Nuys courthouse as he attempted to turn himself in. That was Manjikian's second arrest for the crime. In May, after an 18-month investigation and search, U.S. Marshals found Manjikian in Puerto Rico and took him into custody.
Inexplicably, Judge Gloria Maynard released the suspect on a $50,000 bond, despite specific requests by the LAPD and the Los Angeles Superior Court to retain him without bail. After his release, Manjikian disappeared and was not seen again until his arrest in Van Nuys.
Following the capture, Krekorian praised the LAPD detectives, whom he said where "relentless in bringing this suspect to justice."
"While the suspect is now safely behind bars," Krekorian continued, "I will not relent in demanding that we get to the bottom of his shocking release by the court in Puerto Rico. Together, we will get answers and, with our partners in law enforcement, we will find justice."
In response to Krekorian's request, Rep. Buck McKeon (R-Santa Clarita) has asked Attorney General to investigate the circumstances surrounding the release by the Puerto Rican judge.
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This week's Neighborhood Council Meetings
The Neighborhood Council Valley Village is slated to meet Wednesday, July 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Colfax Charter Elementary - Auditorium, 11724 Addison St., Valley Village. For more information, please visit myvalleyvillage.com
The North Hollywood West Neighborhood Council is slated to meet Wednesday, July 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Saticoy Elementary School, 7850 Ethel Ave., North Hollywood. For more information, please visit nhwnc.wordpress.com
The Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Land Use Committee is slated to meet Monday, August 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the North Valley City Hall - Auditorium, 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga. For more information, please visit stnc.org
The Valley Glen Neighborhood Council is slated to meet Monday, August 1, from 7 to 10 p.m. at LA Valley College - Faculty Room, 5800 Fulton Ave., Valley Glen. For more information, please visit greatervalleyglencouncil.org
The Foothill Trails Neighborhood Council Land Use Committee is slated to meet Tuesday, August 2, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Foothill Trails Office, 9747 Wheatland Ave., Shadow Hills. For more information, please visit ftdnc.org
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This week's community meetings
The Sherman Oaks Farmer's Market on Saturday, July 30, is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. on Sepulveda Blvd. and Camarillo Street (north of the Sherman Oaks Galleria). For more information, please call (818) 748 - 6131 or e-mail them.
The Studio City Branch Library Used Book Sale is slated for Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 12511 Moorpark St., Studio City.
The Sunland-Tujunga Farmer's Market is slated for Sunday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sunland Mall, 8307 Foothill Blvd., Sunland.
A Coffee Chat with LAPD Senior Lead Officer Rich Wall is slated for Tuesday, August 2, from 8 to 10 a.m. outside of Albertsons, 6240 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga. For more information, please contact the Foothill Division Community Relations Office at (818) 756 - 8866.
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| Downtown Football Stadium Proposal Alert! | The Ad Hoc Committee on the Proposed Stadium is set to meet twice this week. The first meeting is slated for Wednesday, July 27, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Board of Public Works Hearing, Room 350.
The other meeting is set for Thursday, July 28, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in
Van Nuys City Hall: 14410 Sylvan St. Van Nuys. Both meetings will address the recent draft agreement the city put forth regarding the proposal, which you can read more about here |
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