In October 2021, the Council followed Councilmember Krekorian’s lead and designated a grove of 15 oak trees on Magnolia Boulevard in Valley Village as a Historic-Cultural Monument. An arborist report noted that most of the trees are over 100 years old. The oldest, at 232 years of age, has been growing on this spot since 1789 — the same year George Washington became president, and just eight years after the pueblo of Los Angeles was founded by the 44 original Pobladores.   Continue reading

On August 31, 2021, acting on a motion introduced by Councilmembers Paul Krekorian and Paul Koretz, the City Council approved drafting an ordinance prohibiting the purchase, possession or sale of so-called “ghost guns” -- untraceable firearms assembled from parts manufactured without serial numbers. Continue reading

In 2016, Councilmember Paul Krekorian initiated LA100, a historic effort to move Los Angeles to 100 percent clean, carbon-free energy, through a motion he introduced with his colleague Mike Bonin.  That motion led to an intensive planning process, including a partnership between LADWP and the National Renewable Energy Lab, which proved that the 100 percent clean energy goal is feasible and both environmentally and economically advantageous.  In August, 2021, the Council approved a motion introduced by Councilmember Krekorian and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell requiring that LADWP achieve the LA100 goal by 2035. Continue reading

On September 9, 2021, Councilmember Krekorian, Mayor Garcetti, Ken Craft, CEO of Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission and various dignitaries formally launched the 77-cabin 150-bed Whitsett West tiny homes facility near the corner of Saticoy and Whitsett in North Hollywood, the third such community  to open in the Councilmember's district during the year. Continue reading

The East San Fernando Valley Corridor project, which will be the first light rail transit line in the Valley since the demise of the Red Cars in 1952, took a big step forward last week when the Metro Board approved its final configuration. The project will connect the Van Nuys Metro station with the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station, servicing busy commercial corridors and densely populated residential areas in the East Valley. Continue reading

Ten years ago, the soccer fields at the corner of Whitsett and Vanowen in North Hollywood were so heavily used that they had become little more than dirt and rocks. If that were not bad enough, the children and adults trying to use these dusty fields were frequently victimized and threatened by violent gangs.  It was a disgrace and a disturbing example of the inequity that too many neighborhoods endure. Continue reading

In a year that has been so bleak for many businesses, and especially independent restaurants, the LA Al Fresco program has provided some much-needed relief. The program allows restaurants and other businesses to utilize sidewalks, parking spaces and other public areas for safer outdoor service to the public. Continue reading

This week, Councilmember Krekorian opened the first "A Bridge Home" transitional shelter for the homeless in the San Fernando Valley. He was joined by Mayor Eric Garcetti, along with "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek and his wife Jean (who made a generous donation in support of the shelter), in cutting the ribbon. The beautiful new 15,000-square foot facility in North Hollywood will provide transitional shelter for 85 people who are currently living unhoused in the neighborhood. It has separate sections for men and women, a community room with computer workstations, and a dog run. Through careful planning and smart construction, this site is also the least expensive shelter of its kind, per bed, in the entire city. Continue reading

The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by extraordinary acts of generosity and support. Nowhere is this more apparent than in CD2. Continue reading

Our community's seniors have experienced extraordinary events during their lifetimes.  Their strength has been forged by the Second World War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the great turmoil and divisiveness of the 1960s. In each case, their character and courage helped our country overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and emerge even stronger.  We owe them a great debt of gratitude. Continue reading

This past week, the City Council gave final approval to Councilmember Krekorian's motion allocating $200,000 from the arts development fee revenues in his district to provide a lifeline to theaters in the NoHo Arts District during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading

In 2017, communities throughout the South San Fernando Valley began experiencing dramatic changes in the amount and location of airplane noise from Burbank and Van Nuys airports.  Many neighborhoods that had never before experienced significant aircraft disturbance were suddenly being barraged with a nearly constant series of planes overhead producing disruptive, roaring noise.  Continue reading

The arts are an essential part of our lives and our communities, but during the pandemic, performing arts institutions necessarily have been deemed non-essential businesses. As a result, live theaters are facing the very real threat that the show will not go on, and many may be forced to close forever. Continue reading

  This week, Councilman Krekorian co-sponsored a motion authored by Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell that would reduce by half the fees the devastated restaurant industry pays delivery services. Currently, the services can charge up to 30% of the cost of the delivery. The motion lowers that figure to no more than 15%. Continue reading

This week, Metro installed two new bike stations in CD2, one at the intersection of Riverside and Laurel Canyon and the other at the intersection of Vineland and Oxnard. Continue reading