STUDIO CITY - When Martha and Marlo Tormel opened Cactus Taqueria #1 in Hollywood in 1992, it marked the beginning of what would become a humble taco stand empire delivering quick, fresh Mexican specialties to people across LA. Nearly 25 years later, Cactus Tacos has four locations and thousands of happy customers. 

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - In recent weeks, the LAPD reports a slight uptick in auto and bike thefts reports in the North Hollywood area. To minimize your chances of becoming a victim, here are helpful tips and crime fighting strategies to prevent theft.

This past year, we've celebrated many community accomplishments and made tremendous progress in moving our city forward. In this issue of Our Valley News, we'll take a look back at some of those moments, highlighting the important partnerships and collaborations that have improved the quality of life in our community. 

The students of Councilmember Krekorian's San Fernando Valley Youth Leadership Academy celebrated the end of the summer program. (l-r) Ivan Bermudez, Isabel Zavian, Ella Pallenberg, Wilder Short and Sheikh Jibran.

EAST VALLEY - This week, the five bright students of the San Fernando Valley Leadership Academy's inaugural class completed the program. A civic-engagement program for high school student to learn about city government and cultivate their leadership skills to make a difference in their community, Councilmember Krekorian launched the program earlier this year. The student got an insider's look and shared their experience. 

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We're halfway through the summer, but there are still plenty of great things to do in the East Valley to make the most of the long, hot days. From movie nights and art exhibits to community gatherings and family entertainment, you don't have to look very far to find a fun activity for the whole family. 

We're sharing a list of great events happening in our community that will make your summer more complete. So, before school starts and this season comes to and end, explore your neighborhood and enjoy an exciting day or night out.

Summer is a wonderful time to get out of the house and explore your neighborhood. Whether it's trying a new coffee shop or going to a new place for lunch, the East Valley has so many great spots for foodies to enjoy.  

Throughout the year, I've had the pleasure of hosting Lunch with Paul community events at local eateries that are committed to serving our city and offer some of the tastiest dishes on this side of the hill. This special edition of Our Valley News takes a look at some of the great places we've explored so far. 

Do you have a favorite restaurant, coffee shop or ice cream parlor in your neighborhood? Please tell me about it by emailing paul.krekorian@lacity.org. Your suggestion could be the next spot for Lunch with Paul.

I love summer. Although it can get hot in the San Fernando Valley, it's a great time of the year. Not only is school out, but the days are longer and everything seems a bit more relaxed. Families go to parks, pools, ballgames and picnics. People venture out into their communities to try new shops and restaurants.

For too many Americans, Memorial Day has become a day for barbecuing and beach trips – a day to shop for mattresses and appliances.  But by being here today, each of you is declaring that above all else, Memorial Day is about remembering. It is about our national memory.  Fortunately, throughout these United States, in bustling cities and in quiet towns, Americans are gathering this morning, as we do here, to remember and to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to our country so that all of us, and others throughout the world, might live in freedom.

After three weeks of budget meetings, input from 44 city departments and 173 public comments, my City Council colleagues and I just approved an $8.76 billion city budget for Fiscal Year 2016-2017. This is the city's fifth consecutive budget that I've had the pleasure to oversee as chair of the Budget and Finance Committee.