Paul Krekorian Assumes City Council Office

LOS ANGELES – Paul Krekorian officially assumed office in the Los Angeles City Council Tuesday, becoming the first Armenian-American member elected to that body in the City’s history. Krekorian’s 14 percent margin of victory on December 8, certified by the council January 5.

“This city faces tremendous challenges right now, and I’m eager to get to work in starting to address them.” Krekorian said. “I’m confident that with the continuing engagement of the public in demanding positive change, we can weather the current storms and get this city back on the road to greatness.”

City Clerk June Lagmay administered the administrative oath of office on Tuesday evening. On January 17, Councilmember Krekorian will host a public ceremony at Van Nuys City Hall so that the people of the Valley can participate in Krekorian’s inauguration. Hundreds of community leaders, neighborhood activists and local officials are expected to attend.

CD2 includes parts of the Hollywood Hills, Lake View Terrace, La Tuna Canyon, North Hollywood, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland, Sun Valley, Tujunga, Valley Village, Valley Glen, Van Nuys and Verdugo Hills.

Paul Krekorian’s website is http://cd2.lacity.org and you can follow him on Twitter (@PaulKrekorian) and on Facebook.

Krekorian and Essel face off in final debate for City Council District 2 runoff election at Valley College

BY ANGELA FENTIMAN

Despite two interruptions by false fire alarms, the candidates hoping to fill the open Los Angeles Second Council District seat participated in their final debate before the December 8 election.

Local residents filled Los Angeles Valley College’s Monarch Hall Monday night to hear former Paramount executive Chris Essel and Assemblymember Paul Krekorian address topics ranging from development and LADWP rates to the budget crisis and medical marijuana.

“We have an opportunity to reinvent government,” Krekorian said in reference to the city’s mounting budget deficit.

Essel told attendees that the key to fixing the budget shortfall was to collect outstanding debts owed to the city and create more jobs.

In addition to discussion about the city budget and development issues in the district, the candidates used the final forum to address reoccurring criticisms during the campaign.

Essel  (who is often accused of being the downtown developer’s candidate) said that while she may have supported high-density developments in other parts of the city near mass transit, she has “never been a proponent of density in the Valley.”

Krekorian has taken heat for entering the race with time left to serve out his term in the State Assembly. He said that term limit laws have made it hard for state lawmakers to create the kind of long-term change he feels he could affect at the city level.

“I want to be home at night and watch my kids grow up,” he added.

The final debate was organized by the Valley Glen Neighborhood Council with participation from the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council, Associated Studio Union of Los Angeles Valley College (ASU) and Neighborhood Council Valley Village.

“We wanted the student body to take an active role not just on campus but in the broader community,” said ASU President Arthur Minasyan. “We can’t complain unless we take an active role.”

Minasyan had the opportunity to ask four questions of the candidates during the debate that were written by ASU members. The questions primarily focused on education-related issues, but one asked how the candidates would restore faith in politicians and the political process.

“One of the main reasons I’m running is to restore faith in government,” Essel replied.

Krekorian said he shared Minasyan’s concerns about the public’s lack of trust in politicians and told attendees that he has strived to be one of the most accountable and accessible politicians in office.

Several of the original 10 candidates were in attendance to hear from the candidates. Many of the former candidates have made endorsements for the runoff election.

Former CD 2 candidate Pete Sanchez said that he endorsed Krekorian because “he was going to be the better representative of me, the CD 2 resident.”

“He answered me more directly, like an old friend,” Sanchez said.

Valley Glen Neighborhood Council Board Member Ted Geldberg is supporting Essel in the race because he feels that the city’s budget problems require solutions that can only come from a business person.

“We are at a crisis where the City Council needs to deal with budget issues and use of funds that only a business person can deal with,” Geldberg said.

The election will take place Tues., Dec. 8. More information about the election (including polling place lookup) can be found on the City Clerk’s election website: http://cityclerk.lacity.org/election/index.htm.

The Second Council District seat; which represents the communities of Lake View Terrace, La Tuna Canyon, North Hollywood, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland, Sun Valley, Tujunga, Valley Village, Valley Glen and Van Nuys; has been vacant since July 1, when former L.A. City Councilmember Wendy Greuel took office as city controller.

Angela Fentiman is a freelance writer and public relations professional who has represented clients across all sectors—nonprofit, government and business. She has a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) and a B.A. in communication. Angela can be contacted at angela.fentiman@gmail.com.

Former City Council Candidates Galatzan and Benson Endorse Krekorian in City Council run-off

BY MY DAILY FIND STAFF

Former City Council Candidates Tamar Galatzan and Mary Benson have announced their respective endorsements of Paul Krekorian for the city’s Second District Council seat. Galatzan  is a  current LAUSD Board Member  and  Benson is one of the most respected neighborhood advocates in Sunland-Tujunga.

As a well-respected community leader and city prosecutor, Galatzan’s endorsement provides a significant boost to the Krekorian campaign.

“Tamar Galatzan is a tremendous advocate for the people of the San Fernando Valley,” Krekorian said. “She is a reformer who continues to push for an innovative agenda of positive change and accountability for our schools, even when she has had to stand up to politically powerful interests. She has been on the front lines of fighting against crime and for a better quality of life for Valley families and has a deep understanding of our public safety needs. I am thrilled that Tamar has joined our Valley-oriented campaign for change in City Hall, and I look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with her to make CD 2 streets and schools safer.”

Galatzan, a Valley neighborhood prosecutor and LAUSD School Board member, finished a very strong third place in the CD2 primary election, garnering 2,128 votes (12.99% of the total votes cast). Throughout the campaign, she consistently impressed voters with her depth of understanding of the issues facing the Valley and her innovative ideas for solving the City’s problems.

“Paul Krekorian shares my values and my concerns about Valley neighborhoods,” said Galatzan. “I admire his results-oriented leadership in the State Assembly on runaway film production, as well as his vote against the release of thousands of state inmates who would end up in our communities. CD2 voters should know that Paul has been consistent in his support for neighborhood councils and his opposition to overdevelopment. Paul is a proven advocate for Valley homeowners and jobs, and he has the skills and familiarity with CD2 to be an effective councilmember for us. I look forward to voting for him on December 8.”

The announcement of Benson’s support is a very significant development in the race for CD2 that further exemplifies Krekorian’s widespread grassroots community support.

“Paul Krekorian has the courage of conviction, the experience and the independence to make an immediate impact for us in City Hall,” Benson said. “Paul has provided extraordinary service to constituents in his Assembly District. Paul will be an advocate for our valley interests. Paul will be the most effective in preserving public assets like the Verdugo Hills Golf Course and keeping the integrity of our specific and community plans. Paul Krekorian will be an independent voice in the Council who will fight for us, instead of Downtown interests and big developers. Paul Krekorian is the kind of leader that our district and our city need during these challenging times.”

Benson was one of the top candidates in the first part of the Council race, coming in a very strong fourth place with 1,198 votes (8.29% of the electorate) on September 22. She continually garnered rave reviews at candidate forums when she displayed an impressive mastery of issues, especially with regard to development, open space and the environment.

“Mary Benson is among the most effective advocates for community empowerment in the entire city, and I am thrilled she is now a part of our grassroots movement for change,” Krekorian said. “The issues that Mary has fought for -– open space preservation, limiting overdevelopment and protecting our neighborhoods -– are important parts of my mission in running for City Council, and I am confident of succeeding in that mission with Mary Benson by my side.”

In addition to being endorsed by nearly 100 neighborhood leaders and advocates from throughout CD2, Krekorian has also earned recent endorsements from the Daily News, VICA Chairman Greg Lippe, and Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. President Richard Close.

The Second Council District seat, which represents the communities of Lake View Terrace, La Tuna Canyon, North Hollywood, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland, Sun Valley, Tujunga, Valley Village, Valley Glen and Van Nuys; has been vacant since July 1, when former L.A. City Councilmember Wendy Greuel took office as City Controller.

Studio City Residents Association hosts first debate of CD 2 runoff election

BY ANGELA FENTIMAN

The two runoff candidates vying to represent L.A.’s Second Council District participated in their first debate Tuesday, October 13,  since beating-out eight other candidates in the Sept. 22 special election.

Former Paramount executive Chris Essel and Assemblymember Paul Krekorian joined members of the Studio City Residents Association (SCRA) to discuss city budget issues, development in the district, the entertainment industry and other topics important to residents. Attendees braved a rainy evening to ask the candidates their questions.

Krekorian called the current budget crisis facing the city a “transformative moment.” More important than the budget crisis, Krekorian said that a “crisis of confidence” exists in the city because the people do not trust their government and he hopes to repair this relationship.

Essel also stressed the importance of fixing the city’s budget, creating a rainy day fund, collecting funds owed to the city and getting pension commitments under control.

“We need to look at the numbers,” said Essel. “I’m an accountant by trade.”

Several questions regarding land use issues in the district were posed to the candidates. SB 1818 implementation in the city, mansionization and preserving open space (specifically the Weddington Golf & Tennis property) were discussed. The NBC Universal and Metro developments adjacent to CD 2 were also on the minds of attendees.

“I want the production jobs, but the residential side of these projects needs to be reevaluated,” Essel said.

Entertainment industry jobs were addressed again as the candidates discussed tax credits for filming and how to keep production in the city.

Krekorian told attendees about his recent efforts to, “enact the first California film production incentive.” He said that the credits are directly creating jobs in the city and across the state.

The candidates were questioned about criticisms that were brought up during the initial campaign, including the claim that both Essel and Krekorian only moved to the Second Council District to run for the open seat.

Essel assured attendees that she planned to make her move to CD 2 a permanent one. “Studio City is by favorite spot in L.A.,” she said.

Krekorian said that although his family was currently living in Valley Glen, they were searching for houses in Studio City and Sherman Oaks, both in the Second Council District.

Frank Sheftel, who finished sixth in the Sept. 22 race, was on hand to hear the runoff candidates’ remarks. He has yet to make an endorsement for the runoff, but plans to make a decision next week.

Sheftel expects absentee voters to play a critical role in deciding the outcome of the race.

“If either candidate can put out a good absentee campaign that’s the candidate who will win,” he said.

Though the group hosted the debate, SCRA does not endorse candidates, according to the group’s President Alan Dymond. Regardless of who is elected to represent the district, Dymond would like to see, “reactions to our members’ concerns.”

Essel and Krekorian garnered more votes than the other eight candidates to qualify for the runoff race, with 28.39 and 34.10 percent of the ballots cast in their favor, respectively. Second Council District voters will elect their new councilmember on Tues., Dec. 8.

The Second Council District seat, which represents the communities of Lake View Terrace, La Tuna Canyon, North Hollywood, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland, Sun Valley, Tujunga, Valley Village, Valley Glen and Van Nuys; has been vacant since July 1, when former L.A. City Councilmember Wendy Greuel took office as city controller.

Angela Fentiman is a freelance writer and public relations professional who has represented clients across all sectors—nonprofit, government and business. She has a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) and a B.A. in communication. Angela can be contacted at angela.fentiman@gmail.com.

City Council District 2 Candidates at VICA; Also Upcoming Forums

BY MY DAILY FIND STAFF

Five of the ten candidates vying to fill the open L.A. 2nd Council District seat joined VICA members for a candidate forum on August 21 at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City. The community leaders, business people and elected officials hoping to replace Wendy Greuel tackled issues ranging from runaway film production to city budget issues and pension costs.

“The forum gave our members and other business leaders the opportunity to really hear the candidates’ positions on the issues that matter to business,” said VICA President Stuart Waldman.

The panel also discussed ways to improve education in the city, and how to best manage new development and land use issues.

Assemblymember and candidate Paul Krekorian explained to VICA how his experience with the state’s budget problems could help him when tackling the city’s budget issues. Chris Essel shared how her experience as a film executive will help her take the necessary steps to keep the entertainment industry in L.A.

LAUSD School Board Member Tamar Galatzan told attendees that she is tired of politics as usual in the city and shared her LADWP bill with the audience, noting that her family reduced its use of water and electricity and still saw their bill increase.

Frank Sheftel said that his experience as a business owner has shown him that the city has a lot to do in order to improve the climate for business. Mary Benson noted the city’s need to work better with other local governments and community organizations to improve the quality of life for residents.

“I think our members were able to get a good idea of what the candidates stand for and how they will work with the business community if elected,” Waldman said.

Out of respect for our members’ time, VICA researched and vetted the candidates and selected only those determined to be best for the business community. VICA does not take a position on candidates, only legislation.

Candidates who participated in the forum included: Mary Benson, Chris Essel, LAUSD School Board Member Tamar Galatzan, Assemblymember Paul Krekorian and Frank Sheftel.

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UPCOMING CANDIDATE FORUMS

Wednesday, August 26: Neighborhood Council Valley Village 7 p.m. at Colfax Charter Elementary 11724 Addison St North Hollywood www.myvalleyvillage.com

Monday, September 14: Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council at Sherman Oaks Elementary School, Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. Info: jbbarad@roadrunner.com www.shermanoaksnc.org

Wednesday, September 16: Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association Debate between the candidates starting at 7:15pm. Notre Dame High School 13645 Riverside Dr. Sherman Oaks www.soha.info

For further profiles about all ten City Council District 2 candidates, click here for  My Daily Find’s report.