Paul Krekorian Newsletter: Bus Benches, Congress of Neighborhoods, Camegeddon II and More

Brand New Bus Benches in Valley Glen
 VALLEY GLEN - Commuters can travel at ease as six new bus benches now dot what had been barren bus stops at three locations in the East San Fernando Valley.

The new benches - two each at Sherman Way and Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Sherman Way and Tyrone Avenue, and Victory Boulevard and Whitsett Avenue - are the result of a collaboration that started in August. 

The Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council alerted the office of Councilmember Paul Krekorian about the need for new benches. Immediately, the Councilmember's office called the Bureau of Street Services, which installed the benches in early September.  

The six new, gleaming green steel benches are now ready for use. See a map of where they are here: http://goo.gl/maps/FmSKx and get more info about bus stops at Metro.net.

Is there an area in your neighborhood in need of care? Let us know by calling (818) 755-7676. You can also email us, Tweet us, send us a message on Facebook or via our free iPhone or Android app .

America, Los Angeles Commemorate September 11

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - On the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, members of the LAPD, LAFD and the community gathered with Councilmember Paul Krekorian to reflect and commemorate the event that changed our nation. 

As people held remembrances across the nation, North Hollywood observed a moment of silence for the 78 Californians who lost their lives during the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks. Candles were lit at the 9/11 Memorial in North Hollywood Park, a tribute to those California men and women who lost their lives, while firefighters read the names aloud during the ceremony in honor and remembrance.

The commemoration event was a joint production of the Hollywood Beautification Team, the Dept. of Recreation and Parks, and Councilmember Krekorian, who emphasized the importance of remembrance and unity in times of crises. 

"That day was seared into all of our memories; a day of incredible grief but also a day of incredible courage and honor by so many," the Councilmember said during the event. "We saw ordinary Americans, come together to care for people they never met. I hope that all of us will take that opportunity on Sept. 11 to remember that sense of common purpose and unity that we had."

Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet 

 WOODLAND HILLS - The Employment Development Department (EDD) and local employers are joining forces in October to host a job fair in Woodland Hills dedicated to hiring members of the armed forces returning from active duty.

Currently in its fifth year, the "Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet" program, slated for Oct. 3 and Oct. 18, aims to link all veterans, National Guardsmen and National Guardswomen, and reservists returning from duty with employers while also supplying job training tips and education resources.
California is home to the largest number of veterans - 2 million - in the country. In the last four years, the multi-agency hiring initiative has linked 15,000 veterans to employers, according to the EDD. 

The job fairs are slated to take place Wed., Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Warner Center Marriott Hotel, 21850 Oxnard St., 91367 [map: http://goo.gl/maps/eOZ1n].  There is also a 9 a.m. seminar for veterans, but seating is limited. The fair will be open to the general public from 1 to 4 p.m. All attendees are advised to dress for success and bring resumes. 

If you have questions or want additional information, call the Job Seekers Hotline at (818) 596-4498.

Congress of Neighborhoods Gather for Annual Meeting   

LOS ANGELES - The 95 neighborhood councils of Los Angeles will converge in City Hall on Saturday, Sept. 22, for the Congress of Neighborhoods, an annual meeting of neighborhood leaders, community stakeholders and board members working to enhance citizen participation in local government. 

The meeting, which is divided into three sessions throughout the day, will address how to make government more responsive to local needs. The two morning sessions and one afternoon session, filled with 27 different how-to programs designed by neighborhood council members, will offer an overview of the subject and resources that support local action. The programs aim to cover topics relevant to both new and experienced members of the neighborhood councils.

The L.A. Congress of Neighborhood's website has more information about how to register, workshop topics, resources and each day's agendas. The event, which begins at 7:45 a.m., is free and includes breakfast and lunch.

Stay Local During Carmageddon II

I-405 Freeway Closure II: Mulholland Bridge Demolition via www.metro.net 

LOS ANGELES - With the Carmageddon II clock winding down, Metro reminds us of a slew of local deals open to Angelenos during the I-405 closure from Sept. 29 to Sept. 30. 

• Friday, Sept. 28 at  7 p.m.: On and off ramps along a 10-mile stretch begin to shut down en route to individual lane closures around 10 p.m.;  

• Saturday/Sunday, Sept. 29-30  I-405 closed in both directions;     

• Monday, Oct. 1 by 6 a.m.: Ramps and connectors scheduled to reopen;      

LAFD Warns of Phony Inspectors

LOS ANGELES - Businesses across the southland have been targets of scam artists posing as fire inspectors and the Los Angeles Fire Department warnsbusiness owners to be vigilant. 

Phony fire inspectors, sporting official-looking uniforms, are visiting businesses across the greater Los Angeles area claiming to examine fire safety systems by or on behalf of the LAFD. The fake inspectors have reportedly asked employees to sign a form authorizing the inspection. The business owner is then billed for the services, demanding immediate payment and threatening penalties for failure to pay.

Although the LAFD does visit businesses to conduct routine inspections, they do not charge for their services. The LAFD and the L.A. County District Attorney's Office are aware of the issue and ask business owners to be on the lookout for fake fire inspectors. 

If an inspector, be they from the LAFD or any other city or government agency, comes to your home and business you can always ask for their government issued ID, an official badge and/or a business card. 

If you suspect suspicious activity or suspect someone is impersonating an LAFD employee, call the LAPD's non -emergency line via (877) ASK-LAPD and notify your local fire department

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