The Los Angeles City Council has approved a motion by Councilmember Koretz, declaring April 4, 2013 to be “Ed Edelman Day in the City of Los Angeles,” in honor of one of the best public servants and governmental leaders in the history of Los Angeles.  April 4th is also the date of the 7pm screening of “The Passions and Politics of Ed Edelman,” a critically acclaimed new PBS documentary about Edelman, which will air that night on PBS SoCaL (formerly KOCE). 
 
Ed Edelman was the City Councilmember of our 5th Council District from 1965 through 1973 (after Roz Wyman, and before Zev Yaroslavsky).  In 1973 he was elected to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors in 1973, where he served until his retirement from that body in 1994, after which he has stayed quite involved in crucial civic matters and social causes.
 
 As Councilmember Koretz notes, “Ed Edelman has been the embodiment of personal decency.  Throughout his amazing career of public service, he has always stayed a humble and gentle person – a principled leader, a dignified champion of progressive ideals and humane understandings, and a shrewd master of seeking and achieving consensus, tackling even the toughest of challenges with grace, warmth, and courage.”
 
Whether as a Councilmember or as a Supervisor, Ed Edelman was always considered extraordinarily dedicated and exemplary in serving his constituents.  He was also a great champion for countless essential causes, not all of them universally popular.  Such causes included protecting abused and neglected children; helping the disabled and the disadvantaged; shoring up health and mental health funding; speaking up for, and helping empower, the LBGT community, women and the urban Indian; and confronting the AIDS epidemic when too many others failed to do so.  He led the way in advocating for environmentalism and open space preservation, sheltering the homeless; and ensuring meaningful law enforcement accountability.  He also was a tremendous friend to all who love the arts, for he has played a vital role in shaping and boosting the cultural landscape of Southern California and the lives of its arts institutions.
 
During the City Council meeting at which “Ed Edelman Day,” was declared, Councilmember Koretz was joined by Ed Edelman’s wife, Mari Edelman.  (The former Councilmember and Supervisor was not able to attend, because of his health.)  Mari also produced, wrote and directed the new PBS documentary, which is narrated by Tom Brokaw. Mel Rogers, PBS SoCaL’s President and CEO, was among those who participated in the City Hall ceremony, which was held both to celebrate the grand career of Ed Edelman and to recognize the importance of this critically acclaimed PBS documentary about him, which Councilmember Koretz says, “will enlighten and inspire everyone who watches.”
 
Koretz concluded the City Hall ceremony by stating that “Ed Edelman's splendid life of leadership and public service has produced a splendid living legacy full of landmark institutions and endeavors that he helped initiate, foster, nourish, sustain or otherwise transform for the better. People everywhere will always be able to learn about, and benefit from, the life of Ed Edelman, due to the magnificent documentary film, “The Passions and Politics of Ed Edelman.  It tells a crucial story, because as we learn more about how progress has been achieved until now, we’re better able to forge the glorious and happy future that we all want for Los Angeles in years to come.”
 
The documentary will air on April 4th at 7pm, on PBS SoCaL (formerly KOCE) at Channel 50.1 (also on TW Cable at 68 or 16; Cox Cable at 10 or  29; Charter Cable at 10 or 15; DISH at 50, Direct TV at 50; Verizon FIOS at 8; and ATT U-Verse at 50.)  The film will also be aired on April 7th at 6:30 pm, on PBS OC, Challen 50.2 (and on TW Cable at 235; on Cox Cable at 810; on Charter at 314; and on Verizon FIOS at 470).  Or you can see it online, by visiting the following link:  http://video.pbssocal.org/video/2324012741 .

The following information has been provided by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to remind customers to reset their clocks and timers this weekend.

LOS ANGELES — With Daylight Saving Time beginning at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2013, LADWP reminds customers to turn clocks forward and reset lighting timers, programmable thermostats and sprinkler timers.

In the City of Los Angeles, outdoor watering is restricted to hours before 9:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m. Customers should note the change in time and adjust their automatic sprinkler timers accordingly. With spring and summer approaching, and the accompanying warmer temperatures, LADWP encourages customers to be mindful of their water use, both indoors and outdoors.

LADWP also encourages customers to reset their lighting timers to turn on only after daylight hours and to remain lit only as long as necessary. Energy efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and long-life LED lights are recommended for installation wherever possible. CFL and LED lights may cost a little more at the outset, but they use less electricity, last longer and save customers money in the long run.

The time change presents a valuable opportunity for LADWP customers to review their energy and water routines at home and in the workplace to seek out efficiency opportunities. Efficiency can help customers better manage utility costs and save money. For efficiency tips, and information on the Department's many water and energy efficiency solutions, please visit www.ladwp.com.

During the past few months, more than a few people have asked us why they weren't receiving any more "Hi 5" newsletters.  The reason is simple, though it might come as a surprise to many.

In the months before a City of Los Angeles election, the offices of certain elected officials – those who are candidates seeking reelection, or election to a different City office – are prohibited from mass mailing newsletters:  that prohibition extends to electronic distribution through email.  The period of time during which such distribution is prohibited is called the "blackout period."  Now that the election has been decided for the 5th Council District, this office can resume its newsletter.  So once again, the Hi 5 will be heading your way.  As always, we encourage you to read it, share it, and send your suggestions, including about potential stories and regarding calendar items on upcoming events.

Council District 5 welcomes your ideas and suggestions, please stay connected with us by visiting our website and by emailing our office at paul.koretz@lacity.org. If you have not had the opportunity to subscribe to our district newsletters, you may do so here.

Starting March 9, 2013, there will be no left turns from Coldwater Canyon Avenue, north or south onto Ventura Blvd.  Starting March 23, 2013, Coldwater Canyon Ave. will be closed from Ventura Blvd. to Mulholland Drive, Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.  These restrictions will last through April 25, 2013, or such time that the work is completed.  Alternate routes include Cahuenga Blvd./Highland Ave., Laurel Canyon Blvd., Beverly Glen Blvd., Sepulveda Blvd., and Interstate 405.

The LADWP is working with the City Council Office that represents that immediate area, as well as local residents, community groups, schools, churches and businesses, to help minimize the strain on that neighborhood.

For additional email updates on this project, please visit the LADWP's online newsroom at http://www.ladwpnews.com/ and click on "Get Updates."  Select "City Trunk Line - Coldwater Canyon Construction" in the sign-up form. 

The Library Department is creating a strategic plan to enhance its
programs and services for your constituents and people throughout L.A.

To gather people's opinions about the library services and programs
they want, we have created a brief survey.

I am hoping that you will help us by encouraging the staff and others
to take the four-question survey.

Here is a description and link for you to circulate to staff and
include in your regular communication to constituents:

What is your vision for the library of the future?  Your answer will
help the Los Angeles Public Library to create a strategic plan that
will shape the library's services and programs over the next five
years.

Please take a few minutes to answer the four questions in this brief
online survey:

English survey:  www.surveymonkey.com/s/VisionYourLibrary

Spanish survey:  www.surveymonkey.com/s/VisionYourLibrary_Espanol

I hope you will share these links and encourage your family, friends,
neighbors and others in your community to take the survey.  Paper
versions of the survey are also available at all libraries.

The survey must be completed by Monday, February 18.

Thank you for helping us imagine and create the library of the future.

Councilmember Koretz and his staff would like to share the following information provided by the Los Angeles Police Department:

 Los Angeles: Although the American tradition of gathering together to watch the National Football League’s best battle on the gridiron to win the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy is an exciting time, it is also a weekend of increased alcohol consumption. During this Super Bowl weekend, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) would like to remind all community members to drink responsibly.  In an effort to keep the streets of Los Angeles safe this weekend, the LAPD will conduct the following driving-under-the-influence (DUI) enforcement activities:

 

·         February 1, 2013 (Friday) – Sobriety Checkpoint on Roscoe Boulevard at Coldwater Canyon Avenue in Mission Area from 8 PM to 2 AM;

·         February 2, 2013 (Saturday) – Sobriety Checkpoint on Hyperion Avenue at Scotland Street in Northeast Area from 9 PM to 3 AM;

·         February 3, 2011 (Sunday) – DUI Saturation Patrol in Newton and Central Area from 2 PM to 10 PM

·         February 3, 2011 (Sunday) – DUI Saturation Patrol in Topanga Area from 5 PM to 1 AM;

·         February 3, 2011 (Sunday) – DUI Saturation Patrol in 77th Street Area from 5 PM to 1 AM; and,

·         February 3, 2011 (Sunday) – DUI Saturation Patrol in Hollywood Area from 7 PM to 3 AM.

 

These enforcement efforts are funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Angelinos are encouraged to help keep our roadways safe by Reporting Drunk Drivers and Call 911!

The LAPD would like to remind all Angelinos of their responsibility to help prevent DUI fatalities and injuries from occurring.  If you are planning or attending a Super Bowl party where alcohol will be served, plan ahead and designate a sober driver.  Anyone arrested for DUI should be aware that it could result in fees over $10,000, time in jail, loss of driving privileges and increased automobile insurance rates.

Los Angeles has the highest street homeless population in the nation. Every day we see them – men, women and children with no place to call home.  By knowing who and where homeless people are in Los Angeles County, we are better able to plan and identify resources to provide vital services to the homeless, and ultimately move families and individuals into housing.

Please go to http://volunteer.theycountwillyou.org/ to create an account to officially register to be a volunteer for the Count which will be taking place:

• Tuesday, January 29, 2013 (8PM) – San Gabriel Valley, East/Southeast Los Angeles
• Wednesday, January 30, 2013 (8PM) – West Los Angeles, South Bay
• Thursday, January 31, 2013 (6AM) – Antelope Valley
• Thursday, January 31, 2013 (8PM) – Metro Los Angeles, South Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, & Santa Clarita Valley

If you have any questions, please contact Maricor Garaniel, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Volunteer Coordinator at mgaraniel@lahsa.org or 213-225-8410.

City Clerk June Lagmay has announced that the Office of the City Clerk – Election Division is in need of approximately 3,000 additional pollworkers to staff polls for the 2013 Municipal Elections on March 5, 2013 and May 21, 2013.  The Election Division expects to place a total of 6,240 pollworkers to work these two elections and will place these pollworkers at polling locations in the jurisdiction of the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and/or the Los Angeles Community College District.

Pollworkers play an integral part in meeting voters’ needs by ensuring their neighbors have the opportunity to vote locally in their communities, an essential right and responsibility of American democracy.

Pollworkers earn stipends for each election day they work.  Inspectors receive a $100 stipend and are paid an additional $25 for attending a mandatory training class and another $50 for picking up and dropping off polling place supplies and voting equipment.  Clerks receive an $80 stipend and an additional $25 for attending a mandatory training class.

In order to serve as a pollworker, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen and registered voter who will be at least 18 years old on Election Day, and is able to speak, read, and write in English.

In addition to English-speaking pollworkers, the Election Division seeks bilingual pollworkers who speak English and one of nine non-English languages including Armenian, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.

Applicants may sign up by calling the Election Division’s Pollworker Recruitment Hotline toll free at (866) 899-VOTE (8683) or locally at (213) 978-0363.  An online pollworker application is also available on the Election Division’s website http://cityclerk.lacity.org/election/ in the “Pollworker Information” section.

The Office of the City Clerk – Election Division administers elections for the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the Los Angeles Community College District.  The City’s Primary Nominating Election will be held March 5, 2013 and the General Municipal Election will be held May 21, 2013. 

Councilmember Paul Koretz is pleased to invite you to his first Westside Community Leaders Educating and Assisting Neighborhoods (C.L.E.A.N.) Training.

A similar such event, held in the Valley, was a great success.

The C.L.E.A.N. Team is designed to help stakeholders and residents with the identification and documentation of common quality of life problems in their communities such as, illegal signs, illegal dumping, trash can violations and other illegal uses of the Public Right of Way. The training is conducted by an Officer for the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Street Services, Street Investigation and Enforcement Division.

The training will occur on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Cheviot Hills Park from 6:30pm - 9:00pm.

Refreshments will be served, courtesy of FOOD, Louise's Trattoria, and Six.

Please RSVP to Joan Pelico at 310-289-0353 or by email at joan.pelico@lacity.org

 

Los Angeles’ new Expo Line’s next stop is in Council District 5.  While a light rail train running through our neighborhoods may be a big and not always welcome change, we know that it’s the right thing to do to address one of the City’s most pressing problems: traffic, which not only contributes greatly to greenhouse gases, but also costs us economically in loss of worker productivity, and loss of quality of life.

Toyon pictured above with cedar waxwings

As Expo line moved into Phase 2 and therefore into CD-5 and CD-11, Councilmember Koretz was appointed along with Councilmember Rosendahl to serve on the Expo Line Board.  Local community groups including neighborhood councils spoke up and asked to be included in the conversation about the landscaping of Phase 2.  Charles Miller, who sits on the Palms Neighborhood Council, started a coalition called LA Native (lanative.org), and set to work educating other community groups about the importance of using native plants to landscape Phase 2 of the Expo line.

Of course, native plants are pretty, even dazzling, and provide lovely decorative value to any landscape. The additional virtues of using native plants are plentiful.  Up to 70% of residential water used in California goes to watering primarily non-native plants, and nearly 20% of California’s energy is used to pump and treat water:  by contrast, plants native to California use only one-seventh the water of most non-native plants.  Also, plants native to California don’t require fertilizers – a primary source of water pollution.  Planting natives not only saves money, it reduces the contamiments that flow into Santa Monica Bay and into our struggling oceans.  Local birds and butterflies have long learned to feed off of, pollinate and otherwise interact with native plants, but generally ignore non-natives in a way that is injurious to nature's balance.

Salvia genus

Mr. Miller raised support for his initiative from the South Robertson Neighborhoods Council, the Westside Neighborhood Council, and the Mar Vista Community Council, as well as the Theodore Payne Foundation, the California Native Plant Society, the Los Angeles Audubon Society, Sustainable Works, Light Rail for Cheviot Hills and the Sierra Club West Los Angeles Chapter.  Councilmember Koretz took their lead and, in June 2012, introduced a motion to the Expo Board asking landscapers to use native plants to the fullest extent possible regarding the Expo Line.  The Expo Line’s Urban Design Committee has been working with its landscape architect and with the Theodore Payne Foundation the past year and on January 10th, 2012 presented several options to the Expo Board: from an option of using 60% native plants (an over 50% increase from the original design) to an option to using 90% native plants (an 80% increase).  The Expo Board, led by Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, voted for the 90% option and also voted to look into native and non-invasive trees to replace the palm tree options suggested by the landscaper.  Councilmember Koretz was very pleased with the outcome and greatly appreciates Supervisor Yaroslavsky’s leadership.