Dear Friend:
 
Budget season in Los Angeles is in full swing. As the Budget and Finance Committee makes its final recommendations to the City Council this week about LA's $9.2 million budget, Metro has also begun deliberating on the agency's fiscal year 2018 $6.1 billion expenditure plan. The budget is a statement of the agency's priorities and reflects the will of riders and voters, who approved Measure M in November 2016.

With the passage of Measure M, Metro remains focused on realizing its goals of improving and expanding bus and rail service, while maintaining a balanced budget that's accountable to taxpayers.

The 2018 Metro budget is also linked to the agency's goals for advancing safety and security for customers, the public, and Metro employees; improving the customer experience and expanding access to transportation options, increasing transit use and ridership, implementing an industry-leading state of good repair program, investing in workforce development, and promoting innovation to increase measurable outcomes for the region.

What's in Metro's Budget?

  • There are no overall changes to its service hours, however, service has been right-sized to increase peak frequencies on priority bus lines. The delivery of new light rail vehicles in the upcoming fiscal year will also meet growing demand on the Expo Line and Gold Line, representing an 11.6% increase in rail service hours. 
  • The two largest expenses for the agency are building new projects and transit operations.
  • Funding will also increase to regional partners by $200 million to support transit and transportation improvements in local communities.
  • The 2018 fiscal year will continue on the big three Measure M construction projects: Crenshaw/LAX, Regional Connector, and the Purple Line Extension, while also breaking ground on the Airport Connector.
Metro wants your input. On Wednesday, May 17, I urge you to attend the public hearing to discuss your transit priorities. If you can't make it to the meeting, use the online budget survey tool to give your feedback:  lametro.force.com/onlinebudget.

Metro Public Hearing on the FY 2018 Budget 
Wednesday, May 17, 1 pm 
Metro Headquarters Board Room
One Gateway Plaza 
Los Angeles, CA 90012

As always, if you have questions or comments, please contact me: [email protected] or (213) 755-7676.

Very truly yours,  
Councilmember Paul Krekorian, District 2
TOP STORY
Metro Launches Awareness Project 
to Protect Bus Operators


LOS ANGELES - This week, Metro announced the launch of a new public awareness campaign to prevent bus operator assaults.  
 
Bus operators are tasked with the important job of getting bus riders where they need to go safely, professionally and on time. In 2016 alone, there were more than 330 million bus boardings throughout the system. Almost all riders show the utmost respect for bus operators, but, on occasion, bus operators are the victims of physical and verbal abuse.
   
According to Metro, there were 121 operator assaults last year. The majority of bus operator assaults involve fares or a missed stop.  The campaign reminds customers of the legal repercussions of criminal behavior targeting operators, including a $10,000 fine.
 
Next time you go Metro, make sure to be kind to the women and men who operate the buses. They play and important role in our city and our daily lives.  
LAX is on the Move:
Major Terminal Changes Announced
 
LOS ANGELES - As the Los Angeles International Airport  (LAX) prepares for its summer travel season, the airport announced that 16 airlines will be moving to new terminals and ticket counters. The big terminal shift comes as Delta Airlines prepares to relocate from Terminals 5 and 6 to Terminals 2 and 3, as part of the airport's modernization plan. 
 
The major terminal swap will take place on May 12, 14 and 16. Once complete, Delta and Los Angeles World Airports will have orchestrated one of the largest terminal moves in the history of commercial aviation. Customers traveling during the move should plan ahead. 
 
To help even the most seasoned travelers navigate this change, here are a few tips customers can follow to avoid disruptions and delays: 
  • Check-in online, print a boarding pass and confirm terminal and gate number with your airline before coming to LAX.
  • When entering the airport, look for signs directing you to the correct terminal.
  • Once at LAX, check flight and gate status on display boards in each terminal.
  • Plan ahead and allow extra time for walking. Some flights have check-in at one terminal with departure from another.
  • After check-in, some airlines will bus passengers to a different terminal for departure.
For more information about the upcoming terminal relocation and real-time terminal information, visit www.laxishappening.com and follow the hashtag #LAXontheMove on social media.
Valley Glen's Great Wall Mural 
Nominated for National Historic Register
City Planning Department staff along with mural artist Judy Baca (center) celebrated the mural's nomination to the national register. | Photo: CD2
 
VALLEY GLEN - This week, the State Historical Resources Commission approved the Great Wall of Los Angeles mural's nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The nine-member California state review board, appointed by the Governor, is charged with the preservation of California's cultural heritage.
 
Councilmember Krekorian, who has been a strong advocate for public art and LA's historic murals, wrote a letter to the commission in support of the mural's nomination: 
 
" The Great Wall of Los Angeles, situated in Valley Glen within the City Council District I represent, is one of the most historically significant artworks in Southern California. This unique mural is a landmark pictorial representation of the history of California's ethnic communities from prehistoric times to the 1950s. It has been a cultural destination in the San Fernando Valley for more than 35 years and is imminently worthy of listing on the National Register."
CITY SPOTLIGHT
Bike Month in Los Angeles
 
LOS ANGELES - May is National Bike Month and LA has a ton of fun events to get your wheels spinning. With group rides, workshops and community-hosted events, Bike Month has something for everyone. 
 
Bike Month is a awareness campaign to promote bicycle safety and teach the community about alternative transit options. Throughout May, Metro, local organizations and the City of Los Angeles, will be partnering on numerous events, including Bike Night and Bike to Work Day -- an opportunity to  leave your car at home and try commuting by bike with thousands of other Angelenos with pit stops across the county for snacks, coffee and encouragement.
 
While you're out on the town enjoying a bike ride, be sure to remember these important safety tips: 
  • Wear a helmet -- it's required by law for people under 18 years of age.
  • Obey all traffic signals including lights and stop signs.
  • Ride in the same direction as traffic.
  • Use hand signals before turning, stopping or changing lanes, and make eye contact with drivers to signal your intent.
  • Ride predictably and in a straight line.
  • Watch for opening doors from parked cars and ride at a distance clear of them.
  • Do not pass a bus on the right hand side and allow plenty of room as the bus operates
  • If bus is pulled over at a stop, pass to the left of the bus when it is safe to do so.
  • Obey signs and signals at train crossings. Never attempt to cross when crossing lights and arms are activated.
  • Cross railroad tracks at a right angle. Avoid leaning and turning because tires can easily slip on tracks.
  • Lights are required for riding at night. Use lights and reflectors on both the front and back of your bike and wear reflective clothing to help drivers see you.
  • Riding with headphones in both ears is prohibited by law.
For more information about Bike Month events, visit www.metro.net/riding/bike-month.
COMMUNITY CORNER
A Closer Look: What is a Senior Lead Officer?
 
EAST VALLEY - Community police stations are integral to keeping our neighborhoods safe. Fostering strong relationships to improve community trust and creating partnerships to fight crime are just some of the ways the Los Angeles Police Department helps our community.  
 
Captain Donald Graham of the North Hollywood Community Police Station recently shared insight into the work of a community police station and what Senior Lead Officers (SLOs) do for the communities they serve. Here's a snippet of what he had to say:
 
"Our North Hollywood [SLOs] perform [their] mission each time they come to work. In addition, they are tasked with working with detectives to solve crimes, working with our vice, narcotics and gang units to develop intelligence and focus the enforcement efforts of those specialized units, develop crime fighting strategies for their Basic Car crime problems and liaising with other entities, such as the City Attorney Neighborhood Prosecutor; other city, county, state, federal, LAPD and NGO resources to solve long term problems of blight, crime and traffic. 
 
That is a pretty hefty job. The SLOs are expected to obtain information from crime reports, detectives, community groups and individuals, and then prioritize and seek resources to develop strategies. Their specialty is developing partnerships among community members as well as government and non-government resources to solve these problems.
 
Each one of my SLOs is a very special and talented officer. They have experience, wisdom, communication skills, leadership qualities and a commitment to improve their Basic Car. In short, they have ownership of that community."
 
At the North Hollywood Community Police Station, 300 sworn officers and 31 civilians, in addition to 32 reserve officers and 28 citizen volunteers, serve the communities of North Hollywood, Studio City, Valley Village, Valley Glen, Toluca Lake, West Toluca Lake and a portion of Sun Valley.  The dedicated senior lead officers collaborate with our neighborhoods everyday to keep our communities safe. Next time you see your neighborhood SLO, be sure to be kind and say "hello."
 
   
   
 
Basic Car 15A85
Senior Lead Officer Shawn Smith
Cell Phone (818) 634-2593 
 
Find out who the SLO is for your area by clicking here or contacting the North Hollywood Community Police Station at (877) 275-5273.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Councilmember Krekorian joined the LAPD Valley Traffic Advisory Council to honor the Valley Traffic Division's Officers of the Year. | Photo: CD2
EVENTS
2017 Spring Carnival
May 12, 13 and 14, 1 pm to 10:30 pm
North Hollywood Recreation Center 
11430 Chandler Blvd.
North Hollywood, 91601

The Department of Recreation and Parks invites you to the 2017 Spring Carnival. Join the community and bring the whole family for a weekend of fun, food, games, rides and activities. 
LAFD Fire Service Day "Open Firehouse"
May 13, 8 am to 12 noon
Fire Station 86 

Join the Los Angeles Fire Department for Fire Service Day "Open Firehouse" to get to know your local fire station and the dedicated firefighters who serve the community.  During Open Firehouse, take a tour of your  neighborhood fire station , learn about fire safety and disaster preparedness and get free smoke alarms for your home while supplies last. 
LA Anonymous Gun Buyback
Saturday, May 13, 8 am to 1 pm
Facey Medical Center 
11165 Sepulveda Blvd. 
Mission Hills, CA 91345

The Los Angeles Police Department will host its annual citywide anonymous  gun  buyback  initiative to remove dangerous firearms from our streets in an effort to curb  gun  violence. LAPD reminds the public that when bringing firearms to a drop-off location, please leave them unloaded, in a locked container or stored in a vehicle trunk. People who surrender their firearms will receive a $100 Target gift card for handguns, shotguns, and rifles and up to $200 for assault weapons. For more information, contact (877) LAPD-247.
Eat| See| Hear Presents Casablanca
Saturday, May 13, Doors open at 5:30 pm
North Hollywood Recreation Center
11430 Chandler Blvd. 
North Hollywood, CA 91601

Eat|See|Hear present Casablanca at North Hollywood Park. The popular summer outdoor movie series runs on Saturday nights for twenty consecutive weeks from May through September and features music and food. More information and tickets for the event are available on  www.eatseehear.com/venue/north-hollywood-recreation-center. 
2017 Ride of Silence San Fernando Valley
Wednesday, May 17, 6:30 pm to 8
North Hollywood Metro Red Line Station
5357 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601 
 
The LA County Bicycle Coalition invites you to the 2017 Ride of Silence, a worldwide event commemorating those who have been injured or lost while cycling in the public roadway.  Participants will meet and begin a seven mile ride.  All cyclists should bring front and rear lights. Cyclists under 18 years old are required to wear a helmet. For more information, visit www.la-bike.org/ride_of_silence_2017.
Community Meeting: North Hollywood High School Modernization Project
Thursday, May 18, 6 pm
North Hollywood High School Auditorium
5231 Colfax Avenue
North Hollywood, CA 91601 
 
Join the LAUSD for a community meeting about the Comprehensive Modernization Project at North Hollywood High School. It's an opportunity for North Hollywood High School stakeholders to learn about this project and share their comments. For more information, contact  Fortunato Tapia (213) 241-1340.
Free Car Seat Safety Inspection
Saturday, May 20, 9 am to 1 pm
The Help Group
13130 Burbank Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
 
Is your child's car seat properly installed? Get a free inspection by a certified California Highway Patrol officer to inspect your child's car seat for  damage, defects, recalls and will assist you with the proper installation. The event is brought to you by Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian. To RSVP and sign up for an appointment, contact Steven Butcher at [email protected] or (818) 376-4246. 
Spring 2017 People St Applications
Now through May 30

LADOT is pleased to announce that the Department has launched the People St application window. While People St plaza applications are due no later than  May 30, the department will be accepting applications for bike corrals and parklets on a rolling basis. Send in your best ideas for bringing the community together through public space projects. For additional information, visit  peoplest.lacity.org/get-ready.
Grand Opening of Crest Apartments
Wednesday, May 31,  2 pm
13604 Sherman Way, 
Van Nuys, CA 91405 
 
Skid Row Housing Trust and Councilmember Krekorian invite you to the grand opening of Crest Apartments, a permanent supportive housing development that offers 64 homes to formerly homeless individuals, including military veterans. RSVP to [email protected].