News from Councilman Koretz: Ray Bradbury, Obama, Pink's, Metro Developments and L.A. Pride

[The information below was taken from a press release issued by Councilman Paul Koretz's office].

Goodbye, Ray Bradbury: Councilmember Koretz helped honor Ray Bradbury at City Hall during his 90th birthday celebrations in October 2010

The world was saddened to hear that Ray Bradbury passed away on June 5 at the age of 91.  Larger-than-life and hero to millions, he was born in Illinois but was a true adopted son of Los Angeles, and the 5th Council District was proud to be his home.  Ray is survived by a large family, including daughters Susan Nixon, Ramona Ostergren, Bettina Karapetian and Alexandra Bradbury, and eight grandchildren.

Few people can be spoken of in the same breath as Ray Bradbury.   A prolific writer of short stories, essays, columns, scripts and books, he spent much of his time in our public libraries, where he wrote, read and created the works which will give him life far beyond normal measure, and which charmed and excited the imagination.  He as much as anyone invented and revolutionized science fiction, but always helped lure people to ask questions and feel wonder about what it means to be human.

It's fascinating to think of the momentous effect he had on countless readers, because he himself was fascinated by how individual lives and whole worlds can be transformed, momentously, by even a seemingly modest action or event - something to keep in mind whenever you contemplate whether or not to take part in some local cause or community effort. The idea that the fluttering of one butterfly could eventually have a hugely far-reaching ripple effect on future historic events first appeared in "A Sound of Thunder," a short story he wrote about time travel, back in 1952.

Ray grew up in LA.  He went to LA High and spent years at Palms-Rancho Park library and wrote one of his most famous works, Fahrenheit 451 at UCLA's Powell Library.  He rode his bicycle around town and had an encyclopedic knowledge of our streets and neighborhoods, something that was reflected in mysteries he wrote late in life.  He also worked with and was friends of some of L.A.'s most famous writers and other creative people, and so it's no surprise that he would also mentor many younger writers over the course of several generations.

Before he entered politics, Councilmember Koretz had thought of becoming a science fiction writer because he had been so inspired by reading the works of Ray Bradbury, so he will always treasure that he had the honor of meeting Ray on a few occasions. The Councilmember considered him a personal hero, not just due to the scope of his work but because of his love of people: each short story, novel and poem was a link to those that he knew and those he would touch only through the ink and paper.

Ray Bradbury once said: “We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.”  He was a believer in the amazing - and he will be dearly missed.

 Visits by President Obama and candidate Romney

President Obama has completed one of his Los Angeles visits, arriving the afternoon of Wednesday June 6 and leaving Thursday June 7.  This was not long after Republican presumptive presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, came to town for similar reasons.  And doubtless, there will be many more fundraising visits by both, between now and November.  Of course, each time such visits occur, there is much concern about doing what we can to minimize any hardship and delay endured by the people of Los Angeles. 

It is not always easy for LAPD, DOT and other governmental agencies to plan for presidential campaign journeys on our streets and freeways: due to obvious reasons of national security and public safety, information about motorcade routes is closely guarded and subject to change.  That said, the good news is that Councilmember Koretz and staff are determined to do whatever they can to ease the burden on CD 5, and so have talked with the Secret Service, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Sheriffs, California Highway Patrol and various local municipal policing organizations about such matters. There is a real and shared interest regarding what we can do to improve communications and allow for the earlier release of information, done in a responsible manner while giving the public more time to plan ahead, adjust plans and avoid any transit hangups. Constructive dialogue is occurring with interjurisdictional meetings being scheduled.

 Century City BID: Over the last three years, the BID has kept all of Century City clean, safe and beautiful

The City Council on Friday, June 8th paved the way for a ten-year extension of the Century City Business Improvement District (BID). Over the last three years, the BID has kept all of Century City clean, safe and beautiful. What the BID has done can easily be seen:  courtesy security patrols that assist residents and visitors to Century City alike, new and immaculately maintained landscaping and medians, new sleek pedestrian benches, trash and debris clean-up as well as clean sidewalks. Major upgrades to the iconic Century City fountains and entry are now underway by the BID.

The Century City BID should be applauded, not only for the great aesthetic and safety improvements but also for the fact this has all been done under budget. The BID has been so efficient with its funds that assessments for property owners will be going down next year. The BID staff, the entire governing board and particularly Executive Director Sara Bilger should all be applauded for their management success.  The City Council's June 8th vote in support of the BID is not the final step in the process of granting a ten-year extension, and local property owners and other constituent interests will have a later opportunity to weigh in.

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) provide a structured mechanism to help businesses beautify our commercial corridors and otherwise contribute to improving the customer draw, the customer experience and overall local quality of life.  Other BIDs within Council District 5 include Westwood with new BIDs in the start-up process for Sherman Oaks, La Cienega, Melrose, and 3rd Street.

 Metro moves forward on preparation for construction of the Westside Subway Construction

As previously reported, the majority of the members of the Metro board voted on May 24th to approve the second and third phases of the Westside Subway Extension through Century City and Westwood.  The Metro board agreed with Councilmember Koretz that the Century City station at Constellation Ave. and the Avenue of the Stars was the best location for subway ridership and the only safe alternative for the project.  The board rejected the arguments made by Beverly Hills community members that the route under Beverly Hills High School was unsafe.  Subsequently, two lawsuits have been filed against Metro on this issue by the Beverly Hills Unified School District and the City of Beverly Hills.  Representatives of Metro are confident that Metro will eventually prevail as the lawsuit moves forward.

Pink's – good guys: Pink's participate in a fundraiser for The March of Dimes

Pink's Famous Hot dogs is a world-renowned 5th Council District 5 landmark.  Pink's is a family owned hot stog stand, at the corner of Melrose and La Brea, that's been dishing out the wieners, sauerkraut, red onions and other culinary niceties since 1939.  It is rare that one doesn't see a line of hungry and expectant customers lined up there, hungry and eager to chow down.  But Pink's doesn't just feed countless customers: the business and its people also devote time and resources to charities and community causes.

That's why it was no surprise, but still a delight, to see Pink's in action, directly across from City Hall, participating in a fundraiser for The March of Dimes, with city employees also taking part as volunteers.  Thanks for all that you do, Pink's!

Improving transportation throughout Los Angeles

Transportation improvements continue to take place across the region. For example, Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Antonio Villaraigosa have announced that on Wednesday, June 20 at 12 noon, Metro will officially open to the public both the Culver City Station and the Farmdale Station along the recently opened Metro Expo Line: the Culver City station, which is off of National Boulevard between Venice and Washington Boulevards, is close to many 5th Council District constituents.  In addition, it was announced that patrons boarding trains at both the Farmdale and Culver City Station will receive free passes to use the Expo Line on that day. The public opening of the Culver City Station coincides with Downtown Culver City’s Third Wednesday "Summer Solstice" Happy Hour which features special offers and free goodies from over 25 participating businesses throughout the downtown area, as well as outdoor entertainment and activities. (Of course, we heartily encourage Culver City residents to shop at our many great businesses in CD-5!)  The event takes place every third Wednesday of the month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Culver City.

Who doesn’t love a parade?
 
This weekend is full of important and fun LGBT events and festivities, so for more information, please visit http://lapride.org/.  On that site, you can also find out much information about the big parade on Sunday:  http://lapride.org/pride2012/parade.html.  Here is some of the parade information from that site – have a wonderful time, marchers and observers alike!

Time & Route

Where do you run in to thousands of your nearest and dearest in Los Angeles? At the annual LA PRIDE Parade, set to step off this year on Sunday, June 10, at 11:00 a.m.

With over 400,000 participants, spectators and marchers, this emotionally charged experience, gathers together a colorful and diverse look at our creative community showcasing all that is great about the LGBT community. 

Attendees should plan to arrive early.

Traffic will be closed on Santa Monica Blvd. between Fairfax Ave. and Doheny Dr. starting at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 10. Santa Monica Blvd. will re-open immediately at the end of the end of the Parade, which may be as late as 4:00 p.m.

Parking

Parking and traffic congestion on Parade day in West Hollywood is impossible at best; any vehicles parked illegally will be towed away. Suggested parking areas include East of Fairfax, Pacific Design Center, the Kings Road parking structure, and the Beverly Center. Parking permits in West Hollywood are waived from 7:00 a.m. Saturday to 7:00 a.m. Monday.

Special Services

Christopher Street West will provide a prime, covered, viewing area on the parade route, with a special parking area for people with disabilities. Parking will be close to the viewing area and will not be blocked off in case you wish or need to leave before the end of the parade. This service is free of charge and is available ONLY by special permit. Permits and directions to the parking and viewing areas can be obtained by contacting the Christopher Street West office at (323) 969-8302 x18.