Sam Humeid
for
Studio City At Large Stake Holder 2012

Voting locally, impacts globally.

Growing up in Southern California, Studio City has always been a part of my life. From hiking the hills to working the film sets, and now as a small business owner on Ventura Boulevard, I feel privileged to be part of this progressive and evolving community.  As a SCNC committee member - January – April 2012, I witnessed the Neighborhood Council conquer monumental tasks with efficiency and grace.  This fluidity in local government is partially why Studio City is the envy of the San Fernando Valley.  I was inspired to run for a board member seat after observing open dialogue between the local community and the Council Members, turn into progress and action. As a candidate for the At-large Stakeholder seat, I will continue this momentum and focus on community progress rather than personal or special interests.  I will stand for what is right, not for what is “Right Now.”  I will make Studio City a better place for and your family.

In the early 1920’s, Studio City did not have much more than a few small businesses, a grocery store, drug store and a bank.  In the late 1920’s, major film & television came to town sparking a legacy of prosperity.  Flash forward 90 years……music studios, top rated schools, award winning architecture, incredible shopping, a mecca for amazing restaurants and a renowned haven for artists, makes Studio City the quintessential Los Angeles suburb.  With your help and as your Neighborhood Council Member, we will take Studio City to its next level of historical significance.  On September 20, 2012 - Vote for Sam Humeid, for SCNC At-large Stakeholder.

I wish to thank everyone who has spoken to me personally or sent an email to ExpressYourself@Sam4SCNC.com. Based on your comments, I have narrowed down four of our cities major issues.  Those issues and my plan to revitalize Studio City are:

1)      The entertainment industry and the local economy

Studio City is the perfect filming backdrop for “Anywhere USA.” However, local filming restrictions, and the costs associated, make sending local jobs to “Somewhere Else USA,” an easy alternative for producers.  I will work with Los Angeles City Council and the Los Angeles Film Commission to relax filming restrictions and fees.  I will bridge the gap between entertainment production companies and local business/home owners to keep entertainment jobs in Studio City.

2)      Cultural Affairs

Studio City is not just about film & television.  The art and music industry are the unsung heroes of the local economy.  Many live music venues and art exhibits in Studio City expand our culture, heritage and worldwide mark.  The legendary Frank Zappa had his former studio and home at the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Ventura Boulevard.  Radio Traffic, a local band with a hit single featuring Snoop Dogg (Lion) as well as many other bands, got their start in the former Zappa studios.   A major music and art festival, worthy of drawing visitors from as far away as Laguna Beach and Palm Springs, is necessary to promote creative and economic growth locally.  I will bring that kind of fresh energy to Studio City.

3)      Parks and Environment

Our open spaces and local parks are in total disarray and in danger of closure to the public.  The parks and hiking trails around Studio City are part of what make our community such a great place to live in and visit.  As the Los Angeles City Council continues to cut budgets to keep essential services functioning properly, our parks and trails are suffering. 

Instead of having a lushly vegetative river walk through Studio City, we have another unfinished civic project cleverly disguised in fish netting and hay. With my agricultural connections and with the support of residents and local businesses, I will create a “River Walk Adoption Program” to promote pride in Studio City. With my plan, we can make Studio City beautiful without using precious tax revenue.

Laurel Canyon Dog Park is a favorite locale for our four legged family members.  However, instead of being a well-kept calling card to encourage pet owners to visit and shop in Studio City; it is a dirt bowl sending potential visitors home to bathe their pets instead of spending time in our pet friendly community.  As the proud owner of two rescue dogs, I will fight to re-establish our little buddies’ favorite hangout.

4)      Traffic

According to the 2008 Los Angeles Department of City Planning estimates, Studio City has a population of 37,201 and a density of 5,395 people per square mile, among the lowest densities for the city of Los Angeles. 

Actual Citizen Question: THEN WHY DOES IT TAKE 45 MINUTES TO GET FROM VINELAND TO WHITSETT AT 5PM?

Standard Answer: Because Studio City is such a diverse place, it is home to tens of thousands of daily and nightly commuters.  That’s just how it is.

Sam’s Answer: LA’s highway and byway infrastructure is completely out of date.  “Secret Squirrel” routes like Laurel Canyon have become the new 405/Sepulveda overpass, Ventura Boulevard is the new 101 Freeway, and the alleys behind your homes have become raceways to bypass traffic.  As a community we must put more pressure on the Los Angeles City Council to police our streets, find more Federal funds to expand our surrounding freeways and take the traffic danger out of our neighborhoods.

How can I make the good things in Studio City better? Want me to investigate the issues that are important to you?  Want me to be your best representative possible? Email me your concerns, fears, suggestions and elements of Studio City Pride at ExpressYourself@Sam4SCNC.com

Have a question for me as a candidate?  Email me at Get2Knowme@Sam4SCNC.info and visit www.Sam4SCNC.info

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