Group Calls for Yaroslavsky Replacement

A coalition of San Fernando Valley residents and business leaders advocating appointment of an interim representative to replace departing Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky is picking up City Council support, a leader of the group said Friday.

The recently formed Coalition for a Voting Representative for the 5th District held a news conference Friday outside Yaroslavsky’s Sherman Oaks office to ask that the council appoint someone to replace the councilman, who joins the County Board of Supervisors next month. An election to replace him will not be held until June, leaving the district without a vote on the City Council until then.

The group seeking an interim replacement hung a huge yellow sign on Yaroslavsky’s door reading: “Vacant as of Dec. 5, 1994.”

As evidence that their campaign has begun to make an impact, members of the group noted that Council President John Ferraro, who has adamantly opposed the idea of an appointed representative, has said recently that he would support the appointment if it is favored by a council majority.

The coalition, which is made up of influential business and homeowners groups, also said that Councilwoman Laura Chick, who represents nearby west Valley communities, has voiced her support for an interim representative. A Chick spokesman confirmed Friday that she backs the group’s goal.

“We are seeing more and more support as we show them this coalition of people who want representation,” said Fred Gaines, a member of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn., one of several business and homeowners organizations that make up the group.

City officials have thus far opted to leave the seat vacant, naming Ron Deaton, the city’s chief legislative analyst, to run the day-to-day operations of the district. Deaton will not have a vote.