Sheriff to Speak to Residents’ Group

Los Angeles County Sheriff Sherman Block will speak on crime and safety issues at Tuesday’s meeting of the Studio City Residents Assn.

Block, who has been sheriff since 1982 and is seeking a fifth term, will appear as part of the association’s “Partners Against Crime” program. Through this program, the association and law enforcement agencies work together to address residents’ concerns.

In the past, issues have included noise and traffic.

Each month at the meeting, Officer John Caprarelli updates residents on the status of crime in Studio City.

Also on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting is the Valley Gardeners project. Since the 1994 Northridge earthquake, those involved in the project, started by resident Lynn Marquardt, have been on a mission to plant and maintain flowers along the Los Angeles River. The Valley Gardeners are now attempting to secure funds to increase their work on the property.

Association members will also speak on the status of the possible merger of Hughes Family Markets with the Ralphs Grocery Co. Association members oppose the merger, fearing it would give Ralphs a monopoly in the area and stimulate price increases.

There will also be an update of the Valley secession movement, which was recently opposed by Mayor Richard Riordan, who urged that secession proponents turn their energies toward getting the most for the Valley out of city government.

Tuesday’s meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Carpenter Avenue Elementary School Auditorium, 3909 Carpenter Ave., Studio City.