NOTABLE QUOTABLES

“There are no winners here.”

— Judge Stan Blumenfeld of sentencing 37-year-old Yurie Park to three years probation for the death of 11-year-old Meri Nalbandyan, who was struck and killed by Park’s SUV in front of Toll Middle School.

?

“When we lose hope, we’ve lost.”

— Paula Devine, Commission on the Status of Women chairwomen, of not giving up on searching for loved ones who have gone missing.

?

“It’s just like another nail in the coffin.”

— Ron Smith, a sales representative at Bob Smith Toyota & Scion in La Crescenta, referring to the California’s vehicle license fee, which nearly doubled Tuesday as part of the state’s plan to solve its growing deficit. The increased fee was the latest challenge for car dealerships that are struggling through slumping demand and an increased state sales tax.

?

“It’s a huge relief.”

— Lilanya Curtis, community sales manager for condominium development Burbank Collection, which has sat largely empty for months until a recent price drop spurred a burst of buying activity.

?

“We’ve cut into the muscle and bone of our budget and are getting ready to amputate.”

— Police Chief Randy Adams on potential cuts to his department’s budget.

?

“If you care about this issue, the time to get involved is now.”

— Councilman Ara Najarian in calling on the community to oppose a possible underground tunnel connecting the Long Beach (710) and Foothill (210) freeways.

?

“We’re faced with challenges we’ve never been faced with before, at least in recent history.”

— City Manager Jim Starbird on the need to close a projected $9.7 million budget gap for next fiscal year.