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Regional City Budget Hearings Begin Tonight in Van Nuys

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At an L.A. City Council meeting in Van Nuys City Hall | Photo by alexbcthompson via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr

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The "B" in the word budget takes on so much more than its usual banal meaning these days for Los Angeles officials. The looming possibility of a billion dollar deficit within a few years and the predictions that the city will file for bankruptcy this Spring have brought such a boring subject into a bothersome, yet breathtaking light.

The City Council's Budget and Finance Committee tonight begins a series of community budget meetings. Instead of convening at city hall during daytime hours as usual, the hearings will be held at night in different locations around the city. "These meetings will provide residents the opportunity to hear about current fiscal challenges and discuss their budget priorities directly with Councilmembers and staff," stated a notice from Committee Chair Bernard Parks' office.

Tonight's 6 p.m. meeting will be held at the Van Nuys City Hall. Future hearings will take place in the West, East and South L.A. regions. Other committee members include Councimembers Greig Smith, Jose Huizar, Paul Koretz and Bill Rosendahl.

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