Korenstein to Run for Bernson’s Seat

Los Angeles school board member Julie Korenstein said Friday that she will challenge incumbent City Council member Hal Bernson for his 12th District seat in the April 12 primary.

Despite mounting troubles in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Korenstein, 47, said traffic congestion and other problems caused by overdevelopment in the north San Fernando Valley is prompting her bid.

“I feel a great responsibility to our school district and our children, but my feeling is there is another responsibility to make an aggressive attempt to save the Northwest Valley,” Korenstein said.

Korenstein, who won a four-year term to the school board 18 months ago, would have to give up her school board position only if she wins the council seat. A council win would trigger a special school board election to fill Korenstein’s unexpired term.