Drayman to Work on City Photo Book

The Glendale City Council asked Councilman John Drayman to work with city staff to develop a budget and guidelines for a book project chronicling a day in the life of Glendale.

Drayman, who originally proposed the project, asked that former councilman Rafi Manoukian be invited to participate, and the council agreed. "He and I came up with this idea together," Drayman explained.

The book would have photos taken by amateurs and professionals showing a day in the life of the city. Under Drayman's proposal, final selection of pictures for the book would be made by the council.

Drayman and his colleagues agreed to drop an idea brought in through the staff report for the city to buy cameras and make them available for use. That idea would cost an estimated $12,500.

"We'll get plenty of pictures," he said, emphasizing this will not be a photo contest.

Drayman said the book may cost an estimated $75 to $100 to purchase. He said he wanted to direct any profits to the special collections section of the library.

Councilman Bob Yousefian suggested that the Glendale and Montrose chambers of commerce be invited to participate in the project. Drayman said he would welcome support from community groups, but wanted the city to retain control.

The councilman modestly denied he was a photographer, a term assigned by other council members. "I run a photo restoration shop," he said.

— Charles Cooper