Councilman Eric Garcetti's Weekly Newsletter: Pension Reform Update, Calls for Volunteers and Visits Goose

Here at Hollywood Patch we thought it would be helpful to readers to start posting City Council President Eric Garcetti's newsletter. Garcetti, who represents a portion of Hollywood, keeps residents informed of his happenings via this e-newsletter. For direct delivery, visit his website and fill out the subscription form.

PENSION REFORM MOVES FORWARD

On Friday, the Los Angeles City Council finalized pension system reforms related to thousands of the men and women who are sworn officers of the Los Angeles Police Department.  The reforms will save Los Angeles taxpayers $316 million over the next three years and come on the heels of recently enacted reforms related to the City's civilian workforce that will save $254 million over the next three years. 

"In Los Angeles, we're taking strong steps toward structural reforms to save taxpayer dollars and ensure the city's long-term fiscal health," said Los Angeles City Council President Garcetti. 

On Friday, shortly after the Council acted on police officer pension reform, Council President Garcetti received word that the markets were assessing the City the lowest interest rates in history -- a move that will save taxpayers millions of dollars.  In addition, the financial market's response is a strong indication of approval of the reforms.

Earlier this year, Council President Garcetti led action to ensure the City's budget was balanced without borrowing and that at the same time that taxpayer costs were being reduced, services provided to the people of Los Angeles would actually increase.

GARCETTI JOINS ECHO PARK COMMUNITY FOR VISIT WITH NEIGHBORHOOD GOOSE

Council President Garcetti joined Echo Park community members during a visit to the neighborhood's beloved goose, Maria, at his new home in the Winnick Family Children's Zoo section of the Los Angeles Zoo.

Earlier this year, Maria moved to the zoo in advance of the start of a major rehabilitation project at Echo Park (read more about the project here) that will include temporarily draining the lake. Garcetti's office worked with Echo Park community leaders and the Los Angeles Zoo to arrange for Maria's transfer to his new location. His move-in date was accelerated after media attention around Maria's potential homelessness led to threats to his safety at the lake. A visit with the zoo's chief veterinarian led to the discovery that Maria is male -- not female as the community previously believed him to be.

Maria, who is keeping his name, now has a private lawn and pool. His best human friend, Dominic (pictured with Garcetti at right), visits him nearly every day and is happy that Maria is in a safe environment where he'll make thousands of new friends.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR LEMON GROVE CLEAN-UP

Volunteers are needed for a community clean-up at the Lemon Grove Tunnel on Saturday, July 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will meet at the Lemon Grove Recreation Center (4959 Lemon Grove Ave.) to receive instructions and assignments. The event will also include resource booths, lunch for those who volunteer, and music.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves and wear a hat and sunscreen.

Click here to RSVP online or call the Garcetti Hollywood District Office at 323-957-4500.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• On July 7 and 8, catch the last two days of the Central City Action Committee’s annual rummage sale from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Edgeware Road Fire Station in Echo Park. Proceeds will support the non-profit organization’s summer recreational programming for local kids.

• Mark your calendars for the 18th Annual Los Feliz Village Street Fair on Sunday, July 24, from 11 A.M. to 10 P.M on Hollywood Boulevard between Vermont Ave. and Hillhurst Avenue. Enjoy fabulous food from Los Feliz restaurants, wine and beer gardens, live music, dancing lessons, artistic exhibits, street painting displays, a ‘Green Scene’ eco-showcase, a mind-body-spirit pavilion and a fashion festival with runway shows. Bring the whole family -- there will be carnival rides and other attractions for kids.