Councilman LaBonge's Weekly Newsletter

[The information below was provided by the Office of Councilman Tom LaBonge.]

Grand Opening of Fire Station 82 in Hollywood

Councilman LaBonge was joined by Councilman Garcetti and Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian Cummings to preview the Grand Opening ceremonies for Fire Station 82 in Hollywood.  The 3-story, state of the art facility replaces a much older, nearby station.  Your Los Angeles Fire Department will hold a community grand opening event on Saturday, June 2nd at the station, located on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Van Ness Avenue.  Mayor Villaraigosa, top fire officials, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore will join CouncilmemberLaBonge at this fun community event.  There will be fire station tours, fire-safety displays, a helicopter flyover, live music, food and refreshments, a Jump-House, face-painting and "Wilshire" the Fire Dog.

Councilmembers LaBonge and Garcetti stand atop the new Fire Station 82.  You can see the station's "Green Roof" in the background, which will reduce energy consumption.  Fire Station 82 is currently in Council District 4 -- represented by Mr. LaBonge.  After July 1st, the station will be within Council District 13 -- represented by Mr. Garcetti.  But -- as the LAFD is quick to point out -- the fire department serves the entire City of Los Angeles without regard to Council boundaries.

Tesla Avenue Sidewalk Construction gets UnderwayTo improve the safety of the Silver Lake Walking Path, construction of the new and long-awaited Tesla Avenue sidewalk begins on June 4th.  The construction will take place through about mid-October 2012.  Pedestrians will be detoured around Tesla Avenue during this period.  Walkers and joggers will have to continue on Armstrong Avenue to West Silver Lake Drive ... or, if coming the opposite direction, take West Silver Lake Drive to Armstrong Avenue.
In addition, vehicle traffic on Tesla Avenue will only be allowed west-bound toward West Silver Lake Drive.  East-bound traffic will be detoured onto Armstrong Avenue, then left onto West Silver Lake Drive.  No parking will be allowed on Tesla Avenue during the construction period.  DWP has installed signs that lay-out the detour route.  As always, safety is our top priority.  Please drive carefully and pay attention to those enjoying a walk or a job in the neighborhood.
If you have any questions, please contact our Silver Lake area Field Deputy Mary Rodriguez at mary.d.rodrigues@lacity.org

Activating a new Traffic Signal at 3rd Street and Manhattan Avenue

Councilman Labonge and officials from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation stand at the intersection of 3rd Street and Manhattan Avenue at a ceremony to activate the new Tri-Light Signal there.  Councilman LaBonge secured the funds to install the much-needed light, using Council District 4's share of AB-1290 Funds.  There are two elementary schools whose families must cross the busy intersection to get to and from school, and the new signal will make it much safer for everyone.

Councilman LaBonge stands with principals from Charles Kim Elementary School and St. Brendan's School -- along with St. Brendan's students -- at 3rd and Manhattan, where the new Tri-Light traffic-signal was activated this week.


No Idle Savings
In an effort to save the City of Los Angeles money, CouncilmemberLaBonge introduced a motion this week, instructing the Department of General Services to report with recommendations on the City enforcing a "No Idle Rule" on all City owned vehilces (exempting emergency vehicles - LAPD, LAFD, DWP).  
The City -- through Fleet Services -- oversees approximately 11,000 vehicles. If 100 vehicles idled 1 hour less a day, we could save roughly $5 million in gasoline.  A vehicle idling for an hour wastes one gallon of gasoline.
This motion has been referred to the Information Technology & General Services Committee which meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 9am in room 1010.  The Committee is Chaired by Councilmember Perry.
Click here to read the entire motion

Community Safety Meeting at John Burroughs Middle School
Councilman LaBonge hosted a community meeting this week, addressing a recent uptick in what police are calling "Knock Knock" burglaries in the areas covered by the Wilshire and Olympic Divisions of the Los Angeles Police Department.  Senior Lead Officers from both of those divisions were on-hand to update the residents who turned-out for the meeting at John Burroughs Middle School.
Click here to see a story on the meeting in the Larchmont Buzz


Saying No to Tobacco in the City of Los Angeles on "World No Tobacco Day 2012"

Councilman LaBonge and City Attorney Carmen Trutanich this week helped mark "World No Tobacco Day 2012" during a news conference in the City Hall Rotunda on May 31st.  Los Angeles City and County officials and health advocates worked to raise awareness about best policies and future resources needed to keep California at the fore-front of curbing youth smoking.  The gathering was highlighted by a speech by Dr. Victor DeNoble, who was the first whistleblower to testify before Congress about his research while working for the tobacco industry.  There was also a screening of "Addiction Incorporated", a documentary about Dr. DeNoble and his trailblazing stand against Big Tobacco.
See a Trailer for "Addiction Incorporated"

Memorial Day 2012 in Los Angeles

Councilman LaBonge delivered the keynote address at this year's Memorial Day Ceremony at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills on Monday.  The event is one of the best Memorial Day observances in the Southland, with a brass-band and veterans from wars going back to World War II.  Mayor Villaraigosa was on-hand to issue the Presidential Proclamation, as was LA City Controller Wendy Greuel.

Upcoming Events

Community Grand Opening of LAFD Fire Station 82
Saturday, June 2nd, 2012
10am - 2pm
5769 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028


Bureau of Sanitation, Open House at North Central Yard
Saturday, June 2, 2012
9am - 230pm
LA Dept. of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation
North Central District Yard
425 N. San Fernando Rd.
Los Angeles
Click here for more info

Franklin Village Festival
Sunday, June 3rd, 2012
12pm - 8pm
5900 block of Franklin Ave.
Featuring live music, food from our local restaurants, vendors, an art garden, animal rescue, children's activities and more! Proceeds to benefit Cheremoya Elementary, P.A.T.H. (people assisting the homeless) and H.E.L.P.
Click here for more info


Hope for Firefighters
Thursday June 7, 2012
11:30am -- 230pm
333 South Hope Street
(between 3rd and Hope Pl.)
Los Angeles, CA 90071
A fun, fire-fighting based competition benefitting the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association's
Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen's Fund
Come out and cheer-on "TeamLaBonge" as they compete for a good cause.
Admission is Free.
Enjoy delicious



Tour LaBonge Bike Summer Bike Series "Saddles-Up"
Councilman LaBonge will be leading his Summer Bike Rides starting this month.  The first ride is tentatively planned for June 14th through the streets of downtown Los Angeles.
Stay tuned for more details.

Free Family Movie Night
Toluca Lake Elementary School will be opening its auditorium Friday Night, June 1st for a free screening of "The Muppets".  
Doors open at 5:30pm
Showtime:  6:30pm
PTA Volunteers will be selling popcorn, hot dogs, candy and soft drinks and raffling-off three family-themed prize packages.
Toluca Lake Elementary
4840 Cahuenga Blvd.
North Hollywood
818.761.3339.

Betty White at Madame Tussaud's
"America's Sweetheart" Betty White will have a wax likeness unveiled at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Hollywood on Monday, June 4th, 2012.
2pm
6933 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
The 90-year old actress is the oldest person ever to sit for Madame Tussauds' artists for a wax rendering.
Get tickets online

Native Voices at the Autry
Hear three new works by Native American Playwrights on-stage at the Autry National Center's Wells Fargo Theater. 
"The Hummingbirds", the story of three musician sisters, at 730pm on Friday June 1st.
"The Bird House" is a dramatic tale about a preacher and his sisters, sorting through the past while facing an uncertain future .
Saturday, June 2nd at 2:00pm
Then at 7:30pm on Saturday, June 2nd, the upbeat, Broadway-style "Distant Thunder:  A Native American Musical" takes the stage.
Readings are free, but reservations are recommended.
Secure a Seat
or call 323.667.2000, ext. 354

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