Tom LaBonge with his wife, Brigid, and their two children, Mary-Catherine & Charles.
“My mission is to help and provide leadership and guidance in matters of civic life that will promote healthy neighborhoods, foster community spirit and involvement and a sense of pride for all residents of this great City of Los Angeles.
I, and my staff, share a philosophy of teamwork and collaboration that emphasizes responsiveness, compassion, professionalism and a desire to provide the best in city services. Our pledge is to exemplify good government practices to earn your respect and admiration no matter how big or small the issue.
My love for Los Angeles knows no limits and I strive each day to be the most responsible and responsive representative at City Hall helping to develop and execute initiatives that will maintain, enhance and beautify our unique communities-both for the 4th District as well as the city at large.”
- Tom LaBonge
Tom LaBonge was born October 6, 1953 at Queen of Angels Hospital, the seventh of eight boys born to Mary Louise Learnihan LaBonge & Robert LaBonge of Silver Lake. Tom’s deep-felt love for the City of Angels was imparted to him by his parents whose families have roots reaching several generations in this city dating back to the 1880s.
Tom (second from right) with his seven brothers.
Tom graduated from Ivanhoe Elementary School in 1965, Thomas Starr King Middle School in 1968 and John Marshall High School in 1971 - all located in Silver Lake.
Tom’s love for football began in high school when he was captain of the John Marshall High School Varsity Football Team, later playing with Los Angeles City College and Cal Poly Pomona as an undergraduate. This passion helped him win a job with NFL Films that lasted for many years.
Tom with his older brothers receives a report from Ivanhoe principal, Mrs. Joiner.
His civic spirit was ignited as a teenager when he served on Mayor Tom Bradley’s Youth Council. “I remember how good I felt when I could help someone out. I just knew from the very beginning that this was going to be my life’s work - serving the people of Los Angeles in any way I could.”
Upon earning his undergraduate degree from Cal State Los Angeles, he joined the staff of Councilwoman Peggy Stevenson, 13th District, in 1976 - his first city job.
In 1978, he moved Council staffs to work for John Ferraro, Council President.
In 1979 Tom met his future wife, Brigid Manning, at the Palomino Club in North Hollywood.
As a council aide to John Ferraro for 15 years, Tom learned from the master who set the highest standard in the city in terms of an elected leader. As a 4th District field deputy, Tom learned the meaning and value of constituent service.
In his capacity as chief of field operations for Mayor Riordan, Tom oversaw a staff of deputies assigned to neighborhoods throughout every region of the 465-mile city and acted as the Mayor’s special representative at community events.
In 1997, Tom was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Los Angeles City Employee’s Association. andtook a job as Director of Community Relations at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Surrounded by his family, Tom LaBonge is sworn in as newly elected councilmember.
In 2001, upon the untimely death of John Ferraro, Tom won handily after a special election to represent the people of the 4th Council District. His priorities as an elected leader included neighborhood preservation and enhancement, improved transportation systems, mobility, public safety, expansion and improvement of parks and open space and beautification.
Tom was elected to his first four-year term in 2003 and second four-year term in 2007.
"Let's continue to enjoy and love the great City of Los Angeles!"
- Tom LaBonge