LACMA takes shape: Phase 1 opens next February

The LACMA expansion is “on time and on budget,” said the museum’s Don Battjes, who lead a tour for Councilmember LaBonge and his staff of the construction site where the new Eli Broad wing to house his collection of contemporary art is fast being completed for its scheduled February 8, 2008 gala opening. The 65,000-square foot marble-faced building will be the centerpiece of an expanded and re-envisioned art complex that will also include a new entryway, 750-car underground parking structure and reorganized galleries. While Phase I is being completed, fundraising is already underway for Phase II that will include new exhibition space to be built above the garage and a gutted and retrofitted May Co. building that will eventually house administrative offices, gift shop and restaurant. One of the more eye-popping features of the new entry will be a suspended full size rail car.

Phase II of Griffith Park recovery outlined

Councilmember LaBonge called another community meeting Wednesday night to update Griffith Park stakeholders and area residents for a briefing by the National Weather Service, Dept. of Recreation and Parks and LAFD on what they can next expect in terms of activity over the fall/winter months. Phase II of the Griffith Park Recovery Plan, managed by RAP, is the hydromulching of 500 of the 1,000 or so charred acres to help prevent erosion and mudslides. The process involves spraying a wet, seedless mulch by helicopter and from trucks over the scorched areas, a method that has met with success in other fire-ravaged parks in Southern California. The activity is expected to commence in October and completed within weeks. RAP reviewed progress for Phase I including the installation of debris barriers and clearing of check dams.

Attendees also heard a presentation by the National Weather Service regarding flash flood potential in burn areas if the rains return this winter. The potential for disaster is much greater in urban areas, said spokesperson Eric Boldt, cautioning residents to be prepared. Asst. LAFD Chief Fry gave the final talk assuring residents the LAFD has great resources to assist in all manner of emergencies.

$50K offered for leads in brutal La Brea murder

A $50K reward to help the LAPD in its investigation to apprehend the suspect in the brutal murder of a clerk on July 19 at the Lime Light Liquor on N. La Brea was announced this Thursday by Councilmember LaBonge.

The victim was a recent immigrant, enrolled in LACC to learn English and had a wife and two small children back in his native Tajekestan. “This is a tragedy beyond measure right here at the crossroads of the Street of Dreams, Hollywood Boulevard,” said Councilmember LaBonge. “We encourage all tipsters to call the LAPD so we can apprehend this very bad individual.” For tips, call detectives at 213.972.2913.

9/11

A "United We Plant" Ceremony was held this morning at the Hollywood City Hall with Councilmember LaBonge in memory of those who died six years ago in the Sept. 11 disaster. On the sun-bathed corner of Cole and Fountain avenues, a garden of newly planted flowers and trees was unveiled planted in memory of the NYC firefighters and police officers s the thousands of victims who lost their lives at the World Trade Center.