Federal Ban Lifted on Subway Expansion

Mayor Villaraigosa, CMs Gruel, LaBonge, Weiss, and Rosendahl held a press conference at Union Station to announce a new push for a "Subway to the Sea" Thursday.

Congress approved lifting the ban on heavy rail construction in Los Angeles Wednesday, paving the way for expanding the subway, it was announced Thursday at a press conference at MTA headquarters at Union Station. "This is the proudest moment of my career so far," said Councilmember LaBonge who has been the leading advocate for taking the Red Line to the ocean along Wilshire Boulevard.

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Phase II Funding for Griffith Park Approved

A view of the city from Griffith Park early Thursday morning, where Phase II repairs have received funding and are slated to move forward.

The Los Angeles City Council today, Tuesday, Dec. 18, unanimously approved $1,155,000 to fund the second phase in the recovery of Griffith Park six months after a devastating fire scorched nearly 1,000 acres. The funds will be used to make repairs to storm drains and erect temporary fencing designed to catch debris should there be heavy rainfall.

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Marking the Winter Solstice

Sunset on the shortest day of the year as seen from the Griffith Observatory.

Join us this Friday, Dec. 21, at 4:30 p.m. as we mark the winter solstice while watching the sun set over the Pacific from the west deck of the Griffith Observatory. We will be joining Dr. Edwin C. Krupp, director of the observatory, as he explains the astronomical forces that create this annual event. If the sunset is anything like last year, it will be spectacular. Sunset is officially at 4:48 p.m.

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Silver Lake to be Drained

Silver Lake reservoir, shown here, as well as Elysian reservoir, has been isolated from the water system and will be drained shortly.

The LADWP reported today, Friday, that it will be draining both Silver Lake and Elysian reservoirs after the New Year due to unacceptable levels of bromate in the water. Although there is no immediate health risk, the water was diverted from the city's potable water supply system and is currently off-line. Silver Lake and Elysian reservoirs serve customers in South Los Angeles. These LADWP customers will receive potable water from other sources.

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LAPD NoHo "Hollywood Basket"

Share in the holiday spirit! Please join the men and women of the North Hollywood Police Station reach their goal of collecting food and toys to assist needy families this holiday season. Bring your new, unwrapped toy and/or non-perishable food donation to the NHWD Station at 11640 Burbank Blvd. For more info, call (818) 623-4001. Your kindness is appreciated!

Councilmember LaBonge's Joint School-Park Use initiative passes unanimously

Councilmember LaBonge speaks to the City Council on the need for a joint-use agreement with schools Wednesday

Councilmember Tom LaBonge led a panel discussion before the City Council today regarding a pilot program to allow joint use of select LAUSD campuses as community parks during after school hours and on weekends, which garnered unanimous support from the Council.

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Councilmember LaBonge dedicates signal at Odin & Cahuenga

Councilmember Tom LaBonge dedicated a full signal at Odin Street, Cahuenga Blvd. (east) and the Hollywood Freeway this past Monday, Dec. 10. This t-section intersection that connects a network of streets from the Hollywood Bowl, going under the Hollywood Freeway, to Cahuenga Boulevard on the east side, has been the scene of numerous accidents over the years. Prior to the signal installation, the intersection was confusing for motorists to figure out with three different traffic commands.

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Theft of Copper Wiring

The theft of copper wiring from our city's street light system has risen to alarming levels, leading Councilmember Tom LaBonge to call for the public's help in nabbing the thieves and for a task force to address ways to curb the problem. “This rash of copper wire theft is compromising the city’s ability to provide street lighting in our neighborhoods, which has a very negative impact in terms of public safety,” said Councilmember LaBonge who introduced a motion in Council Tuesday, Dec. 4, to address the issue.

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