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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
