Tom LaBonge Newsletter: HOLLYWOOD Sign, Tourists and Manga

Balancing Tourism Around the HOLLYWOOD Sign

If you've watched, read or heard the news this week, you've probably heard something about the challenges facing residents who live near the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign.  Councilmember LaBonge hears the complaints by residents fed-up with traffic, litter and increased fire danger due to cigarette smoking in the high fire-hazard zone.  He empathizes with the plight of residents who feel invaded by a constant stream of tourists following GPS navigation through the twisting, turning streets to get as close as possible to the landmark.  But the Councilman also realizes that people will keep coming to the sign on public streets despite the protests.  Mr. LaBonge supports tourism as a integral part of the Los Angeles economy, and wants to welcome visitors from all over the world who come to visit Los Angeles and the HOLLYWOOD Sign.  Therein lies the quandary.  In an effort to make sure all voices are heard and to come up with possible solutions, Councilman LaBonge hosted a community meeting at Hollywood City Hall this week, where a standing-room-only crowd of residents, city officials and the media discussed the problems and challenges of living near the HOLLYWOOD Sign.

Representatives from LAPD, LAFD, Parking Enforcement, City Attorney's Office, Council District 4 and Recreation and Parks were on-hand to address this difficult balancing act.  Later in the week, Councilman LaBonge held a meeting with tour-bus operators to discuss a management plan that might include a "Tour-Bus Code of Conduct".  This is an ongoing discussion; but Councilman LaBonge and his staff are focussed on finding concrete solutions to the residents' concerns.  Stay tuned.

Councilmember Tom LaBonge's CD4 "Education Collaboration"

Councilman LaBonge is dedicated to enhancing education through partnerships.  That's more important than ever in these challenging fiscal times.  As a product of LAUSD schools, the Councilman is proud to see that public schools still play an important role in the structure and stability of each community they serve.  But public education these days must include community support through powerful and all-inclusive collaboration with public and private partnerships.  Councilman LaBonge has worked hard in the past ten years to connect schools in Council District 4 with the city resources that are available to each and every Angeleno.  Whether it's implementing reading-gardens, creating field trips or enhancing school safety, the Councilman and his staff are on-hand to help all succeed.  For more information about what we can do to help your elementary, middle or high school succeed, contact our Education Deputies, Mary Rodriguez or Brigid Manning LaBonge at818.755.7630.


Earthquake Preparedness Tip of the Month

*Prepare Your School*
School is back in session all over southern California.  It's a good time to make sure your child's school is "Quake Ready".  Do they have a disaster plan?  Is there an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator on campus?  What supplies does the school have in case an earthquake happens during school hours?  Your principal should have these answers.  If not, take the initiative and help prepare your school for earthquakes by getting organized and well-stocked with emergency supplies.  
Click here for tips on getting your school quake-ready

A Blue Beacon on the Downtown Skyline

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (Blue September) and, last week, Councilman LaBonge helped flip the switch and light City Hall Blue for several days to promote Prostate Cancer Awareness.  Several other LA-area landmarks went blue for the event, including the Capitol Records building and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.  We're a little biased, but we think City Hall strikes the most dramatic effect against the night-sky.
for more information on Prostate Cancer, click here

Mangia, Mangia at the Feast of San Gennaro

Councilman LaBonge helped kick-off the 10th Annual Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro in Hollywood during Prima Notte festivities this week.  The Feast, celebrating the food, fun and culture of Italy, runs all weekend on Highland Avenue, south of Hollywood Boulevard.  Come on our and enjoy La Dolce Vita.