Starting September 12th, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Blue September are lighting-Blue major Los Angeles landmarks -- such as the famous pylons at LAX, the Capitol Records building in Hollywood, the Ferris Wheel on the Santa Monica Pier, and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, among others. Friday at nightfall, iconic Los Angeles City Hall goes blue in a special ceremony in the Tom Bradley room atop the building. It'll stay lit all weekend long to promote awareness of Prostate Cancer, a major American health problem. This year, more than 240,000 new cases of prostate cancer are projected to be diagnosed in the U.S. and more than 33,000 American will die as a result. Worldwide, more than 16 million men and their families are challenged by prostate cancer.
Dan Zenka from the Prostate Cancer Foundation -- also a prostate cancer patient -- and Councilman LaBonge "Go Blue" at Los Angeles City Hall
Remembering 9/11 ... Ten Years Later
Councilmember Tom LaBonge was joined by LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, City Controller Wendy Greuel, Councilman Paul Krekorian and LA Fire Chief Brian Cummings for a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial to the California Victims of the terror attacks on the ten-year anniversary last Sunday. United We Plant helped organize the event, planting trees to add to the beautiful memorial grove of trees honoring 9/11 victims, not only at North Hollywood Park, but throughout the City of Los Angeles. Hundreds of people turned-out for the ceremony, which included music, poetry, a dove release, helicopter flyover and remarks by elected officials.
LAFD Water-Dropping Helicopters fly-over the 9/11 Memorial Grove at North Hollywood Park during a 10-year Remembrance Ceremony on September 11.
Brian Cummings confirmed as new Los Angeles City Fire Chief
The Los Angeles City Council has confirmed Brian Cummings as Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, approving the Mayor's choice of the veteran firefighter. Chief Cummings has risen through the ranks, and served as Interim Chief after the retirement of former Chief Millage Peaks earlier this year. Chief Cummings is from a family of firefighters. His father served the department for 30 years, and his brother is currently a firefighter in the LA Harbor area. Congratulations Chief Cummings!
Chief Cummings (center) poses with the Los Angeles City Council in the John Ferraro Council Chambers at Los Angeles City Hall after the vote to confirm him as LAFD Chief.
Earthquake Preparedeness Tip of the Week
GIVE BLOOD REGULARLY
According to the Southern California Chapter of the American Red Cross, there is a 3-5 day blood supply in Los Angeles County at any one time. There is a constant need for whole blood in case of disaster or emergency in our area. The Red Cross manages our blood supply, conducting 30 to 40 blood drives annually. A massive earthquake will overwhelm our ability to meet the need for blood and plasma, so it's very important that we all do our part and GIVE BLOOD. Councilman LaBonge just gave blood this week at LA City Hall, and then went on with his busy workday. You can too!
Click here to find out about donating blood
Honoring the Blank Theater Group for 20 Years
(from left: Eric Garcetti, Noah Wylie, Norma Henning, Daniel Henning, Barbara Leigati, Tom LaBonge, Jann Cobler, Ed Murphy, Ken Werther)
Councilman LaBonge and Council President Eric Garcetti honored the main players in the Blank Theater Company this week for 20 years of offering thought-provoking live theater to the Los Angeles Community. The Blank Theater provides a nurturing environment for new work, encouraging young artists to develop their craft in a safe, nurturing environment. Congratulations to the Blank Theater Group on a successful 20-years ... and another 20 years to come.
Click here for more information on The Blank Theater
CD4 Beautification Efforts
Councilmember Tom LaBonge employs two men whose job it is to keep Council District 4 looking good. Sylvan De La Cruz and Manuel Bonilla are the Beautification Team for whom no job is too large or small. They get the word from one of our Field Deputies or the Councilman himself and scramble to the scene to clean-it-up. Here are Before and After photos of one of many recent jobs they've done. Great Work, Guys!
"Before" -- SW corner of 4th and Vermont
SW corner of 4th and Vermont -- "After"
Headworks Grading and Foundation Work Finished
Great news from the DWP on Headworks Foundation Improvement Work - The Sliver Lake Replacement Project, Headworks East Reservoir foundation improvement for a new 55 million-gallon reservoir was completed two months ahead of schedule on September 10. For this project, over 450,000 cubic yards of soil was excavated and classified, 340,000 cubic yards of processed soil was placed and compacted, and approximately 750 compaction tests were taken. The project faced many obstacles, and these were overcome through good communication and cooperation between the technical groups and the construction section within LADWP. Some of the issues that were dealt with include getting approval from state regulators, rain delays and storm damage, and abandonment of existing large diameter inversion wells.
