LaBonge Reports to Hollywood Chamber,
Entertainment District Recognized

Councilman Tom LaBonge, who represents a large portion of residential Hollywood, provided his “Tips on the Town” at a Hollywood Chamber of Commerce general membership luncheon on Thursday, November 9th, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd.

The Chamber also used the occasion to honor the Hollywood Entertainment District, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

LaBonge, who has represented Hollywood since 2001, is a native of Silver Lake.  Informally, he is often referred to as “Mr. Los Angeles” for his deep knowledge and enthusiasm for his native community.  His lengthy biography includes a 15-year stint as Chief Field Deputy to the late Council President John Ferraro, seven years in the administration of Mayor Richard Riordan, and as Director of Community Relations for the L.A. Dept. of Water and Power.

Among the issues that LaBonge addressed before the Chamber were sharing his expertise on how to get things done at City Hall, the latest information on transportation issues for the Hollywood area, an update on tourism and a revised route for the Los Angeles Marathon through Hollywood.  He also gave his spin on the results of the state and local election which occurred two days before the luncheon.

The Chamber also honored the Hollywood Entertainment District, which is considered one of the most successful business improvement districts (BID) in the City of Los Angeles.  The Chamber played a significant role in the formation of the original BID, raising the money for a feasibility study and leading the petition drive that ultimately led to its creation.  The BID’s security patrols and closed-circuit cameras to the police station have resulted in a substantial reduction of crime within the district, thus spurring a renaissance in the business district.