Griffith Park Summit Re-Named To Honor Tom LaBonge
GRIFFITH PARK The Mount Hollywood summit located above the Griffith Observatory was recently re-named in remembrance of Los Angeles Councilmember Tom LaBonge who passed away on Thursday, January 7 at the age of 67.
Known as “Mr. Los Angeles” by his colleagues, LaBonge worked at Los Angeles private sector since 1947 and served on the city council representing the 4th district from 2001-2015, according to his obituary.
Several Los Angeles public officials spoke on his impact of more than 40 years of public service including Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti who said on social media “Our city lost a giant, a leader who brought so much energy, enthusiasm, decency, and passion to the task of building a stronger, safer, fairer city. Tom held such genuine affection for everyone he met and served, and he loved the beauty, diversity, and dynamism of Los Angeles – and there’s no better way to remember, honor, and cherish him than
“Tom was so much more than a councilperson. He was 24/7 working for L.A. with tireless energy,” wrote Gerry Hans, president of the community organization Friends of Griffith Park, to KCET. LaBonge first worked for Mayor Tom Bradley’s youth program in 1974. Two years later, he was hired by Councilwoman Peggy Stevenson and, four years later, he went on to serve Councilman John Ferraro. He ran for city council in 1993 but lost. Instead, he became an aide to Mayor Richard Riordan. In 2000, he was hired by the Department of Water and Power. Eventually, in 2001, he was elected to the Los Angeles City Council, where he served until 2015.