Tom LaBonge Newsletter: Tour Bus Code of Conduct, Seeking Volunteers and More

Councilman LaBonge calls for a "Tour Bus Code of Conduct"

With the recent -- and welcome -- increase in tourism to Los Angeles, and the entry of another major tour-bus operator from New York, the resulting competition has led to aggressive marketing and an increase in complaints from tourists and residents alike about the proliferation of tour operators and their practices. 

Councilmember LaBongeintroduced a motion this week -- seconded by the Council President Eric Garcetti -- to ensure that the tour-bus operators provide a safe and pleasant journey through our city, while respecting the neighborhoods they visit.  The motion calls for city officials to explore the feasability of creating a Tour Bus Management Plan that would include a Code of Conduct that must be observed by all tour-bus operators while doing business in the City of Los Angeles.  The need of restrictions against buses using microphones in the Hollywood Hills, would reduce unwanted noise for residents.  Additionally, restrictions concerning which streets are bus friendly will help traffic flow and keep buses out of residential areas.

Councilman LaBonge wants to give Student 
Film-Makers a Break 
Recognising the importance of the Film and Television Industry to the City of Los Angeles, and the value of nurturing the industry's future actors, producers, writers and film-makers, Councilmember LaBonge introduced a motion calling on the City to support student film-makers in any way possible, when it comes to filming within Los Angeles.  The motion calls for the C.A.O. and FilmLA to report on the feasability of lowering the fees for student films within the permitting process.  

Looking for a few Good Volunteers
With the City's ongoing fiscal problems in mind, Councilmember LaBonge introduced a motion to inspire volunteerism in our city parks.  The motion calls for the Department of Recreation and Parks to report back with recommendations on establishing a "Volunteer in the Parks" program, similar to the one operated by the National Park Service to further enhance Rec and Park's volunteer program and maximize volunteer service during this budget crisis.


New State-of-the-Art Parking Meters installed around the City of Los Angeles

Councilman LaBonge and Mayor Villaraigosa change-out an old parking meter with a new solar powered meter during a 2010 news conference
Councilmember LaBonge applauds the Los Angeles Department of Transportation for installing another 14000 new solar-powered "Coin and Card" parking meters around the city of Los Angeles.  Now, more than 75% of the nearly 40,000 parking meters have been switched over to these new state-of-the-art meters, which are simply mounted on the existing meter pole.  Powered by solar and wireless technology, these new "smart" meters obviate the need for some 100,000 AA batteries each year.  They also send a wireless "distress call" to a mobile technician if they've been damaged or vandalized, allowing the city to more efficiently maintain them.  The new meters are more accurate and offer a variety of curbside payment options, such as coins and credit-cards. 


Council creates $50,000 reward for information regarding shooting
On August 7th, Juan David Vasquez Loma was fatally shot by an unknown assailant in Silver lake.  On August 14th, Mr. Vasquez Loma succumbed to his injuries.  Councilman LaBonge cointroduced, with Councilman Eric Garcetti (CD-13), a motion on August 19 that creates a fifty thousand dollar monetary reward for information that leads to the arrest and convistion of the unknown shooter(s).  Detectives from the Northeast Division of LAPD are on the case and can be reached at 213-485-2566.  If you or someone you know has information regarding this case, please call the police tip line at 323-527-3247.


A Big Honor for Councilman LaBonge

Councilman LaBonge and his family, accepting the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, from Herr Wolfgang Drautz.
The Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Los Angeles, Herr Wolfgang Drautz, held a reception this week to honor Councilman LaBonge, at the Berlin Currywurst in Silverlake.  Herr Drautz presented Tom with the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.  This accolade represents the highest distinction Germany bestows upon any private individual, whether they be German or not.  The honor is awarded by the President of the Republic of Germany for outstanding achievement in political, cultural, economic, intellectual and/or philanthropic fields.  "I am extremely honored to be recognised in this way by the German Consulate in Los Angeles.  It's a reflection of our great partnership with Germany and lasting friendship with the German people.  We have a strong relationship with Berlin through our Sister City Program." said Councilman LaBonge.


Councilman LaBonge attends Tomorrow's Future Ribbon Cutting

Councilman LaBonge with Capt. Beatrice Girmala at Tomorrow's Future Ribbon Cutting
The Los Angeles Police Department had its ribbon cutting on August 18th, for their new Youth Center, Tomorrow's Future, in Hollywood.    Tomorrow's Future will provide children ages 10-17 a safe place to stay after school and will provide them with mentors from LAPD's Hollywood Division.  Tomorrow's Future is located at 5824 Santa Monica Blvd.

Earthquake Preparedness Tip of the Week

-Have enough water on hand-
You can survive quite a while without food, but you can go into shock within a few days without water.  That's why it's so important to have enough water on-hand to get you through 3 - to - 5  days on your own.
That means at least one gallon of water per day per person in your household.
Luckily, water is easy to store and lasts quite a while, if properly stored.
Store water in sturdy, leak-proof, break-resistant containers.  Consider using plastic bottles.
Keep water containers away from heat-sources and direct sunlight.
Remember, water is the most important item to have in your emergency supplies.