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Former LA Councilman Tom LaBonge, 'Mr. Los Angeles,' Has Died At 67
Tom LaBonge gives a speech at a 2012 City Council meeting. (Andres Aguila/KPCC)
Friends and colleagues are mourning former L.A. City Councilman Tom LaBonge, who has died at age 67. His death was first reported late Thursday by ABC7.
LaBonge was known as "Mr. Los Angeles" for his knowledge and love of the city.
He represented the 4th District from 2001 to 2015, when he was termed out. By then, he had worked for the city for nearly 40 years. Before running for office, he worked as a field representative or council aide to Councilmember Peggy Stevenson, Council President John Ferraro and Mayor Richard Riordan.
"Nobody loved this city more than Tom LaBonge and I don't know if anyone ever will," L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn said of LaBonge in a tweet. "May my dear friend rest in peace."
Today I directed the @LAColiseum torch be lit in honor of the life and legacy of Tom LaBonge.
— Janice Hahn (@SupJaniceHahn) January 8, 2021
A fitting tribute for a man who loved Los Angeles with his heart and soul. We loved him back. pic.twitter.com/0hDOrgHEUY
LaBonge was legendary, Hahn said of her former city council colleague, for rolling up his sleeves to help with problems large and small — like clearing a blocked storm drain, pruning a tree or removing bulky trash from the curb.
LaBonge's greatest legacy may be Griffith Park, where he hiked every day and enthusiastically greeted tourists and locals making their way up dusty trails.
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