18
Larchmont Chronicle
AUGUST 2021
SECTION ONE
Tom LaBonge (Continued from page 1)
his public service,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti at the July 14 ceremony. Originally named the “Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power Headworks Reservoir Complex,” it was renamed in May after LaBonge. A 39-year veteran of City Hall — he also worked for a time at the LADWP as Director of Community Relations — LaBonge served on the City Council from 2001 to 2015. He died in January at 67. “In Los Angeles — a city with the largest water and electric utility in the country — water has always played an outsized role,” said Councilmember Nithya Raman. “Tom keenly understood this as his legacy reflects. He worked arm-in-arm with the LADWP, always advocating on behalf of our residents’ needs as well as the needs of our landscapes.” LaBonge left his mark at quintessential Los Angeles landmarks including the Silver Lake Reservoir, Griffith Park and LADWP’s Aqueduct
Centennial Garden in Los Feliz. As part of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners vote in May, the Garden was also renamed as the “Tom LaBonge Aqueduct Centennial Garden.” “Tom LaBonge was passionate about LADWP’s history, and this dedication rightfully recognizes his contributions to Los Angeles,” said Board of Water and Power President Cynthia McClain-Hill. LaBonge often said throughout his tenure as Councilmember, “Water gives us life!” He was also known for another memorable phrase. “Dad always said, ‘the two most important things in life are water and relationships.’ That is so true,” said Mary-Cate LaBonge, daughter of Tom LaBonge. “What I learned from dad is to talk to people, ask them questions. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and speak. Seeing how he made a difference and seeing his name up there is very special to me and my family.” The banner hung against the western wall of Headworks will remain there until permanent signage is installed once
RENDERING shows landscaped parklands to cover and surround Tom LaBonge Headworks Water Complex.
GIGANTIC HEADWORKS RESERVOIRS, west and east, are bordered by the Los Angeles River, 101 Freeway and Forest Lawn Drive.
Aerial Imagery © 2021 Maxar Technologies, U.S. Geological Survey, USDA Farm Service Agency
the reservoir construction and public trails and gardens are completed. In 2015, Councilmember LaBonge participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Headworks Reservoir Complex. The two reservoirs at the complex, Headworks East and Headworks West, replace Silver Lake and Ivanhoe Reservoirs for compliance with Federal drinking water regulations. Headworks is located on a 43-acre site across from the north entrance to the Councilmember’s much-beloved Griffith Park. Public open space atop the reservoirs, that are partially buried underground, is being designed by Olin Studios and Frank Gehry and Associates.
Robert Sacchi March 27, 1932 – June 23, 2021 Actor Robert Sacchi died June 23 after a brief illness. Known for his close resemblance to Humphrey Bogart, Sacchi played the title role in the 1980 feature film THE MAN WITH BOGART’S FACE. Sacchi also appeared in many films, TV shows and commercials playing Bogart, as well as his one man show, BOGEY’S BACK, and touring productions of PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM. He was 89.
Councilmembers (Continued from page 6)
surrounding neighborhood, and we will offer a range of supportive services. “I have committed an additional $1 million to continue addressing homelessness through ‘Encampment to Home’ initiatives in Mid-City and Koreatown, which will not only deploy more outreach workers to help transition unhoused people off the streets, but also provide resources to engage businesses in detecting signs of homelessness in their communities, and give them resources on how to respond. “I am also investing funds in job training and employment for the formerly homeless, eviction defense services and launching a universal Basic Income program for lowincome residents. We must build a more equitable system on multiple fronts, including homelessness prevention. “Next month, I also plan to open the South LA Homeless
Outreach and Coordination Hub on Western Avenue and Washington Boulevard, where outreach teams will be based and be able to provide timely service to those in need.” Q: What are two items that you’ve started while in office, but need more time to finish? A: “Over the course of the past year over 22,000 [people have been housed, but] for every 207 people we house each day, 227 people become homeless anew. “I am dedicated to establishing a Right to Housing within the City of Los Angeles so that addressing this crisis doesn’t just rely on political pressure, but becomes an obligation on government to which it is required to respond. [Additionally,] I have introduced a motion to begin the process of creating an antiracist framework for the City of Los Angeles. My hope is that this motion will move us forward in identifying solutions to advance racial equity for the longterm.”
Writer/Editor Wanted!
Interested in part-time work chronicling the news of the neighborhood? Beginning immediately, the Larchmont Chronicle has a part-time position available to help us write and edit stories about local news and produce our popular newspaper every month . . . as we celebrate the Larchmont shopping district’s 100th year and we near our own 60th year.
The comedy was released by 20th Century Fox, based on the novel of the same name. Sacchi starred as Sam Marlowe, the lead in a cast that included Michelle Phillips, Franco Nero, Olivia Hussey, Sybil Danning and George Raft. He also had a Top 10 hit in Germany with the hit single “Jungle Queen.” He was also the author of the book Willie Pep Remembers….Friday’s Heroes. Born in Rome, Italy, on March 27, 1932, Sacchi came to the Bronx, New York, as a young child. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School, where he was first told of his resemblance to Bogart. Prior to embarking on an acting career, he attended Iona College in New Rochelle, where he majored in Business and Finance, followed by earning a Masters at NYU. Though his career remained closely associated to Bogart, he played other characters as well in such films as ACROSS 110th STREET and DIE HARD 2, among others. Sacchi is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Peruvian artist Angela De Hererera. Also surviving are their two children whom they raised in Hancock Park, Trish Bertisch (Cory) and John Sacchi (Suzanne) as well as Robert Sacchi, Jr., Barbara Cohen, Felicia Carroll, Maria Tolstonog, Lisa Osborne and Anthony Sacchi from his first marriage, and his brother Mario Sacchi. He drew tremendous joy from his grandchildren Aden Bertisch, Evan Bertisch and Owen Sacchi. There was not a more charismatic or engaging conversationalist. He will be missed by . all he loved and loved him. Adv
Writing skills are key. Competence in Adobe InDesign is a plus, but not absolutely necessary. Send a short inquiry, including a maximum 25-word statement of your views about the Oxford Comma, plus your contact information, including telephone number, to: john@larchmontchronicle.com.
Help Wanted
