Reservoir renamed in honor of Mr. Los Angeles
“He worked with the LADWP, always advocating on behalf of our residents’ needs …”
Mr. Los Angeles, as the late 4th District Councilmember was called, was honored at the recent dedication of the Tom LaBonge Headworks Water Complex.
“This may be the single best place in Los Angeles to cherish his legacy, and I can’t help but think that Tom would be proud of our efforts to turn this facility into a place that embodies the principles of sustainability and community that defined 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 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.
Category: Real Estate