Mayor Garcetti Renames Mount Hollywood Summit “Tom LaBonge Summit;” Forms The Tom LaBonge Memorial Fund for Griffith Park

This week LA Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that the Mount Hollywood Summit — which overlooks the city, Griffith Observatory, and the entire park — will now be named the “Tom LaBonge Summit,” in honor of the beloved former city council member, who passed away earlier this month.  In addition,  Garcetti announced the the formation of the Tom LaBonge Memorial Fund for Griffith Park, which will provide support to LaBonge’s favorite part of Los Angeles.

In the absence of a public memorial service, which is on hold due to the pandemic, Garcetti also invited Angelenos to share their stories about LaBonge  online, where his family can read them.

Garcetti wrote in an email message Tuesday:

“There’s nothing we’d love more than to gather with you to celebrate this friend, colleague, and neighbor; to remember what he meant to all of us; and to give him the memorial he deserves. Unfortunately, with the spread of COVID-19, that can’t happen right now. A private service will take place for his family in the days ahead, but we will organize a larger, public event once the pandemic ends and it is safe to do so.

For now, we wanted to create a place where Angelenos can share their stories and pay their respects.Please click here to send a message to Tom’s family.”

Anyone who knew Tom could tell you one thing about him: he loved every facet of our city — its geography, its diversity, its beauty, its people — and he gave his soul to it. But perhaps nothing was closer to his heart than Griffith Park, our crown jewel. He knew practically every inch of the trails, hikes, and hills. He walked through the park daily. And it is only fitting that his name should forever be attached to this extraordinary landmark.

So we are proud to announce that Mount Hollywood Summit — which overlooks the city, Griffith Observatory, and the entire park — will now be named the “Tom LaBonge Summit.”

There is also a fund in Tom’s name, The Tom LaBonge Memorial Fund for Griffith Park. To support this fund, click here.

We could think of no better way to honor such an extraordinary leader and Angeleno. And until we can all come together at this summit and elsewhere to honor his life, we can remember what Tom always encouraged us to do: “Let’s continue to enjoy and love Los Angeles!”

The Los Angeles Parks Foundation is also accepting funds for the Tom LaBonge Memorial Fund for Griffith Park.