
LFIA President Marian Dodge took advantage of a photo op with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on the anniversary of the Griffith Park Fire to urge him to retain Park Rangers. The city is currently facing massive budget deficits. The Mayor’s proposed budget would have cut 50% of the Park Rangers who provide so many services in our regional parks. Dodge explained that Rangers help prevent fires, which is a lot cheaper than fighting fires. The Mayor said he would review the matter.
LFIA, along with twenty other people, spoke in support of retaining Park Rangers at the Budget and Finance Committee’s hearing on May 1. LFIA also spoke in their support at the Arts, Parks, Health, and Aging Committee on May 7. When the budget was discussed at the full City Council on May 16, Councilmember Parks, the Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, assured us that the Park Ranger positions had been restored. The following day, the Mayor addressed a group of Neighborhood Councils and credited the influence of the Los Feliz Improvement Association in getting the Ranger positions restored. Making your opinion known can make a difference!
May 2008