2009 Golden Spoke Recipient – Tom LaBonge

Tom LaBonge is a member of the Los Angeles City Council representing the 4th district. He has served since 2001, taking over the position upon the death of John Ferraro. The district represents a wide diversity of incomes and neighborhoods. He is currently the Chairman of the Arts, Parks, Health and Aging committee, Vice Chairman of the Transportation Committee and the Ad Hoc River Committee, and member of the Trade, Commerce & Tourism Committee, and the Ad Hoc on Recovering Energy, Natural Resources & Economic Benefit from Waste for L.A. (RENEW LA) in the city of Los Angeles.

Prior to serving as councilman, LaBonge was Director of Community Relations at the Department of Water and Power, Special Assistant to Mayor Richard Riordan, and Chief Deputy to Council President John Ferraro. LaBonge is a lifelong advocate for Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the nation, which falls in his district.

LaBonge started “Tour LaBonge” which is a series of six bicycle rides throughoutLos Angelesduring the summertime.