 |
|||||
|
LA firefighters honored, reform measure panned
by Brian Simon
Eight
Los Angeles City firefighters, including El Segundo resident Anthony Gamboa,
were honored for their weeklong, ‘round the clock search for survivors
at the World Trade Center. The fire fighters were recognized at last week’s
city council meeting.
An emotional Gamboa thanked his Battalion 8 colleagues for their dedication.
But the mood of the meeting quickly changed when several residents lashed out at the council for a proposed ordinance that calls for full disclosure of campaign contributions.
"This is a blatant attempt to suppress competition!" exclaimed one incensed citizen. The council introduced the ordinance, adding a clause exempting individuals who contribute $25 or less to from having to name their employers. Mayor Mike Gordon assured naysayers that the council’s only objective was to restore integrity to campaigning.
Resident Krissy McKenney pleaded with the council to ban the practice of tethering animals (tying them to a stationery post) for long periods of time. The city attorney responded that state laws already exist to punish offenders. Councilmembers pledged to work with animal control and police officials to enforce those laws.
In other action the council:
Approved a 60-day interim agreement with Cassidy Associates, The MMW Group and Urban Dimensions for consulting work related to developing a regional airport plan.
Proclaimed the week of October 21-27 Red Ribbon Week, in honor of the war against drugs. The council directed that Kindergarten through high school students wear red wristbands during the week.
Accepted a recommendation to create a new traffic circulation element to replace the current document.
Authorized staff to solicit proposals from consultants to prepare a specific plan and environmental impact report for the Los Angeles Air Force Base.
Before closing, Mayor Gordon sought to reassure residents that the city has a strong disaster preparedness program in place. The city will soon air instructions on emergency preparation on its community cable stations and is planning to launch its own radio frequency, Gordon said. ER