Mount Hollywood Summit Renamed After Councilman Tom LaBonge

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Mount Hollywood Summit in Griffith Park will be named after the late Councilman Tom LaBonge, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Wednesday. The peak will officially be named "Tom LaBonge Summit" in the councilman's honor, who passed away on January 7.

"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," Garcetti said. "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."

LaBonge was frequently spotted hiking through Griffith Park. During his time in office, he expanded the park by 500 acres and was involved in Griffith Observatory's restoration and subsequent expansion.

The summit, which is a 2.5-mile round trip from Griffith Observatory, offers spectacular views of the observatory, the surrounding hills, the Hollywood sign and downtown L.A.

LaBonge died at 67 years old at his home in Silver Lake, one of many neighborhoods he represented from 2001-15 as Los Angeles' Fourth District councilman. His family plans to hold a private memorial in the coming days, and a public gathering will be organized once it is safe, given the COVID-19 pandemic.

"As many knew, LaBonge walked through Griffith Park daily, exploring every view, pathway, and vista, and he gave his soul to this city," Garcetti said. "To keep his memory alive, the family has urged residents and community members to do what Tom always urged them to do — in his words, “let’s continue to enjoy and love Los Angeles!”

Those who wish to make a donation in LaBonge's honor were asked to support the Tom LaBonge Memorial Fund For Griffith Park at www.laparksfoundation.org/donations/donate.

City News Service contributed to this report.