Councilmember dedicates Highland medians with community leaders

Councilmember Tom LaBonge was presented with a plaque by Carol Cassella, president of the Hollywood Media District, at the dedication of two new medians on Highland Avenue.

Councilmember Tom LaBonge and the Hollywood Media District staff and boardmembers dedicated two new medians on Highland Ave. between Santa Monica Blvd. and Fountain Ave. on Thursday.

The medians, which are landscaped with date and queen palm trees, were completed in December in a public/private partnership between the City of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Media District. The Media District spent about $300,000 from its assessment fees to design, construct and maintain the medians. Council District 4 will reimburse the permit and inspection fees for this project from state funds provided through the relinquishment of Highland Ave. to the city.

“This great project demonstrates how the city works creatively with business leaders and residents to make Los Angeles more beautiful,” the Councilmember said. “Together, we’ve built new civic landmarks in the middle of a fully developed part of Hollywood. That’s smart urban planning.”

The event, which was held at Simon’s Camera, 1213 N. Highland Ave., drew community members who were enthusiastic about the landscape feature. These medians were designed to match the Highland medians between Melrose Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd., which the Media District installed several years ago.

Carol Cassella, President of Hollywood Media District BID (Business Improvement District) and Debby Wehbe, chair of the Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council, were also on hand for the dedication ceremony.