Fifth Annual Hike for Health on 40th Earth Day

In celebration of Earth Day, Councilmember Tom LaBonge led more than 350 public school fifth graders up Mt. Hollywood in Griffith Park on his Fifth Annual Hike for Health. The Councilmember initiated this annual event in 2006 to encourage healthy exercise (fight obesity and related health issues); foster an appreciation for nature and instill civic pride by exposing the children to expansive views of the city.
“This is one of my favorite events every year,” said Councilmember LaBonge. “Not only does the hike up Mount Hollywood get their hearts pumping, it gives students a fresh perspective on their city.”
Students from five Los Angeles Unified School District elementary schools - Cheremoya, Maurice Sendak, Gardner, Ivanhoe and Cahuenga schools - participated. All are located in Council District 4. The mostly 10- and 11-year-olds ran and walked the gentle 1.5-mile slope to the peak of Mt. Hollywood, 1625 feet above sea level.
They stopped at points of interest including the Berlin Forest, which offers a great view of the Hollywood Sign.
At the top, they planted five trees at Dante's View; explored the Zoo Mobile and played. City departments donated items for students goodie bags including the library and the departments of Public Works, Transportation, Recreation and Parks and Animal Services.