RATT TRAP: L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley recently...

RATT TRAP: L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley recently paid tribute to Ratt for the hard-rock group’s involvement in several anti-drunk driving organizations and voter education programs. But did the band get a key to the city? A free pass to City Council meetings? An honorary badge from police chief Darryl Gates? No way. The group got an offer it couldn’t refuse. In a certificate of commendation signed by Mayor Bradley, the band was so honored: “Recognizing the usual habit of Ratt’s rodent namesake, the group has an open invitation to receive a tour of our hundreds of miles of Los Angeles sewers anytime.” According to Bill Chandler, Bradley’s publicity exec, the city does occasionally offer similarly oddball commendations. “We once had a Funniest Nut Day in honor of Planter’s Peanuts,” he said. “But we did want to praise Ratt’s involvement in several worthy causes.” As for Ratt, group leader Stephen Pearcy sounded excited about taking Mayor Bradley up on his offer. “I’m anxious to take the tour. Trust me, I’ve slept in worst places.”