LOS ANGELES : $121,000 Allocated for Quake Repairs at Mayoral Residence
The City Council allocated $121,000 on Wednesday for repairs of minor earthquake damage at Getty House, Los Angeles’ official mayoral residence.
On Friday, the council approved $122,000 to match $645,000 in private donations raised for other non-seismic renovations at the Hancock Park residence.
Councilwoman Rita Walters again objected to spending money to fix up a house where Mayor Richard Riordan doesn’t live. Former Mayor Tom Bradley lived at Getty House, but Riordan chose to stay at his Brentwood home. He wants Getty House to be restored and used for official receptions.
“We had a promise from the mayor that (the repairs) would not be made at public expense,” Walters said. “So I question at this time, when the city is in dire financial straits, if $250,000 of public money is the best expenditure we can make at this time.”
Last week, other council members said the city must help restore Getty House because it is part of Los Angeles’ heritage. On Wednesday, they ignored Walters’ objections and approved the latest outlay without debate.
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