Hahn Stumps for L.A. in Hollywood

A day after Hollywood secession made the November ballot, Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn embarked on an uncharacteristic morning of hand-to-hand politicking Thursday, pressing the flesh in the entertainment capital and making his case for keeping the city together.

Prodded by Councilman Tom LaBonge, an exuberant politician of the old style, Hahn introduced himself to passersby, and even accepted a lei from an actress dressed as a hula girl in front of the El Capitan Theatre.

The day started at the Hollywood Entertainment Museum as Hahn and Councilman Eric Garcetti unveiled a brochure for a new walking tour of Hollywood.

“Hollywood is a great community,” Hahn said. “It’s more than just the home of the entertainment industry. It is home to great neighborhoods and great businesses. On my way in, I saw throngs of tourists coming to visit Hollywood.”

As the mayor posed for pictures, LaBonge, who represents part of Hollywood, bounded into the room wearing a bright yellow T-shirt (“They’re just five bucks on the corner there”) that he’d bought on the way in.

Out on the sidewalk on the way to Hahn’s next event, the repair of a Walk of Fame star honoring 94-year-old Penny Singleton, who played the comics character Blondie in films from 1938 to 1950, it was LaBonge who made sure that the mayor got noticed.

“LADEEZ AND GENTLEMEN,” the councilman boomed. “Let me introduce you to the great mayor of Los Angeles! The great Mayor Jim Hahn!”

LaBonge introduced himself to Ken Bedwell, who was visiting from Yorkshire, England. “Would you like to meet the mayor of Los Angeles?” he asked.

Hahn shook Bedwell’s hand vigorously. “It’s not every day you meet a mayor,” the Englishman said later.

Hahn made his way down the street, shaking hands as LaBonge funneled tourists and neighborhood activists toward him for pictures and a greeting.

At one point, the mayor climbed onto a sightseeing bus and introduced himself to everyone on board.

“I’m Jim Hahn,” he told them. “I’m the mayor of Los Angeles.”

David Hunt, who drives the bus for Starlight Tours, said he understands the frustrations of people who favor breaking Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley away from Los Angeles.

“They pay their taxes and they’re not getting their fair share of services,” he said. “But that should be worked out within the city.”

Back on the street, Hahn put his hand out to greet a passerby, but his introduction was interrupted by a shout from LaBonge.

“Let’s hear it for the 217 bus!” the councilman cried. “On time! Bringing people to Hollywood--in the great city of Los Angeles.”