Councilman Parks Ready to Go to Work

When Councilman Bernard C. Parks moved into his new City Hall digs Wednesday, some of his moving help was light on the muscle but heavy with political symbolism.

That guy carrying just one box was Councilman-elect Antonio Villaraigosa, who won’t take office until July. And though Villaraigosa left after the first load, the pointed message -- scripted for the television cameras -- was that the two men will be a force to be reckoned with.

Parks, who was Los Angeles’ police chief until last year, when Mayor James K. Hahn refused to back him for a second term, said he has been talking almost every day to Villaraigosa, who lost the 2001 mayoral election to Hahn and then handily defeated Councilman Nick Pacheco, a Hahn ally, for the 14th District seat.

Villaraigosa said he wanted to be part of Parks’ first day in the office. “I’m just excited to be here,” Villaraigosa said. “I’m looking forward to working side by side with you.”

Also helping was professional football player Keyshawn Johnson, who has invested in developments in Parks’ 8th District. He hoisted two boxes.