While our dear friend Joz beat us in publicly sharing the announcement, we wanted to make sure you were aware of a community event planned for Tuesday evening, April 24, 2007 in the Hollywood Hills.

We are pleased to draw your attention to the very last line of the document below from The Office of Councilmember Tom LaBonge.

Yes, you are cordially invited!

MEDIA ADVISORY

MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA TO JOIN COUNCILMEMBER LABONGE FOR CEREMONY HONORING LAFD FIREFIGHTERS, OTHERS, FOR SUPRESSING HOLLYWOOD HILLS FIRE

Los Angeles (April 23, 2007) -- Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa will join Councilmember Tom LaBonge to lead a thank you ceremony honoring the 71 LAFD companies and additional firefighters from throughout Southern California who responded to the March 30 Hollywood Hills fire that burned 150 acres of dry brush.

No one was injured and no property was destroyed.

The blaze, which was ignited by two teenagers playing with matches next to the Oakwood Toluca Hills apartment complex on Barham Boulevard, spread across the brush area but was put out before it spread to the Hollywood side of the range or impacted any residences, the Hollywood Sign or the City of Los Angeles communications compound atop Mt. Lee.

It took five hours for scores of firefighters, assisted by three LAFD and two L.A. County fire helicopters, to put out the fire.

"We are so appreciative of the work of these firefighters who performed amazingly in dangerous, hilly terrain to contain this fast-moving fire. We owe them our gratitude and thanks", said Councilmember LaBonge, who represents the area.

WHAT: Thank You Ceremony Honoring LAFD Firefighters & other firefighters

WHEN: 5:00 PM, Tuesday, April 24, 2007

WHERE: Lake Hollywood Park, adjacent to 3206 Canyon Lake Drive (Thomas Guide Page 563-F7)

WHO: Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Councilmember Tom LaBonge, LAFD Interim Chief Douglas Barry, L.A. County Fire Chief Scott Smith, Don Briggs, Warner Bros. Fire Department, Firefighters, Residents

**NOTE: Refreshments provided by Pink's Hot Dogs!!
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UPDATE: Detailed event coverage, including photos can now be found at blogging.la

We're also pleased to direct you to an event photo gallery created by our good friend David Markland.

Thanks Joz and David - and all who attended the event!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department