TOM LABONGE NEWS

Toluca Lake Holiday Open House
It was an eventful evening in Toluca Lake last Friday. Councilmember LaBonge, CD4 staff, and the community of Toluca Lake enjoyed the Toluca Lake Holiday Open house and celebrated the 90th Toluca Lake Anniversary. From various organizations and businesses giving out delicious treats, a high school band playing our favorite Christmas music, to the rich and full sounds of bagpipes, Toluca Lake residents were able to experience a warm holiday event. As Christmas is fast approaching, the event had a tree lighting ceremony and a surprise appearance for the kids from Santa Claus himself! Councilmember LaBonge stands with some of his CD4 staff. From left to right, Alice Roth, Anna Nunez, Daniel Halden, Brenda Gonzalez, Councilmember Tom LaBonge, Kristy Noochlaor, Carolyn Ramsay, Lisa Schechter, and Tommy Newman.

15th Annual Toy Drive by Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association
The Sherman Oaks Homeowner Association hosted their annual toy drive on Sunday. Guests brought unwrapped toys to donate and to be distributed by the LA County Department of Children and Family Services to over 70,000 needy children. With open arms, Santa Claus gratefully collected the toys. At the toy drive there were displays of police and fire equipment. Councilmember LaBonge saluted the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association for bringing the neighborhood together for this amazing event and for their heart and hand to the community. Councilmember LaBonge helps Santa Claus and his special helper collect some of the toys.

ABC7 Eyewitness Newsmakers – Year-Ender
For years now, ABC7 Eyewitness News has taped a “Year Ender” show with the Los Angeles City Council Leadership. This year’s special guests were Councilmember Tom LaBonge, Council President Herb Wesson, and Councilmember Mitch Englander. The host of Eyewitness Newsmakers, Adrienne Alpert, held a half-hour program dedicated to a deeper exploration of local issues and concerns that have occurred throughout the current year and what to look forward to in the upcoming year. Eager to know what the topics of discussion were? You will have to wait to watch this segment on ABC7 and hear some of the interesting topics these Councilmembers discussed. Adrienne Alpert interviews Councilmember Tom LaBonge, Councilmember Mitch Englander, and Councilmember Herb Wesson.

ALL OVER

Island Packers Announces Caroling, Holiday Parties, and Whale Watching Cruises
The holidays are a special time for family and friends to get together. However, the conundrum is often finding unique things to do locally that everyone will enjoy. Island Packers just made planning a holiday gathering easy by scheduling Ventura Harbor holiday cruises aboard their decorated 64’ catamaran. The special holiday cruises include:

• A one hour caroling cruise in the Ventura Harbor
• Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights cruise
• A private group holiday cruise
• Whale watching excursions

Taking a holiday caroling cruise is a great way to bring relatives and friends together for an outdoor activity, and to see the decorated boats in the Ventura Harbor and the homes in the Keys.

Island Packers is offering the following holiday cruise selection:
One Hour Caroling Cruises — Passengers can sing along with the crew or just relax and admire the decorated homes and boats in the Keys. Hot and cold beverages and items from the snack bar are available for purchase. Boats depart at 6:30 p.m. and return approximately 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 & 19. The fare is $16 per adult, $13 per senior, and $10 per child.

Ventura Parade of Lights – Friday, Dec. 20, to watch the boat parade or Saturday, Dec. 21, cruise allows passengers to be a part of the boat parade ending with an onboard view of the fireworks display. The boat departs promptly at 6:30 p.m. A cash snack bar is available with cold beverages. The fare is $34 for adults, $31 for seniors (55+), and $24 for children. (Advanced reservations are recommended for this cruise).

Private Group Holiday Parties (also great for company functions) — This particular cruise includes a buffet-style dinner, a no host or host bar, and optional entertainment. Menu options and prices are available from Island Packers. Group rates are available for 30 to 100 guests at $930 per hour with a 1 ½ hour minimum. Advanced, prepaid reservations can be made by calling at .

Whale Watching Excursions – Dec. 26 through mid-April marks the official start of the gray whale migration. Island Packers offers three and half hour whale watch trips as well as all day trips with landing on Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island for approximately four hours. Departure times are listed daily on the Island Packers website. Rates vary from $36 per adult for the half day trip and up to $59 per adult for day trip to Santa Cruz Island or Anacapa Island.

Looking for holiday gift ideas? Anyone searching for great gift ideas or stocking stuffers should look no further than Island Packers gift certificates. Some of the most popular include:

• A half day or all day whale watch
• An island wildlife cruise
• An island day hike
• A camping trip to one of the five northern Channel Islands
• A harbor dinner cruise aboard our 64’ catamaran.

For additional information on how to purchase gift certificates, book a harbor cruise or whale watching excursion, visit islandpackers.com or call .

BEVERLY HILLS

Coronet Debutante Ball

Sixteen girls were presented at the Coronet Debutante Ball, Saturday evening, Nov. 30, in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills.

The Presenter, Mr. Joseph John McCann, Jr. commented to the Coronet Ball Board President, Fran Aponte, that the Debutantes were poised and executed their bows perfectly. McCann knows perfection as he is the Civilian Aid to the Secretary of the Army.

The Debs spent the past 6 years volunteering in our Community. The teenagers said it was a privilege to help those in need. They plan to continue volunteering their services in the future.

Mrs. Irene Moy (Peter) said it was her pleasure to prepare the young ladies for their Debut.

After the girls made their courtly bow in their elegant white ball gowns they did the father-daughter waltz, followed by a dance with their escorts.

The exuberance continued after a candlelit dinner when the families and friends filled the ballroom floor: the celebration continued past midnight.

Proceeds from the Coronet Ball will go to National Charity League, Los Angeles Founder Chapter for their various philanthropies.