Tom LaBonge's Beautification Team Cleans Up Ventura Boulevard

If you've noticed the median in front of the La Reina Theatre shopping complex looking a little more sparkly this week, that's because it's been cleaned up by Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge and his beautification team.

Dave Ahern, the chief of field operations for the councilman, was part of the clean-up team that worked all day Friday to remove the dead plants and shrubs that were cluttering the median.

Ahern said that the project was one of several in LaBonge's district, of which Sherman Oaks is now a part.

"The councilman has a three-member beautification team, and he's the only one to have such a team in the city," said Ahern. "We engage in special beautification projects like this to help the community, at the councilman's direction."

The clean-up is the first phase of the process; the next stage is for the local merchant's association to replant it.

"And we'll help them with that. It's not a lush garden yet by any means," Ahern said.

Next on the list is some street cleaning on Friday, in preparation for the street fair Sunday, followed by some "routine maintenance" around parks and high schools in CD4.

Ahern added that he worked with various local groups in Sherman Oaks, including the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association.

"It's nice for us to work with people who are so engaged in the community," said Ahern.