Worth Repeating: Honored to Serve You, Always Glad to Hear from You

As a result of a government-reform effort, an independent commission re-drew California’s Legislative boundaries that were used in last year’s elections. The new lines are much more logical. Gone are the squiggly lines at which we all used to chuckle. The new, more regular-looking lines mean that my district, besides including Burbank and Glendale and parts of Los Angeles, will now also include all of Montrose, La Crescenta, and La Cañada.

I was happy to welcome these communities into the district because they bring back such fond memories of my childhood. My friends and I used to chase down golf balls at Oakmont golf course in Glendale, then bike all the way to Honolulu Avenue in Montrose for an ice cream. In summers, we would do odd jobs for friends’ families, and I have some great memories of doing things like painting a friend’s barn in La Cañada. I’ve stayed in touch with many of my childhood friends, of course, and I have also enjoyed meeting many new people in the new communities.

Although my district has almost 500,000 people in it, I believe we can speak as one on many issues. For example, last year, Carol Liu and I authored a bill to force CalTrans to manage better or dispose of certain assets and use the money to fund sound wall construction along the 210 Freeway. Although the governor vetoed our bill, residents of the foothill communities should rest assured that I will continue to work relentlessly on these issues.

My staff and I are currently in the process of developing ideas for the next legislative session and I would love to hear from you.  You can call me any time at (818) 558-3043 or write me at: Assemblymember.Gatto@asm.ca.gov.      Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you.
Mike Gatto
Mike Gatto is the chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly. He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and portions of the Hollywood Hills and East Hollywood. www.asm.ca.gov/gatto   

A Note of Thanks
We would like to thank everyone who came by to see our lights and who donated to our fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project. We exceeded our goal and raised $2,300. We were overwhelmed by everyone’s great support. We look forward to seeing you next December.

The Richards Family
Editor’s note: The Richards family hosts an elaborate light display for the holidays that includes music choreographed to the lights. The display is at their home on Santa Carlotta Avenue in La Crescenta and they do not charge any type of admission to see the show.