This morning I walked across the street to join the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fire Station 82. For the past 8 years the LAFD have been trying to locate and build this station. They finally settled on the lot across Van Ness from our church a year or so ago. There has been a lot of debate in the neighborhood about it, which I won't get into here. Suffice it to say, I'm happy that it's finally moving forward and there won't be an empty lot across from our church for very much longer.
Councilmember Tom LaBonge (CD 4), below, was on hand to lead the ground breaking.
All sorts of LAFD personnel were also on hand, including the Station 82 fire fighters themselves, below.
Suddenly, without warning, Tom LaBonge called me out as the pastor of the church next door, "Reverend, why don't you make a few comments!"
"Uhhh, okay!"
I can't remember what I said, but it was nice to officially give our support of this station and the future working relationship that I hope we can have.
Thank you, Councilman, for inviting me to speak!
Finally, the ceremonial beginning of construction was announced and these seven individuals, including Tom LaBonge (center), threw a shovel full of dirt in the air. Well done!
I'm told construction will last for two years. Here's the artists rendering of what the new station will look like.
Now if only they had made it in an art deco style to blend in with the neighborhood. ;-)
Posted by: BC | May 28, 2009 at 06:36 PM
BC: I know, right? That would've been *awesome!*
Posted by: Ryan Bell | May 29, 2009 at 06:36 AM