Could L.A. city officials rain on a Lakers victory parade?

If the Lakers win the NBA championship Sunday, it’s a good bet Angelenos will want a parade.

But with cash-strapped Los Angeles looking at the possibility of laying off municipal workers or forcing them to take unpaid days off to counter a budget deficit, some at City Hall are uncomfortable with the parade’s price tag, which could exceed $1 million.

"We can’t afford to cover the costs,” Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry, whose district includes Staples Center, said this afternoon. “How could we make a decision about people’s jobs and then sponsor the parade?” Shouldn't the Lakers and the NBA pay for that, she asked?

Council members have been wrestling for years with a proposal for reducing the size of subsidies the city gives for special events, such as street fairs and 10K runs.  A new proposal to do that is pending and could receive a final vote next week.

But it would not go into effect until after the best-of-seven championship series between the Lakers and the Orlando Magic. The Lakers lead three games to one, and after Sunday's 5 p.m. tip off in Orlando it could be all over.

Representatives of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is in Rhode Island at a conference, did not respond to a request for comment.

Councilman Bernard C. Parks, who heads the council’s Budget and Finance Committee, struck a more conciliatory tone, predicting that the city would ultimately absorb the cost of a parade.

“I don’t think we have a choice,” Parks said. “This is one of those things that happen once a decade.”

“There’s going to be a major celebration in the city, and the likelihood is the city is going to absorb the bulk of those costs,” he went on. “The city isn’t going to have time over the next few hours to negotiate a contract with the Lakers or anyone else.”

The last Laker parade, in 2002, was given the green light after city officials estimated that it would cost $1.1 million – a sum that included  police protection, traffic officers and cleanup crews.

Parks said he already expects the parade to occur Tuesday, with the procession moving down Figueroa Street from Staples Center to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

For the last week, Parks and his colleagues have been reviewing a proposal to require many city workers to take 26 unpaid days off over the next year – a scenario that would force many government offices to close every other Friday.  Dozens of layoffs are also scheduled --  a situation that could change depending on the outcome of negotiations with the city’s labor unions.

With so little money for basic services, a handful of unions sent a message this afternoon that the city can’t afford to celebrate right now.

“City employees have been asked by their employers to take a massive pay cut,” said Barbara Maynard, spokeswoman for the Coalition of L.A. City Unions, which represents roughly 22,000 workers. “And we do not believe it is appropriate in this economic climate for taxpayers to be funding a parade.”

-- David Zahniser and Phil Willon at L.A. City Hall

Photo: A house in Echo Park decorated for the Lakers Sue Horton / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[D]

this is a huge civic event and celebration. cover the damn cost.

[robert o]

The people of Los Angeles need this the city of Los Angeles need this, unemployemnet is high , morale is low it will definitely lift the spirits of everyone even if its only for a day....Go LA and go Lakers........Maybe politicians should take a pay cut like everyone else, I mean giving up a raise doesn't mean anything when people are getting laid off left and right give up some of the money you already make.....when the people suffer politicians are safe.....what a bunch of hypocrites..... I wonder how much money politicians make all together.....and how much money we could save if every single one of them would donate a percentage of their salary to give back to the unemployed...I can bet a lot .....

[Kungfuzhun]

HEY! How about canceling that already-in-the-works mayoral celebration AnVil is holding on July 1st at City Hall??? The first day of AnVil's disastorous fiscal new year. The first day of mandatory furloughs. Why not have it on a furlough day? Can't wait for the first "Make No Mistake" of the AnVil new year.
Go Lakers.

[Linda]

The Lakers' owners and the NBA are rich. The City of Los Angeles is broke. Do the math, people! Paying for a parade in these economic times -- even a "once in a decade" event, Councilman Bernard "I've-Still-Got-My-Giant-Pensions-While-All-Of-The-Little-People's-IRAs-Are-Worthless" Parks, would be outrageous.

[Mr. G...]

They should NOT have a parade because people act like a bunch of IDIOTS!!!

[Chris Gray]

What?!!! The taxpayers will pay for the parade? So unbelievably ridiculous! Let the Lakers pay. Period!!!

[ted]

I didnt relize that the city hasbeen forking over the money to celebrate Laker celebrations in the past. As a tax paying citizen I object!! The city shouldnt be paying for things like a parade in bad or good financial times. It is not what the tax payers signed up for.

The Laker (dodgers, clippers, avengers, kings) should cover the cost from the ticket revenue. Let the fans, the team pay for the party that they want to have.

I don't hold a party and expect other people to pay for it! Why should the Lakers and it's fans?

[ltoledo]

I am disgusted by this. I can think of a lot more productive things we can do with $1 million dollars - especially with all the budget cuts to more important things like education. People can have their own parties in their own backyards if they want to celebrate. Sports fans and politicians alike shouldn't assume that a victory parade for athletes who make millions of dollars each year should be put on the backs of the tax payers. Why don't these players don't their salaries if they want a parade? NBA players are some of the highest paid athletes in the world. I bet a lot of Angelenos could use a piece of the pie.

[andy]

I suggest the Lakers pay for their own parade.

[Ollie]

That is the stupidest thing I could think of. If they do not let people celebrate in a safe and communal way the folks are going to run wild all over the city. At least his way everybody is one area. The effort of putting out these little fires will probably cost the city more. And any politician who backs this is out of their mind. LA needs to celebrate something anything after a rough couple of years. Thats all anybody has been talking about. The Parade. Go Lakers!

[Eddie]

That would be an unwise decision. The last few Laker championships, Angelenos (not all, just many STUPID ones) have taken to the streets and damaged public property to 'celebrate' their Laker victory immediately after the series-clinching game. Strange as it is, the public needs an outlet to celebrate the Lakers championship. If there were no parade, just think of how many Angelenos (you guessed it, the STUPID ones) would take to the streets and damage valuable property. In my opinion, the cost to the city for not having a parade would far outweigh the cost of having a parade.

[Anthony Mariano]

Maybe the Laker should move to another city. Then Jan won't have to worry about the costs of a parade or the revenue generated by the Lakers organization for local gov't.

[Scott Graham]

Just because a sports team wins a championship, doesn't mean the city need to throw a parade.

[Mo]

Narrow-minded people. I understand budgets and the need to save money, especially now, but study after study has shown that special events like a Lakers parade brings not only an psychological boost to a city but also an economic boost. This is another example of civic leaders being pennywise and pound foolish. Has anyone even bothered to look at the long-term economic benefit that the Lakers championship run (both last year and this year) has brought to the city of Los Angeles? Not pay for a parade for our team? How stupid is that?

[Anne W.]

Let the Lakers pay for their own parade if they want one! Why should the public, in such troubled times, treat them to one?

[andrew]

Doing some quick math, the Lakers team could pay for a million-dollar parade if they contributed about one-point-three percent of their collelctive salaries (est. $75 million)

[Tim M]

Fans will want to celebrate a Lakers' victory. Lakers fans are taxpayers, too. If they want a parade, they should get a parade. The furloughs and layoffs are going to happen regardless.

[Melaine Samson]

The Lakers paid for the referees, they can pay for the parade.

[Big Jim Slade]

Couldn't some of this be done with volunteer effort?

[BGuzman]

Maybe this is the time when the Laker's give back to their fans in a different way - maybe they, as a Team from our city, pay for the parade. It's only 1 million dollars amongst friends and teammates.

[lat]

I'm with Mo on this one. There sure are alot of other cities who would love to be paying for a parade for their basketball teams.
GO LAKERS!!

[bditman]

This is yet another example of how lousy a job Villaraigosa is doing. He is off on some expensive trip - again - and sure enough, he'll be back to stick his face in a camera if they win. Think about how many jobs and how much tax money the Lakers bring in - room taxes, sales taxes, tens of thousands of people coming to L.A. for the regular season and playoff games. It is just sick that the city is so poorly run that it is too incompetent to honor such a great achievement. The Lakers are a source of pride for L.A., and a huge source of revenue and jobs as well. Maybe they should move back to Inglewood so that idiotic self absorbed and overpaid public servants can kick themselves for us.

[JUAN]

I WOULD MUCH RATHER SEE SOMETHING POSITIVE IN THE NEWS, HOW A TEAM WORKING TOGETHER CAN ACCOMPLISH A GOAL, INSTEAD OF HOW MANY MORE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GET LAID OFF. SPEAKING OF SALARIES, HOW ABOUT HAVING ALL OUR PAID OFFICIALS TAKING ONE FOR THE CITY "THEY LOVE"...

[Alex]

How about getting some sponsors to pay the bill. I'm sure corporations would jump at the idea. Budweiser, Nike, Coke, Pepsi, etc.

[Gabriel Leonard]

Lakers bring in large amount of tax revenue for the city and State of California, a parade is a wise move!

Games, merchandise, parking, hotels, dinning and other outlets are supported by the Lakers so throw them a parade and make LA and SoCAL proud.

Gabriel in Central TX formerly of Southern Cal!

[GeniusGabe]

Lakers are worth a parade! The tax $ that come in from the team in parking, hotels, meals, team merchandise and other benefits bring in tax revenue and promotion of LA SOCAL events.

Give me a break LA do the Lakers need to move away like the Rams and Raiders.

Gabriel formerly of La Habra CA now in Central TX life long Lakers fan no matter where they are at!

[TMM4SC]

The city should not foot the bill in light of current economic conditions. The $1M could be better used to help feed needy elderly and subsidize some if the Rx costs. As a taxpayer I want my monies to be better spent. Fiscal irresponsibility go us into this mess so why should taxpayers monies continue to be wasted. The Lakers, other team owners and the NBA make much more money than they share with local communities. Plus the players are paid extremely well.

Here's an idea, all NBA teams should contribute annually to a "parade" fund so monies will always be available to hold parades in the winners city. Or just hold a scaled down rally in front of the Staples Center. This type of parade is self serving.

All this said I'll still be rooting for the Lakers and remain a long time fan. I am just tired of my hard earned money being "stolen" from me in taxes, then wasted to satisfy a politicians ego or as a faovr to special interest groups.

[brett barris]

NO CITY FUNDED PARADE!! LET THE NBA PAY FOR IT! NOT EVERYONE IS A LAKER FAN.
CAILF NEEDS MONEY.. BAN PROP 8 AND MAKE MARIJUANA LEGAL!! DUH!!

[emanuel]

Lets not get a head of ourselfs. The lakers haven't won anything yet. Beleive me i hope they do win it all, but let us not forget about david stern. All h is concered about is ratings for the league and networks. I can see him pushing buttons to pull the pervirbule out of the hat.AFter saying all that when the Lakers do when it so call fans that riot because a championship are not really fans. They are an undisplined group of people using a championship to act out and they should be punished to the full existent of the law.Real fans will celibrate with digniate and pride that is the Lakers.

[emanuel]

Go LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rich]

First, it sounds like Melaine Samson is a little bitter! The bad calls have gone both ways, dearie! Also, the refs don't shoot free throws and miss fifteen of them in a game that ends regulation in a tie, including the two (shot by Superman, no less!) which would have made it impossible for the Lakers to even tie the game. Let it go, Melanie - the Lakers are a superior team.

Finally, why not do it the Detroit way - to hell with the parade and just let the fans spill into the streets and run amok. I wonder what the bill to Detroit for THAT little shindig cost?

Even when we had the last parade, Shaq had to buy a couple of cruisers for the police when people got out of hand the night the Lakers won and set them on fire. The City has a right to keep order and facilitate major events when they arise. That expense should be in a responsible budget.

A parade is like a safety valve for the pent-up emotions of thousands of people who are going through hard times in their real lives, and a Championship by the Lakers gives them a sense of pride in their city and an escape from the bad times they are experiencing. Hundreds of thousands of people go to these parades, to celebrate something positive in their lives.

I would consider it an investment in community relations.

[Tom]

I am disgusted by all these party poopers who have no pride in their city or love for the community. You all ought to be ashamed of yourselves. Have you ever won a championship for our City? No - all you do is suck off taxpayers because you don't want to pay your own way. You suck! GO LAKERS!!!!! BOOOO BAND WAGON FAKERS!!!!!!!

[mv]

have the mayor and conncil members give each 50.000.00 of there pay and maybe parks more he takes 1/2 million home pay a year
are this crooks and liars even thinking of putitng a parade when we are in a depresion
undeployment is 11.5% is leting go city personal and cutting work hrs
this crooks dont care they just use dwp to give us a inc on oure water bill to makeup the money
another idea why dont they ask there special interest the billbord companys and the developers to give some money so far they got alway by not paying taxes for the city
hell no parade

[flatcoatNH]

Shouldn't special events put on by a private organization pay for any public costs? Anything else would be a gift of public funds, IMO.

[CA LDS]

I am a life long Laker fan and I am extremely excited that they are on the verge of another championship but our City Leaders need to act in the public interest fiscally and with job cuts, higher service fees we can not afford to pay for a parade. It would be great for all of the fans that might be able to attend but the majority have to work and can not. I am not sure how you can justify spending money that might be used to save 20 to 40 jobs.

[GimmeABreak]

First of all, is the Mayor of Los Angeles actually ever IN Los Angeles? Secondly, this should not even be up for discussion: a stupid parade should not cost over 1 million dollars. I daresay most of that money is overtime for the police officers needed to control the hoodlums who show up to these things. I have Laker pride as much as the next gal, but they should pay for their own party. Hocking one or two of Vanessa Bryant's necklaces would probably cover the whole thing...

[Rosee]

The City should not even consider throwing a victory parade..just as they shouldn't foot the bill for every other "event" they do..(Fiesta Broadway for instance).

Even if the NBA footed the bill for the parade..it's the taxpayer who is having to pay for the extra police, sanitation, etc!

Our precious tax funds should be for everyday services and keep those that are employed..employed!

For those sports fans that feel they need to celebrate..go to a sports bar...or..maybe some entrepreneur will throw a private event at a venue that is appropriate. At least this option it will not put a burden on the taxpayer and you can celebrate "your" victory.

[Owl Creek]

I've been a Laker fan for years, and I am absolutely, 100% opposed to the gov't handing this MILLIONAIRE organization and league a single dime to have a parade. Let the Lakers and the NBA pay for it themselves; don't even try to tell me they can't afford it.

This goes for every other league as well.

[Gayle]

First of all, the Lakers and Kings do work in the community, especially members of the Kings, who built playgrounds for underserved communities. And the Lakers just opened a learning center this week for children. They also donate books ( a pet project of the late Chick Hearn) and give scholarhips (Chick's widow Marge is doing that), As for the subject of the parade, I understand that the city is laying off people and people are losing jobs left and right, but at the same time, a parade will boost moral to Los Angeles and take people off the negativity that is happening the last few months.

[SPOILEDLAKERSSPOILEDKOBE]

Let the Lakers and the NBA pay for the parade! Install a system that will track parade goers and charge them! That one million dollars can be better spent elsewhere! Use that one million dollars to continue social programs for the poor, job training, infrastructure, salaries, education. The list goes on and on. Wow. This is ridiculous.

[basketball fan]

no wonder LA/Ca. is broke... it's a no brainer. If you can't afford it you can't afford it. You don't lay off people and then spend millions for a dumb parade .

[Foxy LA Lady]

The Laker parade is a tradition in the city, sponsored by the city to show our pride and support of our own basketball team to the nation. Even if we cannot afford a parade this year, we should do something special to commend our hard-working Laker basketball team. After all, they are bringing us pride and victory.

It's really a sorry excuse that we can spend tens of millions on a pachyderm forest, but we don't have any money for a Laker parade.

[Just Me]

NEWS FLASH: we're broke... and going to be alot more broke in a very short time.

[Andy]

The people who oppose the parade are the same ones who don't understand what the Lakers mean to the city.

One million dollars is nothing compared to the amount of waste the government takes part on.

The Lakers are very active in the community and they invest their money on all kinds of children's programs. They build learning centers, safe playgrounds, give money to schools, books, and they have community celebrations like Fiesta Lakers and other wonderful things for the city.

Consider the possibility of not having a great sports organization like the Lakers in our community.

Don't be blinded by the hate. Appreciate what we have and let's celebrate a great accomplishment. I got five on it!

[Louweegie272]

What if the Champion Lakers help plant some of the "Million Trees" that the Mayor has promised? Perhaps the City Council could use some of it's $100,000.00 annual slush fund per member to help out?

[lookoutdownbelow]

My brother works in the jewelry district in downtown and every month there seems to be a protest by the illegal aliens.
Plenty of cops, closed streets, etc.
That's okay for councel members and Tony Villar (Mayor), but a team that brings countless revenue and pride to the city, no way.

The city is run by a bunch of socialists elected by people who want something for nothing.

What a joke.

[Whatever]

I am an Angeleno and I love my city. However, I don't care one way or another about the Lakers. If they want a parade, let them (the Lakers organization, coaches and players) pay for it - between them they can collect a million dollar and not even feel the difference.

[Casey]

For-profit companies should ALWAYS pay when they use city services, no matter what shape we're in economically. If Parks can find 1 million dollars for a parade, then he can also find 1 million dollars to save positions.

The Laker organization has more than enough money. If they want a parade, they should pay for it. And the amount of money sport franchises bring into cities is a myth. The money they bring in pales in comparison to the local taxes the organizations are exempted from as an incentive to build there.

Our field deputy from council district 8 just informed us this morning that there will be NO sidewalk repairs, street resurfacing, and speed hump installation next fiscal year. Parks, put that 1 million dollars back into your district!!!

[jensiu]

if you really know LA. not holding a parade is far more worse than holding one. if we do not hold one, imagine the riots and damage that will be done. but all in all make the nba pay, sponsors. 1million isnt that much with the laker's new bonuses

[SAW]

Of course there should be a parade. The people posting here talk like their individual lives are going to drastically change if a parade is funded. Well, nothing will change. They don't understand that one million dollars put into the economy of Los Angeles will be multiplied several times over and into the pockets of citizens all over the city before the day is over. If we can't attend in person, we will watch it on TV, and there will advertising revenue, and that money will go into the economy. Get with it folks. Let's have a parade!!!!

[nmoore6676]

The city should not pay for a Lakers Parade, they should not have paid for extra services for The Grammy Awards, The Academy Awards and the hundreds of other fee waiver special events every year. But they have so even though the city is broke, fair is fair. They should have locked that door before they let the horses out.

[Tamera Brown]

The city should NEVER pay for a parade! The Lakers have plenty of money to pay for it themselves. This is absolutely the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard! First of all, not everyone in this town are Laker fans. Secondly, how could anyone with a brain think this is okay when so many programs are being cut, teachers being laid off, and there are still more cuts coming? Good lord people, suck it up, drink a beer at home, honk your horn, wear your purple and yellow, celebrate however you want but there is NO MONEY to do this!!

[GM Owner]

You're going to get the thuggy bandwagon fans that only like the Fakers when they win, just like they like those cheaters at the Univ. for Spoiled Children. Half of these idiots weren't fans in the lean years, and like everything else, will cheer for a winner. (Think back to the Jordan years, when U of Miami and Michigan were winning.)
The Fakers can afford their own damn parade, and if the team is so worried about safety, go back to their original home in Inglewood and celebrate in the Forum parking lot, or find an abandoned building somewhere off of skid row.
The taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill. These spoiled, pampered, overpaid babies should foot the bill. Maybe ball hog's kids can empty their piggy banks and pay for the parade for their glory hogging daddy.

[William]

Jan, it should not be about the money.... if you want us the fans to clean up after the Parade we will, the City of Los Angeles should sponsor a Parade. The Lakers are the Pride of this City, and in times we live in where unemployment is low, it would be an encouragement to everyone in Los Angeles. The Lakers Organization brings in more revenue than a Million Dollars for the City of Los Angeles. Parking, Concessions, Hotels, Tickets, Food and Beverage. So it would behoove the City to have a Parade, or you may have a Riot! Events like this happen every once and awhile, and it unifies the city, as we honor what the athletes commitment to excellence, to bring Los Angeles another Championship. Also, What happens if the Dodgers win the World Series?

[Drew]

This is no brainer....a parade is a must! Do any of you haters realize what the Lakers mean to this city? Civic pride will be spilling over. Let's have a wonderful celebration....

[john atwater]

Sure we want a parade, but consider this
It only takes Kobe Bryant 8 minutes to earn what an average city worker makes in an entire year.
Or 6 years to earn what he makes in one Game.
Over an entire life of an average city worker working for 30 years Kobe has made the same in only 5 games.

We won't even discuss endorsements.

I think the NBA, and the AEG group have benefited tremendously by having all the perks of the Staples center area and LA Live they can foot the bill.

[Anon]

Yep, Parks and the City Council will pony up over $1 million for the parade...but they are furloughing emergency services workers in the meantime. They go on record that "city employees" are being furloughed, what they don't tell you is that they are furloughing 10% of your 911 operators on a daily basis. So when things get out of control during the summertime, folks, don't look for there to be a quick answer to your call to 911 - not for police, fire, or medical emergencies. Makes one wonder where there priorities are...your safety or a parade...?

[Kungfuzhun]

The last parade culminated with thousands of fans gathered in the parking lot on the north side of the Staples Center and the Lakers on the elevated stage built in front of the main entrance. Now that LA Live is there. Where do they plan on staging the next celebration?

[MAtt]

The FAKERS? Your obviously a jealous scum. Its a million bux. THis isnt a yearly thing, although it damn well should be. People who dont live in LA, or arent laker fans, be quiet. And ya there are those laker fans who have hopped on the band wagon yesterday. not sure if they should have a say in ANYTHING.

[Susie]

The Lakers are multimillionaires. The city is broke. I couldn't care less whether a lot of spoiled brats masquerading as adults think it's more important to throw a party than educate our children or provide emergency services. It's patently stupid, and I hope to God sanity prevails. I'm as much of a citizen of Los Angeles as any Laker fan and pay the same taxes. If you want a party, do it on your own dime, don't ask me to pay for it.

[Razor]

Dear Mayor,

I understand that you are in a difficult position in that you have tough decisions to make, but why would you agree to pay $1 million for the Laker parade when we are in such difficult economic times?

Unlike many of your employees who are having their work days reduced, I am fortunate enough to be able to make ends meet, but I do try to keep my thoughts in perspective and have empathy towards my fellow citizens in that many of them are struggling beyond belief, many of them as the result of decisions you have made in reducing the days they work to serve the wonderful City of Los Angeles.

During the times when my husband and I are unable to put money towards "wants" (such as vacations, shopping, etc.), we have to cut back because the "needs" take priority. Why does this not apply to the Laker Victory Parade?

Please have the Laker organization foot the total bill for the event. After all, the parade is a luxury during these tough economic times, not an automatic right.

Respectively,

Lena C.

[JESUS]

Lakers are Champions!!! lets take Bynum He has a contract for 6 yrs for $30,000,000.00 and he's only 21?!?!?! What do you think Kobe's Salary is?? Their a great team we can't support them financially for this parade but we will be there to celebrate the parade... i know LA Lakers Org. will find it in their heart to cough up $1 million Dollars... People teachers are being laid off, people are losing their homes, more and more families are being thrown out in our streets.. Education is the second to worst in the country.... Ask Your Self??? Does it hurt my Great team to spend $1 million on their fans?????

[Mad Marti]

We have already seen the chaos that SOME enthusiastic LAKERS fans cause by destroying city buses, setting fires, looting stores- coupled with the expense of having extra police out in full riot gear- and now a broke city wants to give them a second Hell night at the taxpayers expense?

The county has laid off 30,000 teachers and yet there is a million bucks to spend on a parade?

Let the owners pay for it!

[Mykal Roze]

This is utterly absurd, beyond the realms of common sense. Once again city officials and politicians prove they're out of touch with the populace, who are losing their jobs, who are struggling to stay afloat, who are losing their homes, and if they have jobs, they're seeing their hours and pay cut.
This reminds me of how the state Assembly politicians voted to give themselves raises and only took it off the table after other governmental bodies protested. They didn't care about the public uproar.
After some Lakers "fans" already went through parts of the city, burning trees, damaging cars and buses, and looting at stores, LA officials still want to hold this parade and foot part of the bill? As others have stated even the players have more than enough money to fund the whole parade. What would take your average employee a lifetime of work to fund, even the players with "small" salaries could foot the city's bill.
My faith in the city's and this state's politicians disappeared long ago, this decision to pay for part of the parade throws me into complete disillusionment.
Shame on these politicians and their mindless decisions and sense of entitlement, all at the taxpayers' expense.