Lakers, city will split costs of victory parade

Neither the Orlando Magic nor a disintegrating city budget managed to forestall the Lakers’ victory parade, which is scheduled to follow a two-mile route from Staples Center to the Coliseum on Wednesday. 

The Lakers defeated the Magic on Sunday night, 99-86, to win the NBA championship, but their resounding win did little to quell the griping about who should pay for the celebration.

The growing public debate about the cost of the traditional parade took place against a backdrop of city workers facing layoffs and mandatory furloughs, while fervent basketball fans demanded an opportunity to salute their hometown heroes.

 

In the end, everybody won and everybody pays. 

Both the team and the city will kick in about $1 million each for the festivities, which for the first time includes the significant cost of renting the Coliseum. The Lakers worked with city officials to keep costs down, including ruling out a weekend celebration or a longer parade, according to Tim Harris, the Lakers’ senior vice president for business operations and chief marketing officer. 

The city will pay for police, transportation and general staff, said Matt Szabo, spokesman for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The mayor said Sunday that to not hold a parade “is untenable,” even as city officials have been meeting behind closed doors to find hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts. (Note: An earlier version of this post referred to the mayor's spokesman as Mark Szabo.)

-- Julie Cart

Comments

[Sophia]

I find it absurd. I'm on the cutting block for the city to be one of the 1200 schedueld layoffs, but yet, $1 million dollars comes out from thin air to place people who earn six figures and then some to sit in cars to waive to people? This city makes me sick and the mayor definitely has no balls when it comes to maintaining a budget.

[Nina]

It's great that the Lakers won, but I would have thought that they made enough money on tickets to support their fans and pay for the parade themselves. We all need to pull together. Maybe the players could donate some of their mult-million dollar salaries to pay for it (and then the city could give them that donation as a tax write-off). It would be a win-win situation.

[LetsGoMets]

Great. More taxpayer money wasted on a victory parade for a fanbase that would rather loot and riot than actually celebrate a championship. Everyone certainly doesn't win in this case. How about "if you want to go to the parade, you pay $5 to join in on the parade festivities?" That should certainly help diffuse the unnecessary cost of screwing the taxpayers out of more money for a stupid basketball team.

[Melaine Samson]

Yikes. People are losing their jobs and the city votes to have a parade for millionaires? That makes no sense.

[Ruben T.]

YYEEAAHHH!! thats right!! I will be there suckaz!!! LAKERS WORLD CHAMPS!!

[Carol]

Holding a parade is untenable, Mark Szabo. Unless we will make this money back on restaurant or hotel receipts, then there is no way the city should be paying $1,000,000 for celebrating a private business. Fans have paid a pretty penny to see the games, let them chip in $5 if they want to see a parade.

How much is being spent right now outside Stapes Center for the LAPD to keep the crowd under control? There's your parade right there.

[adam in berkeley]

There we go!

[Cristina Gray]

The City of Los Angeles does NOT have $1 million to cover half the cost of this parade. The Lakers should just pay for all of it.

[no way]

no parade with the economy is this bad. The city can find 1 million for this???

[Daniel]

If the Mayor has ONE MILLION dollars to throw around, why is he cutting city services to the bone?

Specifically, why not give the $$$ to the Animal Services Department, which is severely underfunded, and has had it's budget cut at least two years in a row.

Lets save the lives of thousands of cats and dogs instead of paying for a party that the Lakers could afford to pay for themselves (that's champagne money to them).

And, aren't we supposed to be in a financial emergengy, with the City facing BANKRUPTCY because of underfunded pensions?

This smacks of political pandering rather than responsible governing!

[Tony]

Well from the looks of it tonight, a parade will be even worse...The city should not have to spend a dime on this crap...the idiots tonight ruined it for the others that respect the law and know how to celebrate without violence.....but these fools tonight just prove how dumb people are getting....Its pretty stupid of these idiots, they should all be in jail.

[mateo]

Oh please...it's like you all are poor and don't go out to eat every once in a while...please... parade is a MUST. fuddy duddys.

[Pustoolio]

@ Melaine Samson - Please get a clue, the parade is for Los Angeles Laker fans. The parade features the Laker team.

[City Employee]

i'm giving up 10 percent of my pay, due to mandatory work furloughs, and the city is going to pay 1 million for a parade. this is infuriating. while i am happy that our home team has won, i do not think the city should fund the parade. the laker organization should step up and pay the bill for the fans who have supported the team.

[Disgusted Tax Payer]

The Mayor and City Council who support paying for the parade even a dollar are shameless with their lies on insolvency, layoff, furlough, closing libraries & parks and various severe service cuts.

[Jimmie]

Even though I'm not a basketball fan, I understand that the Laker victory is a huge deal, and I respect that. But, as a city employee who just found out his paycheck is being slashed by 10%, I don't think this is the right time for the city to be shelling out any money to honor a bunch of multimillionaires, no matter how deserving. The Lakers should pay for this themselves.

[BobCov]

The city should not pay a dime. I was at Staples the other day and saw a season ticket spot on the sidelines for the CLIPPERS selling for $48,400. Imagine what a Lakers seat would go for?

Some of the cars the players drive are stunning and stunningly expensive, but hey, they and their organization can afford it. Especially when they fob off their expenses on the city.

If they want to turn over 6,000 seats to city residents at random next year, maybe. But otherwise, I don't ask them to pay for my parade, and they shouldn't expect me to pay for theirs.

[Bin Safi]

Untill this Prarade & Celebration is finaly held on a Weekend, you won't find responsible Working people like me attending any Parade.
To hear a Laker Or City official state that there can't be a Weekend Parade, just sickens me.

That's the only time a Parade & Celebration should be taking place.

Peace, Love & Respect.

[LetsGoMets]

How much money is the city spending tonight just to corral these slimebags and stop them from destroying more gas stations, shoe stores, trees, cop cars, etc.?

It's a crying shame the LAPD can't shoot these miscreants first, and ask questions later.

http://letsgomets.vox.com/library/post/nothing-good-ever-comes-of-lakers-or-dodgers-victories-in-los-angeles.html

[Randy Headley]

Why don't you all stop whining? The Lakers are gonna pay for it so sit back enjoy the parade and shut the hell up!

[kat]

Wait, the city is looking to cut hundreds of millions of dollars and they can't put out one million to put on a parade? And it's not like this is money that they're just spending, it's reinvesting into the city, like renting the Coliseum. This city isn't in financial straits because of a parade, it's in financial straits because of the mismanagement of the "mayor" and city managers (and yes, for Villaraigosa I put the word "mayor" in quotes).

[Charly]

City is obligated to have parade.Lakers should have told the city they will not pay a dime for it and to deal with it. Parade will happen regardless if city got the money or not.

[LOL@MayorNoob]

You must be kidding...

[AKQ]

The Lakers should pay for all the costs of the parade. The city of Los Angeles doesn't have the funds to pay for it. So ridiculous about fans rioting, what is wrong with these people. The city is going to have to pay for the damage done tonight as well.

[Cynthia]

everyone here talking about not having a parade are stupid and just laker haters! Have some fun and celebrate. Try having some fun once in awhile it is ok. :)

[Dave]

Villarigosa must really like the Lakers. Now he will need to layoff an additional 25 employees to cover the cost of the parade! Does the Mayor even have a clue as to what the term "Fiscal Responsibility" means?

[tw]

let the players pay for their parade....with the millions of dollars they all make, it;s a drop in the bucket for them...and our Mayor thinks that spending taxpayer dollars on a parade is necessary...guess he won't be using that sound bite when he runs for Governor of CA.

[jim]

I think that the lakers should pay for the poor store owners losses in the wake of the stupid idiots that cannot celebrate without screwing up and stealing someone elses property.. But of course there will be those owners who pad their losses for financial gain . Welcome to L.A.

[Cristina]

Congratulations to the Lakers! They worked hard and deserve to celebrate. However, a celebration should not come at the expense of people's jobs. A million dollars is too much to ask for right now. There are less expensive ways to celebrate our players while maintaining people's livelihood. Let the mayor know you how you feel: mayor@lacity.org

[Ed C.]

At least renting the Coliseum would do a lot better to containing the fans. Their previous rallies were in parking lots that now are home to LA Live and Nokia Theatre.

[Simon]

Let the LA residents have one day to escape their daily grind and worrying about the economy. It's one day that rarely comes for the players and fans. And hey, perhaps some store owners will MAKE money with all the people around. Let's not let ourselves suffer over every detail. Enjoy life. It's short.

[Rosee]

Split the cost..HA!

Are the Lakers going to reimburse the store owners who store(s) were looted...replace the trees that were burned...the buses that were vandalized...the officers who were injured...the sanitation cleanup..an so on?

This City is in such financial turmoil the last thing we need is to "split" the cost of a unnecessary parade! The Lakers get over the top compensation $$$...and the fans can celebrate on their own...sport's bars...etc.

The last time they won was the same...turmoil, vandalisim, rioting..

It would be great if certain "fans" could not act like savages and show some respect to the city and their so called team.

It's one thing to be happy your team won and to show support..but lets face it...you didn't win...the Laker's organization won. Calm down and show some respect!

[Cindy]

WOw. Really. A two million dollar parade, yet we have mr. terminator stating he is cutting benefits for those in need since we California have no money.? Out of my face. The Lakers do not deserve a parade. After all the crap the fans pulled last night, they must be joking.

[Ruben]

I think you people are Absolutely Wrong! There should be a parade and STOP using this as an excuse to advance your political agenda! You know events like this bring people together, there are blacks hugging browns, jews high fiving muslims, gays cheering along with republicans, rival gangs even come together in peace etc.

Stop making excuses to NOT have this parade and believe me the city WASTES a million dollars alot more places.

If the politicians really feel this strongly about this why dont they cut about 50 thousand dollars annually from their paychecks and in about seven years (thats how long it took the lakers) we chould be up to about a million dollars to make up for these "costly" fees.

[Karen]

The Mayor and City council will spend $1 million dollars on a parade, but next month, they will let public safety go by allowing over 1300 9-1-1 calls a day to go unanswered!

[CBuck]

I love the Lakers as much as anyone, but is shocking that Lakers organization would allow the city to pay for any of their parade when all they will do is sell millions of dollars worth of championship merchandise. The tax dollars received back by the city isn't even close to the return the Buss family will receive. Does Jerry Buss even care.?. He didn't even attend the championship game.

[myfailsafe]

This is BS. Although city workers should have their pay and benefits cut, I also agree that the city should not spend our money with a BS parade by a multi-million sports franchise. It's amazing to me how tax dollars are just wasted in times of difficult economic times.

[Carl Lehman P.I.]

What time does the parade begin and end??

[Whatever]

Honorable Mayor,

Our city is broke, is firing workers and cutting city workers hours, and services are cut.

I understand some city residents are happy about the Lakers wins, but I, and many others, are not that excited and do not feel a part of the celebrations.

If the Lakers want to have a parade, that's great. However, right now the Lakers are much richer than the city, as an organization and as extremely highly paid individuals. It is unacceptable for the city to pay for any of those expenses; as a mayor you know that we have much higher priorities that could use a million dollars right now.

Please have the Lakers pay for any expenses, or cancel these celebrations that touch so few of your constituency.

[Billboards & Parades]

I'm voting for Gavin Newsom if Villaraigosa runs for Governor. The city is broke, but we're spending $1MM on a parade for a franchise sport? We're trying to be a "green" city, but there's digital billboards sucking up electricity 24hr/day?

[Nick]

If you think celebratory riots are expensive, not having a traditional championship parade would lead to even more backlash and anger. Los Angeles won a championship--the citizens and fans should *expect* a celebration. What first-class city wouldn't have a celebration?! Try not having a championship parade in Boston, New York, or Chicago. It wouldn't fly.

If it's necessary, have parade attendees donate money to cover the costs. $1.00 per person with about 500,000 to 1 million people expected to attend should cover the cost that the City is paying.

[Terence]

People forget how much money the Lakers generate in revenue for the city in terms of property tax, sales tax, parking tax, etc... A parade will cost a lot but also generate sales for local shops, vendors, etc... It also builds a feeling of good will and community for the entire city. That is priceless.

[David]

Hello people??? It's not really an additional 1 million from the city because they would be paying the salaries of the city workers/copys/firemen, etc. anyway. And the transportation systems (buses, etc.) still will charge their usual fees!

[chicka]

I think not holding a parade is definitely "tenable", Mayor Villar. It's not like this is the first time they've won this in 30 years or something.

If the Lakers want to pay for the police coverage (why do we taxpayers get stuck with that side of the bill - especially if people start getting rowdy again), then maybe I'd yield a bit. But I don't see why we have to pay money for this, when we could use this money to fund after school basketball programs for students, and keep them from turning into the hoodlums that trashed downtown.

[Voter with a long memory]

Let's see, who votes? Fiscal hawks or drunk sports fans? Villaraigosa has no political instincts, he'll be haunted by this decision. A million bucks could fill a lot of potholes or prevent furloughs. If he can't think of something to spend it on he should split it between public health, parks, animal services and libraries.

[So tired of this Sh....t]

Once again it is up to those of us that work 60 hours a week to pay for the entertainment of those who have time to attend a laker parade durining the work week. Im tired of paying 15K a year in prooperty taxes. Im tired of paying 40k a year in federal income tax. I tired of seeing idiots on tv causing destruction and mayhem. For what? A stupid basketball game, get a life people, get an education, learn some common sense.

What is the point of all of this? Do you really think Kobe cares about you? Do you think he would stop to shake your hand? No.

Get a clue, if a parade was profitable a major sponsor like, nike, coke, mcdonalds ect ect would sponsor it. A parade is just another dummy fest for the masses without a thing to do. Enjoy it and send me a thank you card becasue while your out there at your parade, I will be at my job steadily increasing my tax bracket to pay for it.

[alex]

I'm tired of hearing crying about city employees getting cut, half them don't work anyways when they are there and it's a good wake up call to them that there jobs arn't safe. They employe criminals, drug addicts and so on and get numerous chances after failing drug tests so who cares! Deal with it The city owes it to them they generate money for them and there the most successfully franchise in the City if not nation only second to maybe the Yankee's.

Lets party and bring the city together!

[Mont]

Given the current economic state for the city of LA and state of CA, this is insulting.

Who attends these parades? All the non workings thugs and losers just like the ones that were flipping cop cars and rioting last night.

The timing in not right, and lets face it this Lakers team is far from a dynasty.

[Nelcisco]

Sofia said $1 dollars comes out of thin air to place people earning six figures and then some to sit in cars to waive to people. How about seven to eight figues and then some!

[Ray]

Unbelievable. In this economy, people need some inspiration and something to celebrate about. The Lakers, the biggest team in Los Angeles and Los Angeles history, have just won their 15th championship and you people don't want to go celebrate or to not let these fans and the people of Los Angeles celebrate? Maybe the costs should be split a little differently, but some of you are saying to not have a parade? YOU people make me sick. I'll see the fans and the people of Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon.

[LAKER FAN]

WOW, SO MANY ANGRY PEOPLE. UNFORTUNATELY FOR YOU, WE WILL PARADE AND THE CITY WILL PAY HALF. LIVE WITH IT.

[David Hanover]

Unbelievable!

The City is broke, teachers, City employees are losing their jobs - and we're happy to spend OUR taxpayers instead on celebrating multi-millionaires!

Let AEG and the Lakers management pay for the full cost.

The Mayor has proven how misguided he is. To say that not to hold a parade is 'untenable' shows he has no grip on reality. He's a waste of time - and certainly not a contended for Governor of this State!

[tucanofulano]

Hey ! L.A.P.D. already spend the city's taxmonies getting the riotors under control + the L.A. Trash pick-up (a.k.a. L.A.P.D.) took the city's taxmonies to haul away what the cops didn't take away. ENOUGH ! If the Laker4s want a "parade" their business managers can apply for and pay for a parade permit and pay 100% of all other costs of putting it on, including paying the city 100% of the money to cover police, fire, and trash services associated with such a parade. Do remember the Laker's organization paid politicians some $25,000 to get exempt from city taxes.

[Dan]

the good news is the cops will get overtime to work the parade, the bad news is they will have cuts SOONER!

NO public funds should be used, and that is REGARDLESS of the economy. Let the Team cover the costs

[Dante]

The City of Los Angeles is so terribly mismanaged that one million dollars is just a drop in the bucket. Don't be misled about the reasons for our economic problems. It is not because of a parade. If you want to look for places to cut how about the City Council and mayors budget, which are higher than any other major city. Look at the fat contracts awarded to political allies or the excessive regulation that drives business and tax dollars away. The Lakers bring a lot more revenue to the city than they cost even after adding the cost of the parade. I do not blame those who are upset, they are being misled by bad politicians who are trying to cover up their own gross fiscal mismanagement .

[Mo]

Does anyone know how much the Lakers bring into the city in terms of tax money and such intangibles as civic pride? Yes, we have knuckleheads who basically want any excuse to be stupid, but not having a parade for an organization that contributes such excellence to our city? How can you guys even think of not honoring these guys? Why do people always think of money upfront and never realize the true value of an organization like the Lakers to the city of LA?

[sheldon broes]

The spirit of sports brings people together and makes everyone feel good. When people feel good they spend money. The money spent for the parade will be a drop in the bucket compared to the short and long term return that sports enthusiast contribute to the local economy.

[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?

I do want to state for the record, I am a HUGE LAKER FAN, but 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 a privilege.

Respectively,

Lena C.

[Wendy]

As many others have said, I love my Lakers but if the owners of the Lakers want to celebrate this win in style, THEY should pay for it all and not expect the party cutting jobs to help foot the bill for their fun.

[A Lakers Fan]

Please realize that the Lakers brand in global and they help generate tons of money for the city of Los Angeles in many ways that a lot of you do not understand based on some of your narrow mind view of your bubble. Support what LA has, a GREAT basketball franchise. If LA had other Great franchises, they should get the same treatment. They help build LA to what it is in a broader sense.

[Rick Friedman]

To all of you unbelievable, short sighted, small minded people who don't want the City to spend $1,000,000 on a celebration for our World Champions.

Excuse me, dear idiots, but the City of Los Angeles would be way broker were it not for all the tax revenue generated by the Lakers. Have any of you checked what this franchise is worth, how much merchandise it sells, how many vendors it uses, and how large its payroll is?

Have you pathetic cretins stopped to consider the value of all of the "beauty shots" of the City that America gets to see during nationally televised games. Do you ever think that maybe it helps bring tourism dollars to a city not known for its hospitality?

How about all the televised shots of celebrities who attend the games? Don't you think that the city benefits every time the Lakers host the entertainment elite of the world? It may not be quantifiable, but it adds to the City's value as well.

You will not rain on our parade. We Laker fans will celebrate. The city will survive. And you can go about your daily misery, void of any joy or hope or reason to continue living.

[sonshine]

I'm guessing that all you people who are supporing the parade are NOT in jeopardy of losing any pay. Some of you probably still live at home with your parents and probably don't contribute there either.
ALEX - if everyone who worked for the City is a drug addict or criminal is is really wise to advertise your moronocy in a blog? I have worked, and worked hard, at my job and my income goes to support 4 (count them 4) households. I am at work today even though I'm ill. Does that sound like the derelicts you spoke of in your note?
RUBEN- to want to keep food in your kids bellies and a roof over their heads is NOT advancing a political position. You, Cynthia and Simon should probably get jobs, move out of your parents homes and take on some responsibilities.
KAT - however, it is STILL in financial straights. Does it make sense to compound that?

[LG]

Do two wrongs make a right? Just because the Mayor and City Counsel have mismanaged the budget doesn't mean we should just throw money away for a parade. It's fiscally irresponsible. Let's be realistic, who most working people (those lucky enough to have a job) can't attend. That leaves kids, the under or unemployed and self employeed. While a championship is great for a City, it's NOT the City's responsiblity to throw a parade. I don't recall that being written into the city charter. In these messed up times we all need to re-think our priorities. Unlike Jerry Buss, I not nor will probably ever be a billonaire nor like the players a multi-millonaire. What's the good of keeping up appearances when there's no substance behind it? That's like a homeless person shopping at Nordstrom for new pair of Air Jordan's.

[WORLDchamps]

$1million compared to a $10 BILLION speed train???- we should have a LAKER parade every day of the week!!! its 1 day out of the year, get over it kill-joys. . .

[Ruben]

sonshine

I am sure you are recieving some sort of govt benefits by your grammer, so people like you waste way more money than a parade.

Lakers Deserve a Parade! DEAL WITH IT! You dont like it go out and protest that day I'm sure it will be heard over the 3 million SUPPORTERS of the parade!

How much Money and Joy have the Lakers brought to this city? WAY MORE THAN 1 MILLION!!!!

[Jay Mohler]

I think the city should CHARGE a hefty fee to the multi-millionaire players and owners to have a parade.

[kcbon]

It’s always amazing to see what people can say out of anger. I’m an avid Lakers fan and I do understand both sides of the argument. What I don’t understand is how the opposition is labeling Lakers fans as unemployed individuals who live in their parents basement. I’m sorry to say that you’ve been misinformed. Lakers fans contribute fiscally, one way or the other. Whether through the purchase of goods advertised during the games, or purchasing game tickets, or contributing like yourself.

The games generate so much revenue for the city. Do your homework. Whenever there’s a large gathering of the masses in good faith, the city is the beneficiary. Look at the $1,000,000 as an investment. All the local businesses will see a drastic increase in revenue that day. The city will make more than what it put in and continue to generate revenues far beyond the parade day.

The parade is for the benefit of the citizens of the city of Los Angeles not for the benefit of the Lakers organization or it’s players. The team will continue to prosper and will not lose any fans if the city decides not to sponsor the parade. The only looser will be Los Angeles. Those who are suggesting that the Lakers sponsor the event are not being realistic. When was the last time your boss who’s making a six figure income decided to take a pay cut just to supplement your low income? That doesn’t happen in the real world. The organization is being very generous by contributing half the cost.

[Very simple]

That is a lot of money to throw a parade for a bunch of violent idiotic thug "fans" who don't have day jobs.

[marie]

I THINK THAT THIS WHOLE IDEA OF THE CITY PAYING FOR IT
IS UNBELIEVABLE. IN THIS ECONOMY WE DONT EVEN HAVE MONEY FOR THE SCHOOLS BUT THEY ARE GOING TO PUT UP $1 MILLION. THE TEAM MAKES ENOUGH MONEY HELL THE PLUS THE WAY THE FANS ACTED AFTER THE GAME AND THEY WANT TO THROW A PARADE.

[LOL@MayorNOOB]

Im sure this will cost Villa some votes.

[tax payer]

i dont see why the city should pay for the parade, the laker organization should pay for it, they make alots of money from the fans.. im upset to hear that the la city 911 operators are getting 2 extra days off a month, meaning less operators to answer our emergency calls, but the city is willing to pay half the cost of the parade..im confused??? where is my tax money really going?

[Melaine Samson]

That $1,000,000.00 the city wants to blow on the parade (spend a million to wave at multi-millionaires as they drive past you) could save jobs. How would you feel if it were your job that could be saved?

[LA Sucks]

All these pro-parade posts prove just how dumb, ignorant and uneducated Lakers fans are!

Get a freakin' life. You're not Kobe or Shack and you're never going to be. This is reckless use of tax payer money. Why did we agree to an increase in sales tax? So we could pay for a parade?

So the next time you idiots buy your $8 coke at the Staples Center, you can thank the Mayor for the nearly 10% sales tax you paid for it and think fondly on the parade YOU PAID for!

Bunch of idiots!

[Carolyn]

Okay the LAKERS are the only people being money right now into the city!!!

All the people leaving messages saying this parade shouldn't happen should just pipe down because we are the ones who are funding your sorry butts because the LAKER FANS being money into the city!!!!!!!!!!

[Michael]

OK, not that this will matter much, since the ranters who have posted will most likely not look at this again. BUT. Do you people realize how much money the Lakers bring to the city? MILLIONS upon millions of dollars. Further, do you not understand what a celebration parade does for the image of a city?

I moved, sadly, from Los Angeles nearly a year ago, but LA is always in my heart. It is sickening to read such comments about "jobless... ghetto" Lakers fans. The Lakers are a city tradition, and one that should be praised.

Why don't all of the whining suburban folk (the majority posting here) stop the wining for a moment. Go INTO the city and enjoy something. A free concert. A parade. A celebration. See what it means to live in a city, and enjoy it. It takes money to make money...

And to the "gentleman" whining about having to PAY $40,000 in taxes... Gosh, sir... I only wish I was in such an unfortunate spot as you.... poor, poor man...

[Razor]

Response to the Mayor's comments on the Tuesday, June 15, 2009 1 p.m. broadcast on KTLA 5:

Thank you Mayor Villaraigosa for your response to the entry that I posted earlier. I have to say that I know your intentions to raise money from the private sector to cover the cost of the parade are well-intended, but it is insufficient to say that you "hope there will be enough money donated" to off-set the $1 million the city is putting towards the parade. Due to the state of the economy, you need to be 100% certain that no money will be drawn from public funds. Even if you raise $900,000 and have to use public funds to make up the $100,000 that remains, that is $100,000 that could go towards helping pay the salaries for city employees who may be losing their homes, unable to pay for necessary medical care, or put food on the table so their children will not go hungry. As a Laker fan and spectator to this situation, you are not effectively prioritizing what is taking place and this scares me as well as makes me question your decision-making process. For all of the citizens who will have to continue to struggle making ends meet after the three-hour parade is over, please convince the Laker organization to pay the total cost for the parade so that people who truly need financial help will continue to look up to you as a reputable leader and politician.

Thank You,
Lena C.

[alan]

Incredible misuse of tax money.

Shows lack of leadership and guts from our officials.

They should have said no way to paying any of it.

[Patty]

The City of LA should not spend a single dime on this parade. If anyone thinks differently, I'll like to see their face when confronting a "closed" sign when trying to get a permit or go to a library. How about waiting a longer time for a 9-1-1 operator because several dispatchers are on furlough. Or thie kid is in a class with 59 other kids. We're talking about millionaire athletes. If they want a celebration, they should get their boss to pay for it or give up the money themsleves. The only reason Mayor V wants the parade is so that he can ride in the lead car and smile that swarmy smile, while he's stabbing his workforce in the back.
As for seeking donations, I have a feeling it'll come back to the City putting up $. And if there is money available, why not help out the schools instead?

[guy]

The way the fans acted outside Staples Sunday night is why I hope the Lakers never win another championship. You people just don't know how to behave. You act like animals....no animals are better behaved.

[A Mother of 2]

so not only are we spending money on something that has no meaning but there also encouraging people to go out and destroy our city... Didnt Villaraigosa and the Police Chief see how all those stupid dumb ignorant people where destroying our city.... hello SPEND that money towards SCHOOL!!! JOBS!!!!
something PRODUCTIVE

[Dan Williams]

Let the Lakers pay for their own parade.

This is a PRIVATE organization, out for PRIVATE GAIN. The players themselves are making MUCH MORE every year than the cost of this parade.

Meanwhile, many of the fools who idolize these players are out of jobs or will soon be looking for jobs, or are still figuring out how to pay for their season tickets.

These fools should take a long look at themselves and the situation and realize, hey, this is just a game. That fact that the Lakers can now call themselves "world champions" means nothing; this series, which was purely for entertainment, was played only in the U.S. after all. And even if it was a true global championship -- like the World Cup -- it still wouldn't matter.

Get real lunkheads. And get smart with your tax dollars. Help yourselves before you help stroke the egos of millionaires.

[Louie]

Of course the messages on this board have split into two distinct camps. Those who have a brain who are opposed to spending public money that isn't available, and those who are so oblivious to reality that they would support a tax funded parade when our state is bankrupt and our city is in third world status. Shame on Villagarosa, I guess if he does run for governor, this will give Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsome a leg up when the candidates are trying to show the voters who has the STATE'S best interests in mind. I hope the mongrols who show up to support the magalomaniacs this afternoon have a good time, because those of us with real lives and a sense of responsibility will be at work, helping to fund this charade.

[Cande]

If each of us City of LA takes 4 hours of unpaid time. No jobs will be saved because this money is going to the parade and all those pendejos rioting the city. Good Job Mr. Mayor!

[Rodger]

Here's the scenario tomorrow...............

gather all of the criminals from the city of Angels together: give them a million dollar parade (on us taxpayers) give them beer (at the Coliseum) and them let them go "a celebrating" (i.e. destroying and burning public and private property).

then in a day or so, talk about how much Los Angeles is in a hole financially, all the while paying for all of the vandalism and overtime for the riot police from all of the "celebrating".

THIS WORLD TOILET
:I::

[Francisco]

Thanks God I Live in San Diego.... I am sorry LA Residents

[BobC562]

The Mayor thinks is is "untenable" to not have the parade. I think it's "untenable" to even consider him to be the next governor. This is just another example of a string of poor decisions.

[andy]

Let me try and figure this out. We have a multi-million dollar Laker organization willing to pay $1 million to help the City have a parade. On the team we have multi-million dollar tatooed cry-babies seeking adulation of thousands of fans yelling the players accomplishments as the fans demolish hard working small business property because they want to do damage to someones property. We have a mayor beaming at a gay parade seeking any vote he can get, a de-fanged police department standing by as fans destroy property and generally run wild. The City is near bankruptcy and they will pony up another million dollars to let the crowd miss work in a bad economy and who knows how much damage they will do, fortunately it isn't at night and damage may be limited since cowards only destroy in the dark of night.

Thank God I don't live in that mis-guided City run by an idiot.

[Debbie]

Wow, first of all congratulations to the Lakers, they fought hard and had a great season. They've earned the championship.

Secondly-we are in worse shape than I thought. I thought a parade would've been a nice way to focus on a little positive energy during these difficult times, if even for a little while. This comment section brings me back to reality, what a sad place LA has become.

[sunnyD]

I can't wait for the parade tomorrow!!!! it's going to be a beautiful day and to all the people that complain about the mayor spending 1 million get over its already done and their is nothing you can do anymore you know what bothers me the most is most of the idiots that complain are probably the ones that voted for bush to begin with the one person to blame for the crappy economy he left us with so get over it. Don't be angry and show up to the parade have fun be around people that are actually happy and not mad or bitter at this situation come on enjoy yourselves!!!!!!!!

[Tc]

NO parade this is silly in light of our budget situation!!!
I like the lakers but the lakers and Dr buss pay BYNUM - 23 yr old wurderkind 20 million or something, they can afford to foot the bill for the whole thinkg

[what?]

Let's see - the people who are working and paying taxes will foot the bill for the unemployed or nutty (those who think it is worth taking the day off to stand for hours in the sun)? The people facing pay cuts or work furloughs should voice their opposition...

[tyler]

I just emailed the govenor about this.A parade isnt going to get my spirits up.It makes me angry.I am one of the peole who got laid off her job again.I worked at my company for 4 yrs.Anybody who had to deal with unemployment knows how bad it is.For those of you who think we need a parade for some reason ,think about this.We asked for a federal bailout.ITs like the car companies that asked for a bailout and showed up in the private jets.The govenor wants to cut the welfare program.So everyone who is collectiing welfare and wants the parade,just think,its coming out of your program.
Go to the parade and afterward when you cant go to school anymore and all of your healthcare has gone at least you have the memory of a sports parade.
If you dont get it,you probably dont pay taxes and still live at home.
You ruined the city the other night,you do NOT deserve a parade. Is our mayor at the IVY again.He thinks he is the mayor of hollywood. I still do not know how to pronounce his name.I might know it if he was seen more often.He does not deserve to be mayor.Bottom line.The city has no money.period. and no one can sit here and justify this.

[Michael]

Wake up an Realize who is running our County! Nazi's

[Lilly]

I am sick and tired of people whining about the cost of the Laker celebration parade. People, our sports teams bring millions of dollars into this city. They deserve a parade. They are the winning team. This resentment towards the parade is EMBARRASSING to our city. If you all, who are against the celebration must be angry,be angry at the "City Fathers" who created this mess and who are still getting their FAT SALARIES even as many of you lose yours.
Also their is such a thing as off duty deputies,police and private security donating their services for two hours. Parade crowds could be asked to help clean up after wards. There are many fans who would do this for OUR L.A. LAKERS.

FEEL THE PRIDE. NOT ANGER

[really? ignorant? ALL?]

To ALL the people Anti-Parade. sucks to be you.

i do very well at my job. i made sure Prior to a tough economy i joined a line of work that would always be needed and omg.. what perfect scenario. i have a job i'm going to the parade and i'm going to enjoy myself. an employed individual.

that was very mean wasn't it? i just thought after reading ALL LAKER FANS ARE IGNORANT. it had to be done.

oh yeah to people like sophia and others who are disgusted by the parade and spending of tax money. leave. no ones forcing you to live in LA or California for that matter.

and most importantly leaving california would probably save you a lot more money considering you could buy a mansion in a no where state for the price of a 2 bedroom house in a decent area. so. . . Leave.

[Stacey]

What a complete joke--CA and the state with double digit unemployment, millions losing homes, and state bankrupt is throwing a multi-million dollar "parade" for a bunch of imbecilies who play with balls into a net?!?! What redeeming value to society does this have? during a severe recession. All those state employees and the armies of police and fire are going have to actually work in the private sector and compete. Imagine that, no more benies, pensions, OT, multiple paid days off, automatic pay raises, tenure. Who cares about "sports" during a severe recession. Get rid of this fraudulent, cheating 'mayor'.

[Judith]

How about the Lakers franchise and each of the players foot the entire bill as a thank you to their loyal LA fans? If I were a highly paid athlete, I'd be embarrassed to participate in a costly parade being put on in a city that is in such terrible fiscal shape. Even the business community - bless them - shouldn't have to step up to the net on this one. Lakers - do the right thing, this year and every year hereafter. Your fans help make you the success you are and you should thank them for their support.

[sonshine]

Ruben
My grammer is correct. Go back to school. Oh, that's right - you can't because there won't be any teachers. Sorry, you lose. DEAL WITH IT!