Tribute To Hal Bernson

Wednesday, October 16, 2002

Mr. Speaker, We rise today to pay tribute to Hal Bernson, for his leadership and efforts to improve the quality of life in our community. Hal is a determined hard working individual who has dedicated 25 years of invaluable service to our city as a Los Angeles City Councilman and as an Honorary Chairman of the Annual North Valley Family YMCA Booster Club Dinner. Hal Bernson, a native of the San Fernando Valley since 1957, has devoted much time and energy to improving his community. He has been a driving force in cultivating relations between the private businesses in Los Angeles and the public sector. Throughout his public career, beginning in 1979 as a newly elected official, he has focused on improving the quality of life in Southern California by spearheading ordinances to preserve Southland parks and residential areas.

Beginning in 1990 Hal formed the 12th Council District TMA, the first city-side Transportation Management Association. He has served as the City of Los Angeles Earthquake Preparedness Coordinator, and as a member of the State of California Seismic Commission. Along with overseeing such committees, he has also worked to improve the state's earthquake preparedness, funding to retrofit sub-standard buildings as well as the implementations of state and local educational programs. His efforts have been instrumental in establishing a policy that considers jobs, housing and transportation, to create an environment which has strengthened the local economy.

Under the direction of Hal, the Annual YMCA Booster Club Dinner has managed to raise the highest amount in its history. His commitment to the YMCA was tremendous, and as a result, the YMCA contributed $1 million in essential funds for the local chapter to meet the health and social service needs of the community.

City Councilman Hal Bernson has received a number of awards recognizing his efforts as an outstanding community leader, including the Governor's award for Earthquake Preparedness; the News maker of the Year Valley Press Club Award; the North Valley YMCA Benefactor of Youth ''Golden Helmet'' Award; the Founders Awards from the 12th Council District Transportation Management Association; the Alfred E. Alquist Award for achievement in Earthquake Safety. Lastly, he was named Man of the Year in 1995 by the Association for Commuter Transit.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing City Councilman Hal Bernson. A man of strong integrity. A leader with vision willing to cross partisan lines to work with all people and all constituents for the betterment and common good of our great state of California.