HONORING ATTORNEY JOHNNIE COCHRAN

Dedication of new gymnasium at Van Ness Recreation Center

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated a new gymnasium in honor of of Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. at Van Ness Recreation Center on Saturday, March 3, 2007.

The renowned attorney who died in March 2005 grew up in South Los Angeles and was the first African-American Assistant District Attorney for Los Angeles County. Mr. Cochran was also known for his representation of victims of police violence and helped to create lasting changes in police procedures.

The Cochran Family along with Councilmember Bernard C. Parks, City Controller Laura Chick and Councilmember Wendy Greuel were all in attendance for the ceremony and helped to cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Features of the 8,300-square-foot facility include a regulation-sized basketball court and volleyball court with seating for more than 100 spectators, staff office and storage space. The new gym also has restrooms that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Funding for the $3.5 million project was provided by Prop K. Koning Eizenberg Architecture of Santa Monica designed the facility, which was built by Metro Builders and Engineers Group, Ltd. The Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program in the Bureau of Engineering in the Department of Public Works managed the project.

We hope that Mr. Cochran's memory will encourage the children at Van Ness Recreation Center to believe that with hard work, dedication and preparation their dreams can come true.

Media Contacts:

Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711