City of Los Angeles Honors LACC Basketball Team

In what was truly a special day in the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City head coach Mike Miller and the LA City Cubs were honored at City Hall for their historic 14th-straight South Coast Conference Championship that was captured last February. Many dignitaries from the world of politics, education, and even the Los Angeles Police Department, were in attendance for this memorable occasion, on Friday, June 15.

Ceremonies began at 10:30 am in the City Council Chambers in the historic 26-story Los Angeles City Hall. Councilman Eric Garcetti (District 13) opened the ceremony by providing a retrospective of the success of LA City basketball within the national context of the achievement. He then introduced and honored Coach Miller for his outstanding contributions to the city of Los Angeles throughout the past 15 years, and his inalienable success in directing the Cubs into sustained national prominence. Joining Mr. Garcetti in the presentation were Councilmen Bernard Parks (District 8) and Tom LaBonge (District 4), both of whom are alumni of LA City College and fans of LACC basketball.

All three Council members commended Coach Miller for his consistency, dedication, and graduation rate. The focus extended beyond the Cubs prolific win-loss record. The Los Angeles City Council also publicly acknowledged the continuing achievement of Cub student-athletes in the classroom and in life. Coach Miller was praised for his unending life mission to encourage and direct his players in directions that ensure they will be contributors to society as a whole, outstanding citizens, and positive reflections of Los Angeles for many years to come.

Many members of the Cub inner circle were in attendance. Several professors, coaches, administrators, staff, students, and community members were present to show their support for the program. Some of these included soon-to-be LACCD Chancellor, Dr. Mark Drummond, AFT President Carl Friedlander, and Board of Trustees member Warren T. Furutani.

One of the standout guests that made a surprise visit is former Cub and University of Kansas basketball standout, Jelani Janisse. He is currently a member of the Los Angeles Police Dept. and stationed in the West Los Angeles precinct. Officer Janisse was asked by the City Council to speak about the impact Los Angeles City College had on his life, and the lifelong relationship that developed between him and Coach Miller. In all, five former Cub players attended as well as many players on the current Cub roster.

Coach Miller was asked to offer his thoughts on the program, its success, and he submitted his sincere gratitude for the years of support the City Council has provided to LA City College and the athletic department as a whole. Coach Miller then recognized his immediate “Cub family” by introducing and thanking key LA City senior administrators, current players in attendance, and assistant coaches James Hyneman and Wendell Westbrook.

Following the presentation, Councilman LaBonge hosted a personal tour of City Hall for the team and coaches that included pointing out many of Los Angeles’s historic treasures found within City Hall. LaBonge also led the team to the top floor of the building to share a spectacular view of the entire southland from City Hall’s venerable observation deck. He concluded his tour by once again congratulating the Cubs and wishing them well in their pursuit of a 15th Conference Championship in 2007-08.

When asked how he felt about the day's festivities, Coach Miller said, "This has been a great day for the Cubs.”

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