Council honors Sally Thompson, outgoing director of children’s commission

The Los Angeles City Council on an April 1999 agenda presented a resolution honoring Sally Thompson, the first executive director of the Commission for Children, Youth and Their Families, who is leaving to become executive director of the MusiCares Foundation.

Councilmember Mike Hernandez read the resolution and recounted the commission’s accomplishments under Thompson’s leadership, including the establishment of citywide after‑school standards, a policy grants division that supported legislation allocating $50 million for statewide after‑school expansion, the Greater Los Angeles Youth Initiative, and publication of a city youth-and-families zip code data book. "Sally Thompson did a tremendous job," Hernandez said, noting the commission’s work to connect city departments, the school district and nonprofit partners.

Thompson accepted the resolution and thanked the council and the commission staff. "I look forward to continue working with you," she said, adding she would remain available to consult for the city. Councilmembers including Feuer and Ridley Thomas offered personal remarks praising Thompson’s leadership and said the commission’s work will continue as the council seeks her successor. The resolution was presented on the record and the council offered best wishes for Thompson’s new post.