By
February 1, 2010

Good morning. I regret to inform you that I will not be attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Winter Meeting.

The Los Angeles area is experiencing a winter storm of a magnitude that has not been seen a few years that has brought a potential severe combination of heavy rainstorms and threats of mudslides.

As mayors, we have all been in these situations, and know that the clear choice is to ensure the public safety of our cities.

Since I am not able to attend, I also want to take this opportunity to express my full support of Mayor Elizabeth Kautz as the 68th President of the Conference of Mayors.

I look forward to working with her on the issues that are affecting all of our cities across the country.

Thank you.