"I'm here to celebrate one year of hard work, and it seems to me to work in an environment that's decent is a part of what it means to keep people motivated," said Ridley-Thomas.
Ridley-Thomas says his is the only office that hasn't been upgraded and it shouldn't be a second-class operation.
It isn't exactly a slum. The wooden walls are generally in good shape. The carpet is a little bare. The ceilings aren't very modern. Neither are the electrical outlets.
"It's cramped conditions, as well as people having to double up in offices," said Ridley-Thomas.
An office memo lists reasons to spend $700,000:
- Energy-efficient lighting
- Healthy lighting levels
- Cleaning the air-supply ducts
- Replace carpeting that's more than 10 years old
- Better power and data distribution
- Replacing all latches and doorknobs
- Replace the office kitchenette
Los Angeles County Chief Executive Officer Bill Fujioka approved the deal, but he didn't want to go on camera to talk about it.
L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina has been in office 18 years. She's spent less than $100,000 on renovations.
Supervisor Mike Antonovich has been there 29 years and his staff says he's spent next to nothing on renovation.
Supervisor Don Knabe spent some money on carpet.
Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky renovated some back offices.
"There's no reason to think this office should have anything less than any other office," said Ridley-Thomas. "That day is over. Gone. Good bye."
Eyewitness News asked Ridley-Thomas's office for an itemized list of the renovations but hasn't received it.
Once the $707,000 refurbishment begins it will take an estimated six months to complete.
