Full Breakdown
Health Incident at Los Angeles Convention Center Expansion Groundbreaking
10/2/2025, 6:43:17 PM
Overview of the Incident
On Wednesday morning, October 1, 2023, Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price, 74, experienced a health-related incident during the groundbreaking ceremony for the $2.62 billion expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event, attended by city leaders including Mayor Karen Bass, was intended to mark a significant milestone in the revitalization of downtown Los Angeles.
Details of the Health Incident
During the ceremony, which began around 7:30 a.m., Price appeared to become dizzy and subsequently collapsed behind the podium. Mayor Bass, a former nurse, promptly assisted him until paramedics arrived. Price was then transported to a hospital for evaluation, where medical professionals determined he was suffering from dehydration. Following the incident, a spokesperson for Price expressed gratitude for the support received from the community and medical personnel.
Context of the Groundbreaking Ceremony
The groundbreaking event was part of a larger initiative to expand the Los Angeles Convention Center, which aims to enhance the city's capacity to host major conventions and events, particularly in preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics. The expansion will add 190,000 square feet of space, including meeting and multipurpose areas, and is projected to create over 15,000 jobs and generate significant tax revenue for the city.
Official Statements & Responses
In a statement following the incident, Price's spokeswoman, Angelina Valencia-Dumarot, confirmed that he was being monitored out of an abundance of caution. Mayor Bass highlighted the importance of the expansion project, stating, "This is a very, very serious investment. None of us take this lightly." She emphasized the project's potential to transform downtown Los Angeles and attract visitors.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the expansion, some critics have raised concerns regarding the feasibility of completing the project by the March 2028 deadline. Detractors question whether the city can meet the timeline, given the scale of the undertaking and the potential for delays.
Verbatim Quotes
- “During today's groundbreaking for the expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center, Council member Curren Price experienced a health-related incident,” — Angelina Valencia-Dumarot, Price's Spokeswoman
- “This is a very, very serious investment. None of us take this lightly,” — Mayor Karen Bass
What's Next
Curren Price is scheduled to appear in court on November 3, 2023, regarding multiple public corruption charges. The outcome of this hearing may impact his ongoing role in the council and the expansion project.
The incident at the groundbreaking ceremony underscores the intersection of health and public service, as well as the ambitious goals set by city leaders for the future of Los Angeles.
