Brad Pye Jr. and Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
By Cora Jackson-Fossett
Sentinel Religion Editor
Los Angeles sports writer and broadcaster Brad Pye Jr. will retire from the County of Los Angeles after 24 years of service. A gala celebration is planned for Saturday, April 16, at 6 p.m., at the Proud Bird Restaurant, 1102 Aviation Boulevard in Los Angeles.
“I have had a great career with L.A. County, but as I used to say on the radio, it’s now time to enjoy some of those ‘pretty little green ones,'” said Pye.
Long known for his trailblazing news writing and broadcasting about the world of sports, especially his tireless efforts to publicize African American athletes, few are aware of Pye’s instrumental role in aiding thousands of residents as a top deputy to former County Supervisors Kenneth Hahn and Yvonne Braithwaite Burke as well as manager of the Health and Safety/Return to Work Section of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
His County career began in August 1987 as a deputy in Hahn’s Second District. Promoted to Assistant Chief Deputy within three short months, Pye became a spokesperson for Hahn, and said, “I was his voice in ensuring that constituent were treated fairly and each complaint resolved in a timely manner.”
Pye was also still connected to sports, and he arranged for Hahn to attend various events and recognize athletes for their accomplishments. “Both Kenny and I had a special interest in high school sports,” said Pye. “So, when a team won the championship, they were treated to lunch with Supervisor Hahn.”
Recalling one of his most memorable moments, he said, “It was when Morningside High won the championship and basketball’s great, Lisa Leslie, was the first female to score 110 points in a single game. Naturally, we invited her to have lunch with Kenny.”
Pye worked briefly for Braithwaite Burke when she replaced Hahn as Supervisor and gained her support in creating the Aquatics Foundation, a free program that continues to exist today, helping youth to pursue their passion for swimming.
In 1993, Pye transferred to DCFS as a Division Chief. In this capacity, he has served as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, managed the Disaster Services Section, and directed the Exams/Recruitment Section.
“In every assignment, I tried my best to implement procedures to improve life for employees, volunteers, the disabled and citizens of L.A. County,” he said.
As for the future, Pye said he’ll devote his time to two areas. “I plan to continue my passion of writing sports columns and enjoy my grandchildren.”
Brad Pye Jr., who previously served as sports editor for the L.A. Sentinel, currently writes a sports column for L.A. Watts Times and Inland Valley News newspapers. In addition to being a board director on local several civic organizations, Pye also serves on the Board of Trustees at Brookins Community A.M.E. Church.
Tickets are available for the retirement celebration for $45. For information, call (323) 298-2121.
