ACTIVIST EX-COUNCILMAN, 85, DIES AS RESULT OF FALL.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

Former City Councilman Marvin Braude, who represented the west San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles area for many of his 32 years on the Los Angeles City Council, died Wednesday from complications after a fall in Palm Springs. He was 85.

Braude, who served on the council until 1997 when term limits forced him out, was known for his commitment to environmental causes and pushing the 15-member body into issues it often wanted to avoid.

``There is no question that he leaves a legacy that generations should remember and thank him for,'' said county Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

Yaroslavsky had worked with Braude to institute building-height limits in major areas of the city, as well as to fight Occidental Oil Co.'s plans for drilling along the coast.

``Marvin Braude was probably the first environmentalist who was able to push the envelope,'' Yaroslavsky said. ``When I came to the council, I was a chain smoker and he came up to me to talk about banning cigarette smoking in elevators. At the time, everyone laughed at him.''

But Braude, a former two-pack-a-day smoker himself, won out and eventually saw smoking bans expand to everything from supermarkets to restaurants.

``Now, everywhere in the country where there is a smoking restriction, they should thank Marvin Braude,'' Yaroslavsky said.

Braude also was known for his environmental efforts on behalf of the California coast as well as the Santa Monica Mountains. He also was an early advocate of alternative energy, persuading the city to buy electric- power vehicles when the technology was still in its infancy.

``Marvin Braude was the personification of what a public servant should be,'' said City Controller Laura Chick.

``Marvin cared deeply about doing what was right, even if it came with a political cost,'' she said. ``I was very fortunate to serve with him on the City Council - he was my mentor and seatmate. The city of Los Angeles is a much better place today because of Marvin Braude.''

Former Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, who had worked as Braude's deputy for 22 years, succeeded her boss on the council. On Thursday, she remembered Braude for the unique vision he brought to the council.

``He was really accomplished and not afraid to go his own way,'' Miscikowski said. ``He was the last of the legacy council members.''

Braude entered politics relatively late in life - he was already in his 40s - after he and his wife, Marjorie, who died earlier this year, had moved to California.

Braude had been a University of Chicago social science professor and businessman who made millions with his Scientific Data Systems, which was bought by Xerox Co.

Braude won his first election bid in 1965, defeating incumbent Councilman Karl Rundberg with his stance on a parks land issue. Over the next 28 years, Braude was never seriously challenged in any of his re-election attempts.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa ordered city flags lowered to half-staff in his honor and praised Braude for his years of service.

Council President Alex Padilla, who joined the council as Braude was leaving, said Braude came from a different era.

``Los Angeles had its greatest growth after World War II and it was people like Marvin Braude who came forward to protect the good things we have,'' Padilla said. ``His leadership came at the right time.''

The city honored Braude shortly after he left office by naming the San Fernando Valley Constituent Center after him.

Braude is survived by two daughters, Ann of Cambridge, Mass., and Liza Braude of Penngrove, Calif.; and two grandchildren.

Funeral services are pending.

Rick Orlov, [phone]

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) Former City Councilman Marvin Braude shakes hands during his 1997 going-away party.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer

(2 -- color) BRAUDE