Community Beacon October 2014 PDF
Transcription
Community Beacon October 2014 PDF
www.communitybeaco n.tumblr.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 Inside ■ Calendar of Events pg 2 ■ Local Journalism Honored pg 3 ■ Princess Emily pg 4 ■ Trip to Alaska pg 4 ■ Seniors and the Vote pg 4 ■ West Nile Virus pg 5 ■ Fitness Boot Camp pg 6 ■ Zumba at Tiffany’s pg 6 ■ ES Middle School pg 7 Will the River’s Deadly History Repeat Itself? Suzanne Regan hile the federal government invests $1 billion into river revitalization, flood control infrastructure is barely functioning, leaving the historically flood-prone area susceptible to dangerous seasonal events. The current Arroyo Seco and LA River area population has little experience with mountain floods and their potentially deadly impact on those who live and work in the lowlands of the Arroyo and Frogtown. Twenty-four major flooding incidents that greatly impacted life and property in the Los Angeles basin have been recorded since 1769. The W Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection 1912 Arroyo Seco Flood Damage / La Inundacion del Arroyo Seco en 1912 ¿Repetirá la Historia del Rio? Suzanne Regan M ■ Comets Come Back pg 7 ■ CSULA Students on NC pg 8 ■ LA32NC Update pg 8 ■ Lincoln Heights NC p. 10 ientras que el gobierno federal invierte $1 billon en la revitalización del río, la infraestructura de control de inundaciones apenas funciona, dejando a la zona históricamente propuesta a inundaciones susceptibles a eventos de temporadas peligrosas. La población actual de la zona del Rio Arroyo Seco y Los Angeles tiene poca experiencia con las inundaciones de montaña y su impacto potencialmente fatal a los que viven y trabajan en las tierras bajas del Arroyo y Frogtown. Veinticuatro incidentes de inundaciones reportados desde 1769 afectaron en gran medida la vida y la propiedad en la cuenca de Los Angeles. El río suministraba a la gente indígena Continúa en la página 12, Rio 雖然聯邦政府投資了十億 元在河流更生計劃上, 但 是在控制氾濫建設上卻微 不足道, 做成過去多次 季節性危險的事故, 對於 居住在 Arroyo 及 Frogtown 低地居民可能喪生 的危機上, 居民沒有很 多經驗, 自從 1769 年以 來, 曾有廿四宗嚴重汜濫 事件直接影響生命及財 産, 為了 回應一宗新春 時期汜濫導致百人喪生事 件, ‘汜濫控制法案’於 LA River supplied the indigenous Tongva people water and food for thousands of years. Tongva villages built along the rivers’ banks were moved to higher ground when winter floodwaters flowed from the San Gabriel Mountains, and returned when waters receded. The pueblo of Los Angeles was also established along the river, but European traditions of water and land rights created a less flexible plan for newcomers. In the early 20th century, the Los Angeles River and its tributaries was supplying water for over half a million citizens, their orange groves Continued on page 12, River 1936正式通過. 自此之後, 雖然洛杉磯 河被改變成排水出海的渠 道, 控制水流使汜濫成 絶跡, 但到今天 控制建 設己漸漸失修, 例如Devil’s Gate 堤的功能名 存實亡, 淤泥塞滿排水通 道, 仍沒有長遠計劃去重 建這年長的堤壩, 使居住 在 Arroyo 和Frogtown 低地居民面像過去一般面 對山洪及生命危機. Master Planned Community Proposed ■ Boyle Heights NC pg 10 O ver 40 neighbors attended a meeting hosted by real estate developer Dan Kassel, Founder and CEO of Clearwater Communities, to hear plans for a ‘master planned community’ proposed for the nearly 4.9 acre hillside property at Eastern Avenue and Lombardy Boulevard in El Sereno. A draft plan depicted 43 ‘view homes’ Continued on page 11, Plans Plan Maestro Propuesto ■ Peter Quezada, GCP NC pg 8 ■ River Communities Update pg 11 ■ Casino Night pg 11 ■ Vapeology pg 11 M ás de 40 vecinos asistieron a una reunión organizada por el desarrollador de bienes raíces Dan Kassel, Fundador y CEO de Clearwater Communities, para conocer los planes para una “comunidad planificada maestra ‘ propuesto para la propiedad en la ladera cerca de 4.9 acres en la avenida Eastern y Lombardy en El Sereno. El plan representa 43 ‘viviendas ‘ agrupados en la propiedad. Las casas 一個在Eastern Ave 和Lombardy Boulevar 的El Sereno社區建設計劃, 打算在一 個佔地 4.9 畝的山邊建造 43 間兩至三睡房的有景房 子, 每間佔地段約 2000 平 方呎, 這種城市小型地段建 築方案最近普遍用在 Silver Lake 和Echo Park市中. 因 此建築商 Dan Kassel 稱他 有權申請改變東北羅省山邊 法例容許建這 43間房子的計 劃,但是社區人士指出這計劃 做成源途兩路進出路口的危 Continúa en la página 11, Plans Preliminary plan for 43 single-family homes at Eastern and Lombardy. 險, 交通擠塞, 房子數量過 多及過大, 超過原來法例標 準, 因此一群志願小隊継 挨家逐戶地去讓大家知道這 計劃,並收集簽名去把這山地 設立為公眾地方. 居民 Erica Armijo-Moura說: “重要 的是讓大家說出El Sereno的 夢想.” Do You Have the Power? Hans Johnson ■ CCAG Soup Kitchen pg 11 ■ IILA Celebrates pg 11 ■ East LA Nightlife pg 12 ■ Garfonos Pizza pg 12 ■ Opinion: pg 13/14 Want to Help Deliver Copies to Your Neighbors? Call Us (323) 245-9408 W ho takes the power out of your hands? It may be the person in the mirror. Thousands of Angelenos who are eligible to vote won’t cast a ballot in our November 4 election. Why? Because they voluntarily surrender their voice by not registering to vote. If you know someone who may not be registered, put the power in their hands. Help them register to vote. The deadline for registering to vote in this election is October 20. The form is available at most libraries and online at: http:// registertovote.ca.gov/ This year, su voz al no registrarse para votar. Si conoces a alguien que no se ha registrado, ayúdelos a registrarse para votar. La fecha límite para registrarse para votar en esta elección es el 20 de octubre El formulario está disponible en las bibliotecas y en: http:// registertovote.ca.gov/ Llegando a la forma no es siempre fácil. Pero llenandolo si lo es. Continued on page 10 ¿Tiene el Poder? Hans Johnson ¿Quién toma el poder de sus manos? Puede ser la persona en el espejo. Miles de angelinos que son elegibles para votar, no van a votar las elecciones el 4 de noviembre. ¿Por qué? Debido a que se rindan voluntariamente Continúa en la página 10 Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo Page 2 communitybeacon.tumblr.com Calendar of Community Events Wed. Oct 8, 6-8pm Cathedral Basketball Program Mixer Cathedral MHR Room 1253 Bishops Rd. (626)394-6433 Fri-Sun. Oct 10, 9am-5pm Lincoln Heights Chamber Sidewalk Sale No Broadway & Sichel St. (323)221-6571 Fri. Oct 10, 8:30am– 2pm Local Communities in Global Society Conference USC – Davidson Center Register at http://www.iilosangeles.org/centennial/ (323)224-3800, [email protected] Sat. Oct 11, 2-4pm, Paper mache calavera Sat. Oct 25, 2-4pm, Nichos Sat. Nov 8, 2-4pm, Hand dyed scarf Sat. Nov 22, 2-4pm, Leather and bead cuff bracelet Art workshops Holy Grounds Coffee and Tea 5371 Alhambra Ave. [email protected] Wed. Oct 15, 6-7pm Memory Loss & Aging By the Alzheimer’s Association El Sereno Public Library 5226 Huntington Dr. Sat. Nov 8 at 9am Out of Darkness Walk Suicide Prevention Fundraiser 275 S. Raymond Ave. Sat. Nov 8 at 10am El Sereno Veteran’s Day Tribute Groundbreaking ceremony Van Horne & Huntington Dr. Sun. Nov 9 at 1pm 9th Annual NELA Veteran’s Day Parade York & Figueroa Teri Bonsell (323)809-8564 Sun. Nov 16, 12:30-4 pm Open House Sacred Heart High 2111 Griffin Avenue Sun. Nov 30, 10am-3pm Dino’s Bomb Squad Saves Xmas 3rd Annual Toy Drive Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd. Call Maryann (323)456-5186 Monthy: 1st Monday at 2pm El Sereno Veterans Monument Committee meeting CD14 Conference Room 4927 Huntington Dr. 1st fl. Tues. Oct 21, 6-7:30pm Beacon Contributor’s Potluck meeting Absolute Towing 4760 Valley Blvd. 1st Monday Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council (LHNC) 5pm Outreach Committee 6:30pm Budget & Finance Committee 7pm Holiday Parade Committee Aztec Rising, 3516 N. Broadway Th. Oct 23, 5:30-8pm Open House Sacred Heart High 2111 Griffin Avenue 1st Wednesday 6pm LA32 NC General Meeting At El Sereno Senior Center 4721 Klamath Street Sat-Sun. Oct 25/26, 11am-6pm Brewery Art Walk Free to the public More than 100 studios open 2100 N. Main St. 1st Wednesday at 6:15pm Boyle Heights NC – Area 1 Benjamin Franklin Library 2200 E. 1st St. Sat. Nov 1, 2-9pm El Sereno Dia de Cultura A Day of the Dead Celebration Community Altar at Hecho en Mexico 4976 S. Huntington Dr. Call Liz (323)767-6619 1st Thursday at 7pm American Legion Post 139 General Meeting 24 N. Stoneman Ave, Alhambra (626)458-2723 1st Friday Holy Grounds Artists Receptions 5371 Alhambra Ave. Every 3rd Friday of the month meet artists whose work is currently displayed. Meet artists, enjoy artwork and music, and unwind. Different monthly themes make it a fresh monthly event. 2nd Tuesday 10-11am El Sereno Business Watch 4927 Huntington Dr. N Last Thursday at 11:30am Lincoln Heights Chamber Luncheon (323)221-6571 2nd Tuesday 7-10pm ZZyZx WriterZ At Garfono’s Pizza, 5468 Valley Blvd. 2nd Thursday 10am Lincoln Heights NC Executive Com. At Aztec Rising, 3516 N. Broadway 2nd Thursday 6-9pm 6pm Hillside Village (HV) Neighborhood Watch 7pm HV Property Owner’s Association At Absolute Towing, 4760 Valley Blvd [email protected] 2nd Sunday of the month at 9am Community Bike Rides Leisurely ride at a slow pace, approx. 10-mile route Meet at the parklet in front of Food4Less 3rd Wednesday at 6pm Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) At Hollenbeck Police Station, 2111 E. 1st Street 3rd Wednesday 6:15pm Boyle Heights NC Executive Benjamin Franklin Library 2200 E. 1st St. 3rd Thursday at 6pm LH NC General Meeting At El Arca, 3839 Selig Pl. 3rd Thursday at 6:30pm Elysian Valley Riverside NC Allesandro Elementary 2210 Riverside Drive Los Angeles, CA 90039 4th Wednesday at 6:15pm Boyle Heights NC General Meeting BH Senior Citizen Center 2839 E. 3rd St. 4th Thursday at 7pm El Sereno Community Coordinating Council Absolute Towing, 4760 Valley Blvd. (323)245-9408 2nd Tuesday at 7pm Greater Cypress Park NC LA River Center 570 W. Avenue 26 3rd Wednesday LA32NC 6pm Budget and Finance 7pm Outreach CD14 Conference Room 4927 Huntington Dr. 1st floor 4th Monday at 6pm LA32 NC Executive Committee El Sereno Constituent Center 4927 Huntington Dr. 1st floor Last Saturday, 1-3pm Move To Amend Meeting Holy Grounds Coffee 5371 Alhambra Ave. Ann Porter (323)255-1279 Movetoamend.org Ongoing: Community Early Child Education Open Enrollments Ages 2-5 years old Oct. 1 - Dec. 31 IILA 3845 Selig Place (323) 224-3800 www.iilosangeles.org English Conversation Class Mondays 4-5 pm Lincoln Heights Library 2530 Workman Street Call (323)226-1692 for more information Violencia Domestica Support Group Tues 9-11am Barrio Action 4927 Huntington Dr. #200 (323)221-0779 Building Well-being in Our Families Construyendo el Bienestar en Nuestras Familias Tuesdays 6-8pm at the El Sereno Library 5226 Huntington Drive [email protected] From the LAC Department of Mental Health Community Bike Rides Eastside Bike Club Every Tuesday at 7:00 pm Meet in front of Food4Less in El Sereno Rose Hills Senior Club 2nd & 4th Tuesday 11am-1pm Social club: Bingo, lunch, dances, trips At the Rose Hill Rec. Center 4530 Mercury Ave (323)225-0450 Children’s Storytime Wednesdays 4-5 pm Lincoln Heights Library 2530 Workman Street Low End Theory Wednesdays 10pm – 2am The Airliner Nightclub 2419 N. Broadway Free Guitar Class Thurs 4pm-5pm Barrio Action, 4927 Huntington Dr. (323)221-0779 Holy Grounds Coffee and Tea 5371 Alhambra Ave. Steve Abee’s Poetry Workshop Every Thurs 6:30-8:30pm Open Mic every 2nd & 4th Friday of month, 7-9:30pm Sounds at Holy Grounds Every Fri at 7pm Acoustic sets by Lint Vaccine, The Gardeners, Brittany La Rosa and others Happy Friday for Teens Fridays 4-5 pm Lincoln Heights Library 2530 Workman Street Aztec Dancing Fridays 6:30–8pm Rose Hill Recreation Center 4530 Mercury Ave. Contact: Judith Garcia (213)481-8265 Karaoke Fri/Sat from 8pm-midnight El Puerto Escondido 3343 N Eastern Ave Mariachi & Karaoke Every Sunday Hecho en Mexico 4976 S. Huntington Dr. For more info call (323)226-0010 Yoga Sunday mornings 9:30-10:30am Eastside Collective Health Collective 5469 Huntington Drive Suggested Donation: $2-$5 Feria de Arte y Bienestar Sábado, 15 de Noviembre 9:00 – 5:00 PM 4ª Caminata Anual de Discapacidades Registración empieza a las 8:00 AM Caminata Comienza a las 9:00 AM La Tienda de Segunda de El ARCA Abrirá de 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Visítenos y encontrará algo para toda la familia! La Exposición de Arte El ARCA Abre de 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Habrá más de 40 artistas y vendedores! Clínica de Salud Arroyo Vista La Clínica de Salud Arroyo Vista hará exámenes de salud GRATUITOS para todos. Visítenos! La unidad móvil estará aquí entre 11 – 3:00 PM Visite la caseta de artes de EL ARCA y llévese a casa su proyecto manual! La caseta de artes manuales abre de 12 – 4:00 PM Habrá música y comida típica Mexicana! Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo (323)245-9408 City Hall Honors Local Journalism Pictured: Thomas Varela, Gil Cedillo, Abel Salas, Natalie Gonzalez, Jose Huizar PHOTO: Brooklyn and Boyle T he City of Los Angeles recently honored Abel Salas and Brooklyn and Boyle Magazine for the tribute to the life of journalist Ruben Salazar with coverage of the 44th anniversary of the 1970 Chicano Moratorium and Salazar’s assassination. Councilman Huizar said, “[We] want to thank Abel and all his crew for doing this issue, for putting forward this magazine which really touches on Help keep this paper in print and delivered to your home. Send a check to: local issues in a way that a local community can understand.” Councilman Cedillo remembered Mr. Salazar’s contributions saying he had been the voice of integration, of social justice, of civic participation. Cedillo said “44 years ago, I remember being there. Gloria Molina was one of the activitists… it was a historic day to say the least.” Of Brooklyn and Boyle Magazine he said, “We are here to honor Brooklyn and Boyle. It honors our tradition and our history, an independent press that covers the news for the purpose of finding justice.” Community Beacon 1912 S. Boca Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90032 (323) 245-9408 Page 3 Page 4 Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo communitybeacon.tumblr.com Princess Emily E Love, hope, success, family, security. milee Soria, an 8th grader at El Sereno Middle School was one of six excited Southern California ladies ages 12 – 35 crowned in the Miss Amazing California event. They have since represented California with appearances at other Miss Amazing events including a National event in Omaha, Nebraska in August. The Miss Amazing Pageant is a program that gives girls and young women with disabilities the opportunity to build self-confidence in a supportive environment. Miss Amazing's main event is structured as a pageant, but participants are evaluated on the ability to act as positive role models, to use their abilities to their best capability, and to not allow their disability to define who they are. Emilee and the other California representatives and their families will also be volunteering at the 2015 Miss Amazing Nationals, hosted in Los Angeles at the same time as the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. The motto of Miss Amazing is "celebrating the abilities of girls and women with disabilities." Emily has embraced her newfound roles as a representative of California Miss Amazing. She has been dancing for the past 5 years in a program called Free 2 Be Me Dance, a Santa Monica based group tailored for individuals with a developmental delay. To find out more about the truly unique Miss Amazing Pageant go to www.missamazingpageant.com. Angelica Campos, Agent Insurance Lic. #: 0C09372 2807 North Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90031 Bus: 323-222-9966 [email protected] There’s nobody like me to protect the things we all value. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY. ® 1101022 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL Seniors and the Vote Tom Williams Alaska Discovery Frank Serrano Guess what? Alaska, which my wife Carmen and I visited in June, was surprisingly different than we expected. There was no white blanket of snow. Instead, we saw many trees in countless shades of green, and flowers of all colors. We simply could not believe it! During our 44 years of marriage Carmen and I have been fortunate to visit many countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain, France, Austria and Italy. Although each had their ‘wow’s and ‘ah’s, for some reason Alaska was different. Maybe it was its vastness, or it being coined “the last frontier.” We became enchanted with its beauty and can honestly say the towns, countryside, forests, mountains and waterways make it one of the most beautiful and scenic places we have visited. Because there was much we were unable to see first-hand, and much we did not even know about until Some things we all have in common. we visited, we now have plans to re-visit Fairbanks during the winter months, perhaps for our wedding anniversary in February. You might ask why, considering the cold. Well, I’ll tell you why. All of our lives we have talked about experi- encing the awesomeness of seeing the Northern Lights, but we thought we had to go to Greenland for that. Now we know they are visible from Fairbanks, and that was probably our greatest discovery in Alaska. Seniors (I am one) and our votes are important and will become even more so during the next six months as we build up to the National/State election in November and City primary and runoff elections in 2015. Why is anyone over 65 important in California? There are many of us AND we vote. This year urge your friends, neighbors, and any seniors you meet to 1) register to vote, 2) learn about the senior issues before your neighborhood councils and city and county department and 3) vote for people and laws that will protect and represent your issues and concerns. Although our neighborhood councils meet at senior centers, the boards are unaware of the issues affecting seniors. As long term members of the community (me 30 years in El Sereno), seniors have a neighborhood presence. Attend your NC board meetings and bring issues that affect our lives to the discussion. Thanks to the work of people 20+ years ago we enjoy senior-centric programs today. Through the polls, we have an opportunity to speak for our needs. Before the November election, there is much to learn about health care and the LAC Department of Aging. Encourage your senior centers, neighborhood associations, local committees and councils to host special events to educate our population on the ballot issues, and to gather and transport Seniors to the poll stations between 7am-8pm, on election day, November 4, 2014. The 2014 election is a primer for the very important 2015 City and local elections. Through demonstrations of Senior Power, we will build a framework for our efforts and programs to win in 2015. To vote in the 2014 election, one must be registered to vote before 5pm, Monday, October 20 and apply for Vote-By-Mail before 5pm Tuesday, October 28, 2014. Vejez de LAC. Anime a sus centros para personas mayores, asociaciones de vecinos, comités y consejos locales para albergar eventos especiales para educar a nuestra población en los asuntos de la boleta, y para recopilar y Seniors de transporte a las estaciones de votación entre 7 a.m.8 p.m., en la jornada electoral 4 de noviembre de 2014. La elección 2014 es una im- primación para la elecciones muy importantes en la Ciudad en 2015. A través de demostraciones del poder de los “seniors”, vamos a construir un marco de nuestros esfuerzos y programas para ganar en 2015. Para votar en las elecciones de 2014, hay que estar registrados para votar antes de las 5pm, Lunes, 20 de octubre y solicitar de Voto por Correo antes del 5pm el Martes, 28 de octubre. Las Personas Mayores y el Voto Tom Williams M ayores (yo soy uno) y nuestros votos son importantes y serán aún más durante los próximos seis meses a medida que construimos hasta la elección nacional / estatal en las elecciones primarias y de escorrentía de noviembre y la ciudad en 2015. ¿Por qué cualquier persona mayor de 65 importante en California? Hay muchos de nosotros y votamos. Este año insta a sus amigos, vecinos, y cualquiera que se reúnen para 1) inscribirse para votar, 2) conocer las cuestiones de la tercera edad ante sus consejos vecinales y de la ciudad y del departamento del condado y 3) vote pr las personas y las leyes que protegen y representan su problemas y preocupaciones. Aunque nuestros NC se reúnen en centros de personas mayores, las juntas no son conscientes de los problemas que afectan a las personas mayores. Como miembros de largo plazo de la comunidad (yo 30 años en El Sereno), las personas may- ores tienen una presencia vecinal. Asista a las reuniones del NC y traiga las cuestiones que afectan a nuestras vidas a la discusión. Gracias al trabajo de la gente de hace más de 20 años que disfrutan de programas de la tercera generacion centrados en la actualidad. A través de las urnas, tenemos la oportunidad de hablar de nuestras necesidades. Antes de las elecciones de noviembre, hay mucho que aprender sobre el cuidado de la salud y el Departamento de la Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo (323)245-9408 West Nile Virus Vincent Montalvo he West Nile virus claimed another life in long Beach in September, bringing the total deaths caused by the virus to nine in California. 181 human cases were reported in California so far this year, 80 more that reported in 2013. In 2012, a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus was collected in Elysian Valley. Some residents living along the Los Angeles River are T Page 5 Cathedral Phantom Basketball Program concerned and see a potential health risk. As recreation along the river increases, a growing number of people may be exposed. To help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts, the virus Healthcare officials urge residents to report dead birds and squirrels to their local Vector control at www.glacvcd.org The Rise of A Basketball Empire W ith several state and nationally ranked student athletes including Lucas Siewert, #100 in the country, the Phantoms are putting Cathedral High School on the map and increasing the bragging rights of the Lincoln Heights area. The success of these student athletes is not just confined to the basketball court, they are a tribute in the classroom as well. Last year the program had the highest amount of student athletes on the honor roll and they are on a mission to make that mark again in the 2014 academic year to meet this objective and continue this legacy of excellence. In just his first season at Cathedral, Middlebrooks led the Phantoms basketball program to a 2012-13 regular season record of 15-8, a complete turn-around for the program that went 6-20 during the 2011-12 campaign, 7 -20 during the 2010-11 season and finished tied for last place in the league 2 consecutive seasons. The 2012-13 Phantoms won 10 of their last 12 games, finished 2nd in the Camino Real League and advanced to the Quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section playoffs (Elite 8). Middlebrooks grew his career winning percentage to .700 (21-9) in the playoffs and .730 (46-17) in league competition. Under the coaching guidance of Middlebrooks, the 2012-13 Cathedral Phantoms had a McDonald’s All-American nominee, 1st Team All-CIF selection, 2nd Team AllCIF selection, 3 - 1st Team AllLeague selections and 3 - 2nd Team All-League selections. 2 of the 3 seniors in the Varsity starting lineup will go on to play college basketball. Come out and support these student athletes this year! For more information on how, please contact Brand Manager, Nia Alafia at 626 394 -6433 or [email protected]. Wikipedia Virus del Nilo Occidental Vicente Montalvo E l virus del Nilo Occidental cobró otra vida en Long Beach en septiembre, con lo que el total de muertes causadas por el virus a las nueve de California. 181 casos humanos fueron reportados en California en lo que va de este año, 80 más que en 2013. En 2012, un mosquito portador del virus del Nilo Occidental se recogió en Elysian Valley. Algunos residentes que viven a lo largo del río de Los Ángeles es- tán preocupados y ven un riesgo potencial para la salud. Como recreación a lo largo del río aumenta, un número creciente de personas puede estar expuesto. Para ayudar con la vigilancia y control del virus del Nilo occidental esfuerzos, los funcionarios de la salud instan a los residentes reportar pájaros y ardillas muertas a su oficina de control vectorial local en www. glacvcd.org Idrissa Diallo Playing In The ACC At Boston College During The 2014 Season. 2014 Cathedral Basketball Graduate Idy Diallo Ranked #157 In The Country Last Year Received A Full Athletic Scholarship To College. Frogtown was Hopping at Art Walk T www.CalStateLA-FCU.org | 323-505-2600 Summer Living! he Frogtown Art Walk welcomed about 2,500 to the artistic enclave, becoming well-known as one of the up-and-coming art communities in Los Angeles. Individuals, families, young and old couples wandered alongside the Los Angeles River and up and down Blake Avenue from afternoon to evening with pedi-cabs shuttling folks between the north and south ends of Frogtown. To make traffic and parking easier for visitors free parking lots and free were provided. With new participating artists and businesses including iconic sculpture Michael Todd, the Art Walk expended into the north end of the neighborhood. 27 venues participated in this year’s Artwalk including businesses, “pop-up” galleries, a community garden and FoLAR’s outdoor Frogspot. Play the River, a yearlong celebration of the Los Angeles River, premiered at Art Walk with games and informative talks at Marsh Park. More than 20 bands played on eight stages scattered throughout the Frogtown landscape – and other performers (Critical Mass, Padua Playwrights, Opera del Espacio, Rebecca Hernandez Dance Company, etc.) presented dance, poetry, theater and more. Organizers will start planning for Frogtown Art Walk 2015 early next year. .25% off your approved auto loan rate + no payment for 90 days* Our New and Used Auto Loans feature: • Up to 100% financing* • Terms up to 84 months for loans over $25,000 • Terms up to 72 months for loans of $25,000 or less • Loan pre-approvals available to give you a bargaining edge at the dealer 2.39 Rates as low as % APR* • Competitive rates Federally insured by NCUA *APR=Annual Percentage Rate. This offer does not apply to existing auto loans. Interest accrues from date of loan disbursement. All loans on approved credit, and all rates, terms, programs and conditions subject to change without notice. Rates may vary based on individual credit worthiness. For available rates, terms, and payment examples, please see loan rates on our website. Photo of Congressman Adam Schiff, Frogtown Artwalk organizer Allen Anderson, Arturo and Roman Gomez at the 2014 Frogtown Artwalk. Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo Page 6 Cardio Boot Camp in Lincoln Park L incoln Park Recreation Center offers children and adults a variety of affordable programs, including the popular one-hour Cardio Boot Camp held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:15pm and on Saturday mornings at 8:30am. With 45 to 50 people per class, sessions include everything from plyometrics to core and functional training, cardiovascular conditioning, muscular strength and endurance training and improving flexibility. Recreation coordinator and class instructor Adrian Morales is a certified personal trainer with over 22 years of experience in the fitness industry and holds a degree in kinesiology. Before joining the Department of Recreation and Parks, Adrian owned and operated his own fitness facili- ty, training people from all walks of life including celebrities, athletes and business professionals. Three years ago Adrian gave the Lincoln Heights community a chance at an affordable exercise program that his clients and other people in the industry paid top dollar for. And it has paid off. Participants have seen results with some losing as much as 81 pounds, others losing inches around the waist and others improving their overall health. Elena Favela of El Sereno who fought for 12 years to control her blood sugar levels said medication helped but made her feel lethargic and depressed. Months after consistently attending the Cardio Boot Camp Elena and her doctor realized she had gained control of her blood sugar levels with exercise and im- communitybeacon.tumblr.com proved eating habits. In group classes it can be difficult to get the specifics on exercising properly. Adrian and recreation assistant Rene Banuelos not only teach the class but they monitor every member’s exercise form and technique. If a member is unable to perform an exercise due to injury, Adrian or Rene provide alternate exercises. Rene says “We break it down to basic fundamental movements and progressively make it harder. The main thing is to keep moving, get that heart rate up and burn some calories.” The Lincoln Park Cardio Boot Camp may not be for everyone. But if you are looking for a high-energy, inexpensive workout that offers variety and camaraderie, it might be just what you need. Zumba at Tiffany’s Mario Gonzalez iffany’s, the Zumba and exercise studio that recently opened at 3354 N. Eastern Avenue in El Sereno, is owned and operated by the very congenial Tiffany Rolon. A local girl with great ambitions to provide a healthy outlet for the community, Tiffany studied the ‘art of Zumba’ for over four years and has taught as a licensed instructor for over two years. Tiffany’s classes, which include Zumba, steps, cardio and yoga, are open to all ages and vary in size depending on the session and time of day. Anyone can start at their own pace and then step up the intensity with Tiffany’s encouragement, so there is no excuse for getting frustrated. Tiffany says her sessions offer T numerous benefits and adds that before she became interested in Zumba she weighed in at 185 lbs. Now 50 pounds lighter, she invites everyone to take inspiration from the before and after pictures at the studio of herself and clients who have achieved similar goals. Her motto? “Excuses don’t burn calories.” Get motivated for a life changing experience and join the fun over at Tiffany’s, Monday through Saturday. Sessions begin at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Wear comfortable workout clothes and athletic shoes. The cost is $3.00 per one hour session. Tiffany also choreographs Quinceaneras and weddings. For more information call (323) 4230733 or (323) 510-0142. Zumba con Tiffany Mario Gonzalez T 25% Off* with this Ad * 25% Off with Ad St. Vincent dethis Paul’s 54,000 St. square-foot thrift store Vincent de Paul’s offers clothing, shoes, furniture, 54,000 square-foot thrift store offers clothing, shoes, furniture, housewares and appliances. housewares and appliances. * mattresses and cars are excluded. expires 9/1/14 — no photocopies * mattresses and cars are excluded. 210 N. Avenue 21, 210 N. Avenue 21, Los Angeles, CA 90031 expires 9/1/14 — no photocopies www.svdpla.org www.svdpla.org coupon 122 couponcode code 122 Los Angeles, CA 90031 iffany’s, lasala de Zumba y de ejercicio, que recientemente abrió sus puertas en 3354 N. Eastern Avenue en El Sereno, es la propiedad y está operada por la muy agradable Tiffany Rolon. Una muchacha local con grandes ambiciones para proporcionar una salida saludable para la comunidad, Tiffany estudió el ‘arte de Zumba’ durante más de cuatro años y ha enseñado como un instructora con licencia por más de dos años. Las clases de Tiffany, que incluyen Zumba, pasos, cardio y yoga, están abiertas a todas las edades y varían en tamaño dependiendo de la sesión y la hora del día. Cualquiera puede empezar a su propio ritmo y luego intensificar la intensidad con el estímulo de Tiffany, así que no hay excusa para sentirse frustrado. Tiffany dice que sus sesiones ofrecen numerosos beneficios y añade que antes de que ella se interesó en Zumba ella pesaba 185 libras. Ahora 50 libras menos, invita a todos a tomar la inspiración de la imágenes del antes y el después en el estudio de sí misma y de los clientes que han logrado metas similares. Su lema? “Las excusas no se queman calorías.” Motivace para una experiencia que cambia la vida y empieza a divertirte más con diamantes, de lunes a sábado. Las sesiones comienzan a las 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm y 8:00 pm Lleve ropa cómoda y calzado deportivo de entrenamiento. El costo es de $ 3.00 por sesión de una hora. Tiffany también hace coreografías de quinceañeras y bodas. Para obtener más información, llame al (323) 423-0733 o a (323) 510-0142. Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo (323)245-9408 Page 7 El Sereno MS: Where Everyone Belongs Dr. Frances Gipson E l Sereno Middle School is off to a tremendous start. We have tripled our award winning MESA program for math, science, and engineering, opened a new Common Core Acceleration Center, and now provide new social supports to manage the middle school transitions. Our newest Jaguars were welcomed with the launch of our W.E.B. program (“Where Everyone Belongs”). WEB is an orientation and transition program that helps 6th/7th graders feel comfortable during their first year in middle school. Built on the belief that students can help students succeed, the program provides the structure for 6th/7th graders to receive support and guidance from 8th grade mentors who have experienced middle school’s challenges and understand that the transition can sometimes be overwhelming. These student leaders also look for bullying behavior and help stop it. WEB gives older students permission to be aware of and report any negative behavior they see, creating a safer school for everybody. Instructionally, students will take on the great expectations of the Common Core Standards combined with the International Baccalaureate Program.With the Common Core Standards some course titles will change as will the ways teachers engage students in learning. Don’t be surprised if you hear words like claim, evidence, close reading, and making an argument. These are all ways that students are learning how to deepen their understanding of what they read, write, and speak. Visit our Parent Center to learn more about how you can help at home and learn more about this new bar for student learning Our campus has transformed, too! Thanks to our many parents, students, and community volunteers who helped add plants, murals, and new benches. This school year we have the new Jaguar Student Commons, devoted to student recreation and socialization. Similar to a college campus, our student commons offers a place to play games and sign up for student clubs, connect with other students, and make new friends during morning break and at lunchtime. This is one more example of our dedication to promoting a college-going-culture for all students! As you can see we are proud jaguars and welcome you as partners in our school journey. Come visit the ever evolving campus and engage in the many new classes in the parent center. Continue to visit our website frequently for exciting updates at www.elserenoms.org. We thank you for being our partners in education. Comets Come Back S acred Heart High School rocked the neighborhood with over 300 Sacred Heart Alumni, family and friends at the 3rd Annual Dinner & Dance “Comets Come Back” event in July. There was dancing under the stars to a live performance by ACE Band, a red carpet photo gallery and great food! The Comets Come Back committee is made up of classmates of graduating classes 1967 to 2010, serving the Sacred Heart High School community by raising funds for scholarships. It is their desire that young woman experience the Sacred Heart Familia. Three alumnae (Rosemary Orozco ’58, Gloria Sosa ’78 and Angelica Campos ’79) were honored at the event for their dedication to Sacred Heart and their respective communities. With the support of many local businesses and community leaders, the “Comets Come Back” event was a huge success, measured in over $20,000.00 raised for scholarship assistance. Over 85% of the current student body is on some type of financial assistance. Save the Date for next year’s event: Saturday, July 25th, 2015 If you would like to become a sponsor or a donor, please contact Comets Come Back committee at [email protected] Like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/shhsla for all Sacred Heart information and upcoming events. Want to Help Deliver Copies to Your Neighbors? Call Us (323) 245-9408 ADVERTISE Your Business Contact: George Cabrera Marketing Director (323)245-9408 ADVERTISE Your Services o a c. Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo Page 8 communitybeacon.tumblr.com Update from ARC President Cal State LA Students on Neighborhood Council A ligned with President Covino’s goal of connecting the campus to the community and vice versa, Cal State LA students Sasha Perez and Nicholas Carrillo ran for and won seats on El Sereno’s LA-32 Neighborhood Council. South Region director Sasha Perez represents the Cal State LA area and hopes to one day transform Hector Huezo El Sereno into a college town. For now, she focuses on area beautification by increasing art and environmental awareness in the community. “We plan to pick up trash, wash sidewalks, repaint buildings, design murals, promote healthy living and sustainability programs, and also bring more organic vegetable gardens into the neighborhood,” she said. Perez was encouraged to pursue this leadership role while working as an intern at the Council District 14 office. There she handled marketing and outreach for projects like the Huntington-Eastern Business Improvement District, focusing on improving local businesses in El Sereno. Perez is pursuing degrees in political science and environmental geosciences at Cal State LA and feels well-prepared for the double duty. Nicholas Carrillo, elected to serve as North Region Director, is currently working on community outreach and planning to launch a note-taking workshop for elementary and middle-school students. He hopes to develop a partnership for students of the Cal State LA Urban Learning Program to go into local schools and prepare the youths for a higher education. “I feel we can better connect El Sereno with Cal State LA and make it known that every elementary middle or high school student has an opportunity to go to college... and that there is a great university right next door,” said Carrillo, an education major. Carrillo ran for the neighborhood council because he saw the opportunity to put his classroom education into practice and to help make a difference in the community. “The campus activities I have been involved in helped build me up as a leader,” he said. Excerpted from Cal State LA Office of Communications and Public Affairs. to relieve the council of exhaustive efforts, is the reviewing and possibly amending the bylaws and creating standing rules. Any amendments can potentially change the structure and/or operation of the Board. Any items involving these amendments will be on the upcoming agendas for General Board meetings, which take place every first Wednesday of the month at 6pm at the El Sereno Citizen’s Center. Agendas are posted on our website 72 hours prior to the meeting (www.la32nc.org). Lastly, please check our website to view the application process for obtaining grant funds. The approved budget for the year includes $10,000 to disburse to Non Profit Organizations and local public schools (including some charters) whose activity with the funds will result in some benefit to 90032. Any questions can be addressed to [email protected]. estos cambios se harán en las próximas agendas para las reuniones generales, que tienen lugar cada primer miércoles del mes a las 6:00pm en Senior Center de El Sereno Ciudadano. Las agendas se publican en nuestro sitio web 72 horas antes de la reunión (www.la32nc.org). Por último, por favor visite nuestro sitio web para ver el proceso de solicitud para la obtención de fondos de la subvención. El presupuesto aprobado para el año incluye $10,000 a desembolsar para Organizaciones Sin Fines de Lucro y las escuelas públicas locales (incluidas algunas cartas) cuya actividad con los fon- dos se traducirá en un beneficio para 90032. Cualquier pregunta puede dirigirse a board@la32nc. org. LA32 NC Update Marleen Fonseca, LA32 President T he Neighborhood Council remains operating under the City imposed exhaustive efforts. In addition to taking the necessary steps to gain compliance with EmpowerLA’s mandates to relieve that, community outreach has also been a priority of LA32. There one pending requirement Reporte LA32 NC Marleen Fonseca, LA32 President El Consejo Vecinal sigue operando bajo los esfuerzos exhaustivos impuestos por la ciudad. Además de tomar las medidas necesarias para lograr el cumplimiento de los mandatos de EmpowerLA para aliviar eso, la extensión a la comunidad también ha sido una prioridad de LA32. El ultimo requisito pendiente para salir de esfuerzos exhaustivos se trata de revisar y posiblemente modificar los estatutos y la creación de reglas permanentes. Las enmiendas pueden cambiar la estructura y / o funcionamiento de la borde. Cualquier artículo que implican After two months in the making, in August, the Alliance of River Communities (ARC) hosted a first of its kind leadership development series for neighborhood councils (NCs), in partnership with the City Attorney’s Office and EmpowerLA’s Neighborhood Education Advocate, Lisette Covarrubias. Over 65 NC board members and stakeholders from each of 14 different NCs brought challenging and specific questions about how the boards can conduct their work effectively and efficiently. The City Attorney’s provided detailed presentation in agenda setting, conflict of interest rules and conducting a meeting, and ARC presented an easy to use Parliamentary Procedure cheat sheet to help boards get through the important decision making. All 3 organizations lent their experience and knowledge to help the region become a better tool to and empower stakeholders and neighborhoods to get the most use out of the hard work NC board members commit to when they run for election. You can follow the work of the ARC on Facebook (Facbook.com/ ARCLosAngeles), and Twitter (Twitter.com/ARCLosAngeles). CHANGE. It happens when Democrats lead with our values. When we organize in our communities. When we speak up for better schools and healthy neighborhoods. High-quality jobs. Women’s rights. LGBT equality. Immigration reform. Affordable housing. Animal welfare. Ethics in government. When we mobilize the largest base of progressive voters in California. It doesn’t happen on its own. Join today: eapd.la [email protected] ph 323-807-2785 Mention this ad in Community Beacon & receive discounted $10 membership. (323)245-9408 Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo November 4th Vote Stephen Smith for State Assembly Smith will fight for better EDUCATION Schools are failing our children. California is rated 49 out of 50 in educational excellence. We can fix that and make us Number ONE! Pro School Choice. K-12 Scholarships will let you send your children to high performing schools, and many of those schools cost less than public schools. Smith will fight for EMPLOYMENT opportunities for all Make California an Enterprise Zone. California is the least business friendly state in the country. Bring back jobs by reforming regulations and reducing business taxes. It is a proven formula for success. We can make the Golden State golden again! My family came from poverty. I know of the hardships that come from governing policies that impact the quality of our jobs and our education. Prop. 13 must remain. Do not be fooled. Can you afford $5-$9 for gas? In January new taxes on gasoline will make everything more expensive. It is time for a change. Let me serve you and together we can regain the California Dream. www.SmithforLiberty.com ENDORSED BY Page 9 Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo Page 10 LHNC President’s Report Nanci Rosas\President of the Lincoln Height Neighborhood Council Welcome back from summer vacation, Lincoln Heights; it’s time get back to work! The Holidays are approaching quickly. Here are some of the events we are planning. Halloween -- October 31; Veterans Day – November 11; More information will be provided as we get closer to these events. In the meanwhile, all Neighborhood Council meetings will be held on the third Thursdays of the month from 6 to 8 pm at El Arca. I hope to see you at our NC meetings and at our community events. Thank You. Boyle Heights NC: Community Outreach: We provided the popular bilingual DMV license booklets, Clean Storm Drain, Save Our Ocean and River posters, and pet waste bag and literature at the National Night Out event. I toured the new Wellness Center at the historic General Hospital to help the BHNC provide information on healthy exercise alternatives for our community. I also visited Roosevelt HS Parent Center and Mendez HS to talk about BHNC and inquire about education issues with parents, students and teachers. BHNC passed a motion in Medicare Applicants: Six to Watch Alvin Parra, Financial Advisor Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2014. The overwhelming amount of advertising and phone calls aimed at seniors is not only frustrating but can make applicants afraid of switching plans, or cause mistakes in applying for a Medicare plan. Following are six important things to consider when signing up for Medicare or switching plans: 1. Advantage and Supplemental Plans – It is important to understand the difference. 2. Thoroughly compare plans - Everyone’s needs vary. Compare at least three plans when choosing healthcare. 3. Pick the Right Doctor - If your medical needs change, you have the right to pick the plan that offers the doctors and specialists you need. 4. Prescription Drugs - If medication cost are too expensive, you have the right to research options that may reduce drug costs. 5. Low Income Subsidy - Many low income households (up to $13,000 individual or $26,000 couple) don’t know that they may qualify for a State program that helps pay for prescription drug copayments and deductibles. 6. Penalties - Seniors who fail to enroll in Medicare’s Part B and D at the time they were first eligible may be subject to penalties. Medicare is an amazing program and the federal government monitors it closely to protect seniors. But with so many plans out there, Medicare can be confusing. In 30 to 45 minutes, I can help answer your questions and concerns about Medicare. If you would like to schedule a free appointment to help you with the research you need to choose the best plan or confirm your current plan is still helpful, call me at (626) 441-2284. CA License #0F70455 Located at 1445 Huntington Drive, Suite 325, South Pasadena, CA 91030, near Huntington and Fremont. Calling the number above will connect you with a licensed insurance agent/broker. Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. This is an advertisement. Correction from Previous Issue: “Grifols Biologicals Inc. (GBI) is a subsidiary of Grifols, a global healthcare company producing life-saving medicines, diagnostic systems and hospital pharmacy products.” Power Poder California posted the online voter registration form in 9 languages beside English. Getting to the form is not always easy. But filling it out usually is. Not sure if you’re registered to vote in Los Angeles County? Just go to https://www.lavote.net/vrstatus/ Some Californians wrongly believe they aren’t allowed to register, due to a misdemeanor conviction, being on probation, or previous status on parole. Being convicted of a misdemeanor never affects your right to vote in California. Califor -nians on probation can register and vote. So can people who have completed parole. The most frequent excuses for not registering? A sad version of the ABCs... Apathy leads the way, followed by being too busy, along with confusion, disinformation, and embarrassment. Registering and helping others get registered are the on-ramp to making a difference in civic life, from community to national government. Want your beliefs or ideas to be taken seriously by people with their hands on the levers of government? Being registered helps you be heard. It means your signature counts on petitions to place measures onto local and statewide ballots. Registering to vote is also the on-ramp to leadership in our democracy. Want to run for office and represent your community in an elected or appointed role? Registration is often a requirement. Finally, being registered sets a strong example for all the people who look to you as a role model, and recognizes those who sacrificed to put in your hands the power to have a say. It can even make you proud to look in the mirror. To vote in the November 4 election, you must register to vote by October 20. Get the form or register online at http://registertovote. ca.gov/ More Are Eligible. Deadline Is Oct. 20. Make Your Voice Heard. Hans Johnson is political consultant specializing in civic engagement strategies. He is president of the East Area Progressive Democrats ( www.eapd. la ) and a blogger on Huffington Post ( www.huffingtonpost.com/ hans-johnson/ ) El condado de Los Angeles ahora proporciona una manera fácil de comprobar si está registrado. Sólo tienes que ir a https://www. lavote.net/vrstatus/ Este año, California registró el formulario de inscripción de votantes en 10 idiomas. Algunos elegibles para inscribirse y votar erróneamente creen que no se les permite, debido a una condena por delito menor, al estar en libertad condicional, o el estado anterior en libertad condicional. Ser declarado culpable de un delito menor no afecta a su derecho de voto en California. Los californianos en libertad condicional pueden registrarse y votar. Así que la gente puede hacer con la libertad condicional. Los culpables más frecuentes en no registrarse son:. La apatía encabeza la lista, seguido por estar demasiado ocupado, junto con la confusión, desinformación, y la vergüenza. Mientras, el registrar y ayudar a los demás conseguir registracion es la rampa al hacer una diferencia en la vida cívica, de comunidad al gobierno nacional. Los votantes registrados reciben atención por parte de los funcionarios electos y de los candidatos. ¿Desea que sus creencias o ideas sean tomados en serio por la gente con sus manos en las palancas del gobierno? Estar registrado le ayuda a ser escuchado. También permite a la firma contar con peticiones para colocar medidas en las votaciones locales y estatales que los votantes pueden decidir en las elecciones. Registrarse para votar es también la rampa de acceso al liderazgo en nuestra democracia. ¿Quieres postularse para un cargo y representar a su comunidad en un papel elegido o nombrado? El registro es un requisito. Por último, establece que se registra un fuerte ejemplo para todas las otras personas que pueden parecer a uno como un modelo a seguir o que pudo haber sacrificado a poner el poder tener voz y voto en los Estados Unidos en las manos. Incluso puede hacer uno orgulloso de mirar en el espejo. Para votar en las elecciones de noviembre 4, debe registrarse para votar el 20 de octubre Obtenga el formulario o crear una cuenta en línea en http://registertovote.ca.gov/ Hans Johnson es consultor político especializado en estrategias de participación cívica. Él es el presidente de los Demócratas Progresistas East Area (www.eapd. la) y un blogger en Huffington Post (www.huffingtonpost.com/hansjohnson/) continued from page 1 Tree Lighting – Date TBA Holiday Parade – December 14; May of 2013 to support driver’s licenses for the undocumented in California. This became bill AB 60 and is now law. Our community has embraced it and we will provide the necessary DMV material to facilitate the application process. Community Issues: Mynor Godoy and I attended the press conference put on by East Yard and CBE with Monsignor John Moretta and parishioners of Resurrection Church to demand that Exide and DTSC clean up lead contamination in our community. We called for a complete cleanup of all homes, parks, schools! Exide is under investigation by a US Federal Grand Jury. I also attended the Neighborhood Watch of Resurrection Church on to get an update on the Exide problem. Fanny Ortiz and I joined a lobby day delegation to LA City Hall with the Raise LA campaign. We presented the CIS passed by the BHNC at our last Board meeting to LA City Council members, calling for a living wage for hotel workers. I initiated a meeting with the LAPD, LA City Hollenbeck prosecutor, local residents and staff of the Benjamin Franklin Public Library to plan solutions to the public drinking, homelessness, and disruptions in the library. I also attended the LAC-USC conference on homelessness. Aggressive policing and major development in downtown LA is driving this population to Boyle Heights. I visited Evergreen Park parking lot to see the homeless camp and people living in a van for over a month. communitybeacon.tumblr.com continuado de pagina 1 Profile: Peter Quezada, Greater Cypress Park NC A s a Community Intervention Worker for Aztecs Rising, Gang Reduction Youth Development Program in of Lincoln Heights, Peter Quezada works to provide opportunities to youth for more positive experiences than the alcohol, drugs, vandalism, criminal activity and abusiveness inherent in the lifestyle. Born in Durango, Mexico in 1955, he immigrated to Los Angeles at age three, was raised in Echo Park, and attended Virgil Junior High, Belmont & Marshall High, and Los Angeles City College. In the mid 1970’s Peter moved to Northeast Los Angeles and began cleaning the neighborhood himself. At first he worked alone, then with middle school and high school kids, and eventually with youth affiliated with gang and tagging crews. Local merchants and members of service organizations called him ‘Captain Graffiti.’ and in the street he was called ‘Painter Pete’. Working in banking at the time, Peter was recruited to take on the fight against gangs and graffiti. He began working for Community Youth Gang Services and later as an Independent Youth Counselor under Councilpersons Richard Alatorre, Gloria Molina, Mike Hernandez, Nick Pacheco, Alex Padilla and others. He also spent nearly ten years with the Conservation Corps teaching young people the importance of recycling and taking care of Mother Earth. Peter began drawing murals in Northeast Los Angeles and received commissions from L.A. Cultural Affairs, the Department of Recreation & Parks, City Councilpersons, private citizens and companies. Approaching retirement, Peter says he would like to dedicate himself to raising his young daughter, and painting murals in the streets with people of all ages like he did in the 80’s and 90’s. Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo (323)245-9408 Plans continued from front page clustered around the property. The two- and three-story homes, ranging from 1800-2000 square feet, would sit on 2000 square foot lots grouped closely together in the high-density style promoted recently under the City’s Small Lot Ordinance and used heavily in areas such as Silver Lake and Echo Park. He also said the proposal, which requires rezoning a portion of the site, includes removal of a significant amount of unstable fill brought in over the years, and cutting the top of the hill down by an unknown amount to replace the unstable soil that is removed. Community members pointed to dangerous entrance and exit points along Eastern and Lombardy. But, aside from the familiar traffic and congestion complaints, the main sticking point for residents seemed to be the number of homes, and their size. The three-story homes would be well over the height limit set forth in the North East Los Angeles Hillsides Ordinance, brought to law with the support of Councilman Huizar. Some also wondered whether the hill is stable enough for high-density development. Mr. Kassel stated he could build 35 homes on the site by right. To build 43 homes, Clearwater will request a zoning variance and variances from the NELA Hillsides Ordinance. Neighborhood Council Member Ruben Chavez, vocal in his support of the high-density housing development, said those who oppose are simply ‘against change.’ But others argued that the block-by-block changes brought on by renovation and sales of existing homes in El Sereno, and the population growth buyers of these homes bring, demonstrates a neighborhood evolving at a natural pace, adding that while large scale development can leave out the important element of diversity, gradual growth is a sign of a healthy community. A petition circulating in support of dedicating the land to public use has been steadily growing. A small group of volunteers continues to walk door to door to bring neighbors up to date on the development proposal. Said resident Erica Armijo-Moura, “It’s important to speak up for your vision of El Sereno.” Casino Night at EL ARCA Marjorie Crowley T he Neighborhood Council remains operating under the City imposed exhaustive efforts. In addition to taking the necessary steps to gain compliance with EmpowerLA’s mandates to relieve that, community outreach has also been a priority of LA32. There one pending requirement to relieve the council of exhaustive efforts, is the reviewing and possibly amending the bylaws and creating standing rules. Any amendments can potentially change the structure and/or operation of the Board. Any items involving these amendments will be on the upcoming agendas for General Board meetings, which take place every first Wednesday of the month at 6pm at the El Sereno Citizen’s Center. Agendas are posted on our website 72 hours prior to the meeting (www.la32nc.org). Lastly, please check our website to view the application process for obtaining grant funds. The approved budget for the year includes $10,000 to disburse to Non Profit Organizations and local public schools (including some charters) whose activity with the funds will result in some benefit to 90032. Any questions can be addressed to [email protected]. Planes continuado de pagina 1 de dos y tres pisos, de 1800-2000 pies cuadrados, se sentaran en lotes de 2,000 pies cuadrados, agrupadas en el estilo de alta densidad promovido recientemente bajo la Ordenanza del Lote Pequeño utilizada en gran medida en áreas como Silver Lake y Echo Park. Dijo que la propuesta, que requiere la rezonificación de una parte del sitio, incluye la eliminación de una cantidad de relleno inestable traído en los últimos Sr. Kassel declaró que podía construir 35 viviendas en el sitio por derecho. Para construir 43 casas, Clearwater solicitará una variación de zonificación y las variaciones de la OLN. Concejal Rubén Chávez, vocal en su apoyo a la promoción de viviendas de alta densidad, dijo que los que se oponen son simplemente ‘ contra el cambio.’ Pero otros argumentaron que los cambios de bloque a bloque provo- años, y el corte de la cima de una cantidad desconocida para reemplazar el suelo inestable que se retira. Miembros de la comunidad señalaron las entradas y salidas peligrosas del Eastern y Lombardía . Pero, aparte de las denuncias de tráfico y de congestión familiares, el principal escollo para los residentes parecía ser el número de viviendas, y su tamaño comparado al tamano de los lotes. Las casas de tres pisos estarían muy por encima del límite de altura establecido en la Ordenanza el Laderas en el Noreste (OLN), apoyado por el Concejal Huizar. Algunos también se preguntaban si la colina es lo suficientemente estable para el desarrollo de alta densidad. cados por la renovación y las ventas de casas usadas en El Sereno, y el crecimiento de la población por compradores de estas viviendas, demuestra un barrio que evoluciona a un ritmo natural, y agregó que el desarrollo a gran escala se puede dejar de lado el elemento importante de la diversidad, el crecimiento gradual es un signo de una comunidad saludable. Una petición que circula en apoyo de dedicar la tierra para uso público se ha crecido. Un pequeño grupo de voluntarios sigue caminando de puerta a puerta para informar a los vecinos al corriente de la propuesta. Dijo la residenta Erica Armijo - Moura , “Es importante hablar a favor de su visión de El Sereno “. a algunas familias y cuidadores a tener una noche de fiesta , mientras que otros aprendieron acerca de los servicios que EL ARCA ofrece. Ya estamos deseando que llegue el evento del próximo año! “ Los fondos recaudados los esfuerzos de apoyo a EL ARCA para la atención integral de salud a más de 200 clientes y sus familias a través de un sistema de , servicios médicos y de apoyo de restauración y programas de calidad en un ambiente compasivo y cariñoso. Por favor, visite www.elarcainc.org y ver cómo se puede hacer una diferencia . Todas las donaciones son deducibles de impuestos y muy apreciado . Noche de Casino por EL ARCA Marjorie Crowley M ás de 200 personas se reunieron en Lincoln Heights para asistir a la segunda Noche de Casino anual , organizada por EL ARCA , local de una organización sin fines de lucro comprometida a mejorar la calidad de vida de adultos con discapacidades del desarrollo y sus familias . La cena fue servida , la banda tocó y los dados tirados en el juego de imitación , todo por una buena causa . El punto culminante de la noche fue cuando Douglas de CI Towing ganó una bicicleta nueva ! Colaboradores incluidos Ricardo Flores , quien donó varios cuadros para la subasta silenciosa y Armando Figueroa Music . El Presidente Arca John Menchaca dijo del evento : “Fue una noche perfecta ; todos se divirtieron . Se dio la oportunidad Page 11 CCAG Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry C alvary Chapel has served the community of El Sereno and surrounding neighborhoods for over 80 years with the mission to reach every one with the message of faith, hope, and love. Over the years our commitment to the community has become stronger and stronger and today, we provide many free programs including Individual and Family Counseling, spiritually based Boys and Girls clubs, and Small Group Bible Studies. We also facilitate Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at our church location. Calvary Chapel’s Soup Kitchen has served the El Sereno area for over 40 years, reaching out to reach out to those who need a helping hand and hot meal. During hard times, it is important for our local friends to know there is hope and healing in Jesus Christ, our provider and comforter. Our Food Pantry, established in 2013, has grown very quickly over the last year and a half as God has been faithful in bringing the resources and funds to make it possible to provide the community with bags of food to take home. Through this service, we have served neighbors struggling financially. Unfortunately, we were forced to interrupt these programs temporarily. We understand the difficulty this presents to those in need and hope to open our doors again. Since these programs have closed over 150 men, women and children have lost the opportunity for weekly meals and food distribution. Most of these people are low income families, senior citizens and children that have come to depend on this service as part of their survival. We have functioned for over 40 years with a clean record for providing safe food handling practices and service to the community. We look forward to opening our doors in the near future so we can resume helping those who need us most. Our Food programs are a vital heart beat that connect Calvary Chapel to the community and it is our prayer that everyone see God’s love in our service through these programs. From Photography to Vapeology J ohn Hartigan was a two pack a day smoker who thought he would never stop using cigarettes. But when electronic cigarettes came into his life, he says, he quit in less than a month. “I am healthier with more energy, I am not a pariah polluting the air around me, my clothes don’t smell bad and I spend less money.” Hartigan opened his business, Vapeology, in Highland Park because he felt people needed infor- mation about e-cigarettes and if he could quit smoking after 37 years everyone could. Born in Illinois, Hartigan has lived in California for 45 years, spending the last 29 years in Southern California. With a college degree in Photographic Arts and Science, Hartigan identifies himself as a professional commercial photographer on hiatus. His philosophy is that when elec- IILA Celebrates O ne hundred years ago leaders at the Los Angeles YWCA recognized a growing number of immigrant women and girls joining their programs. United with other leaders across the nation they championed the needs and rights of newly-arrived immigrants. From that movement the International Institute of Los Angeles (IILA) was launched. In 1935 IILA spun off from the YWCA and separately in- corporated. From its first home at 1315 Pleasant Avenue in Boyle Heights, IILA eventually moved to 435 South Boyle Avenue. In 1997 IILA expanded and moved its headquarters to 3845 Selig Place in Lincoln Heights, retaining the Boyle Heights facility primarily for senior assistance and a legal program. Continued on page 14, IILA tronic cigarettes are used correctly they are a lower-risk alternative to cigarettes and an aid to quitting smoking altogether. “We educate our customers,” he says, “on the safe and effective usage of e-cigs and the importance of not being offensive in society with vaporizers.” After 2 years on Figueroa Street, Vapeology is “the oldest e-cigarette store” in Los Angeles’ quickly growing market. Customers appreciate that Hartigan and his staff offer free samples of the over 100 flavors of e-liquids they personally vet for quality and purity. He adds that all the flavors are lab created, no “amateurs mixing up chemicals in their basement.” Hartigan encourages those who want to try e-cigarettes as a method to quit smoking to stop in. Vapeology LA 3714 N. Figueroa Street ph: 323.222.0744 Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo Page 12 River continued from page 1 and vegetable farms. The river and its tributaries confounded new residents. Winter storms sent water, boulders, mud and trees flowing from the mountains and unleashing sudden flooding of the river system’s lowlands. After flooding, the river flowed west towards Santa Monica or south towards Long Beach. Flood waters in the winter of 1914 filled the Arroyo Seco and delivered a flash flood of water and mud to those living and working in the lowlands of the Arroyo Seco and Frogtown. Buildings along the top of the Arroyo toppled into the flow. In response to the devastation, the Devil’s Gate Dam was built in the 1920s creating a reservoir of waters flowing off the San Gabriels and protecting the Arroyo Seco. As new sources of water were negotiated for a growing population, the unpredictable LA River became an enemy, used as dumping ground and scorned. In response to a deadly New Year’s Day flood that killed over 100 people and inundated river communities, the Flood Control Act of 1936 was passed, giving the Army Corps of Engineers responsibility for taming the river. The Corps designed the concrete chan- Rio nels that the River has become, straightening the meandering river from LA to Long Beach. It took 30 years to convert the river from waterway to a giant open-air concrete drain. The resulting ‘LA River’ and its sources were fenced, to keep citizens out lest a population used to a dry, passive river, would be unexpectedly caught in a torrent in times of flood. The resultant control system has withstood seasonal flooding including the 100-year flood of 1969. While Los Angeles has locked up its river, tamed it to near extinction, and used it as a drainage flow to the sea, river flood control infrastructure is now deteriorating. The Devil’s Gate Dam is barely functioning. The Station Fire of 2009 destabilized the national forest above the Dam and the burn areas released large quantities of soil that now fill the reservoir. Mud has blocked drains. While stopgap measures are being taken, no permanent solution to restore the aging dam to its purpose as part of a complex design in regional flood control had been identified, leaving those who live and work along the lowlands of the Arroyo and Frogtown, susceptible to mountain floods and their potentially deadly impact. East LA Night Life Albert Hernandez W hat does ‘East Los Angeles’ bring to mind? For some, it’s gangs, drugs, and violence. But what about the area’s clubs and more positive things? As a college student, I like exploring new places and finding gems in dark places. I believe other students would agree that when it comes to a having a good time, students and adults enjoy partying and fun times with friends. In East Los Angles there are gems in muddy water. El Capiro located on 5050 E 3rd St in Los Angeles is one of those gems. Man, talk about a communitybeacon.tumblr.com continuado de pagina 1 Tongva el agua y alimentos para miles de años. Aldeas de Tongva construidas a lo largo de los bancos de los ríos fueron trasladados a un terreno más alto cuando las inundaciones de invierno fluyeron de las montañas de San Gabriel, y regresaron cuando las aguas retrocedian. El pueblo de Los Ángeles también se estableció a lo largo del río, pero las tradiciones europeas de derechos de agua y tierra creó un plan menos flexible para los recién llegados. En el siglo 20, el río de LA y sus afluentes se abastecen de agua para más de medio millón de ciudadanos, sus fincas de naranjas y hortalizas. El río y sus afluentes confundidian a los nuevos residentes. Las tormentas de invierno envían agua, piedras, lodo y árboles que fluyen desde las montañas y desatando inundaciones en las tierras bajas del sistema fluvial. Después de la inundación, el río fluyaba al oeste en la dirección a Santa Mónica o al sur, hacia Long Beach. Las aguas de inundación en el invierno de 1914 llenaron al Arroyo Seco y entregaron una riada de agua y lodo a los que vivian y trabajaban en las tierras bajas del Arroyo Seco y Frogtown. Edificios a lo largo de la parte superior del Arroyo derribaron en el flujo. En respuesta a la devastación, se construyo el Devil’s Gate Dam en la década de 1920 la creando de un depósito de aguas que fluyen fuera del las montanas San Gabriel y protegiendo el Arroyo Seco. Como se negociaron nuevas fuentes de agua para una población creciente, la impredecible río LA se convirtió en un enemigo, que se utiliza como vertedero y despreciado. En respuesta a una inundación que mato a mas de 100 personas, el día de Año Nuevo y inundo las comunidades, la Ley de Control de Inundaciones de 1936 se aprobó, dando el Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) la responsabilidad de domar al río. El ACE diseñaron los canales de concreto que el río se ha convertido, enderezando los meandros del río a Long Beach. Le tomó 30 años para convertir de un río natural a drenaje gigante de concreta con a cielo abierto. El resultante ‘Rio LA’ y sus fuentes fueron cercados, para mantener a los ciudadanos a no sea que una población acomstumbrada a un río seco pasiva, sería atrapado inesperadamente en un torrente en épocas de inundación. El sistema de control resultante ha resistido las inundaciones de temporada, incluyendo la inundación de 100 años de 1969. Mientras que Los Angeles se ha bloqueado su río, domesticado hasta casi su extinción, y lo usó como un flujo de drenaje al mar, la infraestructura de control de inundacion se está deteriorando. El Devil’s Gate Dam apenas funciona. El incendio en la estación de bomberos de 2009 desestabilizó el bosque nacional arriba de la presa y las áreas quemadas liberaron grandes cantidades de tierra que ahora llenan el depósito. Barro ha bloqueado desagües. Mientra se toman medidas de emergencia, no hay una solución permanente para restaurar la presa de envejecimiento a su propósito como parte de un diseño complejo en el control de inundaciones regional como había sido identificado, dejando a los que viven y trabajan a lo largo de las tierras bajas del Arroyo y Frogtown, susceptibles a la montaña inundaciones y su impacto potencialmente mortal. hidden gem I heard The Breeder, an American alternative rock band formed in 1990 by Kim Deal of the Pixies and Tanya Donelly, hung out here before they went big. This little place is a fun place to drink and play pool with some of your buddies. Who doesn’t like Mexican music and hard drinks? Well, for those who do there is no better place than La Rondalla on 469 S Atlantic Boulevard in Los Angeles. Not only are the drinks reasonably priced, but you can also dance and express who you are with Mexican music. A lot of young adults are so tied up with all the negative that happens in East LA, they forget the great places. El Capiro and La Rondalla are just two of the gems in an area well worth exploring. Garfonos Pizza Tyler James Wise Saved By The Bell had ‘The Max’, Boy Meets World had ‘Chubbies’, Cheers had... well they had ‘Cheers.’ And Cal State LA has Garfonos, the closest offcampus place for a drink between classes or enjoying a night out with friends. Owner Jose Duarte has been operating Garfonos for over 20 years and he makes it a very comfortable environment for students and faculty alike. While Garfonos might not be a traditional bar (it’s also a pizza parlor) the beer is exactly why it’s popular with Cal State LA students. It’s the only bar within in a 10 mile radius, where you can purchase a gallon of beer -- literally a gallon -- which is perfect for large groups of friends. Garfonos offers a wide variety of food as well. Their main calling card is the pizza, though they also offer everything from hamburgers to salads to fish and chips. A hint: let the pizza cool down for 5-10 minutes before you eat it or it will burn the roof of your mouth. Other than that, get ready to enjoy some delicious tasting pizza at a reasonable price. This bar is a mainstay in Cal State LA night life. It’s the one bar that everyone seems to know and is the type of hole in the wall that is great for catching the game with friends. Located at 5468 Valley Blvd. Los Angeles, right off of Lillyvale before the 710 South entrance. It’s a quick 5 minute walk from campus. Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo (323)245-9408 Page 13 OPINION Urban Wildlife Refuge El Refugio de Vida Silvestre Urbano Robert C. Leyland-Monefeldt T he Los Angeles River (LAR) was destroyed because it had the habit of doing what rivers do – flood —in a city that did what cities tend to do – expand into the flood plains. Development, motivated by private profit, is seldom prevented in areas prone to natural disasters. But costs associated with recovery from fire, flood, and earthquakes are assumed by the public even while public welfare for the poor increasingly shrinks and corporate welfare thrives. The LA River has flooded 25 times since the first Spaniards invaded the river basin, including eight floods between 1852 and 1914, when flood ‘control’ projects were begun. The floods of 1934 and 1938, considered the worst, saw 150 deaths and damages totaling between $400 million to $1 billion in today’s dollars. But flood plain development continued unabated. The river was converted into a concrete channel by the Army Corps of Engineers. Construction spread impermeable surfaces, increasing runoff as rainwater was blocked from percolating into underground aquifers. While the current drought, likely caused by global warming, may diminish the risk of flooding and reduce the availability of water to the eternally growing population of Los Angeles, the carrying capaci- Robert C. Leyland-Monefeldt ty of the Los Angeles River Basin was reached long ago. We remain in denial, however, as to how we contribute to natural disasters. The so-called LA River “Revitalization” is another euphemism used by supporters of increased density and development near the flood control channel. Evidence of the intent behind ‘Revitalization’ is the 56-condo unit currently under construction in Elysian Valley next to the new $4 million MRCA (Phase ll) public park. Prior to this Orwellian concept, the Mountain Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA) staff had proposed the LA River Urban Wildlife Refuge (LARUWR) for the 51mile corridor extending from San Fernando Valley to the Long Beach estuary. The 17, 000-acre wildlife corridor would connect the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Griffith Park, and Long Beach. The wildlife refuge would serve to mitigate the heat island created by Los Angeles and contributing to global warming, while the increase in development that “revitalization” promotes will exacerbate climate change. I am encouraged by Pope Francis’ call to protect “God’s creation.” He stated: “God wanted this Earth . . . not so that we could destroy it.” E El Gabacho: Where is the Accountability L ocal media outlets have reported on the derogation of the public bidding process designed to get the best contract price and terms for district computer technology and software programs. The Los Angeles District Attorney and any other state or federal governmental authority that sees the potential violation of law might consider filing charges. Such a forum is designed to get at the truth in this matter, because it has the legal process, e.g. discovery, deposition, and the compulsory gathering of relevant evidence. What is at question is finally having a dispassionate and unbiased examination of what has gone on in the present IPad fiasco and other similar actions that have occurred and that continues to be allowed without any public scrutiny. When Stewart Magruder, who sat on the oversight committee at LAUSD tried to question the IPad deal with Pearson and Apple, he was removed. What better argument could one make for having an unbiased and dispassionate examination of actions regarding the deal by a neutral appropriate judicial forum. If teachers would have been suspected of helping an outside vendor secure a multimillion dollar district contract, they would have already been pulled from their jobs until an in depth investigation had taken place. According to a local teacher, the investigation of his whistle blower complaint involving the graduating of students and giving diplomas to students with low elementary school reading and math abilities, was given to the very people charged, in his whistle blower complaint, for being responsible l Río de Los Angeles (RLA) fué destruído por tener el hábito de hacer lo que ríos suelen hacer – inundar los terrenos aluviales. El desarrollo de las ciudades, motivado por el lucro, casi nunca se excluye construcción de lugares donde ocurren desastres naturales – quizás porque los gastos relacionados con la recuperación después de incedios destructivos, desbordes de ríos, y terremotos, son en gran parte asumidos por el pύblico. La ironía es que mientras el bienestar pύblico para el pobre se reduce cada vez más, o se elimina, el de las corporaciones prospera. El RLA se ha desbordado aproximádamente 25 veces desde que los españoles invadieron su cuenca, incluyendo ocho veces entre 1852 y 1914, cuando construcciones para “controlarlo” comenzaron. Las inundaciones del 1934 y 1938, fueron las peores, con 150 muertes y daños entre $400 millones y $1 billón. Pero el desarrollo—la construcción—en terrenos aluviales, continύa sin cesar gracias a Los Ingenieros del Ejército, quienes convirtieron el río en un canal de hormigón. Con la construcción del canal ha seguido aumentando las superficies impermeables y por ende; la afluencia debido a que a las aguas vertientes no se les permite mucha oportunitad de filtrar y ser parte del acuífero subterráneos. La sequía actual, probablemente causado por el calentamiento de la Tierra, podría disminύir el riesgo de inundaciones y a la vez reducir el agua disponible para la eternamente creciente población de L.A. La escaséz de agua nos vá a obligar aceptar el hecho de que la carga poblacional sostenible de la cuenca de L.A. se alcanzó hace mucho tiempo. Seguimos en negación, a pesar de todo, en cuanto a cómo contribuímos a los desastres naturales. La supuesta “revitalización” del RLA, es un eufemismo usado por los que apoyan el aumento de la densidad y la construcción hasta la orilla del canal hidráulico fluvial. La construcción actual de 56 condominios en Elysian Valley a lado del nuevo Marsh Park Phase ll (Parque Ciénaga Fase ll), un parque que costó $4 millones, es evidencia de la intención detrás de la supuesta “Revitalización” del RLA. Antes de este concepto orwelliano, el personal de la agencia estatal, la Autoridad de Recreación y Conservación Montañes (MRCA), había recomendado el RVSURLA para el corredor de 51 millas desde del Valle de San Fernando hasta el estero de Long Beach. Este corredor de vida silvestre de 17,000 acres conectaría el Aréa de Recreo Nacional de las Montañas de Santa Monica, Griffith Park, y Long Beach. El RVSURLA serviría para mitigar el calor insular creado por Los Angeles, lo que contribuye al calentamiento de laTierra. El aumento de la construcción que la “revitalización” del RLA tambien promueve agrabará el cambio climatológico global. Me siento animado, a pesar de todo, con el llamado del Papa Francisco a proteger la “creación de Dios.” Afirmó que:“Dios quiso esta Tierra… no para que pudiéramos destruirla.” Llame y/o escriba al Alcalde Eric Garcetti (213/978-0600) y al Consejero Mitch O’Farrell (323/957-4500: diga que nó a los Kayaks/gentrificación y sí a una baja densidad en las communidades ribereñas y sí al RVSURLA (LARUWR). [email protected] for this travesty. Is investigating your own alleged violations of law, something that is designed to get at the truth and establish best practices or does it tend to maintain generational dysfunction that does irreparable harm to honest individuals? The purpose of assertions of privilege and privacy seems to be to hide bad or illegal acts. The standard response to requests for the production of documents concerning individuals is that these requests violate these folks right to privacy. But why would an entitity have the right to cover someone’s right to privacy if they are doing it to cover up their illegal and potentially criminal behavior? Whether it’s credit default swaps, sub prime scams, or alleged illegal behavior, it is human nature that bad acts do not come to an end unless those responsible face civil and if necessary criminal legal consequences. If you agree you might try calling or emailing Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey to encourage her to file charges against those involved, so that those involved might finally be held accountable to the law- like the rest of us. Jackie Lacey, District Attorney’s Office, County of Los Angeles, 210 West Temple Street, Suite 18000, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3210 Telephone (213) 974-3512, Fax (213) 974-1484TTY (800) 457-7778, [email protected]. sive and charismatic candidate going against a career politician who has sought higher office after higher office without actually working to better our neighborhoods. Peter Choi is not a politician but has a great vision for keeping government clean and accountable and for changing the culture of Sacramento. In the 53 assembly district, Sandra Mendoza is a local leader seeking election to an open seat vacated by termed out Assembly Speaker Emeritus John Perez. Serving on the neighborhood council and boards and steering committees for local schools. Mendoza has been a champion for the rights of students and working families from Pico Union and Westlake to Huntington Park and Boyle Heights. An ardent supporter of working families, like many Angelenos she is tired of “machine politics” where the staff of career politicians are anointed next in line to higher office without a history of serving the neighborhood. Peter Choi and Sandra Mendoza are both excellent candidates focused on restoring transparent and ethical governance at the State Capitol. I am both excited and anxious to see the next generation of elected officials, forged by the Local Leaders on the Ballot Nov 4th Hector Huezo N ovember 4th is a critical day for California voters in Central and East Los Angeles. Specifically Senate District 24 and Assembly District 53. This will be the first election for the newly drawn Senate District 24, and Angelenos have an opportunity to vote for local candidate Peter Choi who has been an active and involved community member from Silver Lake to Eagle Rock, and Koreatown to Boyle Heights. Having helped found the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council, he knows the work of local community members and understands the frustrations dealing with career politicians at various levels. Peter Choi is a qualified and experienced leader. A graduate of Harvard, Choi is the son of a Korean diplomat and had a successful first career working in the film industry. I’m voting for Peter, a progres- neighborhoods that they live, work and strive for, take office. I call on all voters to support Choi and Mendoza on November 4th and launch what can be a long practice of turning out local and accountable leaders to represent the communities that we care about. Page 14 IILA continued from page 11 IILA’s legacy has always been one of direct service and advocacy, with the aim of enabling new comers to successfully adapt to, contribute to, and thrive in southern California, while retaining and remaining proud of their cultural heritage. Today IILA employs over 150 dedicated people who speak some 19 languages, operating from 18 locations across the county. We have assisted the unaccompanied youth who fled abject poverty and wide spread violence in Central America to seek refuge here and assist refuges from all over the world. IILA assists immigrants to secure US Citizenship and asylees to find protection from a well-founded fear of persecution in their homelands. We assist low income families to receive high-quality childcare where their children will emerge ready for success in school, allowing parents to work and support their Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo families. Our seniors division delivers healthy meals, social services and transportation, and our commercial kitchen delivers more than 1 million nutritious meals annually to some 20 childcare agencies in low income neighborhoods across Los Angeles. To celebrate our centennial IILA has two events planned: On October 10, 2014 at USC we will host a conference illustrating how social services and government adapt to the needs of their changing communities. To register go to http:// www.iilosangeles.org/ centennial/ On November 15, 2014 we will host our Boyle Avenue Bash where the surrounding community and our clients from over the years are invited to celebrate our heritage, communitybeacon.tumblr.com and enjoy music, food, information booths and a historical retrospective. We hope you can join us. OPINION: Time to Demilitarize Society Jimmy Franco H eavy weaponry is beginning to penetrate all facets of our society. Militarism and the use of aggressive tactics to resolve problems are the political norm in US foreign policy, but why have this in our streets? The militant stop-and-frisk police tactics in New York City result in continuing harassment of minority youth and led to the recent killing of a young man choked to death by police. Heavily-armed police launching war-like operations, discriminatory gang injunctions, drug busts by SWAT teams who resemble soldiers and police responses to incidents armed with deadly firepower, result in over-reaction and injuries to innocent people. These operations increasingly carried out against minority communities fill prisons with young people and antagonize innocent civilians in targeted communities, but has not eliminated the root problems of youth gangs, which continue to grow. Another group victimized by combative police responses is the mentally ill and homeless. As the number of mentally-ill in the US country increases and the level of medical care provided to them declines, their behavior on the streets is addressed as a criminal threat by police trained to respond to emotional outbursts and abnormal behavior by shooting to kill. US foreign policy and strategy presently consists of designating certain countries, governments and leaders as ‘enemies’ of US interests. The practice of creating antagonistic relationships with foreign governments by resorting to violent solutions to complex problems has had negative consequences for our society. Certain minority communities are viewed through a military perspective and treated as enemy combatants whose order must be maintained through the use of force. The military term collateral damage is now used by authorities in our society to refer to people ‘mistakenly’ killed by the police. This link between foreign and domestic actions simply reinforces the irrational mindset of using aggressive tactics as a solution to social problems. Treating certain communities as an enemy to be repressed only creates more anger and resistance, as shown by the residents of Ferguson, Missouri who refuse to be intimidated by the massive show of armed force arrayed against them. The use of military-style campaigns by local police will not resolve our deeply-rooted social problems. An alternative approach, careful analysis of the causes of our pressing social problems and the formulation of practical, less costly and realistic policies, is needed. For example, if we use our resources to fund and improve education levels, poverty will be reduced as will the lure of youth gangs and the population of young people in prisons. The creation of civilian review boards to oversee and monitor local police departments will result in more accountability to their respective communities and reduce the level of police misconduct. A militaristic mentality and repressive methods are incompatible with our democratic ideology that condones diverse ideas, methods and free expression. GOT NEWS? Call Us (323) 245-9408 (323)245-9408 Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo www.grifols.com Page 15 Page 16 Community Beacon|La Luz del Pueblo communitybeacon.tumblr.com