Latino Coalition says redistricting maps are unjust

June 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment


From the Latino Coalition

Los Angeles –June 14, 2011 –The initial Assembly, Senate and Congressional district maps released by California’s Citizens Redistricting Commission would weaken opportunities for the poor and underserved in the democratic process. We the people of Californian approved the creation of this Commission hoping for a transparent redistricting process that would produce fair lines for all people of this great State of California.

The Commission must respect the geographic integrity of our neighborhoods. Commissioners must also respect the federal Voting Rights Act and draw a certain number of majority-Black, majority-Asian or majority-Latino districts, where they can elect representatives of their choice. It is imperative that these maps act in accordance with the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), which protects underrepresented communities from discrimination in the electoral process. 
Under state law, the VRA is one of the highest priorities that the Commission must apply in drawing the new districts and the Commission’s initial plan falls far short of that standard.

Also this plan fails to consider communities of interest—that is, self-identified groups of people with something in common economically or socially—but communities of interest also tend to be communities of similar politics.

These maps represent a bittersweet state of affairs for the underserved and underrepresented communities in California, especially in Los Angeles County.  Since the last time maps were drawn, California’s Latino population attributed for 90% of the state’s total growth, and California would have lost Congressional seats without it. With these maps the Commission has failed to reflect the Latino population growth by not producing opportunities for increased Latino representation.

The Commission’s map also places some of Los Angeles’ poorest neighborhoods of Pico-Union/Westlake in the same district as the affluent western communities of Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, and downtown’s financial district. These maps would further disenfranchise Blacks, Asians, and Latinos by not giving them a fair and equal voice in the democratic process.

This plan falls short in creating communities of interest districts, and could reduce the current number. One of the Congressional districts in the Commission’s map places Latinos and African Americans against each other, two underrepresented groups that have worked for decades to earn adequate political representation for their respective communities. 

Latinos represent California’s second largest population group, and the state’s democracy will only remain strong if it is responsive to the Latino community.  As the Commission moves forward in revising its initial maps, it must make sure that the lines drawn provide Latinos with opportunities for fair and just representation – the future of our State relies on it.

Note:  A new conference will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 11 am in front of the LAPD Olympic Police State (1130 S. Vermont, Los Angeles 90006) to urge community members to testify at this week’s commission hearings. COMMISSION HEARINGS.

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AIDS Project LA expands to South LA

June 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment


From the AIDS Project LA (APLA)

As we mark the 30th year since the first documented report of HIV and AIDS, I’m very proud to announce news of APLA’s next major initiative: We have begun renovations to a new, 6,800-square-foot space in South Los Angeles, which will house our full range of HIV prevention and testing programs. Services at the new site, which will open this summer, will target those at greatest risk of infection: gay men of color, youth, men who use crystal methamphetamine and other substances, and Native Americans / Alaska Natives.

Our commitment to the South Los Angeles area is not new. The region is one of the most vulnerable, under-resourced, and disproportionately HIV-affected in the nation. That’s why we initially chose to locate one of our Necessities of Life Program (NOLP) food pantries there and why the area was one of the first stops for our mobile dental clinic, offering low- or no-cost care to South Los Angeles residents who are living with HIV and AIDS.

In 2009, we expanded our reach by opening the S. Mark Taper Foundation Center, a permanent food pantry and dental clinic in the heart of South Los Angeles. Our ribbon-cutting was a hopeful moment for a neighborhood that, just two years prior, experienced the tragic closure of Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center—the area’s largest healthcare resource.

Now, with the opening of our new site, we continue to bring resources to address the most urgent need.

And that’s just phase one. In the near future, we plan to expand services at the new location to address gay men’s health and wellness issues, not just HIV prevention.

Over the coming months, keep up with our progress through future issues of Optimist, and our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube networks. And please consider a special contribution to help as we renovate the new space. Donate now— and remember that private gifts continue to power most of our work.

This is yet another critical step in our work to end HIV in Los Angeles. Thirty years of AIDS—and 30 million dead worldwide
—is more than enough.

Thank you for joining us.  image

Craig E. Thompson
Executive Director

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El Camino College student’s success story includes transfer to UCLA

June 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment


Solimar Flowers was waiting for the right time to make a change. The thought of going to college was always in the back of her mind, but for the last 18 years she was busy raising her two daughters while working as a nursing assistant. Then came a point about two years ago when she found herself in a situation where her job was coming to an end, her divorce became final, and her teenage daughters were ready for more independence.

“I saw the opportunity and decided to take it,” said Flowers, who will celebrate her 38th birthday on June 8, just two days before she graduates with honors from El Camino College on June 10 at Murdock Stadium. “I thought the timing was right. I was living in Los Angeles and one of my sisters told me about El Camino College. I wasn’t sure how to get started back then, but now I don’t want to stop.”

Flowers grew up in Belize and moved to California after graduating from high school. She was an outstanding student in her early years and managed to transition that success into her college career, which now includes plans to transfer to UCLA to pursue a major in sociology.

Approximately 174 El Camino College students were admitted to UCLA for the fall. Several were admitted into UCLA’s highly selective programs: two to the School of Theatre, Film & Television, three to the School of Nursing, and 13 were admitted to the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

A recipient of the 2011 El Camino College Presidential Scholar Award for the Behavioral and Social Sciences Division, Flowers maintained a 4.0 grade point average each semester, was a member of the Honors Transfer Program, and made the Dean’s List each semester. She was also a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma, the college’s academic honors society and service organization. The group recently honored her with an award for club participation.

Flowers was chosen as a recipient of the Exemplary Achievement Scholarship at the recent Honors Transfer Council of California Student Research Conference, one of only 20 awarded statewide. Mentored by ECC anthropology professor Marianne Waters, her award-winning research is titled, “The Need for Enrichment in Captive Primate Populations: Capuchin Monkeys as a Case Study.” In addition, her work placed second in the 2011 El Camino College Anthropology Research Symposium.

As part of the EOPS program, Flowers received additional support and the Lisa Whitehead Scholarship. She plans to pursue a career in public service, but her education comes first. After earning her bachelor’s degree from UCLA, she would like to earn master’s and doctorate degrees from Harvard University.

“It is possible to do it all with a lot of hard work and El Camino College really helped me get here,” she said. “I started in the counseling center and asked a lot of questions and spoke to a lot of people. They give out tons and tons of information. There are so many resources available at El Camino College; you just have to know how to use them. And I did.”

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City Council offers $75,000 reward for information on shooting of South LA toddler

May 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment


The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a motion authored by Council President Pro Tempore Jan Perry that authorized the issuance of a $75,000 reward for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible for a shooting that killed 22-month old, Joshua Montes, and left his uncle, Josefat Canchola, in critical condition.

On May 23, 2011, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Josefat Canchola was holding his 22-month old nephew, Joshua Montes, on their front porch at 1278 East 55th Street when gunfire broke out and both were struck in the head. Joshua Montes died as a result of his injuries that evening and his uncle remains in critical condition.

“It is my hope that this reward will help us find the person or persons responsible for this unimaginable crime,” said Council President Pro Tempore Jan Perry in a press release. “These people obviously have no regard for human life and we need to do everything in our power to find them before they hurt anyone else.”

If you have any information regarding this shooting, please contact Newton Area Detectives at (323) 846-6556. On the weekends and during off-hours, please contact the 24-hour toll free number at the detective Information desk, at 1-888-LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can also be left at the 24-hour hotline number.

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Crucial vote on Crenshaw-LAX Light Rail Line

May 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment


On Thursday, May 26, 2011 the MTA board is scheduled to meet and vote on several motions by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas regarding the Crenshaw-LAX Light Rail Line.

The South Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils Joint Committee requested an engineering memo that was released today (May 25). To read the report, “Synopsis of Findings for the Review of Documents Related to the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor, Park Mesa Heights Area,” written by Southstar Enginering and Consulting Firm, click here

Below is a news release from the Citizens’ Campaign to Fix the Expo Rail Line & Crenshaw Line Subway Coalition

At Thursday morning’s MTA meeting, the board members will vote on a motion by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas to underground the entirety of the Crenshaw Blvd portion of the Crenshaw-LAX Light Rail Line and return the Leimert Park Village station to the project. In addition to Supervisor Ridley-Thomas, Supervisor Mike Antonovich openly supports the motion, and a third board member has expressed their support privately. With 7 votes needed for passage, all eyes are on L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who controls 4 votes on the 13-member MTA Board. The $1.7 billion light rail line is scheduled to begin construction in 2012.

“The Mayor has an important decision to make and it’s about his legacy,” said Jackie Ryan, past president of the Leimert Park Village Merchants Association. “Does he want to be forever known as the Mayor who voted to put the nail in the coffin of the last African-American business corridor in Los Angeles, or the Mayor who provided for Crenshaw the greatest economic revitalization opportunity ever.”

2 of the 3 miles of the line that travels on Crenshaw Blvd is to be built underground. But “the final mile” in Park Mesa Heights from 48th to 59th Street is currently designed at street-level right next to View Park Prep School and a block away from Crenshaw H.S.

MTA’s street-level plan in Park Mesa Heights would also have severe impacts to future development and current businesses, the majority of which are African-American operated. The street-level plan would require: the removal of nearly half the parking on Crenshaw Blvd, the prohibition of left turns at streets like 54th, trains to cross every 2 ½ minutes across busy intersections like Slauson Avenue, which is currently operating at the worst possible level of congestion (LOS F), and 4-5 long years of disruptive street-level construction. During street-level construction on 3rd Street on the recently completed Gold Line Eastside Extension 90% of the businesses were put in the red, and multiple businesses were forced to close their doors.

“The Mayor needs to get on board and bring his block of votes with him,” said Damien Goodmon, Chair of Crenshaw Subway Coalition. “It is what we as a community group have been requesting and organizing towards for 4 years. Every other politician who represents South L.A. has stepped up in full support of the Ridley-Thomas motion.”

“South L.A.’s political versions of the Hatfields and the McCoys are united on this issue,” said Winnifred Jackson of the Hyde Park Organization Partnership for Empowerment (HOPE), a community-based group in the Hyde Park community that would be impacted by the street-level plan. “It’s a level of political unity not seen in generations. If Antonio Villaraigosa turns his back on us now, when the money has been identified, and as a consequence MTA builds their business-killing street-level plan through Park Mesa Heights, he can look forward to his name being mentioned right next to other despised officials like former LAPD Chief William Parker. We won’t ever forget it.”

A report released last Thursday by the MTA staff identified $2 billion dollars in resources that can be used to fund the Ridley-Thomas motion without compromising the delivery of any Measure R project. The cost of the changes to the Crenshaw-LAX Line project are projected between $339-400 million.

“We’ve been door knocking, phone banking, holding community meetings, getting petitions signed and writing letters,” said Goodmon. “We’ll be at Thursday’s board meeting by the hundreds to support the Ridley-Thomas motion. We applaud the Supervisor for stepping up to the plate to represent the Crenshaw community’s interest and the interest of transit users throughout the region who value safe and fast rail transportation. Mayor Villaraigosa needs to do the same.”

The Citizens’ Campaign to Fix the Expo Rail Line (Fix Expo Campaign) is a collaboration between over a dozen South LA community groups, neighborhood councils and homeowners association, civil rights leaders and rail safety advocates.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas’ motion is near the top of the MTA board agenda on Thursday, May 26th – MTA Headquarters (1 Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012). The text of the full motion can be viewed online at: www.fixexpo.org

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Compton Community College District Special Trustee appoints Independent Audit Review Committee

April 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment


News release from El Camino College Compton Center

Following on the heels of the Compton Community College District (CCCD) State of the District address, Dr. Genethia Hudley-Hayes has established an Independent Audit Review Committee for the CCCD. The inaugural meeting of the Audit Committee will take place on April 14, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. in the Faculty/Staff Lounge at the CCCD.

“The 2009 external audit for the District included twenty-two material findings; and last year there were twenty material findings,” stated Hudley-Hayes. “The District’s role in preparing for future accreditation includes appropriate fiscal practices and policies. This committee along with the consulting firm of Vasquez and Company will assist us in getting our financial house in order.”

The Audit Review Committee is responsible for reviewing the activities and effectiveness of independent auditors, as well as for the review of policies and procedures which substantially impact the finances and operations of the CCCD. The Audit Committee is convened by the Special Trustee; and must report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the Special Trustee.

Vasquez and Company will address four areas for the District which include: identifying issues in the fiscal area and developing a work plan and timeline to address these concerns; providing staff training in appropriate practices and policies; recommending appropriate technology enhancements; and providing best practices especially relative to economies and efficiencies for the financial area of the District.

Members of the Independent Audit Review Committee:
Dr. Joseph Zeronian, Adjunct Professor, University of Southern California
Cheryl Branch, Executive Director, Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches (LAM)
Charles Davis, President, CCCD Board of Trustees
Clifford Graves, Interim City Manager, City of Carson
JoAnn Higdon, El Camino College Vice President, Administrative Services
Willie Norfleet, City Manager, City of Compton
Richard Powers, Executive Director, Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG)
Robert Torrez, Assistant City Manager, City of Lynwood
Danny Villanueva, Chief Business Officer, CCCD

Committee members serve as volunteers and receive no remuneration for their services.

About the Compton Community College District
The Compton Community College District serves the communities of Carson, Compton, Enterprise, North Long Beach, Lynwood, Paramount and Willowbrook. The District is governed by a state-appointed Special Trustee, who works with the five-member elected Board of Trustees. Board meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month and are open to the public. The District is located at 1111 E. Artesia Boulevard, Compton, CA, 90221.

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L.A. Neighborhood Housing Services hosts foreclosure workshops

March 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment


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City Councilmembers raise money for victims of Japanese earthquake

March 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment


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Families That Can delivers letters to LAUSD

March 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment


News Release from Families That Can

Public School Choice is a historic reform initiative passed by LAUSD in August 2009, that allows other school operators – like charter schools, teacher teams, and community groups- the opportunity to apply to run both new schools and existing schools that are chronically underperforming.  Four out of the 13 charter applicants were selected in the first round last year and their schools are now serving an estimated 2,000 students.

This second round includes 10 new schools and three existing schools, with the Board set to make a final decision on March 15, 2011.  image

“It’s very simple – these parents want the best for their children and ask the members of the LAUSD board to pick the applicants with the strongest track record and the best ability to implement an ambitious plan to boost student achievement,” said Antwaune Goode, Executive Director of Families That Can, during Tuesday’s board meeting.

Three LAUSD parents– Chan McCreary, Eugenia Henriquez and Claudia Clemens – shared their own stories and perspectives and asked the board to support charter school applicants.

This round of Public School Choice included Clay Middle School, which has had low test scores over many years. Chan McCreary, a parent of eight who herself graduated from Henry Clay Middle School, has had several of her children go through the school. Her oldest are currently attending a Green Dot charter high school and her three youngest attend an LAUSD elementary school that feeds into Clay.

“I grew up in the community and I want to see a change for our area. I want to see Henry Clay become a better school,” McCreary told the board, asking them to support Green Dot’s application to run the school.  “Let’s turn it over, let’s do something, let’s remodel education for Henry Clay because we have some young scholars out there. I want Henry Clay to be turned around.”

Eugenia Henriquez is a parent who lives near Central Region Elementary School #14, a new K-8 that will open in Echo Park this fall. Two of her children currently attend an LAUSD pilot school.

“We need more middle and high schools that have strong academic results, that really involve the parents in their children’s education,” said Henriquez. “Please support Camino Nuevo to be the school operator – I’ve heard great things, that 97% of students graduate and that they prepare them for the university. I want the best for my kids. ”

Claudia Clemens, a parent from the Eagle Rock area, has two children, one in an LAUSD middle school and the other in a charter high school run by Alliance College-Ready Public Schools.

“[Alliance has] proven themselves to be an academically high-scoring school. Our children deserve an award-winning school. We don’t want to limit the success of our kids,” said Clemens. “I’m here as a concerned parent, not just for my kids, but for all the children in our neighborhood.  Please elect Alliance – it really would make a huge difference for our community.”

Seven high-performing charter schools have applied to operate eight different school sites as part of Round Two of the Public School Choice initiative. The charter applicants are: Aspire Public Schools, Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, Camino Nuevo, Granada Hills Charter High School, Green Dot, Partnerships to Uplift Communities and Synergy Charter.

Find out more about Public School Choice at Families That Can

About Families That Can
Families That Can is a community-based network of parents united to fight for high-quality public education choices and to be the voice for the children of California. Families that Can educates, empowers and mobilizes parents to hold our leaders accountable for ensuring every child has access to a high-quality public education. We advocate for quality public school choices, equitable treatment and resources for charter public schools, and the advancement and growth of successful charter schools.

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Money available from the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative

March 4, 2011 By 1 Comment


News Release

Bank of America Charitable Foundation Seeks Nonprofits and Community Leaders Transforming Their Communities in Los Angeles

$200 Million in Grant Support – More Than $800,000 in Los Angeles Alone –

Available Through the Bank’s Neighborhood Excellence Initiative®

Applications Due June 1, 2011

WHAT:       The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has issued a call for applications for the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, its signature philanthropic program that recognizes and rewards service and leadership by organizations, individuals and students in 44 U.S. cities and in London. Applications for the Neighborhood Builders® (nonprofit organizations) and Local Heroes (community leaders) categories of the program are due by June 1, 2011* and can be submitted online at Neighborhood Excellence Initiative.

WHO:         In 2011, Bank of America will honor, more than 90 Neighborhood Builders (four in Los Angeles) who work to strengthen the social and economic health of their neighborhoods. Each will receive $200,000 in unrestricted grant funding and participate in the bank’s strategic leadership training program. Also this year, the program will recognize more than 225 Local Heroes (10 in Los Angeles) who champion causes vital to their local communities and inspire others to get involved through community service. Each recipient will direct a $5,000 contribution from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to an eligible nonprofit of their choice.

By the end of 2011, Bank of America’s total commitment through the 8-year-old Neighborhood Excellence Initiative will exceed $150 million, and nearly 700 nonprofits organizations and nearly 3,400 community leaders and high school students will have been recognized for their service, achievements and leadership.

HOW:         Award recipients are chosen by local selection committees comprised of private, public and nonprofit sector leaders and chaired by local Bank of America executives in the 45 participating communities.

*Applications for the Student Leaders® category of the program, which honors more than 225 exemplary high school students (five in each market) with a passion for improving their neighborhoods, were due in January. Student Leaders recipients will be announced in the summer; Neighborhood Builders and Local Heroes, in the fall.

Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy

Building on a long-standing tradition of investing in the communities it serves, Bank of America is delivering on a 10-year goal to donate $2 billion to nonprofit organizations engaged in improving the health and vitality of their neighborhoods. Funded by Bank of America, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation gave more than $200 million in 2010, making the bank one of the largest corporate cash donors in the United States.  As a global company doing business in more than 150 countries, Bank of America approaches investing through a national strategy under which it works with local leaders to identify and meet the most pressing needs of individual communities.  Reaffirming a commitment to develop and sustain a culture of service, bank associate volunteers contributed more than one million hours in 2010 to enhance the quality of life in their communities worldwide. For more information about Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy, please visit http://www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.

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