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February 28, 2007 -- Volume III, Issue II | |||||||||
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Calendar of Events Wed., Feb. 28, 2007 Sat., Mar. 3, 2007 Tues., Mar. 6, 2007 Mon., Mar. 12, 2007 Tues., Mar. 13, 2007 Sat., Mar. 17, 2007 Tues., Mar. 20, 2007 Thurs., Mar. 22, 2007 Mon., Mar. 26, 2007 Tues., Mar. 27, 2007 Tues., Apr. 3, 2007 Tues., Apr. 3, 2007 Sun., Apr. 8, 2007 Tues., Apr. 10, 2007 Tues., Apr. 10, 2007 |
EAST L.A. DEDICATES NEW 'COUNTY HALL' | ||||||||
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It was with tremendous pride that hundreds of East L.A. residents, merchants, students, artists, and civic officials celebrated the grand opening of the East L.A. County Hall. Students from Garfield High School (pictured) -- including members of the Color Guard and the Marching Band -- initiated the festivities. Iron entrance monuments (pictured) designed by artist Michael Amezcua welcomed visitors entering from Third Street. | ||||||||
The community dedication itself included a tribute to 99-year-old Elena Maria Aguilar (pictured), who is East L.A.'s eldest voter. Those present also enjoyed a short poetry reading by actor Tony Plana of the hit ABC T.V. show "Ugly Betty" as well as plenty of food and red, white, and blue décor. | |||||||||
East L.A. is the first unincorporated area of L.A. County to enjoy a facility like the new county hall (though more are on the way). The East L.A. County Hall is part of the larger East L.A. Civic Center and is positioned adjacent to the new East L.A. Library, the refurbished Belvedere Lake, and the local county courthouse. When the Gold Line Eastside Extension opens in late 2009, the East L.A. Civic Center will serve as the light rail line's last stop. What's more, the East L.A. County Hall allows residents to obtain county services -- including assistance from my field office staff -- in a central, easily accessible location. |
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But the East L.A. County Hall is about more than expediency and convenience. It is a symbol of maturation and community pride. |
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Many East L.A. residents remember a time when our soldiers returned home from World War II only to find no jobs, a lot of racial |
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discrimination, and very little political representation. It was in East L.A. where the Greatest Generation organized advocacy groups like the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) and the L.A. chapters of both the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the G.I. Forum. It was in East L.A. where the Baby Boomers headquartered the Chicano Power Movement, led the Eastside "blowouts," and participated in the National Chicano Moratorium. And it is home to the Mothers of East L.A., who successfully resisted situating a state prison in the Eastside region. Without a doubt, we've come a long way, East L.A.! |
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THE SANTANA HOUSE OPENS IN BOYLE HEIGHTS | |||||||||
Thanks to a generous donation from the legendary musician Carlos Santana and his wife Deborah, L.A. County recently opened a new facility to provide treatment to victims of child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse. Located in Boyle Heights near the L.A. County-USC Medical Center, The Santana House now provides a warm and welcoming setting in which clients (up to 600 children annually) may receive Violence Intervention Program services. |
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Because of this program, an abuse victim can be assessed quickly and thoroughly anytime of the day or night. | |||||||||
CONTRACT CITIES HEAR 'STATE OF L.A. COUNTY' | |||||||||
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Recently, elected officials from Carson, Duarte, Rosemead, South El Monte, Temple City, Artesia, Rolling Hills Estates, West Hollywood, and Pico Rivera met to hear about the "State of L.A. County." It was both educational and fun. I articulated my strongly held philosophy that contract cities and unincorporated areas should receive equitable Sheriff's patrol services -- and equally share any liability costs. I provided a progress report on our Sheriff's Deputy hiring campaign. | ||||||||
And I encouraged them to continue partnering with L.A. County to enhance our local rivers. But the event also provided city representatives with the opportunity to update me on issues important to them. Many thanks to the California Contract Cities Association Executive Board for organizing this substantive and enjoyable event. | |||||||||
EAST L.A. FARMERS' MARKET GOES 'LALA' | |||||||||
Since November of last year, Eastside residents have enjoyed the East L.A. Farmers' Market held each Saturday from 8 a.m. to Noon along E. First St., between N. Rowan Ave. and S. Ditman Ave. Organized by the Volunteers of East L.A. (VELA) and supported by merchants along First St., this family-friendly event provides locals with the opportunity to buy all kinds of organic produce such as tangerines, spinach, asparagus, radishes, nuts, honey, pomegranates, flowers, and corn. Participants also can purchase hand-made jewelry |
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and other craftwork. Recently, we organized an additional treat: A popular local celebrity, "Chef Lala" (pictured), gave us a cooking demonstration! She showed us all sorts of new ways we could creatively combine the scrumptious vegetables available at the East L.A. Farmers' Market. Many thanks to Rep. Hilda Solis (pictured) for taking the time to join us during this delightful event. | |||||||||
-- Photos of East L.A. County Hall Dedication Ceremony courtesy of Martin Zamora, L.A. County Chief Administrative Office.
-- Photo of The Santana House Grand Opening courtesy of Martin Zamora, L.A. County Chief Administrative Office.
-- Photo of California Contract Cities Association meeting courtesy of Jim Camp, L.A. County Chief Administrative Office.
-- Photo East L.A. Farmers' Market courtesy of Martin Zamora, L.A. County Chief Administrative Office.
4801 East 3rd Street
Los Angeles, California 90022
Phone: (323) 881-4601
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Los Angeles, California 90012
Phone: (213) 974-4111
Fax: (213) 613-1739
molina@lacbos.org
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El Monte, California 91731
Phone: (626) 350-4500
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