1718

[ Note: this is a draft.  Citations/supporting documents still need to be added.]

Having failed to win litigation in this roud against White Memorial.  Proyecto Jardin stands resolute in their over 8 month eviction struggle.  Reading(sp?) to face Sherriff's enforcements of an as of yet order calling for tennant's arests.

The BH community, which has been watching as events have been unfolding over the last year and a half (2 years?). Is holding it's collective breathe with verbal, monetary, and physical support.  Of more then 1700 businesses, Boyle Heights community members, and residents throughout Los Angeles.  

Including having received support from the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council.  On July 1st members of the BHNC, including newly elected and previous board members showed up to the Project's peaceful march and rally.

One of the only 2 community gardens in BH [, the others being Mott Street Urban Farms (1020 S Mott St)], Proyecto Jardin has serviced the community for 15 years.  Over this time period, amid [oncoming] gentrification & displacement concerns.  Questions have arisen in regards to White Memorial Medical Center's practices in regards to the garden, and their claims to funding grants and status, through claims that the Medical Center is the one providing the services of Proyecto Jardin.  While at the same time denying/shunning the aspect whereas Proyecto Jardin provides these services outside of the supervision of the hospital. 

During negotiation in 2015 there has also a disturbing case of attempted religious conversion through contractional indoctrination.  A violation of every ethical practice.  This attempt at forced conversion and bullying was worked in to the contract being negotiated.  Requiring everyone participating in Proyecto Jardin to attend a mandatory sermon.  Reeking of long disgusting (and presumed dead) practices of Manifest Destiny.  This clause was ultimately removed from negotiations after the public became aware of it.

Among the requests by protestors are --
1. That WMMC participate in a town hall meeting to discuss their development plans with the Boyle Heights neighborhood.  Inform the neighborhood of their community benefit plan.

2. Sell the garden to a community land trust, so that it remains a garden

3. Find an alternative location fo Proyecto Jardin and provide the resources to relocate and rebuild.

But most importantly, most emotionally.  They would like to stay.  Where they can continue their way of life, as they have seen it these past 15 years.

It remains unknown as to how the groups whom claim to Defend BH, will respond to the arrests.  One would think at the very least that they would gather to film and upload videos once the police show up.  After all it is one thing to march loudly & disruptively during a peaceful meeting.  And be an asshole.  It is another to stand for your claimed convictions, and stand with those who are actually doing the defending.

BHNC - 2016, Swearing In & Election of Officers

General Board Meeting, Boyle Heights City Hall (Community Room), 6pm
Audio [2:00:54] - last ~30 minutes not recorded.
Agenda: July 22, 2016

"June 22, 2016

Dear [name],

On behalf of the California State Assembly and the residents of the53rd Assembly District, I would like to congratulate you on your election as Community Representative of Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council!

Your service and leadership in the Boyle Heights community will provide a solid foundation from which to build upon in your position and role.  Your Professional experiences, and proven track record, makes you uniquely qualified to serve in this capacity.

Thank you for your dedicated service and please accept my best wishes in all of you endeavors. I look forward to working with you to serve the residents of the 53rd Assembly District.

Please know that you can call e anytime for assistance with any issue small or large.  My staff and  are happy to help!

Again, congratulations on your election to the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council!

Sincerely,

Miguel Santiago

Assembly Member, 53rd District

Majority Whip"


These were the letter and pin handed out at the swearing in ceremony during the regular General Board Meeting of the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council to the newly elected Board. 

Former board members and new chat before the meeting.

The elected began walking in just prior to the meeting's start time (fulfilling quorum), with the majority having arrived by the 6:05 start of the meeting.  Giving time to the Government presenters a moment to speak as the remaining members (with the exception of one), trickling in by 6:25.  


PRESENT (18): Marisol Sanchez, Carlos Montes, Beatriz Zaragoya (6:10), Lizzette Perez, Jared Hamil(6:08), Sol Marquez (6:08), Claudia Hernandez, Vera del Pozo,, Jason James Gallegos, Hector Huezo (6:18), Daisy Chavez, Alessandro Negrete, Mynor Godoy, Fanny Ortiz, Maria Isabel Ocampo, Kimberly Abrazo, Margarita Amador, Ofelia Carrillo (6:25)

ABSENT (1): Joe Diaz

Jose Huizar leads the pledge in the "Oath of office."

Having begun with roll call, the meeting proceeded with the "Oath of Office." Council member Jose Huizar presided over the reading of the Oath, calling each of the elected by name to stand as a group to recite it. Followed by group pictures. From here the meeting began to deviate from the scheduled agenda. A representative from Miguel Santiago's office was given priority to speak before the Elections of Officers. Followed by an announcement of Movie Nights in Boyle Heights on July 30^th, and August 13^th (where free backpacks will be given to the first 500 kids). Then left.

Mynor Godoy, Beatriz Zaragoza, Vera del Pozo

From here the Board took nominees for President. Mynor Godoy and Carlos Montes were both nominated and Beatriz Zaragoza nominated herself. After brief comment from the former President, and the Nominees. The rest of the Board was given a chance to voice their opinions, then the voice was taken. Mynor won the popular vote with 10 votes (Carlos received 7, and Beatriz 1).

Jared Hamil, Sol Mar, Maria O'Campo

Voting for Vice President met with an impasse. Having gone two rounds, and what was headed into a heated debate. Stuck at 9 votes a piece, the tie breaking member vote absent to decide. The Item was tabled for later in the meeting.

For Secretary, 
Three were nominated (Lizette Perez, Ofelia, and Daisy). Ofelia and Daisy both declined the nominations, and Lizette was voted in unanimously.

For Treasurer,

Fanny (nominated) was faced with what became a "no confidence vote." Though it was voiced that the budgetary issues were in nature the responsibility of the whole [whole] Board. The focus was on Fanny. Though the first round was overwhelmingly against Fanny. One the Second round Beatriz Zaragoza, owner of a StateFarm franchise on First St, was nominated and elected with [ ] vote. It was felt that having run a business, that she would be more familiar with finances.

Mynor Godoy, Alessandro Negerete, Daisy Chavez

For Outreach,

There was no conflict. Those nominated were seen by the board as prime candidates. Praises were given to both for their accomplishments within the neighborhood. Specifically within the LGBTQ community. When the tally was taken, Claudia Hernandez and Alessandro Negerete received respectively,  [ need tally number ] votes . Making Alessandro the new Outreach Chair, with his first event this Saturday @ Hollenbeck Park for the Fourth of July celebration from [3pm]-10pm.

PLUC,

The meeting was once again divided and ultimately item tabled during the Planning and Land Use selection. The selection process was hampered by an argument stemming from a time limit. Though a vote between Jason Gallegos and Hector Huezo (9-9) went through 1 round. It was made aware that the Council had until 8:30 at the Boyle Heights City Hall location. Which quickly took over the rest of the meeting. Arguments quickly arose regarding "how to proceed."

 
[Angry voices] were lofted as old frustrations set out over the location and willingness to "go until midnight." The public that had remained to this point in the meeting voiced that they were willing to remain. As did members of the Board. Two votes were taken, one to hold a special meeting (failed), and one to table the vote until the next board meeting at the end of July.

The Board adjourned without selecting the VP or PLUC chair. Opting of instead of having a special meeting to resolve these items, out of fear of lack of transparency/involvement with the community, justifications of integrity and respect for the time of the community and Board members.

The meeting was both a hit and miss for the new Council. Having made some agreements, and stuck on these two others. It means that new Land Use issues that concern the community will most likely be unheard by the council [until selection]. While standing Items from the previous Board may be addressed at July's meeting.

Regardless of the lack of selecting these two primary positions, and other officer positions, the new Board can still begin representing their community at large. Outreach, Area reps, the secretary, President and Treasurer can begin their works. And the reset of the unassigned Board by inquiring, attending other councils, meetings, talk to members of the community, and their own individual projects.

Our involvement doesn't stop, because we "got stuck." All members have sworn to this Oath:

"Neighborhood Council Board Member Oath

I pledge to represent my neighborhood with dignity, integrity, and pride.

I will encourage other points of view, even when they differ from my own.

I will respect, value, and consider everyone's opinion.

I will find the good in my neighborhood, and praise it and promote it.

To my neighbors, and to neighborhoods throughout the City of Los Angeles,

I pledge to do this to the best of my ability."

Back Row: Claudia Hernandez, Jason Gallegos, Mynor Godoy, Alessandro Negerete, Hector Huezo, Jared Hamil, Marisol Sanchez      Middle: Vera del Pozo     Front Row: Ofelia Carrillo, Carlos Montes, Lizzette Perez, Kimberly Abrazo, Daisy Chavez, Beatriz Zaragoza, Sol Mar, Fanny Ortiz     Off-Camera: Margarita Amador

The Budget - BHNC in Review

[Update @4:07pm, June 8th: There will be no Special Meeting Monday, June 13th.  Budget decisions will need to be made by Ethics and Funding trained Newly and Re-elected Board Members.]

[Correction @11:50, June 8th: According to the training video "NC Board Training Orientation," The Board approved budget is due by June 30th, for the fiscal year starting on July 1st.]

[Update @7:37pm: Pending confirmation, a Special Meeting will be held Monday the 13th of June.  Location and time unstated]

"Account Balances, Community Impact Statements, and Agendas

As of 05/31/2016, your current checking account balance is $16,272.62, and as of 06/01/2016, you have $3,861.92 in your city account

As of 6/1/2016, you have filed 0 Community Impact Statements, and 2 agendas have been posted for your Neighborhood Council for the current month."

Total: $20,134.54
Document: Boyle Heights Monthly Profile

The problems with the BHNC budget are not the sole fault of the Treasurer, and Budget & Finance Committee chair, Fanny Ortiz.  Those who were unwilling or unable to attend share the blame.  With 20,134.54$ allocated and awaiting a BHNC vote.  The outgoing Board does not have long (June 10th is my understanding) to meet quorum and approve the Budget.   Else any NPG (including: memorial flowers, Proyecto Jardin's Earth Day, and the Wolf Pack) or pending items will not be approved and the funds revert back to the City. 

This has been hindered by the last three attempts to hold quorum at two General Board Meetings and one Special Meeting, attempting to resolve these issues and goals.  10 Board members are required to meet quorum.  Further attempts to hold a Special Meeting have met resistance, bitterness, spite, and a "fuck 'em" attitude.  This "do unto others" attitude has cycled to the point of being disruptive. 

May 25th Agenda Item 6c.  Budget and Finance Committee

Problems with the Budget and Fiance have been ongoing throughout this past fiscal cycle.  Potentially, leaving it up to the new Council to be left to correct the mistakes made.  Some of whom may not be able to vote on budgetary items due to DONE requirements.  Further delaying resolutions by months.

DONE (the Department Of Neighborhood Empowerment) requires that each Board member complete an Ethics and Funding training course prior to being able to vote on budget items.  With the new Council being installed on June 22nd, it is speculative to say how many will have completed training and be able to cast a vote.

The budget allocation for this coming cycle 2016-2017 will [should] be $37,000.  Covering the function of the BHNC (translation services, possibly snacks, printed documents such as agendas,website maintenance) as well as providing "community promotion" (events, flyers/banners, Ads) and NPGs.

May 25th BHNC Agenda -- Canceled: Quorum Failure --
May 4th HBNC Special Meeting Agenda -- Canceled: Quorum Failure --
April 27th Agenda -- Canceled: Quorum Failure --

Bill Clinton Fails in Boyle Heights

Clinton fails in last ditch attempt to win Boyle Heights

When people heard that Bill Clinton was coming to mariachi plaza, they laughed.  The immediate response was a cold wtf tone of, "why."  People in the neighborhood, don't dislike him.  Not like his wife.  They find the fact that he got a blow job in the oval office quite humorous and something they would do if they had that kind of power.  His infidelity struck a cord with the more traditionalist who saw it as something to be expected.


But it makes little to no sense for him to disrupt the area, for no other reason then to promote his  wife.

Speeches made by all presenters showed a deep lack of connection with the Boyle Heights Community.  [From their words to the lack of advertisement of the event.]  With Clinton just repeating himself.  As he has done at other rallies.  Music played prior to the presentations, were some of the stereotypical whitest music ever played at Mariachi Plaza.  Leaving spectators going "what the fuck is this shit."  and at times wondering if they were in a truck commercial.

Total sum of Hillary supporters.  Very few BH resdents

The event today was an apparent failure.  Scheduled from 11-3pm.  There was little crowd throughout the event averaging about 50 or so.  Speakers not arriving on stage until 2pm to a lack luster crowd.  Barely cheering as the announcer tried to rally them.  Comprised, in a sudden jump to just over 150, most were imports from the campaign trail, or media crew.  Very few Boyle Heights residents were in attendance, or even knew that this was scheduled.  Passer-byes, locals, asked what was going on. 

Comments from local residents passing by laughed when they heard that it was Bill and not Hillary, that was at the event.  Stating that she "would have never made it out of BH, if she had came."  There is some love for Bill within the community, but in that buffoonish, look at him as a joke sorta way.  [i neglected to say, "the drunk uncle."]  Potential love for Hillary in Boyle Heights turned on her during her campaign trail, when she hired a Monsanto rep.  This quickly turned the growing pro-organic anti-Monsanto groups to look at Hillary in shame.

Crowd cheers for celebrities rises above cheers for politicians.

Mayor Garcetti made puns about Trump.  And that's about it.  De Leon said something.  I dunno.  No one was really paying attention at this point.  It wasn't until Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Magic Johnson were announced, that people seemed to be genuinely cheerful.  Kareem forgot his lines and had to be coached by Johnson.

Clinton heckled Bernie Sanders supporters whom were among the few Boyle Heights residents in attendance.   In fact, there were only about 12 Hilary supporters from BH.  This can be seen as speakers shouted "Boyle Heights" in various ways, only to about a few cheers.  [This was matched or was over shadowed by the amount of Bernie Sanders supporters from BH, in protest of the event.]

Bernie & Hillary supporters wait peacefully for Billy to arrive.

[Clinton attempted to dismiss Boyle Heights resident Bernie supporters with some off-handed remakes akin to calling them tin-foiled hat conspiracy nuts.  With the comment: "They say that everybody that disagrees with them is part of some nefarious establishment."

And with "There are more of us then there are of you..." showed that the  event was staged so that the community, who are mostly pro-Bernie , wouldn't show up.  Inflating the audience, and shutting out the BH community.]

Small group of (~70) Hillary supporters ready for speeches

As Clinton's rally seemed to fall on so many levels.  The question still arises as to whether it was due to poor organization and notification of the event.  Or secrecy and fear of opposition from the majority of Boyle Heights, who are Bernie supporters.  That resulted in this failure to make it look like the Mexican community supports Hillary.  And feeds back in to the "wtf what he even doing there" of it all.

Video of the [full] speech portion of the event will uploaded Monday June 6th. 


[Speech YouTube link:  https://youtu.be/A11wzkvN0Po


[I'm just a dick with a camera and a platform.   No one pays me to do this shit.  Not like the guys listed in the links below.

Various links to media outlets who covered event:
I didn't actually see CNN there.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/05/politics/bill-clinton-bernie-sanders-protesters/

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2016/06/05/bill-clinton-stumps-for-wife-hillary-with-2-legendary-lakers-by-his-side/

She was cute.
http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-trailguide-bill-clinton-shouted-down-by-bernie-1465168102-htmlstory.html

Commitment - BHNC in Review

[Note: This article is being submitted to Comunity Beacon Newspaper for publishing]

by Jason Gallegos

For the past two years, I have pushed for one thing - Commitment. If you can't make the commitment, then you shouldn't be on the board. This stance stems from showing respect to your fellow community members and the faith of trust embowered by the position.

While BHNC Board members Vera del Pozo, Rafael Chagoya, Beatriz Ochoa, Steven Almazan, Philip del Pozo, Joe Diaz, Carlos Montes, Maria Ocampo, and Marisol Marquez were in attendance at the May 25^th General Board Meeting. Missing were candidates: Fanny Ortiz, Mynor Godoy, Nicole Martin, Marisol Sanchez, and Margarita Amador (Mago). Each of whom had run for another term. Mago was seen across the street at the Hollenbeck police station, prior to the meeting. Aside from Mago, each of these candidates ran with the promise of commitment to the community.

This failure of commitment not only lead to a failure of quorum, but pending budgetary approval of flowers for the yearly event at Cinco Puntos honoring fallen soldiers for Memorial Day weekend. Purchase of functional items, a microphone, pop up banner, podium, timer, batteries for translation units and NPG items. Proyecto Jardín, Lummis Day Festival among them. The now notorious Wolf Pack [NPG], having met road blocks within the Budget and Finance committee for well over a year.

Communication has also been an issue within this term. Complaints come from both online and off, regarding notifications of events and developments within BH. As well as from outside the neighborhood. The Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council has gained a reputation for being “a mess.” Members of various online groups often complained about being left in the dark. Stemming from late updates to the bhnc.net website, or lack of outreach. Random changes in committee meeting dates and times left some waiting for the doors to be opened only to learn that the meeting occurred on an unpublished date, location, or was canceled without notice.

Overall, the BHNC is a force that brings more people from within the community, from simple complaining to instead partake in community discussion and become more aware. Regardless of your stance the choices made will affect everyone at not just one, but multiple points. It is a matter of keeping your ears and eyes opened to what is going on around you. It is a “messy” process. The Council is not a place where everyone will agree. It is rallied behind multiple causes and perspectives with one theme: To bring the voice of Boyle Heights.

The new and re-elected board members are: Joe Diaz, Vera del Pozo, Beatriz Zaragoza, Mynor Godoy, Jason Gallegos, Carlos Montes, Sol Marquez, Hector Huezo, Claudia Hernandez, Jared Hamil, Daisy Chavez, Marisol Sanchez, Alessandro Negrete, Lizzette Perez, Fanny Ortiz, Maria Ocampo, Kmberly Arazo, Margarita Amador, and Ofelia Carillo.

The PLUC - BHNC in Review

The final Boyle Heights Planning and Land Use Committee (PLUC) for this term met May 10^th to a full crowd. Students from Cal State packed the audience on their final assignment. Making it one of the biggest crowds. Though the agenda was lite, the students received a impromptu Q&A session after the meeting with committee members who have served on the PLUC for the last two years.

The one item on the agenda was regarding a special permit request by Stanley Szieto regarding a conditional use permit to continue an auto alarm, stereo installation and window tinting at 314 Soto St. on the cornet of Soto and Chavez, near residential properties. The presenter was a “no-show” so the PLUC elected to table the Item until the next meeting or when the presenter could attend. Shortening the committee meeting.

Students came in interest of another subject that the PLUC handles, though. This lead to the after-committee meeting Q&A. The points of interests from the students were regarding the function of the PLUC, affordable housing and specifically current Metro developments. Mynor Godoy, the committee chair, lead the Q&A, while Jason Gallegos and Bana Hafar provided additional commentary.

With the elections now having passed, and official results pending, the PLUC will see a new membership. The new Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council (BHNC) will nominate and elect representatives. Unlike other committees, all PLUC members are not just volunteers, but elected. Electing a chair from the BHNC board, two supporting board members, and four community stakeholders.

The Boyle Heights Planning and Land Use Committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Providing advisory recommendations based on community input to the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council and our CD14 representative regarding land use issue, special permits, and developments in the Boyle Heights area.

Hillary Clinton gets kicked out of East LA

Early reports from people exiting today's events have stated that her speech was cut short due to protest not only outside, but inside the event.  They have stated that her speech was cut down to ten minutes.

Police were on hand outside the event.  Plain clothes and men in business attire with star pins marked on their shirts roamed the protesting crowds.

When Clinton's entourage was approaching.  Sheriffs in horses blocked access, as well as sheriff officers on foot.  Later as the event ended, uniformed officers prepared riot ready with batons in hand, bean bag and smoke guns.

Protesters marched from Belvedere Park to ELAC, starting in numbers about 100, and merged with other groups at ELAC totaling 200-300.

People attending the event lined up along Chavez, mostly women, followed by Asians, and finally Anglos.  Few held signs in support of Clinton.  For every 1 person caring a sign pro-Clinton, there were at least 3-5 either against Clinton or pro-Sanders.

At least three people were evicted from the event as "disruptors," for asking questions that were not pro-Clinton.
They were not arrested, but escorted out.

Police officers were not disrespectful to those who attended the protest outside, but did joke and take pictures with them. 

For the most part the demonstration was respectful, except for pro-Clinton supporters leaving the event.  Who were loudly cursing and threatening violence against the protesters.  Police intervened and prevented these Clinton supporters from acts of violence.

There is no information on the clean up, as horse shit still lines the streets and side walks.  It is my hope that clinton cleans up whatever mess she left, in preservation of the long honored tradition of:  To leave a place better then when you got there.

Now to clean horse shit off my boot.

Upcoming New Council Elections

As the BHNC election approaches, and in about a month we will have a new Neighborhood Council.  I decided to take a look at the current bylaw (circa 2012) that i downloaded from the empowerLA website.  So there are some things that i wanted to point out for the newer candidates, and the returning.  Notice that these rules apply to Executive Officers.  I could not find anything regarding the term limits of Committee Members.

"Article VI OFFICERS
Section 1: Executive Officers of the Board - There shall be six (6) Executive Officers of the BHNC:
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Outreach & Special Events Officer, and Planning and
Land Use Officer. Executive Officers are expected to attend all BHNC Board and Executive Committee meetings.

[ ... ]

Section 4: Officer Terms - The term for an Executive Officer shall be one (1) year. No person shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms as the same Executive Officer. A Board Officer selected by the Board to fill a vacant Executive Officer seat shall not have this partial term count towards their two (2) term time of service. The selected Officers may be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire seated Board.

[ ... ]

Section 2: Ad Hoc - Ad Hoc committees may be created by a majority vote of the Executive Committee which shall also approve the committee’s Mission Statement. The committee shall have a termination date of no longer than one (1) year following its creation or the seating of a newly elected Board. Ad Hoc committee chairs shall be appointed by the President, but may be vetoed by the Board.

[ ... ]

Section 3: Committee Creation and Authorization A. Committee Structure - Unless specifically stated in other parts of these bylaws, committee members shall be appointed by the Committee Chair.

Committee membership shall be open to all Stakeholders, and all committees shall have a minimum of three (3) members."

What this means is that some board members can not currently serve in their current position. This will be left up o those who are ultimately elected.

Joint Outreach/Rules and Elections

Last night's Joint Outreach/Rules and Elections consisted of only 3 people.  It was a lite convo, mostly figuring out promotion, food, and drinks for the two upcoming events (basically the logistics).  The Candidate Forum on the 7th and the Elections on the 21st of May.  I would recommend listening to the audio on this one, especially if you are a candidate.  So that you can anticipate what is coming. There is being planned a type of bbq, during the elections, to promote voting.  The location will be near the BH City Hall, but cannot be in the parking lot.  The site hasn't been finalized yet, but considerations are the library's parking lot, or the Police Station's plaza.  Also, they/we/BHNC are looking for volunteers for these events.

On this note.  There will be a emergency "Rules and Elections" meeting during the General Board Meeting tomorrow.  You can find the agenda at the BHNC site and on BHT.  

General Board Meeting Agenda
BHNC link
BHT link

Emergency Rules & Elections
BHNC link
BHT link


Audio can be found at Boyle Heights Transparency.

Direct Link: http://thirteenfalls.net/BHNC/AV/2016_04_25_J_Out_RnE_32.mp3

PLUC _Late edition

So i didn't make a post for this past PLUC meeting.  One of the last this cycle.  First there was a brief update regarding the 1st & Boyle "Laundromat" CRA.  Where, although there was a question and answer section, it was mainly just an FYI session.

 Mainly we were dealing with 7 -11.  They wish to open up two stores.  One across from General Hospital.  During the presentation, they emphasized that their priority was safety, being 24/7 and bringing up the community.  As well as removing the homeless.  To this portion, they made several comments that they had meetings with the LAPD (Hollenbeck), in dealing with the homeless.  When asked about concerns of this, they kept reassuring us their disregard for the homeless and concern for their customers/clients.  

When asked about people leaving the hospital, whether due to being discharged, or people who get released while still on medication.  They not only once again, mentioned the cops.  But also answered a direct question that they have not talked with the hospital, and that they were unsure if the hospital would contact them when patients are discharged. 

On the second site.  Soto and Washington.  They emphasized, that they were getting rid of one alcohol license, and transferring one from an onsite license, to an offsite.  The current location is a hamburger stand that sells beer.  They also mentioned several times that people were getting drunk there, and driving off.  As many know, that area is a high trucker/recycling area.  There are no, or few housing spots there.  I did accept an invitation by one of the reps to go there for a bite.  and we had two beers. This location is nothing like they were describing it.  

One thing that they didn't clarify, is if the canceled license is actually gone.  If it is, then it is not a selling point on a 24/7-11 acceptance.  It's gone.  They did not also mention that 7-11 hasn't finalized the deal.  That is is reliant on them getting the license.  

We moved the first presentation to the bored for discussion, but without out a recommendation.  
The second we motioned that it moved to the board for denial. I will be there tomorrow, with questions in hand.  We did not have time during the PLUC meeting to have a full committee Q&A.


Audio is up at the Boyle Heights Transparency site.

Re:Code LA update/e-mail

I got this e-mail regarding "Re:Code LA." IF you are involved with the BHNC, Planning and Land Use, a Stakeholder, Someone that lives in BH or just someone who would like to be informed o what's happening in L.A. in general, i recommend reading up on this "update" to the zoning codes. ESPECIALLY if you are running for a BHNC position with the intent of joining the Boyle Heights Planning and Land Use Committee, as this will directly effect the committee meetings. And take a look at what has been released so far: http://recode.la/about/project-files

Audio of their BHNC PLUC presentation can be found here at the 11:30 mark: http://www.thirteenfalls.net/BHNC/AV/2016_03_08_pluc_128.mp3

"re:code LA Public Forum - West and Harbor

This week we'll be hosting two more Public Forums. Our West Public Forum will be on Wednesday evening, and our Harbor Public Forum will be on Saturday morning. Stop by to check out our proposed code structure and some of the work going into the Downtown Code and Neighborhood Conservation efforts.

For your reference, all the information and materials presented at the forums are available for download on our project files page. You can take a look beforehand or join us at the forum with no prior knowledge; either way, we are looking forward to meeting you!

Wednesday, April 6th, 2016
West Public Forum
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Iman Foundation
3376 Motor Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034

Saturday, April 9th, 2016
Harbor Public Forum
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Peck Park Community Center
560 N. Western Ave., San Pedro, CA 90732

If you can't make it, feel free to attend any one of our other 2 forums. We will also be hosting a virtual forum on April 26th at 7PM. All subscribers will receive an email with details on how to join the discussion.

re:code LA is the first comprehensive update to the Los Angeles Zoning Code since 1946. This five year initiative aims to develop a modern and user-friendly Code in order to create livable communities, encourage sustainable development, and foster economic vitality. Please invite your friends and neighbors to visit us at recode.la to learn more about the project and sign up for email updates.

Contact Us
Tom.Rothmann@lacity.org
Nicholas.Maricich@lacity.org
visit our website at www.recode.la
twitter.com/recodeLA
facebook.com/recodeLA
The re:code LA Team"

March 23rd, BHNC General Board Meeting; The Later Version

The meeting started a little later the the listed, time.  I believe around 6:09pm.  Audio is up at my site. www.thirteenfalls.net/BHT in the subsection Audio/Video, under the 2016 march section.  And links are there to download the agenda, audio, and to the youTube videos of the event.  The audio/video were divided in to three sections due to the face that i was recording video and took the audio from there.  Video on my tab is limited to 47minutes and 12seconds per vid.  

That being said.  let's start:

Part 1: 
     In general the "General Public Comment" portion (started at 3m50s in) is for the public primarily.  However, quick two minute presentations, or "short" presentations (not on the agenda) can be made.  I am grateful that Vivian from Metro, regarding Mariachi Plaza (@ 04:00), but it ran for a good 7 minutes.  At this point it becomes a presentation that should have been put on the agenda, or had her cut off [at the 2 minute mark].

Oscar Morales from LAC Sanitation District (@ 12:00) gave a quick update, regarding the emergency generator installation.  And at 13:50 Lois Castillo of the US Bureau regarding testing of new online tech.  

At ~1630 BHCBH (Building Healthier Communities Boyle Heights), requested that the BHNC move it's monthly scheduled meeting on April 27th to another date/time to accommodate their needs.    They wish to hold a forum at the BH City Hall with the Los Angeles Superintendent on that day.  As that is the only time the superintendent is available.

~27:10: Government Report:
            Franklin Ochoa - Earth Day Clean-Up, April 23rd.  Multiple Clean-ups through out the neighborhood.

~31:10: Committee Reports:
Outreach:
     Quick recap of election forums
     ~35:10: Renewal of Community Beacon Full Page Ad (this continues in to Part 2).  Wish to reduce ad from a full page to 1/4 page.

Part 2: (cont. Outreach Report)
     0~11:00: Generally the comments are that people like the newspaper, but that it is not Boyle Heights oriented.  As to how these ads/expense have benefited the BH community.  People voiced that they would like to "expand" in to other news papers/advertisers, such as the NGP (free ads), and Boyle Heights Beat.
     @~7:30: The motion was made to continue the ad at 1/4 page for 6 issues @ 150$/issue or 900$.
                     Motion passed 15-1, with 1 non-eligible.

~11:18: request motion to move rules and election report to prior to PLUC reports.  (Passed)
~12:35:_attempt to move bnf after rules and elections and prior to PLUC reports (7-9 Failed)

~14:55: Rules and Elections Committee Report:   Regarding upcoming elections
~16:10: Embarrassing the candidates in the audience and on the board.

~20:24: PLUC Report
      Re:Code LA  (for a detailed explanation regarding recode, check out the audio from the last PLUC meeting).  Also there will be a community meeting @bh city hall, sat april16 9am-1pm. community plan and rezone are different
      ~24:35: CoPALM    Informational proposal  _alcohol reduced restriction license ordinance
Community forum April 21st at Resurrection church at 3324 Opal st, Los Angeles, Ca 90023 5:45pm_ 8:00pm


Now here is where it pisses me off.  Right after this group, who was advocating alcohol restrictions, we had someone promoting alcohol.  . SO i am just going to exclude this NON-Agenda item from this overview.  FUCK 'EM.  It was an impromptu commercial that killed our ability to finish AGENDA ITEMS!!

~37:30: Neighborhood Committee: DAPA and DACA overview,  Maria Ocampo

Part 3 (Cont. Neighborhood Committee)

~0:50: Vote taken.  Unanimously passed. 

~1:30: Motion to have BHNC join the neighborhood council sustainability alliance. Presenter, Lisa
Hart, NCSA (Neighborhood Council Sustainability Alliance) ncsa.nationbuilder.com
15_1 vote, passed.  Balemero and Nicole volunteered as reps.

~10:10: Budget and Finance Committee Report:  Review.
Re-vote on wolf pack.  (Non-agenda item) Questions arose as if this was acceptable as this was not on the agenda.  Versus since it needed to be corrected from the last meeting, even though.  Vera stated that it could, and if this is wrong, it will need to be voted again.  Voted 11-6-1 passed

Item d.ii. Hunger Action for LA NPG in support of  Proyecto Jardin regarding Earth Day, tabled.

Closed with a moment of silence for Don T. Nakanishi

I did like that we did get through most items in a somewhat timely manor.  However, the meeting was a bit sloppy.  Disorganized.  I get that people speak out of turn, but i felt that there was a general disrespect from some members of the community and presenters to the community.  As well as that last NPG item that just got cut off.  Had we known that we were on a time limit.  Maybe we could have excluded those non-agenda items.

Maybe next time it can be POSTED to the community  that we only have the hall from 6pm until .... what time?  What time did we have the Hall for....?  I didn't see it listed on the bhnc website, facebook, twitter, the community beacon ad, or even on the agenda.

LAFD Public Safety Advisory Committee Meeting

I attended this meeting after a request was posted online (FB), for a representative from the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council would attend and relay back the information to the community.  So here i go.

First here was the agenda presented:

 1. Introductions
2. LAFD Update
3. Weather/El Niño Update
4. Presentation - Red Flag No Parking Program
            DC Philip Fligiel, LAFD
5. Operation Pull to the Right
6. Poison Prevention Month
7. Open Discussion

Next Meeting:
Held third Wednesday of odd months
May 18, 2016 at 6:00pm
Location: 500 E. Temple St,
1st Floor Meeting Room

 Copy of Agenda can be found here
Audio of meeting can be found here:  
         32k or 128k




 Secondly. This place was a bitch to locate.  There are no marking for 500.  There are for 520 and 490, i think it was.  So i had to guess as to where it was to get to the meeting.  I did manage to find it.  It's essentially, two heavily gated doors, with a driveway between the two listed numbers at the T-intersection across from the DWP.

I am going to summarize.  Most of the items discussed did not pertain to Boyle Heights or East L.A. in general.  An update regarding skid row, and the restoration of engine 209 (which would provide more service), @ Fire station 9. The main concerns were advocating smoke alarms and CO (Carbon Monoxide) alarm awareness, the Pull to the Right Campaign, and Red Flag No Parking Program.

Also, regarding the NC board members becoming CERT certified and potentially holding more classes for the public, and what would be the best way to promote or get people to go.  Briefly mentioned was "poison prevention month," which as they spoke, was to make people aware of the 'not so obvious' poisons such as make-up and things that young children should not put in their mouth.

LAFD is partnering with My Safe L.A. canvasing event on April 9th in Koreatown to distribute smoke detectors and awareness.  Free smoke alarms, CO alarms and installations are available through http://www.mysmokealarm.org.  However, i am unsure if this is just for the Koreatown event. Later, they will be canvassing East L.A. (El Sereno) area.

 The other item, was regarding the Red Flag No Parking Program.  They had emphasis that this was mainly targeting "hillside" areas such as the Hollywood Hills.  In combination with areas prone to dry brush fires. Where getting a fire truck through would be difficult.  The program would see that on red flag days street parking would be not allowed during issued hours.  And fines would be increased.  No mention of towing was implied or asked.  

Finally, they wanted us to bring up the "Pull to the Right" campaign.  You know how when you hear a fire truck, and cars just stop.  Yeah.  They are asking that instead of just stopping, that you essential, get out of the way.  It makes it difficult for them to stop a fire if say, you don't [get out of the way].... "pull to the right."

_Jason G.

PLUC _March: The Late Version

OK....
...So on to the last PLUC meeting. 

First, i must point out that Mynor was unable to attend, so Rafael Chagoya (BHNC Vice President) lead the meeting.  Documentations were unavailable, but the meeting proceeded further.  So the Minutes were tabled until the next meeting.

MCM (Multicultural Communities for Mobility) made a presentation regarding their initiative. and a "festival" (Nuestra Avenida: Cesar Chavez Reimaginada) on Chavez from St. Louis to Evergreen (march 12th from 10am-4pm), highlighting their ideas.  And to get community input.  (I got there close to 2pm.  And it was pretty much dead at that time. though, i did get a massage).  I have no idea what happened before hand.  i never saw video or picture posts.  This was part of the "Great Streets Initiative."

[I must note here that i, and many in the community, have been against projects like this as Chavez is too crowded.  I also have been previously open and opposed to bike lanes on Chavez, due to safety hazards.]

Next was:

Starting @ ~00:11:30 on the audio

Re-code: LA (Zoning Advisory Committee)  www.recode.la
They provided a brief preview of their proposal for "updating the zoning code" in Los Angeles. Not that zoning codes will change, but make them more "understandable."

Public meetings meet the last Wednesday of the month.  This may at times conflict with the BHNC GBM.  [This information was presented at the General Board meeting]

Finally, @ ~ 01:07:30  there was a presentation by CoPALM (The Coalition to Prevent Alcohol Related Harms in Metro LA)  www.copalm.org seeking to create an "restrictive use ordinance," in addition to measures already taken by Boyle Heights to limit alcohol licenses, and increase.  Specifically regarding "off-sale liquor license."  Essentially, making it a law.

That is: Putting a restriction on NEW places where they sell beer, wine, or hard liquor at a store such as a market, or store; NOT  including restaurants or bars.  This does not effect places that are "grandfather'ed in" (which meant that they got their license prior to 1985).

This was motioned to be moved to the General Board Meeting for presentation.

Audio:
http://thirteenfalls.net/BHNC/AV/2016_03_08_pluc_32.mp3
http://thirteenfalls.net/BHNC/AV/2016_03_08_pluc_128.mp3


_Jason G.

PLUC _Way Late (Feb)

I will just briefly touch on what occurred in Feb, as it was pretty straight forward.  There were only two items.  one regarding the empty lot on the south east side of first and Boyle.  They needed some guidelines from the community:

Description: The City of Los Angeles would like to release a Request for Proposal (RFP)for the development of the vacant lot and would like to gather community feedback to set guidelines for how the parcel could be developed.

I don't recall the details at this point.  But what i do remember, is that it was as expected.  Parking, no parking, laundromat & market.  (Actually i think they made a comment that they've already heard that people want a laundromat). But i do believe that it went to the GBM with mixed use. Subterranean parking, open green space or neighborhood market.

The other item was to support a resolution for Proyecto Jardin.  Which passed unanimously to the General Board, where it also passed.

Audio can be found here:
http://thirteenfalls.net/BHNC/AV/2016_02_09_pluc_32.mp3
http://thirteenfalls.net/BHNC/AV/2016_02_09_pluc_128.mp3