Counselor in the community

East Coast student, alumni group gathers

Francisco Leal and Dr. Sonia Molina recently hosted a Sunday-afternoon barbecue for alumni of the East Coast Chicano Student Forum.

The ECCSF is an alliance of Chicano and Latino student-based organizations from East Coast colleges and universities.

The ECCSF was established in 1972 through the efforts of a few dedicated Chicanos and Chicanas from Ivy League schools. It now encompasses over 22 colleges and universities. 

Many Chicano alumni in Southern California attended college on the East Coast. The Jan. 18 event at Leal and Molina's Hancock Park home brought together about 50 dynamic individuals who could meet or reconnect -- and help continue building the ECCSF tradition of community.

(Photo, from left: Alma Flores of Cornell; Francisco Leal of Harvard & Yale; Jose Huizar of Princeton; and Paul Aguilar of Brown.) 

Guests included alumni and current students from the Ivy League and other East Coast colleges. 

The crowd heard from Bronx native and Cornell alumna Luivete Resto, who shared some passages from her first book of poems titled "Unfinished Portrait." Her poem "What are you?" recounts her experience as a Latina Ivy League student in New York who was constantly asked about her ethnic background, and how she coped with finding her own identity in college. Afterward, she signed copies of her book. 

 

Toward the end of the evening, L.A. Councilmember José Huizar spoke to the crowd about his role as an advocate for Latino students pursuing a college education on the East Coast.  

Huizar received his master's degree in urban planning from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University and now serves on the Board of Trustees at Princeton. 

He also spoke about his experience as one of the first Latino Trustees at Princeton and offered words of encouragement to current college students to continue their studies and reach their goals. 

 

Francisco Leal is an active participant of the ECCSF and a strong advocate for Latinos in higher education.  As an alumnus of Roosevelt High School in East Los Angeles, he recognizes the need for more Latino representation in the nation's best colleges and universities.

After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Leal received his undergraduate degree from Yale University in '83 and his law degree from Harvard University in '86.  Francisco's wife Dr. Sonia Molina is also a very active member of the ECCSF.  She received her doctorate in medical dentistry and master's in public health from Harvard University in '98.

If you are a Latino alumnus or alumna of an East Coast university, or if you just would like to receive updates from the ECCSF, join the Los Angeles ECCSF Network email list.

Environmentalists get Huntington Park honor

The City Council of Huntington Park presented Communities for a Better Environment with a City Proclamation marking its 30th anniversary of community organizing and environmental advocacy in California.

Dozens of Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) members wearing their recognizable green shirts joined the City Council on Nov. 17, in celebration of the group's impressive accomplishments over the years.

(Photo: CBE Executive Director Ed Gallegos, left, with Community Organizer Roberto Cabrales and a fellow CBE member.)

Communities for a Better Environment opened its doors in the cities of Huntington Park and Oakland in 1978 to campaign for environmental justice. CBE eventually became the first organization to combine member-driven grassroots community organization with scientific research and legal action.

Communities for a Better Environment, also known as Comunidades Para Un Ambiente Mejor, promotes clean air, clean water and development of toxin-free communities in low-income neighborhoods traditionally impacted by pollution, toxic waste and poor air quality.

The nonprofit organization was recently recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency with its first annual Environmental Justice Award, citing CBE's notable accomplishments on environmental justice issues, particularly in low-income communities of color.

Meanwhile, in an effort to address pollution in city streets and sewers, the City Council of Huntington Park also declared Dec. 18 as "A Day Without a Bag." CBE members passed out canvas handbags so citizens can reduce their use of plastic bags.

Park development act hailed in L.A.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger joined state and local legislators and community members recently to celebrate the signing of the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Act of 2008. 

The politicians mingled with local community youth at Taylor Yards Rio de Los Angeles State Park.

AB 31, introduced in the state Legislature by Assistant Majority Leader Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, will prioritize $400 million of Proposition 84 park funds for underserved and park-poor communities throughout California.

 This is the largest single investment in local parks in the nation’s history.

“For too long poor minority communities have been marginalized when it comes to parks and that needs to end. We are in the midst of a national obesity crisis.  Children living in poor, park-starved communities in urban, suburban and rural areas deserve safe, open spaces to play in and enjoy. ... Together we will create jobs and critical park space in poor communities across the state.”

-- Kevin de Leon, Assistant Assembly Majority Leader (D-Los Angeles)

In 2006, California voters approved Proposition 84, which included an appropriation of $400 million dollars for park funds for underserved communities. After the passage of AB 31, communities in highest need of park funds throughout California will receive priority. These communities are those that suffer from higher rates of crime, unemployment, poverty, school dropouts, and health ailments such as obesity and asthma. 

Many cities across the United States suffer from limited park access; California’s park deficiencies are stark in comparison to them. Based on acres per person, Los Angeles (11.8 acres) has about a third of the park space of New York City (37.3 acres). Moreover, cities such as Chicago (18.7 acres), Boston (18 acres), and Philadelphia (17.1 acres) all lead Los Angeles in park-space acreage per person.

 These disparities are even more prevalent in lower-income and ethnic neighborhoods. Studies show that predominantly white Los Angeles neighborhoods have 31.8 acres of park space for every 1,000 people, compared with 1.7 acres in African-American neighborhoods, 0.6 acres in Latino neighborhoods, and 0.3 acres in Asian-Pacific Islander neighborhoods. 

Health studies show that providing people with green space and places to play has broad cumulative impacts. Simply stated, creating parks improves poor communities and changes children's lives. 

AB 31 was supported by over 80 organizations and local governments cross California, including the Latino Issues Forum, City of Lynwood, Los Angeles Conservation Corps and the Natural Resources Defense Council. 

Also present at the celebration was Assemblywoman Anna Caballero, D-Salinas, in recognition of passage of AB 2494 Housing-Parks Program, which will implement $200 million in Proposition IC for housing-related parks. 

AB 2494 seeks to reward park-deficient communities that are stepping up and providing the affordable housing that California so desperately needs. Communities will receive funds they need to expand access to parks and will also be rewarded for taking seriously their obligation to provide housing for all economic segments of the community.

Graffiti fight aided by Molina ordinance

Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina's Civil Graffiti Ordinance was unanimously approved has just gone into effect.

http://articles.latimes.com/2008/aug/20/local/me-grafitti20 The ordinance expands Molina's graffiti-enforcement program and allows for a civil process in addition to the existing criminal procedures.

"Graffiti is an epidemic -- and through our Graffiti/VET Pilot and prevention efforts, we are telling the graffiti vandals we mean business," Molina said. 

Under the new graffiti ordinance prepared by Supervisor Molina:

• The County can declare itself a "graffiti victim" and recover costs for graffiti abatement -- including enforcement, removal and damages.
• The County can recoup unpaid costs through liens or special assessments against the property of the graffiti offender or parent/guardian of offending minor. 
• The cost of graffiti abatement has been reassessed to truly reflect the true cost to taxpayers for removal, repair or replacement of defaced property to $522; and $665 for enforcement per incident in county areas.
• Adult graffiti offenders are subject to a civil citation issued by the sheriff, and administered through the county's ombudsman for fines up to $1,000. First Offense is $250; second, $750; third, $750; fourth, $1,000, along with a non-compliance fee. If financial hardship, community service in lieu of the fine could be considered.

  The new ordinance expands Molina's graffiti-enforcement program, which resulted in 168 arrests and confiscation of weapons, drugs and graffiti tools within a six-month period this year. This included parents who completed the Parent Project and the minors who enrolled in a youth-intervention program.

As a result of long delays in the system with cases involving minors, Molina has also asked the District Attorney's office to apply its Juvenile Offender Information Network (JOIN) to graffiti cases for minors with first-time offenses.  It allows for a contractual agreement with the minor -- requiring community service, youth counseling program, outstanding school attendance -- and the parent/legal guardian is required to pay restitution and complete the Parent Project program.

"This is about preventive services for families, intervention programming for first time offenders, and aggressive suppression and enforcement for the most egregious taggers.

"As long as we are successfully prosecuting graffiti vandals and holding parents accountable -- we are making progress in our fight against graffiti and crime," Molina said. 

In response to the murders of Pico Rivera resident Maria Hicks and Valinda resident Robert Whitehead, who tried to stop graffiti vandals, Molina initiated an aggressive graffiti-enforcement effort that holds parents accountable and requires restitution for damages and enforcement costs. Most recently, East L.A. resident Luis Gonzalez became another "graffiti" murder victim.

Maywood Riverfront Park years in making

Maywood Riverfront Park, located along the Los Angeles River, recently celebrated its grand opening.

 This long-awaited celebration, on May 10, included music, food, and activities for all that enjoyed the afternoon. The 7.3-acre park is home to a bike path along the Los Angeles River, a children's play area, basketball courts and a picnic area with tables. 

The project, which started in 1993, has been several years in the making. It is a welcome addition to the community.  The park will benefit the 30,000 residents of Maywood, as well as bicylists and joggers who use the path adjacent to the L.A. River.

There were many obstacles to the park's opening from its inception. There were more than 12 years of environmental studies and cleanup, as well as parcel-acquisition difficulties.

  Six parcels from various companies had to be acquired, which included land that required the Environmental Protection Agency's approval, as well as a defunct railroad line parcel. Funding was made possible by city, state and federal governments, nonprofit organizations and private philanthropists, as well as donors in the community. 

  An additional challenge arose in 2005, when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed allocated funding of $2 million from the California State Resource Agency, citing that these funds had not been used since 2000.

   Legislative Advocacy Group worked tirelessly to regain funding by meeting with many state officials and informing them that the funds actually were allocated in 2002. The Group was successful in securing funds with assurances to the Governor's office and the California State Resource Agency that this park would open in 2006.  Construction of the park was completed in the early part of 2006, with a scheduled grand opening of July 1, 2006. Due to community concerns about whether the park was safe to use and some political turmoil, the opening was delayed.

  These concerns were brought to the attention of the EPA, which was responsible for conducting the last cleanup phase.

 The EPA utilized a new and innovative technology known as a "electrical resistive heat system," a process that consists of heating the soil's subsurface. The benefit of utilizing thermal heating process is that soil and groundwater contamination is greatly reduced faster and cleaner compared with some of the older methods of treatment. In addition, the time required to reach cleanup goals is shorter.  The real benefit for the Pemaco Superfund Site was the ability of the thermal heating to cleanup contaminants trapped in some of the clay soils located in the subsurface. 

 With over $10 million invested in the project and the need to ensure that Maywood Riverfront Park opened on time, Legislative Advocacy Group worked aggressively to communicate with the Maywood City Council, the EPA and with Supervisor Gloria Molina's office to avoid any interruption in funding already allocated to the project prior to its May 10  opening. 

 Francisco Leal, principal of Legislative Advocacy Group, said, "Riverfront Park has been a long-awaited and necessary addition for the residents of this community. 

 Legislative Advocacy Group is proud to be a part of making this opening possible." With over 30,000 residents, the City of Maywood is one of the most densely populated cities in California. The state standard recommends that communities should have 4 acres of parks or open space per every 1,000 in population. According to this standard, the City of Maywood parks should have a minimum of 120 acres of open space.  Maywood has a mere 5.8 acres of park space currently available.  Moreover, the closest substantial public open space is in the City of Long Beach, approximately 12 miles south of Maywood Riverfront Park. 

 Although the park will not bring Maywood anywhere near the state standard, the park will help alleviate pressure on the two existing city parks.

 "Our community is truly deserving of this beautiful park and all that it has to offer," said Maywood City Council Member Thomas Martin. "It is a welcome addition that everyone can enjoy." 

Maywood Riverfront Park is located at the corners of Slauson Boulevard and Alamo Street in the City of Maywood, and is part of the 51-mile Los Angeles River Greenway Project. It is the newest of several parks along the southern portion of the Los Angeles River, from the San Fernando Valley to the Pacific Ocean at Long Beach.

Francisco Leal hosts fundraiser for Jovenes Inc.

Francisco Leal, Managing Director for the law firm Leal-Trejo, hosted an annual charity fundraising event at his Hancock Park home in honor of the non-profit organization Jovenes Inc.  

Jovenes provides youth and community services, specializing in culturally appropriate services for homeless and low-income Latinos.

 Attending this great event on May 4 were L.A. Council Member Jose Huizar and his family.

Council Member Huizar expressed his continuing support for this community-based organization, which is located within his 14th District's boundaries.

Among other distinguished guests enjoying the afternoon were Father Richard Estrada, Founder of Jovenes Inc., and Ernesto Montano, Executive Director for the organization, as well as several invited friends. 

 

Guests were entertained by special guest emcee actor Herbert Sigueza of Culture Clash, a prominent Chicano/Latino performance troupe based in San Francisco. 

An appearance by the "Peace Bus" was celebrated with a special blessing given by Father Estrada.

 "This is an afternoon of excitement and encouragement for this wonderful organization and the community it serves," host Francisco Leal said.

(Photos: Top left: Francisco Leal, Father Estrada and young friend. Above right: Council Member Huizar and Father Estrada.)

Leal law firm rewards promising Latinas

Four well-deserving and very excited young ladies experienced a memorable opportunity March 14: Being among several prominent Latinas during the 17th annual Latina History Day Conference.

The event was started by the nonprofit organization Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE). Latina History Day celebrates the accomplishments of Latina leaders. It provides forums on career development, addresses community issues and provides financial empowerment for the Latina community.

This year’s event was at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

Rosenda Morales, Irene Rocha, Diana Sanchez and Carina Santacruz were selected to attend the conference through the sponsorship of the law firm of Leal-Trejo, LLP.

Francisco Leal, managing partner of Leal-Trejo, said: "It was an honor to sponsor these young ladies for such a great event, which provides them with an opportunity to hear from and interact with leaders within their respective communities and encourages them to set high goals for themselves as well."

The event included keynote speaker Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez (pictured), the best-selling author whose works include "Playing with Boys" and "The Dirty Girls Social Club."

Valdes-Rodriguez was named one of Time magazine’s top 25 influential Hispanics in America, as well as being honored as Latina Magazine's "Woman of the Year." Also speaking that day were Emmy Award winner Jackie Guerra, Dr. Julie Mendoza, Dr. Juan Sanchez and many other prominent Latino Leaders.

The four future leaders are members of the Women’s Club of Huntington Park and were represented under the leadership of Ofelia Hernandez, council member for the City of Huntington Park and co-founder of the Women’s Club, and Guadalupe Crystal Morales, president of the organization.

“The Women’s Club empowers young Latinas and assists them so they can sharpen their skills as leaders in their communities,” Morales said. The Women’s Club has taken the responsibility of mentoring the winner of the Miss Huntington Park USA 2007 contest by emphasizing the value of education, community and integrity.

These young ladies are no strangers to hard work and are dedicated to their dreams:

• Rosenda Morales is currently at Huntington Park High School and has already been accepted to some of the top universities in California. She is interested in becoming a pediatrician.
• Irene Rocha attends UCLA and looks forward to becoming a lawyer.
• Diana Sanchez will graduate from Huntington Park High School this year and is excited about working in the medical field.
• Carina Santacruz attends Cerritos College and looks forward to becoming a professional photographer.

These committed Latinas continue to be actively involved in the community and are dedicated to making a difference as future leaders.

East L.A. schools make progress with LAUSD

The Southeast Schools Coalition has been working for the past two years to direct more funding and legislative focus to Los Angeles Unified School District schools in the cities of Bell, Maywood, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Vernon, and South Gate.

The coalition is continually working to improve communications with the district.

Fortunately, with the election of new School Board Member Yolie Flores-Aguilar, the coalition is optimistic about continued success.

Also, LAUSD plans to break ground on 10 new schools in and around the Southeast Communities of Los Angeles County.

The following schools are slated for development:

1. South Region Elementary School #3, City of Cudahy/Bell, opening Q3-2010


2. South Region Elementary School #4, City Of South Gate, opening Q3-2010


3. South Region Elementary School #5, City of Huntington Park, opening Q3-2011


4. South Region High School #7, City of Huntington Park, opening Q3-2011


5. South Region High School #8, City of Maywood, opening Q3-2012


6. South Region High School #9, City of South Gate, opening Q3-2012


7. South Region Middle School#2, City of Bell, opening Q3-2010


8. South Region Middle School #3, Walnut Park, opening Q3-2011


9. South Region Middle School #4, City of South Gate, opening Q3-2012


10. South Region Elementary #9, City of South Gate, opening Q3-2012

Legislative Advocacy Group backs water push

Legislative Advocacy Group has announced that it will support a statewide campaign by the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) to build increased awareness about the critical challenges that face the state’s water supply and delivery system.

The firm will help promote the ACWA's statewide effort, "California’s Water: A Crisis We Can't Ignore," by providing links to ACWA campaign materials on the firm’s website and keeping water issues top-of-mind among elected and government officials during meetings and public events.

"We intend to leverage our relationships among our client cities and government agencies to boost awareness about the critical state of water in California," said Francisco Leal, the principal of Legislative Advocacy Group, based in downtown Los Angeles.

Leal continued: "The collective impacts of drought, climate change and increased population growth have severely hampered the state’s water system and we must educate the general public about the impacts this could have on California residents, businesses and the quality of life in our state."

The ACWA’s education program will reach the public directly through television, radio and print advertising, as well as through the Internet and community outreach. The effort began in September and will continue through 2007. Information on this program can be obtained at calwatercrisis.org

The multimillion dollar program, funded by voluntary contributions from public water agencies throughout the state, is aimed at raising awareness among Californians of current and future water problems, including a deepening crisis in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (Delta) and a recent court-ordered massive reduction in our statewide water supply.

Key Water Problems at a Glance
Thanks to a string of relatively wet years and the fact that water flows whenever the tap is turned on, the state’s water problems are not readily apparent to the public. But many experts agree the state is facing some of the most significant water challenges seen in the last half-century:

• The Delta, a key natural estuary and the pathway through which more than 25 million Californians and 2.5 million acres of productive farmland receive their water, is in an ecological crisis that threatens people as well as the environment.
• California’s water supply has been drastically reduced, impacting people, businesses and farms in Northern, Central and Southern California. In late August, a federal court cut water supplies from the state’s two largest water delivery systems by up to one-third to protect an endangered fish -- potentially the largest court-ordered water supply reduction in California history.
• California’s population is growing rapidly, but our statewide water storage and delivery system has not been significantly improved in 30 years.
• Our statewide water reserves are extremely low and would not be able to meet public demand during a major disruption to the state’s water delivery system.
• Aging Delta levees are at risk of a natural disaster that could cripple water deliveries for an extended period of time.
• California is facing severe drought conditions, with 2007 ranking as a record dry-year in some regions. If the current drought continues, mandatory water rationing may be imposed in many areas.
• Significantly reduced supplies and growing water uncertainties already are causing some California farmers to fallow prime agricultural lands, hurting one of our state’s most important industries.
• Climate change is reducing our mountain snow pack -- a critical source of natural water storage -- and may usher in longer droughts and more severe floods.
• While we have made great strides in water conservation and efficiency programs, the collective impacts of drought, climate change, increased population demands, court-ordered supply reductions and/or potential natural disasters mean that conservation alone will not solve this crisis … it's just simply not enough.

For more information about the ACWA’s campaign, contact Timothy Quinn, ACWA Executive Director, at (916) 441-4545 or visit calwatercrisis.org

Leal: Towing policy too tough on immigrants

Francisco Leal, managing partner of the Southland law firm Leal & Trejo, told the Los Angeles Times that the provision in California State Law that allows cities to impound vehicles for up to a month imposes an unfair hardship on unlicensed drivers, particularly undocumented immigrants.

Francisco Leal, who serves as City Attorney for Huntington Park, outlined the city's decision to end 30-day impounds of vehicles driven by unlicensed drivers.

Attorney Leal told the Times: "This will take away the most egregious part of the law, that is, the 30-day period," city attorney Leal said. "There’s no way these people can afford that.”

The City of Huntington Park recently approved a resolution that allows registered owners to reclaim their vehicles immediately and avoid costly impound fees, Leal explained.

Read the full story on towing on the Los Angeles Times web site.