Celebrate Independence Day At Three CD 14 Concert & Fireworks Shows

Help us celebrate an early Independence Day as my office joins community groups to sponsor three Concert and Fireworks shows, with two next Saturday, June 30th, in El Sereno and Boyle Heights, and one on Sunday, July 1st, in Eagle Rock.

Since taking office, I have made it a priority to bring back our beloved neighborhood 4th of July fireworks shows, which had been non-existent in some CD 14 neighborhoods for decades.

So please join us for food, kids games, music and fireworks as we celebrate our great nation's birthday!

Click on flier or see below for details:







Saturday, June 30, 2012

El Sereno Fireworks Show is preceded by the El Sereno Bicentennial Committee 4th of July Parade, which begins at 2 p.m. on Huntington Drive , traveling down Eastern and ending at El Sereno park.

El Sereno Concert and Fireworks Show
4 p.m. - 9 p.m. (fireworks begin at 8 p.m.)

El Sereno Park
4721 Klamath Place
Los Angeles 90032

Please call (323) 226-1646 for more information.

Boyle Heights Concert and Fireworks Show
4 p.m.- 9 p.m. (fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m.)

Hollenbeck Park
415 S. Saint Louis St.
Los Angeles, 90033

Please call (323) 526-3059 for more information.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Eagle Rock Concert and Fireworks Show
4 p.m.-9 p.m. (fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m.)

Eagle Rock Park
1100 Eagle Vista Drive
Los Angeles 90041

Please call (323) 254-5295 for more information.

Click on the fliers for info, or see below:

Saturday, June 30, 2012

5th Annual El Sereno 4th of July and Fireworks Show







& El Sereno Bicentennial Committee 4th of July Parade















Parade begins at 2 p.m. on corner of

Celebrating Boyle Heights

Dear Friends: Please enjoy this short documentary film on Boyle Heights, which chronicles the close to $2 billion in public investment that has infused this historic community with a new sense of pride.

Boyle Heights is on the rise and “Celebrating Boyle Heights: Past, Present & Future” honors Boyle Heights, its history and the people who call it home.

Watch Celebrating Boyle Heights on television

Celebrating Boyle Heights: Past, Present & Future will also air today on Channel 35 at 3:30 p.m., and tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 26, at 1 p.m., and tonight on KLCS at 6:30 p.m. and again on KLCS on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 7:30 am. Check local listings for future airings.

Time Warner Cable customers can watch the film “On Demand” by going to Channel 1, highlighting “Local,” then “My Government,” with movie listed under “SoCal Cities.”

Helping Neighborhoods Become Cleaner, Greener

Just spoke to over 70 residents at the Clean Air Boyle Heights Resident Convening Conference hosted by Union De Vecinos. This is part of "Clean Up Green Up" legislation that I introduced to encourage business to adopt cleaner, greener standards that will help the environment, protect air our children breathe and improve business in heavy industry areas such as Boyle Heights, Wilmington and Pacoima.

CD 14 Fireworks Shows this Holiday Weekend

Friends: Please come and enjoy the CD 14 Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks shows my office is sponsoring this upcoming Independence Day weekend.

All three events in El Sereno, Boyle Heights and Eagle Rock are offered free of charge and will feature musical entertainment, activities for kids, a fireworks show and much more. See dates and times below. Hope to see you there and Happy Independence Day!



4th Annual El Sereno Concert & Fireworks Show &
4th of July Independence Day Parade

When: Saturday, July 2, 2011
2 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Fireworks will start at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Where: El Sereno Park
4721 Klamath St.
Los Angeles, 90032

Councilmember Huizar and the El Sereno Bicentennial Committee present the annual parade and, for the fourth year in a row, concert and fireworks show. The parade will start at 2 p.m. on the corner of Huntington Drive and Van Horne Avenue and end at El Sereno Park where the Concert and Fireworks show will take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The concert and fireworks show is offered free of charge by Councilmember Huizar and will feature musical entertainment, kids’ activities, as well as community resources and information booths.

For more information, please call the CD 14 El Sereno Field Office at (323) 226-1646.

5th Annual Boyle Heights Concert & Fireworks Show
& Carnival

When: Sunday, July 3, 2011
4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Fireworks will start at approximately 8:15 p.m.

Where: Hollenbeck Park
415 S. Saint Louis St.
Los Angeles, 90033

Councilmember Huizar and the Los Angeles Police Department, in collaboration with the Hollenbeck Cadet Program and the Hollenbeck Police Business Association, bring you this free family event. Plenty of free music, entertainment and activities for children will be offered, along with community resources and information booths, as well as a great fireworks show to conclude the evening.

The carnival will take place throughout the 4th of July weekend.

Carnival Days and Times
Friday, July 1, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday, July 2, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday, July 3, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Purchase your tickets before the carnival and receive a discounted price at the Hollenbeck Police Station (Community Relations Office).

For additional ticket information, please call (323) 342-4140.

For more information on the event in general, please call the CD14 Boyle Heights Field Office at (323) 526-3059.

2nd Annual Eagle Rock 4th of July Concert in the Park & Fireworks Show

When: Sunday, July 3, 2011
4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks will start at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Where: Eagle Rock Park
1100 Eagle Vista Drive
Los Angeles, 90041

Councilmember Jose Huizar, in partnership with the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce and Eagle Rock Recreation Center, invites you to the 2nd Annual Fourth of July Concert in the Park & Fireworks Show.

This free community event will ring in Independence Day AND celebrate Eagle Rock’s Centennial Anniversary. Come enjoy musical entertainment, face painting, a moon bounce, community booths and fireworks show.

For more information, please call the CD 14 Northeast Office at (323) 254-5295.

Joining with Community to Oppose Wyvernwood Project

Today, as we celebrate the birthday of Cesar Chavez, I joined with Wyvernwood residents to oppose a project that will vastly increase density and do more harm than good to a community that has existed since 1939. Thank you to our friends at ELACC, Healthy Homes Collaborative, Comite de la Esperanza and the residents of Wynvernwood for allowing their voices to be heard today. See press release below.

Huizar Joins Community in Opposing Wyvernwood Project

Councilmember cites importance of protecting and preserving current community, which would be dismantled under the proposed development and increase density nearly four-fold

LOS ANGELES (March 31, 2011) — Councilmember José Huizar joined residents, housing advocates and the Los Angeles Conservancy in opposition Thursday to a $2 billion Boyle Heights’ housing project that would increase density nearly four-fold and dismantle an existing community that has been in place since 1939.

Wyvernwood Garden Apartments is home to more than 6,000 mostly working-class residents. Its open-space design with vast expanses of grass and trees was considered a model when first designed by Architects David J. Witner and Loyall F. Watson and has in fact become a sought-after model in recent years. With many families living in the “community within a community” for generations, the proposed 4,400 unit remodeling project would mean a significant amount of them could end up leaving the only home they have ever known.

“In Boyle Heights, Wyvernwood is a community within a community with its own significant and rich history,” said Councilmember José Huizar. “I cannot support a project that would tear down this proud community one building at a time and replace it with a denser, lesser version of itself. Generations of families would be adversely affected by this community dismantling and today I am joining a vast majority of Wyvernwood residents in opposition to this proposal.”

Currently, Wyvernwood has 1,187 units on approximately 70 acres of land. The current model of 16 units per acre would jump dramatically to 55 units per acre under the proposed redevelopment plan by the developers, the Fifteen Group.

Boyle Heights is already one of the densest areas in the City of Los Angeles.

Also, in attendance Thursday was Linda Dishman, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Conservancy, which opposes the project, noting Wyvernwood’s community-building layout was the first large-scale garden apartment complex in the City, predating others like Park La Brea in the Fairfax District.

“We applaud Councilmember Huizar for supporting the preservation of Wyvernwood,” said Linda Dishman, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Conservancy. “This remarkable site is an irreplaceable part of our history. It has fostered a unique sense of community for generations and it deserves to be preserved for future generations.”

Councilmember Huizar has been considering the project since it was first proposed in 2006 and participated in several meetings with the developer, as well as hosted community forums in order to listen to all perspectives on the proposal.

The proposal is currently undergoing an Environmental Impact Review by the City of Los Angeles’ Planning Department.

To learn more about the effort to save Wyvernwood, including photos and a video history, please visit http://www.laconservancy.org/issues/issues_wyvernwood.php4.

Survey L.A. Aims to Unearth Historical L.A.

With only 15% of Los Angeles ever surveyed for potential historical sites, I was proud to see Survey L.A., a comprehensive historical survey project, kick off in Boyle Heights. While Survey L.A. will eventually cover the entire City, I worked with the Los Angeles Conservancy, the Boyle Heights Historical Society, the Planning Department’s Office of Historic Resources, the Getty Foundation and other community stakeholders to begin the project in Boyle Heights, one of the city’s oldest suburbs.

More than 200 people recently attended a walking tour of several historic sites located on or near Boyle Avenue, as well as a presentation releasing preliminary results of one of the largest surveys ever undertaken in the nation. Here is the podcast and footage of my welcoming remarks.

During the survey of Boyle Heights, we identified two potential Historic Districts (Boyle Avenue and Mt. Pleasant) and 33 individual buildings in Boyle Heights as potentially historic. The walking tour featured more than a dozen sites, including five on Boyle Avenue where docents offered tour-goers a glimpse into the long and varied history of Boyle Heights, including the “Max Factor home.” The house represents a microcosm of Boyle Heights’ diverse history, having seen homeowners of Jewish, Japanese and Latino descent through the years.

I want to personally thank all of those who helped make the event a success: the Puente Learning Center; the Los Angeles Planning Department’s Office of Historic Resources; the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles; the Boyle Heights Historical Society; the Los Angeles Conservancy; the Getty Foundation; the Jewish Historical Society of Southern California; the Breed Street Shul; Keiro Senior Healthcare; the International Institute; ELACC; Hollenbeck Palms; the Alba Family; a crew of Cal Poly Pomona students and other volunteers.

Enjoy the slideshow of the event.

Court Denies Appeal of Illegal Industrial Use Site

See the release below regarding illegal industrial use and the fight against a massive City of Vernon power plant:

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Rick Coca
(213) 473-7014 or rick.coca@lacity.org

Councilmember José Huizar led environmental justice fight against concrete-recycling facility operating for years in Boyle Heights without proper permits, City one step closer to environmental justice victory

LOS ANGELES (LOS ANGELES (Dec. 28, 2010) — A California Court has denied the appeal of a concrete and asphalt crushing recycling plant, which for decades has generated tons of dust and other pollutants while operating in Boyle Heights without proper permits.

The appeal court’s recent decision means that the City of Los Angeles is one step closer to shutting down Shamrock Base Corporation, located on Mission Road, and scoring a victory for Boyle Heights’ residents. The City of Los Angeles took action against Shamrock after Councilmember Huizar called on the City to close the company down for illegally doing business in an area that is not zoned for recycling.

“The people of Boyle Heights deserve to live in a community that is free from illegal polluters,” said Councilmember José Huizar. “This court ruling means that another well-earned environmental justice victory for this community is close at hand.”

This latest ruling from the Division One, Second Appellate District Court of Appeal against Shamrock comes after an earlier trial court ruled in favor of the City when that court said that Shamrock Base Corporation did not have a vested right to expand its operations past its originally approved boundaries.

The Shamrock Base Corporation, which regularly stores large mounds of rubble reaching heights of 40 feet or more, was utilizing an illegal permit to operate in a non-industrial land use zone.

It is not certain whether Shamrock will appeal this latest ruling.

Boyle Heights’ residents also joined with surrounding communities to block an effort to build a massive power plant in the City of Vernon. Councilmember Huizar supported that effort and successfully introduced legislation that officially laid out the City of Los Angeles’ opposition to that power plant, which research showed would lead to three to 11 additional deaths per year in the surrounding communities of the proposed site.

A judge eventually ruled against the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s plan to sell pollution credits to the proposed Vernon Power Plant, as well as other hazardous waste facilities. Subsequently, plans for the proposed plant were withdrawn by Vernon officials in 2009.

###

Councilmember Huizar Helps Bring Measure R Funds and Boyle Hotel Renovation to Boyle Heights

I joined with artists and Metro CEO Art Leahy at the Corazon Del Pueblo Art Space in the burgeoning Boyle Heights Arts District last week to announce the kick off the $12 million component of the Eastside Access Project. This voter-approved Measure R plan will bring sidewalk, streetscape, lighting, signage and art improvements along First Street in Boyle Heights.

Part of the larger $30 million Eastside Access Project will focus on multi-modal transit-related improvements at or near the Metro Eastside Gold Line Extension.The Boyle Heights component is expected to enhance the grassroots driven Boyle Heights Arts District along First Street, which I actively support and am working on steering other façade improvement and artist-uses funds to the area.

Today, I joined The East Los Angeles Community Corporation at a groundbreaking for a $24.6 million facelift to the historic Boyle Hotel-Cummings Block, which was built in 1889. The hotel is located on First Street, across the street from the Metro Gold Line Mariachi Plaza station and along the Arts District route. The historic building fell into disrepair and eventually became home to mariachis and other residents. The renovated building includes a completely new building west of the hotel and a total of 51 quality affordable housing units. There will be 4,100 square feet of commercial space, rehearsal and recording space for Mariachis and a Mariachi center.

Boyle Heights is undergoing unprecedented public investment. By 2009, Boyle Heights saw $1.4 billion in public improvements, including the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension, four new schools, a new police station, as well as several park and pool upgrades.

Enjoy the slideshow, podcast and footage (Arts Corridor, Boyle Hotel) from the events

ABC Channel 7 Holds Community Town Hall in CD 14

The leadership at ABC Channel 7 held a Community Town Hall at the Boyle Heights Technology Youth yesterday to talk about issues in the area. It is part of a series of similar meetings held throughout Los Angeles County where news representatives speak to community members in a Q & A forum about news coverage and story choices.

I thanked ABC for taking the time to do something in-depth versus the quick deadline environment of the newsroom. I also commended them for their commitment to positive portrayal in their news coverage and reminded them of the many great things happening in CD 14.

Enjoy the slideshow, podcast and footage from the event.

Election Day Message from Councilmember Huizar

Today I joined Americans from all across the nation in doing our basic civic duty: voting. Here is some footage from this morning.

Safe Youth Fun Summer for Dolores Mission

Today was the first day of the Dolores Mission's "Jovenes Seguros - Verano Divertido" program (Safe Youth - Fun Summer). Along with LA Voice, I worked with Dolores Mission community leaders to help launch this program, which just like the name says, is meant to give 60 children a safe and fun alternative this summer while keeping them out of harm's way. Besides educational and arts programs for the kids, they'll also sponsor workshops for parents on topics such as home safety and tenants rights, as well as hosting movie nights for youth and adults.

Another Positive Step Toward a Boyle Heights' Civic Center

Today was another positive step forward in my plan to create a mini-civic center for Boyle Heights. After just four months of work, we celebrated the completion of the Benjamin Franklin Branch Library Beautification Project at the Southeast corner of First and Chicago.

My main purpose for the beautification project was to tear down a large fortress-like iron fence that previously surrounded the library, which sent the wrong message to our community. Libraries need to be inviting, particularly to our young people.

The fence said: “Keep out,” and was not at all fitting with the overall improvements on the other three corners of that intersection, which include the new Hollenbeck Police Station; a beautiful pocket-park in honor of Mr. Boyle Heights, the late-great Ross Valencia, and my Boyle Heights District Office housed in the Chicago Building, which is currently being renovated.

I am working on making the Chicago Building a one-stop civic service center for Boyle Heights constituents and hope to house city departments and non-profits there, as well as my office, so people can take care of all their needs in one place.

I want to thank the CRA for today’s $175,000 library improvements, which also included landscaping plants that match those at the Hollenbeck Police Station, as well as a new concrete walk way for better public access, new library signs to better identify the library, new bike racks, more lighting improvements for safety, trees and a new irrigation system for beautification.

Click here to listen to a KPCC report on today’s event.

Independence Day Fun for the Whole Family at CD 14 Concert and Firework Shows

There are a number of FREE community events to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day—in Boyle Heights, El Sereno and Eagle Rock. Come enjoy musical performances, have the kids participate in activities, eat some tasty food and learn more about community resources. They are all family-friendly so no alcohol is allowed and each one will culminate in a spectacular fireworks show.

4th Annual Boyle Heights Concert and Fireworks Show
o Friday, July 2nd @ Hollenbeck Park, 415 South Saint Louis St., Los Angeles, CA 90033. It will be from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. and the fireworks start at 8:30 p.m.

3rd Annual El Sereno Concert, Fireworks Show & 4th of July Independence Parade
o Saturday, July 3rd @ El Sereno Park, 4721 Klamath Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90032
o It will be from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. The parade begins at 2 p.m. @ the corner of Huntington Drive & Van Horne—and ends at El Sereno Park. The concert starts at 4 p.m. and the fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m.

Eagle Rock Concert and Fireworks Show
o Sunday, July 4th @ Eagle Rock Park, 1100 Eagle Vista Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90041. Fireworks start at @ 8:30 p.m.

Memorial Day Observations in CD14

Saturday, May 29, 2010, 10 a.m.

Veterans Memorial Day Observance in El Sereno

American Legion Post 139 will hold its annual Memorial ceremony honoring fallen veterans who served our country with dignity and valor.Location: Huntington Drive and Eastern Avenue in El Sereno. Please contact Council District 14 El Sereno Office for more information at (323) 226-1646.

Sunday, May 30, 2010, 9:30 a.m.

24-Hour Patriotic Vigil at Cinco Puntos (Five Points) in Boyle Heights

Councilmember Huizar will join veterans to stand guard at memorial honoring veterans. Location: 3300 E. Cesar Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles 90033. Please call Council District 14 Boyle Heights office for more information at (323) 526-3059.

Monday, May 31, 2010, 10 a.m.

63rd Annual Memorial Day Observance Ceremony

American Legion Post 804 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4696 are hosting this event, which follows 24-hours of standing guard at the Cinco Puntos memorial, paying tribute to veterans who have lost their lives in battle. Location: 3300 E. Cesar Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles 90033. Please call Council District 14 Boyle Heights office for more information at (323) 526-3059.

Neighborhood Council Elections TODAY for CD14 2-8pm

Today, the City of Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Elections for Region G (East and Northeast LA) will take place. In general, eligibility is extended to any person, 16 years and up, who lives, works, or owns property within a particular Neighborhood Council's boundaries.

Voting will take place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. TODAY at your neighborhood council (listed below).

Lists of certified and write-in candidates are available at the City Clerk’s Neighborhood Council Election webpage, HERE.

Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council

There are 12 certified and two write-in candidates running for19 seats on the council that represents Mt Washington, Hermon, Montecito Heights, Monterey Hills, and Sycamore Grove. Polling is at Ramona Hall (lobby) 4580 N. Figueroa St., LA 90065.

Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council

There are 25 certified and four write-in candidates are running for 35 seats on the council that represents the northwest, northeast, southeast and southwest regions of Boyle Heights. Polling is at the Hollenbeck Recreation Center (Boyle Heights Room), 415 South Saint Louis St., LA 90033.

Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council

There are 10 certified candidates and one write-in candidate running for one of 18 seats on the council that represents eight districts. Polling is at the Eagle Rock City Hall (Community Room) 2035 Colorado Blvd. LA 90041.

Glassell Park Neighborhood Council

There are 9 certified and two write-in candidates running the 15 seats on the council that represents seven regions. Polling is at the Glassell Park Community/Senior Center (Conference Room 2), 3750 North Verdugo Rd., LA 90065

Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council

There are 15 certified and three write-in candidates running for 21 positions. Polling is at the Highland Park Recreation Center (Dining Room), 6150 Piedmont Ave., LA 90042.

LA- 32 (El Sereno) Neighborhood Council

There are 17 certified and no write-in candidates running to hold one of 21 positions that represent 4 regions. Polling is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the El Sereno Senior Center (Lobby/Music Room) 418 Klamath Place, LA 90032.

State of Boyle Heights Future Bright: Chamber Breakfast

I had the pleasure of attending a breakfast Thursday at the U.S.C. Keck School of Medicine to address the Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce on the “State of Boyle Heights.” Even with the economic circumstances we find ourselves in as a City, Boyle Heights saw an unprecedented $1.4 billion in public improvements come to fruition in 2009, including the Gold Line Eastside Extension, our soon to be re-dedicated Rudy De Leon Hollenbeck Community Police Station, four new schools and improvements to our parks, to name a few. Due to strong partnerships among the hardworking men and women of the LAPD, residents, community groups and my office, crime is down to record lows. And in the coming months and years, we’ll see more public investment in Boyle Heights, including multi-million dollar plans to support the creation of an Arts District along 1^st Street; improved streetscapes along the Chavez Business Corridor and a mini-Civic Center at Chicago and 1^st. There is no doubt that the City’s ongoing budget issues will affect services in all our neighborhoods. But by investing public dollars so significantly into this once-forgotten community, we are ensuring that Boyle Heights’ future is bright.

National Census Day Tracking!

Today is National Census Day, make yourself count!
The below numbers are the 2010 Census average return rates for each area within CD14, let's get to 100%!




Boyle Heights:


Downtown:


Eagle Rock:


El Sereno:


Garvanza:


Glassell Park:


Highland Park:


Hermon:


Mt. Washington:


Overall City of Los Angeles:

District Wide Newsletter for March 26, 2010

To receive the CD14 Newsletter, just visit my website and sign up today!

District Wide Newsletter for March 26, 2010

Census Week in CD14

Joined by hundreds of volunteers throughout CD14, Councilmember Huizar, along with the CD14 Complete Count Committee, participated in Census canvassing events last weekend throughout hard-to-count areas in the district. The Census brings millions of dollars to the City of Los Angeles.Remember, April 1st is National Census Day. Please use this day as a reminder to send in your Census form.

From Interns to Fellows

Councilmember Huizar introduced a motion in Council that would form the creation of a formal City Fellowship Program for the City of Los Angeles. The fellowship would work with the volunteer program from the Office of the Mayor and would create a second new category of full or part-time volunteer ("Angels") for any recently retired City employee who is willing to assist the City. The fellowship would also provide opportunities to recruit young talent and offer real work experience while they build their professional portfolios. The motion was approved and more information will be available as the program is developed.

Honoring Captain Rudy De Leon

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to support Councilmember Huizar’s legislation Wednesday to dedicate the Hollenbeck Police Station in honor of the late Capt. Rudy De Leon. Capt. De Leon was a trailblazer who had the distinction of being one of the first Latino commanding officers in LAPD history when he oversaw the Hollenbeck Police Station in the 1970s. Joining Councilmember Huizar in their support of the designation Wednesday were community members, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, Rudy De Leon II and other family members, and several police groups, including members of the Latin American Law Enforcement Association (LA LEY), which De Leon helped found. De Leon first entered the Police Academy in 1947, shortly after completing his service with the Navy during WWII. He went on to enjoy a stellar 31-year career at the LAPD. De Leon is especially remembered for his unique style of “community policing” and creating a boxing program for youth. That program grew to become the Hollenbeck Youth Center, a nationally recognized center that provides athletic and extra-curricular activities for young people. A ceremony dedication to the Rudy De Leon Hollenbeck Police Station will take place within the next few months. Picture of Rudy De Leon courtesy of the Los Angeles Times.

It’s the Season for Little League!

Councilmember Huizar kicked off the Little League season at Garvanza Park this past weekend with 29 teams and more than 400 children and parents ready to play baseball. The Garvanza Park Little League is one of the largest in Los Angeles and is supported by Councilmember Huizar, parents, community members and sponsors who believe sports helps develop teamwork, promote physical health, and build good character, all in the spirit of community fun. See pictures HERE!

Downtown Leaders Breakfast

Councilmember Huizar hosted a Downtown Leaders Breakfast this week at the Tiara Café Restaurant to discuss CD14 issues in the growing Downtown community. The Downtown area is experiencing tremendous growth, change and revitalization. CD14 includes significant portions of the Arts District, Historic Downtown area, Fashion District, Industrial District, and Jewelry District and experienced a 30 percent increase in population over the last three years.

Benjamin Franklin Library Beautification Project Ground Breaking

On Wednesday, March 10th, please join me as the Boyle Heights Community celebrates the kick off of the groundbreaking ceremony of the beautification project at the Benjamin Franklin Branch Library. The beautification project consists of constructing a new concrete walkway for better public access, removal of iron fence to create a sense of open space, new library signs to better identify the library, new bike racks, lighting improvements for safety, new plants, new trees and a new irrigation system.

The ceremony will take place at the Benjamin Franklin Branch Library at 3:30 p.m. on 1st and Chicago.

Contact my Boyle Heights Office with any questions at (323) 526-3059 for inquiries on upcoming events or city-related concerns.

Tournament of Roses and its Gold Line Connection

I joined the Tournament of Roses Queen and her court yesterday morning at Mariachi Plaza to promote the Metro Gold Line East Side Extension as the best way for people from downtown and the Eastside to get to all the great events surrounding the Tournament of Roses Parade, Rose Bowl game and the National Title game on Jan. 7. The great thing is during these tough economic times, with the Rose Parade being a free event and the Showcase of Floats costing very little (and free to kids 5 and under), this is a unique opportunity for families to enjoy top-notch, one-of-a-kind entertainment and not have to spend a fortune. So gather the kids, jump on the Gold Line and have some fun this New Year.