Cityhood for East L.A.

Updated: Use the following links to listen to or download the interview in MP3.
Play Inteview | Download MP3

Tonight ELARA Board Members Benjamin Cardenas and Oscar Gonzales will be doing a radio interview about the Cityhood for East L.A. campaign on KPFK 90.7 at 8pm. Make sure to catch the show, or download the interview later.

The Strategy Session with Antonio Gonzalez
KPFK Radio 90.7FM, 8PM

As a lifelong East LA resident, I'm dedicated to improving our community, and I want to thank everyone who has supported Cityhood so far. I remember campaigning for Cityhood in 1974, and barely missing it -- that's why I know that this time is different. East LA community leaders are behind our movement, and we're doing real grassroots organizing to achieve real self-governance.

Today there is a bill that has just passed the California State Legislature which will strengthen the future City of East Los Angeles' financial viability. Senate Bill 301, which has passed through both the Assembly and the Senate, would continue to provide a portion of Vehicle License Fees to newly established cities. The East Los Angeles Residents Association is writing a letter to the Governor asking him to sign this bill into law. We're asking supporters of Cityhood to add their name to the letter. You can add your name by clicking here.

As I left the State Capitol earlier this year after being recognized as Woman of Year from the 24th Senate District, I was mindful that SB 301 would benefit East Los Angeles and other unincorporated communities across California. Each additional signature on this letter will send the message to Governor Schwarzenegger asking that he needs to leave the door open for future cities and a community that simply wants a local government.

Please sign onto the East Los Angeles Residents Association's letter to the Governor asking him to sign this bill.

Diana Tarango is a Vice-President of the East Los Angeles Residents Association (ELARA)

See the full letter to the Governor (PDF).

Yesterday the LA Times published this article highlighting a report on the economic state of communities like East L.A. This report confirms what we've been saying all along - the financial viability of communities like East Los Angeles has been underestimated. For this reason, we need a Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis (CFA) to get an accurate accounting of our community's finances. Here's a clip from the article:

The report by Social Compact, a Washington-based nonprofit organization, says that annual income in Watts, Boyle Heights and seven other neighborhoods in South and East Los Angeles is about $1.9 billion more than the U.S. census has estimated and that 82,000 more people live there than the census has counted.

What do you think of the article?

This is the first installment of "Spotlight on Supporters," a series showcasing the talented and dedicated Cityhood supporters who make up East LA.

Miguel Haro Jr. was born and raised in East LA. He's a student at East Los Angeles College, works with Southern California Edison, and is an enthusiastic Obama supporter and volunteer. On top of all that, he's dedicated many hours to the Cityhood movement. Check out below how and why Miguel is involved.

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about what East Los Angeles means to you?

A. I have been a resident of East Los Angeles my whole life. I grew up enjoying many of the great traditions and culture our community has to offer. From dancing in the Cinco de Mayo celebrations as a kid, enjoying the yearly parades, or just simply having a Carne Asada with friends and family every time Oscar De La Hoya fights. One of my most favorite memories was having the honor to play football for Garfield High School during "The East Los Angeles Classic" homecoming game against Roosevelt High School. This rivalry goes on from generation to generation but what is most important is how much pride everyone has for their community and how we come together during that week.