GREETING FROM COUNCILMEMBER GIL CEDILLO
Friends,
This week was full of Culture. We took part in a session titled ‘Meet the Decision makers’, paid Homeboy Industries a visit for the proposed Fox pilot show ‘Gang Related’, and co-hosted a movie screening of Richard Montoya’s ‘Water & Power’. Later in the week I welcomed the King of Salsa to Los Angeles, Oscar D’Leon. I ended the week proclaiming ‘Ruben Salazar Day’ in honor of his legacy to promote Latino culture and our story.
On our legislative agenda were several important items. We celebrated Earth Day, passed a resolution in support of a Senate bill that will expand Medi-Cal or health insurance to undocumented people in CA, proclaimed April 23rd as ‘Renter’s Day,’ and supported Peace Over Violence’s Denim Day by wearing jeans to work.
My field staff finished the last of our Eggstravaganzas, hosted a clean-up and had grand openings for a housing development and streetscape improvement in the District. We demonstrated how easy our new in-home bulky item pick up service works and hope that CD1 residents will take advantage of the pilot program.
Tomorrow is a historic day, as we dig up the Zanja Madre and store it for preservation!
Gilbert A. Cedillo Councilmember, District 1
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Earth Day
 (Photo Credit: Yahoo)
Tuesday was Earth Day. Over one billion people in 192 countries—from Zimbabwe to Indonesia—take action to protect the planet. They organize demonstrations, contact their elected officials, plant trees, clean up their communities, demand renewable energy targets, and much more. This year’s theme is Green Cities.
In the creation of the P.E.A.C.E. agenda, Councilmember Cedillo highlighted the importance of the environment in all that we do in CD1. It is the primary reason we launched the ‘Keep It Clean’ campaign. It’s just as important to conserve as it is to clean.
SB1005 Press Conference and Council Vote
 (Photo Credit: Fredy Ceja)
On Thursday Councilmember Cedillo joined a coalition of health care advocacy groups to push Cedillo’s Council resolution in support of Senator Ricardo Lara’s bill SB1005 (Health For All). This bill will authorize enrollment in the Medi-Cal program, or in insurance offered through a separate new health benefit exchange, to individuals who would otherwise qualify for enrollment in those programs but are denied based on their immigration status.
The resolution was approved by the LA City Council by a vote of 12-0.
Read the resolution here.
Renter’s Day
 (Photo Credit: Fredy Ceja)
On Wednesday renters and advocates for renters rights filled the council chambers in support of a resolution authored by Councilmember Cedillo to proclaim ‘Renter’s Day.’ The City of Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the U.S, with the third largest urban economy in the world. More than 60% of the residents of the City of Los Angeles are renters and help drive Los Angeles’ economy. Renters' contributions to the City’s economy and civic life should be recognized.
The City Council of the City of Los Angeles declared April 23, 2014 as Renters’ Day to honor the renter majority of Los Angeles and their contributions to LA’s economy, culture, diversity, and civic life.
Denim Day 2014
 (Photo Credit: Yahoo)
On Wednesday we wore jeans in support of Denim Day. For the past 15 years, Peace Over Violence has run the Denim Day in L.A. and USA campaign on a Wednesday in April in honor of Sexual Violence Awareness Month. The campaign was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim.
Peace Over Violence developed the Denim Day campaign in response to this case and the activism surrounding it. Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault. In this rape prevention education campaign we ask community members, elected officials, businesses and students to make a social statement with their fashion by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual assault. This year’s Denim Day was held on April 23, 2014 and focused on educating the community at large on the legal definition of consent.
Ruben Salazar Day
 (Photo Credit: Fredy Ceja)
Today, Councilmember Cedillo introduced a motion to proclaim April 28th as Ruben Salazar Day. Rubén Salazar began his pioneering journalism career at the El Paso Herald-Post, focusing on issues affecting the Latino community. He covered the Mexican-American community as a reporter for the Los Angeles Times and maintained a column at the Times, giving him the opportunity to address the paper’s largely white readership, bridging the gap between the old ideology of assimilation and the new Chicanismo.
Rubén Salazar’s focus on the Mexican-American community paved the way for other Mexican-American journalists. He continued to report and advocate for the Mexican-American community as the news director for the Spanish language television station KMEX in Los Angeles. He was tragically killed on August 29, 1970 by a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy during the Chicano Moratorium March.
His story of courage and activism is documented in the PBS documentary Rubén Salazar: Man in the Middle and countless scholarships and awards are given in his name today. Phillip Rodriguez, director of the documentary was on hand to receive a resolution.
FIELD UPDATE
Sycamore Grove Park Eggstravaganza
 (Photo Credit: Martha Benedict)
Over 300 people attended the Sycamore Grove Park Eggstravaganza for fun, eggs and folklorico. The race was on to find the eggs filled with candy and if you were lucky a golden egg which had a special prize! Families were also treated to folklorico dancers from students taking classes at Sycamore Grove. Everyone enjoyed the talented student performances.
Councilmember Cedillo is proud to have sponsored this year's Eggstravaganza with the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council!
Alpine Recreation Center Eggstravaganza
 (Photo Credit: Melinda Alatorre)
Last Saturday, hundreds of children from the Chinatown community came out for Alpine Recreation Center's Spring Eggstravaganza. Activities such as an Easter egg hunt, a talent show, face painting, and much more made this a great event for the community. We were able to sponsor baskets for the event as well. This was a spectacular event that had fun for people of all ages.
Congratulations to Gail and Cynthia and the rest of the Alpine team for another successful event!
Lincoln Park Spring Festival
 (Photo Credit: Jose A. Rodriguez)
On Saturday I was happy to join in supporting the Lincoln Park Spring Event. The smiles and joy of an egg hunts, sack races, face painting, and receiving candy filled baskets made the day special.
Earth Day Clean-Up at Cesar Chavez Garden
 (Photo Credit: Ana Gomez)
Pico Union celebrated Earth Day on Tuesday with a community event at the Cesar Chavez Garden located on 11th Street hosted by the Salvation Army. Volunteers cleaned, planted and painted decorative bricks to beautify the space. The garden is one of the few green spaces in the southern part of the district where both young and older residents are able to work together and share their love of nature.
Lotus Garden Apartments Grand Opening
 (Photo Credit: Kris Ortega)
On Thursday, Councilmember Cedillo joined Affirmed Housing and the Chinatown community for the grand opening of the Lotus Garden Apartments. Lotus Garden provides a quality environment for residents earning 40-60% of Los Angeles County area median income (AMI). The stylish property offers 60 units, a computer lab, management office, community room with kitchen, and a rooftop recreation area with gardening plots and barbecues. The project also includes two levels of underground parking as well as a state-of-the-art automated stackable parking system. Close to downtown, Lotus Garden is within walking distance of vital services, bus and light rail lines.
Welcome to CD1!
Sunset Streetscape Unveiling
 (Photo Credit: Melinda Alatorre)
Thursday we broke ground on our Sunset Boulevard streetscape with CD13 and Congressmember Xavier Becerra. The project stretches from Rosemont and Sunset to Everett and Sunset. Street improvements include tree replacements, new benches, bike racks, and of course, Big Belly trash bins! We are thrilled to partner with the Bureau of Street Services on this project that will benefit the community for years to come.
NEWS UPDATE
CD1 Pilot Program: In Home Bulky Item Pick-Up
 (Photo Credit: Fredy Ceja)
On Thursday, Councilmember Cedillo and the Bureau of Sanitation held a press conference at the home of a Mt. Washington resident to demonstrate a new pilot project in CD1 that picks up bulky items from your front door. The new program offers in-home collection of unwanted furnishings, rather than curbside placement.
CD1 residents can call LA Sanitation at (1-800-773-2489) 24 hours prior to the desired collection day. The service is available Monday through Friday, and customers will be given a four-hour collection window for pickup. See program guidelines for details:
Full-Service Bulky Item Collection Guidelines • A maximum of five items will be collected in a single collection • All items must be free-standing and not affixed to walls or any other surfaces • Appliances must be unplugged from gas lines or electricity • Items should fit easily through exit door • You must be 18 years or older to request service • Homeowner/authorized agent must be present during service call and should be 18 or older • Customers will be required to sign a waiver for the service • Please follow current Bulky Item Collection guidelines for carpet, loose wood, etc. • Construction and hazardous materials will NOT be collected
Water & Power Screening
 (Photo Credit: Kris Ortega)
On Wednesday Councilmember Cedillo and LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina co-hosted the screening of Richard Montoya’s film ‘Water & Power.’ More than a thousand people gathered at the beautiful Grand Park for a free viewing of the movie under the stars. Participants were also treated to performances by Buye Pongo and members of Chicano Batman, Olmeca & Gingger Shankar.
Movie Description: Twin brothers nicknamed "Water" and "Power" from the hard scrabble Eastside streets of Los Angeles rise like prince's through the city's political and police ranks to become players in a complex and dangerous web of the powerful and corrupt of Los Angeles. One a decorated cop - the other a senator, they find themselves in a seedy motel room on the eastern edge of Sunset Boulevard on a dark and rainy night. Something has gone very wrong. Can Power exist without Water? The Fixers and Powers of the city need answers. Everybody is looking for the Twins.
Water & Power opens in select AMC theaters on Friday, May 2nd. For movie info and tickets go to: http://www.fandango.com/water26power_123393/movieoverview/
1.Los AngelesAtlantic Times Square 14 2.Los AngelesBurbank 30 with IMAX & ETX- Burbank 8 3.Los AngelesCitywalk Stadium 19 with IMAX 4.Los AngelesCovina 30 with IMAX 5.Los AngelesDel Amo 18 with IMAX 6.Los AngelesGalleria South Bay 16 7.Los AngelesMontebello 10 8.Los AngelesNorwalk 20 with IMAX 9.Los AngelesOntario Mills 30 with ETX 10. Los AngelesOrange 30 with IMAX & ETX 11. Los AngelesPuente Hills 20 with IMAX 12. Los AngelesSanta Anita 16 with IMAX 13. Los AngelesTustin 14 14. Los AngelesTyler Galleria 16 with IMAX 15. Los AngelesVictoria Gardens 12 16. San DiegoFashion Valley 18 17. San DiegoOtay Ranch 12 18. San DiegoPlaza Bonita 14 with IMAX
North Figueroa Bike Lanes Community Meeting – Phase I

Councilmember Gilbert Cedillo (First District), would like your input on LADOT’s proposed bike lanes for North Figueroa (from Avenue 22 to Avenue 52, in Cypress Park, Sycamore Grove and a small portion of Highland Park). The meeting is for Phase I of the proposed N. Figueroa Street bike lanes.
North Figueroa Bike Lanes Community Meeting Thursday, May 8th, 2014 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Nightingale Middle School (Cafeteria) 3311 North Figueroa Street (corner of Cypress Ave.) Los Angeles (Cypress Park), CA, 90065
The proposal would remove one of two southbound traffic lanes (“road diet”) on North Figueroa Street. An alternative proposal will be presented that includes:
•Bike sharrows (shared lane – not removing a traffic lane) along Figueroa from Avenue 22 to Avenue 50 with no “road diet” •Bike sharrows along Sycamore Terrace between Avenue 50 to Avenue 45/Woodside Drive •Bike sharrows along Monte Vista Avenue from Avenue 50 to Marmion Way to Figueroa •Bike sharrows along Avenue 50 between Figueroa and Monte Vista
Bike lanes on North Figueroa are part of the adopted 2010 City of Los Angeles Bike Plan. Refreshments and translation will be provided. RSVP with the District Office at (323)550-1538 or RSVP at: http://goo.gl/zsaZF9
Region 8 Neighborhood Council Elections
 (Photo Credit: Yahoo)
Elections for Neighborhood Councils in Region 8 are on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Polling locations and hours are as follows.
•Arroyo Seco NC – Ramona Hall Community Center Lobby, 4580 N. Figueroa St. 90065; 10 am-4 pm •Glassell Park NC- Glassell Park Community & Senior Center, 3750 N. Verdugo Rd. 90065; 10 am-4 pm •Greater Cypress Park NC– Cypress Park & Recreation Center(Auditorium) 2630 Pepper Ave. 90065; 10 am-4 pm •Historic Highland Park NC– Highland Park Senior Center, 6152 N. Figueroa Street 90042; 9 am-3 pm •Lincoln Heights NC– Aztecs Rising, 3516 N. Broadway Ave. 90031; 11 am-5 pm
Go out and exercise your right to vote!
UPCOMING EVENTS

LA2050 Cypress Park/Lincoln Heights Walk Sunday, April 27th, 2014 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM 360 W Ave 26 Los Angeles,CA90031

2nd Annual PUC Family Fest Sunday, April 27th, 2014 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Glassell Park Center 3650-3750 Verdugo Road Los Angeles, CA 90065

Peace Community March Wednesday, April 30th, 2014 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM 2323 Workman Street Los Angeles, CA 90031

Lummis Day 2014 Fundraiser Dinner Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Highland Park American Legion Hall 227 South Avenue 55 Los Angeles, CA 90042

Keep It Clean Main Street Clean Up Saturday May 3, 2014 9:00am to 12:00pm Volunteer Deployment Location 1: Cri Help-Socorro 2010 N. Lincoln Park Ave., Lincoln Heights, CA. 90031
Volunteer Deployment Location 2: CA Children’s Academy 2701 N. Main St. Lincoln Heights, CA. 90031
Volunteer Deployment Location 3: Excel Charter Academy 1855 N. Main St. Lincoln Heights, CA. 90031
 5th Annual LAAAC Aging Summit Thursday, May 8th, 2014 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM The California Endowment 1000 N. Alameda Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

Cypress Park Underground Art Tunnel Saturday, May 10th, 2014 5:30 PM 3400 North Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90065

24th Street Theatre Saturday Explorer Series 2014 Saturday, May 10th, 2014 1:00 PM The Get Down Boys Saturday, May 17th, 2014 1:00 PM Los Pinguos 24th Street Theatre 1117 West 24th Street Los Angeles, CA 90007

LA Heat Taste Changing Condiments March 13th - July 12th, 2014 Chinese American Museum 425 N. Los Angeles Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

Sabor Latino Trade Show May 13-14th, 2014 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pasadena Convention Center 300 E. Green Street Pasadena, CA 91101

Sacred Heart High School 3rd Annual Dinner Dance Saturday, July 26th, 2014 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM 2111 Griffin Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90031
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