Tuesday July 22nd proved to be a sad night for social justice and for citizen-led change in the City of Hawthorne. The City voted not to support the community’s efforts by not agreeing to long-term maintenance of the proposed park at 118th and Doty Avenue in the City of Hawthorne, at this time. Despite having a renowned non profit, the Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC, http://www.lacorps.org/) willingly agree to maintain the proposed park until the City could afford to take over, two City council members sent a clear message to the community: your struggle and your efforts to revitalize your community are not important.

We would like to sincerely thank the efforts of Councilman Danny Juarez and Gary Parsons who voted in favor to maintain the property in the future. Their efforts demonstrated a clear understanding of the issue and their support for parkspace equity and citizen-led change. Thank you for your voice.

The City made it clear that if we have a commitment from agencies to purchase the properties, then they would maintain long-term. This said, we are continueing tirelessly to work with public agencies who can acquire this property for the benefit of the public.

This said, this fight is not over but time is running out.

This community needs the help of our local elected representatives – this is the only road that will lead to a victory for this community. It is not a matter of wanting help; it is a matter of necessity. We need their help. .

We are calling on Senator Edward Vincent, Supervisor Yvonne Burke, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Assemblymember Curren Price to request the involvement of the Santa Monica, Rivers and Mountains, Coastal and the Baldwin Hills Conservancies in the acquisition of this property as the first step in the creation of a vibrant space for children to play in this low-income, park poor community.

Time is running out. We are danger of losing this property, these resources and this opportunity to revitalize this community for our children forever if our elected officials do not act quickly..

We implore our representatives to take a closer look at the facts and unique circumstances of this situation in order to advocate on behalf of this community before time runs out and this opportunity is lost forever:

- The deadline is quickly approaching, August 8th.
- This community was granted an unprecedented 90 day stay by the California Transportation Commission because, as stated by Commissioner Chair John Chalk “What we saw was that it was an item that would have benefited the community.” (Daily Breeze, June 2nd, 2008)
- The Los Angeles Conservation Corps has committed in writing to maintain the property and provide job skill opportunities for local youth.
- Maintenance is quoted by park experts to be between $6,000 and $10,000, a sliver of what the City currently pays to maintain its parks.
- The property was left vacant, neglected and was a direct contributor to the blight that is currently consuming the community. The community rose up, came together and fought for this social and environmental injustice. This is a unique opportunity; a citizen-initiated movement to create direct and positive change in their community – please do not crush their efforts.

We await the result of their actions.

Thank you all. We stand strong because of your support and encouragement, thank you. Si se puede!