From Lot to Spot

Click on the link to read the story published Monday, June 2 in the Daily Breeze.

We would like to most humbly thank the California Transportation Commission for this opportunity.

http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_9450274

We did it! This morning the California Transportation Commission (CTC) granted us a 90 day reprieve to work out a deal to purchase the property and directed Cal Trans to meet with FLTS. I cannot describe to you the smile that sprinted across my face!

In short terms, we have 90 days to come up with the $300,000 to purchase the property and then we can begin to construct this park!

We have already started gathering our resources and planning away.
So we did it, we did it.
Because of Benny Sandoval, resident on 118th Street ,who attended long City Council meetings while his kids slept in the chairs next to us.
Because of Misty Sanford’s tireless legal and social strategy genius.
Because of Councilman Danny Juarez’s continuous support of parks and particularly the importance of this project.
Because of Carola Moraga, Hawthorne resident, who gave up her Saturday afternoon because she felt it was important to flyer the community with information they needed to know about the fate of this property.
Because of Assemblymember Curren D. Price’s last minute phone call to the CTC expressing support for this project.

These are just a few examples of the continuous support we have received, but because of all of you, we did it.
Thank you for being part of this struggle, and part of this victory for environmental justice for all peoples.
It is because of your continued support that we are able to do what we do. We did it, together. Thank you.

Stay tuned...

Caltran’s Terms of Option to Purchase states:
“The State reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to cancel the sale in part or in its entirety, any time and for any reason prior to the recordation of the Directors Deed.”

Based on the unique circumstances of this case, FLTS is asking the CTC to reconsider this sale in order to create a much needed public park in an area left depressed because of Caltran’s neglect of this property. This proposed community park stands to be a key catalyst to this neighborhood’s road to revitalization. The CTC has the power to reshape the future of this community.

We ask you humbly to seriously consider these facts in order to make a sound decision.

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The California Transportation Commission (CTC) will be officially voting on the sale of the property we have been working on in the City of Hawthorne on Thursday May 29th. As we stated before, the CTC has the power to reject any and all bids and to cancel the sale in part or in its entirety.

Please click on the link below "ATTACHMENT" to see the flyer we have created in order to garner support. Please feel free to distribute. !.

We plan on attending and speaking at the meeting, unfortunately the Public Comment period is held at the end of the meeting!

Nonetheless, we will be there. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, join us!

If you happen to know any of the CTC commissioners, we would be very grateful for an introduction. Please check out who the commissioners are by clicking on the link below; you never know, you could have had them over for coffee one day!

CTC Commissioners:

http://www.catc.ca.gov/ctcstaff/members.htm

The meeting will be held at the
Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina
Fairbanks Ballroom, Bay Tower 1st Floor
1380 Harbor Island Drive
San Diego, California

Thank you again for your support, your kind words, your ideas and your commitment to social and environmental justice. It is only together that we will truly create the change these communities deserve. Si se puede!

Viviana has just received a SHero Award from the 51st Assembly District for her remarkable efforts and participation in the community!!!

Assemblymember Curren D. Price, Jr. will honor Viviana and several other
women at the 2nd Annual "Tribute to 51 SHeroes" Awards Ceremony on May 18th, 2008.

"A “Shero” is a woman who has demonstrated exemplary service and dedication and inspires our entire community." Viviana stood out in the hundreds of submissions received, she was selected based on her "demonstrated leadership, pride, volunteerism and commitment" to her community and the 51st Assembly District.

Once again, congratulations Viviana! You are a SHero!