Hollenbeck Community Police Station Opens

Councilmember Reyes recently joined City and community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the LAPD Hollenbeck Area Community Police Station. The state-of-the art "Green facility serves the Lincoln Heights and Montecito Heights communities. The $31 million station will house more than 282 patrol officers, detectives and support staff who will serve the diverse communities who live, work or visit the 15.8 square mile area.

Council Approves City's First L.A. River Land Purchase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts:
September 22, 2009 Monica Valencia (213) 473-7001
Monica.Valencia@lacity.org


Reyes, Council Approve City’s First L.A. River Land Purchase —The 6.3-acre Albion Dairy site, a key link in the L.A. River Revitalization Master Plan, will be used for public park and model for natural water treatment

The City’s first Los Angeles River property purchase – the 6.3-acre Albion Dairy site near downtown L.A.—was unanimously approved by the Los Angeles City Council today.

Spearheaded by Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, the Albion Dairy project involves transforming the former dairy site into a public park and a national model for natural stormwater treatment.

“This purchase is significant also because it demonstrates a desire and commitment to create open space for our neighbors along the L.A. River said Reyes, who chairs the City’s Ad Hoc Committee on the L.A. River.

The $17.56 million acquisition, funded by Proposition O, includes the purchase price of the property and environmental assessments.

The river-adjacent parcel sits on Spring Street, about 1.5 miles northeast of downtown in the Los Angeles community of Lincoln Heights, and provides drainage for a 254-acre area.

The parcel is a key link in the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan, a 25-50 year blueprint to transform the City’s 32-mile stretch of the L.A. River into a continuous greenbelt linking communities. The future park site will connect regional open space such as the Downey Recreation Center, the Downey Child Care Center and the Los Angeles State Historic Park, also known as the Cornfield.

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14,000 Volunteers Made an Environmental Change Saturday

It gives me great pride to announce that last Saturday's Coastal Cleanup Day set new records in the amount of trash/debris picked up. From 9 a.m. to noon at 69 sites throughout Los Angeles County, more than 14,000 volunteers removed a record-setting 300,413 pounds of debris and recyclables. As a leader in the revitalization of the Los Angeles River and supporter of a cleaner environment, I thank Heal the Bay and all the volunteers. Your help Saturday made a huge difference.

Join Councilmember Reyes in Protecting Marine Life

Join Councilmember Reyes on Thursday, September 17 at 6 p.m. at the Skirball Cultural Center for Iemanya Oceanica's Annual Soiree to help raise funds and awareness about marine conservation. The non-profit group is honoring Reyes with the Ocean Champion Award for improving marine life and water quality through Los Angeles River renewal projects. Iemanya's goal is to ensure the survival of sharks and other ocean predators for a healthy and balanced eco-system.

Buy tickets here

September 17, 2009

The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles
2701 North Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-4500

Reyes, Community Celebrate New Children's Meadow at MacArthur Park

I invite you to enjoy the new Children's Meadow at MacArthur Park. Last Saturday, I joined more than 500 people in the Westlake community to celebrate the Grand Opening of this $2.45 project, which involved transforming a dust bowl into a Children's Meadow and synthetic playing area. The renovations also included a new playground for kids, exercise center for adults, plus picnic tables, lighting and meandering walkways. The Children's Meadow is the latest in my ongoing efforts, such as the restored Levitt Pavilion band shell, to transform MacArthur Park into L.A.'s Central Park for families today, and for many generations to come.

Westlake Safer with Addition of New Security Cameras

Westlake residents will have safer streets following Councilmember Reyes' recently approved motion to install additional security cameras. Up to $200,000 was secured for additional security cameras and its maintenance along the Westlake Recovery Redevelopment Project Area. The project area is bounded by Hoover Street and Lafayette Park Place to the West, 3rd Street and Beverly Boulevard to the North, Witmer Street and Union Avenue to the East and Olympic Boulevard to the South.

Free Food, Live Music Saturday at Grand Opening of MacArthur Park Children's Meadow

I hope you can join me this Saturday at 11 a.m. for the Grand Opening of the MacArthur Park Children's Meadow. Bring the kids, famly and friends for free hot dogs and drinks, potato sack race and live music at the nearby bandshell, Levitt Pavilion Performing Arts Center. I thank the MacArthur Park residents, community groups and businesses, especially Food 4 Less for their generous food donation for this Saturday's event.

Date: Saturday, September 12th

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: MacArthur Park (Metro Red Line stop)

(Near the bandshell, at the intersection of W. 6th Street & S. Park View Street)

Free Labor Day Pot Luck Celebration at Milagro Allegro Community Garden

All children deserve good food and good health!

With this in mind, I hope you can join me on at the free Labor Day "Eat-in" Potluck and Celebration at Milagro Allegro Community Garden. Bring a simple, fresh, homemade dish to share, and a real (non-disposable) plate with silverware and cup to enjoy the delicious food.

There will be a drum performance by the Taiko Drum Center of Los Angeles and jazz music by Seabreeze. This event is co-sponsored by Whole Foods Arroyo Parkway, Homegirl Cafe and the USC Childhood Obesity Research Center.

Labor Day, September 7, 2009 at 4 p.m.
Milagro Allegro Community Garden

115 S. Ave 56 Los Angeles, CA 90042

One block SE of Figueroa, behind the Highland Theater

http://hpgarden.org/

Latino Heritage Month Kicks Off Tomorrow

I invite you all to join me tomorrow(Friday, Sept. 4) at 10 a.m. in City Council Chambers to celebrate Latino Heritage Month. Jimmy Smits, Jaime Escalante and Sheila E. will be honored at the City Council meeting. There will also be free food, thanks to Chichen Itza and Gaucho Grill, and music on the South Lawn of City Hall.

Date: Friday, September 4, 2009
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: City Hall - Council Chambers, 200 N. Spring St, Los Angeles CA 90012