FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Fernando Flores
South Central Farmers’ Support Committee
(909) 605-3136
southcentralfarmers@yahoo.com www.southcentralfarmers.com
Los Angeles City Council Member Dennis P. Zine terrorizes South Central Farmers.
South Central Los Angeles, CA, 4-11-06 – At approximately 10 pm Tuesday night a grey unmarked sedan, license plate “4KWR891”, was observed flashing a spot light on South Central Farmers camping at 41st and Alameda, where they have been doing nightly vigils to prevent destruction of their community farm. The automobile contained three individuals dressed in plains clothes. The automobile was observed circling the community farm. Members of the South Central Farmers went outside to investigate. They were confronted by the driver of the automobile who had drawn his weapon and pointed it to an unarmed teenage girl who was present with her father. One individual identified himself as Council Man Dennis P. Zine from the 3rd district. He was also identified as such my members of the South Central Farmers, who have been going to city council twice a week for the last three years.
Mr. Zine’s district encompasses Canoga Park, Reseda, Tarzana, West Hills, Winnetka, and Woodland Hills. The council person for the 9th district, where the community farm is located, is represented by Jan Perry. Councilman Zine has been sworn in as a Los Angeles Police Department Reserve Officer. Working to improve the quality of life for all San Fernando Valley residents, Councilman Zine has formed the P.O.S.S.E. (People Organized for a Safe Secure Environment), a volunteer group comprised of concerned citizens who are professionally trained to go out into their communities and rid them of blight such as graffiti, abandoned cars, potholes, unkempt properties, and illegal sign postings.
“Mr. Zine never identified himself as a police officer”, stated Fernando Flores, Co-Chair of the South Central Farmers Support Committee. “Councilman Zine began to lecture us on the way that he was received him at the farm”, stated farmer Albert Tlatoa. “How would you like if someone broke into your house and then argued that you had not welcomed him?”, stated Albert Tlatoa.
“If Mr. Zine wanted a tour of the Community farm he could have easily contacted the elected leadership of the South Central Farmers and he would have been welcomed into the community farm”, stated Tezozomoc, elected representative of the South Central Farmers. “We have been trying to get the city council to visit the farm for 3 years. I am happy that Mr. Zine has finally taken the initiative, but next time he should identify his intent to the community who is under threat of eviction.”, commented Tezozomoc.
“I contacted Lt. Denardo, from the Newton Street Police division, and asked him if he or his department was aware of Mr. Zine’s clandestine operation”, stated Fernando Flores, Co-Chair of the South Central Farmers’ Support Committee. “Lt. Denardo stated that the South Central Farmers were in the back burner and that there were no incidents reported from that area and there was no tactical alert for the farm”, commented Fernando Flores.
“We feel that Mr. Zine should concentrate his resources and time securing the welfare and well being of the 3rd district and that he should apologize to the community of South Central and the South Central Farmers for terrorizing them”, stated Tezozomoc.
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