Police raid at Ramona Gardens 2/29
On Friday February 29, 2008 five members of my family were arrested without cause. This video ( http://youtube.com/watch?v=CxQs93lkFME ) documents the first arrest and the police unlawfully entering my grandmothers home. The videographer for this video, my aunt, was also arrested . In total five members of my family were taken in (3 uncles and 2 aunts). Two of my uncles, after being handcuffed, were taken to a secluded location where they were beaten. The police tried to provoke them to fight back during this beating. After hearing about this I went to the Hollenback Police station to check on the status of my family. I was told to go back to the projects by officer Villaneda (badge #33642). He then proceeded to tell me that I watch too much TV. Sergeant Provincio also explained that my family has been an issue with them for years. I suspect that this comment is connected to my family's involvement in activism against police brutality that began when my uncle was killed in 1989 by police. When I tried to communicate to police officers by further explaining my role in working with at-risk youth to create job opportunities and the potential for enrollment in college and some of the programs I've been involved with in Ramona Gardens, officer Provincio proceeded to tell me I was a hypocrite because I didn't directly involve the police in my efforts.
Just last year Mauricio Cornejo, a resident of Ramona Gardens, was beaten and taken into custody by officers from the Hollenback Division where he died as a result of his injuries. Members of my family, including my father, have been active at meetings to address the situation and spoken publicly against the excessive police presence in Ramona Gardens and their tactics. The following is a link to an LA Times article about this incident:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/me-newgang3,0,4365438.story?page=1
As many of you know these issues are central to my work. I am concerned for the safety of my family as well as the community of Ramona Gardens. I am currently trying to gather as much information as possible. The following is a list of my family members that were arrested and what they were charged with. Police have not given any compelling reason as to why they entered my grandmothers residence to begin with.
Yolanda Galindo (videographer), Charged with Resisting Arrest Gloria Galindo, Charged with interfering with a police officer Edward Galindo, Charged with interfering with a police officer Moses Galindo, Charged with making criminal threats Elvis Galindo (man in video being arrested), Charged with making criminal threats
Our family is currently seeking legal counsel. If anyone has any information about potential lawyers please contact me via my mobile phone at (310) 384-0224.
You can also help by contacting Councilman Jose Huizar in the 14th Council District and expressing your thoughts about this incident. The following is his contact information:
200 N. Spring Street, Room 465 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Phone: (213) 473-7014 Fax: (213) 847-0680 councilmember.huizar@lacity.org