SOUTH CENTRAL FARMERS

Press Release

Wednesday July 12, 2006



Horowitz Denied; 1st Victory for South Central Farmers In Case Against

Back Room Deal Between Developer And The City

Judge Denies Motion To Dismiss Case By Horowitz; Rules Case To Be Tried For

“Waste” of Public Resources

Los Angeles - In a sweeping start to a potentially historical trial this morning, Superior Court Judge Helen Bendix both ruled and denied several motions in favor of the South Central Farmers. In a sweeping day for the farmers, she denied Ralph Horowitz’s motion attempt to shut down the trial altogether and ruled in favor of case language from Supreme Court ruling in Sundance vs. The City of Los Angeles:

“A court must not close its eyes to wasteful, improvident and completely unnecessary public spending, merely because it is done in the exercise of a lawful power.”

Farmers’ attorney Dan Stormer has consistently stated that the sale of the farm in 2003 to Mr. Horowitz was conducted in an illegal manner by the city and has now been granted trial to pursue the case against the city and Mr. Horowitz along these lines. Several motions of both parties were denied. The farmers emerged the victors in this first day of hearings.

Now the case goes to trial tomorrow, Thursday July 13 with opening statements at 1:30 p.m. “We’re very pleased with today’s ruling; the stage has been set for justice to be served for the people of South Central,” Dan Stormer stated Wednesday after the hearing.

There will be a press conference covering the first day of hearing and the schedule of witnesses for the first day of trial,

8 a.m. Thursday morning July 13, in a sidewalk courtyard just north of the Grande Ave. entrance to the court @ 110 Grand Ave. Also Dele Ailemen co-chair of the South Central Farmers Support Coalition will be speaking on the rights of the farmers.

The farm has been bulldozed by Ralph Horowitz prematurely prior to the findings of the court.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters commented July 9 on the destruction, ‘This could have been avoided. No matter what occurs in court July 12, whether we win in court, or pay for the Farm with money on the table, we intend to get this land back. LA City Hall and Horowitz could have done better than this. The sight of this devastation is overwhelming and unconscionable… You heard the update from the attorney, Dan Stormer, and I think this is a great legal case. We could actually end up with a caring Judge, ruling on facts.”

The South Central Farmers and supporters remain hopeful and vigilant that Judge Bendix will rule on the facts.

WHAT: Press Conference revealing hearing findings and order of witnesses. South Central Feeding Families, et al. v. City of Los Angeles, et al. Los Angeles Superior Court Case # BC311110 begins trial. CAMERAS POOLED.

WHEN: 8 a.m. Press Conference

1:30 p.m. opening statements followed by witnesses called to stand

WHERE: 8 a.m. sidewalk courtyard north of Grand Ave. entrance to Court; 110 Grand Ave.

1:30 p.m. Dept. 18 of the downtown Superior Court 111 North Hill St. Los Angeles 90012.

WHO: South Central Farmers and Supporters, Attorney Dan Stormer, Witnesses