Eric Garcetti Allows Destruction of 40 Protected Trees (tags)
Over the strong objection of constituents, Eric Garcetti (district 13) approved a rezoning of land, part of a wildlife corridor in Echo Park-Elysian Park, from three to 15 houses and gave developers special permission to cut down 40 protected trees. Garcetti's environmental legacy also includes siding with developer Ralph Horowitz and Councilwoman Jan Perry regarding the South Central Farm. Twenty years ago, another pro-development Councilmember, Michael Woo, ran for Mayor--as Garcetti is now doing--but was opposed by a formidable group called Citizens for Anyone but Woo. Hopefully 2012/2013 will see Anyone but Garcetti.
Nevada Supreme Court Rules Against SNWA Water Grab. (tags)
Recent articles discuss the ruling by Nevada Supreme Court Judge Robinson that prevents another potential water grab by the SNWA and their developer funders. Additional research reveals the intent of the SNWA pipeline from northern aquifers would benefit the developer of Coyote Springs, one Harvey Whittemore. The urban residents of Las Vegas would cover the bill of SNWA's misadventures in sheep ranching, pipeline lawsuits and other related issues for the benefit of some far out developer's scheme.
Progressive San Diego Council Candidate Takes On Developer (tags)
Progressive San Diego City Council candidate Stephen Whitburn held a press conference September 7 to protest a new development proposal for the Hillcrest area that would erect two high-rise towers in a small-scale, intimate neighborhood, adding to traffic congestion and destroying the community's atmosphere. Developer Bruce Lightenberger, also interviewed, said he couldn't care less; he claims that as long as it meets existing zoning, he has an absolute right to build his project and neither the city nor the community can stop him.
LA Downey Brownfield Toxic Site Developer Sues P&F Congressional Candidate &Injured Worker (tags)
Lichter is on the left in his corporate jet traveling around the country making deals to develop toxic sites. Downey Toxic Brownfield site developer Stuart Lichter has sued Peace and Freedom party Congressional candidate Dina Padilla, Vicky Travis of www.kaiserpapers.org and up to 1000 injured workers for exposing a corrupt swindle involving the development of the Downey Brownfield site. Movie industry workers and Kaiser workers have been sickened by toxins and mold at the highly dangerous site. Lichter who formerly worked for the GSA has schemed to develop these toxic sites without properly cleaning them up and is also now is suing Dreamworks over liability for injuries on the movie production site. Stuart is one of the owners of IRG. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/business/la-fi-downey26-2008jun26,0,2356057.story
[Gentrification] Baldwin Park Homeowners and Residents to Protest Bisno Developer (tags)
[Gentrification] Bisno Developer offers ‘Last Supper’ to Baldwin Park Homeowners and Senior Citizens on plans to use eminent domain to take their homes. Councilwoman Marlen Garcia stated at a the Council meeting of September 19, 2007 that anyone who was not in agreement could go to TJ (Tijuana). Councilman Anthony Bejarano at the same meeting when asked were will the current occupants of the area would go? Bejarano stated “they can go to East Los Angeles”. At the September 19, 2007 meeting Councilman Bejarano stated that the police department was a luxury.
Hidden Oasis Threatened by Development (tags)
A wildlife corridor in Echo Park is threatened by development. On Wednesday, November 14th, there will be a public hearing at City Hall concerning the developer's request for “a Small Lot Subdivision - from 3 into 16 lots and a zone change from R1 to RD6 rezoning.” It will take place in room 1020 at 10:30am. The issue will also be addressed at the Greater Echo Park Neighborhood Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 13th, 7pm at Logan Street School (1711 West Montana).
Green Party Leader Convicted of Taking Bribes (tags)
In the wake of viewing hours of highly-incriminating videotape surveillance from federal prosecutors, a jury today convicted Dean Zimmermann of accepting bribes. The former Green Councilman was indicted last January in the wake of an FBI corruption probe.
Seeds of Hope, Seeds of War: Race, Class and the Battle for the South Central Farm (Final) (tags)
The world is literally watching. Media worldwide have covered the case of the South Central Farm, the largest urban garden in the United States, the efforts of the city's elites to drive the farmers from the land, and the farmer's remarkable resistance. On June 13th, the County moved to evict, concentrating a massive police presence in the area to uproot the resistor's encampment on the land. The South Central Farm arose from the ashes of the 1992 Los Angeles rebellion, and stands as a symbol of hope to millions. Despite the eviction, the struggle continues, with a court hearing this week challenging the City's sale of the land to a private developer. When the Los Angeles City Council sold the 14 acre plot called the South Central Farm to developer Ralph Horowitz, they sold land they didn’t own.
Visiting the SCF: Report Back (tags)
Impressions from my second visit to the farm (I'm from Sonoma County)
South Central Farm report back-- (tags)
Hey all, I came down from SF to visit the farm this weekend...This is my brief report back I posted to Indymedia in the Bay Area.
This is a collection of all the local newswire stories about the SCF, so far.
Farmers Say Talks Are On With Developer (tags)
From the Farmers Press Release:
South Central Farmers Have Secured Financing To Purchase Land From Developer (tags)
Annenberg Foundation Offers To Purchase Property
SOUTH CENTRAL FARM: Annenberg Foundation Makes Offer to Developer to Buy Land (tags)
The Annenberg Foundation made a surprise announcement today that they have made a proposal directly to developer Ralph Horowitz to buy the land on behalf of the farmers.
The Developer vs. the Nation's Largest Urban Farm (tags)
The Battle for South Central Farm By RALPH NADER
Ron Kovic joins Los Angeles Farmers in a "Spiritual Procession" to encourage saving the South Central Farm.
south Central Farmers: MEDIA ADVISORY (tags)
L.A. City Mayor Villaraigosa Fails to Raise Matching Funds to Save 350 Poor Families, in South Central Los Angeles, >From Brentwood Developer
REPORT BACK FROM THE FARM: (tags)
REPORT BACK FROM THE FARM:
SCFs, Zack de La Rocha, Julia Butterfly, and supporters at City Hall tomorrow 9am (tags)
SCFs, Zack de La Rocha, Julia Butterfly, and supporters at City Hall tomorrow 9am....
South Central Farmers picket office of developer, Ralph Horowitz (tags)
About 50 supporters in the fight to save the South Central Farm picketed today outside the offices of the developer, Ralph Horowitz who wants to raise the farm and build a warehouse on the site. Here are some photos from the event.
Dec. 2 Activists Vow Downtown “Tent City” Will Now Battle Against LA’s Newest Evictions (tags)
Ongoing tent city --starting at LA's City Hall lawn on Dec 2 --to now up the protest ante against LA's new, and raging, low-income evictions.
$100,000 Donation trumps 400 Violations (tags)
Sierra Club spokesman Carl Zichella said the $100,000 donation from Tim Blixseth's developement company demonstrates Schwarzenegger's insensitivity to the environment. "I can see one violation or even a handful on a single project, but more than 400? You really have to be trying to violate so many environmental laws."
Newhall; Judge Issues Eviction Order For Activist in Tree (tags)
Judge Issues Eviction Order For Activist in Tree John Quigley's attorney says the activist will chain himself to the oak before he will allow himself to be removed.
Newhall Land's policies raise questions for stricter enforcement (tags)
From the LA Times Monday Dec.16th, 2002
Developer destroys Blue Heron rookery (tags)
Local developer defiles nature