7-11 Coming to Two Wilmington Locations and CRA/LA Does Not Have the Support of the WNC

Yesterday, February 23, 2011, at the Senior Citizen Center about 15 residents attended the Wilmington Neighborhood Council (WNC) meeting eager to speak out their opinions on what decisions should be made for the Wilmington community. A group of middle-aged Latina women gathered around a table while a professional interpreter listened attentively trying to get every point across to these women.

At the beginning of the meeting public comments were taken from Wilmington residents who wanted to speak out on a particular issue. Don Compton, a retired educator who is passionate about progress in Wilmington and attends almost every meeting turned in a speaker comment sheet. Even though he is legally blind, he claims to see every issue affecting Wilmington clearly and always vigorously speaks his mind. When Compton’s name was called the chair of the WNC, Tom Dahlgren, allowed Compton to say his comment from where he was standing.

“On Monday, February 28, 2011, the Port of LA will hold an update meeting on the Waterfront project at the Crowne Royal Plaza Hotel in San Pedro…they’ll be talking about the construction of what I call the “Dead Car Museum” better known as the Red Car Museum and using the Bekins facility to build this and it is important for everyone to attend!” said Don Compton in loud voice.

In Wilmington the population is at least 54,000 people based on the 2000 Census. Most likely those numbers have increased. Out of these thousands of residents only about 15 people, predominantly older people, attended the WNC meeting last night. By the end of the meeting there were three residents in the public who were willing to listen to the final decisions made and say their comments. These were some of the presentations and items voted on yesterday:


1. Harbor Department, Community Relations Office Report:
330 vehicles were given traffic citations. Out the 330 citations 104 were violations by trucks. Both moving and parking violations.


2. Public Library Representatives: Two public library representatives talked about measure L and asked for the support of the community and WNC to vote YES on measure L to avoid the cutting of funding.




3. Sharefest Inc.: A representative of the non-profit organization gave a PowerPoint presentation, which included all the positive work they’ve done in the community, specifically at Banning High School and Avalon High School. They provide courses such as physical activity, college prep and tutoring, job readiness, and more. They gave statistics showing how their program has helped increase the amount of students graduating from Avalon High Schoool from no more than 10 graduating to now more than 50 and there has also been a 97% increase of attendance. They asked for funding support from the WNC.

4. Los Angeles County Mental Health Commission: Executive Director, Terry G. Lewis gave a presentation of their program which helps millions of people in L.A. County suffering from different types of mental illnesses. They have a help line available 24/7, 1-800-854-7771

Their goal is to bring light to this issue and introduced a new program they started called “Not in My Backyard” which focuses on breaking the stigma against the mentally ill. They’re also working on developing a center in 2014 where their organization will provide marriage and mental health counseling.

5. Community Redevelopment Agency, Los Angeles (CRA/LA) asked the WNC to write a letter to the state capital in support of CRA to avoid funding cuts. The majority of the WNC voted not to write this letter, therefore the WNC will not support this. One of the arguments given was that the money could be used to fund public education instead.

6. The majority of the WNC voted yes on opening two 7-11’s. One on Wilmington Blvd. and Pacific Coast Highway where the Radio Shack is located. The Radio Shack will remain there and the landlord claims to provide more parking. Where the marijuana dispensary was at, the laundry mat will be moved. The second location will be at the corner of PCH and Avalon where Papa John’s use to be. No alcohol will be sold at the location and produce will be available to encourage healthy eating.

To get the complete minutes check out the WNC website

What's Up with the Waterfront Project?

The Port of Los Angeles will be holding a meeting Monday, February 28 at 6:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in San Pedro to discuss the development plans of the Waterfront project. Some of you might have already noticed that construction is currently in progress off Harry Bridges in Wilmington. The expected date of completion is sometime this summer.

In the agenda of what will be built as part of the Waterfront the Port of Los Angeles has a Red Car Museum listed. There are rumors that this museum will be built at the three-story vacant building, also known as the Bekins building, located in Wilmington on Fries Avenue and C Street. Not surprising at all, San Pedro and the Port of Los Angeles are making decisions for Wilmington.

Supposedly Wilmington residents vote on these decisions. I wonder which Wilmington residents are voting on this, because the majority of the Wilmington community has no idea of the plans being decided for this Waterfront project.

Not to say that this Red Car museum is a horrible idea, but considering that there is a lack of resources in Wilmington a museum will not help resolve the problems of high school drop out rates, gang violence, foreclosures and more.

Even though Wilmington is the “Heart of the Harbor,” for many years it has been controlled by the powers of the ports, refineries, and oil industries that solely make decisions on self-interest instead of the interest for the Wilmington community.

At this meeting, on February 28, there will be an opportunity for Wilmington residents to give their input on what they think the current vacant spaces should be used for. It is obvious that in Wilmington there is a lack of resources such as recreational spaces, educational centers, art centers and much more.


The Bekins building is large enough to not only have one of the centers mentioned above but all the centers. Perhaps even the Red Car museum. Wilmington already has two museums, the Banning Mansion and the Drum Barracks Museum, and after attending those museums once no one sets their foot there again.

This is the time for Wilmington to speak out and voice what they believe is needed. Otherwise, the powers that have been controlling Wilmington will continue to until they get what they want. You can make your own conclusion on what you think they want.

Check out this website to get updates on the Waterfront project

I hope to see you all at the meeting Monday, February 28! Click here to RSVP