City Council Candidates Share Their Knowledge of Wilmington

The 11 candidates running for the Los Angeles City Council District 15 presented their plans if elected as the next South Bay Councilmember at Los Angeles Harbor College this Saturday.

An informal "meet-and-greet" was held at noon, where community members had the opportunity to personally ask candidates of issues that are most important to them.

At the end of the forum a poll was taken where attendees voted for their top candidate. The top five candidates were:

1) Justin Brimmer (54 votes)
2) Jayme Wilson (43 votes)
3) Warren Furutani (30 votes)
4) Gordon Teuber (25 votes)
5) Joe Buscaino (19 votes)

The Wilmington Wire asked candidates Justin Brimmer, Jayme Wilson, Warren Furutani, Joe Buscaino and Gordon Teuber how well they know the community of Wilmington and what specific projects they would implement if elected to represent the Harbor Area.

Watch what they said.

Justin Brimmer




Jayme Wilson


Warren Furutani


Gordon Teuber


Joe Buscaino

Man Shot and Killed in Wilmington

A 42-year-old man was shot and killed in Wilmington Monday night, police said.

The name of the victim was not released. Officials said he was walking on Opp Street towards Anaheim Boulevard at approximately 8:45 p.m. when two men shot at him and killed him with a shot gun and a hand gun.

Police said it seems like the victim was targeted, but the case is still under investigation. Based on the information given to police the victim is not believed to be in a gang.

The suspects were seen in a white car when they fled the scene.

If anyone witnessed this crime and has any clues leading to the suspects or the cause of the murder please contact the Harbor Police Department at 310-726-7700

Community Leaders in Wilmington

On October 3^rd, I met up with Olivia Cueva-Fernandez to ask her a few questions about her leadership experience in Wilmington. Olivia Cueva-Fernandez was born and raised in Wilmington. She is a retired educator and is currently the Treasurer of the Wilmington Dollars for Scholars, a community group that gives scholarships to graduating seniors from Banning High School. She is also the author of Mexican Americans in Wilmington. Cueva-Fernandez wrote the book because she thought it was important to document the contributions of our community's early Mexican-Americans.

1. How long have you lived in Wilmington? How would you describe the community?

I am a Wilmington native. I was born at the Lighthouse Yacht Landing 72 years ago. Although Wilmington is no longer the beautiful little town I remember, it still has great people who have supported and inspired me.

2. How did you start getting involved in Wilmington?

My parents and grandparents were involved in the building of the Holy Family Church and in such clubs as La Honorifica and Los Mutualistas, so they made me aware of the need to help make Wilmington a better place to live in. In the 70s, John Mendez asked me to get involved with building a new library in Wilmington. It took 10 years for it to happen. From there I went on to be one of the founders of the Wilmington Home Owners (WHO), the Wilmington Historical Society, and the Wilmington Dollars for Scholars.

3. What does the Wilmington Dollars for Scholars do?

The Wilmington Dollars for Scholars is a chapter of the national scholarship program. We do a month-long campaign called “A Dollar A Day In May.” Anyone who donates a dollar becomes a member of our organization. The money that we fund raise provides a few scholarships for Banning High School students. Many of us on the Board are college graduates and this is our way of giving back.

4. Which community project of yours are you most proud of or feel has been the most successful?

Although the new library has had such a great impact, I believe that working to create a community planning guide for apartments was most successful. Although it is still often ignored, it got many community members involved in fighting for a better quality of life. My most recent project, the Mexican Americans in Wilmington book, has also been successful.

5. Did you enjoy writing Mexican Americans in Wilmington? What was your experience?

I thoroughly enjoyed writing the book. Although I had less than a year to do it, I believe that my organizational skills and helpful hints from fellow authors gave me confidence and a great beginning. I believe I succeeded in showing that there's more Mexican American history in Wilmington than that of East Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Most of all, the greatest enjoyment and rewarding experience came from the response I received from individuals and families who opened their hearts and albums. Many did not know me but they knew that our story had to be told. Without them I could not have done it! Their support has been so encouraging.

Unfortunately, I left out many early families, had limited access to information and photos of events and stories, and did not cover the successes of second and third generations or of more recent newcomers, so there is still much to be documented. Somehow I hope to find a way to continue highlighting Wilmington's Mexican American community.

6. How has your experience in Wilmington influenced your world view?

I believe that traveling throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Europe has influenced my on-going experiences in Wilmington. This community has been through so much and it’s a miracle that we have survived as well as we have. I believe we have to continuously build positive change. We can learn from others to provide a clean, healthy and resourceful community.

7. How do you feel Wilmington has changed throughout the years?

People that can afford to move have done so. Local business has declined, housing is stagnant and the ethnic make-up has changed. But I know that the new generation of residents can make a difference. Decisions are being made without the approval of local residents and we need to vote to be heard.

8. What is one of the biggest challenges with organizing in Wilmington?

I think the biggest challenge is that we do not have a community newspaper. You do a lot of outreach for an event but most people still do not find out about it. It would be nice if we had a paper bulletin so that people can know what is going on. I think it would also build pride in the community.

9. What is your advice to future leaders of Wilmington?

Vote, Travel and Be Involved. I believe traveling helps give a leader a broader perspective. Use that to give kids an exposure to opportunities, geography and culture. Get involved with the Drum Barracks, the Library, our schools, etc.

10. Are there any projects you want to see in Wilmington?

I would like to see a beautification projects addressing the needs of the community overall: greenery, street sweeping, tree trimming, etc.

I would also like to see a women’s group. I used to be in a club in East LA called Las Senoritas. We would do community projects or support other group’s community projects. It was also nice to gather with other women and talk.

L.A. City Council Elections

When Janice Hahn was elected into the U.S. Congress this past July, the L.A. City Council seat for District 15 was left vacant. With the special elections approaching on November 8th, Wilmington along with four other cities has 11 candidates to choose from for its new representative.

Wilmington residents have been increasingly committed to making sustainable, positive changes and have learned to spot candidates that understand the community’s collective needs versus those that do not. Examining statistical data is not enough to fully understand any city, and it certainly isn’t a complete representation of Wilmington.

With our involvement in community events, the Wilmington Wire team has noticed that, for residents, it is really the small things that matter. “I would like to see the sidewalks of not only the Cruces Community, but of all of Wilmington continually repaired,” says Salvador Lara, resident of Wilmington. “I also hope we can still have the “Clean Wilmington” program that Janice Hahn supported.”

We want a representative that understands the every day problems families’ face like the need of more public transportation as kids are getting out of school or for those that travel far for groceries. We want someone that can easily identify areas that need more crosswalks to decrease accidents. Wilmington needs a candidate that sincerely wants to work to form a better community by helping create spaces for youth and students to study and use the Internet.

To understand these community’s needs, one must walk the city, be part of the neighborhood and experience it as residents do. We believe a truly committed candidate will take the time to do this.

The recent violence in the community has had people wondering where our community representatives are and what they are doing to resolve this reoccurring problem. “I believe the drug raid in 2007 made the Cruces Community safer. I no longer see the open sale of drugs. I thank Janice Hahn and the agencies involved for that,” said Lara.

Many residents have conceded that police presence has increased, but wonder what preventative measures will take place. What are the things that will keep youth off the streets?

The Wilmington Wire has created a virtual space for residents to inform one another of what’s happening in Wilmington. It is a place where people can talk about what they would like to see differently in their community. Through comments posted on the Wilmington Wire Blog and Facebook, it is clear that residents are fed up with waiting for politicians that promise change and never follow through.

“I think (residents) feel their vote won't really make a difference and don't bother with becoming educated about the issues being voted on,” said Carmen Chavez, Wilmington resident.

This type of skepticism is one of the main reasons for low turnout rates on election days. Residents have expressed discontent with politicians that come to Wilmington only to campaign, but do little to maintain a presence throughout their term. It is an attitude that has lead to voter apathy and distrust in government.

There is a way to change this. Instead of politicians trying to keep industry happy, decisions should be addressing the needs of the community; government should work for the people. We understand that a four-year term is not long enough to solve the historical problems of our community (i.e. pollution, violence, education and jobs), but we hope the next four years will bring some visible changes.

We hope that the next candidate will be willing to reach out to the community and create programs that give residents opportunities that have not been available to them previously.

Involvement by residents is key for any successful change in this community. Many residents are willing to help, but it is tough when most feel that there hasn't been a candidate truly invested in improving Wilmington.

The Wilmington Wire team encourages residents to stay informed, research candidates and go out to vote. We believe that where there is hope, there is a possibility of change.

We continue to stay optimistic that the next city council member elected will help bring progress to Wilmington and not only say will they. Let’s make people want to vote and regain faith in the election process and of course, make Wilmington a better place for its residents.

Fall into Literacy Book Festival

Today United Way promoted literacy and education at their "Fall into Literacy" book festival. The event featured educational activities for youth and as well as the opportunity to meet a variety authors including special guest Victor Villasenor, author of Rain of Gold. Below are some snapshots of the community out enjoying the event at the Wilmington Waterfront Park.

Wilmington Author, Abelardo de la Peña shares his books. (below)

Children's book illustrator, Joe Cepeda, demonstrates his skills by sketching portraits of the children at the book fair. (below)