Polluted Lake to be Improved

Many Wilmington residents grew up going to the Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park that many refer to as "Parque de los Patos." Despite it being shadowed by the nearby refinery and a fire that scorched about 3 acres of brush earlier this year it continues to be one of the central green spaces for the community.

For several years Machado Lake, which was the home of Reggie the alligator, has suffered from pollution due to trash dumping, the rise of non-native plants and an increase of sediment and harmful nutrients that have seriously damaged the lake’s ecosystem.

Because of this the Los Angeles Department of Public Works are working on a $99 million project to improve the South Bay attraction.

Click here to read my post on OurXperience, KQED, NPR station which explains when it will be done and what it will include.

Hojas Tea House Closed

Since last week, many tea lovers have been upset by the closure of Wilmington's only tea house, Hojas. The Los Angeles County Health Department has temporarily closed Hojas due to lack of proper permits.

This closure is temporary and the owners are committed to re-opening Hojas as soon as possible.

Here is a statement provided by their management:

"Hojas Premium Tea House has been temporarily closed for business. We have been asked to make changes to our facility to meet current codes and regulations with the Health and City Department. We will not only take this time to resolve these issues but will use this time as an opportunity to improve our establishment. We will be closed until further notice. We appreciate all our customers for their support and thank them for their patience and understanding during this time of improvement. Hojas Premium Tea House & Staff Ecc. 3:1-11"

They will be working with the City of Los Angeles, Department of Building and Safety on building modifications so that they can get approval from the LA County Health Department. The Council Office has been working the owners to try and help ensure that Hojas Tea House reopens as soon as possible.

Their regular customers are hoping so.

Honoring the Dead, Advocating for Peace

This weekend I attended two events in Wilmington that focused on honoring the dead and taking a stand against violence in our community. On Friday, the Cemanahuac Youth Group hosted a Dia de los Muertos event at The Mahar House. They organized the event as an example of positive community gatherings that embrace the culture of the community. It featured live art, altars, crafts for kids and much more. There were also many community groups present informing community member about free services and programs available to them. Below are some pictures from the event.

On Saturday, We Can held the Wilmington Dia de los Muertos Peace Walk. It was a powerful display of the community advocating for peace, grieving and healing together. It was such an honor to be a part of this event alongside with our brothers and sisters in the Brown Berets and the family of James Dominguez. We walked together not only to honor the dead, but to take back the night and stand against senseless death and violence in Wilmington. Thank you We Can!

below, the family and friend of James Dominguez, walking in his honor.

Below, a Brown Beret member speaking on behalf of her departed daughter.