Residents Voice Their Concerns at Wilmington Town Hall Meeting

Councilman Joe Buscaino speaking at town
hall meeting in Wilmington February 13.
(Photo by Anabell Romero)

A small but engaged group of residents attended last night’s town hall meeting with Councilman Joe Buscaino at Banning High School’s auditorium. He spoke of his accomplishments during his first year in office and shared a 10 minute video detailing all his work for the 15th district in Los Angeles, which includes Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, San Pedro, Watts and Wilmington.

Because there was such low attendance almost every attendee was given an opportunity to voice their concerns about ongoing problems in the neighborhood like, crime, violence, overwhelming amount of liquor stores in comparison to resourceful centers, poor air quality and illegal dumping.

Community leaders like Salvador Lara who has mobilized hundreds of residents in an effort to clean-up Wilmington spoke out against illegal dumping in the neighborhood and demanded these people get fined as well as more oversight from law enforcement and residents.

Salvador Lara that people get fined for illegal
dumping in Wilmington.
(Photo by Anabell Romero)

Members of the environmental activism group Clean Up Green Up, pleaded for Buscaino’s support to make LA communities healthier through the establishment of green zones in Wilmington. On the spot Buscaino said he supported the initiative.

When a youth got up and asked for Buscaino to support their group Youth Action and the California Youth Bill of Rights, Buscaino said, “anything to mobilize our youth and I’m with you!”

Buscaino made references to when he was a police officer and patrolled areas like downtown LA when it was a hotspot for crime and now has been transformed into L.A. Live, the entertainment complex that has helped revitalize the city.

“We want the same economic development here,” said Buscaino.

He did acknowledge that more work needs to be done to make Wilmington a safer and healthier community and he committed to doing so if re-elected during the LA city elections March 5, where angelenos will also elect a new city mayor.  

He emphasized on creating more jobs, local economic development and making neighborhoods safer.  

Here's a video highlighting some of Buscaino's accomplishments during his first year in office.

Know Your Rights

Do you know what to do if you get pulled over by the police? If you are stopped on the street while walking? or If police come to your house? FlexYourRights has create a series of informational videos that walk people through different scenarios involving the police. Many people do not realize that they usually give up their rights during most police encounters. 

Here are some things to be aware of if you get pulled over by the police:

• If a police office asks you why you think they has pulled you over, do not answer. Instead, you should ask why they have pulled you over. Right to Remain Silent! 
  
• Don't incriminate yourself, there's no need to admit you were breaking the law. Fifth Amendment. (If this is the case)
• You have the right to refuse a police search, by saying, "I do not consent to a search." Fourth Amendment. 
• If a police officer hasn't told you why you have been pulled over and is just asking questions, you may ask, "Are you detaining me or am I free to go?." 

Make sure to watch this video, as well as the other FlexYourRights videos.They are incredibly helpful for people that do not know what to do in situations involving the police.    

More information can be found at FlexYourRights.org and ACLU.org.