Mi Vientre, Mi Voz/ My Womb, My Voice

• 1 in 2 Latinas becomes pregnant by the time they are 20.
• Latinas have the highest teen pregnancy rate and teen birth rate.
• The vast majority of teen pregnancies occur to Latinas living in California and Texas.

– The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy

Billboards have been posted in Los Angeles this week that read, “El lugar mas peligroso para un Latino es el vientre de su madre/The most dangerous place for a Latino is in their mother’s womb.” Facts about teen pregnancy have been twisted to perpetuate false stereotypes of Latina youth. This misrepresentation of young Latinas and their sexuality does not accurately represent the facts of their lived reality. There are social conditions that have led to the disproportionate rate of unplanned pregnancies in our community. The placement of these billboards is only emblematic of the continuous harassment of our young women, and in this instance, it is sponsored by the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles.

I take great pride in growing up in a predominantly Latino community in Wilmington, CA. When looking at the numbers, I know they do not represent my community entirely. Wilmington is a low to middle income, immigrant neighborhood with low performing public schools and a lack of resources. However, if you scratch the surface, it is a neighborhood with rich cultural history, amazing resilience and is also deeply religious. Due to the religious attitudes toward sex, there is very clear messaging around abstinence until marriage. Yet, with the many teen pregnancies, it is clear that youth are not waiting to have sex. No one is talking with our youth about healthy relationships, their sexuality and about practicing safe sex.

Research has demonstrated, that evidence based comprehensive sex education programs that discuss both abstinence plus access to contraception are the most effective programs at reducing unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among young people. There is even stigma around being prepared for something youth “shouldn’t be doing in the first place.” Once youth become young mothers they are additionally stigmatized because of their choices.

Only 1 in 10 abortion clinics are located in predominantly Latino neighborhoods. In Wilmington, we have limited access to a local hospital and clinics that provide comprehensive women’s services. Anyone that needs access to abortion services has to leave the city to find it. I believe that if more preventive service providers like Planned Parenthood existed in our neighborhoods we would see a reduction in unplanned teen pregnancy and an increase in prenatal care. Having access to contraception and active community outreach could really change things for our youth. Additionally, we must build and provide support services for young mothers and their children such as day care, career training programs, and access to a college education. Removing stigma around condoms use, contraceptive use and having safe spaces to discuss our sexuality would benefit all women in our communities.

Latinas who use their right to choose an abortion and those that choose to be mothers grow up alongside each other in the same communities, face similar obstacles and understand what it means to be a woman that is only defined by their body. To set Latinas who choose to access abortion services in direct opposition to the young mothers in our communities limits the understanding of the larger social problems in Latina’s lives. We face the same limited access to employment opportunities and to a quality education. Despite these obstacles, if we choose to do so, Latinas go on to raise beautiful children, become supportive partners, and statistically become the primary income earners in our households.

The only dangerous place for a Latina is in a society where biased billboards attempt to divide communities under false pretenses and bad stereotypes. The only dangerous place for a Latina is in a community with limited services. The only dangerous place for any woman is in a world where we try to control and stigmatize access to medically accurate information and services.


To learn more facts about Latina teen pregnancy:
http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pdf/FastFacts_TPChildbearing_Latinos.pdf

To access safe and comprehensive services near you:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/findCenter.asp

Fun Summer Activities @ the Wilmington Branch Public Library

Looking to plan some fun summer activities? ...don't forget to check out our great Wilmington Public Library. Some planned events include: Game Night, Summer Reading Club, Computer Classes, and many more!

Check out the calendar of events at:
http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=10

Wilmington Waterfront Park Grand Opening!

It started in 1988 as an idea in the Wilmington Community Advisory Board, and today it has become a reality. The community was out in full force celebrating the Grand Opening of the Wilmington Waterfront Park. This 30 acre park doubles the amount of park space in Wilmington! Make sure to stop by and enjoy Wilmington's new beautiful green space. Below are a few snapshots of the opening ceremony.

Wilmington: Where There’s Heart, There’s Hope

PHOTO BY PATRICK RANGE MCDONALD

Wilmington is affectionately called “Wilmas, Califas” by many of its residents, a term that many believe originated from the Pachuco movement of the 1930s and 40s. Along with the 55,000-plus people that call Wilmington home, there are industrial companies that have coexisted with the community for a long time. The community's relationship with the refineries has been very challenging at times, with many people not agreeing on how they feel about their industrial neighbors.

Like much of Los Angeles, Wilmington's population is a product of the Latin American diaspora. Chain migratory patterns are exemplified in the large Michoacán community that seems to have relocated itself to Wilmington (although it is not the only Latin American community present). I, like many of the people in Wilmington, am a daughter of migrants. This is a place where many people have transnational identities, a place where cultures mixing can be seen by the various Virgen de Guadalupe paintings on storefronts and the alternative styles of the youth...

Read the full post HERE.

Wilmington Filmmaker Chats with the Wilmington Wire

Kenneth Castillo, sits with the Wilmington Wire for a Q&A to talk about how growing up in Wilmington has influenced his films and gives us updates on his latest project.

I sat with Castillo last Monday after I met him a few years ago. I was glad to find out he was also from Wilmington and was excited to watch some of his films. Among them was “The Misadventures of Cholo Chaplin.” Inspired by famous silent film star, Charlie Chaplin and by Latinos in the U.S. Castillo created a culture mixing character: Cholo Chaplin. Once you watch an episode, its humorous plot and clever writing will have you hooked.
Check out the Q&A!

1) Did you grow up in Wilmington?

I lived in Wilmington for most of my life. I was about 22 when I moved.

2) Where did you go to school?
I went to Harbor College for a year. After Harbor, I went to LA City College to the Theater Academy there. I thought I wanted to be an actor. I did that program in a year and graduated from it. It’s where I learned about directing and acting. I didn’t think that the whole acting thing was for me but I really enjoyed directing. I met my current wife, who was my girlfriend at the time, at school. When we graduated we decided to start our own company, a theatrical company.

3) When did your interest for film develop?
The interest has always been there, but it took a while to get to the point of doing it on my own. My journey wasn’t a straight line. I basically started pretty late as a filmmaker.

I had always been interested in movies since I was young. I was watching films like Godfather and The Deer Hunter. Films that kids really shouldn’t be watching, but they caught my interest.

At Harbor College, I was involved in theater, and I knew the director there, Larry Heimgartner, and I was always interested in the arts.

4) How has it been trying to breakthrough in the film industry?
It has been good. I’ve been pursuing this since 2000 and it is 2011 now. I would say that the last 3 years were the best, because I managed to get funding for a future project after my last film. One project always leads to the next.

5) Is this what you do for a living?
No yet. There is not a lot of money in the independent film world. Even the most successful independent filmmakers that I know are working. It’s very difficult, but my goals are to built up fans, and get recognized.

A misconception people have is that if your movies are selling, than you must be rich. That is not the case at all.

6) Your film was featured at the Annual Reel Rasquache Art & Film Festival, what was the reaction?
The screening was great. I’m always nervous because I never know how an audience will react. Once a film is done, it’s a strange feeling of uncertainty, because you spend so much time on it, sometimes you just need distance from the film, which is when you just have to let it go and see what others think.

The great thing about my movies is that I take the audience on a different journey than what is expected. All my stuff is character driven. It’s not your typical gangster type film. They’re all very honest and authentic and the response from people is just that.

7) Has being from Wilmington influenced your work?
It’s been a huge influence. You write what you know. Growing up in Wilmington was very memorable. There are a lot of things that haven’t changed.

I drove by Red West and I remembered going there to eat pizza after baseball games at Wil Hal. I also remember John’s Hairstyles where I use to get my hair cuts. I have a lot of good memories of growing up in Wilmington, some bad but most of them are great. I have a script that’s going to be reflecting that and I want to shoot that next here in Wilmington and that would be with a major budget.

I grew up knowing a lot of interesting people and I haven't forgotten anything. As a writer, memory is invaluable because I write scripts from my experience. It doesn’t mean that any of my stuff is completely autobiographical but I would say that the characters all come from a real place.

8) One of your films is titled, “Ghost Town,” is that based from Ghost Town in Wilmington?

Oh, yeah. My friends and I use to ride our bikes around the neighborhood and when we would pass Ghost Town, it was a great view of the whole area. It looked almost like a movie set.

Friends and their older brothers were involved in gangs, I don’t like to say specific names of gangs, but it something we always grew up knowing about. So I kind of did this spin on it. I wanted to take that environment and make a love story out of it and that’s what “Ghost Town” is all about: It’s a love story.

9) Is there a central message that you’re trying to give through your films?
Yes, absolutely. All my films deal with self-expression, acceptance from the people around you, and self-love.

10) What’s the biggest challenge you've faced in pursuing film?

There’s so many (hahaha)!

There’s a "big vision" that I always have and sometimes it can be tough communicating it or persuading people to get on board with it.

The other struggle is that I’m a family man. It’s great to go to a movie set for 2-3 weeks and then come home to family. That’s a great feeling for me, but trying to maintain your responsibilities and pursue your dreams can be a struggle; a delicate balance.

I’m competing with guys that can dedicate their whole lives to film. They always look at me and say, "How the hell do you do what you do with two kids, a wife, and a job?!."

11) Are there any new projects you’re working on?
Yes, it’s called The Hearts of Men. We showed the trailer right after the screening of Confessions of a Gangster, and the response was amazing. Everyone was like, “When’s that coming out!?” We’ll probably have the screening in July or August. I’m trying to get a theatrical release for this one.

12) What advice do you give to people who are interested in pursuing film?
First of all, Film is a rich man’s game. My suggestion is always to just get a camera and start shooting, because there more you do it, the more you get better at it.

But there are three "rules" I live by as a filmmaker:
1st thing is never let your ego get bigger than your career.
2nd is don’t make promises you can’t keep. If you write a script don’t tell people you’re going to Sundance with it when you haven’t even shot a frame. Don’t tell actors that. Don’t even tell actors you have distribution until you have it, because once you break your word no one will believe you again.
3rd thing is never let more be said than done.

A Violent Week in Wilmington

In the middle of a violent week in Wilmington, a dear friend to many, James Dominguez, 25, was shot and killed. He was driving home from work around 5 p.m. when he was shot at the corner of PCH and Wilmington Blvd. No one seems to know why this happened.

This is a tragic event not only because he was so young, but also because his son is left without a father, and his parents are left without a son. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. James had a great smile and a charming personality that lit up any room. He was always the life of the party.

As of now, we don’t know of a suspect or a motive. This gun violence has been a problem in Wilmington for a long time. I only hope this does not set off a chain reaction of retaliation where more people are irrationally gunned down. Violence is not the answer!

Rest In Peace James, We love you!

-Anabell R.

BAM! The Banning Alumni Movement

BAM!, or the Banning Alumni Movement, is a grassroots effort initiated by former Banning High School students: Carmen Chavez, Josue Rodriguez, Tony Casillas, Oscar Duarte and myself, Jairo Bogarin. The group sprung from a common desire to make a direct impact on our community, specifically with graduating seniors. Through conversations about our own experiences, we felt that the scholarships offered at our local high school weren’t enough for the numerous grads headed to universities. Our vision would be simple: give college scholarships to as many Banning graduates as possible. We would like the whole community to participate and are establishing a strategy for other alumni to contribute. The scholarships we’re creating will have unconventional requirements, and will not solely focus on grade-point average as eligibility. This will open the doors for the hundreds of students who may not have a good overall grade average but strive to attend a college or university. Our goal is not only to raise money, but to organize community events to educate and entertain the Wilmington youth as well.

Recently, we hosted the First Annual David Toomalatai Flag Football Tournament. David graduated from Banning High in 2005. He was a close friend of ours and former football teammate. After graduating from Banning, David joined the military where he would receive medical training. He died in Iraq in 2007 when his ambulance ran over a roadside bomb. We felt that having a football event would be a great way to honor his memory. He is survived by his young son, Damian.

The turnout for the event was amazing. We had over 100 Wilmington community members come out to watch the tournament. The local Wilmington Fire Department played in the tournament and provided a grill and hot-dog stand. A few policemen arrived to help with crowd control. Friends and family of David showed their love and appreciation for Banning High by coming out to show their support. The tournament was a great success! We raised more money than we had hoped, and gained exposure for BAM! Half of the funds we raised will go towards a scholarship fund for little Damian while the other half will be used for a scholarship opportunity for Banning High seniors. We thank the community for their support and we hope the funds will help ease the cost of a higher education for some of our graduating seniors.

Learn more about BAM! and what we’re doing by reading up on future events and following us on facebook.

The Wilmington Wire in the LA Times!

Read full article here.

Recently, a friend of mine contacted me about meeting Hector Tobar from the LA times. She was excited to talk to him about the grassroots organizing that was happening in the neighborhood. She asked me if I wouldn't mind talking to him about some of the community efforts in Wilmington. Hector and I had a great phone conversation where I talked about the importance of community, about how real change starts with the people, and the potential I saw in Wilmington.

The next day we met and I gave him a brief tour of our town. We met at Hojas Tea House, where I talked a little about the people in the community that are inspiring me. There are so many people in this community working together doing great things for Wilmington that I couldn't name them all.

I am really glad that Hector wrote this article. It's so great to see grassroots organizing making a difference where it matters. This is just the beginning of several steps that will lead to a positive change in our community. It is great to see people knowing the importance of going out into the world to find knowledge, and bringing back the necessary knowledge and tools that can help the youth in our community. I truly think it will start an honest dialog of community needs and help us realize our ability to create changes for ourselves. I believe this will change the image of Wilmington from within and without.

I would also like to thank this community for really coming together and supporting organizations like ours, WECAN, and others that are willing to put in the work to create change. I believe that art, writing and other forms of creativity can be revolutionary forces in a community like ours. It can change the way people see themselves and their community. It is great to know who we are and where we come from. I'd like to end with a message for the folks that know about the art world: the old system of art only existing in museums and galleries is dying, because art has always belonged to the people.

Community Unites at Wednesday's WNC Meeting

Last night at the Wilmington Neighborhood Council (WNC) meeting Wilmington residents united to show support for the fire department. The Senior Citizen’s Center was over flown with a crowd of people waiting eagerly to speak during public comments.

Person after person went up demanding that the WNC showed support by writing a letter to the city of Los Angeles and Councilwoman Janice Hahn to not allow Fire Station 38 to lose two rescue ambulances and one emergency incident technician in Wilmington.

Some argue that how is it that Councilwoman Hahn could have allowed this to get as far as it has. If she is really for the community of Wilmington then this should not be happening.

Wilmington lacks many resources and it is devastating that in a town surrounded by refineries and one of the largest ports in the United States the city of LA would jeopardize our safety by removing even more resources.

It was great to see so many people united and demanding what the community needs.

Wilmington, we cannot wait until things are on the verge of being taken away to do something. Everyone needs to stay involved and take ownership of what already belongs to us: OUR commUNITY.

It was a long meeting but great.

Here are some of the other great topics discussed and programs to look forward to.

* Clean Wilmington Program – Hahn has donated $50,000 to Salavador Lara’s, WNC member, ongoing effort to clean Wilmington. Lara has partnered with Clean San Pedro through which funds will be channeled.

* Illegal Dumping – recently created a partnership between City/GAP – Gang Alternatives Program to clean up specific locations; Gulf/Ronan N/Opp St.; End of “G” St., Cruces Neighborhood alleys; Behind 400 Block/Avalon; Frigate between Emden/Mauretania and N/PCH; “E” St. under 110; Behind 1300/W. Mauretania; Little Alameda/E of Young St.; Alameda between Mauretania/”O” St.

For alley dumping problem, call CD15 office – 310-732-4515.

* Pipeline Franchise Fee funds ($500,000) have been allocated to Wilmington. These funds will be used for fixing broken sidewalks, handicapped access ramps and support work at Drum Barracks.

* Wilmington Community Benefit Trust Fund: Warren E&P donated $500,000 to the City for this on-going effort. Funds to be used for fixing broken sidewalks, reconstructing street/drainage problems, trimming trees. Priority will be given to area around the company’s facility.

* Wilmington Waterfront Park – opening ceremony schedule for June

* Family Crisis Center will bring their services to Wilmington. A center that offers resources to victims of domestic violence, runaway and homeless youth, homeless families, unemployed adults and youth, and other low-income community members in need of assistance.

* Money from WNC was donated to the following programs:

Wilmington Middle School Band $ 500
Wilmington Family Health Clinic $ 2,500
Sharefest- Wilmington $5,000
GAP – “My Gangfree Life” - $1,000

To view entire minutes visit the WNC website

Bekins Warehouse Tour

One of the elements proposed in the Wilmington Waterfront EIR is to redevelop the Bekins Warehouse at 245 North Fries Avenue/326 “C” Street, in Wilmington into a Red Car Museum.

The Wilmington Waterfront Development Subcommittee invites the community to join them in a walk through and take a tour of the Bekins Warehouse Building, Tuesday, April 12, 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM.

There’s been a lot of talk about what this building should be used for and whether the Red Car Museum is the best idea. On February 28 the Port of LA held a meeting in San Pedro updating residents about the development plans for the Waterfront. Among the things discussed the Bekins Building was one of them.

A group of Wilmington residents, including myself, attended this meeting to speak out what Wilmington really needed and questioning the importance of having a third museum in Wilmington.

As many of you know we have two museums in Wilmington that no one goes to. So, why a third museum when Wilmington lacks resource centers, clinics, respectable businesses, parks and more? Because the Port of LA owns the building and it is being funded by a trust fund that only allows something that serves maritime, visitors (tourist), and residents to be built there.

The Red Car Museum will obviously serve visitors, but will it really serve the community of Wilmington? Another issue brought up was the fact that there's already a Red Car Museum in Seal Beach so why have another one?

Instead of bringing back an old school red trolley to Wilmington, we need a modern metro rail to connect us to downtown LA and help us be less reliant on cars.

I highly recommend for Wilmington residents to take this tour. Get to know YOUR community and take ownership!

For more information contact Deb at 310-732-3499 or send an e-mail message to dbabcock-doherty@portla.org.

Janice Hahn to Host Town Hall Meeting

Next Thursday, April 14, 2011 is not only the day before taxes are due, it’s also the day Janice Hahn is visiting Wilmington.

Today I received an email from her assistant informing me that the Community Town Hall Meeting will be an opportunity to hear updates from City Departments, as well as ask any questions related to the City of Los Angeles.

I’m a member of the Wilmington Neighborhood Council (WNC), and on Monday I attended the Planning & Land Use/Transportation Committee meeting where I asked members if they knew what Hahn had on her agenda to discuss at the meeting. No one knew.

One member said it is very likely for Hahn to talk about the illegal vending in Wilmington. City officials say it is unsanitary and it hurts local businesses. I dont think we would have residents selling tacos de canasta if there were resources available to help the undocumented. I know there are also documented people that also are illegal venders, but lack job training.

She might mention the Pipeline Fund of $500,000 to use towards Public Works. This money is going to be used to fix things around Wilmington like sidewalks and street lights, etc. If there is an area that an residents want to see improved, I recommend collecting pictures and signatures and making sure the Neighborhood Council is aware. We have to money, so there is no excuse.


Don Compton, long-time Wilmington resident, wants Hahn to do something about the toxins being released from the Watson Rail Yard.

What are you concerned about?


The meeting will be Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the Wilmington Senior Citizens Center.

Wilmington Drummer Rocks the House

A friend of mine that moved to Berkeley was in town and called my boyfriend to hang out. We reunited with another high school friend who was performing at Long Beach restaurant/dive bar, Prospector with his band “So Many Wizards.”

Erik Felix, from Wilmington, is the drummer of the trio. Since they were headlining and weren’t scheduled to perform until 11:30 p.m.

Their indie swag and feel good tunes are awesome. Parts of some songs reminded me a little of Vampire Weekend, which I love. They definitely have their own unique sound and recommend everyone to check out their music.

They were also at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas this year. Keep rockin out Erik y no te vayas olvidar de los pobres en Wilmas. ;)

Click here to get updates on their upcoming performances.