From Housing Trucks, to Housing Kids and Dreams

The City Council unanimously approved a 50-year agreement between the L.A. Rec and Parks and Legacy L.A., a nonprofit organization, which plans to turn the old federal armory at Hazard Park in Boyle Heights, into a multifaceted youth center, serving the youth of Ramona Gardens and surrounding communities. I have backed this plan from the beginning and I know that the people of Ramona Gardens are very excited to see this program get off the ground. They had the help of 10 teens who were awarded fellowships this summer through a grant from The California Endowment. The kids attend local schools and have participated in a community study to determine what programs residents want to be implemented at the new facility. Growing up in Boyle Heights, I know firsthand the value of good, solid programming that gives kids real alternatives to gang violence. And now, instead of housing trucks, that old armory will house children and God willing, their hopes and dreams. Adelante!