Bracero Workers Remembered at Placita Olvera

I recently co-presented a resolution in Council naming September 29 as "International Bracero Day" for the City of Los Angeles. My father was a Bracero worker during the 1950's and 60's and I truly believe it's important to recognize the contributions of so many families in our American history. There will be a FREE photography exhibit at the Mexican Cultural Institute Gallery at El Pueblo Cultural Monument titled "Recollections from Yesterday and Today of Ex-Braceros" now until Oct. 18. I encourage you to share and celebrate the history of the Bracero workers at El Pueblo, 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Info: (323) 710-3696.

Working to Make El Pueblo Self-Sufficient

Last Wednesday, as Chair of the Audits & Government Efficiency Committee, I presided over a meeting to discuss a recent audit by the Controller’s office on ways to raise revenue for the El Pueblo Historical Monument (aka Olvera Street or La Placita). In the meeting, I pointed out that before the audit was published, the City had already began the process of making El Pueblo one of the City’s few self-sufficient departments. I had earlier urged El Pueblo’s general manager to begin negotiations with the 61 merchants who currently have no lease agreements in order to bring rents more inline with market rate leases, which was one of the money generating ideas also pointed out in the audit. I also asked El Pueblo’s general manager to develop a master plan to create a vision for El Pueblo to maximize its financial and cultural potential for years to come. We must also make sure that we’re treating the merchants fairly while providing them quality service worthy of the birthplace of Los Angeles.