Hazard Park Universal Access Playground

Creating playground access for children and parents with disabilities, Councilmember José Huizar, along with representatives from the Citys Recreation and Parks department and Shanes Inspiration, dedicated a new universal, handicap-accessible playground at Hazard Park in Boyle Heights. The universal access playgroundthe first in the 14th Council Districtis equipped with ramp access and play panels at ground level. It also has a special surface that allows walkers and wheelchairs to ride over with ease. The design also will allow parents with disabilities, such as wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, to be able to play with their able-bodied children. The new playground cost $562,000 and was funded through Proposition 40.

	Northeast Community Breakfast
	Community members from northeast Los Angeles gathered for breakfast to share thoughts, ideas and suggestions with Councilmember José Huizar. The discussion covered topics ranging from infrastructure, public safety, community partnerships, parks and the environment, historic preservation efforts, and economic development and enterprise zones.

Farmdale Parking Grove Dedication

Councilmember José Huizar, along with students from Farmdale Elementary, finish planting a tree at the new Farmdale Parking Grove. The decades-old dirt parking lot in El Sereno known as the Parking Grove is now a fully-paved parking facility surrounded by trees and other landscaping. Before the transformation of the Parking Grove, the teachers, students and parents of Farmdale Elementary parked in a dirt and mud field that was unclean, hazardous and an eyesore. The new Parking Grove was paid for by a $500,000 Community Development Grant.

El Sereno Constituent Center Opening

Councilmember José Huizar was joined by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, State Senator Gloria Romero and more than 200 El Sereno community and business leaders to dedicate the new El Sereno Constituent Center. The three-story facility encompasses more than 34,000 square feet and will house the Barrio Action Youth and Family Center as well as city departments, including Council District 14 offices, a Los Angeles Police Department community office, the L.A. 32 Neighborhood Council, a gym, a weight training room, a dance room, a library and computer room, and counseling offices. The El Sereno Constituent Center cost $7.4 million and was funded through Proposition K, Community Development Grant funds, Capital Improvements Expenditure Program funds, and Municipal Improvement Service Center funds.

	Garvanza Skate Park Celebration
	Councilmember José Huizar was joined by the Garvanza Skate Park Coalition and community members to celebrate the opening of the Garvanza Skate Park. Councilmember Huizar thanked the Skate Park Coalition for the nearly 10 years of work and dedication to making the Garvanza Skate Park a reality.

Bridges of the Los Angeles River Tour

Councilmember José Huizar joined Linda Dishman, executive director of the Los Angeles Conservancy, and the Friends of the Los Angeles River on a tour of the bridges of the Los Angeles River. In January, the Los Angeles City Council approved the designation of several Los Angeles River bridges as Historic-Cultural Monuments (HCMs), recognizing them as important to the history of our city. The Getty Center also hosted a panel and tour entitled Spanning History: Bridges of the Los Angeles River.

	Proposition 1B Funds to Improve 10 fwy
	Councilmember José Huizar joined Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in a news conference to announce $40 million in Proposition 1B funds that will be used to resurface the bus and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on a three-mile stretch of the 10 freeway. This section of the freeway is a gateway into Los Angeles for westbound commuters and is among the most heavily traveled in Southern California.

	Cesar Chavez Walk
	Councilmember José Huizar joined United Farm Workers President Arturo Rodriguez, Mayor Villaraigosa, and thousands of supporters at the 10th Annual Cesar Chavez Walk at El Pueblo. Organizers of the event called for a national holiday and day of service in honor of and to celebrate the life of Cesar Chavez.

Pioneer Women of the Year

Councilmember José Huizar recognized Tammy Membreo with a special Council presentation for being selected as the Pioneer Woman of the Year award winner for Council District 14. Councilmember Huizar nominated Tammy for the award because of her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others and her dedication to social service. Tammy has been the director of Barrio Action in El Sereno since 1991.

El Pueblo Blessing of the Animals

Councilmember José Huizar joined Cardinal Roger Mahoney and Mayor Villaraigosa in the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony at El Pueblo. This event dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when San Antonio of Abad was recognized as the Patron Saint of the animal kingdom. In those days, the people would take their animals to the Padre to receive a blessing and ask for fertility and health. The ceremony recognizes the tremendous services that animals provide to humans .