Cityhood for East L.A.

Today, East LA is one step closer to self-governance! Thanks to your support, reinforced by our state and national leaders, East LA's fiscal study to officially determine Cityhood is underway. One of the strengths of our movement has always been that we are volunteer-led. Our campaign is only possible because East LA residents talk to their neighbors and family, and because we've planned events to help raise funds while spreading the word.

Our state and national leaders have also recognized just how hard we've worked, and how much East LA deserves to know its viability as a city. Yesterday, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 711 into law. (See the LA Times article and other Cityhood news). This measure, authored by Assembly Majority Leader Charles Calderon will help us with expensive application and processing fees.

It isn't the first time our state leaders have gone to bat for us -- in 2008 Senator Romero successfully passed SB 301 to make sure local municipalities across the state would have the necessary startup funds while transitioning to a city. We thank these and many other state leaders for recognizing that East LA's rich history and valuable future should be invested in, and that local residents are leading the charge.

By Cindy Rivera, Cityhood for East LA volunteer
Photo: Cityhood supporters Elisa Perez, Cindy Rivera, and Mannie Guevara.

On March 29, 2010, Pan American Bank sponsored March Madness Casino Night to benefit East Los Angeles Residents Association’s Cityhood for East L.A. effort. A group of more than 200 members and supporters of the East L.A. community came together for the future city of East Los Angeles.

The event was hosted at Pan American Bank’s Whittier Boulevard branch. Among the attendees, were Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Pico Rivera Mayor Pro Tem Bob Archuleta, and Pan American Bank CEO, Jesse Torres. It was a time to be around great people who want not only to witness East L.A. realize its potential, but also make it happen.

Casino Night provided an opportunity to play Vegas style in great company while having delicious appetizers and drinks. There were blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette tables available. Everyone was having a good time. The dealers were very friendly and even offered winning tips (tips I will certainly exercise during my next trip to Las Vegas). The chips won were traded in for raffle tickets for a variety of prizes including a flat screen TV and many other enjoyable packages.

The fundraiser came at a critical time in the Cityhood for East L.A. effort. The clock was ticking. The final deadline to raise the $134,000 necessary for the completion of a Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis was the very next month, April 2010. Cityhood risked retracting if it did not meet the deadline. The arduous work that went into collecting over 16,000 signatures from registered voters in East L.A. could have been in vain. The success of Pan American Bank’s March Madness Casino Night provided a positive outlook and reinforced hope for Cityhood.

Cityhood volunteers will be hosting a car wash by So Cal Burgers on Mednik Ave, on Saturday, April 24th from 10a to 2p. Come by, wash the dust off that car, and support local businesses! So-Cal Burgers will be donating a free ice cream to every patron of the car wash, so there's something for everyone.

Let us know you're coming by buying a ticket.

WHERE:
So-Cal Burgers
(next to Coffee Bean)
203 S. Mednik Ave.
East Los Angeles, 90022 (map)
(323) 263-3188

WHEN:
Saturday, April 24th
10:00am-2:00pm

March Madness Casino Night Fundraiser

Hosted by Pan American Bank, Supporting Cityhood for East Los Angeles

We’re almost there, and we need your help to cross the finish-line. Please join us on March 29th for a fundraiser hosted by Pan American Bank, East Los Angeles' premier community bank. Founded and headquartered in East LA, Pan American is California's oldest Latino-owned bank, and seeks to transform and empower Latino communities through banking relationships built on trust, service, respect, communication, and guidance. All casino night proceeds will benefit Cityhood for East LA -- $100 ticket includes gaming chips, light buffet, refreshments, and host bar at Pan American's historic Whittier Boulevard branch. Join us at this fun event, and be a part of making history in East LA!

Buy a ticket at http://www.cityhoodforeastla.org/pan_american_bank_fundraiser.