Gravesite Visit Reveals a Life Cut Short
Knowing how to report a crime helps keep our communities
safe
By Robert Navarro, PsyD | Published on LatinoLA:
January 16, 2013
Anyone who has visited Resurrection Cemetery during the holidays knows how decorated the grounds become during that period. Miniature trees, bright streamers, and family artifacts decorate many of the graves. Of course I make my visit to mom and dad, abuela, and my cousin Kathy. It's a special place to visit and it does the heart good.
But there is one grave that carries a dark shadow for me. I never knew this person. This person's gravesite sits just a stone's throw from my parents. It's a simple flat dark grey marker with a name, year of birth and death, and a sentiment from the family. An engraving of a small angel sitting on a cloud
adorns the upper left hand corner. On the upper right is an engraving of the Holy Guardian Angel looking over two children crossing a bridge, an image that many of us are familiar with as children. In the center is a photograph.
I found this grave site quite by accident. I often stroll through the cemetery grounds looking at the multitude of plaques, wondering how life had treated these departed souls. These thoughts soon lead me to think about my own life and how fortunate I've been. I have two children in their twenties, both seemingly very happy. My youngest, a girl, has bought her first home and is engaged to be married in the next year. It wasn't so long ago that we were able to share many happy memories during her school years…her first dance, four years of band, proms, birthdays, college graduation, and her recent
engagement to a great guy.
The cool wind kicks up and I gather my thoughts to the present. This "person" whom I speak of was born just two months before my own daughter. But life ended early for her at the age of 15. Just
two blocks from her own home on a school day she was kidnapped and killed by suspected gang members. And what bothers me are the dances, school activities, proms, birthdays, graduations, and possibly marriage and children that she and her loved ones missed.
As she had done many times before, her brief walk to her friend's home for a ride to school proved fatal that morning. She probably struggled with her abductors and possibly screamed out loud, possibly
alerting witnesses. But no one has come forward and the case remains unsolved. I am not apt to point fingers at possible witnesses as I know there are fears of retaliation. Anonymous reporting to neutral independent third party organizations, such as WeTip, can assist police in investigating possible crimes and suspects. Participation in Neighborhood Watch programs and the reporting of graffiti once it happens helps keep the neighborhood clean. LAPD lists Anonymous Web tips on their website as do most police agencies.
On my travels through neighborhoods in East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights, one can get an idea of how citizens treat their own homes, blocks, and neighborhoods. Some look reasonably well kept despite heavy foot and car traffic. Cross the street into the adjoining neighborhood and one finds disregard for the neighborhood and graffiti which stays untouched for months.
Is it time for an action plan in your block or neighborhood?
Not everyone will care, but caring can start with you.
Adolescent Psychotherapist and filmmaker. Current film project
includes "Gang Indoctrination and Retention: A Guide for Parents of Grade
School Children in the Hispanic Community". English/Spanish.
Find this story online at
latinola.com/story.php?story=11510
Knowing how to report a crime helps keep our communities
safe
By Robert Navarro, PsyD | Published on LatinoLA:
January 16, 2013
Anyone who has visited Resurrection Cemetery during the holidays knows how decorated the grounds become during that period. Miniature trees, bright streamers, and family artifacts decorate many of the graves. Of course I make my visit to mom and dad, abuela, and my cousin Kathy. It's a special place to visit and it does the heart good.
But there is one grave that carries a dark shadow for me. I never knew this person. This person's gravesite sits just a stone's throw from my parents. It's a simple flat dark grey marker with a name, year of birth and death, and a sentiment from the family. An engraving of a small angel sitting on a cloud
adorns the upper left hand corner. On the upper right is an engraving of the Holy Guardian Angel looking over two children crossing a bridge, an image that many of us are familiar with as children. In the center is a photograph.
I found this grave site quite by accident. I often stroll through the cemetery grounds looking at the multitude of plaques, wondering how life had treated these departed souls. These thoughts soon lead me to think about my own life and how fortunate I've been. I have two children in their twenties, both seemingly very happy. My youngest, a girl, has bought her first home and is engaged to be married in the next year. It wasn't so long ago that we were able to share many happy memories during her school years…her first dance, four years of band, proms, birthdays, college graduation, and her recent
engagement to a great guy.
The cool wind kicks up and I gather my thoughts to the present. This "person" whom I speak of was born just two months before my own daughter. But life ended early for her at the age of 15. Just
two blocks from her own home on a school day she was kidnapped and killed by suspected gang members. And what bothers me are the dances, school activities, proms, birthdays, graduations, and possibly marriage and children that she and her loved ones missed.
As she had done many times before, her brief walk to her friend's home for a ride to school proved fatal that morning. She probably struggled with her abductors and possibly screamed out loud, possibly
alerting witnesses. But no one has come forward and the case remains unsolved. I am not apt to point fingers at possible witnesses as I know there are fears of retaliation. Anonymous reporting to neutral independent third party organizations, such as WeTip, can assist police in investigating possible crimes and suspects. Participation in Neighborhood Watch programs and the reporting of graffiti once it happens helps keep the neighborhood clean. LAPD lists Anonymous Web tips on their website as do most police agencies.
On my travels through neighborhoods in East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights, one can get an idea of how citizens treat their own homes, blocks, and neighborhoods. Some look reasonably well kept despite heavy foot and car traffic. Cross the street into the adjoining neighborhood and one finds disregard for the neighborhood and graffiti which stays untouched for months.
Is it time for an action plan in your block or neighborhood?
Not everyone will care, but caring can start with you.
Adolescent Psychotherapist and filmmaker. Current film project
includes "Gang Indoctrination and Retention: A Guide for Parents of Grade
School Children in the Hispanic Community". English/Spanish.
Find this story online at
latinola.com/story.php?story=11510
Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D.
2013
Coachella Valley, CA
2013
Coachella Valley, CA
Job Opening: National Latino Leader
Recent survey reveals most Latinos do not recognize
national Latino leadership. Who's your candidate?
By Robert Navarro, PsyD
Published on LatinoLA: January 23,
2013
A report by the Pew Hispanic Center (November 2010) titled "National Latino
Leader: The Job is Open" revealed some not so surprising results. When Latinos
were asked "who is the most important Latino leader in the country today,"
nearly 64% of them responded "don't know." Another 10% said "no one." The top
place finisher from Hispanic respondents was Sonia Sotomayor at 7%.
Most of my growing up was in Pico Rivera during the 1960's and 70's.
Hispanics were not well thought of but we certainly boasted about our Hispanic
"heroes". Labor Leader Cesar Chavez was a household name and considered to be
the most famous Hispanic Leader of all time. The vision and stories of the
revolutionist Ernest "Che" Guevara made his face probably the most recognizable
Hispanic in the world. Che was a medical doctor, prolific writer, military
strategist, and fighter against poverty and oppression.
And locally,
Congressman Edward Roybal was the spokesperson for minority groups in Los
Angeles and recognized leader of Eastside minority groups. And who can forget
the March 1968 student walkout in East Los Angeles to protest academic prejudice
and dire school conditions which sparked new activism by Sal Castro and
others.
Hispanics are the nation's largest minority group constituting
more than 15% of the U.S. population. Research by Lopez, Moran, and Taylor
(2010) found that 61% of Hispanics felt that discrimination was a major problem
that prevents members of the Hispanic Community from succeeding in America. An
easily identifiable leader in the national forum would help rally Hispanics
towards an "ethnic unification."
Effective Hispanic leadership helps the
average Hispanic understand their participation and belongingness as part of
the American experience which rightfully belongs to them. Do you know of an up
and coming Hispanic star in the national arena? I'd love to hear your
suggestions.
Enter your suggestions in the Comment section
below!
About Robert Navarro, PsyD Adolescent Psychotherapist and filmmaker.
Current film project includes "Gang Indoctrination and Retention: A Guide for
Parents of Grade School Children in the Hispanic Community". Dr. Navarro also
runs a grade school bully program.
Recent survey reveals most Latinos do not recognize
national Latino leadership. Who's your candidate?
By Robert Navarro, PsyD
Published on LatinoLA: January 23,
2013
A report by the Pew Hispanic Center (November 2010) titled "National Latino
Leader: The Job is Open" revealed some not so surprising results. When Latinos
were asked "who is the most important Latino leader in the country today,"
nearly 64% of them responded "don't know." Another 10% said "no one." The top
place finisher from Hispanic respondents was Sonia Sotomayor at 7%.
Most of my growing up was in Pico Rivera during the 1960's and 70's.
Hispanics were not well thought of but we certainly boasted about our Hispanic
"heroes". Labor Leader Cesar Chavez was a household name and considered to be
the most famous Hispanic Leader of all time. The vision and stories of the
revolutionist Ernest "Che" Guevara made his face probably the most recognizable
Hispanic in the world. Che was a medical doctor, prolific writer, military
strategist, and fighter against poverty and oppression.
And locally,
Congressman Edward Roybal was the spokesperson for minority groups in Los
Angeles and recognized leader of Eastside minority groups. And who can forget
the March 1968 student walkout in East Los Angeles to protest academic prejudice
and dire school conditions which sparked new activism by Sal Castro and
others.
Hispanics are the nation's largest minority group constituting
more than 15% of the U.S. population. Research by Lopez, Moran, and Taylor
(2010) found that 61% of Hispanics felt that discrimination was a major problem
that prevents members of the Hispanic Community from succeeding in America. An
easily identifiable leader in the national forum would help rally Hispanics
towards an "ethnic unification."
Effective Hispanic leadership helps the
average Hispanic understand their participation and belongingness as part of
the American experience which rightfully belongs to them. Do you know of an up
and coming Hispanic star in the national arena? I'd love to hear your
suggestions.
Enter your suggestions in the Comment section
below!
About Robert Navarro, PsyD Adolescent Psychotherapist and filmmaker.
Current film project includes "Gang Indoctrination and Retention: A Guide for
Parents of Grade School Children in the Hispanic Community". Dr. Navarro also
runs a grade school bully program.
Community reviews potential redevelopment plans for LAC+USC Medical Center siteBy Gus Ugalde on February 4, 2013 Potential redevelopment plans for the 90-acre site of the historic General Hospital were presented last week at an open house event intended to gather community input.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works invited residents and stakeholders of Boyle Heights and surrounding communities to participate the interactive meeting to express their opinions and ideas about four “land use” options for the LAC + USC Medical Center.
Community members were presented with four options for the historic General Hospital site. Photo by Gus Ugalde
Plans include the Path & Place, Central Green, Urban Cross Axis and Green Ribbon plans, each uniquely designed to guide the redevelopment of the site into a more community-friendly facility.
Input by residents, community leaders, local businesses and organizations from a series of community meetings held in Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno and Chinatown in 2012 was factored into the redevelopment options.
Each plan promises to bring community members improved access to hospital facilities, open spaces, walking paths, improved landscaping, education and job training programs and construction-related jobs.
The Path & Place, Urban Cross Axis and Green Ribbon Plans will provide community members a network of pedestrian paths throughout the hospital facility that will lead to the USC campus.
The Central Green plan will establish a central park area bisecting the complex in a north/south axis and was the only option that did not provide direct access to the USC campus.
Watch a video recap of the open house by Discoverela
After a brief PowerPoint presentation outlining the four plans by L.A. County consultant firm Lee, Burkhart and Liu, Inc., residents were given the opportunity to ask detailed questions at four stations throughout the conference room.
Participants were encouraged to fill in master plan scorecards situated at each station to put their opinions and concerns in writing.
Each scorecard asked participants to rate gathering spaces, health-related spaces, ease of access, preservation of the hospital’s historic legacy and linkage to the surrounding communities on each individual plan.
There was no clear-cut plan preferred by community members as participants gravitated to each station in equal numbers, but some residents did give their input on the proceedings.
Former Boyle Heights resident and current pediatrics nurse at the center, Irma Covarrubias preferred the layout of the Central Green plan.
“It looks like a little park where students and parents can just rest,” said Covarrubias.
She added that parents who bring their children to the hospital spend hours inside the facility and having a place they can go play and rest afterward would serve the community well.
Victoria Ortega, a 33-year resident of Boyle Heights, was glad to be able to participate in these meetings.
“The master plan will have a direct impact in Boyle Heights and it is important that there be community input for something that will permanently change the landscape of our community,” said Ortega.
The master plan is in its beginning stages and the four plans are just a starting point, according to the event’s moderator Sam Gennawey, who said the final land use plan could result from a combination of two or more plans.
A community workshop will be held spring 2013 to present the final proposed Master Plan.
Click here to see the four potential plans presented.
For more information about the LAC+USC Medical Center Master Plan, contact Clarice Nash, Project Manager, County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, at 626-300-2363 or [email protected], or visit the project website at http://lacusc.lblarch.com.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works invited residents and stakeholders of Boyle Heights and surrounding communities to participate the interactive meeting to express their opinions and ideas about four “land use” options for the LAC + USC Medical Center.
Community members were presented with four options for the historic General Hospital site. Photo by Gus Ugalde
Plans include the Path & Place, Central Green, Urban Cross Axis and Green Ribbon plans, each uniquely designed to guide the redevelopment of the site into a more community-friendly facility.
Input by residents, community leaders, local businesses and organizations from a series of community meetings held in Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno and Chinatown in 2012 was factored into the redevelopment options.
Each plan promises to bring community members improved access to hospital facilities, open spaces, walking paths, improved landscaping, education and job training programs and construction-related jobs.
The Path & Place, Urban Cross Axis and Green Ribbon Plans will provide community members a network of pedestrian paths throughout the hospital facility that will lead to the USC campus.
The Central Green plan will establish a central park area bisecting the complex in a north/south axis and was the only option that did not provide direct access to the USC campus.
Watch a video recap of the open house by Discoverela
After a brief PowerPoint presentation outlining the four plans by L.A. County consultant firm Lee, Burkhart and Liu, Inc., residents were given the opportunity to ask detailed questions at four stations throughout the conference room.
Participants were encouraged to fill in master plan scorecards situated at each station to put their opinions and concerns in writing.
Each scorecard asked participants to rate gathering spaces, health-related spaces, ease of access, preservation of the hospital’s historic legacy and linkage to the surrounding communities on each individual plan.
There was no clear-cut plan preferred by community members as participants gravitated to each station in equal numbers, but some residents did give their input on the proceedings.
Former Boyle Heights resident and current pediatrics nurse at the center, Irma Covarrubias preferred the layout of the Central Green plan.
“It looks like a little park where students and parents can just rest,” said Covarrubias.
She added that parents who bring their children to the hospital spend hours inside the facility and having a place they can go play and rest afterward would serve the community well.
Victoria Ortega, a 33-year resident of Boyle Heights, was glad to be able to participate in these meetings.
“The master plan will have a direct impact in Boyle Heights and it is important that there be community input for something that will permanently change the landscape of our community,” said Ortega.
The master plan is in its beginning stages and the four plans are just a starting point, according to the event’s moderator Sam Gennawey, who said the final land use plan could result from a combination of two or more plans.
A community workshop will be held spring 2013 to present the final proposed Master Plan.
Click here to see the four potential plans presented.
For more information about the LAC+USC Medical Center Master Plan, contact Clarice Nash, Project Manager, County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, at 626-300-2363 or [email protected], or visit the project website at http://lacusc.lblarch.com.