CoCo In the News

OUR HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2021

At Jesse Owens Park, Corey Matthews, the chief operating officer of Community Coalition, said the group had managed to book vaccination appointments for more than 1,200 people, mostly from South L.A., in less than two days. That’s a real feat in a county where residents of wealthy neighborhoods have higher vaccination rates than those in poor neighborhoods of Black and Latino essential workers who have been hit hard by COVID-19.

LA Times, March 6, 2021. California’s vaccine distribution has been chaotic. It could get worse with Blue Shield 

Marsha Mitchell, communications director for the Community Coalition, an organization that works to “transform the social and economic conditions in South L.A.,” called for funding community intervention workers, investing in programming for young people and giving neighbors a seat at the decision-making table.

LA Patch, March 4, 2021. ‘Shots Fired,’ LA’s Other Emerging Epidemic

“People are dying and we’re concerned about whether we can eat dinner inside,” said Leslie Cooper Johnson, the vice president of organizational development for the South L.A. organization Community Coalition. “It feels like economic interests are being prioritized, and it’s really impacting our communities in devastating ways.”

Capital & Main, February 25, 2021. Missteps in L.A.’s Pandemic Response Left Disadvantaged Communities Behind

Alberto Retana, who heads the South L.A. nonprofit Community Coalition, said the city has failed to make a real investment to address anti-Black racism and questioned Garcetti’s statement that he had fulfilled his pledge. “It looks like to me that they’re trying to rationalize an investment,” Retana said.

LA Times, February 22, 2021. Garcetti pledged $250 million to communities of color. Did he deliver?

Although the tactic was officially banned under the Fair Housing Act of 1968, disparities persist; activists now call it food apartheid, a term that gained traction in 2008 when the Community Coalition of South Los Angeles campaigned to slow down the proliferation of fast-food franchises in low-income neighborhoods.

New York Times Magazine, February 19, 2021. The Activists Working to Remake the Food System

  • The Community Coalition, which seeks to transform social and economic conditions in South L.A., released a statement decrying the reinstatement of investigative stops.
  • “It’s been tried and it’s still truly ineffective, in addition to being an entryway to the harassment, abuse and murder of Black and Brown people in communities like South Los Angeles,” the statement reads. “It is extremely disappointing and infuriating to see the LAPD surreptitiously return to this criminalizing strategy of ‘investigative’ vehicle stops that’s been proven with concrete data time and again as largely ineffective and harmful to residents who’re pulled over under the guise of ‘reasonable suspicion.’”
  • The coalition maintains that the only way to address the increase in violence is to fund community intervention workers who have the trust of the community.

LA Daily News via City News Service, February 17, 2021. 300+ homicides: Council presses LAPD on ‘dramatic’ rise in violent crime

“I cannot wait to begin,” Wesson said at the beginning of a committee meeting. “Because I truly believe… that we’re going to send a message throughout this country.”

That urgency, Leslie Cooper, Vice President of Organizational Development at Community Coalition told WitnessLA, appears to have evaporated.

Witness LA, February 8, 2021. LA City Council Sitting On Motions To Reimagine Public Safety, Community Groups Say

“It came to a point to where, every time my phone would vibrate — it’s almost like conditioning: Oh Lord, what has Trump done now?” said Corey Matthews, Chief Operating Officer of Community Coalition in South L.A. Reflecting on the end of the Trump presidency, Matthews said Black and Brown communities in L.A. experienced collective trauma over the past four years — from the effects of racist rhetoric, punitive immigration policies, and the fear brought on by a scattershot COVID-19 strategy and the accompanying economic uncertainty.

“I think I was able to finally breathe today,” Matthews said.” And I hadn’t realized how much I had been holding my breath.”

LAist, January 21, 2021. With Trump’s Exit, Angelenos Breathe A Sigh of Relief — And Prepare To Hold Biden Accountable

Lee has a master’s degree in social welfare from UCLA and is a doctoral candidate at USC. He served in the Air Force and California Air National Guard, was an organizer for the South Los Angeles-based social justice organization Community Coalition and an environmental justice fellow at the social justice foundation the Liberty Hill Foundation.

My NewsLA, January 1, 2021. Filing Period Begins Monday for State Senate Special Election

OUR HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2020

At Crenshaw high school in south Los Angeles, Kamarie Brown, 17, said that as school president and the student representative on the district’s board of education, she had been fielding messages all year from peers who have been struggling to cope.

The Guardian, December 29, 2020. How California went from a leader in the Covid fight to a state in despair

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) continues to respond to the COVID-19 emergency with essential services and donations for the most vulnerable Angelenos throughout the holiday season. Longtime Dodger partner Chef Barbara Batiste helped LADF provide 7,500 meals to the Boys and Girls Club of Metro LA, Boys and Girls Club Ramona Gardens, A Place Called Home and Community Coalition.

Dodger Insider, December 23, 2020. The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation offers holiday support

This past week, Alberto Retana, the chief executive of Community Coalition, a South Los Angeles-based group that Ms. Bass started in the wake of the crack epidemic in the early 1990s, organized a petition that was delivered to Mr. Newsom on Friday. “As Latinx community leaders, we must lead with our values, not with our demography,” the group wrote in the letter. “It is imperative to a multiracial democracy that we center this decision on advancing racial, gender and social justice. This will be accomplished by appointing a progressive Black woman.”

New York Times, December 19, 2020. Who Will Replace Kamala Harris? It’s About More Than a Senate Seat

During her career she has been a strong advocate of child welfare and reforming the American foster care system. And prior to becoming a Congresswoman, Bass was active in her Los Angeles community in the 90’s. Through her organization, Community Coalition, she worked to curb the drug and violence epidemics that plagued the city.

BET.Com, December 17, 2020. OPINION | Do We Really Need Yet Another Man In The Senate? 

Meet Guadalupe Romero. He is not a famous actor, nor is he a social media influencer with notability equivalent to remembering what you had for dinner last Wednesday. No. Lupe Romero is a man of substance, humility, grit, and kindness. And he best puts this forward through his work as Lead Driver for CoCo.

LA Taco, December 14, 2020. A Ride Along With a Delivery Driver Who Delivers Essential Items To South Central’s Most Marginalized Communities

We have an opportunity to continue a legacy of transformation with Karen Bass. Whether through inclusive grassroots organizing and coalition building as a founder of South LA’s Community Coalition, which has flourished in its 30 years of operation because of her leadership and governing principles: to listen to the people most affected by a problem and implement solutions that dismantle the problem at its root led by the community.

L.A. Sentinel Newspaper, December 10, 2020. The Case for Karen Bass

Brotherhood Crusade, along with Inner City Struggle and Community Coalition, has pulled together to address the magnified economic and social disparities that exist in South and East Los Angeles. LADF invested $10,000 in Brotherhood Crusade to provide internet access and technology hardware for 5,000 low-income families in South and East Los Angele

Dodger Insider, December 8, 2020. LADF addresses the digital divide in Los Angeles

“The legacy of racist health inequities, zoning discrimination, racist land use policies and lobbying from alcohol and tobacco companies have created an environment with social health determinants that has put South L.A.’s health and immune system at a great disadvantage during COVID-19,” says Carlos Leon, a Community Organizer with CoCo. “We applaud Mrs. Yang’s willingness to become a business that contributes to a better quality of life for South Los Angeles residents and endeavors to keep the community safe.”

KCET, December 8, 2020. Liquor Stores, Dispensaries and Smoke Shops: Our Neighborhood Is Killing Us

On Tuesday evening Westbrook’s WhyNot Foundation partnered with the National Basketball Players Association Foundation, the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, and PolicyLink to conduct a virtual educational forum that was aimed towards inspiring the youth who are fighting for racial justice in Los Angeles. The forum featured community leaders from the Youth Justice Coalition and Community Coalition, who provided intel on pivotal ballot measures affecting youths in Los Angeles and across California state-wide.

On Tuesday evening Westbrook’s WhyNot Foundation partnered with the National Basketball Players Association Foundation, the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, and PolicyLink to conduct a virtual educational forum that was aimed towards inspiring the youth who are fighting for racial justice in Los Angeles. The forum featured community leaders from the Youth Justice Coalition and Community Coalition, who provided intel on pivotal ballot measures affecting youths in Los Angeles and across California state-wide.

Fansided, October 21, 2020. Rockets’ Russell Westbrook hosts voting event for LA youths

Los Angeles Community groups reflect on the proposition, which would generate revenue for school systems and local government through a change in commercial and industrial property tax assessments.

Community Coalition wrote that they see the proposition as a means of improving education inequity and ensuring that more public school students can utilize their education to escape poverty.

USC Annenberg Media, October 21, 2020. The Intersection Between Proposition 15 and Impacted Communities

In South Central Los Angeles, now-Congresswoman Karen Bass and Chicana civil rights activist Sylvia Castillo developed a youth program, South Central Youth Empowered thru Action (SCYEA), as part of the Community Coalition.  With support from community leaders and movement giants like Cheryl Grills, Denise Fairchild, Mary Lee, Bob Wing and the late Tom Hayden, SCYEA started intentionally organizing young people in 1994 to address social conditions that provoked interracial violence between Black and Latinx youth.

In South Central Los Angeles, now-Congresswoman Karen Bass and Chicana civil rights activist Sylvia Castillo developed a youth program, South Central Youth Empowered thru Action (SCYEA), as part of the Community Coalition.  With support from community leaders and movement giants like Cheryl Grills, Denise Fairchild, Mary Lee, Bob Wing and the late Tom Hayden, SCYEA started intentionally organizing young people in 1994 to address social conditions that provoked interracial violence between Black and Latinx youth.

KCET, October 21, 2020. On the Shoulders of Giants: The Lineage and Growth of California’s Intergenerational, Multiracial Youth Movement

The two Americas that Dr. King spoke of over 50 years ago still exist and the COVID-19 crisis has made the divide even greater … Alberto Retana is President of Community Coalition. Austin Beutner is Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Charisse Bremond-Weaver is President of the Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade.

The two Americas that Dr. King spoke of over 50 years ago still exist and the COVID-19 crisis has made the divide even greater … Alberto Retana is President of Community Coalition. Austin Beutner is Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Charisse Bremond-Weaver is President of the Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade.

Los Angeles Daily News OpEd, October 7, 2020. Proposition 15 is necessary to boost school funding

Alternatives to police will only succeed if properly funded and available in every neighborhood

“Alternatives to police will only succeed if properly funded and available in every neighborhood,” said Pastor Byron Smith with Community Coalition. He added during public comment he’s concerned about a “slow-walked” piloting process. “When police are called to a mental health crisis, they are operating outside of their scope of practice.”

LAist, October 2, 2020. Another Step In LA’s Vow To Reduce How Often Armed Officers Respond To Non-Violent 911 Calls

Police must be removed from mental health responses. Because they’re operating outside of their scope of practice.

Pastor Byron Smith with Community Coalition called in to the special meeting to voice support:“ Police must be removed from mental health responses. Because they’re operating outside of their scope of practice.”

LAist, October 2, 2020. City Council Committee Backs Pilot Program For Unarmed Crisis Response

On Oct. 1, NBC4 Anchor Colleen Williams hosted NBC4's virtual community forum to discuss the voting process for this year's general election on November 3, 2020. The discussion covered important dates and deadlines to be aware of; details on how, when and where to vote; and viewers had the opportunity to ask questions during the livestream. Williams was joined by Marilú Guevara, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles; Dean Logan, who oversees the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk; and Marsha Mitchell, Director of Communications at Community Coalition based in South Los Angeles.

On Oct. 1, NBC4 Anchor Colleen Williams hosted NBC4’s virtual community forum to discuss the voting process for this year’s general election on November 3, 2020. The discussion covered important dates and deadlines to be aware of; details on how, when and where to vote; and viewers had the opportunity to ask questions during the livestream. Williams was joined by Marilú Guevara, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Los AngelesDean Logan, who oversees the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk; and Marsha Mitchell, Director of Communications at Community Coalition based in South Los Angeles.

NBC, October 1, 2020. NBC4’s Virtual Community Forum ‘Your Vote Counts’ 

The breakdown in trust occurred long before this year, said Patricia Guerra (no relation), director of organizing at the Community Coalition. For years, she's worried whenever her brothers come see her.

The breakdown in trust occurred long before this year, said Patricia Guerra (no relation), director of organizing at the Community Coalition. For years, she’s worried whenever her brothers come see her.

“This is a systemic issue that needs to be addressed. It’s beyond, like, the individual police officer,” Patricia Guerra said. That’s why many activists call for defunding the police — or at least shifting large amounts of money from law enforcement to social and other services to help homeless and mentally ill people (who are often arrested for quality of life crimes or behavior considered anti-social).

LAist, October 1, 2020. ‘I’ve Never Seen This Before’: Police-Community Relations Are At A Low Point

Who put Prop. 15 on the ballot? Schools and Communities First, a coalition of social justice, faith-based organizations and labor organizations, including Inner City Struggle and the Community Coalition in Los Angeles, the League of Women Voters, Service Employees International Union and the California Teachers Association, which put up the most money to gather signatures.

Who put Prop. 15 on the ballotSchools and Communities First, a coalition of social justice, faith-based organizations and labor organizations, including Inner City Struggle and the Community Coalition in Los Angeles, the League of Women Voters, Service Employees International Union and the California Teachers Association, which put up the most money to gather signatures.

EdSource, September 30, 2020. Quick Guide: Proposition 15, the proposed ’split-roll’ tax on commercial property

Organizations supported by CFBMoCinclude: Arts for Incarcerated Youth Network, Anti-Recidivism Coalition, Brotherhood Crusade, Brothers, Sons, Selves Coalition, Children's Defense Fund-CA, Community Coalition … Together with LADF, the players will continue to participate in listening sessions with the community leaders of local grassroots social justice organizations to learn more about their work and impact. Players will also use their social media platforms as part of LADF’s #AmplifyingVoices campaign to showcase nonprofits and elevate their efforts.
Organizations supported by CFBMoCinclude: Arts for Incarcerated Youth Network, Anti-Recidivism Coalition, Brotherhood Crusade, Brothers, Sons, Selves Coalition, Children’s Defense Fund-CA, Community Coalition … Together with LADF, the players will continue to participate in listening sessions with the community leaders of local grassroots social justice organizations to learn more about their work and impact. Players will also use their social media platforms as part of LADF’s #AmplifyingVoices campaign to showcase nonprofits and elevate their efforts.

MLB.com, September 28, 2020. Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Ellen and Clayton Kershaw award over $300K

The University of California system can no longer use ACT and SAT tests as a determinant for admissions, a superior court judge has ruled, handing a victory to students with disabilities. The plaintiffs in Kawika Smith v. Regents of the University of California are five individual students and six organizations: College Access Plan, Little Manila Rising, Dolores Huerta Foundation, College Seekers, Chinese for Affirmative Action, and Community Coalition.

The University of California system can no longer use ACT and SAT tests as a determinant for admissions, a superior court judge has ruled, handing a victory to students with disabilities.

The plaintiffs in Kawika Smith v. Regents of the University of California are five individual students and six organizations: College Access Plan, Little Manila Rising, Dolores Huerta Foundation, College Seekers, Chinese for Affirmative Action, and Community Coalition.

CBS 2 / KCal 9 News, September 2, 2020. University Of California No Longer Able To Use SAT, ACT Scores In Admissions, Judge Rules 

The lawsuit was brought by several high school students and nonprofits, including Community Coalition, Dolores Huerta Foundation, College Seekers, Chinese for Affirmative Action, College Access and Little Manila Rising. One plaintiff, identified only as Gary W., was described in the ruling as a recent high school graduate with learning disabilities who had completed all UC admission prerequisites (which include several college-prep courses).

The lawsuit was brought by several high school students and nonprofits, including Community Coalition, Dolores Huerta Foundation, College Seekers, Chinese for Affirmative Action, College Access and Little Manila Rising. One plaintiff, identified only as Gary W., was described in the ruling as a recent high school graduate with learning disabilities who had completed all UC admission prerequisites (which include several college-prep courses). But the student faced what the ruling called “formidable barriers” to taking the SAT and ultimately could not do so, prompting his decision to not apply for UC admission this year.

Los Angeles Times, September 1, 2020. UC must immediately drop use of the SAT and ACT for admissions and scholarships, judge rules

EntrepreneurFest provided entrepreneurs a virtual space to showcase their products and feature inspirational speakers, a spoken word poet, engaging conversations on black and brown unity, and voter suppression. ABC7 Eyewitness News reporter, Anabel Munoz, was the EntrepreneurFest emcee, and interviewed Aurea Montes-Rodriguez, Executive VP of the Community Coalition on the timely topic of racial and social justice, and black and brown unity.

EntrepreneurFest provided entrepreneurs a virtual space to showcase their products and feature inspirational speakers, a spoken word poet, engaging conversations on black and brown unity, and voter suppression. ABC7 Eyewitness News reporter, Anabel Munoz, was the EntrepreneurFest emcee, and interviewed Aurea Montes-Rodriguez, Executive VP of the Community Coalition on the timely topic of racial and social justice, and black and brown unity.

KABC News, August 22, 2020. EntrepreneurFest presented by LATINAFest: A virtual event in celebration of Latina entrepreneurs

With group events and public gatherings currently on hold, it’s more important than ever to find new ways to stay connected.

With group events and public gatherings currently on hold, it’s more important than ever to find new ways to stay connected. Metro began a series of “Community Conversations,” which are online meetings hosted by community leaders to help us learn the histories, art, activism and cultural assets of the neighborhoods that shape Los Angeles County. Corey Matthews featured.

Metro The Source, August 15, 2020. Community Conversations: Stories from Our South LA to be held Aug. 25

Bass graduated from the USC Keck School of Medicine Physician Assistant program and then went on to receive a bachelor of science degree in health sciences from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Her time in the medical field saw her confronting the crack cocaine epidemic in Southern California in the 1980s, eventually leading to the founding of Community Coalition, an organization aimed to transform the socio-economic and policy landscape of South LA to combat crime, violence, and addiction.

Bass graduated from the USC Keck School of Medicine Physician Assistant program and then went on to receive a bachelor of science degree in health sciences from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Her time in the medical field saw her confronting the crack cocaine epidemic in Southern California in the 1980s, eventually leading to the founding of Community Coalition, an organization aimed to transform the socio-economic and policy landscape of South LA to combat crime, violence, and addiction.

The Argonaut, August 11 2020. A VP IN THE MAKING?

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times, citing a decade-old financial disclosure form, reported that Bass got a considerable boost to her income in 2010 by collecting consulting fees from a nonprofit that she founded, in 1990, before entering government. The group, called Community Coalition, had previously received donations from her state assembly campaign committee. Bass denied any suggestion of wrongdoing and told the paper that her consulting income, though paid by the Community Coalition, had been tied to outside grants and not contributions from her own campaign coffers.

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times, citing a decade-old financial disclosure form, reported that Bass got a considerable boost to her income in 2010 by collecting consulting fees from a nonprofit that she founded, in 1990, before entering government. The group, called Community Coalition, had previously received donations from her state assembly campaign committee.

Bass denied any suggestion of wrongdoing and told the paper that her consulting income, though paid by the Community Coalition, had been tied to outside grants and not contributions from her own campaign coffers.

CNN, August 7, 2020. Karen Bass faces searing scrutiny as she emerges as potential Biden VP pick

The protests point to the need for change, and institutions are listening, but how far are we truly willing to go to change? Art has to be more radical. Alberto Retana, president and chief executive officer of Community Coalition, a non profit organization in South Los Angeles, asks. 

The protests point to the need for change, and institutions are listening, but how far are we truly willing to go to change? Art has to be more radical. Alberto Retana, president and chief executive officer of Community Coalition, a non profit organization in South Los Angeles, asks. 

Los Angeles Daily News, August 5, 2020. Are We Willing to Confront Racism Head On?

Bass witnessed the community devastation wrought by the crack cocaine epidemic firsthand as a physician’s assistant in the late 1980s and co-founded the social justice organization Community Coalition in 1990. As she told an interviewer a decade ago, she came up in the political trenches protesting with a generation of activists who are now firmly ensconced in the California political establishment, including former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo.

Bass witnessed the community devastation wrought by the crack cocaine epidemic firsthand as a physician’s assistant in the late 1980s and co-founded the social justice organization Community Coalition in 1990. As she told an interviewer a decade ago, she came up in the political trenches protesting with a generation of activists who are now firmly ensconced in the California political establishment, including former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo.

Los Angeles Times, August 5, 2020. What You Need to Know About Karen Bass

While elected officials were beginning to enact harsh legal punishments, Ms. Bass viewed addiction as a public health crisis — hardly a popular view at the time. In meetings in living rooms and community centers, Ms. Bass argued that there were responses to the epidemic other than the aggressive policing that was widespread in Los Angeles, such as curbing the number of liquor stores in the area. The Community Coalition would become one of the largest and most influential advocacy groups in the city.

While elected officials were beginning to enact harsh legal punishments, Ms. Bass viewed addiction as a public health crisis — hardly a popular view at the time. In meetings in living rooms and community centers, Ms. Bass argued that there were responses to the epidemic other than the aggressive policing that was widespread in Los Angeles, such as curbing the number of liquor stores in the area. The Community Coalition would become one of the largest and most influential advocacy groups in the city.

News York Times, August 5, 2020. From Outsider to Insider: Karen Bass’s Unexpected Journey to Power

A Times review found that between 2008 and 2011, her state Assembly campaign committees gave nearly $100,000 to Community Coalition, the South Los Angeles nonprofit Bass co-founded. In 2010, the Community Coalition paid her $70,500 in consulting fees directly and through one of its contractors, according to interviews and public records.

A Times review found that between 2008 and 2011, her state Assembly campaign committees gave nearly $100,000 to Community Coalition, the South Los Angeles nonprofit Bass co-founded.

In 2010, the Community Coalition paid her $70,500 in consulting fees directly and through one of its contractors, according to interviews and public records.

Los Angeles Times, August 4, 2020. L.A. Rep. Karen Bass surged up Biden’s VP list. Is she ready for the national stage?

By law, Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, would pick an interim U.S. senator to fill out Harris’ term, which expires at the beginning of 2023. Levinson pointed to Bass’s experience in the Assembly and a growing stature on the national scene as key reasons she could be the governor’s pick.

By law, Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, would pick an interim U.S. senator to fill out Harris’ term, which expires at the beginning of 2023. Levinson pointed to Bass’s experience in the Assembly and a growing stature on the national scene as key reasons she could be the governor’s pick. Not just that, but she could be a “transformative” selection — which she said Newsom is keen on making. “There would be a comfort level. She has a great story. She founded the Community Coalition. She was one of the Big 5 (in Sacramento) during the Great Recession. I don’t know that she’s a shoo-in but I think it would be someone Newsom would think about.”

Los Angeles Daily News, August 3, 2020. Bass, Harris on Biden’s ticket? Either way, political effects would ripple in Southern California

Activity in the local art scene is ongoing despite the coronavirus pandemic. Community television station KCET and local arts organization leaders teamed up to bring to our home screens a season of sessions with art makers for the coming months. Alberto Retana featured.

Activity in the local art scene is ongoing despite the coronavirus pandemic. Community television station KCET and local arts organization leaders teamed up to bring to our home screens a season of sessions with art makers for the coming months. Alberto Retana featured.

KCET says of its new program that, “from drive-by art shows to all-girl mariachi bands, our curated performances, thoughtful reports and artist resources are your link to the cultural heartbeat of the city.”

Larchmont Chronicle, July 29, 2020. On-screen local arts and culture

continued closure is sobering, but it is the right decision given the surge of Covid-19 cases and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on communities like South LA

The “continued closure is sobering, but it is the right decision given the surge of Covid-19 cases and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on communities like South LA,” Ms. Montes-Rodriguez said by email.

Marisol Rosales, who is raising four children under 12 years old in a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles, said she wished school would open with strict safety measures. She said many of her friends were afraid to send children to school. But she works from home as a mediation case manager for a program that diverts youth from the criminal-justice system, and said she couldn’t juggle her job well with supervising her children’s school work.

Wall Street Journal, July 13, 2020. California Pulls Back on Reopening Amid Surge in Coronavirus Cases

The $150 million that the Mayor proposed and the council proposed is a good start, but it’s nowhere near where we need to be. It’s too small,” Retana said. “The budget is still over 50 percent of the general fund, and if we consider our budgets to be moral documents, and we're talking about the current consciousness of the country, then we really need to redirect our moral compass and reinvest a lot more of those resources to where we know it needs to go.

“The $150 million that the Mayor proposed and the council proposed is a good start, but it’s nowhere near where we need to be. It’s too small,” Retana said. “The budget is still over 50 percent of the general fund, and if we consider our budgets to be moral documents, and we’re talking about the current consciousness of the country, then we really need to redirect our moral compass and reinvest a lot more of those resources to where we know it needs to go.”

Spectrum News 1, July 6, 2020. People’s Budget LA Allocates 1.64 Percent to Law Enforcement

What are you willing to do, Mayor, to radically implement an alternative vision that we haven’t seen that centers Black lives and aggressively moves resources to those communities most underserved, that aggressively holds police officers accountable, and that aggressively positions Black voices to drive how resources are move throughout our most underserved population?

Alberto Retana, who is president and CEO of Community Coalition, asked, “What are you willing to do, Mayor, to radically implement an alternative vision that we haven’t seen that centers Black lives and aggressively moves resources to those communities most underserved, that aggressively holds police officers accountable, and that aggressively positions Black voices to drive how resources are move throughout our most underserved population?”

“They have four different personalities and learning styles and needs,” Ms. Rosales said. “Moving to a hybrid model or all online is really going to affect the children socially and emotionally.”

Spectrum News 1, July 2, 2020. Mayor of LA Talks Police Misconduct, Achieving Equality, and July 4th

The online forum organized by Community Coalition, Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles, and members of the People's Budget L.A. Coalition elevated voices that have thus far been left out of the conversation around defunding police.

The online forum organized by Community Coalition, Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles, and members of the People’s Budget L.A. Coalition elevated voices that have thus far been left out of the conversation around defunding police.

We’ve been showing up to a lot of the recent city council hearings but we haven’t really had the chance to speak,” said Gilbert Johnson, Lead Justice Organizer at Community Coalition.

Streetsblog LA, July 2, 2020. Black and Brown Residents Speak to Urgency of Deep Systemic Transformation, Offer Insights Regarding Reinvestment

An official with a South Los Angeles nonprofit said it’s no surprise that most parents favor a return to campus.

An official with a South Los Angeles nonprofit said it’s no surprise that most parents favor a return to campus. “They’re really concerned about the fact that their children are not learning during this COVID crisis, and they need a lot of support in helping their children recover and remediate the time that they lost so far,” said Aurea Montes-Rodriguez, executive vice president of Community Coalition.

Los Angeles Times, June 29, 2020. L.A. schools reopening: 20% of parents, 36% of staff are not ready for campuses to open

Bass’ assets: Everyone likes her. She’s comfortable to be around and is able to deal with Republicans. She doesn’t make enemies. She’s smart, energetic and successful at achieving goals — such as shepherding a sweeping police reform bill through the House last week and attaining major reforms in foster children programs a decade ago as speaker of the California Assembly.

Bass’ assets: Everyone likes her. She’s comfortable to be around and is able to deal with Republicans. She doesn’t make enemies. She’s smart, energetic and successful at achieving goals — such as shepherding a sweeping police reform bill through the House last week and attaining major reforms in foster children programs a decade ago as speaker of the California Assembly.

As a physician assistant in the 1980s, Bass was motivated by L.A.’s crack epidemic to create the nonprofit Community Coalition, which worked to replace liquor stores with more wholesome enterprises and to attract additional money for low-performing schools.

Los Angeles Times, June 29, 2020. She’s the first­ Black woman in the U.S. to lead a legislative house. Will Karen Bass soon be VP?

A native of Los Angeles, she founded the Community Coalition in the late 1980s to fight the proliferation of liquor stores in South Los Angeles.

A native of Los Angeles, she founded the Community Coalition in the late 1980s to fight the proliferation of liquor stores in South Los Angeles.

In 2004 she was elected to the state Assembly. Four years later she became the first African-American woman to serve as Assembly speaker.

Wave Newspaper, June 26, 2020. Rep. Karen Bass Makes Biden’s List As Potential VP Candidate

A New Way of Life, the Los Angeles Black Worker Center, Community Coalition, the Los Angeles Community Action Network (LA-CAN) and the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles will receive funding to support their programs under the latest round of grants, according to the United Way.

A New Way of Life, the Los Angeles Black Worker Center, Community Coalition, the Los Angeles Community Action Network (LA-CAN) and the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles will receive funding to support their programs under the latest round of grants, according to the United Way.

Los Angeles Daily News, June 18, 2020. Relief fund raises more than $16 million for groups that serve Black community. 

(CoCo Member) Thomas Prichard was released from prison last year after serving a six-year sentence for burglary. He has been incarcerated off and on since a childhood stint in juvenile hall.

(CoCo Member) Thomas Prichard was released from prison last year after serving a six-year sentence for burglary. He has been incarcerated off and on since a childhood stint in juvenile hall.

After the coronavirus struck, Prichard lost work on a political campaign, and his hours were cut in a program that puts parolees to work for CalTrans. He said staying out of trouble can be hard when steady work isn’t available. 

LAist, June 16, 2020. Unemployment Is Hitting LA’s Black Neighborhoods Hard

Miguel Dominguez, de la organización Community Coalition de Los Ángeles, afirma que la eliminación de esta proposición ayudaría a que los hispanos y afroestadounidenses tengan más oportunidades en trabajos y universidades.

Miguel Dominguez, de la organización Community Coalition de Los Ángeles, afirma que la eliminación de esta proposición ayudaría a que los hispanos y afroestadounidenses tengan más oportunidades en trabajos y universidades.

Univision, June 14, 2020. La Proposición 209 se perfila como una de las grandes batallas electorales en California

Too many parents have shared the frustration of Kusema Thomas (CoCo member/parent), the father of a fifth-grader at 232nd Place Elementary School in Carson, part of Los Angeles Unified. His son didn’t receive a laptop until the fourth week of instruction. He received live instruction for an hour a day and found it hard to ask questions on Zoom with students forgetting to mute their mics.

Too many parents have shared the frustration of Kusema Thomas (CoCo member/parent), the father of a fifth-grader at 232nd Place Elementary School in Carson, part of Los Angeles Unified. His son didn’t receive a laptop until the fourth week of instruction. He received live instruction for an hour a day and found it hard to ask questions on Zoom with students forgetting to mute their mics.

EdSource, June 11, 2020. More explicit guidance for distance learning sparks debate in Legislature

Although the mayor, the police commission, and the city council made some opening concessions last Wednesday, according to the Community Coalition’s Alberto Retana, and the Brotherhood Crusade’s Charisse Bremond,  the alliance and its allies do not intend to leave the field of battle until the rest of their demands are met.

Although the mayor, the police commission, and the city council made some opening concessions last Wednesday, according to the Community Coalition’s Alberto Retana, and the Brotherhood Crusade’s Charisse Bremond,  the alliance and its allies do not intend to leave the field of battle until the rest of their demands are met.

“We asked for $250 million to be cut from the police budget,” Bremond told us, “mainly because we don’t want that additional $100 million that we need” — and that the mayor has promised — “to be cut from other city departments when the LAPD has 54 percent of the budget for this city.”

Witness LA, June 10, 2020. As Demonstrations Continue In Los Angeles, Leaders Of LA’s Coalition Of Community Groups Describe Their Next Set Of Demands For Mayor Garcetti 

Aurea Montes-Rodríguez, vicepresidenta de la organización, aseguró que los asesinatos de George Floyd y de Sean Monterrosa revelan que los afroestadounidenses y los hispanos deben unirse para combatir la injusticia.

Aurea Montes-Rodríguez, vicepresidenta de la organización, aseguró que los asesinatos de George Floyd y de Sean Monterrosa revelan que los afroestadounidenses y los hispanos deben unirse para combatir la injusticia.

Univision, June 9, 2020. La lucha de Black Lives Matter beneficia a los hispanos, afirma vicepresidenta de Community Coalition

Community Coalition is an organization founded by Congresswoman Karen Bass 30 years ago in response to the crack epidemic. And for 30 years we've been organizing every day, residents from South Los Angeles, African-American, Latino, folks in our community that have been living in a neighborhood that's been chronically dis-invested in for many years," said Retana.

Community Coalition is an organization founded by Congresswoman Karen Bass 30 years ago in response to the crack epidemic. And for 30 years we’ve been organizing every day, residents from South Los Angeles, African-American, Latino, folks in our community that have been living in a neighborhood that’s been chronically dis-invested in for many years,” said Retana.

ABC 7, June 9, 2020. South LA’s Community Coalition works to enact social justice amid Black Lives Matter movement

Bruce Patton was born in South Los Angeles in 1952 — when the area was known as South Central, the name he still prefers — and has lived there his whole life.

Bruce Patton was born in South Los Angeles in 1952 — when the area was known as South Central, the name he still prefers — and has lived there his whole life.

Gilbert: But when it comes to policing, he calls himself an abolitionist — as in, abolish the police. “I’ve talked to hundreds and hundreds of people across South LA, and they do not want more law enforcement,” he says. He supports alternatives such as gang intervention, mental health services and neighborhood watches where community members “could be first responders.”

NPR, June 9, 2020. 3 Visions For The Future Of Police In South LA

A coalition of community, civil rights and labor organizations demands the Mayor to refuse LAPD’s proposed budget.

A coalition of community, civil rights and labor organizations demands the Mayor to refuse LAPD’s proposed budget.

LA Sentinel, June 4, 2020. Statement on Mayor Garcetti’s Announcements During Ongoing Protests

Brooklyn (CoCo’ SCYEA member) whose full name is not being used to protect her identity as a minor, said she marched peacefully for a couple of hours through Pan Pacific Park into surrounding streets. As the numbers of protesters swelled, police broke up the march, wielding riot gear, batons and tear gas, she said. But the young African American teen remained brave. In the midst of the increasingly tumultuous environment, Brooklyn found herself coaching an older woman about what to do if police fired tear gas.

Brooklyn (CoCo’ SCYEA member) whose full name is not being used to protect her identity as a minor, said she marched peacefully for a couple of hours through Pan Pacific Park into surrounding streets. As the numbers of protesters swelled, police broke up the march, wielding riot gear, batons and tear gas, she said. But the young African American teen remained brave. In the midst of the increasingly tumultuous environment, Brooklyn found herself coaching an older woman about what to do if police fired tear gas.

The Chronicle of Social Change, June 3, 2020. Outrage Over Looting Misses Point, Young People in Los Angeles Say

To see Los Angeles erupt in chaos for the second time in her life has been devastating, says Aurea Montes-Rodriguez, executive vice president of the Community Coalition South Los Angeles.

To see Los Angeles erupt in chaos for the second time in her life has been devastating, says Aurea Montes-Rodriguez, executive vice president of the Community Coalition South Los Angeles.

As a high school student, she had to walk past burning buildings and looters after her school abruptly suspended bus service during the 1992 riots. The experience inspired her to dedicate her career to

Santa Monica Daily Press, June 2, 2020. LA has seen racial uprisings, many not shocked by new round

Brooklyn (CoCo’ SCYEA member) whose full name is not being used to protect her identity as a minor, said she marched peacefully for a couple of hours through Pan Pacific Park into surrounding streets. As the numbers of protesters swelled, police broke up the march, wielding riot gear, batons and tear gas, she said. But the young African American teen remained brave. In the midst of the increasingly tumultuous environment, Brooklyn found herself coaching an older woman about what to do if police fired tear gas.

Brooklyn (CoCo’ SCYEA member) whose full name is not being used to protect her identity as a minor, said she marched peacefully for a couple of hours through Pan Pacific Park into surrounding streets. As the numbers of protesters swelled, police broke up the march, wielding riot gear, batons and tear gas, she said. But the young African American teen remained brave. In the midst of the increasingly tumultuous environment, Brooklyn found herself coaching an older woman about what to do if police fired tear gas.

The Chronicle of Social Change, June 3, 2020. Outrage Over Looting Misses Point, Young People in Los Angeles Say

To see Los Angeles erupt in chaos for the second time in her life has been devastating, says Aurea Montes-Rodriguez, executive vice president of the Community Coalition South Los Angeles.

To see Los Angeles erupt in chaos for the second time in her life has been devastating, says Aurea Montes-Rodriguez, executive vice president of the Community Coalition South Los Angeles.

As a high school student, she had to walk past burning buildings and looters after her school abruptly suspended bus service during the 1992 riots. The experience inspired her to dedicate her career to

Santa Monica Daily Press, June 2, 2020. LA has seen racial uprisings, many not shocked by new round

Brooklyn (CoCo’ SCYEA member) whose full name is not being used to protect her identity as a minor, said she marched peacefully for a couple of hours through Pan Pacific Park into surrounding streets. As the numbers of protesters swelled, police broke up the march, wielding riot gear, batons and tear gas, she said. But the young African American teen remained brave. In the midst of the increasingly tumultuous environment, Brooklyn found herself coaching an older woman about what to do if police fired tear gas.

Gilbert Johnson, Lead Justice Organizer at Community Coalition, began the discussion by sharing his experience with navigating re-entry and discussing what resources he needed to successfully return home.

LA Sentinel, May 28, 2020. The State of Re-Entry in South Los Angeles

In South Los Angeles, the impact of the stay-at-home order has evolved, said Leslie Cooper Johnson, vice president of Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization. The virus, Johnson said, has highlighted inequities that have long existed, such as a lack of health care and healthy food.

In South Los Angeles, the impact of the stay-at-home order has evolved, said Leslie Cooper Johnson, vice president of Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization. The virus, Johnson said, has highlighted inequities that have long existed, such as a lack of health care and healthy food. “Our community is so severely impacted because of the pre-existing conditions of systemic racism,” Johnson said. “We’re seeing higher rates of infection in black communities because of that underlying condition.”

Star Tribune, May 23, 2020. Density, poverty keep Los Angeles struggling against virus

In South Los Angeles, the impact of the stay-at-home order has evolved, said Leslie Cooper Johnson, vice president of Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization. The virus, Johnson said, has highlighted inequities that have long existed, such as a lack of health care and healthy food.

In South Los Angeles, the impact of the stay-at-home order has evolved, said Leslie Cooper Johnson, vice president of Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization. The virus, Johnson said, has highlighted inequities that have long existed, such as a lack of health care and healthy food. “Our community is so severely impacted because of the pre-existing conditions of systemic racism,” Johnson said. “We’re seeing higher rates of infection in black communities because of that underlying condition.”

US News, May 23, 2020. Density, poverty keep Los Angeles struggling against virus

In South Los Angeles, the impact of the stay-at-home order has evolved, said Leslie Cooper Johnson, vice president of Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization. The virus, Johnson said, has highlighted inequities that have long existed, such as a lack of health care and healthy food.

In South Los Angeles, the impact of the stay-at-home order has evolved, said Leslie Cooper Johnson, vice president of Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization. The virus, Johnson said, has highlighted inequities that have long existed, such as a lack of health care and healthy food. “Our community is so severely impacted because of the pre-existing conditions of systemic racism,” Johnson said. “We’re seeing higher rates of infection in black communities because of that underlying condition.”

The Seattle Times, May 23, 2020. Density, poverty keep Los Angeles struggling against virus

In South Los Angeles, the impact of the stay-at-home order has evolved, said Leslie Cooper Johnson, vice president of Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization. The virus, Johnson said, has highlighted inequities that have long existed, such as a lack of health care and healthy food.

In South Los Angeles, the impact of the stay-at-home order has evolved, said Leslie Cooper Johnson, vice president of Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization. The virus, Johnson said, has highlighted inequities that have long existed, such as a lack of health care and healthy food. “Our community is so severely impacted because of the pre-existing conditions of systemic racism,” Johnson said. “We’re seeing higher rates of infection in black communities because of that underlying condition.”

Associated Press, May 23, 2020. Density, poverty keep Los Angeles struggling against virus

As we continue to persevere through uncertainties and shutdowns, the Community Coalition in partnership with several other community-based organizations gathered virtually to present The People’s Assembly on Race, Equity & COVID-19. The conversation which included celebrities, front-line workers and various organizations discussed the blatant inequities across the nation. Educational divides, health disparities, and lack of safety, technology, transportation and overall support have come to public light since COVID-19.

As we continue to persevere through uncertainties and shutdowns, the Community Coalition in partnership with several other community-based organizations gathered virtually to present The People’s Assembly on Race, Equity & COVID-19. The conversation which included celebrities, front-line workers and various organizations discussed the blatant inequities across the nation. Educational divides, health disparities, and lack of safety, technology, transportation and overall support have come to public light since COVID-19.

LA Sentinel, May 14, 2020. Community Coalition Hosted the People’s Assembly to Encourage Unity to Fight Injustice Across Los Angeles

In South Los Angeles, the impact of the stay-at-home order has evolved, said Leslie Cooper Johnson, vice president of Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization. The virus, Johnson said, has highlighted inequities that have long existed, such as a lack of health care and healthy food.

In South Los Angeles, the impact of the stay-at-home order has evolved, said Leslie Cooper Johnson, vice president of Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization. The virus, Johnson said, has highlighted inequities that have long existed, such as a lack of health care and healthy food. “Our community is so severely impacted because of the pre-existing conditions of systemic racism,” Johnson said. “We’re seeing higher rates of infection in black communities because of that underlying condition.”

Associated Press, May 23, 2020. Density, poverty keep Los Angeles struggling against virus

As we continue to persevere through uncertainties and shutdowns, the Community Coalition in partnership with several other community-based organizations gathered virtually to present The People’s Assembly on Race, Equity & COVID-19. The conversation which included celebrities, front-line workers and various organizations discussed the blatant inequities across the nation. Educational divides, health disparities, and lack of safety, technology, transportation and overall support have come to public light since COVID-19.

As we continue to persevere through uncertainties and shutdowns, the Community Coalition in partnership with several other community-based organizations gathered virtually to present The People’s Assembly on Race, Equity & COVID-19. The conversation which included celebrities, front-line workers and various organizations discussed the blatant inequities across the nation. Educational divides, health disparities, and lack of safety, technology, transportation and overall support have come to public light since COVID-19.

LA Sentinel, May 14, 2020. Community Coalition Hosted the People’s Assembly to Encourage Unity to Fight Injustice Across Los Angeles

Aurea Montes-Rodriguez considers the riots a societal uprising, and their aftermath, convinced her of the need to work for her community, something she has been doing for several decades with the Community Coalition of South Los Angeles, a publicly-funded body that works to mentor students, lobby on policy, and work to improve better communication between the police and other groups – particularly people of colour. She is now its executive vice president.

Aurea Montes-Rodriguez considers the riots a societal “uprising,” and their aftermath, convinced her of the need to work for her community, something she has been doing for several decades with the Community Coalition of South Los Angeles, a publicly-funded body that works to mentor students, lobby on policy, and work to improve better communication between the police and other groups – particularly people of colour. She is now its executive vice president.

The Independent, April 23 2020. LA riots: How the ‘uprising’ against an unjust system led one student to become a social activist

Volunteers from Community Coalition, Community Intervention Workers from the South LA Community Safety Initiative’s partner agencies Developing Options, Ambassadors for Peace & Urban Unity, and Strong Shoulders as well as union members worked together to safely and effectively raise awareness, manage crowds, direct traffic and distribute food, drive-through style to thousands of families.

Volunteers from Community Coalition, Community Intervention Workers from the South LA Community Safety Initiative’s partner agencies Developing Options, Ambassadors for Peace & Urban Unity, and Strong Shoulders as well as union members worked together to safely and effectively raise awareness, manage crowds, direct traffic and distribute food, drive-through style to thousands of families.

LA Sentinel, April 23, 2020.  Councilmember Harris Dawson Joins Labor Leaders and LA Regional Food Bank to Provide Groceries to 5,000 Families

There was also a community partner, Community Coalition (CoCo) — an organization built to help transform the social and economic conditions in Southern Los Angeles (currently celebrating 30 years). The organization’s president, Alberto Retana, joined Kwam to share a few words about some of CoCo’s efforts.

There was also a community partner, Community Coalition (CoCo) — an organization built to help transform the social and economic conditions in Southern Los Angeles (currently celebrating 30 years). The organization’s president, Alberto Retana, joined Kwam to share a few words about some of CoCo’s efforts.

Hip Hop DX, April 19, 2020. Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Freeway & More Join Kwamé For Second Instagram Live Breakfast Jam

The current global crisis has exposed deep existing inequities in our educational system with devastating impacts to our highest need students. Community Coalition is honored to join forces with Brotherhood Crusade and InnnerCity Struggle to fight the digital divide and address the learning needs of our students. We are grateful that moving forward, students will be able to connect with their teachers, counselors, peers and social justice organizations. When we come together we win!

Aurea Montes-Rodriguez, Executive Vice President Community Coalition said, “The current global crisis has exposed deep existing inequities in our educational system with devastating impacts to our highest need students. Community Coalition is honored to join forces with Brotherhood Crusade and InnnerCity Struggle to fight the digital divide and address the learning needs of our students. We are grateful that moving forward, students will be able to connect with their teachers, counselors, peers and social justice organizations. When we come together we win!”

LA Sentinel, April 16, 2020. Weingart Foundation Grants $100,000 to Brotherhood Crusade, Community Coalition and InnerCity Struggle

This is in partnership with Community Coalition and InnerCity Struggle to provide 5,000 tablets to South and East Los Angeles students. Funding provided by Weingart Foundation, CAM Foundation, Sandra Evers Manly.

This is in partnership with Community Coalition and InnerCity Struggle to provide 5,000 tablets to South and East Los Angeles students. Funding provided by Weingart Foundation, CAM Foundation, Sandra Evers Manly.

LA Sentinel, April 16, 2020. Community Organizations Are the Other First Responders During COVID-19

We knew that this year was going to be a battle. Even with the conditions of the pandemic, we have our folks and our systems in place to do the organizing. And people still want to come together, even if it’s virtually,” said Patricia Guerra, the organizing director for Community Coalition in South L.A. “We want to make sure that the people’s voices are heard.

“We knew that this year was going to be a battle. Even with the conditions of the pandemic, we have our folks and our systems in place to do the organizing. And people still want to come together, even if it’s virtually,” said Patricia Guerra, the organizing director for Community Coalition in South L.A. “We want to make sure that the people’s voices are heard.”

Capital & Main, April 16, 2020. Hope for SoutCommunity Organizers Double Down During Pandemic

The fallout from this crisis is all the more reason for us to be there for one another and have each other’s back. That’s what South LA is about and it’s why organizations are stepping up for the community during this time to provide the needed resources and services. We get through this together, not as individuals.

“We don’t want people thinking they have to face these hardships all by themselves,” said Hector Sanchez, Deputy Political Director at Community Coalition. “The fallout from this crisis is all the more reason for us to be there for one another and have each other’s back. That’s what South LA is about and it’s why organizations are stepping up for the community during this time to provide the needed resources and services. We get through this together, not as individuals.”

LA Sentinel, April 9, 2020. South LA Community Standing Together Against COVID-19

Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon for Fremont with Schools & Communities First (SCF). SCF is a November ballot initiative that would bring back $12 billion EVERY YEAR locally for our schools and community services by closing corporate property tax loopholes. Estimates have shown that more than $3.75 billion of that would come to Los Angeles County alone.

Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon for Fremont with Schools & Communities First (SCF). SCF is a November ballot initiative that would bring back $12 billion EVERY YEAR locally for our schools and community services by closing corporate property tax loopholes. Estimates have shown that more than $3.75 billion of that would come to Los Angeles County alone.

Schools that are in most need of additional resources are in communities like South LA. The disparities between South LA schools and wealthier communities are enormous. I know because I have seen the difference first hand.

La Sentinel, March 19, 2020. Hope for South LA’s Underfunded Schools

Rep. Karen Bass is a fighting social justice community activist at heart.

Rep. Karen Bass is a fighting social justice community activist at heart. She’s no stranger to adversity, founding the Community Coalition in the late 1980s to fight the crack cocaine epidemic in South LA and the dire conditions that fed it, to being elected the first African American woman Speaker of the California Assembly in 2008/2009 during a significant fiscal crisis, for which she was honored by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library with the 2010 Profile in Courage Award. Now she serves as Chair of the important Black Congressional Caucus dealing with the Trump administration.

Los Angeles Blade, March 17th, 2020. Rep. Karen Bass, a Physician Assistant during the AIDS crisis, talks about the coronavirus

We need to be over-communicating

“We are worried that today and [Tuesday] children who depend on a meal at their school will not be able to access a healthy meal,” said Aurea Montes-Rodriguez, executive vice president of Community Coalition, which serves families in south L.A.

Community Coalition’s Montes-Rodriguez emphasized the importance of pushing out critical information “through all of the local television networks … through the communication mediums our families are relying on” as soon as information is available. “We need to be over-communicating” with the community, she said.

The 74, March 17th, 2020. At Least Half of CA’s Districts Are Closed Due to Coronavirus. A Look at L.A. Unified’s Plans to Teach, Feed Students — and How Community Members Reacted on Day 1 of Shutdown

We cannot wait for confirmation that COVID-19 has entered our jails before making the decision to act. We urge the Sheriff, the Department of Health Services-Correctional Health Services, the District Attorney, the Los Angeles County Superior Court, and the Board of Supervisors to take immediate and decisive steps now to save lives. We also urge each county entity to work with corresponding city law enforcement partners to ensure that the same plans and protocols are being implemented in each city within Los Angeles County. We will support you in taking the bold, but necessary, action to protect the health of every Angeleno, including the most vulnerable.

We cannot wait for confirmation that COVID-19 has entered our jails before making the decision to act. We urge the Sheriff, the Department of Health Services-Correctional Health Services, the District Attorney, the Los Angeles County Superior Court, and the Board of Supervisors to take immediate and decisive steps now to save lives. We also urge each county entity to work with corresponding city law enforcement partners to ensure that the same plans and protocols are being implemented in each city within Los Angeles County. We will support you in taking the bold, but necessary, action to protect the health of every Angeleno, including the most vulnerable.

Human Right Watch, March 13th, 2020. Advocacy Groups Urge Los Angeles County Officials to Take Immediate Action to Stop Spread of COVID-19 Through Jails and Communities

Now, a little over a year later, the ATI group is back with a 98-page final report that includes 114 recommendations, organized under five foundational strategies, and which is to officially be accepted by the LA County Board of supervisors on Tuesday, March 10.

Now, a little over a year later, the ATI group is back with a 98-page final report that includes 114 recommendations, organized under five “foundational” strategies, and which is to officially be accepted by the LA County Board of supervisors on Tuesday, March 10.

(Graphic note taking image above developed at the ATI Community Engagement Workshop led by Community Coalition in South Los Angeles.)

Witness LA, March 9th, 2020. Can Los Angeles County Successfully Reimagine Its Justice System? A New Report Says, Yes

For decades, there has not been enough funding going into communities to build up the infrastructure for when people come back home, or to prevent people from being locked up

“For decades, there has not been enough funding going into communities to build up the infrastructure for when people come back home, or to prevent people from being locked up,” said Patricia Guerra, Director of Organizing at Community Coalition. “The funding should go back to the communities to build housing, mental health treatment, and youth programs.”

LA Standard Newspaper, March 1st, 2020. 2020 March election will impact local Black communities

Linda Gomez, a volunteer with Imagine Justice who’s been knocking on doors and working phones for Gascon in South L.A., said voter education has been a key part of the outreach.

Linda Gomez, a volunteer with Imagine Justice who’s been knocking on doors and working phones for Gascon in South L.A., said voter education has been a key part of the outreach.

“We’re actually going to their doors and having those long conversations about not just Gascon, but the importance of what the D.A. position is,” she said.

Los Angeles Times, March 1st, 2020. Jackie Lacey grew up in South L.A. But in a tough D.A.’s race, her opponents are encroaching on her home turf

I know the importance of this race. When I think of the DA race, I think of that 17- year-old girl scared and not knowing what’s going on in court

But South LA resident Linda Gomez says she benefitted from Proposition 47 because she was tried as an adult when she was 17 and would have served a nearly 25-year sentence. Her assault with a deadly weapon conviction carried gang enhancements. Now she’s getting out the vote as part of a campaign to raise awareness. “I know the importance of this race. When I think of the DA race, I think of that 17- year-old girl scared and not knowing what’s going on in court,” Gomez said in an interview. But labor groups and grassroots organizers have rallied around Gascón and raised considerable cash for his race.

Courthouse News, February 28th, 2020. Crime – and Criminal Reform – at Forefront of Los Angeles DA Race

Congresswoman Karen Bass is another L.A. hero. She ascended from nurse practitioner to founder of the Community Coalition to state representative, making history as the first African American woman to serve as speaker of the California General Assembly. Today, she’s chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and is intentional around pipeline development and ensuring that the next generation of talent has access to opportunity, as well as the skills to be successful. That includes me; Congresswoman Bass is one of my mentors.

Congresswoman Karen Bass is another L.A. hero. She ascended from nurse practitioner to founder of the Community Coalition to state representative, making history as the first African American woman to serve as speaker of the California General Assembly. Today, she’s chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and is intentional around pipeline development and ensuring that the next generation of talent has access to opportunity, as well as the skills to be successful. That includes me; Congresswoman Bass is one of my mentors.

LA Sentinel, February 27th, 2020. Celebrating LA Heroes Who Mentor the Next Generation

Our very own Linda Gomez shares her lived experience story starting around the 4:40 mark.

Our very own Linda Gomez shares her lived experience story starting around the 4:40 mark.

KPCC 89.3 NPR, February 24th, 2020. LA County DA Race: George Gascon, Former San Francisco DA

Among those involved in the $1-million get-out-the-vote effort is Linda Gomez, who as a teen was sentenced to 14 years in prison for assault with a gang enhancement. She was released after criminal justice reform laws such as those championed by Gascón changed parole eligibility for juvenile offenders.

Among those involved in the $1-million get-out-the-vote effort is Linda Gomez, who as a teen was sentenced to 14 years in prison for assault with a gang enhancement. She was released after criminal justice reform laws such as those championed by Gascón changed parole eligibility for juvenile offenders.

“At 17, I just remember sitting in that courtroom scared to death,” she said. “Most girls are getting ready for prom or SATs, and I’m looking at spending the rest of my life in prison.”

Los Angeles Times, February 24th, 2020. Police unions, justice reformers battle for dollars in bitter L.A. County D.A. racepk

She survived and today works as a Civic Engagement Specialist for the Community Coalition, which is dedicated to improve the economic and social environment in South LA. Her eldest brother also survived to become a minister and substance abuse counselor.

“At the age of 11, I was first incarcerated for possession(and ) conspiracy to sell,” she said. This was the start of what she calls her “vicious cycle,” leading to her conviction (as an adult) at 17 and a stretch at the Central California Women’s Facility in Coachella.

She survived and today works as a Civic Engagement Specialist for the Community Coalition, which is dedicated to improve the economic and social environment in South LA. Her eldest brother also survived to become a minister and substance abuse counselor. Her other brother was not as lucky and is doing “life” at the California State Prison in Lancaster for a non-violent crime under the “Three Strikes” law.

Our Weekly, February 13th, 2020. All eyes on us: D.A. race

On February 3, Labor and community organizing groups announced that they were pledging $1 million to launch an all-out, million-plus dollar voter engagement program to help elect George Gascón as the County’s new District Attorney.

On February 3, Labor and community organizing groups announced that they were pledging $1 million to launch “an all-out, million-plus dollar voter engagement program to help elect George Gascón as the County’s new District Attorney.”

The alliance is made up of SEIU Local 99, the education workers union, LA Voice Action, which does interfaith organizing, the Community Coalition Action Fund, a social justice and community organizing group based in South LA, the civil rights organizing group, Color of Change, and the California Donor Table & Open Philanthropy Project, all of which together represent 100,000 LA County residents, according to the organizers. efforts on the table in electing George Gascón as the new District Attorney.”

Witness LA, February 10th, 2020. LA’s Critically Important Race For District Attorney Heats Up With Attack Ads, Questionable Donations, & New Endorsements.

The announcement was made by Councilmember David Ryu of the Fourth District, is the Chair of the Health, Education, Neighborhoods, Parks, Arts, Entertainment and River Committee. Members of City Council including Councilmember Marqueece Harris- Dawson and Curren Price welcomed and celebrated the Blue Shield of California and the 12 organizations for their efforts to enhance local nonprofit organizations’ work of transforming the welfare of underserved communities.

The announcement was made by Councilmember David Ryu of the Fourth District, is the Chair of the Health, Education, Neighborhoods, Parks, Arts, Entertainment and River Committee. Members of City Council including Councilmember Marqueece Harris- Dawson and Curren Price welcomed and celebrated the Blue Shield of California and the 12 organizations for their efforts to enhance local nonprofit organizations’ work of transforming the welfare of underserved communities.

Alongside with Councilmember Ryu stood Todd Walthall, Chief Operating Officer of Blue Shield of California, Dr. Greg Buchert, President of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, Alberto Retana, President and CEO of Community Coalition, Areva Martin, President of Special Needs Network, Inc. Representatives of all 12 organizations were also in attendance joining the group in accepting the award.

LA Sentinel, January 30th, 2020. Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan Awarded $1.1 Million to Support Healthier and Stronger Communities in SoCal

At Community Coalition, a social justice organization led by South L.A. residents and founded by current U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, we’ve been aware of the problems that liquor stores pose for three decades. More than 200 liquor stores were destroyed during the 1992 civil unrest, serving as proof of the communal resentment toward these nuisance businesses.

At Community Coalition, a social justice organization led by South L.A. residents and founded by current U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, we’ve been aware of the problems that liquor stores pose for three decades. More than 200 liquor stores were destroyed during the 1992 civil unrest, serving as proof of the communal resentment toward these nuisance businesses.

To prevent stores from re-opening, our community organizers launched the “Rebuild South Central Without Liquor Stores” campaign which mobilized tens of thousands of residents that participated in hundreds of hearings, rallies, and actions.

LA Wave Newspaper, January 30th, 2020. Reducing Liquor Stores in South LA Anyway Possible

OUR HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2019

“The Community Coalition (CoCo) will host on Saturday, July 27, an open house party and mural vote from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its headquarters, 8101 S. Vermont Ave.”

Our Weekly, July 25th, 2019. Art tells the story of Community Coalition

“Yet community fears are, unfortunately, well-founded, says Hector Sanchez, director of finance for the Community Coalition, an alliance member headquartered in South Los Angeles, whose constituents are mostly black or Latino, with many living close to poverty. “

Capital & Main, July 1st, 2019. Overcoming Black Doubts About the Census

“The nation’s second-largest school district is at a crossroads.

Back in January, Los Angeles Unified school teachers went on strike and received widespread public support and the deal that ended the strike seemed to raise hopes of a new day in the LAUSD.”

KPCC, June 19th, 2019. With A Budget For The Next Three Years In Place, A Look At The Future Of LAUSD

“On June 8th, many South L.A. residents came together at Los Angeles Trade Technical College for the 4th annual People Power Convention hosted by Community Coalition. The convention is a mass organizing event where residents learn about educational equity, justice reinvestment, art activism, and unified voting power.”

LA Sentinel, June 19th, 2019. Congresswoman Karen Bass and Van Jones Speak at the People Power Convention

“On June 8, Los Angeles Trade-Tech College hosted the Fourth Annual People Power Convention, organized by South Los Angeles’ non-profit organization Community Coalition.”

Our Weekly, June 13th, 2019. ‘People Power’ convention fights for the community

 

“The rout of Los Angeles Unified’s parcel tax last week will reverberate beyond L.A. to other school districts that had hoped a victory in Los Angeles might signal that their voters, too, would consider higher school taxes.”

EdSource, June 11th, 2019. Statewide messages in aftermath of LA parcel tax’s defeat

 

“SOUTH LOS ANGELES — Youth from six inner-city schools gathered at Los Angeles Trade-Tech College May 18 for the second annual Emerging Leaders Youth Summit as a part of National Prevention Week, an annual observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of mental health and substance abuse disorders.”

Los Angeles Wave, May 23rd, 2019. Drug Use, Violence Among Topics At Youth Leadership Summit

“On Tuesday, students, parents, and organizers from a number of South L.A. schools and community organizations gathered in front of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce in support of Measure EE, a proposed parcel tax on the June special election ballot that could help bolster budgets.”

Los Angeles Magazine, May 22nd, 2019. South L.A. Students Rally to Support the School-Funding Ballot Measure L.A.’s Chamber of Commerce Opposes

 

“On Saturday at Trade Tech College, 400 W. Washington Blvd., more than 80 student leaders from across the area will gather for the Emerging Leaders Youth Summit scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.”

Our Weekly, May 16th, 2019. South L.A. Student leaders talk underage drug abuse

“LOS ANGELES — L.A. residents will head to the polls in just a few weeks to vote on a proposed property tax to fund LAUSD schools. Measure EE is a parcel tax introduced by the Los Angeles Unified School District that would help to fund many of the agreements that emerged from the resolution of the teachers’ strike back in January.”

Spectrum News 1, May 16th, 2019.  Opponents and Proponents of Measure EE Await June Vote

 

“County supervisors voted today to award a $2.2 billion design contract to replace Men’s Central Jail in Downtown LA—not with a new jail as planned, but with a mental health treatment center.”

Curbed Los Angeles, February 13th, 2019. County to build mental health center Downtown—not a new jail

“Los Angeles County supervisors narrowly approved a plan Tuesday to tear down the dungeon-like Men’s Central Jail downtown and build at least one mental health treatment facility in its place.”

Los Angeles Times, February 13th, 2019. In landmark move, L.A. County will replace Men’s Central Jail with mental health hospital for inmates

 

“LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to scrap plans for a women’s jail in Lancaster and approved a new vision for a downtown mental health treatment center, though many criminal justice advocates worried that it might only be a jail by another name.”

Los Angeles Daily News, February 12th, 2019. L.A. County scraps women’s jail in Lancaster, OKs downtown treatment center

“The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to replace the Men’s Central Jail in downtown L.A. with a mental health treatment center.”

KTLA5, February 12th, 2019. L.A. County Supervisors Vote to Replace Men’s Central Jail With Mental Health Treatment Center

 

“LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to scrap plans for a women’s jail in Lancaster and approved a new vision for mental health treatment center in downtown Los Angeles, though many criminal justice advocates worried that it might only be a jail by another name.”

Antelope Valley Times, February 12th, 2019. L.A. County scraps women’s jail in Lancaster

“On the heels of a recent report from the Los Angeles Times regarding LAPD’s “Stop and Frisk” policy, community leaders throughout Los Angeles have come together to urge city officials to enact sensible police reforms in South L.A.”

Our Weekly, February 7th, 2019. Police Department is urged to enact ‘sensible reforms’

“Mayor Eric Garcetti has ordered Los Angeles police to scale back on vehicle stops in response to an investigation by the Los Angeles Times showing that an elite unit was pulling over a disproportionate number of African Americans.”

Los Angeles Times, February 6th, 2019. Garcetti orders LAPD to scale back vehicle stops amid concerns over black drivers being targeted

“LA Mayor Eric Garcetti’s calling for the LAPD’s Metropolitan Division to stop pulling over as many cars as they’ve been doing in recent years.”

KPCC, February 7th, 2019. What is a fair standard racially and ethnically for gang injunction traffic stops?

“LOS ANGELES, CA — A dozen community organizations called Tuesday for the removal of an elite Los Angeles Police Department division from South Los Angeles in response to a report that the unit oversaw a surge in traffic stops involving African American drivers.”

KNBC4, February 5th, 2019. Community Groups Want Metropolitan Division Out of South Los Angeles

“Nearly two dozen African-American pastors urged United Teachers Los Angeles to return to the negotiating table because “the fortunes of African-American children do not improve on a picket line.”

Los Angeles School Report, January 16th, 2019. 21 black pastors call on UTLA to return to the table to end LAUSD teacher strike because ‘the fortunes of African-American children do not improve on a picket line’

 

“LOS ANGELES — Teachers in the nation’s second-largest school system walked off the job Monday, heading for rain-soaked streets amid a battle with district leaders over crowded classrooms, depleted staff and the very future of Los Angeles schools.”

Washington Post, January 14th, 2019. ‘As long as it takes’: Los Angeles teachers go on strike in nation’s second-largest system

“With more than 30,000 teachers union members ready to strike Thursday, the Los Angeles Unified School District is preparing to bring in highly paid substitutes, supervise students in large spaces such as auditoriums and ease background checks for parent volunteers, according to records obtained by The Times.”

Los Angeles Times, January 7th, 2019. Highly paid substitutes, lessons in large spaces — how L.A. Unified is preparing for a teachers strike

 

OUR HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2018

“In under a year, real-deal activists emerged—including Emma González, Samantha Fuentes, Jaclyn Corin, Edna Chavez, and Naomi Wadler—and made their voices heard by leading a march on D.C. and traveling the country to encourage voter registration. On November 12, those young fighters the stage at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards and delivered what can only be described as a rallying cry.”

Glamour, November 12th, 2018. The March for Our Lives Activists Turned Their Women of the Year Speech Into a Rallying Cry

“Outspoken and unconventional, these brazen women are beacons of change who refuse to conform. As they dare to do the impossible, encouraging young visionaries to break—not just push—boundaries, they inspire people around the world to stand up for what they believe in. Here, Gabrielle Giffords and Edna Chavez open up about their fight for gun control for our 2018 #WomenWhoDare series.”

Harper’s Bazar, October 8th, 2018. Gabrielle Giffords and Edna Chavez Refuse to Be Silenced on Gun Control

 

“On Saturday, Community Coalition presented its 7th Annual Power Fest, a free, premier music festival combining art and activism in South LA. This year’s Power Fest brought the South L.A. community together to reclaim the “People’s Lot,” several acres of land that has been vacant for the past 25 years.”

Los Angeles Sentinel, August 30th, 2018. Over 2,000 People Reclaim “People’s Lot” & Celebrate 7th Annual Power Fest

“SOUTH LOS ANGELES — The People’s Lot, a long-vacant parcel of land at the intersection of Vermont and Manchester avenues, was packed to capacity at the seventh annual South L.A. Power Fest Aug. 25. An estimated 2,000 people were in attendance to celebrate a day of family fun, culture, activism and entertainment.”

Los Angeles Wave, August 25th, 2018. Community Coalition stages Power Fest on People’s Lot

 

“There were rides, slides, games, food trucks, radio hosts, as well as bands and dancers. Entertainment was comprised of 3 stages with bands all playing simultaneously. There was a variety of music for everyone.  The event was so much fun for everyone involved. This was the Seventh Annual Powerfest put on by the City of Los Angeles.”

Inglewood Times, August 25th, 2018. Spotlight: South LA Power Fest 2018

 

“Una coalición estatal de organizaciones comunitarias, sindicatos, líderes de negocios, fundaciones filantrópicas y funcionarios electos lograron reunir 850,000 firmas para poner en la boleta electoral de noviembre de 2020, una reforma fiscal que aportaría 2,000 millones de dólares anuales a las escuelas y barrios del condado de Los Ángeles.”

La Opinón, August 14th, 2018. Juntan firmas para que las grandes corporaciones paguen más impuestos para las escuelas y barrios de California

“The Reform L.A. Jails coalition turned in more than 246,000 signatures to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk today calling for its criminal justice reform legislation initiative to be placed on California’s March 2020 Presidential Primary ballot.”

LA Sentinel, August 2nd, 2018. Reform L.A. Jails Coalition Makes History and Turns in Over 246K Signatures

 

“LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner and a group of local community partners and foundations today announced the launch of a multimillion-dollar fund with an aim of improving student achievement and engaging the community.”

KFI AM 640, July 5th, 2018. New Education Fund for LAUSD Aims to Improve Student Performance

“The research is increasingly clear: Children of all races learn better in racially-integrated schools. Yet in the Los Angeles Unified School District, more than half of the students — around 289,000 kids — attend a school that’s more than 90 percent black and Latino.”

LAist, July 3rd, 2018. LA’s Schools Are Segregated. LAUSD Says There’s Only So Much They Can Do

 

“SOUTH LOS ANGELES — Issues that continue to plague the community, including homelessness, over-policing, the high cost of cash bail, absentee landowners, education and gentrification, brought out hundreds of residents to attend the Community Coalition’s third annual People Power Convention at Los Angeles Trade Tech College June 9.”

Los Angeles Wave, June 14th, 2018. Community Coalition unveils People First Platform

“Starting next year, Los Angeles Unified School District officials will consider asthma rates and injuries from gun violence in neighborhoods near its campuses to help them decide which district schools are most in need of extra funding.”

KPCC, April 10th, 2018. LAUSD just decided to use shooting, asthma rates to help decide which schools get more money.

 

“L.A. schools will soon get more money if they are located in neighborhoods with such problems as high levels of gun violence and asthma.”

Los Angeles Times, April 10th, 2018. School board approves a new formula for funding high-need schools.

“The dinner is free. But the guests need to come ready to get real about a topic that makes most people very uncomfortable: race and racism.”

KPCC, April 10th, 2018. Can LA sit down at the dinner table and get honest about race?

 

“A few weeks after the March For Our Lives in DC and a speech that broke the internet, Latino Rebels’ Sharis Delgadillo speaks with Edna Chávez and Hakim Johnson from Community Coalition in Los Angeles.”

Latino Rebels, April 8th, 2018. Edna Chavez and Hakim Johnson of Community Coalition (PODCAST)

 

 

 

“From April 16 through 19, a new initiative called EmbRACE L.A. will hold a series of 100 dinners, bringing Angelenos together to share a free meal and stretch the boundaries of what qualifies as polite dinner conversation.”

Los Angeles Magazine, April 5th, 2018. Can a Series of 100 Dinners Start a Real Conversation About Race in L.A.?

 

“It’s been fifty years since Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis. In the wake of his death, the battle for civil rights, equality and equity has been uneven.”

LA Sentinel, April 5th, 2018. The Legacy of Dr. King – ‘We Still Have Work Left To Be Done’

 

 

 

“Responding to years of pressure by Los Angeles community and education advocates, LA Unified next month may commit to funding schools based on a new ranking that gives priority to those with the highest-need students”.

LA School Report, April 1st, 2018.  As Gov. Brown allocates more education funding, LAUSD moves to make sure its neediest schools benefit the most.

 

 – A group of South LA teenagers returned home from participating in the March For Our Lives demonstration in Washington D.C. over the weekend.”

FOX 11, March 25th, 2018. Local teen activists return to LA after DC march.

 

 

 

“LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A young gun control activist from South Los Angeles stood out as she spoke at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington D.C. about the gun violence she’s endured throughout her childhood.”

KABC, March 24th, 2018.  South LA student delivers emotional March for Our Lives speech in DC.

 

“Edna Chavez, a South Los Angeles resident, spoke to the march in Washington, recalling the day her brother was killed.”

Los Angeles Times, March 24th, 2018. LA teenager Edna Chavez remembers her brother, a victim of gun violence.

 

 

 

“The protest in Washington — which Parkland students began to plan on the very day they lost 17 of their classmates — has become an undeniable movement who’s message for gun reform will not dim until they see effective change. Edna Chavez, a 17-year-old from south Los Angeles, was one of the 20 speakers at the rally in Washington.”

Mitú, March 24th, 2018.  Thousands Took To The Streets In Washington And Across The Country To Join The March For Our Lives Revolution.

 

“Edna Chávez, una estudiante de Los Ángeles, habló sobre la dolorosa muerte de su hermano mayor tras un tiroteo, cómo su comunidad vive acostumbrada a la violencia de las armas y sobre los cambios legislativos que se necesitan para prevenir más asesinatos.”

Univisión, March 24th, 2018. “Aprendí a esquivar balas antes que a leer”: el potente discurso de una joven hispana en DC.

 

 

 

“On March 24, cities and towns throughout the United States and around the world took part in the March For Our Lives, a massive demonstration in support of gun control. And if you’re watching all the speeches by students and Parkland survivors from Washington, D.C. on Saturday afternoon, you might be wondering who Edna Chavez is, because she made a very big impression.”

Bustle, March 24th, 2018. Who Is Edna Chavez? The March For Our Lives Speaker Was Straight Fire.

 

“LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Tens of thousands of people are expected to rally in Washington, D.C. and other cities across the country for the March for Our Lives.”

KABC, March 23rd, 2018. At least 60K expected to attend March for Our Lives rally in downtown Los Angeles.

 

 

 

“South Los Angeles students are joining the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C. this Saturday, a march organized as a response to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida that left 17 students dead.”

NBC Los Angeles, March 23rd, 2018. ‘Nothing is Really Being Done’: South LA Students Join March for Our Lives in Washington.

 

“La Junta de Supervisores votó a favor de examinar de cerca las tiendas de tabaco, en las áreas no incorporadas del Condado de Los Ángeles, así como evaluar su impacto en la salud y la seguridad de las comunidades que las rodean.”

Hoy, March 9th, 2018. Condado de LA promete solución al impacto de la salud infantil por venta de cigarrillos.

 

 

 

OUR HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2017

“Dozens of protesters sat on the beds wearing wearing t-shirts that read, “I am not the property of L.A. County jail” to speak out against Los Angeles County’s $2 billion plan to expand its jails.”

Blavity, September 26th, 2017. Black Lives Matter And Other Activists Brought A Jail To Downtown LA In Prison Expansion Protest.

 

“We ask that Los Angeles push a path of redemption, reconciliation, reimagination and reinvention,” said Alberto Retana, CEO of Community Coalition, asking the board to focus on the root causes of incarceration.”

My News LA, September 26th, 2017. Bunk bed anti-jail protest snarls LA traffic.

 

 

 

“This historic first meeting is a crucial opportunity for the residents of South L.A. to have their voices and concerns directly heard around public safety issues in their neighborhood,” said Alberto Retana, president and CEO of the Community Coalition.”

My News LA, September 19th, 2017. LA Police Commission leaves DTLA to hold a meeting in Watts tonight.

 

“Nearly a dozen community organizations praised the Board of Police Commissioners Tuesday for scheduling an official meeting outside of police headquarters or Los Angeles City Hall.”

LA West Media, September 19th, 2017. Board Of Police Commissioners Schedule Official Meeting In Watts.

 

 

 

“LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The Los Angeles Unified School District agreed Thursday to pay $150 million to settle a lawsuit filed on behalf of “high-need students” at 50 secondary and high schools in the district.”

KABC7, September 14th, 2017. LAUSD to pay $150 million in landmark settlement for ‘high-need students’.

 

“The Los Angeles Unified School District will provide $150 million in additional funding to 50 “high-needs” schools over the next three years under an agreement that settles a lawsuit that alleged that district officials misspent hundreds of millions in state funding intended to help English learners, foster youth and students from low-income families.”

EdSource, September 14th, 2017. Los Angeles Unified settles lawsuit over funding for ‘high-needs’ students.

 

 

 

“Más de $150 millones de dólares en fondos adicionales serán distribuidos entre 50 de las escuelas de mayor necesidad en Los Ángeles durante los próximos tres años como parte de un acuerdo para poner fin a una querella sobre la distribución desigual de fondos escolares.”

La Opinión, September 14th, 2017. 50 de las escuelas más necesitadas del LAUSD se repartirán $150 millones.

 

“The Los Angeles Unified School District will pour $151 million into a group of 50 schools to settle a lawsuit over how the school system spends money intended for some of its neediest students.”

LA Times, September 14th, 2017. Settlement will send $151 million to 50 L.A. schools over the next three years.

 

 

 

 

“LOS ANGELES (KABC) — With each signature, students from South L.A. pledged to keep the peace, with the help of entrepreneur and music producer Russell Simmons.”

KABC7, August 1st, 2017. Russell Simmons inspires LA youth with ‘Keep the Peace’ initiative.

 

“Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons brought his RushCard’s Keep The Peace initiative to the USC campus on Tuesday, August 1st.  Over seventy-five South L.A. youth filled the room.”

LA Sentinel, August 1st, 2017. Russell Simmons Inspires L.A. Youth. 

 

 

 

 

“This year’s RushCard-supported initiatives include a visit to the Rikers Island youth detention facility and rally with LIFE Camp in New York City, an inspirational presentation and pledge for peace with Community Coalition in Los Angeles, community peacekeeping training with The Peacekeepers in Chicago and Atlanta and a community outreach event with Boys Hope Girls Hope in Cincinnati.”

Markets Insider, August 1st, 2017. RushCard and Russell Simmons Announce Recipients for Keep the Peace Annual Grant Program.

 

“Los Angeles should explore whether to create a municipal bank that would finance affordable housing and throw its doors open to the cannabis industry, City Council President Herb Wesson said Tuesday.”

LA Times, July 25th, 2017. Housing, battling racism and a municipal bank top agenda for L.A. council president.

 

 

 

 

“The Los Angeles school board has authorized a lawsuit settlement that would send more money to the district’s neediest schools over the next three years for resources to improve African American and Latino student achievement.”

LA Times, July 6th, 2017. Approved L.A. Unified settlement would send money to district’s neediest schools.

 

“Measure C, a controversial ballot initiative seeking to significantly change LAPD disciplinary policy, looks to have passed with an initial count of 57.1% of the vote in Tuesday’s election.”

LAist, May 17th, 2017. What The Passage of Measure C Means for L.A., And What You Can Still Do About It

 

 

 

 

 

“Reeling from a major defeat at the polls, a handful of police accountability groups called Wednesday for Los Angeles city leaders to overhaul the process used to select civilians who review allegations of serious officer misconduct.”

LA Times, May 17th, 2017. After election loss, critics of Charter Amendment C call for sweeping review of LAPD discipline.

 

“The Los Angeles Police Department’s disciplinary system is complicated and often criticized, drawing complaints from both inside and outside the department. The department’s disciplinary process could undergo one of the most significant changes in decades if Los Angeles voters approve Charter Amendment C on Tuesday’s ballot. Here’s a breakdown of the measure.”

LA Times, May 14th, 2017. How would Charter Amendment C affect the LAPD’s disciplinary system? 

 

 

 

 

“Amendment C is yet another mark of how far the political establishment has moved from its former respectful skepticism of police unions to acquiescence.”

LA Times, May 10th, 2017. Don’t be fooled — Measure C is a union ploy to go soft on police misconduct

 

“Congresswoman Karen Bass made her rounds last week, remembering and speaking on the civil unrest that began on Florence and Normandie 25 years ago and imparting lessons that she learned while being involved in the rebuilding process.”

LA Watts Times, May 4th, 2017. Bass Remembers L.A.’s Civil Unrest and Lessons Learned. 

 

 

 

 

“The city of today is nothing like it was in April 1992. Much has changed, and much remains to be done. If there is little reason for a sunny outlook about the future (especially in the Trump era), there is an abundant foundation for a cautious sense of hope.”

Capital & Main, May 1st, 2017. South Los Angeles: Renaissance and Potential.

 

“South LA Rally, march marks 25 years since LA Riots rocked the nation.”

The Mercury News, April 29th, 2017. Learn more about our South LA Future Fest here. 

 

 

 

 

 

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“Twenty five years ago, Los Angeles exploded in the worst urban civil unrest in contemporary American history. Ground zero for the social upheaval was South L.A., an area battered by deindustrialization and job loss, wracked by a crack epidemic and gang warfare, and frustrated by policing practices that best resembled those of an occupying force.”

KCET, April 28th, 2017. The L.A. Riots 25 Years Later: A Return to the Epicenter

 

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“Aurea Montes-Rodriguez is executive vice president of the nonprofit Community Coalition. She said she’s frustrated by a number of empty lots that remain undeveloped here, like one down the street from her office in the Vermont Knolls neighborhood, where stores burned in ’92.”

NPR Marketplace, April 28th, 2017. Uneven economic development marks South LA neighborhoods hit hardest by ’92 riots.

 

 

 

 

 

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“LOS ANGELES — After a mostly-white jury acquitted four white police officers in the beating of Rodney King, it was only minutes before Henry Keith Watson joined hundreds of others here at the corner of Florence and Normandie in South Los Angeles.”

The New York Times, April 28th, 2017. The L.A. Riots 25 Years Later: A Return to the Epicenter

 

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“Twenty-five years ago, the city erupted after four LAPD officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King.  A look at what’s changed for residents in South LA and what still needs to happen.”

KCRW Olney in LA, April 27th, 2017. South LA’s legacy: 25 Years after the riots

 

 

 

 

 

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“LOS ANGELES — A bank of TV sets flicker on and off one by one, each showing a different media clip from the early 1990s: gang members being interviewed, talking heads spewing political punditry, videos of looting and burning buildings.”

Hyperallergic, April 27th, 2017.  A Searing Show Commemorates the 25th Anniversary of the 1992 LA Uprising

 

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“As the 25th anniversary of the L.A. riots approaches, witnesses who watched as stores went up in flames and angry cries filled the streets are remembering what unfolded on April 29, 1992.”

The Week, April 26th, 2017. 25 years later, witnesses remember the 1992 L.A. riots.

 

 

 

 

 

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Community Coalition, a nonprofit community organization working to eradicate violence, poverty and addiction in South L.A., is bringing that painful chapter in Los Angeles history back to life this April with “Re-Imagine Justice,” an interactive art exhibit in a back room at the nonprofit that has been refashioned into a looted storefront.”

Hollywood Reporter, April 26th, 2017.  L.A. Marks 25th Anniversary of 1992 Riots With Diverse Events.

“There may have been a riot going on, but 16-year-old college-bound Aurea Montes-Rodriguez had a field trip to Washington, D.C., to prepare for, so she wasn’t about to miss class on April 30, 1992.”

The Associated Press, April 26th, 2017. Witnesses Reflect on LA’s Rodney King Riot 25 Years Later
 Those Caught Up in 1992 LA Riot Reflect on Causes, Changes.

 

 

 

 

 

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“A new art exhibit titled “Re-Imagining Justice” asks the question: What does justice look like in America – 25 years after the uprising? Angie Crouch reports for the NBC4 News at 5 on Monday, Aug. 15, 2017.”

KNBC, April 25th, 2017. Art Exhibit Wants Community to ‘Re-Imagine’ Justice.

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“SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) –Twenty-five years after the Los Angeles riots, an exhibit at the Community Coalition in South L.A. takes visitors back to the time of civil unrest and the history behind what started it all.”

KABC 7, April 25th, 2017. ‘Re-Imagine Justice’ exhibit shows history of LA riots.

 

 

 

 

 

Community Coalition, a nonprofit community organization working to eradicate violence, poverty and addiction in South L.A., is bringing that painful chapter in Los Angeles history back to life this April with “Re-Imagine Justice,” an interactive art exhibit in a back room at the nonprofit that has been refashioned into a looted storefront.”

LAist, April 25th, 2017. Revisit the Chaos of The 1992 Riots At This Haunting South L.A. Art Exhibit.

“Normally, the small room at Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization in South Los Angeles, is filled with computers available for local residents. This month, it has been transformed into a looted store, as part of the organization’s “Re-Imagine Justice” exhibit commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1992 riots.”

New York Times, April 25th, 2017. California Today: Chasing Justice in L.A., 25 Years After Riots.

 

 

 

 

 

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The lobby of the Community Coalition in the Vermont Knolls section of South L.A. has been transformed into a ghostly, unmanned convenience store. To the left of the counter, a cooler is filled only with unlabeled bottles of orange juice and cans of Arizona Iced Tea. “

LA Weekly, April 21st, 2017. The Most Powerful Exhibit on the ’92 Riots Is on Display at a Community Center in South L.A.

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“LOS ANGELES (FOX 11) – We have reached deeply into the community to look at the 1992 LA Riots. Through the eyes and thoughts of  Aurea Montes-Rodriguez, we look back at what we’ve learned.”

FOX 11, April 22nd, 2017. FOX 11 News In Depth: The LA Riots 25 Years Later

 

 

 

 

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The lobby of the Community Coalition in the Vermont Knolls section of South L.A. has been transformed into a ghostly, unmanned convenience store. To the left of the counter, a cooler is filled only with unlabeled bottles of orange juice and cans of Arizona Iced Tea. “

LA Weekly, April 21st, 2017. The Most Powerful Exhibit on the ’92 Riots Is on Display at a Community Center in South L.A.

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“SOUTH LOS ANGELES — In 1991, Karen Bass and Sylvia Castillo, co-founders of the Community Coalition, started a campaign to clean up or close down the liquor stores in South L.A., saying they had become “one-stop shops” for drugs and crime.”

Los Angeles Wave, April 20th, 2017. Community Coalition panel looks back on what led to the ’92 Riots.

 

 

 

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“Back in 2015, developer Sassony Properties “broke ground” on a flashy South LA project set to transform a two derelict blocks in the Vermont Knolls neighborhood into a massive shopping center with nearly 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space.”

Curbed LA, April 19th, 2017. Construction still hasn’t started on a fancy outdoor mall planned for South LA.

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No other part of Los Angeles burned hotter during the 1992 L.A. Riots than the commercial district near Vermont and Manchester.

LA Weekly, April 18th, 2017. A Beverly Hills Developer Has Held 3 Acres of South L.A. “Hostage” for 25 Years, Critics Say.

 

 

 

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“LA This Week: Community Coalition’s Re-Imagine Justice Exhibit.”

LA Cityview 35, April 14th, 2017. Learn more about our Re-Imagine Justice Exhibit.

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When the riots broke out, Aurea Montes-Rodriguez was a 17-year-old high school student living with her family in Compton and taking the bus to a magnet school on the Eastside. Today she is executive vice president at Community Coalition, a social justice nonprofit based in South Los Angeles.”

LA Weekly, April 13th, 2017. 25 Years After the Riots: What a Teenager Learned Walking Home Through the Flames.

 

 

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“We are on a mission to photograph sites that high schoolers Juan Carlos (J.C.) Mercado and Miguel Sanchez have identified as being integral to their contribution to Re-Imagine JusticeCommunity Coalition‘s month-long Living Art Museum and panel series commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1992 unrest/uprising.”

Streetsblog LA, April 6th, 2017. L.A. South Central Youth Assess Stasis and Change 25 years after the 1992 Unrest.

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“The end of April marks the 25th anniversary of the L.A. Uprising that tore through South Central. There was six days of violence after a court ruled four police officers were not guilty in the beating of Rodney King. The Community Coalition is hosting an art exhibit called Re-imagine Justice.”

USC Annenberg Media, April 6th, 2017. Photographer Recounts the First Night of the ’92 LA Uprising.

 

 

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“We are on a mission to photograph sites that high schoolers Juan Carlos (J.C.) Mercado and Miguel Sanchez have identified as being integral to their contribution to Re-Imagine JusticeCommunity Coalition‘s month-long Living Art Museum and panel series commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1992 unrest/uprising.”

Streetsblog LA, April 6th, 2017. L.A. South Central Youth Assess Stasis and Change 25 years after the 1992 Unrest.

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“The result of transforming anger into activism is the focus of “Re-Imagine Justice,” a month-long commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the uprising sponsored by the Community Coalition.”

LA Sentinel, April 5th, 2017. ‘Re-Imagine Justice’ Explores Past and Future of South L.A.

 

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“On the 25th anniversary of the L.A. Riots, Angelenos will hit the streets, this time for a march to remind the city that there’s still progress to be made when it comes to economic and social justice south of the 10 freeway.”

LA Weekly, April 4th, 2017. L.A. Will Hit the Streets for the Riots’ Big Anniversary, This Time for a March.

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There’s little distinction for Aloe Blacc between being an artist and an activist. That’s why the Laguna Hills native refers to himself as an “artivist.” Blacc returns to Orange County this weekend with something to sing about.”

OC Weekly, April 4th, 2017. Aloe Blacc Returns to OC for Free Concert Rallying Against School-to-Prison Pipeline.

 

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“When California inaugurated a new school funding formula in 2013, Gov. Jerry Brown wanted to do more than restore money the state’s public schools had lost to deep recession-era budget cuts.”

KPCC, March 20th, 2017. LA Unified has gotten billions to serve high-needs kids. Here’s how they’ve spent it.

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“Twice a week, 18-year-old Javier Gomez works the front desk at Community Coalition in South Los Angeles and helps guide first-time voters. But on March 7, Gomez will be casting his own ballot for the first time.”

Intersections LA, March 6th, 2017. Organization Hopes Efforts to Rally South LA Voters Pay Off in City Election.

 

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“Should LA build higher, denser developments near public transit, or stay as a network of neighborhoods with single family homes and small apartment buildings?”

KCRW Press Play, March 2nd, 2017. Our President & CEO urges Angelenos to vote no on Measure S, which restricts development in the city for two years.

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“On February 26, a group of over 130 community leaders, residents, and youth gathered at the office of Community Coalition to commemorate the life and legacy of Trayvon Martin, tragically killed in Florida five years ago.”

LA Sentinel, March 1st, 2017. South L.A. Joins Together to Remember Trayvon Martin and Look Forward.

 

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“Few places hold as much importance in Los Angeles’ black history as Central Avenue, the birthplace of the West Coast jazz scene and a magnet for those leaving the South seeking a better life.”

Los Angeles Times, February 28th, 2017. In L.A.’s historic African American core, a growing Latino wave represents a possible ‘turning point’.

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“The signs of growth and development across much of Los Angeles — soaring cranes, new businesses, street improvements — have been slow to arrive to South Los Angeles.”

Los Angeles Times, February 26th, 2017. Our President & CEO tells us why Measure S does nothing for South LA.

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“Before President Donald Trump nominated her for his education secretary, Betsy DeVos was known as a harbinger in privatizing public education.”

GOOD, January 31st, 2017. Our President & CEO Tells Us Why We Shouldn’t Give Up On U.S. Education Just Yet.

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“One of our biggest concerns is the lack of transparency in the discipline process,” said Karren Lane, vice president of policy at Community Coalition. She urged the panel to advocate for a change in a state law that bans police agencies from revealing discipline against officers.”

KPCC Frank Stoltze , January 27th, 2017. Era of civilian oversight begins at LA Sherriff’s Department.

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“The Los Angeles City Council took the final step Tuesday toward putting what has become an increasingly controversial measure on the May ballot that, if passed by voters, could give civilians a greater role in disciplining the city’s police officers.”

Los Angeles Times, January 24th, 2017. City Council approves ballot measure that could put more civilians on LAPD discipline panels.

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“As City Hall pushes a proposal that could give civilians a greater role in disciplining Los Angeles police officers, city lawmakers on Friday called for a closer examination of the police department’s often-criticized disciplinary system that could open the door to further changes.”

Los Angeles Times, January 20th, 2017.  L.A. council members call for closer look at LAPD’s often-criticized disciplinary system.

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“Gayle Anderson was live in Los Angeles with a preview of the 32nd Annual Kingdom Day Parade, which celebrates the birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “

KTLA, January 16th, 2017. Watch footage from the 32nd Annual Kingdom Day  Parade here. 

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“A proposal that would give civilians a greater role in the discipline of Los Angeles police officers accused of serious misconduct could also lead to more leniency for officers facing termination or lengthy suspensions.”

Los Angeles Times, January 10th, 2017. A proposal to give civilians more say in LAPD’s disciplinary system could end up more lenient on officers.