Esperanza Community Housing’s Weblog

On August 9, 2008, Esperanza and EsperanSalud along with partners from St. John’s Well Child Center, SAJE, and Figueroa Corridor Community Land Trust, celebrated on the corner of King and Main to encourage our community members to keep our streets clean and safe. (more…)

Esperanza members had the opportunity to experience a beautiful classical concert at the Hollywood Bowl  “Nothing But Beethoven”.  The Program consisted of LA Philharmonic accompanied by Christian Zacharias conducting Bethoven’s “Coriolan Overture”, “Piano Concerto No. 1”, and “Symphony No. 6 (“Pastoral”).”

Thank you Create Now! & Hollywood Bowl for this great opportunity.  The Children had a wonderful time!

Governor Schwarzenegger signs law banning trans fats from restaurants in order to decrease obesity. The law, AB 97 by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, will ban cooking with trans fats in restaurants by Jan. 1, 2010, including its presence in baked good by Jan. 1, 2011.

California is a leader in promoting health and nutrition, and I am pleased to continue that tradition by being the first state in the nation to phase out trans fats,” Schwarzenegger said.  “Consuming trans fat in linked to coronary heart disease, and today we are taking a strong step toward creating a healthier future for California.”

Yet, despite great efforts, there  are still individuals who take obesity as a joke as The Onion, published a few undesirable comments.

The Los Angeles Times: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-transfat26-2008jul26,0,2161554.story, and

The Onion: http://www.theonion.com/content/amvo/l_a_bans_fast_food

On July 26th, fifty of our youth and families attended a wonderful concert at the Disney Concert Hall.  The Disney Center is one of the most sophisticated concer halls in the world, providing both visual and aural intimacy for an unparalleled experience.  Designed by Frank to see the beauty of this building.

 The iPalpiti Festival of International Laureates 2008, features 30 of the most exceptionally gifted young musicians from all over the world.

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Esperanza gave me something I never had before; a sense of community.  When I walk the streets, kids (and adults) say “Hello Mrs. Elizabeth.” I feel known and accepted.  I feel a sense of belonging and I like it. 

Yet, Last night two of our tenants were gunned down right in front of La Estrella.

What does this mean?

How can we combat this kind of violence?  Do we cower in fear?  Will we lose our sense of being able to confront “wrong” when and where we find it?

Many times my students have warned me not to call the poilce to report tagging or disturbing behavior because they fear for my safety.

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Esperanza means hope……literally.

To me however  Esperanza means much more. Esperanza has meant the ability to learn, to teach, to grow and spread my wings.
Why, because of the believe and support  that Esperanza has always shown to me.

And this desire to build a better community extends beyond Esperanza.
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