LA Citizens Call on Villaraigosa to Save the Largest Urban Farm in the U. S.
As of January 30, 2006, an injunction preventing developer Ralph Horowitz from evicting the farmers has been lifted. At any moment the South Central Farmers may be served with an eviction notice from the L. A. County Sheriff’s Department. Hundreds of community supporters of the South Central Farmers will gather at Los Angeles City Hall, to demand the preservation of this 13 year old community project.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 15, 2006
As of January 30, 2006, an injunction preventing developer Ralph Horowitz from evicting the farmers has been lifted. At any moment the South Central Farmers may be served with an eviction notice from the L. A. County Sheriff’s Department. Hundreds of community supporters of the South Central Farmers will gather at Los Angeles City Hall, to demand the preservation of this 13 year old community project.
Media Contacts: - Fernando Flores, (909) 605-3136, South Central Farmers Support Committee - Rosa Romero, (310) 867.0696, South Central Farmers Support Committee - Dele Ailemen (323) 580-3008, South Central Farmers Support Committee
Save the Largest Urban Farm in the U. S.!
Demonstration/Press Conference in support of the South Central Farmers
What: Demonstration/Press Conference at Los Angeles City Hall
When: Friday, February 17, 2006
Demonstration @ 9:00 a. m.
Press Conference @ 11:00 a. m.
Where: Los Angeles City Hall
200 N. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Who: Community supporters of the South Central Farm
Why: As of January 30, 2006, an injunction preventing developer Ralph Horowitz from evicting the farmers has been lifted. At any moment the South Central Farmers may be served with an eviction notice from the L. A. County Sheriff’s Department. Hundreds of community supporters of the South Central Farmers will gather at Los Angeles City Hall, to demand the preservation of this 13 year old community project.
-For 13 years, 350 families have tended a 14-acre urban farm in the middle of South L. A.’s gritty industrial belt. Growing their own food staples has helped make healthy nutrition affordable. This urban farm, the largest in the U. S., provides a safe, children-friendly environment for over 360 families and thousands of visitors who come to the lively farmers market on Sundays. The farm is also an oasis of green-space that helps to lessen air and water pollution in the surrounding community. Farmer Alberto Tlatoa said, “Bulldozing the farm will take food out off our children’s mouths. What will it do to Horowitz if we stay? Nothing! The city paid him $4.7 million dollars for this land in 1986, and when he bought in back 11 years later, he paid the city $5.1 million; far below the fair market price. Now he's asking $16 million for it. Every taxpayer in L. A. and any person who cares about environmental justice should be outraged."
-The City of L. A. acquired the land in the late 1980s, but abandoned plans to build a trash incinerator after community protests. After the civil unrest of 1992, officials transferred title to the Harbor Department, which contracted with the L. A. Regional Food Bank to operate a community farm on the property. In 2003, the City Council agreed to sell the 14 acres back to the original owner, private developer Ralph Horowitz, who wants to demolish the urban farm and build a warehouse. The South Central Farmers are self-sufficient and are working, they are not asking for a hand-out from taxpayers. Sponsored by South Central Farmers Support committee
~Please wear a green shirt in support of the Farm~
For further information regarding the South Central Farmers, please visit their website: www. southcentralfarmers. com or contact Fernando Flores, Co-Chair SCF Support Committee @ (909)605-3136.
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