Dear friends, check out some of the work we have been doing!
On Tuesday (5/31) the Coalition attended the Youth Justice Coalition: Resisting Through Sueños/Dreams Youth Art Exhibit at Chuco’s Justice Center. The event showcased incredible art that included film photography, clothing with custom graphics, paintings, and zines, all created by youth at YJC. The mediums encouraged youth to explore a range of topics including their roots, dreams, and the future! You can see footage from the event here.
On Wednesday (6/1) the Coalition attended a press conference held by the El Sereno Reclaimers, who successfully secured abandoned houses from Caltrans and made them homes for community members. The Reclaimers are currently at risk of being banished by the state once again after two years of planting roots in their community. Speakers included lead Reclaimers Benito Flores and Ruby Gordillo, Ananya Roy from the Luskin Institute, Dominique Walker from Moms 4 Housing, and Sua Hernandez from the El Sereno Community Land Trust. The community continues to struggle and win against the state to ensure that they stay housed.
Later that day the Coalition mobilized community members to speak out against a new five-year contract with Motorola Solutions being introduced at the LA City Council Public Safety Committee meeting. The contract is set to replace LAPD’s deal with Vigilant Solutions for an Automated License Plate Reader system. The hollow body we call the Public Safety Committee Unanimously approved the contract in the face of staunch opposition from community members. We intend to continue fighting this contract as it heads to the full City Council.
On Thursday (6/2) the Coalition partnered with the Sidewalk Project to attend International Whores Day 2022 held at the MOCA! The Sidewalk Project is an arts-based organization that exists to create community and wellness for those that live outdoors. They’re a constant, nurturing presence in Skid Row and a regular partner of LA CAN. International Whores’ Day has been celebrated annually since 1976, honoring sex workers around the world and uplifting the criminalization and inhumane work conditions they face. The event included music, pole-dancing performances, and an assortment of really great food. The Coalition provided information/resources about our work and discussed the targeting of sex workers by LAPD. It was such a FUN opportunity to stand in solidarity with sex workers and build power among community.
On Friday (6/3) the Los Angeles Community Action Network held its second Residential Organizing Committee this year with Skid Row Community Members and other interested Angelenos. This month’s meeting celebrated Juneteenth, focused on the upcoming elections, and facilitated a conversation around how to best build power against the many ways we’re attacked by the state. The Coalition provided a brief introduction of our work and invited attendees to participate in our collective research sessions.
To plug in with any of the work groups listed above, or for more information about the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition, email us at stoplapdspying@gmail.com.
If you or your organization are interested in hosting a teach-in or discussion regarding our report please fill out this google form.