HACLA & LAPD bring Christmas cheer to Ramona Gardens

Blogger's notes: We take a break away from our recent HACLA bashing, and reverse gears to praise the housing agency for their partnership with LAPD, in bring the Christmas cheer to the Ramona Gardens Housing Project on Tuesday evening.Working with a newly-elected Ramona Gardens Resident Advisory Council (** under the great leadership of Maggie Ortiz), GRYD Program Provider Barrio Action and City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks, HACLA and LAPD gave out presents to over 350 children residing within Ramona Gardens. LAPD highlighted the festivities by hauling out their specially-modified sleigh for the event. This event was an outgrowth of a new five year agreement between HACLA and the LAPD to provide 10+ specific officers to police the Ramona Gardens Projects, working with Civil Rights Activist Connie Rice's Advancement Project---Scott Johnson    

The cheerful staff of Barrio Action waiting to hand out some Christmas cheer. 

 Ramona Gardens parents and kids line up at sunset to get good tidings from Santa.

 LAPD Pacific Division Officer Marcy Garcia and LAPD Booster Monica Harmon. Officer Garcia grew up in the Ramona Gardens/ Hazard Park Community and it was her idea to bring the sleigh across town from its Pacific Division home, to the neighborhood of her youth.

 "Santa Cop and Sleigh" arriving at the Ramona Gardens Recreation Center with ground and aerial escort.

 LAPD Deputy Chief Jose Perez with Ramona Gardens Projects Manager Georgina Garcia and HACLA Resident Relations Director Joel Lopez.

Pacific Officer, Deputy Chief Perez, Hollenbeck Captain Anita Ortega and Officer Garcia.

"To protect and to serve" ..... and bring a smile to a child.

Great job to all who brought this together.

Scott Johnson in CD 14