"Sunday Blog Feature": HACLA Cuts Ribbon on its First Public Library in Ramona Gardens

 The reinvention of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) from a scandal plague agency into a public housing service provider, took a big step last Wednesday with the Grand Opening/ Ribbon Cutting of its first Public Library located on HACLA property in Ramona Gardens.

 HACLA C.O.O. Kent Simmons speaks during the opening ceremony. Representatives from Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, City of Los Angeles Public Library, UCLA, LAPD, Barrio Action, SEA, Ramona Gardens RAC, City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks, Scholastic Books were on hand for this historic event (** strangely, no one showed up from CD 14 Councilman Huizar's office)

 Various community collaborators join together in cutting the ribbon.

 Ramona Gardens RAC President Maggie Ortiz-Aguilar, Ramona Gardens Manager Georgina Garcia and Ramona Gardens Recreation Center Facility Director Debra Price share a piece of the ribbon. Ortiz-Aguilar shared these comments with KPCC Radio.

Maggie Aguilar, who has lived in the community for 45 years, says this is one step of many Ramona Gardens has taken in the right direction. 

"Ten years ago it was a really bad community," says Aguilar. "There was a lot of gangs and drugs and police and a lot of everything happening." 

But now? 

"It's beautiful now," she says. "You'll hear laughter. Kids playing. Kids riding their bicycles. Fathers playing with their kids. Throwing the football around. You can come out and barbecue without people messing with you or take something from you." 

 Library interior, more books are always appreciated.

HACLA  Commissioner Margarita Garr conducts the first "story time" within the new library.

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14.