Imperial Partners Requests Amendments to Exclusive Negotiation Agreement

Lynwood, CA – In a letter to Lynwood’s City Manager dated December 18, 2006, Imperial Partners requests that the exclusive negotiation agreement be amended and restated including the following changes:

1. Page 2, paragraph 1 & 2 should be modified to not default Developer for not conforming to the ENA;

2. Page , paragraph 2 should be modified and clarified to refer to the DDA only (not the ENA).

3. Modify the ENA to include an additional 68 acres of property in the DDA. According to the developer, the additional 68 acres are necessary to assure the success of the total development.

4. Page 7, paragraph 16 should be changed to say the “Deposit” of $500,000 is fully refundable at the discretion of the Developer.

Badges Issued by Mervyn Dymally Probed

Lynwood, CA - Mervyn Dymally, whom Leticia Vasquez works for according to the City's website, is currently under investigation for issuing official-looking badges.

Read story in LA Times.

Four Councilmembers Served with Recall Papers

Lynwood, CA - On Tuesday, December 5, 2006, the Lynwood City council elected Louis Byrd, who is under investigation by the FBI, as Mayor. After the meeting, a reception organized by councilmember Leticia Vasquez was held in Bateman Hall. The reception was poorly attended, and the hall was filled mostly with by opponents of the power center. Johnson, Byrd, Vasquez and Pedroza were served with recall papers.

Louis Byrd Mayor

Lynwood, CA - Long time councilmember Louis Byrd, who is under investigation by the FBI, is chosen as Lynwood Mayor. Fernando Pedroza, who is also under investigation, chosen as Mayor Pro- Tem.

Corruption in South Los Angeles

Lynwood, CA - Newspaper reports that corruption has cut across racial lines, and has penetrated many cities in south Los Angeles, including Lynwood.

Read story here.

Mayor Vasquez Speaks of Support to Latino Issues

Lynwood, CA - Current Mayor Leticia Vasquez speaks to La Opinion about her Latino heritage. She affirms that only a Latino can identify with the needs of the Latino community.

Read story here.

Corruption in Vernon

Lynwood, CA - Vernon mayor and former city administrator charged with corruption charges.

Read story here.

Lynwood Politics Tainted by Drug Money

Lynwood, CA - 33 year gang specialist and retired Sheriff Richard Valdemar assures drug cartels have infiltrated city councils and political campaigns in many small cities in Los Angeles County, including Lynwood.

Watch video here.

Developer Project Draws Large Protest

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that Developer's plans draw large protests.

Read story here.

La Pesadilla de Lynwood (Lynwood's Nightmare)

Hundreds Protest Against Power Center Outside City Hall

Lynwood, CA - On Tuesday, November 7 2006, hundreds of residents protest outside City Hall against the proposed Power Center.

Letter from Current Mayor Vasquez on Power Center

Lynwood Enterprise Zone

Lynwood, CA - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger chose Lynwood as an Enterprise Zone. Others were central Los Angeles/Hollywood, South Gate, Compton, Long Beach and Pasadena.

Read more here.

Developer Holds Meeting to Explain Project

Lynwood, CA - Lynwood Promenade, LLC which was started October 19, 2006, held a meeting on November 1, 2006 to explain their project.

Power Center Mini Poll Results

Four Councilmembers Hold Meeting at Restaurant

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that four Lynwood councilmembers met at a restaurant with the proponent of the power center. The City Manager, Assistant-Finance Director, and the Director of Redevelopment were allegedly also present at meeting.

Read story here.

Council Fires Back

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that the Lynwood City council fires back at School Board's comments.

Read story here.

Justice for Jessica Zavala

Who's Likely to be Prosecuted Mini Poll Results

Man Dies After Vehicle Lands on Atlantic Avenue

Lynwood, CA - A man died this morning after his car went out of control on the I-105 freeway, and landed on Atlantic Avenue.


Read story here.

City Council Cosiders Options to Fight Crime

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that the Lynwood City Council is considering different options to fight crime.

Read story here.

Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem Served With Recall Papers

Lynwood, CA - Current Mayor Leticia Vasquez, and current Mayor Pro-Tem Alfreddie Johnson were served with recall papers during ribbon cutting ceremony that took place Monday, September 25, 2006.

FBI Investigation Mini Poll Results

Armando Rea Arrested

Lynwood, CA – The inmate locator for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department shows that Armando Rea was arrested at 9:30 pm on September 21, 2006. Booking number 9214300 indicates that Rea was arrested by the LASD- Century Station Patrol. According the Sheriff's website, Rea was released September 22, 2006 at 12:03.

Armando Rea, an ex-police officer, currently holds a private investigator license as:

Licensee Name: METRO CRIMINAL DEFENSE INVESTIGATIONS
License Type: Private Investigator
License Number: 23363
License Status: CLEAR Definition
Expiration Date: January 31, 2007
Issue Date: January 07, 2003
City: LYNWOOD
County: LOS ANGELES
Actions: No

"Big Power Center" for Lynwood Proposed

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports a proposal for a "Big Power Center".

Read story here.

Ethnic Transformation In Lynwood

Lynwood, CA - Article by Elizabeth Wright describes the ethnic transformation in Lynwood. Current Mayor Pro-Alfreddie Johnson states in the article that during the time Armando Rea was appointed Mayor of Lynwood, 13 african american people were fired at the same time. A Latina opponent also states Rea's supporters knocked on doors "saying we needed to get rid of black city council members."

Read story here

Permanent URL for story as indicated by vdare.com: http://vdare.com/misc/060912_wright.htm

City Attempts to Stop Cruising

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports the City's efforts to halt cruising on Long Beach Blvd.

Read story here.

LUSD Youth Alternatives Mini Poll Results

Court of Appeals Affirms Convictions of Omar Bradley, and Two Others

Lynwood, CA - The district's Court of Appeals affirmed the convictions of former Compton Mayor Omar Bradley, former Councilman Amen Rahh, and Former City Manager John Johnson II on charges of misappropriating city funds.

Read story here.
Read story from Compton Bulletin here.
Download case file here.

Officials Visit Firebaugh school

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that elected officials visit Marco A. Firebaugh School.

Read story here.

Lynwood Alley in Need of Cleanup

Lynwood alley at corner of Clark St and Atlantic Ave requires clean up.

Colton Councilman Charged With Misuse of Perks

Lynwood, CA – The Los Angeles Times reports that after a two-month probe, Colton Councilmen Ramon M. "Ramie" Hernandez, a youth minister according to the paper, faces 24 counts of misappropriation of public funds. Amongst others, Hernandez is alleged to have used his city card to cover motel visits, and expenses of $426.02 on sex phone lines. Hernandez could face as much as two to four years in prison for each count if he is convicted.



Read story here.

Also read Los Angeles Times. Requires suscription.

Water Rates Increased Approved

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that the Lynwood City Council approved an increase in water rates.

Read Story Here.

Lynwood Youth

Lynwood, CA - The links to the following videos and website were sent to Lynwood Watch with the title "Lynwood Youth". The sender alleges to be a resident of Lynwood, and states: "Nobody is doing anything about our kids."

Video 1

Video 2

Lynwood Gangs

(Viewer Discretion is advised)

Assistant Manager/Finance Director Mini Poll Results

City Proposes Water and Sewer Rate Increase

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports proposed Water and Sewer rate increase.

Read Story

Towing Contract Mini Poll Results

Protests on Crackdown

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that local merchants complain regarding City's efforts to curve cruising.

Read story here.

Councilman Pedroza Supports Governor for Border Efforts

Lynwood, CA - Councilmember Fernando Pedroza tells Spanish newspaper Hoy that he supports Governor because of the Governor's efforts towards national security and the border.


Read story here.

Governor Looks to Latinos for Support

Lynwood, CA - The Dailybulletin.com indicates that the governor is looking for Latino support, and will host an event in Lynwood which will include announcing a group called Hispanic Families for Arnold.

Read story here.

Read another story here.

Read Wave Newspapers story
Read LA Times for another story (requires suscription)

No Formal Enforcement Action for Maria G. Lopez

Lynwood, CA - Letter from the Fair Political Practices Commission indicates no enforcment action was taken against Maria G. Lopez because she was a defeated candidate. Maria G. Lopez is currently the President of the School Board.

Issues Between City Manager and Councilmember

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports issues between City Manager and a Councilmember.

Read story here.

Recall Mini Poll Results

Newspaper Reports Problems Follow Martinez

Lynwood, CA - Newspaper reports that problems follow City Manager Enrique Martinez.

Read story here.

Black Versus Brown

Lynwood, CA - MSNBC reports ethnic tensions between African Americans and Latinos in Lynwood.

Read story here.

Recall Ends

Lynwood, CA - Local paper reports that due to lack of signatures, the recall effort ends.

Read story here.

Law Enforcement Investigates Death Threats

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that there is an investigation regarding death threats made to current Mayor Leticia Vasquez.

Read story here.

Leticia Vasquez Affirms She Will Take Legal Action

Lynwood, CA – In an interview to Spanish publication Porvenir Latino, current Mayor Leticia Vasquez denies having had a relationship with Paul Richards, and affirms “Ni lo conozco” (“I don’t even know him”). Vasquez tells the newspaper that the only contact she had with Richards, was when she was elected, and that Richards congratulated her in a very respectful and educated manner.

Although the Compton Bulletin on a different interview indicated that she had been born and raised in Compton, Vasquez informed Porvenir Latino that she knew about Paul Richards because “Como nací y me desarrollé en esta ciudad, sabía de la existencia de Richards, quien era alcalde y concejal, pero nunca tuve una relación personal con él, nunca una conversación sobre asuntos de la ciudad.” (I was born and grew up in this city, that’s how I knew about Paul Richards, who was Mayor and councilmember, but I never had any relationship with him, never a conversation regarding City issues.).

Vasquez tells the newspaper that she will give recall proponents a legal response and tells that she will be more aggressive, although she [believes she] shouldn’t defend herself because she hasn’t done anything. Vasquez states that the accusations are false and calumnious.


Article Title: "Me calumnian sin base"
Newspaper: Porvenir Latino
Date: June 3, 2006

Local Newspaper Reports Council Votes to Investigate Recall

Lynwood, CA - Local paper reports that the Lynwood City Council voted to investigate the recall process.

Read story here.

City Manager Marries Assistant City Manager

Lynwood, CA – During the June 6, 2006 council meeting, Mayor Pro-Tem Alfreddie Johnson announced the matrimony between City Manager Enrique Martinez, and Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Marianna Marysheva. The couple married on February 15, 2006.

Read story here.

Recall Proponents Invite Residents to Attend Council Meeting

Lynwood, CA - After several supporters of current Mayor Leticia Vasquez showed up at the last council meeting, recall proponents encourage residents to attend the June 6th, council meeting to speak in support of recall.

(NOTE: Lynwood Watch did not participate in the making or distribution of the flyer. Thanks for including our link!)

City Council Considers Investigating Recall

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that the Lynwood City Council considers investigating the recall against current Mayor Leticia Vasquez.

Read story here.

FBI Visits City Hall

Lynwood, CA – The FBI visited City Hall on Wednesday, May 24, 2006, seemingly to continue with their ongoing investigation. It is supposed that several people were interviewed.

Recall Proponents Submit Petitions

Lynwood, CA – Proponents of the recall against current Mayor Leticia Vasquez submitted signatures today. The petitions were sent to the County Clerk’s Office. The County has 30 days to review the petitions.

Lynwood Fire Station

Recall Proponents Gather Signatures at City Park

Some City Clerk Duties Removed

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that some duties of the City Clerk were removed by the Lynwood City Council.

Read Story Here.

Lynwood Businesses Close in Support of Boycott

Lynwood, CA – About 95% of businesses in Lynwood closed on May 1, 2006 to support the boycott. Plaza Mexico, and Superior Market, which attract a large number of customers also closed their doors for the day.

1 MAYO 2006

ABC News Reports 3,000 People at Lynwood Park

Lynwood, CA - ABC News reports that "about 3,000 peope rallied for immigrant rights at a park in Lynwood".

Read story here.

City Manager Sends Subtle Threat to Those Wishing to Support the Immigration Rights Rally

Lynwood, CA - During its last meeting, the Lynwood City Council approved a protest march scheduled for Sunday, April 30 2006 in support of immigration rights. Hermandad Mexicana anticipates about 2,000 participants who will rally at the organization's headquarters in Lynwood.

On Thursday, April 27, City Manger Martinez sent employees a memorandum warning them about calling in sick on May 1st 2006.

Read Document Here

Mayor Leticia Vasquez Investigated for Possible Misuse of Public Funds

Lynwood, CA- The Los Angeles Times reports that the Los Angeles County district attorney's Public Integrity Division is investigating current Mayor Leticia Vasquez for possible misuse of public funds.

Visit Los Angeles Times

Mixed Reactions to Sentencing

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports mixed reactions on Richards' sentencing.

Read story here.

Former Assemblyman Marco Antonio Firebaugh Dies in Los Angeles

Lynwood, CA - Lynwood Watch joins the many who are honoring former Assemblyman Marco Antonio firebaugh.

Read Story Here.

Paul Richards Sentenced to 15 Years.

Lynwood , CA - Former councilmember Paul Richards was sentenced Monday to 188 months, about 15 years in prison. Richards was convicted last November of 35 counts, including mail fraud, conspiracy, money laundering and lying to federal investigators, stemming from his secret control of a company that benefited from lucrative city contracts.

Read Story Here

Leticia Vasquez Deceives Voters With Unauthorized Mailer With False Quotes

Lynwood, CA - Local paper reports Mayor Leticia Vasquez used false quotes from other elected officials without their consent. The mailer was sent to Lynwood voters.

Read story here.

Judge Refuses New Trial for Richards

Lynwood, CA - News agency KCAL 9 reports that request for a new trial by Paul Richards was denied. Sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2006.

Read Story Here.

School District Ratifies $86,000 contract with Legislative Advocacy Group

On January 24, 2006, the Lynwood School Unified School District members ratified a contract with Francisco Leal's firm. Leal's firm is to receive $3,500 per month for advocacy and lobbying services.

Read More Here.

Local Newspaper Reports Steps to Reduce Cost in Legal Services

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that the Lynwood City Council takes steps to reduce cost of legal services.

Read More Here.

Local Newspaper Reports Council Actions Center of Dispute

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that a dispute that started at a Block Watch Meeting Carries over to City Council Meeting.

Read more here.

Local Newspaper Reports Recall Committee Must Collect Signatures By May 18, 2006

Local newspaper reports that recall proponents must gather signatures by May 18, 2006.

Read more here.

City Crews Remove Illegal Crosswalk at Lincoln Elementary

Lynwood, CA - City crews remove unauthorized crosswalk in front of Lincoln Elementary allegedly striped by school staff. The two red stripes led from the school's main entrance, and to one of the circles on State Street. Students at Lincoln Elementary must cross the street to practice physical education.

City Cosiders In-House Consultants According to Local Newspapers

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that the Lynwood City Council is considering bringing consultant services in-house.

Read story here.

Locak Nespaper Reports Latino Leaders' View on King Legacy

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports views of Latino leaders on Martin Luther King's Legacy.

Read story here.

Man Killed at Jack in the Box in Lynwood

Lynwood, CA - KCAL 9 reports that a man was shot and run over at Jack in the Box in Lynwood.

Read story here.

Beltran and Medina Top Fees with $1,575,427 70

Lynwood, CA - Agenda item number 16 reviewed by the Lynwood City Council shows that the City Attorney has charged the City $1,575,427 70 in legal fees.

Download agenda item here.