City Attorney to be Discussed in Closed Session

Lynwood, CA - Continuing Lynwood's tradition to replace the City Attorney every time there's a power shift, current law firm Beltran and Medina will be discussed in closed session. Traditionally, a new City Attorney is announced after the City Council emerges from closed session.

Read agenda here.

Superintendent Gets Extension and Raise

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that that Lynwood Unified School District's superintendent has obtained an extension and a raise.
Read Story Here.

Is Mayor Leticia Vasquez Double Dipping?

Lynwood, CA - In the Soul Vine section of the Wavenewspapers by Betty Pleasant, the question is raised as to whether current Mayor Leticia Vasquez is double-dipping. The section informs that Leticia Vasquez is employed as a field deputy for Assemblyman Mervy Dymally . The question raised is whether Leticia Vasquez comes off the state's payroll when she's performing Lynwood city business, or whether she conducts business only after completing a full eight-hour day as a state employee.

Read article here.

(You'll find the section half-way through the page)

No Nurse for Lynwood High School

Lynwood, CA - USA Today reports that Lynwood High School, one of the nation's largest schools with 3,400 students, has no nurse.

Read article here.

Illegal Candidate Signs Still On City Streets

Lynwood, CA - More than 30 days after the election, candidate signs are still hanging on city streets. These candidate signs are placed in violation of the City's Municipal Code. The new law adopted by the City clearly states that signs may be erected for forty five (45) days prior to and ten (10) days following the election to which they relate. Candidates who have left their signs are in violation of the City's code.

Lynwood Has New Mayor

Lynwood, CA - The Lynwood City council has reorganized. Leticia Vasquez is Lynwood's new mayor.

Read article here.

Newspaper Reports Council Can't Agree on Settlement

Lynwood, CA - L0cal newspaper reports that the City council can't agree on a settlement over Muriel Estates.

Read story here.

City Council Delays Housing Project for Seniors

Lynwood, CA - Local paper reports that the Lynwood City council has delayed a "15-unit housing project for low-income senior citizens."

Read full story here.

Former Lynwood Community Development Director Fired

Lynwood, CA - The San Gabriel Vallye Tribune reports that Gary Chicots, Lynwood's former Community Development Director, was fired from his City Manager job in South El Monte.

Read Article Here.

Lynwood City Manager Files Claim Against Fomer Employer

Lynwood, CA - The pasadena Star newsaper informs that Lynwood City Manger Enrique Martinez has filed a claim for $13,680 to the City of Pasadena. The paper claims that Lynwood's City Manger lives in a "4,300 -square-foot, five-bedroom home" which he bought last year for $1.45 million. According to the paper, a large trash bin crashed through Martinez' gate, and damaged it.

Read story here.

(We have provided a brief summary of the news because not everyone might be able to log on the newspaper's website. Suscription might be required)

Election Results:

MARIA T SANTILLAN		1,911	11.4
FERNANDO PEDROZA		1,763	10.52
ALFREDDIE JOHNSON		1,755	10.47
AIDE CASTRO		1,536	9.17
RAMON RODRIGUEZ		1,537	9.17
MARK FLORES		1,420	8.47
PATRICIA CARR		1,380	8.23
JIM MORTON		1,233	7.36
KATHERINE AMEY		1,226	7.32
SALVADOR ALATORRE		1,225	7.31
EDWIN R JACINTO		1,200	7.16
JUAN J ENCISO		572	3.41

9 Challengers for Council Election

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that there are 9 challengers for three seats. Election is Tuesday, November 8.

Read article here.

Paul Richards Found Guilty

Lynwood, CA - A verdict was announced today at 1:00pm. Paul Richards has been found guilty on all counts. Paula Harris, Richards' sister, and Bevan Thomas, have also been found guilty. Sentencing is scheduled for February 13, 2006 at 1:30pm.


Read article here.

Paul Richard's Faith in Hands of Jurors

Lynwood, CA - Local paper reports that the Paul Richard's case has gone to the jury.

Read story here.

Read article from NBC 4 News here.

Billboard Company That Dealt With Paul Richards is Accused of Corruption

Lynwood, CA- A sign company, who's representative Smith pleaded guilty in August to a charge of giving a $7,500 "illegal gratuity" to Paul Richards for backing a billboard deal, is accused of corruption. According to the article, Richards and his allies had agreed to pay $1 million of the fee to a company created by Richards and owned by his sister. The contract was canceled the after Richards lost the recall election.

Read article here.

Lynwood Watch Turns 1 year old!

We thank everyone for visiting our site, keep clickin!

Councilwoman Leticia Vasquez Served with Recall Papers

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that Leticia Vasquez, current member of the Lynwood City council has been served with recall papers.

Read article here.


The newspaper also reports that the Paul Richards trial is nearing its end.

Read article here.

Endorsment to City Council Candidates Anger Residents

Lynwood, CA- Newspaper reports that endorsement by Linda Sanchez to candidates Fernando Pedroza, Juan Enciso, and Jim Morton anger Lynwood residents.

Read story here.

Oakland Budget Director to Become Assistant City Manager in Lynwood

Lynwood, CA - The Alameda Times reports that Budget Director Marianna Marysheva of Oakland resigned Monday to become assistant city manager in Lynwood.

Read article here.

Pual Richard's Trial Starts Today

Lynwood, CA - The Los Angeles Times reports that former the trial of former councilmember Paul Richars will begin today. (subscription required)

Download Indictment.

Visit Los Angeles Times

Read article from Press Telegram

Download Summary of the 1st Week

Read article from Wave newspapers.

Read article from Wave Newspapers ' Employee was 'lenient' on city contract'

Richards Denies Wrongdoing. Read Article Here.

Comment on Martina Rodriguez

Comment on Candidates for Lynwood Unified School District

Comment on Gloria Garcia

Comment on Rachel Chavez

Comment on Alfonso Morales

Candidate Signs Posted Illegally

Lynwood, CA - As the campaign season continues, candidate signs are being placed in violation of the City's Municipal Code, many in the public right of way. The new law adopted by the City clearly states that signs may be erected for forty five (45) days prior to and ten (10) days following the election to which they relate. With the election being November 8, 2005, candidates can start puting up their signs until September 24, 2005. Candidates who put up their signs now, are in violation of the City's code.

AB 11 in the 2005 - 2006 Sesion

Please click in the link below for information on Hector Dela Torre's AB11.

Bill AB 11

The California Department of Consumer Affairs Revokes License of Simpson and McGee Mortuary in Lynwood

Lynwood, CA - The California Department of Consumer Affairs revoked the license of Simpson & McGee Mortuary, who has been established in Lynwood since 1991.

Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

Candidates for Lynwood City Council

Comment on Patricia Carr

Comment on Aide Castro

Comment on Maria Teresa Santillan

Comment on Fernando Pedroza

Comment on Ramon Rodriguez

Comment on Sal Alatorre

Comment on Katherine Amey

Comment on Jim Morton

Comment on Juan Enciso

Comment on Edwin R. Jacinto

Comment on Alfreddie Johnson

Comment on Mark Flores

Paul Richard's Arrest Information

Lynwood, CA - You can download the narrative of the arrest of Paul Richards from
LynwoodWatch.com

12 Candidates for Lynwood City Council

Lynwood, CA - Nominations have closed, and the City Clerk's office has released a list of 12 candidates. Ramon Rodriguez, Maria Santillan, and Fernando Pedroza are up for re-election.

View list at LynwoodWatch.com

Paul Richards Arrested For Soliciting Prostitution

Lynwood, CA - Paul Richards was arrested on prostitution charges a week before the beginning of his trial on corruption charges next week. Information about the arrest can be found in the inmate lookup of the Sheriff Department’s website.

See arrest details here.

Inmate lookup URL: http://app1.lasd.org/iic/ajis_search.cfm

Newspapers Report Lobbyist Pleads Guilty to Giving Illegal Gratuity To Paul Richards

Lynwood, CA - The Los Angeles Times, and the San Diego Tribune report that David Neal Smith of Palmdale pleaded guilty in federal court to giving $7,500 to then Mayor Paul Richards. Richards' Trial is set to start next week, and Smith will be a witness for the government.

Read full article here.

Mayor Ramon Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tem Maria Santillan Hold Campaign Kick Off

Lynwood, CA - Current Mayor Ramon Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tem Maria Santillan held a campaign kick off at el Faro Restaurant last Sunday, August 7, 2005. During the campaign kick off, the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem presented Mark Flores as the candidate they are endorsing.

Former South Gate Treasurer Albert Robles Convicted on 30 Felony Counts

Lynwood, CA – Albert Robles, the former treasurer of South Gate was convicted today on 30 felony counts related to a scheme in which he extorted city contractors in exchange for projects to those paying bribes.

A federal jury in Los Angeles found that Robles, 40, was guilty of 16 counts of “honest services” mail fraud, five counts of wired fraud, four counts of money laundering, and five counts of bribery.

Robles is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson on October 24. The mail and wire fraud charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in Federal Prison. The bribery and money laundering charges each carry a maximum potential sentence of up to 10 years.

Councilmember Leticia Vasquez Violates City Codes by Starting Roofing Work Without Permits

Lynwood, CA - A call to City Hall confirmed that workers doing roofing work at Leticia Vasquez' home were issued a citation. The councilwoman started re-roofing her home on Walnut without obtaining the proper permits. The City issues citations violators who do not obtain proper permits.

Paul Richards Trial to Begin in August

Lynwood, CA - The much awaited trial of former councilmember and Mayor Paul Richards will begin in August. City employees and members of the council subpoenaed.

Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

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LynwoodWatch.com however, has no connection whatsoever with beachhead commnications, nor any of the above websites. You may verify this information by visiting http://www.whois.net. Type lynwoodwatch.com, and you will be given all domain names. Click on who is record to see who registered the website.

Plaza Mexico Defies Lynwood by Placing Illegal Sign Advertising Beer

Lynwood, CA - A day after Plaza Mexico was questionably awarded the Long Beach Blvd project, it displays an illegal Tecate add on its giant illuminated sign along the I-105 Freeway, as if metaphorically cheering victory. Plaza Mexico has refused to put City of Lynwood on its sign.

Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

NewMark Merrill Ranked as Top Developer Over Charles Company and M & D Properties

Lynwood, CA - The Lynwood Redevelopment Agency has announced a recommendation of a developer for the development of the Southeast corner of Imperial Highway and Long Beach Blvd. NewMark Mill has ranked higher than its two competitors.

Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

Plaza Mexico has Failed to Promote City of Lynwood in its Giant Sign

Lynwood, CA - Plaza Mexico has failed to place “City of Lynwood” in its giant sign, which faces the I-105 freeway. Important business establishments with similar giant signs have all placed the name of the city in which they are located on the façade of the sign.

Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

Local Newsper Reports that LUSD is Planning First Student Exchange Program

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that Lynwood Unified School District is planning to take part in its first student exchange program.

Read full story here.

Commissioner Joins Bid for Lynwood City Council

Lynwood, CA - Aide Castro, a Block Grant Advisory Board member, listed on the City's website as Aide Ortiz, has filed form 410 at the office of Lynwood's City Clerk's Office.

Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

Local Paper Reports on Multi-City Crime Taskforce

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that current councilwoman Leticia Vasquez Participated in a multi-city crime taskforce.

Read story here.

Local Newspaper Reports on Denial of Permit for Shelter

Lynwood, CA- Local newspaper reports that the Lynwood's Planning commission denied a permit for a shelter at 4271 Carlin Avenue.

Read story here.

Local Newspaper Reports on City's Response to Grievance Against Current Councilman Pedroza

Lynwood, CA- A local newspaper reports that the result of the investigation on the grievance against current councilmember Fernando Pedroza "failed to show that [Flores] suffered and adverse employment action".

Read full story here.

Download City's response here.

Event at Lynwood's Youth Center Suggests Campaign Kick Off for Councilman Pedroza

Lynwood, CA - Supporters of councilmember Fernando Pedroza, presumably United Families of Lynwood, hosted a Mother's day dinner at the City's Youth Center on Friday May 6, 2005. The event suggest the campaign kick-off for councilman Pedroza. Fernando Pedroza, Ramon Rodriguez, and Maria Santillan, must seek re election in the November 2005 City election.

Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

Newspaper Reports Drive-By-Shooting in Lynwood Suspects Caught

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that two people who shot a 14 year old were caught at a Long Beach 710 freeway on-ramp.

Read story here.

Freeway Shooting at Intersection of I-710 and I-105

Lynwood, CA - ABC News reports that the California Highway Patrol investigates latest freeway shooting at the intersection of the I-710 and the I-105 freeways.

Read story here.

Local Newspaper Reports that Plaza Mexico is Under Fire

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that 2 leaked memos have put Donald Chae's Plaza Mexico project under fire.

Read Story Here.

In another story, the paper reports that the City has passed an ordinance that it hopes will help solve the parking problems in the city.

Read Story Here.

Plaza Mexico Proposes 100 Million to 200 Million Investment on Long Beach Blvd

Lynwood, CA - According to the owner of Plaza Mexico, Donald Chae, Plaza Mexico has invested over 50 million dollars in the shopping center, a figure, that he says, has not be equaled by anyone in 30 years. While they have no contracts with any major retailer, Mr. Chae argues that Plaza Mexico will bring high quality businesses to Lynwood. Plaza Mexico has brought at least two major firm names, Home Town Buffet, and Chucky Cheese's, and recently, La Curacao.

Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

Lynwood Mayor Mentioned as Part of Bribery Complaint by Billboard Company

Lynwood, CA - Valley Outdoor, Inc. Files Rico and Unfair Practices Complaint against Regency Outdoor that includes, racketeering, unfair competition, and extortion. The complaint alleges bribery, vandalism, mail fraud and extortion. The Mayor of Lynwood is mentioned in the Complaint. David N. Smith, a 64-year-old resident of Palmdale, who was a lobbyist retained by Regency Outdoor Advertising, Inc was arrested because he allegedly bribed former Mayor Paul Richards and laundered funds from Regency to give to Richards as campaign contributions.

Read more from Lynwood Watch.

Arrest Made In Plaza Mexico Prompted by Sale of Illegal Merchandise

Lynwood, CA – Heleodoro Elmilio Felix 32, owner of E&M Records in Plaza Mexico was arrested by Los Angeles County Sheriffs on April 27, 2005 at 4:40 pm. Mr. Felix was arrested without incident at his business located at Plaza Mexico, and was charged with Possession of over 1,000 counterfeit articles. Donald Chae, owner of Plaza Mexico, who is competing to develop a project on Long Beach Blvd, has stated that all businesses in Plaza Mexico provide top quality products. Mr. Felix was released on $20,000 bail amount on April 28, 2005.

See Arrest Info Here.

Did Councilwoman Leticia Vasquez Lie About Being Born and Raised in Lynwood?

Lynwood, CA - Recent newspaper article published in the Compton Bulletin has raised the question of whether current councilwoman Leticia Vasquez was born and raised in Lynwood or in Compton. While highly debatable, recods show that she may have arrived in Lynwood at age 15.

Read Full Story Here.

Leticia Vasquez, who says was Born and Grew up in Compton, Considers Latino Immigrants Cynical About Government

Lynwood, CA - Compton native Leticia Vasquez who says she is the "first U.S. born Latina to serve on the Lynwood City Council", considers immigrants from the southern border to the United States cynical about how the government works. Leticia Vasquez, who says grew up in Compton, believes that immigrant Latinos can be educated in schools, grocery stores and churches.

Read full article here.

Local Newspaper reports that the Lynwood City Council Postponed Decision to Choose Developer

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that the Lynwood City council has decided to postpone a decision to choose a developer for a proposed retail project on Long Beach Blvd.

Read full story here.

The newspaper also reports that "more than 50 of the city’s most active senior citizens took part in a long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony Monday afternoon for the city’s first Senior Citizen Center — one that is scheduled to be completed by September."

Read full story here.

Local Newspaper Reports on State of City Address

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that Mayor Ramon Rodriguez spoke about city developments, housing opportunities amongs others.

Read Story Here.

The nespaper also reports that the School Board has approved new boundaries regarding its new three middle schools, 12 elementary schools, one night-grade academy and one high school.

Read Story Here.

New Lynwood City Manager in Article by Whittier Daily News

Lynwood, CA - The Whittier Daily News' Article on Latino Leaders features the new Lynwood City Manager.

Read full story here.

Rev. Jessee Jackson Kicks off Cooperative Crime Task Force

Lynwood, CA - Rev. Jessee Jackson helped kick off the Mid-Cities Cooperative Crime Task Force formed last month by leaders in Carson, Compton, Long Beach, Lynwood and Paramount to do something about violence between blacks and Latinos.

Read story here.

Elderly Man Killed by Stray Bullet in 3200 Block of Euclid Ave

Lynwood, CA - ABC 7 reports that an elderly man was killed by a bullet from a gun fired by a man who was looking to buy drugs in the 3200 block of Euclid Ave.

Read more here.

Local Newspaper Reports Lawsuit Against City Reversed

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that a settlement reached in the Bevan Thomas and Laverne Jackson lawsuit against the city for breach of contract was reversed last week by the state Court of Appeals.

Read full article here.

Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

Six Latina Mothers and One Father to be acknowledged at Awards Banquet

Lynwood, CA - Six Latina mothers and one father to be acknowledged at Awards Banquet for prevailing over unique personal challenges and for positive contributions to the community during Latino Family Media, Inc. bi-annual event Las Madres de Honor (The Mothers of Honor). The awards banquet will take place April 10, 2005 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Bateman Hall in the city of Lynwood, CA.

Read details here.

Lynwood Man Falls to His Death

Lynwood, CA - ABC 7 reports that a Lynwood man fell to his death Friday while cutting down a palm tree in a Fullerton back yard.

Read full story here.

Local Newspaper Reports that City will Crack down on Garage Conversions

Lynwood, CA - A local newspaper reports that the City of Lynwood will implement a program to "crack down" on garage conversions.

Read full article here.

Order Enforcing Settlement of Lawsuits by Bevan Thomas Reversed

Lynwood, CA - The court of appeals of the State of California has reversed the settlement of lawsuits against the City of Lynwood by Bevan Thomas and his wife, Bevan Thomas et al. v. City of Lynwood et al., Case No. BC288238.

Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

Two Lynwood Residents Involved in Kidnap Hoax

Lynwood, CA - ABC 7 reports that two Lynwood residents, 26-year old Juan Carlos Sanchez Solis, and 18 year old Yesenia Flores, were involved in a hoax in order to avoid having to pay a narcotics supplier nearly $1 million dollars.

Read full article here.

Local Newspaper Reports that Fireworks will not be Banned in Lynwood

Lynwood, CA- Local newspapers reports that the Lynwood City Council will not ban the sale of fireworks because they do not cause enough trouble.

Read full article here.

On another story, the newspaper also reports that women honored women at Lynwood conference.

Read full article here.

Lynwood Municipal Code Just a Click Away

Lynwood, CA – The City of Lynwood has made the Lynwood Municipal Code available for Online viewing. The Lynwood Municipal Code has a powerful search feature which makes your research easier. The whole code book is literally just a click away.

Read more from Lynwoodwatch.com

Local Newspaper Writes Article about Lynwood Watch

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper writes an article about Lynwood Watch. The article points out that the blog portion of Lynwood Watch stirs controversy. People interviewed say the Lynwood Blog is "tasteless", "more opinionated than fact", and a "gossip column".

Read full article here.

On another story, the paper warns of possible cubtacks in CDBG funding that according to the paper, Lynwood uses to operate an anti-gang program.

Read full article here.

Lynwood Man Charged in Missile-Smuggling Plot

Lynwood, CA - ABC 7 reports that Michael Anthony Jiminez, 35, of Lynwood, was among those arrested in connection with a plot to smuggle weapons of war into the United States from the former Soviet Union.

Read full article here.

Security Guard Arrested In Fatal Shooting Exonerated

Lynwood, CA - NBC 4 news reports that a Alejandro Noera, 37, "was exonerated and released" . Noera, a security guard, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and use of a firearm. Francisco Reza, 26 was found a victim gunshot at Atlantic and Fernwood avenues at 2:48 a.m. in "extremely critical condition". He was pronounced dead at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Read article here.

Lynwood Unified Removed from list Troubled Districts

Lynwood, CA - State education officials have reduced the number of California school districts identified as needing improvement, saying that a computer programming error put 49 districts that met standards on the list.

49 districts were removed and 15 were added. Lynwood Unified School District is no longer on the List of Districts that Need Improvement.

March 15, 2005 Warrant Shows $5,151 in Lodging Fees

Lynwood, CA - Warrant for March 15, 2005 shows $5,151 in lodging fees, and $59,931.09 in legal fees.

Financial Consultant Who Worked for Lynwood to testify Against Albert Robles

Lynwood, CA –New Jersey financial consultant Edward Espinoza, whom wrote a bond for the City of Lynwood, has pleaded guilty for his role in a $1.6 million scheme that allegedly involved former South Gate Treasurer Albert Robles.

Read full article here.

Local Paper Reports Lynwood Unified Designated as In Need for Improvement

Local newspaper reports that the Lynwood Unified School District will no longer be able to provide supplemental education services to students, such as tutoring, as a result of being designated as in need of improvement. They will also need to develop improvement plans, and must implement corrective action by the end of the second year.

Read full article here.

Local Newspaper Reports Nabor Enrique Martinez is the New City Manager

Lynwood, CA – A local newspaper reports that Nabor Enrique Martinez has been hired as the new city manager. According to the paper, the current Pasadena assistant city manager Martinez will get a four or five year contract.

Read the article here.

Read Martinez' Bio from City of Pasadena here.

Councilman Fernando Pedroza Establishes Consulting Firm

Lynwood, CA - Lynwood Watch has verified that current councilmember Fernando Pedroza initiated a consulting business. Pedroza Consulting Corp. was incorporated in California on July 29, 2004, with business address 11072 Eve Avenue, in the city of Lynwood.

Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

Local Newspaper Reports that Councilman Pedroza is Accused of Verbal Assault, Harassment

Lynwood, CA - A local newspaper reports that current councilmember Fernando Pedroza has been accused of verbal assault and harrassment by City employee. Read posts by Lynwood Watch on this story for more information.

Read newspaper story here.

On another story, the paper presents an article about a successful gang prevention program for children at our local schools.

Read newspaper story here.

City Clerk Receives Pay and Benefits as Elected Official and City Employee

A public information request reveals that current City Clerk Andrea Hooper is considered both an Elected Official, and a City Employee. Andrea Hooper receives pay and benefits as both, an Elected Official and as an employee of the City of Lynwood.

Read more from Lynwood Watch.

Local Newspaper Reports Council Split over Bill Board Contract

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that the Lynwood City council is divided by a 30-year contract awarded to Bulletin Displays outdoor advertising company for $1.2 million.


Read article here.

Newspaper Reports City Employee's Claim of Intimidation by Councilman Fernando Pedroza

Lynwod, CA – One of the most important Spanish circulation daily newspapers in California, La Opinion, publishes an article about the harassment claim made by City employee Jaime Flores against current councilmember Fernando Pedroza.

The article recounts the incident in which Fernando Pedroza confronted the City employee. Councilman Fernando Pedroza denies any wrong doing. Lynwood Watch reported the incident shortly after it happened, and later made available for download, a copy of the notarized copy of the grievance.

Read from LynwoodWatch.com

Los Angeles Times Includes Lynwood Unified in List of School Districts that Fell Short of State Requirements

Lynwood, CA - The Los Angeles Times published a list on February 17, 2005 that shows all the School Districts that fell short of State requirements. Lynwood Unified is included in the list.

Download List Published in the LATimes from LynwoodWatch.com

City Employee Files Grievance Against Councilman Fernando Pedroza

Lynwood, CA - During the council meeting of Tuesday, February 15, 2005, a city employee handed council members a notarized document. The notarized document is a grievance against current council member Fernando Pedroza. The document claims that Fernando Pedroza harassed, and tried to fire the city employee 8 months ago. The city has ten days to respond.

Download document here.

School Board Member Attempts to Give Friend a Sweetheart Contract

Lynwood, CA - School board member Maria Lopez attempted to give her long time friend and Compton Community College Associate Matilde Zapien, a sweetheart deal.

Report #7.3 of a draft agenda presented Monday, January 31, 2005,
shows a request for "Approval for Matilde Zapien to Act As GED Consultant
during the 2004-2005 School Year at Lynwood Community Adult School.”

Read more from Lynwoodwatch.com

$89,506.83 in Legal Fees in February 15, 2005 Warrant

Download Warrant Here. ( See pages 26-30)

Local Paper Reports that a New City Manager has been hired

Lynwood, CA – Local Newspaper reports that a new city manager has been hired by the Lynwood City Council read story here. In other news, the paper also reports that the Lynwood Unified School District’s master plan is facing difficulties, read story here. The paper also presents the story of 15 students from Lynwood High School’s Nine West Academy that watched President W. Bush’s inauguration, read story here.

Sex Offenders in Lynwood

Lynwood, CA - The Department of Justice's Megan Law's webiste provides information about 63,000 people required to register in California as sex offenders. According to the website, about 33,500 specific home addresses are listed.

You can browse the website, and obtain specific information about sex offenders by Zip Code, city, and county.

Lynwood Watch searched the database, and found information on 63 offenders in Lynwood and created a pdf file for your viewing. The pdf file shows you a picture of the offender, and his address in Lynwood.

Click here to go to LynwoodWatch.com for more details and to download file.

Councilmember Fernando Pedroza Confronts City Employee

Lynwood, CA – This morning about 9:30 am, councilmember Fernando Pedroza confronted a City employee at the Lynwood City Park. It is alleged that the City employee was performing clean up job with a blower when he was approached by the councilmember. Fernando Pedroza questioned the employee as to why he wasn’t using a vacuum, instead of a blower. The City employee responded that workers are not assigned vacuums. Allegedly, coucilmember Fernando Pedroza used the following choice of words:

- “Since you are such a blabber mouth (Pedroza used the Spanish word “hocicon” *), why don’t you go to the council meeting and ask for one”.

The incident escalated to an exchange or words. Some believe that Pedroza’s confrontation was in retaliation because the employee expressed content for the arrest of former councilmember Paul Richards before the TV cameras.

-------------------------------------------

* The Spanish word “hocicon” is defined as

hocicon = meterse en todas partes con excesiva curiosidad, queriendolo averiguar todo: Calumniador.

It may be compared to the English noun blab, defined as

Blab = A person habitually engaged in idle talk about others: gossiper.

Los Angeles Sheriff Department Disciplines 157 Deputies, 20 Sergeants, and 1 Lieutenant According to Report

Lynwood, CA - The Los Angeles County Office of Independent Review released it's report for the 3rd quarter of 2004 on Monday. The reports states that 221 employees received discipline from founded administrative cases. 178 sworn peace officers were also disciplined. These include 157 Deputies, 20 Sergeants, and 1 Lieutenant.

Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

(Download link of 73 page pdf file of findings is at the bottom of full report page)

California Teachers Association Lifts Lynwood Unified School District's Sanctions

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper reports that Lynwood Unified School District has had sanctions lifted by California Teachers Association.

Read full article here.

Century Sheriff's Station Presents Gang Suppression, and District Improvement Proposal

Lynwood, CA- The Century Station Sheriff's Department is proposing to increment deputies to improve safety by implementing a Business District Improvement Plan and a Gang Suppression Unit.

The Business Improvement Plan proposes to create a team that will enforce issues along the major business streets of Lynwood, specifically, Long Beach Blvd, Atlantic Avenue, and Plaza Mexico. The idea behind the creation of a response team for the business sector is to create a safer environment that will ultimately increase business.

In an effort to produce the necessary resources to achieve the implementation of these programs, the Lynwood City Council is proposing, amongst other cuts, to lay off several City employees.

Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

Local Newspaper Reports on City Manager Hiring

Lynwood, CA - Local newspaper publishes article about the hiring of new city manager. Read story here. The paper also provides an article about the dicussion of priorities between Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, and current Mayor Ramon Rodriguez. Read story here.

Councilwoman Causes Panic Among City employees

Lynwood, CA- During a meeting held yesterday, the Lynwood City Council discussed cuts that in their opinion, are necessary to balance the budget. Those cuts include potential layoffs; the city council discussed positions, but never mentioned any names, presumably, because that is confidential information.

Councilwoman Leticia Vasquez attended the Block Watch meeting yesterday, and gave block watch captains detailed descriptions of the positions that will be laid off. While no specific names were given, her descriptions left little guessing as to whom the people holding the positions are.

Amongst the positions Leticia Vasquez mentioned are:

- One person from planning who is retiring;
- One person from Bateman Hall who is retiring;
- One person from the complaint department;
- One person who serves as the sheriff liaison;
- One person who coordinates after school programs;

Some residents, and other employees consider Leticia Vasquez’ behavior unprofessional, and unethical, and argue that the City should have notified affected employees in a confidential manner.

Plaza Mexico Occupies City Owned Property Illegaly

Lynwood, CA - Plaza Mexico decided to take over the City owned without authorization to use as parking lot for their vendors.

Click here to read more from LynwoodWatch.com

City Manager and Finance Director Recruitment Brochures

Lynwood, CA - LynwoodWatch is posting the recruitment brochures for City Manager and Director of Finance for all those who requested them and wanted to know the qualifications of the ideal candidate.

Click here to download City Manager Recruitment Brochure.

Click here to download Finance Director Recruitment Brochure.

Mayor’s Wife is Chosen School Board President

Lynwood, CA - Lynwood's local newspaper reports that Guadalupe Rodriguez, wife of current Lynwood Mayor Ramon Rodriguez has been chosen to lead the Lynwood Unified School District's school board as president.

Read article here.

Warrant for January 18, 2005 Shows Vasquez is Highest Spender with Travel and Meeting Expenses of $2,584.05

Download Warrant Here (See pages 18-21)

Attorney Working for Lynwood Unified School District Resigns from Alhambra Unified School District before Being Fired

Lynwood, CA – Francisco Leal, currently doing work for the Lynwood Unified School District and former partner of Lynwood City Attorney Arnoldo Beltran, resigned from his post as attorney for the Alhambra Unified School District before the new school board fired his law firm Leal &Dominguez.


Read more from LynwoodWatch.com

Read Article from Los Angeles Times (download available thanks to WatchOurCity.com)

SPCA Removes Dogs, Cats, Turtle From Pet Store

Lynwood, CA- Several animals in need of medical attention were removed from a Lynwood pet store, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles reported Friday.

To learn more, visit channel NBC4.TV website here.

Jiffy Lube's Lynwood Franchisee Agrees to Pay $299,000 to Settle Sexual Harassment Law Suit

Lynwood, CA- Lynwood's Jiffy Lube franchise operator agreed to pay $299,000 to settle a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit brought by three female employees through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The EEOC lawsuit claimed supervisors and other employees at Lynwood Jiffy Lube franchise operated by The Oil Shoppe Inc. created a hostile work environment by making explicit sexual remarks and other egregious comments to female employees, two of whom were still in their teens.

Click here for more details.

City Gives Employees $25 Gift Certificate

Lynwood, CA - A survey was conducted by the Department of Human Resources to determine whether employees wanted a christmas party or a gift card. Employees voted in favor of a gift card. The City gave employees a $25.00 gift card. The employee association, which was created by employees themselves gave employees a $50.00 gift card.


Above $25 gift certificate issued by the City.


Above $50 gift certificate issued by Employee Association

Information from LynwoodWatch Featured in New Local Paper

Lynwood, CA- LynwoodWatch would like to thank the new Lynwood News newspaper for featuring information posted in this blog, as well as one of our graphs. While we are not affiliated to this newspaper in any way, we congratulate them and encourage them to continue watching our city!

We also want to thank the programmer that created and donated our new webpage: LynwoodWatch.com. In our website, you will find all the information featured in this blog. There are some important features that we hope you will find very useful:

1) Online Lynwood Municipal Code. Here you can browse the entire Lynwood Municipal Code, find answers to your Code questions!

2) Complaint System. Here you can submit your complaints to the City.

3) Full agenda. Here you will have access to current and past agendas (full and short versions).

4) Send councilmembers an email. Here you will be able to send elected officials an email.

Our new website is just a complement to this blog. The LynwoodWatch Blog will not be disappear, so keep coming back!

Last but not least, we want to thank the different people from the media who have contacted us for their interest in writing about our blog and website.

$83,331.60 in Legal Fees in January 5, 2005 Warrant

The City's Warrant dated January 5, 2005 shows $83,331.60 in Legal Fees.



View Warrant on Pages 48-41 of Current Agenda here.