FilAm freshman legislator Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, representing Downtown Los Angeles, projected an economic boost for the city based on the council’s plan, which was approved recently, to expand and modernize the city’s convention center.
According to Jurado, the Los Angeles City Council passed LA’s Convention Center expansion and modernization plan, thereby pushing the city forward.
Jurado said, in her statement issued recently:
“By moving forward with this expansion, we’re creating thousands of good union jobs, supporting local businesses, and making sure our city has the revenue it needs to fund vital services. In doing so, we’re building strong communities where workers are treated with dignity and residents can thrive.”
The first Pinay member of the city council of LA was very optimistic about her projection when she said, “This project is about giving the heart of our city the boost it needs to keep Los Angeles moving forward.”
During her campaign when she ran for the city council, she has been advocating reforms and positive projects for the city that will make it the most progressive and advanced city in California and a major city worldwide.
The expansion and modernization project is expected to generate significant economic impact for the City of Los Angeles, a vision she has wanted to happen even when she was still a candidate for the city council.
Now that she is an elected member, she will see to it that progress will be achieved as she becomes an active advocate for change and development.
Foremost of which is the creation of nearly 9,000 union jobs, including 1,600 apprenticeships. This is a big chunk of the labor force that the residents will be looking forward to.
As far as income for the city is concerned, there will be an anticipated $1.8 billion additional local business sales; $103 million in tax revenue for city services; and a boost to the city’s tourism business with an anticipated 3.6 million visitors annually.
In a separate development, Jurado voiced opposition to Home Depot opening in Eagle Rock Plaza following a series of federal immigration raids targeting day laborers at Home Depot locations across Los Angeles.
A few weeks ago, federal agents conducted a warrantless raid at the Home Depot in Westlake, the fourth at this location since June. In fact, similar operations have been reported at several stores across Los Angeles, where ICE has targeted parking lots commonly used by day laborers to hang out.
Home Depot has not publicly addressed the raids or their impact on the communities that help sustain its business.
Jurado said, “When your name becomes associated with terror and you refuse to speak, you are complicit. Home Depot has chosen power and profit over the working people who sustain it.”
This is the dilemma, Jurado said, and that’s why she opposed the opening of its branch in Eagle Rock Plaza.
She said: “That’s why I unequivocally oppose Home Depot coming to Eagle Rock Plaza, a mall that has long been a gathering place for the Filipino community in Los Angeles. I won’t allow violence to take root in our neighborhoods. Our communities deserve safety, dignity, and businesses that fight for the people, not against them.”
Jurado is committed to protecting immigrant communities and working families across Los Angeles. Council District 14 will continue to monitor this project closely.
ELPIDIO ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book, Unlocking the Chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream, which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Xlibris Publishing. For feedback, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com.
+ There are no comments
Add yours