Los Angeles, CA – Over 20 people rallied in the Boyle Heights neighborhood, at Mariachi Plaza on December 8. The rallying cry was for Congress to save Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). DACA which was a 2012 executive order by then-President Barack Obama, is at risk of being overturned.

Centro CSO united forces to save it and to also demand the legalization of all of the undocumented. Present at the event were Torres High School students and residents of Boyle Heights. Some of them are DACAmented. Tomasa Martínez who is a mother to three undocumented children was also in attendance.

CSO is part of the national Legalization for All Network (L4A.)

Antonia Montes, a LA Unified School District teacher at Eastmont Avenue School, said during the rally, “As we gather here today, we stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers who lack legal status in this xenophobic and racist country. For those of us with ancestral ties to this land, we are not the undocumented! We are not the so-called aliens! We are not the ones who crossed an ocean without papers.”

Victor Gonzalez who is DACAmented and attended the rally said, “The Biden administration needs to legalize DACA recipients because ten years of DACA limbo is dehumanizing. Our families live in the USA, and we have worked hard to be perfect, since perfection is mandatory in order to qualify for DACA. 12 million undocumented people who work, breathe and contribute so much to this country need a clear pathway to legalization now!”

Other speakers included Aaron Reveles of the Peace and Freedom Party, as well as Jenny Bekenstein and Sol Márquez, who are co-chairs of the CSO Immigration committee. Both are also members of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO).

Bekenstein said of the current situation, “It is especially unfair because harmful U.S. foreign policy and militarization is a huge part of the reason why people are forced to leave their home countries and immigrate here.”

LA has a population of more than 360,000 Salvadorans, over 260,000 Guatemalans, and over 3.5 million Mexicans, thus making immigration issues vital. Centro CSO finds it crucial to prioritize the struggle for legalization for the undocumented. Chicanos are a growing population and all three contribute to the ever-changing and evolving character of what is to be Chicano.

If you would like to part of the CSO Immigration Committee, attend the upcoming Zoom meeting. The meeting is open to the public and will be on December 22, 6 p.m. Please contact them at (323) 484-8630, centrocso@gmail.com, or @CentroCSO on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

#LosAngelesA #LosAngelesCA #CentroCommunityServiceOrganizationCSO

On November 10, the LA District Attorney George Gascon announced that Deputy Remin Pineda has been charged in the murder of David Ordaz Jr. while he was experiencing a mental health crisis in front of his home in East LA. This is a huge win for the struggle against police terror in Los Angeles as former DA Jackie Lacey refused to press charges on any police officers involved with the 700+ deadly shootings during her tenure of 8 years.

Pineda was charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and assault under color of authority for the on duty shooting death of the 34 year old, father of 3. This is the 3nd instance where the DA Gascon’s office has pressed charges on law enforcement for unlawfully killing unarmed civilians.

On March 14, 2021, the family of David Ordaz, Jr. called 911 to get him help as he was under mental distress and talking about suicide. ELA Sheriff’s deputies – including Remin Pineda, Edwin Navarrete, Jaime Romero, and Nathaniel Trujillo – arrived at the scene outside of the Ordaz family home in East Los Angeles. The ELA Sheriff’s station – the home of the Banditos – is known for its aggressive, violent behavior and long history of killing Chicano young men. Although they were aware of Ordaz Jr.’s mental state, the deputies gunned him down as his family watched in shock. While the department said that Ordaz Jr. charged at the deputies with a knife, footage recorded by a neighbor shows that he did not pose a threat. Deputy Pineda walked over to Ordaz as he lay on the ground bleeding, already shot multiple times and fired an additional deadly shot to his upper body.

Since his murder, Ordaz’s loved ones have not only fought for justice in his case but also becoming leading fighters in the struggle against LASD and LAPD terror. His family has led multiple protests outside of the ELA Sheriff’s station, attended with Centro CSO the Second National Conference of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, and helped organize the victory of Measure A to bring greater accountability to LASD.

To become involved in the police accountability committee of CSO, reach us at (323) 943-2030, CentroCSO@gmail.com, or @CentroCSO on Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more information.

#LosAngeles #CentroCommunityServiceOrganizationCSO

Los Angeles, CA – On October 27, Centro CSO hosted a community forum dubbed the “Barrio Townhall” at the Boyle Heights neighborhood City Hall. The event called on November 8 voters to support Dr. Rocio Rivas for Los Angeles Unified School District School Board District 2, and to vote “yes” on Measure A, which would bring more accountability to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

With Dr. Rivas as the keynote speaker, the townhall included Valerie Vargas and Stephanie Luna – the aunts of Anthony Vargas, who was slain by prospect members of the Los Banditos deputy gang from East LA Sheriff's station – and Luis Sifuentes, co-chair of Centro CSO’s Police Crimes committee. Moderated by Sol Márquez of Centro CSO and a member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), the event included some energetic words from Julie Regalado — co-chair of CSO’s education committee.

Measure A would allow the LA County Board of Supervisors to impeach the LA County Sheriff. The process would require four out of the five supervisors to vote in favor of the sheriff’s removal, citing that the sheriff violated the law.

Dr. Rivas has made it her mission to help stop the privatization of public education. Her challenger is María Brenes, who is backed by the LA Sheriff himself, Alex Villanueva. Other backers include powerful billionaires who have a personal financial interest to gain from gutting public education.

With the election day of November 8 fast approaching, canvassers are out in full force. If you are interested in joining the fight, contact CSO at (323) 484-8630 CentroCSO@gmail.com or @CentroCSO on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.

#LosAngelesCA #BoyleHeights #CentroCommunityServiceOrganizationCSO

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Los Angeles-based Centro CSO

Two major electoral races are underway: the fight to protect public education and to remove LA County Sheriff and Bandito gang member Alex Villanueva.

To protect education, Centro CSO has endorsed and hit the streets running, for Dr. Roció Rivas. Rivas has been a public LAUSD school teacher in the past and is currently employed by LAUSD school board member Jackie Goldberg as policy deputy. Rivas is backed by the teachers and their union; UTLA.

Removing the current and any future sheriffs from LA County, Centro CSO has been busy building community control of them and killer cops. The uniting of CSO with impacted families, and the large Check the Sheriffs Coalition, in addition to more than four years of struggle, resulted in a step towards accountability – Measure A. “Yes on A LA!” is the rallying cry by CSO’s anti-police brutality committee, which is composed of various families impacted by killer LA sheriffs. They include the families of Anthony Daniel Vargas, David Ordaz Jr., and Marco Vásquez Jr. Measure A would give the power to LA’s County Board of Supervisors to remove Sheriff Villanueva and any future sheriffs.

LA County Sheriff Villanueva has condoned deputy gangs within their ranks and has even admitted they exist, by dismissing them as “cliques.” Villanueva speaks both Spanish and English and has a history of attempting to use these languages to divide families from the community – holding private meetings with them only, stating that after an officer involved shooting, he can personally settle any issues with impacted families. Villanueva has also given the green light to his deputies on harassing, stalking, doxxing and intimidating impacted families who stand up and fight back.

Plans are underway to continue door-knocking and targeting voters to support and vote for both Dr. Rivas and Measure A. In the LA County Sheriff race, we urge the public to not vote for Alex Villanueva. Some members of CSO are individually making various decisions regarding whom else to vote for. However, CSO does not endorse any sheriff or candidate.

If you are interested in door-knocking and canvassing, be sure to join CSO’s education and anti-police brutality committees on their next Get Out the Vote (GOTV) date which is scheduled for October 30.

If you are interested in joining Centro CSO for door knocking or to become a member, contact us here (323) 484-8630 CentroCSO@gmail.com or @CentroCSO on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.

#LosAngelesCA #CentroCommunityServiceOrganizationCSO

Los Angeles, CA – On September 3, the family of Edgar Ortiz and supporters gathered for the six-month anniversary since he was shot and killed by the LA County Sheriffs of the Lakewood Station on March 3, in front of his family home during a mental health crisis. The family held a candlelight vigil displaying collages of photos, banners and signs to celebrate his life and demand justice. The large Ortiz family turned out and united to fight for justice and other Chicano and African American victims also killed by law enforcement.

Facilitated by Centro CSO, Ortiz’s parents, siblings, nephews and close neighbors, spoke about how much Edgar is missed. They also demanded that his killers – Deputies Erin Herring and Gabriel D’souza – be prosecuted. Maria Ortiz spoke about her son, how he is missed, and how she is committed to fight for justice for him.

Em Hubbard with Centro CSO opened up the vigil, saying, “A community without police killings and brutality is possible. You know who doesn’t believe that? The racist sheriff department.”

Hubbard urged as yes vote for Measure A, which promotes ensures sheriff accountability, this November 8 election, stating, “They don’t want to admit what they did to Edgar was unjust.”

Luis Sifuentes introduced the speakers, led chants and called for people to vote out Sheriff Villanueva the Bandito on November 8 and continue organizing against police killings.

Other impacted families showed up in solidarity, like the families of Anthony Vargas, Leonel Chavez, David Sullivan They spoke about their own struggle fighting for justice for their loved ones.

The next action for Centro CSO will be on September 24 – a protest for Leonel Chavez, who was killed by ELA California Highway Patrol. All are welcome to attend.

If you would like to join the monthly Police Accountability committee, contact CSO at 323-943-2030, CentroCSO@gmail.com, or @CentroCSO on Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more information.

#LosAngelesCA #PoliceBrutality #StopPoliceCrimes #CentroCommunityServiceOrganizationCSO

Los Angeles, CA – On May 1, dozens of people gathered in Boyle Heights to commemorate the historic International Workers Day. The event was led by Centro CSO, which held a May Day Rally in the Chicano neighborhood for the seventh consecutive year to highlight social issues like police terror, privatization of education, and immigration.

The rally kicked off at noon on the corner of Cesar Chavez Avenue and Mathews Street with music, and speeches from MORENA-LA chapter leader Alejandro Mendez who talked about the need for solidarity with the struggle for democracy and against privatization in Mexico; a representative from the US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) who spoke on the self determination of Palestinians, and a speech from Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO )member and local Teamster leader Jared Hamil. Hamil talked about the history of May Day and how it started as part of the fight for an eight-hour workday, a fight which is still an ongoing struggle in his workplace where some are facing down 14-hour days while others struggle to get to just four.

Hamil also spoke about how the working class got hit the hardest by the pandemic, saying, “We were on the front lines during COVID, and what do we have to show for it? What did we get? We got COVID.”

Dr. Rocio Rivas, a candidate for the Los Angeles school board, talked about the need to support public education and stop the invasion of charter schools causing the growth of privatization in LAUSD [Los Angeles Unified School District]. She asked everybody to turn out and vote in the June 7 primary election.

The rally marched west down Cesar Chavez Avenue. Marchers filled up the entire street with their presence, and their cries of “Jail killer cops” and “Up with public education, down with privatization'' were loud and clear. The rally went past the site where 14-year-old Jesse Romero was murdered by two-time killer LAPD cop Eden Medina. Marchers proceeded to LAPD Hollenbeck Station for speeches from local families whose loved ones were also killed by police violence. The David Ordaz Jr., Marco Vasquez, David Sullivan and Jose Mendez families joined the march and rally.

At Hollenbeck Station Black Lives Matter-LA member Joseph Williams spoke about the solidarity between the Black lives movement and the Chicano movement, and how the two struggles are interconnected saying, “None of us are free until all of us are free.” Williams said, “The legacy of police violence and murder and mass incarceration and the criminalization of immigrants and border are a legacy of colonial violence, and the project of white supremacy is still working today.”

The focus on immigrant rights and legalization for all was a major issue this year, and representatives from the Mexican MORENA party had sponsored the event. Protesters outside Hollenbeck Station also heard demands for justice from the families of David Ordaz Jr. and Jose Mendez, both of whom were killed at the hands of local police. Carlos Montes with Centro CSO denounced LA Sheriff Villanueva and called for his ouster; and called to support the campaign for community control of the LA Sheriff's department. Montes asked people to endorse the Check the Sheriff coalitions working to change LA County laws to give more power to the LA Civilian Oversight Commission.

After the speeches in front of LAPD Hollenbeck, the protesters continued on towards Mariachi Plaza for music, spoken word and testimony from local organizers that helped make the event happen. Sheridan School paraprofessional Edelyn Ortiz greeted the rally with the great news of victory in stopping the threat of a KIPP Charter co-location.

This year's event was sponsored by Black Lives Matter-LA, USPCN, Centro CSO, FRSO and CSULA MEChA. Avery Raimondo, one of the lead organizers, stated, “May Day was another step forward in Centro CSO's campaigns to defend public education, build community control of the police and win legalization for all. Our teachers from Boyle Heights and East LA came out to fight against privatization. LAPD Hollenbeck heard from the families of Jose Mendez, David Ordaz Jr. and other victims of police brutality in LA.”

To join Centro CSO in the fight against police killings, to promote public education and win legalization for all contact them at 323-943-2030, CentroCSO@gmail.com, or @CentroCSO on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. To join FRSO contact them at frso.org/join or @FRSO-Los Angeles on Facebook and Instagram.

#LosAngelesCA #MayDay #CentroCommunityServiceOrganizationCSO

Los Angeles, CA – On March 26, over 50 people gathered at Belvedere Lakeside Park in East LA to support the surviving family of David Ordaz, Jr. The event was led by Emily Ordaz, the 16-year-old surviving daughter of Ordaz, and Centro CSO’s Sol Marquez.

Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies killed Ordaz outside of his family home on March 14, 2021, after Ordaz was suffering a mental health crisis and his family called 911.

During the beginning rally, the various speakers included Emily Ordaz, Ordaz’s mother Edelmira Ramirez, the family of Marco Vasquez Jr., the family of Paul Rea, the family of Leonel Chavez, the family of David Sullivan, Say Their Names-LA, Luis Sifuentes of Centro CSO and Freedom Road Socialist Organization, and Street Watch LA.

Among the passionate and inspiring speeches were demands for more community control of LA County Sheriff’s Department and LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva, the jailing or prosecution of each officer involved in these officer-involved shootings, and solutions to an obvious problem: Los Angeles is a leader in police brutality cases around the country, of which Chicanos are the majority of the casualties.

After the rally, the crowd was led by the Ordaz family to protest the East LA Sheriff’s station, on the opposite side of the park. Hilda Pedroza, the sister of David Ordaz, Jr., pushed her mother Edelmira Ramirez’s wheelchair to the front door of the station. Ramirez pressed the call button, used when asking for assistance from the deputies, or to be let into the station. Ramirez began to plea through the intercom button that she needed to be assisted in winning justice for her son David Ordaz, Jr. The crowd of protesters became angered by the deputies ignoring Ramirez’s cries for help.

Pedroza, inspired by her mother, angrily grabbed a microphone brought by the organizers of the event and at the top of her lungs shouted at the deputies. She demanded that they push one of Ordaz’s killers, LA Deputy Edwin Navarrete, out to face justice. Protesters began to cry as Pedroza’s cries for justice struck a chord.

Deputies began to encircle the protesters simultaneously as the doors suddenly opened and a number of deputies came out to speak with the family. They attempted to separate the Ordaz family from the activists, but the family did not fall for the old trick of divide and conquer. As deputy vehicles and armed deputies began to move in closer, leaders of the event led the event away from the deputies. The event concluded as the Ordaz family succeeded in leading a pivotal event to win justice for David Ordaz, Jr. and a reminder to all that the fight is far from over.

Plans for the Ordaz family are to join Centro CSO’s May Day event in Boyle Heights which will be on May 1 at noon. The event will begin at the intersection of N Mathews and East Cesar E Chavez Avenue, where all participants will assemble before marching and celebrating International Workers Day. Join the event to help the Ordaz Family win justice. Contact CSO at (323) 943-2030, CentroCSO@gmail.com, or @CentroCSO on Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more information.

#LosAngelesCA #ChicanoLatino #PoliceBrutality #RacismInTheCriminalJusticeSystem #CentroCommunityServiceOrganizationCSO #DavidOrdazJr

Fullerton, CA – On August 19, 2019, the Buena Park Police Department killed 19-year-old David Patrick Sullivan after a traffic stop in Fullerton. As body cam footage of this murder shows, Sullivan was unarmed and attempting to flee when BPPD Officers Bobby Colon and Jennifer Tran shot him seven times. In June, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer cleared Officers Colon and Tran, but Sullivan’s family is fighting back.

This Wednesday, August 19, the one-year angelversary of his murder, Sullivan’s family, Christian Contreras (one of their attorneys), members of Centro CSO, Carlos Montes, and other activists gathered at the site of Sullivan’s death for a rally. Sullivan’s mother, DeAnna, spoke to the press about Sullivan’s personality as well as the pain his absence has caused his family. She explained how David had already missed out on his brother’s wedding and listed all the different moments in David’s own life that he and his family will now never experience.

Deanna Sullivan said her son was becoming the person he was meant to become. She brought pictures from Sullivan’s childhood and a wooden board with a carved fist that Sullivan had made himself. According to his mother, Sullivan had an emerging political consciousness and had even considered traveling to the #NoDAPL pipeline protests. David was proud of his Chicano heritage. David graduated from high school and was part of marching band and drama class. He was working as a cashier at a local gas station and retail store.

After this rally, Sullivan’s family spoke at Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles’ weekly protest of District Attorney Jackie Lacey held outside of the LA Hall of Justice. While D.A. Lacey wasn’t involved in Sullivan’s case, his sister Samantha told the crowd of the importance of the space for the families of police brutality: “We were able to find our voice by coming to your protest and seeing how impassioned all these families are, who reached out to us to let us know that it’s okay to be angry, that it’s okay to want justice.”

Samantha said about her brother and the more than 600 people killed by police during D.A. Lacey’s term, “None of these people were given the chance to have any kind of fair trial, so every single person who was stolen is innocent and that’s a fucking fact.”

The Sullivan family has now joined forces with the community group Centro Community Service Organization (CSO) and will be leading a march contingent August 29 during the 50th Chicano Moratorium anniversary in East LA. For more information on joining the march: https://www.facebook.com/events/1203790706493709 To join or contact CSO: 323-943-2030, CentroCSO@gmail.com, or @CentroCSO on TikTok, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

#FullertonCA #PoliceBrutality #DavidPatrickSullivan #CentroCommunityServiceOrganizationCSO