West Angeles
West Angeles Unity Awards 2013 19th annual
Dear D ear Friends:
It is with great joy that we welcome you to West Angeles Community Development Corporation’s 19th Annual Unity Award Banquet. Tonight we pause to honor Los Angeles City Council President, Herb J. Wesson, Jr. with our 2013 “Man of the Year” award.
Congratulations to our “Corporate Citizen of the Year” Freddie Mac, and to Stacey Walker, Director of Housing Outreach, Diversity and Inclusion who will receive the award on behalf of Freddie Mac. “ As an organization, Freddie Mac has risen to the challenge helping struggling homeowners to remain in their homes. We so very pleased to have Freddie Mac assisting us in preserving the American dream of homeownership in our community.
from their example of commitment and service to truly build a better community. Your attendance here tonight goes a long way in helping West Angeles CDC fulfill its mission to promote justice and peace, demonstrate compassion, and eradicate poverty as a tangible expression of how West Angeles puts faith into action to the benefit of the community at-large. We We thank you for your contributions and support of West Angeles CDC.
Thank you for sharing with us and our extraordinary honorees. We can learn much
Welcome Bishop Charles E. Blake and Mrs. Mae Blake
Friends F Dear
riends,
On behalf of the board of directors, I want to welcome you to the 19th Annual Unity Awards Banquet of the West Angeles Community Development Corporation (CDC). Our mission is to increase social and economic justice, demonstrate compassion and alleviate poverty as a tangible expression of the Kingdom of God through the vehicle of Community Development. Tonight, we are honored to recognize our honorees: Los Angeles City Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr. as “Man of the Year”, Stacey M. Walker, who will accept the award for Freddie Mac as “Corporate Citizen of the Year”. We honor and recognize you for your outstanding services and commitment to partner with the West Angeles CDC as we continue to bring about social and economic transformation. I am grateful to our visionary leaders, Bishop and Mrs. Charles E. Blake, for the
opportunity to participate in their vision to build and empower the community of South Los Angeles. The West Angeles CDC is here to sustain the dream of homeownership, advocate for effective communitybased solutions, leverage social capital, and build on community assets. May God continue to richly bless you! Blessings, Belinda Allen Chair, Board of Directors
Greetings Belinda Allen, Chair, Board of Directors
California Bank & Trust is proud to support the
West Angeles Community Development Corporation’s 19th Annual Unity Awards California Bank & Trust has been committed to the growth and prosperity of our communities for more than 60 years. That is why we take great pride in supporting those dedicated to making a difference. Committed to California Communities.
Contact us today to learn more. Sherri Harris Branch Manager (323) 295-4301 sherri.harris@calbt.com Crenshaw Branch 3810 Crenshaw Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90008
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Unity The West Angeles Unity Award affirms the faith community’s intent to bridge sector divides for the greater good of community empowerment. Standing together, we can achieve much and in these unprecedented times achievement is necessary. The list of conditions facing our City’s most vulnerable families is all too familiar, which includes record high unemployment, homelessness and over-crowded households, hunger health disparities, low educational attainment, incarceration with no programs for civilian assimilation, and the list goes on and on. Despite all of that, our people have a resilient spirit and find their way to our doors filled with faith and hope for a better tomorrow. There is no one sector, no one industry and no one way to resolve the hurting conditions that we find communities in today. Solutions instead require a creative and multi-dimensional perspective and Unity in those places where we see hope! Tonight we salute our honorees. In Unity, we honor them for their “best in class” activities. Each committed to some part of the unfilled solutions that plague the 99%.
Our honorees inspire me. At West Angeles CDC in 2012, our work with partners like you has resulted in job creation, more homeowners, sustained homeownership, increased asset development, and the food shelter and emergency needs of families are being met.
More than 200+ children received a Christmas toy (a special thank you to our partner organizations!);
Here’s how:
WACDC prepared 600+ tax returns free of charge for families and the seniors that qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit ( EITC);
More than 21, 000+ individuals received shelter referral, rental assistance, food (hot meals and family take-home bags of food), bereavement support, emergency medical and psychological counseling;
WACDC enrolled over 120 entrepreneurs in our 8-week business planning course where 90% of the candidates completed a certified business plan;
We responded to 10, 000 phone/email inquiries for referrals and assistance similar to the Los Angeles County 211 system;
WACDC provided certified Homebuyer Education to 413 individuals from which 13 homeowners received their keys;
WACDC distributed 17,180 transportation vouchers including bus tokens and taxi vouchers to individuals and families seeking access to employment, medical and shelter appointments;
WACDC in partnership with Fannie Mae provided foreclosure counseling to more than 1000+ families;
WACDC distributed $73,040 of direct support in Utility assistance to families to off-set the cost of SoCal Edison and SoCal Gas utility bills; WACDC distributed $30,000 in direct support of shelter referrals, bereavement and other such emergency needs; More than 200+ Thanksgiving turkeys with dinner side dishes were the distributed to needy families;
In 2012, the WACDC partnered with Freddie Mac to create the West Angeles CDC Freddie Mac Borrower Help Center, which officially opened in January 2013. With you as our partner, we reach tens of thousands. We are ever grateful for your continued support. We look forward to remaining… in Unity in 2013.
~ Tunua Thrash
Program West Angeles Unity Awards 2013
Introduction of Head Table Chris Schauble Invocation Yvonne Gibson The Black National Anthem
Lift Every Voice & Sing Welcome Tunua Thrash West Angeles Community Development Corporation Dinner Musical Performance by Akelee Presentation by Bishop Charles E. Blake
Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year Freddie Mac
Man of the Year Los Angeles City Council President, Herb J. Wesson, Jr. Benediction
U.S. Bank is proud to support the West Angeles Community Development Corporation’s 19th Annual Unity Awards Gala. Congratulations to this year’s honorees Man of the Year - Herb J. Wesson, Jr. Los Angeles City Council President Los Angeles City Councilman - 10th District Corporate Honoree - Freddie Mac
branch Member FDIC
usbank.com
The Black National Anthem
Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, high as the list’ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won. Stony the road we trod, bitter the chast’ning rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet, Come to the place for which our fathers sighed. We have come over a way that with tears has been watered. We have come, treading g our path through the blood of the slaughtered. Out from a gloomy past, till now we stand at last, Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; Thou who has by Thy might, led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, True to our God, true to our native land.
Chris Schauble Chris Schauble
Chris Schauble is the co-anchor of KTLA 5 Morning News from 4:30 am to 7:00 am on weekdays.
He’s passionate about his work, family and fitness. During his 11 years working in Los Angeles, Chris has earned multiple awards including an Emmy and five Golden Microphones. In 2007, he was also named to the San Fernando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list. Schauble is a marathoner and triathlete, having competed in two Ironman competitions including the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Prior to his Los Angeles work, Schauble spent time at KCNCTV in Denver where he covered a number of stories of national importance. His superb coverage of the Columbine High School shootings helped the station earn a local area Emmy for Best Spot News. In 2000 Schauble was named “TV Person of the Year” by the Colorado Association of Black Journalists and in 2001 he was honored as one of Denver’s Top 10 History Makers by Urban Spectrum Magazine. Schauble holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. He was honored by Fort Lewis College with the 2002 Distinguished Alumni Award. In addition to his work as a journalist, Schauble has been an instructor for speech Communications, Media Research Analysis at Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama and was a guest Instructor at the Poytner Institute in St. Petersburg. He is an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. As an adoptee himself, Schauble has dedicated much of his free time to helping needy children find homes. He has been recognized by the City of Los Angeles and the State of California for his ongoing and seemingly non-stop community service. Schauble, his wife and their two sets of twin girls live in the Los Angeles area.
Evening Host
City National PROUDLY SUPPORTS
West Angeles Community Development Corporation
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STATE CAPITOL P.O. BOX 942849 SACRAMENTO, CA 94249-0052 (916) 319-2064 FAX (916) 319-2164 DISTRICT OFFICE 2200 W. ARTESIA BLVD., SUITE 210 COMPTON, CA 90220 (310) 223-1201 FAX (310) 223-1202 WEBSITE www.assembly.ca.gov/hall
COMMITTEES Chair, GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION Committee
ISADORE HALL, III
ASSEMBLYMEMBER, SIXTY-FOURTH DISTRICT
Chair, Governmental Organization Committee
February 7, 2013 Dear Friends, Greetings, on behalf of the residents of the 64th Assembly District. It is indeed a pleasure to send my congratulations to the West Angeles Community Development Corporation (West Angeles CDC) on the occasion of your “19th Annual Unity Awards Gala”. It is truly an honor to join in this celebration in recognition of the outstanding contributions that West Angeles CDC and its partners have made to the social and economic development of the community. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, “Man of the Year”, the Honorable Herb Wesson, Los Angeles City Council President; and “Corporate Honoree”, Freddie Mac. Thank you for the work that you do to contribute to the economic development of our community and well-being of its citizens. Best wishes for a successful and memorable event. Sincerely,
ISADORE HALL, III Assemblymember – 64th District Chair, Governmental Organization Committee
man of the year Man of the Year
Council member Herb J. Wesson, Jr. was unanimously elected President of the Los Angeles City Council on November 23, 2011 and officially took office January 2, 2012. He was elected to represent the 10th Council District of the City of Los Angeles in a Special Election in November 2005. The voters of the 10th Council District recognized Wesson’s long service to the community by giving him their overwhelming support - 80 percent of their votes. He was reelected in 2007, and 2011 by wide margins. In the City Council, Wesson Chairs the Rules and Elections Committee. The committee has jurisdiction over the City Ethics Commission, the Election Division of the City Clerk, and the Ballot Simplification Committee. This committee also has jurisdiction over scheduling ballot measures and other city election and campaign practices, Charter
Staff to former 10th DisHerb J. Wesson, Jr. trict Council Los Angeles City Council member Nate President Holden and later as Chief of Staff to amendments, Council rules 2nd District and policies, and the U.S. Supervisor Yvonee Burke. In 1998 Census and redistricting. he was elected to represent the This committee includes 47th State Assembly District - a Intergovernmental Relaposition he held until term limits tions which has jurisdiction forced him to step down in 2004. over official City positions While serving in the Assembly, with respect to legislation, his peers accorded him the greatrules, regulations or poliest honor by unanimously electcies proposed to or pending ing him the 65th Speaker of the before a local, state, or fedCalifornia State Assembly - one of eral governmental body or the three most powerful positions agency; Council’s Legislain state government. He was only tive Advocacy; liaison with national, state, the second African American to and local intergovernmental associations be elected Speaker of the Califorsuch as the National League of Cities, the nia State Assembly. As Speaker, League of California Cities, the Indepen- Wesson fought to protect socident Cities Association, and local councils ety’s most vulnerable and to pass of government. groundbreaking legislation on the environment, education, and President Wesson serves as a member of healthcare. the Housing, Community, and Economic Development (HCED) Committee A native of Cleveland, Ohio, with jurisdiction over the city’s economic Wesson is the son of blue-collar development, housing, workforce investparents who taught him the value ment and community development poliof hard work and persistence. In cies - providing him with a platform to 1999, he fulfilled a promise to his shape the economic development not just family and completed his BA in for the 10th Council District but for the History from Lincoln Univerwhole City of Los Angeles. sity in Pennsylvania - nearly 30 years after an illness in the family President Wesson is also a member of the prevented him from finishing his Exposition Metro Line Construction Au- senior year. thority, which oversees the construction of the Expo Line. Herb Wesson is married to Fabian Wesson. They have four sons: Throughout his 20-year career in govern- Douglas, P.J., Herb III, and Justin. ment, President Wesson is well known for his uncanny ability to bring people together. He began his career as Chief of
o
Freddie Mac
Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 with a public mission to stabilize the nation’s residential mortgage markets and expand opportunities for homeownership and affordable rental housing. Our statutory mission is to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the U.S. housing market. We participate in the secondary mortgage market by purchasing mortgage loans and mortgage-
related securities for investment and by issuing guaranteed mortgage-related securities, principally those we call PCs. The secondary mortgage market consists of institutions engaged in buying and selling mortgages in the form of whole loans (i.e., mortgages that have not been securitized) and mortgage-related securities. We do not lend money directly to homeowners. Foreclosure prevention remains one of Freddie Mac’s top priorities. Since the housing crisis began, Freddie Mac’s
foreclosure avoidance programs and the Administration’s Home Affordable Modification program (HAMP), have helped over half a million families facing financial hardship to keep their homes or sell their properties. In California alone, Freddie Mac has completed a total of 12,676 loan workouts from 2009 through March 31, 2012, which helped these families avoid foreclosure.
outstanding corporate citizen ofWalker the year Stacy M. Housing & Community Outreach
Stacey M. Walker is a Director of Housing & Community Outreach at Freddie Mac. In this capacity, Ms. Walker is responsible for managing and coordinating the firm’s strategic relationships with national, regional, and local housing intermediaries, in order to develop and implement initiatives that will assist with the Nation’s Housing recovery. Ms. Walker also works to engage communities, consumers and customers to help achieve business objectives through outreach. In addition, she
oversees the firm’s internal and external community outreach activities in Metropolitan DC and in cities where regional offices are located. Ms. Walker joined Freddie Mac in 1992, as part of the Mortgage Acquisitions Department. Ms. Walker began her career in single family affordable lending at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, in Lansing, Michigan. Ms. Walker served as a single-family loan underwriter and loan servicer, responsible for ensuring loans were in compliance with the State of Michigan’s affordable program guide-
lines. Ms. Walker holds an undergraduate degree in English from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Masters degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. She also holds a graduate-level certification in Housing and Community Development from the University of Maryland College Park, as well as an Accredited Mortgage Professional designation from The Mortgage Bankers Association.
January 29, 2013 Dear Friends, It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest congratulations to West Angeles Community Development Corporation on the occasion of its 19th Annual Unity Awards Gala. I’d also like to congratulate Executive Director, Tunua Thrash, for her exemplary leadership in economic development in the Crenshaw Corridor. I applaud the West Angeles Community Development Corporation for serving our community by administering numerous programs in the areas of housing, economic development, and education for 20 years. West Angeles Community Development Corporation has done outstanding work to improve the lives of individuals living in South Los Angeles. I would also like to extend my congratulations to tonight’s esteemed honorees: Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson, who is being named the “2013 Man of the Year” Freddie Mac, who is being named “2013 Corporation of the Year” Best wishes on a memorable event! Sincerely,
Karen Bass Member of Congress U.S. House of Representatives
Edison International is proud to sponsor the West Angeles Community Development Corporation’s 2013 Unity Awards Gala. We congratulate tonight’s honorees.
LIFE. POWERED BY EDISON.
Previous Unity Award Recipients 1995
Outstanding Community Service Law Office of Milan D. Smith, Jr.
Outstanding Corporate Citizen Union Bank of California
1996
Family of the Year Earvin & Cookie Johnson
Outstanding Corporate Citizen Sony Pictures Entertainment (Alan J. Levine, President & COO)
1997
Family of the Year Robert & Cheri Townsend
Outstanding Community Service AT&T (Richard Bromley, V.P., Law and Government Affairs)
1998
Man of the Year Stevie Wonder Outstanding Community Service
Albertsons Gary G. Michael, Board Chairman & CEO) Outstanding Community Service Wells Fargo Bank Brenda Ross-Dulan, V.P. of Corporate Community Development)
1999
Family of the Year Denzel & Pauletta Washington
Outstanding Corporate Citizen Southern California Edison (Frank J. Quevedo, V.P. of Equal Opportunity)
2000
Family of the Year LaTanya & Samuel L. Jackson
Outstanding Community Service Washington Mutual (Robert J. Flowers, President of Community Investment and Development)
2001
Man of the Year Mayor Richard Riordan Outstanding Corporate Citizen
Wells Fargo (Paul M. Watson, Vice Chairman, Commercial Banking Group)
2002
Gospel Producers of the Year Louis “Buster” Brown & Scott “Shavoni” parker
Outstanding Corporate Citizen Union Bank of California (Richard C. Harnack, Vice Chariman, Community Baniking and Investment services Group)
2003
Man of the Year George Wallace
Outstanding Corporate Citizen Bank of America (Liam E. McGee, Bank of America National Consumer Bank/President, Bank of America, California)
2004
Man of the Year Bishop Charles E. Blake
Outstanding Corporate Citizen Herbert F. Boeckmann, ll Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Galpin Motors
2005
Man of the Year Reuben Cannon Outstanding Corporate Citizen
Citibank (Lisa Barrett, Regional Business Manager, Citibank West Divsion)
2006
Man of the Year Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
Outstanding Corporate Citizen Washington Mutual (Wayne Bradshaw, President, Southwest & Northwest Regions Community and External Affairs Division)
2007
Man of the Year Forest Whitaker
Outstanding Corporate Citizen J. Michael Fried, Chief Executive Officer, Phoenix Realty group, LLC
2008
Family of the Year Angela Bassett & Courtney B. Vance
Outstanding Corporate Citizen Cheryl L. Evans Regional Director of Communications, Citibank Outstanding Corporate Citizen Frank J. Quevedo Vice President of Equal Opportunity, Southern California Edison
2009
Man of the Year Danny Glover
Outstanding Corporate Citizen Choice Group, Incorporated
2010
Man of the Year Honorable Mark Ridley-Thomas
Outstanding Corporate Citizen Darrell Brown Senior Vice President, Consumer Banking, US Bank
2011
Man of the Year Chris Tucker
Outstanding Corporate Citizen Pierre P. Habis Senior Executive Vice President, Union Bank Outstanding Community Citizen Laphonza Butler United Long-Term Care Workers’ Union President, SEIU
2012
Family of the Year Carl & Lula Ballton
Woman of the Year U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein Outstanding Corporate Citizen Walmart (Michael Bender, Executive Vice President and President of Walmart West Business Unit, Walmart Stores, Inc.)
Mark Ridley-Thomas Supervisor, Second District, County of Los Angeles
500 W. Temple Street, Rm. 866 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration Los Angeles, CA 90012
February 7, 2013
WEST ANGELES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (WACDC) th 19 Annual Unity Awards Benefit Banquet Congratulations to West Angeles Community Development Corporation (WACDC) on the very special occasion of its 19th Annual Unity Awards Benefit Banquet. WACDC has served and empowered the South Los Angeles community since its founding in 1996. I commend its many accomplishments and community involvement. I also wish to extend congratulations to the 2013 honorees: Man of the Year, Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson, and Corporate Honoree, Freddie Mac. Your positive impact on the communities you serve is to be admired and commended. On behalf of the more than 10 million residents of Los Angeles County, I extend best wishes for continued growth and success. With hope,
Mark Ridley-Thomas Chairman, Board of Supervisors
THE ENERGY OF
» UNITY
Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas®) applauds the West Angeles Community Development Corporation (CDC) for giving back such positive energy to Southern California. We share the CDC’s commitment to unity. For more than 140 years, we’ve been committed to providing safe and reliable energy to the communities we serve. We are proud to be a part of this year’s 2013 Unity Dinner and wish the CDC continued success. socalgas.com © 2013 Southern California Gas Company. All copyright and trademark rights reserved.
AKELEE Born in Cleveland, Ohio, raised in Los Angeles California, Akelee was introduced to music at a very young age. As she listened to her mom sing around the house, she would join in and sing along to powerhouse vocalists such as Aretha Frankilin, Patti Labelle, The Clark Sisters, Sam Cook and other great artists. She spent long hours studying, teaching herself and learning how to own her gift, and now it is all paying off. Akelee was one of the top three finalists out of 10,000 people who auditioned in California for American Idol, Season One. She reached the top 45 in the United States at the age of 17. Akelee has since worked with Grammy award winning artists, performing alongside gospel icons such as Mary Mary. She was featured in the gospel track, “Mr. Pretender,” from the gospel album, Weight and Glory, which reached #1 on the Billboard charts. Akelee is currently recording her debut album, which she strictly likes to pattern and think of as “Kingdom music” aka music for the Kingdom. She states, “IT IS MY DESTINY TO STAND UP AND BE A LIGHT FOR MY GENERATION.”
Musical Performance
February 7, 2013 West Angeles Community Development Corporation 6028 Crenshaw Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90043 Dear Friends: On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, it is my pleasure to welcome all guests and members attending the West Angeles Community Development Corporation’s (CDC) 19th Annual Unity Awards Gala. The West Angeles CDC has provided hope and inspiration to families across Los Angeles. I commend their efforts encouraging community investment, bringing educational resources to the area, and providing housing assistance to those most in need. Congratulations to 2013 Man of the Year honoree, the Honorable Herb J. Wesson, Jr. and Corporation of the Year, Freddie Mac. Both Mr. Wesson’s and Freddie Mac’s commitment to economic assistance and revitalization efforts throughout the City have helped countless Angelenos through these hard economic times. It is always an honor to recognize organizations like the West Angeles CDC that have transformed the lives of countless residents and set the standard for community activism throughout the City and country. I extend my warmest wishes on a memorable event and future success. Very truly yours,
ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA Mayor
Sponsorship
inquire Inquire at West Angeles CDC about ways that you can sponsor future endeavors.
February 7, 2013 Dear friends: I want to gave a warm congratulations to Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson for being named 2013 Man of the Year by the West Angeles Community Development Corporation on the occasion of its 19th Annual Awards Gala. I do have to point out one error, however – President Wesson is man of the year every year! But in all seriousness, he has demonstrated a deep concern for all Angelenos and is making a giant impact on our city. I can think of no better person for this award. Congratulations must go as well to the West Angeles Community Development Corporation, which has been fighting poverty and injustice for nearly two decades. It takes compassionate people to give back to their community, and the West Angeles CDC boasts so many people who give themselves to these efforts. Thank you for all that you do. You are angels in this City of Angels. Best regards,
TOM LaBONGE Councilmember, Fourth District City of Los Angeles
Honoring Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson, Jr. as “Person of the Year” The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) joins the West Angeles Community Development Corporation in honoring Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson, Jr. as “Person of the Year” for his tireless efforts to spur economic development and support community-based neighborhood revitalization. The empowerment of communities not only improves their economic future, but often enables individuals, families and businesses to make positive changes in their environment. SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the smoggiest region of the U.S. We are committed to protecting the health of residents, while remaining sensitive to businesses.
South Coast Air Quality Management District 21865 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4178
1-800-CUT-SMOG®
proud sponsors of west angeles cdc
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Chef Ryan
California State Senate
GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION CHAIR
SENATOR
BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON EDUCATION
CAPITOL OFFICE STATE CAPITOL, ROOM 2032 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 (916) 651-4035 FAX (916) 445-3712 INGLEWOOD DISTRICT OFFICE ONE MANCHESTER BLVD., SUITE 600 INGLEWOOD, CA 90301 (310) 412-0393 FAX (310) 412-0996
RODERICK D. WRIGHT THIRTY-FIFTH SENATE DISTRICT
BUDGET & FISCAL REVIEW
ENERGY, UTILITIES & COMMUNICATIONS HUMAN SERVICES
Representing the Communities of Alondra Park, Carson, Compton, East Carson, East Compton, Gardena, Harbor City, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lennox, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, Torrance, Watts, West Athens, West Carson, West Compton, Willowbrook and Wilmington
E-mail:senator.wright@senate.ca.gov www.sen.ca.gov/wright
February 7, 2013 West Angeles Community Development Corporation 6028 Crenshaw Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90043 Dear Friends, It is my distinct honor to offer congratulations to the West Angeles Community Development Corporation as you host your 19th Annual Unity Awards Gala. The West Angeles Community Development Corporation is to be applauded for continuing its long term commitment to develop and uplift the community socially and economically. Your dedication to illuminate pathways to success and to be a catalyst for positive change is noteworthy and commendable. I also extend my gratitude and appreciation to your honorees, Los Angeles City Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr., for being named “2013 Man of the Year” and to Freddie Mac as “Corporation of the Year.” It is important to recognize their exceptional service, leadership and accomplishments. Their support and commitment to uplift the community is greatly appreciated and worthy of this recognition. On behalf of the residents of the 35th Senate District, I commend all of you and offer warm wishes for a successful event. Sincerely,
RODERICK D. WRIGHT Senator, 35th District
Computer Generated
January 22, 2013
West Angeles Community Development Corporation 6028 Crenshaw Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90043 Dear Friends: Congratulations on the celebration of the West Angeles Community Development Corporation’s 19th annual Unity Awards Gala! Your award recipients for 2013 have both demonstrated a deep commitment to the community and the larger Los Angeles region. This year’s gala is a particularly special one for me as you honor my former colleague and good friend City Councilmember Herb Wesson as the 2013 Man of the Year. I know firsthand of Councilmember Wesson’s dedication to the community and his desire to advance opportunity for all Angelinos. The partnership with Freddie Mac to help secure the dream of homeownership is one of particular note. As California emerges from the worst housing crash in its history, where the American dream became a nightmare for so many Californians, Freddie Mac is focused on lowering costs for borrowers and spurring the recovery of our housing market. This is particularly important in the LA area to aid with our state’s economic recovery. Again, congratulations to both award recipients, and best wishes for a prosperous New Year. Sincerely,
DARRELL STEINBERG Senate President pro Tempore, 6th District
Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas
Los Angeles County • Second District 500 W. Temple St., Rm. 866 • Los Angeles, CA 90012 213-974-2222 (phone) • 213-680-3283 (fax)
http://ridley-thomas.lacounty.gov • MarkRidley-Thomas@bos.lacounty.gov
Congratulations to
WEST ANGELES
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION on their
19th Annual Unity Awards Gala Honoring Hon. Herb Wesson, Los Angeles City Council President Man of the Year
Freddie Mac
Corporate Honoree
FEBRUARY 7, 2013
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Bishop Charles E. Blake, CHAIRMAN EMERITUS Sr. Pastor, West Angeles Church of God in Christ Tunua Thrash, Executive Director Belinda Allen, Chair Gwen Austin-Collins, Vice Chair Terrence Payne, Treasurer Gregory L. Johnson, Secretary Amy Gumbs, Governance Committee Chair Pierre P. Habis Sheryl Carey Harris Candida Mobley Winston Johnson Roy Sadakane Byron K. Reed Anne C. Smith, Esq. Paul H. Turner
West Angeles CDC Board of Directors 2013
Honorary Committee
Bishop Charles E. Blake, West Angeles Church of God in Christ Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor of Los Angeles Mayor Willie Brown, Willie L. Brown, Jr., Inc. Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Supervisor 2nd Supervisorial District Danny Bakewell, Jr., The Los Angeles Sentinal Clifton Johnson, Union Bank Gary Toebben, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce John Mack, Los Angeles Police Commission Yvonne B. Burke Bill Burke Dr. Kee Whan Ha Dr. David Lee Christopher Pak, Archeon Group Michael Chang
Past “Man of the Year” Honorees Chris Tucker Mark Ridley-Thomas Danny Glover Antonio Villaraigosa
Century honors West Angeles Community Corporation for its dedication to advancing human dignity for all persons in need.
It all begins with a home. Call Century to see how we can help get your affordable housing project financed.
Aaron Wooler, Senior Vice President (310) 642-2019
centuryhousing.org