July 18, 2013

LAWT News Service

 

Curren D. Price, Jr. was sworn into office in a public ceremony on Saturday, July 13, as the newly elected representative for the city of Los Angeles 9th Council District. 

Price highlighted his plans to first focus on beautification and safety, economic development, and youth empowerment for the district he calls “The New 9th” saying, “I am excited to accept this challenge because The New 9th will be a place where people will want to live, work and play—and our potential is limitless. I pledge to build upon the legacy and committed service of (Former L.A. City Council Members) Jan Perry, Rita Walters, Gil Lindsey, Ed Roybal provided with distinction.”

Nearly 1000 people from across Los Angeles and California attended the ceremony held on the campus of Los Angeles Trade Technical College, located on Grand & 23rd Street. Adela Barajas, president/ founder of L.A.U.R.A. “Life After Uncivil Ruthless Acts”, conducted the ceremonial swearing-In.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was among several prominent leaders to welcome Price, including: Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, city of Los Angeles Councilman Paul Koretz, former 9th District City Council Member Jan Perry, Los Angeles County Feder­ation of Labor Executive Secre­tary/Treasurer Maria Elena-Durazo, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Com­merce President/CEO Gary Toeb­ban, and the former U.S. Con­gresswoman the Honorable Diane Watson.

Ninety two point three FM radio personality Josefa Salinas served as mistress of ceremony. Program entertainment included performances by the Lula Washington Dancers, Grupo Folklorico Guish-Bac, L.A. Newton Division Explorers, and the National Anthem presented by Lyndia Free representing “A Place Called Home” (a local, non-profit organization from the Ninth District). 

Lunch, featuring food from Chano’s Restaurant and Dulan’s Soul Food was served following the festivities. Price spoke of the 9th District as being “an area of significant economic educational and culture resources that benefits the city and the Southern California region.”  The district has a population of 250,000 longtime and new residents that represent the rich diversity of multi-ethnic multi-culture that defines Los Angeles. 

The New 9th encompasses L.A. Live with the Staples Center, Nokia Theater and hotels and restaurants; The University of Southern Cali­fornia (the largest private employer in South LA), LA Trade Tech, Exposition Park with its museums, Rose Garden, Coliseum and Sports Area; the California Science Center now home to the Space Shuttle Endeavor; the LA Mart, clothing, manufacturing and auto dealerships. “Collectively, Price said, the District generates thousands of jobs and hundreds of billions of dollars in economic activity.”

Price called for the community to “work together and show the kind of teamwork that led us to victory,” further saying “there is no limit to what we can accomplish. No good that we cannot achieve. No dreams that we can’t realize.” He ended his remarks reaffirming his commitment to create an environment that serves as springboard for others who want to contribute to The New 9th District and to make a difference in the lives of its residents.

Category: Community