(standing (l-r): John Goodwin, Tom Trynin, Ed Hunt, Terri Tilton, Scott Campbell, Alfredo A. Hernandez,
Jacob Lipa, Jason Brandman, Christi Van Cleve and Brian Folb;
seated (l-r): Alfred Friajo, Laurie Goldman, Cong. Adam Schiff and Phil Aarons)
FHCP’s Advocates brave the elements in Washington, DC
On March 17th, the luck of the Irish was with the 17-member delegation representing the Friends of the Hollywood Central Park as they descended on our nation’s Capitol for their annual trip to advocate on behalf of the Hollywood Central Park. Despite the snow and inclement weather, for three days, from morning ‘till night the delegation met with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, directors of federal programs, Department of Transportation FHWA and Livable / Sustainable communities senior staff and the Office of Inter-governmental Affairs at the White House. The delegation made their case for the Hollywood Central Park as an infrastructure project that addresses the economy, the environment, the health of Los Angeles residents and their quality of life. In each meeting, influential leaders listened and learned, treated FHCP with respect and responded to our desire to help the Hollywood community and Los Angeles region with practical advice and suggestions.
Some of our more intense and substantive meetings were with the White House and the US Department of Transportation who were engaged and motivated to support the Park and excited to learn that the environmental review process was under way.
Another very successful meeting came with Stephen Nofield from the National Parks Service. Mr. Nofield and his team helped the Friends of the Hollywood Central Park identify funding possibilities and expressed a strong desire to work together. The National Parks Service is involved in a cap park project in St. Louis.
Once again, Representative Adam Schiff proved to be our strongest ally by demonstrating outstanding leadership and commitment to the Hollywood Central Park. Rep. Schiff joined the delegation at important meetings on the Hill with key members of the House. He has established relationships for the Hollywood Central Park that will be critical as the project moves forward. With the guidance and support of Rep. Schiff there is no doubt that, the Hollywood Central Park will be built.
If you are interested in joining FHCP’s August ’13 Sacramento Advocacy trip or March ’14 DC Advocacy trip, please contact Alfredo Hernandez by email at Alfredo.Hernandez@hfcp.org Delegates are responsible for their own airfare and accommodations. Dinners are hosted by FHCP.
