Los Angeles, CA – On March 8, activists from Centro CSO and Freedom Road Socialist Organization met up in Boyle Heights for their eighth annual celebration marking International Women’s Day. This year’s event featured a panel with speakers from different areas of work that Centro CSO is focused on such as immigration, education, and police brutality, as well as a labor activist from Freedom Road Socialist Organization, and a keynote speaker from the LAUSD school board.

The event was held at Casa 0101, a local theater in Boyle Heights. The speakers shared how they got involved in activism, and what it’s like to be women fighting for a cause like education or working in the labor movement.

Amanda Diaz Sanchez, an immigrant rights activist with Centro CSO said, “As we fight for immigrant rights, being a woman in the movement means always having to recenter women’s issues. In our movement, reproductive justice and paid family leave are always seen as separate issues, but being a woman who has experienced these issues means bringing that back and connecting the dots to other things that are happening to us.”

Hannah Keith, a shop steward and trade union activist out of UPS Olympic spoke out about the discrimination she faces as a trans woman, saying, “There are a lot of coworkers who have a problem with the way that I am, but they’ll still come to me for help as a shop steward. And I have no problem helping them, because I know my co-workers who are uncomfortable with me being trans aren’t the enemy, it’s the supervisors, but in order for me to help them confront the boss I have to meet them where they’re at.”

After the panelists concluded their portion of the event, Dr. Rocio Rivas, an LAUSD school board member, gave the keynote speech for the event. She spoke about her upbringing, and how public education was something she fell in love with at a young age, saying “Education can be a tool for escaping oppression. They wanted to keep us ignorant, not giving us the education we deserved. That was the beginning of my activism.” She went on to say, “When we have this knowledge, we know how to fight back against what they’ve been doing to our people for centuries.”

When asked about the event, Juliana Regalado, an activist with Centro CSO and the emcee for the evening, said, “It’s important to celebrate women’s contributions and achievements throughout history because it shows us how far we’ve come and what work still needs to be done. This was an excellent event, and it felt good celebrating and uplifting a few of the many strong women I organize with.”

#LosAngelesCA #CA #WomensMovement #InternationalWomensDay #CentroCSO #FRSO

Los Angeles, CA – On Thursday, February 27, at 6 p.m., Chicanos packed an East Los Angeles town hall meeting that was put on by the Civilian Oversight Commission of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and LA County. Over 60 Chicanos from East Los Angeles and the immediate surrounding area joined the meeting, both in person and virtually, to denounce the attacks on Raza by the East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

The town hall meeting was held at the East Los Angeles Service Center, with every seat filled and a large queue online. LA County officials held the event in response to consistent organizing by Centro CSO. In October 2024, the Dodgers won first the pennant and then the World Series. On both days, Chicanos took to the streets of East Los Angeles to peacefully assemble, wave flags, dance and celebrate. This joy was met with brutal repression by sheriff's deputies, who attacked Raza with tear gas and other munitions. On the night of October 20, the East Los Angeles Sheriff's Department indiscriminately fired tear gas into the crowd of families, including children. Two Centro CSO members were teargassed alongside them.

Since that day, Centro CSO and other East LA community organizers, like Lorraine Quinones, have fought nonstop to get justice. The East Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (ELASD) were also seen wearing Fort Apache pins that night, which is a racist logo tracing its origins back to the 1970 Chicano Moratorium when East LA deputies beat and killed Chicanos.

Centro CSO has spent months organizing to get justice for the Chicano Dodger fans and to ban the Fort Apache Logo. Carlos Montes, a longtime Chicano revolutionary, was on the panel at the town hall, where he provided context on the history of repression by the Los Angeles and East LA Sheriff’s Department of Chicanos. He also talked about how even in the face of brutal oppression by the state, Chicanos have always risen up and fought back.

After the panel, community members from East LA and Boyle Heights gave public comments. Arcelia Covarrubias, whose 28-year-old son Adrian Rios was killed by ELASD, said, “I am here to support Centro CSO because they have always been there with me throughout my process. You guys showed a picture of the East Los Angeles Sheriff's station. Well, that was my son Adrian Rios’s last stop.”

Rios had been picked off the street by ELASD and taken to their station in East Los Angeles. He was later “found” unconscious in a cell with bruises all over his body,

“I used to believe in the system honestly – no, he was at the worst place, he was in the hands of murderers, my son's blood is at that station from the Bandidos,” said Covarrubias. The Banditos are a gang embedded in the sheriff’s department.

Antonieta Garcia, the co-chair of Centro CSO’s education committee said, “We need the Fort Apache logo banned and to be removed from the community and to never to appear again.”

Garcia was out there with her daughters celebrating the Dodgers and said during the public comment, “When I saw the East Los Angeles Sheriff's Department in riot gear and shooting teargas, I literally had to remove my daughters and run home.”

Dozens of Chicanos spoke against the actions of the East Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and painted a broad picture of harassment and oppression. Impacted families spoke of the harassment they received from the sheriff's department after their loved ones, like Anthony Vargas and Fransico Nunez, were killed by LASD. Members of the Civilian Oversight Commission, and even journalists like Cerise Castle, who have long documented the deputy gangs within LASD, have faced threats and harassment.

Centro CSO is also part of Check the Sheriff Coalition, which supported and showed up to the event.

Overall, the town hall meeting was a big success for Centro CSO, which organized for months, tabling, flyering and using social media to get Raza out to the town hall. It was a big deal to even get LA County to come to East Los Angeles to hear firsthand from Raza. The fight to ban Fort Apache continues, as will the greater battle to win community control of ELASD, as the Chicanos neighborhood of East LA has been demanding that the East Los Angeles Sheriff's Department be cleaned up.

Centro CSO is an affiliate of NAARPR and upholds the demand of community control of police. If you would like to join Centro CSO, you can find them on all platforms under the username of “Centro CSO.”

#LosAngelesCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #CentroCSO

Los Angeles, CA – In East Los Angeles, the grassroots organization Centro CSO has been fighting to ban the Fort Apache logo that East Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies proudly wear on the front right pocket of their uniform. The logo is disrespectful to Chicanos, as it was created by deputy gang members from the Little Red Devils gang out of the East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (ELASD) station to glorify their attacks on Raza.

The logo depicts a riot helmet on top of a combat boot with the words “Low Profile” and “Siempre Una Patada En Los Pantalones (Always A Kick In The Pants).” The East Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputies created this logo after beating and killing Chicanos during the Chicano Moratorium on August 29, 1970, in East Los Angeles. The Chicano Moratorium was a large Chicano march, and protest against police brutality as well as the Vietnam War, where countless Chicanos were being sent to the front lines to die in the name of U.S. imperialism. Chicanos demanded an end to the draft and the presence of military recruiters in schools.

The East Los Angeles sheriff's deputies were given orders by then acting Sheriff Peter J. Pitchess to keep a “low profile.” The deputies, who were mostly white and members of one of the first deputy gangs in Los Angeles, the “Little Red Devils,” ignored those orders and decided to attack. When it was all said and done, three Chicanos were dead, including Rubèn Salazar, an award winning journalist with the LA Times.

After the brutal attacks, the East Los Angeles Sheriff deputies created the Fort Apache logo as an unofficial logo for the station. The emblem also takes inspiration from the movie Fort Apache by John Ford as the East Los Angeles Sheriff’s deputies see themselves as an occupying force surrounded by “savages.” In this case, the savages are the working-class Chicanos of East LA.

After the 1970 Chicano Moratorium, the Fort Apache logo was used at the East Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Station. In 2016, then sheriff Jim McDonnell, who himself collaborated with ICE and turned over thousands of Chicanos to ICE during his time as sheriff, banned it. Even McDonnell acknowledged in his own words that the station logo was “disrespectful to the East Los Angeles community”

Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who served from 2018 until 2022, brought the logo back. It’s important to note that under the “leadership” of Sheriff Villanueva the deputy gang problem grew larger all over LA County, as Alex Villanueva is a rumored leader of the Banditos deputy gang.

The fight to eliminate the Fort Apache logo reignited in October 2024, after East LA Sheriff’s deputies teargassed Centro CSO members and Raza from East Los Angeles, including women and children, who were celebrating in their barrio the Dodgers' NLCS pennant victory.

During the attack, the East LA Sheriff’s deputies were wearing Fort Apache pins on their shirts.

In the days after the incident, Centro CSO organized and mobilized. They put out a statement condemning the attack. They also publicized eyewitness videos of the attack on social media. They organized a press conference right outside the ELASD station along with local organizers like Lorraine Quinones, who has been actively fighting for the right to cruise without being harassed by ELASD deputies. Other Chicanos who were hurt during the ELASD attack on Raza were also in attendance demanding justice.

After the press conference, Centro CSO continued the fight against ELASD by holding regular police accountability committee meetings, doing outreach in the barrio of East Los Angeles, and talking about the need to ban the Fort Apache logo.

Centro CSO held an educational event going over the history of deputy gangs in ELASD with the main focus of educating Chicanos on the Fort Apache logo and how Centro CSO is fighting to ban it.

In late December, Centro CSO found out that their hard work was paying off. The Civilian Oversight Commission, which is appointed by the LA County Board of Supervisors to oversee the Los Angeles Sheriff's department, was going to hold a town hall in East Los Angeles to discuss the brutal repression of Chicanos by Sheriff’s deputies during the Dodger celebration and the use of the Fort Apache logo.

Centro CSO mobilized to get the world out and has been seen tabling and flyering all over East Los Angeles for months in order to talk to Raza, who in many instances are well aware of the deputy gangs in East Los Angeles as they themselves have experienced oppression first hand.

“It’s clear that the Fort Apache logo must be banned. Raza from East Los has been demanding it but LASD Is dragging its feet. This makes the argument for community control of ELASD clear! Our barrio should have power over the deputies that patrol our neighborhood,” says Gabriel Quiroz Jr, one of the co-chairs of the Police Accountability Committee of Centro CSO.

The Fort Apache logo is more than just a logo to Chicanos in East Los Angeles, as they see it as a symbol of the oppression Chicanos go through at the hands of police. For 55 years the logo has been active.

If you would like to attend the town hall on the brutal repression of Chicanos by ELASD and the use of the Fort Apache logo, it will take place on February 27, at 6 p.m. at the East Los Angeles Service Center, which is located at 133 N Sunol Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90063.

Centro CSO is a grassroots organization in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles that fights for public education, Legalization for All and Community Control of Police. Centro CSO is also an affiliate of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR). You can reach them at CentroCSO@gmail.com and/ or on Facebook, X, Instagram and Tik Tok under the username CENTROCSO.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #CentroCSO #Feature

Los Ángeles, CA — Más de 200 estudiantes de Garfield High School realizaron un paro estudiantil el 4 de febrero. Padres marcharon junto a sus hijos, mientras los estudiantes salieron energéticamente de la escuela.

Miembros de la Organización de Servicio Comunitario (CSO) del Centro se reunieron con los estudiantes y ayudaron a coordinar una ruta segura para ellos. Tomaron la ruta histórica de Whittier Boulevard y marcharon hacia el centro de la ciudad.

Gabriel Quiroz Jr, un miembro de CSO, estaba en el megáfono gritando “¡Liberación, no deportación!” y “¡Que vivan los estudiantes!”

Luis Sifuentes, otro miembro de CSO, dijo, “Es un nuevo día cuando los estudiantes toman la decisión de ir en huelga por sus familias inmigrantes. Vimos este tamaño de energía durante la primera administración de Trump, entonces esperamos ver más de esto.”

CSO planea realizar una manifestación y marcha el sábado 8 de febrero en Boyle Heights. Si está interesado en asistir, sígalos en sus redes sociales @CenroCSO en X, Instagram, TikTok, y Facebook o mándenles un correo electrónico a CentroCSO@gmail.com.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #StudentMovement #CentroCSO

Los Angeles, CA – Over 1000 Chicanos gathered at Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights on Saturday, February 8 at 11 a.m. to protest deportations and fight against Trump and his immigration policies. The rally and march was organized by Centro CSO and was supported by many allies, like Unión del Barrio and Palestinian Youth Movement LA.

Mariachi Plaza has been an unofficial rally point for local Chicanos on the Eastside of LA to meet and fight back, from protesting police killings of Chicanos and fighting for immigrant rights to Palestinian solidarity rallies.

The rally’s speakers included mothers, teachers and students who have been fighting for immigrant rights. It also featured an informative teatro play where actors acted out a confrontation with ICE agents and where the agents were ultimately defeated by Chicanos who knew their rights. The spirited rally-goers, which included men, women, children and also some little dogs, took to the streets in an organized and safe manner waving homemade signs and many flags, including those of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Aztlán, and the American Indian Movement.

The chant leaders were young Chicanas from Centro CSO, shouting “El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!” “Money for jobs and education, not for mass deportations!” “¡Que viva la Raza, que viva Aztlan!” The march went from Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights down First Street and crossed the First Street Bridge into downtown Los Angeles to the Federal Metropolitan Detention Center. After a short rally, the march continued to City Hall before returning to Boyle Heights.

Throughout the march, many Chicanos passing by waved and honked in support. Many joined the march and dozens of restaurant goers applauded and chanted along as the march passed through historic Little Tokyo.

The marchers were mainly working-class Chicanos who have experienced these attacks on their Raza firsthand. Many parents with strollers and families were in attendance as well as students from local high schools and community colleges.

Angélica Reyes, an LAUSD high school teacher, said in her speech, “There is a resistance if you resist. There’s not if we don’t.”

Reyes continued, “We have faced these threats before, but we only win when we organize. These actions and protests should give us energy and fill us with love and energy, but we need to do more than just protest. We need to fight back by organizing stronger communities. Just like we organize for carne asadas, brunch, to sell Avon or princess house, for church, we need y’all to bring those skills here. We have the power. We have everything we need to win but it’ll only happen if you personally step up to do it.”

Marisol Marquez, a member of Centro CSO and Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) who emceed the kickoff rally, said, “Marching with my two babies and husband alongside other families really brought it all into perspective for me. This isn’t an issue about who is and isn’t a criminal, it’s about rich millionaires and billionaires like Trump and white supremacists like Elon Musk. It’s about them terrorizing undocumented families just so they can continue exploiting everyone who isn’t as rich. Chicanos all over Aztlàn are rising up to fight back and it’s our job as Marxist-Leninists to fan those flames. National liberation for our Raza is the only way to put an end to these attacks!”

This rally and march took place after seven straight days of protests that have erupted in Los Angeles, which have included Chicanos taking over the 101 Freeway the weekend before and students walking out from high schools across LAUSD throughout the week. The message has been very clear – end deportations! When immigrants are under attack, Raza will stand up and fight back!

Now more than ever it's important to join an established organization that has been doing the work for years. If you’re in Los Angeles, join Centro CSO, a grassroots organization led by working-class Chicanos that fights for Legalization 4 All, community control of the police, and for public education against the threat of charter schools.

Find Centro CSO on Tiktok, Twitter, and Instagram under the same name.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #Trump #CentroCSO #Feature

Los Angeles, CA – Thousands of students from East Los Angeles and downtown high schools walked out this morning, February 4, and converged at LA City Hall.

Chanting, “Immigrants are welcome here!” and “Se ve, se siente, el pueblo está presente!” The majority-student crowd has blocked off the downtown area, in the name of immigrant rights. Upset with Trump and his administration’s recent attacks on immigrants, the students are calling for an end to the deportations and general ICE terror.

Centro CSO helped lead the students from the East Los Angeles school, Garfield High, as they joined with Roosevelt High students, and safely joined the already 500 students who had earlier assembled at City Hall. Those present cheered as the East Los contingent united with them.

Manuel Alvarez, a student at Garfield High said, “No one is illegal on stolen land. This land was once Mexican and without us Chicanos, East Los would not be East Los Angeles.”

#LosAngelesCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #CentroCSO #Trump

Los Angeles, CA — Over 200 Garfield High School students walked out this morning, February 4. Parents marched alongside their children, as the students energetically marched out of school.

Centro Community Service Organization (CSO) members met with the students and helped coordinate a safe route for them. They took to the historic Whittier Boulevard and are marching towards downtown.

Gabriel Quiroz Jr, a member of CSO, was on the bullhorn chanting, “Liberation not deportation!” and “¡Que vivan los estudiantes!”

Luis Sifuentes, another member of CSO, said, “It’s a new day when the students decide to walk out for their immigrant families. We saw this size of energy during Trump’s first administration, so we expect to see a lot more of this.”

Plans for CSO are to have a rally and march on Saturday, February 8, in Boyle Heights. If you are interested in attending, follow their social media @CentroCSO on X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook or emailing them at CentroCSO@gmail.com.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #HighSchool #CentroCSO #Trump

Los Ángeles, CA – Miles de chicanos e inmigrantes marcharon hacia el centro de Los Ángeles hoy, 2 de febrero. Ondeando banderas de México, Colombia, Venezuela y Centroamérica, el mar de gente lo dejó claro: los inmigrantes están aquí para quedarse. El evento fue una demostración de indignación pública y unidad en contra de Trump, sus seguidores racistas y sus numerosas órdenes ejecutivas antinmigrantes.

Jordan Peña y Gabriel Quiroz Jr., de la Organización de Servicio Comunitario (CSO) del Centro, lideraron un contingente del CSO en este evento masivo. Quiroz Jr. también es miembro de la Organización Socialista Camino de la Libertad (FRSO). El contingente se reunió en el ayuntamiento, donde varios oradores dieron discursos energizantes e inspiradores. Carlos Montes habló en representación de CSO del Centro.

Peña dijo, “Ver a todos nosotros reunidos aquí hoy envía un mensaje poderoso: ¡No seremos silenciados y no retrocederemos ante la injusticia!”

Coreando “¡El pueblo, unido, jamás será vencido!” y “Se ve, se siente, el pueblo está presente”, el contingente partió desde la Plaza Olvera hacia el ayuntamiento. Las calles Spring y Temple quedaron completamente bloqueadas mientras miles de personas marchaban pacíficamente, coreaban y bailaban.

“Fue una experiencia emocional y empoderadora ver a mi comunidad unirse, apoyando a nuestra gente”, dijo Verita Topete, quien es nueva miembro de CSO del Centro. “¡Me siento personalmente afectada por esto, ya que mi padre sigue siendo indocumentado!”

Nadia Topete, también nueva miembro de CSO y hermana de Verita Topete, dijo, “Fue una experiencia muy emotiva ver a las comunidades unirse y mantenerse como una. Rodeados de personas empáticas, marchamos en solidaridad. Detesto ver cómo esta administración nos deshumaniza. He estado luchando contra esto desde que tenía 15 años, en 2020 mi hermana mayor y yo hablamos en la marcha y manifestación del 50º aniversario de la Moratoria Chicana en nombre de nuestro padre, que en ese momento estaba detenido por ICE”.

El padre de las hermanas Topete fue detenido en el centro de detención de ICE Adelanto GEO. Él sufrió por tres años múltiples formas de abuso, así como represalias por ser un denunciante y liderar huelgas de hambre. Debido a esto, las hermanas Topete juraron siempre apoyar y luchar por los indocumentados. Se unieron a CSO para hacer precisamente esto.

Continuando con la marcha, Quiroz Jr. marchó con el contingente de regreso a Boyle Heights donde más personas insistieron en marchar hacia el Este de Los Ángeles.

“Nosotros los chicanos estamos demostrando que no permitiremos que nuestra raza sea atacada por Trump”, dijo Quiroz Jr. “En Aztlán continuaremos la lucha por la autodeterminación después de este evento. Nuestro objetivo es la liberación total para los indocumentados, los chicanos y la clase trabajadora”.

CSO del Centro realizará una manifestación y marcha el 8 de febrero. Su evento es parte de la semana de acción de la red de Legalización para Todos que comenzó el 31 de enero y termina el 9 de febrero. Si estás interesado en asistir, el evento pacífico se llevará a cabo en Boyle Heights. Sigue sus redes sociales para actualizaciones: @CentroCSO en Instagram, X, Facebook o por correo electrónico a CentroCSO@gmail.com.

#LosAngelesCA #LA #CentroCSO #ImmigrantRights #FRSO

Los Angeles, CA – Thousands of Chicanos and immigrants marched into downtown Los Angeles, today, February 2. Waving Mexican, Colombian, Venezuelan and Central American flags, the sea of people made it clear: Immigrants are here to stay. The event was to demonstrate public outcry and unity against Trump, his racist supporters, and his many anti-immigrant executive orders.

Jordan Peña and Gabriel Quiroz Jr. with Centro Community Service Organization (CSO) led a CSO contingent at the massive event. Quiroz Jr. is also a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO). The contingent assembled at City Hall where various speakers gave energizing and inspiring speeches. Carlos Montes spoke on behalf of Centro CSO.

Peña said, “Seeing all of us gathered here today sends a powerful message: We will not be silenced, and we will not back down in the face of injustice!”

Chanting “El pueblo, unido, jamás será vencido!” And “Se ve, se siente, el pueblo está presente,” the contingent went from Plaza Olvera to City Hall. Spring and Temple Streets were completely blocked as thousands peacefully marched, chanted and danced.

“It was such an emotional and empowering experience to see my community come together, supporting our people,” said Verita Topete, who is a new Centro CSO member. “I feel personally affected by this, since my father is still undocumented!”

Nadia Topete, who is also a new member of CSO and the sister of Verita Topete, said, “It was a very emotional experience to see communities come together and stand as one. Surrounded by empathetic individuals, we marched in solidarity. I despise seeing how this administration dehumanizes us. I’ve been fighting this since I was 15, back in 2020 my oldest sister and I spoke at the 50th anniversary Chicano Moratorium march and rally on behalf of our father who was at the time being detained by ICE.”

The Topetes’ father was detained at the Adelanto GEO ICE detention center. He suffered for three years from multiple forms of abuse as well as retaliation for being a whistleblower and leading hunger strikes. Due to this, the Topete sisters vow to always support and fight for the undocumented. They joined CSO to do just this.

Continuing with the marching, Quiroz Jr. marched with the contingent back to Boyle Heights where even more people insisted on marching towards East Los Angeles.

“We Chicanos are demonstrating that we will not allow for our Raza to be attacked by Trump,” said Quiroz Jr. “In Aztlán we will continue in the fight for self-determination after this event. Our goal is complete liberation for the undocumented, Chicanos and the working class.”

Centro CSO will rally and march on February 8. Their event is part of the Legalization for All network week of action which began on January 31 and ends February 9. If you are interested in attending, the peaceful event will take place in Boyle Heights. Follow their social media for updates here: @CentroCSO on Instagram, X, Facebook or email them at CentroCSO@gmail.com.

#LosAngelesCA #LA #CentroCSO #NoMoreDeportations #NiUnaMas ChicanoPower #ImmigrantRights #FRSO #ICE #Feature

Los Angeles, CA – On January 20, over 200 community members from Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles gathered at Mariachi Plaza for a protest to oppose the incoming Trump administration. The event, organized by Centro Community Service Organization (CSO), brought together residents and local organizations united against Trump’s reactionary anti-immigrant agenda and broader policies that threaten oppressed nationalities like Chicanos and African Americans.

Speakers from grassroots organizations, including the Palestinian Youth Movement, Union del Barrio, Black Lives Matter Grassroots, and the Raza Unida Party addressed the crowd, calling for resistance to attacks on immigrant rights, workers’ rights, and communities of color, particularly Chicano and Black people.

Rocio Rivas, an LAUSD school board member who defends public education from privatization spoke, as did progressive City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. Protesters chanted slogans like, “We want education, not deportation” and “Power to the people, no one is illegal,” underscoring the rally’s themes of solidarity and resistance.

Angelica Reyes, a member of Centro CSO, stated, “Today, I rallied to remind my community of the vast power we hold when we stand and fight in solidarity. Join a community organization. Our liberation is tied to one another. Together we are unstoppable, together we win this fight. Together our love melts ICE.”

Reuben Navarrete, a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) and a Teamster at UPS, stated, “Another Trump presidency puts us on a dangerous path where our freedoms and liberties are trampled on and ignored. His plans to deport undocumented immigrants will disproportionately affect Chicano and Latino workers and tear families apart. His anti-union stance and alliances with corporate elites threaten workers globally. He attacks and intends to roll back the rights and protections of LGBTQ people. He is a direct threat to women’s reproductive rights. And his plans for environmental deregulation threaten our planet and all of us who live on it.”

Marisol Márquez, an FRSO and Centro CSO member, called for solidarity with immigrant communities in Texas, saying, “The bigots won in Texas. We will defend DACA in California and stand with DREAMers in Texas.”

After the speeches, protesters marched through downtown Los Angeles to LA City Hall, denouncing Trump’s policies, including the threat of mass deportations.

Centro CSO, the rally’s organizing group, is a grassroots organization dedicated to fighting for immigrant rights, police accountability, and public education in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles. It is also part of the Legalization for All (L4A) network, a national network advocating for the comprehensive legalization of undocumented people.

#LosAngelesLA #LA #ImmigrantRights #CentroCSO #L4A #FRSO #Teamsters

Los Angeles, CA – On December 3, when newly-elected pro-police Nathan Hochman was sworn into office at the Hall of Justice as district attorney, members of Black Lives Matter-LA, Centro CSO and other LA activists arrived to protest Hochman’s agenda.

LAPD aggressively attempted to shut down protests of the swearing in ceremony, which was led by actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, a delegation from Centro CSO and BLM-LA stood strong and made their vocal opposition loud and clear. The LAPD attacked demonstrators and arrested a young Black father from People’s City Council and a pastor with BLM-LA. The LAPD grabbed and confiscated Centro CSO’s portable megaphone.

It was clear the LAPD and new district attorney did not want any opposition at the ceremony held in front of the DA building. Even with this brutal crackdown, the Chicano activists with Centro CSO and Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles held their ground and continued to agitate and were able to push the police back. They continued to chant and hold up signs in the face of this repression. They shamed attendees of the district attorney inauguration who were leaving, all dressed in expensive suits and wearing designer clothes, just like the district attorney himself, who was born and raised in Beverly Hills.

LA County’s new DA had campaigned on reversing all progressive reforms from the last four years, including bringing back gang enhancement sentencing. Although LA county jails and courts are already full of working-class people, mostly Black and Chicano, Hochman says he will prosecute and jail people for low-level crimes.

Centro CSO denounces this blatant aggressive attack on our members and allies and will voice this at the LAPD Police Commission meeting.

The theft of the Centro CSO’s megaphone is a big loss because it is the only one they have. If you would like to donate via Zelle to help replace their megaphone while they go through the process to get theirs back from LAPD, you can Zelle them at “Centrocso@gmail.com.” Please put “MEGAPHONE” in the memo.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #CentroCSO

Los Angeles, CA – 30 people attended a know your rights panel and training in the Boyle Hights neighborhood, hosted by Centro CSO’s immigration rapid response team. The educational event was organized because many in the community are nervous about how immigration law will be impacted by the Trump presidential victory.

Greeting participants at the door with a warm welcome and offering various services, the event was well attended. Childcare was offered to allow those with young children to fully participate in the event.

Boyle Heights resident Erika Prado stated, “The workshop on immigration rights Centro CSO presented was highly informative and served as a resource to empower and prepare our community in light of the unfortunate threats it faces.”

Led by Amanda Diaz, Beña Martinez, and Jordan Peña of Centro Community Service Organization (CSO), the event featured scenarios on what to do if Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) comes knocking on your door. Attendees also had a chance to ask questions regarding any potential changes to their current immigration status.

“In this moment of fear and uncertainty, what is certain is the power of our communities,” said Amanda Diaz of Centro CSO. “One of the most important things we can do right now is to arm ourselves with knowledge for what to do when ICE comes knocking. This critical information can help us stand up and fight back against Trump’s chaos by knowing our rights and protecting ourselves, our families, and our neighbors! La lucha sigue!”

Beña Martínez, who led the online component of the event, said “I have thought about how much Biden and Trump’s policies could affect my family. I also have friends that I look up to who could be affected, and I try to plan instead of worry. But I still worry. I’m fortunate to be able to rely on a great team working harder than me on this know your rights event that I’m grateful for.”

Centro CSO is part of the Legalization for All (L4A) network which is a national network of groups whose mission is to win legalization for all of the undocumented. Due to the Trump win, organizations like CSO are moving forward on preparing their working-class neighborhoods to be educated and prepared to fight back.

“Es importante que todas las personas sepan que tenemos derechos, para no vivir con miedo,” said Felipe Castillo who also attended the event. Her words translate to, “It is important for all to know our rights, so that we do not live in fear.”

If you wish to participate in future CSO events, message them at (323) 484-8630 or contact them on their social media @CentroCSO.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #CentroCSO #Trump #L4A

Los Angeles, CA – In a criminal court hearing on November 19, former Los Angeles Sheriff Deputy Remin Pineda was given the outrageous sentence of two years of probation, 250 community service hours, and 180 days of suspended county jail time for the killing of David Ordaz Jr. in 2021. As part of the plea deal, Pineda forfeited his right to hold a peace officer position or owning a gun.

On March 14, 2021, David Ordaz Jr. was experiencing a mental health crisis and his family called 911 to receive support. Four sheriff deputies arrived at the scene outside the Ordaz family home and rather than administering aid, escalated the situation. Despite the cries of the Ordaz family, the deputies murdered Ordaz Jr. Sheriff Deputy Pineda was eventually charged with two felony counts: assault with a semiautomatic firearm and assault under color of authority. Deputy Pineda had continued to shoot Ordaz after he had already been shot by other deputies and was on the ground bleeding.

During the November 19 court hearing, Assistant District Attorney Ryan Dibble proposed a plea deal of no contest with no prison time, along with probation, for Pineda. This plea deal had previously been proposed by the DA’s office and rejected by judge Michael Pastor in 2023.

When the Ordaz family received word of the proposed plea deal, they mobilized with Centro CSO a press conference and call-in to Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón. The family demanded justice and called for Deputy Pineda to receive prison time for the killing of David Ordaz Jr. The family considers a plea deal with no jail time unacceptable and spoke out at a press conference the day before the hearing.

The courtroom at the LA Criminal Courts was full, with family and supporters showing solidarity with the Ordaz family. Hilda Pedroza, sister of David Ordaz Jr., addressed the judge during the hearing, asking for prison time or a public trial so that the public can see the video of the tragic killing. Emily Ordaz, his daughter and co-chair of Centro CSO’s police accountability campaign, said that for a deputy to not receive jail time after such an egregious case would signal to law enforcement in Los Angeles that they could kill with impunity. David's father also spoke in Spanish, asking for justice for his son.

After Judge Mark Arold, himself a former sheriff deputy, approved the plea deal and sentencing, the Ordaz family spoke to the news media. Pedroza stated that the decision had ended any hope in the justice system.

The East LA Sheriffs continue to kill young Chicanos in East LA. For years, Centro CSO, a community organization in Boyle Heights and East LA, has supported families who have lost loved ones killed by the ELA Sheriffs and helped lead the fight for accountability.

On Saturday, November 23 at 12 p.m., Centro CSO will be hosting an educational event about how to join the struggle against the sheriff’s department. The event will take place at the Rising Youth Club/East Los Soul, 324 N McDonnell Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 9022.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #DavidOrdazJr #CentroCSO #Feature

Los Angeles, CA – On November 6, close to 50 people gathered for a rally against Donald Trump and his reactionary agenda following his election. Taking place at the intersection of Soto and 1st Street in the predominantly Chicano neighborhood of Boyle Heights, the protest drew attention to the need to organize against Trump’s expected attacks on workers, immigrants, women, and other oppressed peoples.

To beat back Trump’s attacks, speakers called for a broad front against the attacks on immigrant rights, workers' rights, and Chicano and Black people. The rally also included passionate appeals for international resistance to imperialism and solidarity with Palestine.

Celina Jauregui, a member of Centro CSO, made clear that activists are prepared to fight against Trump and the Republican administration, stating, “For the next four years we are ready to continue to protest, continue to organize, we will continue to demand change, and we won't stop until we see that change!”

Eloisa Galindo, a member of Eastside Padres Contra Privatización, advocated for acknowledging immigrants' vital contributions to society, criticizing the exploitation and intimidation tactics employed against them, stating, “However, he [Donald Trump] is doing business with capitalism to terrorize immigrants, people who are just doing their jobs.”

The event was organized by the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) and Centro Community Service Organization (CSO). CSO is an organization that fights for immigrant rights, police accountability, and public education in Boyle Heights and East LA. Together they denounced Trump's policies, which have previously resulted in more injustice and inequality.

Hannah Keith, a rank-and-file Teamster and member of FRSO, spoke firmly to the crowd emphasizing the common hardships of the working class against political leadership that disregards their demands. She went on to call her trans brothers and sisters to take a stand and join the struggle. “The time to come out of the closet is now! The community needs you, Centro CSO needs you. FRSO needs you. I know it's scary, but they can't kill us all and believe me they want to. Choosing to stay silent now because you are afraid is abandoning the rest of us to our fate. The fight for our generation is now!”

After listening to these empowering speeches, protesters marched around the corner holding a banner of Centro CSO that read “Lucha contra Trump. Legalización, no deportaciones” (Fight against Trump Legalization not deportation.) As the protesters marched around they chanted “Israel, Israel, USA! How many kids did you kill today!” y “¡Aquí estamos, y no nos vamos! ¡Y si nos echan, nos regresamos!”

For more information on upcoming events, follow the FRSO socials @frsolosangeles. And for more information on how to get involved with CSO follow @centrocso. CSO is also part of the Legalization for All (L4A) network and due to the Trump administration vowing to take stronger measures against the undocumented, Los Angeles will continue fighting any future attacks.

#LosAngelesCA #PeoplesStruggles #Trump #FRSOLA #CENTROCSO #EastsidePadresContraPrivatización

Los Angeles, CA – On October 29, East Los Angeles (ELA) residents, led by the community group Centro CSO, scored a major win against a proposed charter school in their neighborhood. Centro CSO members and residents spoke at a meeting of the LA County Board of Supervisors to oppose Extera Charter School’s plan to build a new facility on Gage and Eastman Avenues.

Angelina Chavez, a community member voiced her concerns, stating, “This project will bring constant traffic, noise, and pollution to our quiet street.”

At the meeting, Extera representatives brought over 60 parents, mostly mothers in Extera T-shirts, to voice support. However, opponents highlighted that charter schools often pressure parents to advocate on behalf of projects. Ruben Rodriguez, a resident living adjacent to the site, expressed his frustration: “I live right next to this project, and I am against it because it will cause pollution and more traffic to our community.”

Extera’s plan involved purchasing an old church to build a school for 528 students in the residential neighborhood. The charter organization is already co-located in several local Los Aneles Unified School District (LAUSD) campuses, drawing criticism for taking resources and space from public schools. Both Centro CSO and the United Teachers of Los Angeles have previously protested Extera’s intrusion.

Centro CSO had previously raised concerns about the saturation of charter schools in ELA to LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis, who responded by challenging the project. Solis noted that the school’s location, near Interstate 5, would worsen traffic, endanger pedestrians, and block driveways. Her objections swayed the board, resulting in a unanimous 5-0 vote against the project – marking a clear win for ELA residents.

Centro CSO Education Committee Co-chair Antonieta Garcia emphasized the health risks posed by the construction site, stating, “The Extera construction site is not safe for the community. If they break ground, it will spread lead contamination.” Garcia celebrated the victory, remarking, “We worked hard for this, canvassing the community and convincing neighbors to stand up and fight. When we fight, we win!”

Key support also came from Los Ruco, a group of retired Chicanos who canvassed door-to-door, attended meetings, and spoke out against the project. Together with Centro CSO, they engaged with residents on their needs and living conditions, rallying neighbors and empowering them to join the fight.

The victory is the latest in Centro CSO’s long-standing fight against privatization in public education, which they see as part of a broader struggle for Chicano power. Centro CSO sees their work as a continuation of the historic ELA high school walkouts of March 1968, when thousands of Chicano students took to the streets to demand educational justice. These walkouts launched the Chicano Power movement of the late 1960s, leading to gains in bilingual education, affirmative action and ethnic studies – victories that Centro CSO fights to protect today.

Centro CSO’s past wins include blocking the construction of a KIPP charter in Boyle Heights and stopping Green Dot from taking over Garfield High School. Their advocacy recently contributed to the election of Dr. Rocio Rivas to the LAUSD board. Centro CSO calls on community members to join them in defending public education.

If you would like to join Centro CSO be sure to contact them @CentroCSO on social media or attend their monthly meeting which takes place every third Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., in Boyle Heights.

Carlos Montes is the Centro CSO Education Committee co-chair.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #PeoplesStruggles #Education #Public Education #CentroCSO #CharterSchools #Feature

Los Angeles, CA – On October 23, Centro Community organization Centro (CSO) held a press conference outside the East LA Sheriff’s Station to condemn the violent actions of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) after the Dodgers’ National League Championship Series victory celebration on October 20.

Speakers at the press conference highlighted the indiscriminate tear gassing of families, the racist “Fort Apache” mentality of the East LA Sheriff’s Station, and the broader systemic violence against Chicanos. The community demanded justice and emphasized the need for community control of the police.

The press conference began with Gabriel Quiroz Jr., a member of Centro CSO and co-chair of the police accountability committee, who witnessed the East LA sheriff’s attack. He denounced the Sheriff’s Department’s unnecessary tear gassing of the East LA community and the racist Banditos gang that operates out of the East LA station.

“We were there to hold the sheriff accountable because we know exactly how they are. They do this every single time – whether it’s a celebration, a protest, or a cultural event, they come down and brutally attack people,” said Quiroz Jr. He also described the confusion caused by the sheriffs’ actions during the celebration. “I asked them, where is the disperse order, and they said it’s coming, but it was a half measure. They blocked us all in and didn’t tell us where to go, and then they shot tear gas at us.”

Several victims of the tear gassing shared their experiences. Antonieta Garcia, a co-chair of CSO’s education committee is a mother who was present with her two children. She described the terrifying moments when gas seeped into their home. “When we went inside, we heard a lot of screaming and gas coming in,” she said. “I have two children with upper airway conditions, and I had to take my daughter to the hospital. By them doing this, they are oppressing our community, our brown and Black community.”

Sol Márquez, a representative from Centro CSO and an advocate of accountability for LASD, emphasized the disconnect between the Sheriff’s Department and the community, stating, “East LA sheriffs are clearly not in touch with the community if they feel threatened by children, the elderly, and people in the streets,” Marquez said. “They escalate everything, and our people took to the streets to make sure nothing worse happened. These out-of-touch sheriffs are not proud Chicanos since they stifle Chicano celebrations and our movements.”

The tear gassing occurred as families, including youth, cruised and celebrated peacefully in East LA. Without warning, Sheriff’s deputies arrived in riot gear, giving vague dispersal orders before firing tear gas into the crowd. Luis Sifuentes, a local bus driver and member of Centro CSO, witnessed the incident and described the chaotic scene: “What started off as everyone celebrating turned pretty dark when the East LA sheriffs came in and started shooting tear gas at everyone.” He added, “It’s a long tradition of violence that the East LA sheriffs have imposed on us for years, and that’s why we are out here – to denounce them for brutalizing us and for all the killings they have committed against our people.”

Carlos Montes, respected leader in the Chicano, immigrant rights, and anti-war movements, and member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), tied the tear gassing to the larger problem of systemic oppression. “We believe in uniting all working people in the United States to organize a revolution,” Montes declared. “The only way we are going to solve police killings and oppression is by having a revolution in this country.”

The press conference also emphasized the decades-long legacy of the “Fort Apache” mindset, with deputies proudly displaying the controversial logo that glorifies violence against Chicanos. This nickname originated during the 1970 Chicano Moratorium and reflects the station’s militarized approach to policing Chicano and working-class communities. Deputies, including members of the infamous Banditos gang within the department, have a long history of racialized violence and harassment.

The Fort Apache logo, proudly worn by many of the deputies involved in the tear gassing, depicts a riot helmet over a boot with the motto “Siempre una patada en los pantalones” or “Always a kick in the pants,” along with the phrase “Low Profile.” These mottos mock the violence inflicted on Chicanos during the Chicano Moratorium and underscore the department’s ongoing disrespect for the community.

The press conference concluded with a powerful call to action from Gabriel Quiroz Jr., urging the community to join Centro CSO in the fight for justice. “We demand that killer deputies be jailed, we demand an end to the harassment of Chicanos in our community, we demand that the Fort Apache/Low Profile logo be banned, and we demand community control of the East LA Sheriff’s Department! Join us in this struggle for real change.”

If you would like to join Centro CSO be sure to contact them @CentroCSO on social media or attend their monthly meeting which takes place every third Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., in Boyle Heights.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #PoliceBrutality #CentroCSO #Feature

Los Angeles, CA – On Friday, October 18, Centro Community Service Organization (CSO) members and community gathered at local bookstore ReArte in Boyle Heights for a film screening and discussion. The film was on the history of Haiti and was shown in light of recent racist remarks by Donald Trump in Ohio. Haitian American and CSO member Chris Bernadel and the CSO immigration rapid response team chair Jordan Peña co-facilitated the event.

Bernadel and Peña opened the event expressing solidarity with Haitian immigrants and condemning the racist remarks made by Trump. They introduced the film Bitter Cane, an award-winning documentary that was filmed clandestinely in 1983, during the U.S. imposed-dictatorship of Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier.

The film captures the shifts in the modes of production that Haiti experienced and the impacts they had on the majority of the people. Haiti’s economy was characterized as semi-feudal, in which landless peasants worked in coffee fields for large landowners in order to earn a small living. Haiti’s economy transitioned to a capitalist one in which U.S.-owned businesses opened many clothing and electronic factories in Haiti, due to its very cheap labor supply. Peasants migrated into cities in search of wage labor opportunities.

Chris Bernadel said, “The Haitian people in the city slums have tried to rise up against the dictatorships but the U.S. has squashed rebellion with heavy repression.” Bernadel shared that Haiti has only had one democratically-elected president elected by the people, Jean-Bertrand Aristide. In 2004 a U.S.-backed coup d'etat removed him from power.

A discussion continued among participants after the film. In the discussion, Jordan Peña made a connection between the root cause of refugees fleeing Haiti to the immigration crisis that we see today, stating, “People south of the U.S. border are coming to the U.S. but you never hear people question why they are fleeing their home country in the first place. It is because the U.S. has invested in destabilizing these countries.”

After discussion, participants enjoyed Haitian food cooked by a local family owned-restaurant named Island Flavors Caribbean Cuisine. Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) member Sol Marquez closed the event expressing solidarity with immigrants and inviting members to join the Legalization for All Network.

An upcoming event for the CSO immigration rapid response team is a know your rights training, which will take place on the 9th of November and will be in Boyle Heights. That event is being coordinated by CSO members Amanda Diaz and Peña. Please message CSO at (323) 484-8630 or on social media to attend and help.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #International #Haiti #ImmigrantRights #CentroCSO

Los Angeles, CA – On October 7, dozens of community members from Boyle Heights and East LA gathered at the intersection of César E Chávez Avenue and Soto Street in Boyle Heights for a Palestine solidarity rally. The rally marked the one year anniversary of the U.S.-funded Israeli genocide in Palestine that began October 7, 2023. Since then, Israel has murdered over 41,500 Palestinians in Gaza and over 2000 in Lebanon.

The solidarity rally began at 5:30 p.m. with chants started up by Gabriel Quiroz Jr of Centro CSO. Chants calling for support for the Palestinian resistance and an end to the genocidal attacks being carried out throughout the region by Israel echoed in the streets.

Lucy Amaro, another member of Centro CSO, took up the megaphone and led the crowd in chanting “Israel bombs, USA pays! How many kids did you kill today?” Amaro said, “It is upsetting that the United States government is funding the attacks on Palestine when that money should be sent towards funding things like natural disaster responses, like what is needed in Florida.”

The first group of speakers included members from Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Union del Barrio, La Raza Unida, and Committee In Solidarity with the People of El Salvador LA.

Shamier Isshay, a Teamster and member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, gave a speech that condemned the government of the United States for funding genocide and ignoring the demands of the people, “For a year while this genocide has been ongoing the world has been screaming free Palestine, but those in Washington keep ignoring our screams and keep funding Israel.”

After these initial speeches the large crowd marched and chanted in English and Spanish. Passersby honked and shouted in support of the rally.

After marching around the intersection for about 20 minutes, the crowd reconvened at the starting point for another round of speeches. Michael Williams of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles gave a speech that highlighted the solidarity that exists between the Black, Chicano and Palestinian movements for national liberation and self-determination. Vice presidential candidate Dr. Melina Abdullah gave the final speech calling for continued support for Palestine and collaboration between the different movements gathered at the rally.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #CentroCSO #Feature

Los Angeles, CA – Tens of thousands of passionate protesters hit the streets of downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, October 5, just days before the one year anniversary of the U.S.-funded Israeli genocide in Palestine that began October 7, 2023 after Palestinian resistance fighters launched an counter-offensive against the Zionist government.

The protest was organized by Palestinian organizations including the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), the U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), and many other organizations who brought together families, students, teachers, union members and community leaders.

Thousands flooded the streets of downtown Los Angeles near Pershing Square chanting “Hands off Lebanon,” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” and denouncing the United States government’s full support of this devastating genocide in Palestine.

Karina Lopez, a member of Centro CSO said: “Israel is trying to instigate a full-on war, fully funded by the U.S. Centro CSO is against U.S. imperialism and against the genocide in Palestine.” Pro-Palestinian demonstrators made their stance clear: ending U.S. aid to Israel, supporting the resistance fighters, and hands off Lebanon.

At the one year mark, Israel has murdered over 41,500 Palestinians in Gaza, and the Biden administration’s unconditional support has allowed Israel to completely devastate Palestine and even invade Lebanon. Since October 2023, the U.S. has sent Israel over 50,000 tons of weapons and Israel has dropped over 75,000 tons of bombs. It is clear that when Israel bombs, the United States pays.

Centro CSO members showed up in a large contingent of 20-plus members to stand in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters in their resistance against U.S.-backed Zionist occupation.

Amanda Diaz was one of those Centro CSO members present at the rally. She stated, “As a Chicana, I fundamentally believe in the self-determination and liberation of the Palestinian people. Our struggles are tied. The same tactics Israel uses to terrorize Palestinians are the same tactics that ICE and the police use to repress Chicanos. Palestina sera libre!”

Centro CSO is a grassroots organization located in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles that fights against police brutality, specifically police brutality against Chicanos in their neighborhoods, they are a part of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR). They fight against charter schools and fight to protect public education and fight for immigrant rights as a part of the national Legalization for All Network. Centro CSO also organized a solidarity rally for Palestine on Monday, October 7, in Boyle Heights! If you want to get involved with Centro CSO, reach out to us via social media @CentroCSO.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #CentroCSO #PYM #USPCN

East Los Angeles, CA – On Saturday, August 24, around 200 Chicano activists and community members came out to Rúben Salazar Park to commemorate the 54th anniversary of the Chicano Moratorium.

The coalition united under the demands of Chicano self-determination, free Palestine, no U.S./NATO wars, community control of the police, and no to charter schools. The organizations involved had been working together all summer using public planning meetings and broad outreach to unite and bring the community out for these demands.

At the original Chicano Moratorium on August 29, 1970, tens of thousands of Chicanos marched through the streets of East LA to protest the Vietnam War and the disproportionally high rate of Chicano deaths during the war. When the protesters arrived at Laguna Park (now Salazar Park), the East LA Sheriffs and other law enforcement tear gassed and brutally attacked them. They killed Lyn Ward, Angel Díaz and Rúben Salazar, a civil rights activist and Los Angeles Times journalist who covered the Chicano movement and reported on police crimes.

Saturday’s event was led by Centro CSO with the support of Union del Barrio, Los Rucos, La Raza Unida Party, and other allied organizations. Food Not Bombs supplied free food to the event and vendors sold Chicano books, art, and merchandise.

One attendee, Michael Zarni, is a 73-year-old veteran and resident of Boyle Heights who was sent to Vietnam to fight from 1969 to 1973. Zarni reflected on how his 19-year-old brother was killed in the war, “My brother paid the highest price for going to the war – his life. He lost his life for nothing.”

“Our fight is not just about the past but about the present and for a better future for liberation,” said Karina Lopez, one of the lead organizers from Centro CSO and co-emcee of the event. “The struggle for Chicanx self-determination continues.”

Emily Ordaz, whose father was killed by the East LA Sheriffs in 2021 while he was experiencing a mental health crisis, connected past and present struggles for Chicanos in her speech. “The Chicano Moratorium, particularly the strength and unrelenting fight against the oppression Chicanos were facing in East LA remains,” said Ordaz, co-chair of Centro CSO’s police accountability committee. “We must highlight the sheer similarity of the violence, harassment and intimidation that was faced then, continuing through today.”

Diana Terreros from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) summarized what it means to be Chicana: “We have our own culture, a shared economy, and language distinct from that of Mexico and the rest of the United States, making us our own nation.”

A central theme of the protest was the ongoing U.S.-funded genocide in Palestine, which has killed over 40,000 Palestinians since October. Kareem Youssef from the U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) drew the connections between reporters in Palestine being killed and Rúben Salazar being killed. Youssef said, “Ruben Salazar was a journalist who called for government and police accountability, and they say he was not intentionally targeted. With full impunity and material support from the U.S., Israel has killed at last 160 journalists and media workers in the last ten months, the largest number in history. And it is intentional – to suppress the truth, to kill our journalists, our activists, our medics, and anyone with a vision of uniting against injustice.”

Lopez emphasized that, “From Aztlán to Palestine, we are fighting a common enemy which is U.S. imperialism. We are in solidarity with Palestinians fighting to live freely from oppression as we fight our own oppressors at home, like the sheriffs and LAPD.”

Carlos Montes, co-chair of Centro CSO’s education committee and a founding member of the Brown Berets, spoke about the struggles against the privatization of public education in East LA. A participant in the original Moratoriums, Montes highlighted how the 1968 East LA Walkouts helped inspire more Chicano activism.

Other speakers at the 54th Chicano Moratorium included Desiree Gaytan and Adriana Jasso of Union del Barrio, Ernesto Ayala and Vanessa Bustamente from La Raza Unida Party, and Rafael Avitia of La Mesa Brown Berets, who spoke on different aspects of Chicano identity and political movements. Lupe Carrasco of the Association of Raza Educators gave a speech about how Zionists are attacking Chicano teachers for their solidarity with Palestine.

After these speeches, two Chicano hip hop groups – Kozmik Force and Los Magos – performed a series of songs that highlighted the struggles of Chicanos today and called for solidarity with Palestine.

The event then ended with chants for Chicano, Chicana and Chicanx power and “Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel’s crimes!”

#LosAngelesCA #ChicanoLatino #ChicanoMoratorium #OppressedNationalities #CentroCSO #UniondelBarrio #LosRucos #LaRazaUnida #LaMesaBrownBerets #USPCN #FRSO