TO: councilmember.park@lacity.org, star.parsamyan@lacity.org, jacob.burman@lacity.org, juan.fregoso@lacity.org, sean.silva@lacity.org, dave.cano@lacity.org

CC: mayor.helpdesk@lacity.org, assemblymember.mckinnor@assembly.ca.gov, Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov

Dear Councilmember Park,

I am writing to urge you to fully support and help expedite the completion of the Venice Traquero Monument, a long-overdue tribute to the Mexican and Mexican-American railroad workers who played a foundational role in shaping Los Angeles, including the Venice community.

For nearly seven years, the Venice Mexican American Traqueros Monument Committee, led by Venice native Laura Ceballos, has tirelessly worked to bring this historic monument to life. In 2021, the project was approved by the Los Angeles City Council with strong support from former Councilmember Mike Bonin and others. However, since your tenure began, progress has stalled, and the community has yet to see the project break ground.

The traqueros were essential in building the railway infrastructure that fueled the economic growth of our city and the West. Yet, their contributions remain largely unrecognized. This monument is not just a tribute to their labor—it is a recognition of the generational impact of their families, their sacrifices, and their role in shaping the diverse fabric of Venice. As gentrification erodes historical and cultural spaces, this project is more urgent than ever.

It is concerning that despite multiple outreach efforts from the committee, your office has not provided public support or engaged with the community to ensure the monument moves forward. While we understand that multiple city departments are involved, your leadership and advocacy could help cut through bureaucratic delays—just as you have done for other historic preservation efforts in the district, such as the Marilyn Monroe house.

The Traquero Monument has secured widespread backing, including from the Mexican Consulate of Los Angeles, community leaders, labor rights advocates like Dolores Huerta, and elected officials at the city, state, and federal levels. The only missing piece is your support.

As the councilmember representing Venice, we urge you to:

1. Publicly support the Venice Traquero Monument project** and commit to its timely completion.

2. Ensure full city funding** is allocated for the final phases of the project.

3. Work directly with the Bureau of Engineering and other relevant agencies** to expedite the remaining permits, including the Revocable R Permit.

3. Engage with the Venice Mexican American Traqueros Monument Committee** and provide updates on the project’s status.

This is a moment for you to demonstrate that all histories matter in Los Angeles, not just those that fit into a select narrative. Supporting this monument is a chance to show your commitment to an inclusive, representative, and culturally rich Venice. I urge you to take action now and help make this monument a reality.

I appreciate your time and look forward to your response on how you plan to move this project forward.

Sincerely,