Last night at the Wilmington Neighborhood Council (WNC) meeting Wilmington residents united to show support for the fire department. The Senior Citizen’s Center was over flown with a crowd of people waiting eagerly to speak during public comments.

Person after person went up demanding that the WNC showed support by writing a letter to the city of Los Angeles and Councilwoman Janice Hahn to not allow Fire Station 38 to lose two rescue ambulances and one emergency incident technician in Wilmington.

Some argue that how is it that Councilwoman Hahn could have allowed this to get as far as it has. If she is really for the community of Wilmington then this should not be happening.

Wilmington lacks many resources and it is devastating that in a town surrounded by refineries and one of the largest ports in the United States the city of LA would jeopardize our safety by removing even more resources.

It was great to see so many people united and demanding what the community needs.

Wilmington, we cannot wait until things are on the verge of being taken away to do something. Everyone needs to stay involved and take ownership of what already belongs to us: OUR commUNITY.

It was a long meeting but great.

Here are some of the other great topics discussed and programs to look forward to.

* Clean Wilmington Program – Hahn has donated $50,000 to Salavador Lara’s, WNC member, ongoing effort to clean Wilmington. Lara has partnered with Clean San Pedro through which funds will be channeled.

* Illegal Dumping – recently created a partnership between City/GAP – Gang Alternatives Program to clean up specific locations; Gulf/Ronan N/Opp St.; End of “G” St., Cruces Neighborhood alleys; Behind 400 Block/Avalon; Frigate between Emden/Mauretania and N/PCH; “E” St. under 110; Behind 1300/W. Mauretania; Little Alameda/E of Young St.; Alameda between Mauretania/”O” St.

For alley dumping problem, call CD15 office – 310-732-4515.

* Pipeline Franchise Fee funds ($500,000) have been allocated to Wilmington. These funds will be used for fixing broken sidewalks, handicapped access ramps and support work at Drum Barracks.

* Wilmington Community Benefit Trust Fund: Warren E&P donated $500,000 to the City for this on-going effort. Funds to be used for fixing broken sidewalks, reconstructing street/drainage problems, trimming trees. Priority will be given to area around the company’s facility.

* Wilmington Waterfront Park – opening ceremony schedule for June

* Family Crisis Center will bring their services to Wilmington. A center that offers resources to victims of domestic violence, runaway and homeless youth, homeless families, unemployed adults and youth, and other low-income community members in need of assistance.

* Money from WNC was donated to the following programs:

Wilmington Middle School Band $ 500

Wilmington Family Health Clinic $ 2,500

Sharefest- Wilmington $5,000

GAP – “My Gangfree Life” – $1,000

To view entire minutes visit the WNC website