Central City East : Downtown Los Angeles

Residents at the Midnight Mission become sales and Marketing Gurus

2009-07-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

Per Lange of Lange Sales in scandanavia bringing sales coaching to midnight mission

Residents at the Midnight Mission in Downtown Los Angeles Skid Row had the opportunity to learn from one of Scandinavia's best selling and marketing coaches in the industry of sales. I was one of those that was allowed to attend the 5 day seminar on the various selling techniques that make for professional and qualified sales professionals.

Per Lange of Lange Sales was the presenter of the 5 day seminar. Residents and employees of the Midnight Mission sat through an intensive class from 9 am until 1pm the whole 5 days as they interacted with one of the best coaches in sales in Europe and around the world. It was very exciting to learn the techniques that make for high level sales year round instead of the roller coaster that many expect through the year. Just after the first two days I was able to use the first techniques and had success. Then it was on to the psychology of selling and the wonderful explanation of pipeline management.

Per Lange is here on vacation and decided that he wanted to take time out to be of service and used his skills as a way to give. The residents going through the Midnight Mission program some already had experience in sales and some didn't , but all who attended learned much. Per Lange is very much greatly appreciated by those who attended the free seminar and many are saying that they too are already benefiting from the 5 day seminar. I have appointments all next week with clients and with those who may be of service to the Midnight Mission . It is amazing....

Student practicing the presentation techniques

Per taught us things are possible and that we should have a beginners mind in all that we do. I don't want to give it all away ,( eventually I will share my techniques) but suffice it to say, I now have a certificate from PER LANGE SALES ACADEMY and am thinking of hiring 2 of those who attended his seminar . Everyone who went through his Academy received a certificate of completion in pipeline management, sales psychology , and the sales process....

Tommy PASTRAMI HAS COMMUNITY GET TOGETHER AND 3 DOLLAR ALL YOU CAN EAT

2009-07-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

Well , folks , once again Tommy Pastrami has excelled again. Those true texans out there looking for brisket that melts in your mouth and is used in a french dip sandwich need to head on over To Tommy Pastrami.

I got here at around 7 pm and the community get together was still happening and is happening until 9 pm tonite. COme on out. There is plenty of Pastrami and rye bread.

Tommy himself is here and he gave me a taste of the brisket... Guys and Gals it melts in your mouth. You will leave satisfied and there is talk of a Pastrami Sandwich eating contest in the future. It is just right. Finally ,real food in Downtown Los Angeles . NO fluff , reasonable prices , great people and a huge space which has wifi... We are blessed. Keep on the lookout for information on the Downtown Tommy Pastrami pastrami sandwich eating contest...

Stay Tuned.

So Many Angels in DowntownLos Angeles

2009-07-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

Angels flocked to Downtown Los Angeles on Monday and Tuesday. Regardless of what all of the "mess" that was put out to the world about Michael Jackson , his music transformed the hearts of millions around the world...How could anyone not know this. This man had been tormented by the press and quite possibly the people around him...Yet, here we were in Downtown Los Angeles paying our respects to a person who brought much joy into the lives of many. Connected by the one thing that transcends every barrier ; music.

I wasn't planning on attending the signing of the huge poster in the middle of Staples Center , but at the last I did indeed go and while I waited in the line you could fill the wonderful positive energy that permeated the place. This wasn't sadness , this was joy and a celebration of a life that made a difference in the world. At home there were tears at the prospects of allegations that possibly a doctor became a predator and dispensed medications that were harmful. The doctor's basically becoming pushers for money. But we don't know and as I was surrounded by fans of Michael Jackson and heard the stories of those who traveled from Arizona and other places , I knew that I indeed lived in a special place already. Having experienced many encounters with those great actors and athletes and people of industry, these people may never have this sort of experience again , of course I will continue to have those experiences.

As I got to know some of the people in the line I also was offered a ticket and a golden wristband by a young man that came all the way from Arizona. He was so happy to be there and wanted to bless someone with the opportunity to attend the memorial. I didn't have to think . I told him that I always have these types of opportunities and the theme of much of Michael Jackson's music was the brotherhood of man , thus I explained that he needed to bless someone else with that "golden ticket". The wonderful, positive energy permeated all of Downtown and I lived Downtown. Why be selfish. I watched as the county helicopter, which transported Michael Jackson's body, flew directly over my head. What an experience that was. So why be selfish . Let someone else experience those surreal things that I experience almost on a monthly basis. I am blessed beyond measure. Maybe the person who got the ticket , who came on their pilgrimage would have an experience that would change their lives and maybe through them the lives of others.

The lyrics of Michael Jackson's music , the titles such as we are the world and Man in the Mirror speak to the truth that it is all about us. Everything we do in this life is all bout us. We are an office unto ourselves and only we can make the changes necessary to make a better world ,by how? By looking at ourselves. I am an existentialist at heart that believes there is a greater power, god, but I also believe that once we realize that this whole world is about the individual then and only then can the world become a better place through the positive changes we make in ourselves. In other words, the stronger we make ourselves morally or whatever, naturally others can draw that strength from an individual, it need not be forced. We are the world , we are the ones who make a brighter day, we are saving our own lives. As a student of physics how can one deny this truth that we are all connected?

Many came to the Staples Center, Neverland Ranch , and Hollywood BLVD. because it was that music that brought forth another renaissance in the hearts and minds of the people around the world. This collective consciousness is what can change things. And through art it is through this catharsis when we learn to change.

So for those who are still stuck on false humility ; My friends ; please understand that it is all about you. You came to Downtown because that is who you are and when we deny who we are then we can not be responsible to those around us because we are not behaving the way we should in our own office as an individual to choose to do that which is right for ourselves . Laws were created so that those who choose to use their office to hurt others do not.

When we have a hard time making choices with our free will we suffer anxiety: existential angst. We call this free will. But choose the right thing to do and the anxiety goes away. We live with guilt when we choose wrongly and not in tune with our own nature , the nature that makes us who we are.

I believe that Michael Jackson understood these principles. He understood that it is not through tyranny , or oppression which can make people love each other , it is through persuasion. Simply stated, that is what his music meant to me. As a result I knew that to share my downtown with those who travelled so far was part of who I am and being inside Staples Center, taking up the spot of someone else who could benefit from that experience was not who I am. I acted within my nature and I have no regrets.

Tommy Pastrami an A+

2009-07-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Well , folks , because of the referral over at blogdowntown I went to Tommy Pastrami and had a real Philly Cheese steak. Like the sign says as you walk in, "it is all about the meat", and, yes, folks, being a true texan and now the official Town Crier of Los Angeles, I have to say it is awesome. The Philly Cheese Steak had the meat all together...the fat melted in the sandwich and not in your mouth, in other words the meat was meat and not a lot of fat....

I would recommend this place. I did also order a lite pastrami on Rye and ,yes, it was lite, being a diabetic , this is the way to go when one is hungry for some meat, like a pastrami sandwich....between Botegga Louie and Tommy Pastrami my East Coast palate is being well taken care of downtown...

The other wonderful thing about this place is that it is clean.... it is larger inside than what it looks like from the outside... a good place to go and there is free wifi.

2009-07-02T01:41:00.001-07:00

Checking again

2009-07-02T00:09:00.001-07:00

Well, just checking to see if this mobile blogging is working.

2009-07-01T23:06:00.001-07:00

Testing testing

2009-07-01T22:44:00.001-07:00

Testing to see if this works

michael jackson we will miss you

2009-06-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

As a child i remember being at a skating rink.....roller skating. There was a huge screen on one of the turnaround walls and videos-music videos were being shown on the screen. A huge roar went up as Michael Jackson's Thriller video was shown and many children stoppped to watch the video. This was a mostly white hick town in east Texas and color did not stop the white folks from being fans. Michael Jackson helped to create a better and closer world. I know that many of his songs have touched me and have helped me in my life. You will be missed.

hello

2009-06-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

hello

feet washing at the midnight mission

2009-06-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

to learn more go to:

The ASHÉ Foundation Partners with TMM

On June 24th, Hollywood icons and athletes, Tom Arnold, Kenny Lattimore, Brandon Fobbs, Howard Hewett, Essence Atkins, Claudia Wells, Jonathan Bennett, Teddy Riley, Niecy Nash, Antonio Cromartie, Harry Smith, Ananda Lewis, Saxophonist Mark Allen Fenton will perform, and others will join The ASHÉ Foundation as they wash the feet and place clean white socks and adequate shoes on the displaced and disadvantage men in the courtyard of The Midnight Mission located at 601 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Clergy leaders, Pastor Barry Lyons of Living Waters of the San Fernando Valley, Pastor Charles Humphrey of Hope’s House Ministries and Rev. John W. Miller of Community Lutheran Church of Los Angeles along with several members of their church, will also be on site to lend a hand to this day of service. "Homelessness has always been my number one platform,” says ASHÉ Executive Director Dion Fearon.

The Midnight Mission is proud to partner with ASHÉ and take part in this important movement. “These are precarious times for all Americans financially and particularly challenging for service providers like us and those that we serve,” states Clancy Imislund, Managing Director of the Mission. “The work of the ASHÉ Foundation and their volunteers is timely and greatly appreciated,” he adds.

If you or someone you know has a brand new pair of men's shoes to donate to The Midnight Mission event on June 24th, please contact The ASHÉ Foundation at (323) 850-6964. For more information about The ASHÉ Foundation visit: www.theashefoundation.org

Openly gay man thrives at the Midnight Mission

2009-06-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

Sitting in the dining room it is hard not to be at awe with the grand diversity found at the Midnight Mission in Downtown Los Angeles. The Midnight Mission provides many services for people. Many people sit and eat and talk about their sobriety and about how they are getting their lives together. It has been very impressive to see the amount of gay men who are in the program. This month the Midnight Mission highlights one of these men on the front page of their website. Not to say there isn't the feeling of homophobia when one is in skid row. It is every where, but the tolerance that is fostered at the midnight mission is being accomplished.

Lindsey , who is on the front page of the Midnight Mission website, is an example of what can happen when we take into account the different lives that are affected by the kindness of strangers. Lindsey and many like him at the Midnight Mission give me strength and the courage to continue to support this oasis for the disenfranchised in a part of downtown that is hard on those who are different. Esp. Gay men... Lindsey gave me permission to write about him being openly gay .. he is humble , quiet , and doesn't flaunt it. But has mentioned that he is not ashamed of who he is...

I have heard the leaders of the midnight mission say that they are not a religious program, but they allow spirituality in ones own religion. There are muslims, christians , athesists, and I am sure- people who believe in their higher power the way they understand it to be in their lives. But skid row presents problems to the glbt community because of the entrenchment of right main stream christianity. No one is knocking it , but there has to be a place for those who are gay to be able to get help with their drug and alcohol problems and the midnight mission does not turn them away and allows them the ability to get to know their god in their own way. Transgendered people, though, I am most positive , have a tougher time in skid row because of their special needs . But this gay man , Lindsey , who has been an inspiration to myself and many others at the Midnight Mission, is one of the greatest examples of why many of us support and have continued to support the Midnight Mission.

To learn more go to : http://www.midnightmission.org

Anita Nelson--- accused of negligence against tenants and alleged wrongful termination of officers - receives thousands in wage increase

2009-05-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

Anita Nelson , Chief Executive Officer of SRO Housing Corporation, continues to see raises while employees are accusing her of wrongful termination. The IRS 990 at Guidestar.org indicates that Anita Nelson received a raise of over 9000 dollars..while other nonprofits have frozen employee salary increases to save essential programs....

During the fiscal year 2007-2008 she received 162,373 dollars in compensation apart from benefits.....here home is estimated to be worth over 800,000 dollars...

While living in Rancho Palos Verdes Estates she had her employees intimidate disabled, physically ill and mentally ill tenants into removing life saving air conditioners from their rooms , which resulted in deaths of tenants during the end of summer heat wave in 2007....

Did SRO Housing Corporation mess over their long term loyal tenants and retaliate against others who have spoken out?

2009-05-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

with the announcement that SRO Housing Corporation is constructing and rehabilitating new structures in the Central City East community of downtown Los Angeles comes word from tenants that SRO Housing corporation may have not payed out relocation fees to those tenants in the LEO hotel that is being remade into another hotel... sources indicate that a relocation company was hired and that many tenants were not given relocation benefits up to the amount that was supposed to have been made....

Other sources also have come forth to indicate that, Bill Minton, the maintenance director of SRO Housing Corporation was using out of state contractors and SRO Housing Corporation knew about this for over one year , yet they may have terminated him based on the reasoning that he did not inform SRO of this.... Bill Minton is rumored to be suing SRO Housing Corporation for wrongful termination..... other sources are bringing forth allegations that people who are paying less at SRO Housing Corporation are being forced to move from their rooms to smaller units to make room for higher paying tenants.....

Are laws being broken at SRO Housing Corporation... stay tuned to all of the drama....here...

is this what the future of Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils look like after budget cuts?

2009-05-13T16:43:00.001-07:00

You have probably heard of edars- everybody deserves a roof- for homeless people.

IS this the every neighborhood council deserves an office-encdao-because of the city cutting their budgets.

Russell Brown and Russell Chan and other neighborhood council board members from DLANC pushing the portable office?

ladowntownnews refuses to remove me from their subscription list

2009-05-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Apparently the downtown news will not honor the last time I asked them to remove me from their subscription list. You know their weekly updates by e-mail...... So today I clicked the unsubscribe link and a new window opens up and I get to their home page.

And one wonders why the Downtown News is not a trusted source of information in the downtown community. They can't even get this right. When I first unsubscribed a while back I was under the impression I would not be receiving anymore information from them.

Alas, is this the only way they can make vistor hits at their site....by having you click the unsubscribe buttton, have a window open up saying it doesn't work and, then a new window opens up to their front page?

Geez!!!! Stop pissing me off!!! LADOWNTOWNNEWS>>>> I said I don't want to hear from you anymore... can't you honor that??

ST Vibiana or Lesley Taplin

2009-05-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

No one knows what made St. Vibiana a martyr and a saint. And there are no written records of the reason she was a martyr and saint.

According to a blogger, st vibiana was the saint of the nobodies and everybody... Wasn't that true for Lesley Taplin also?

Who was she? She is an enigma. She is nobody and everybody. Her feast is celebrated only by us here in Los Angeles. Because we don’t know the details of her life, in one way it is difficult to ascribe to her particular virtues we can imitate. Yet in another way. this makes it easier for us to identify with her.

All we know about her is that she was a martyr. And that is enough. She stands for all of us, the insignificant ones who will never be written about in history books. We follow Jesus as best we can, in ways unknown to others. Yet we too can be like Vibiana, faithful disciples of the Lord. Our lives may not be widely known, but they are known to God, who has called us each by name from before the beginning of time.

When we stand before the Tomb of Saint Vibiana, let us imagine our parents, our grandparents and great-grandparents who sacrificed so much to pass on to us the Faith. In many ways, they are like Vibiana, unknown to the world but beloved by God. To a world obsessed with celebrity, they are nobodies; but in the eyes of God, they are precious beyond all imagining.

It is amazing that this woman who did so much for the cause of artists, businesses, the homeless and disenfranchised in a very polarized part of the city of Los Angeles also never had entered into any records her deeds. No newspaper or books or documentaries were made of her exploits.....she truly was the epitomy of why the Cathedral she was memorialized in was named after St Vibiana; the Cathedral of a Saint that has no records to describe the reason she was made a saint....was restored..and, then we celebrated a life such as Lesley's ...in that restored building...those of us who were restored by her goodness...

Nothing in this life is done as an accident , there are no coincidences....

Downtown News a waste of time and bandwidth

2009-04-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

The LA Downtown news seems to be getting a lot of it's articles from Blogdowntown and other
blogs online..It seems to me that it is just a plain waste of time to even go to their new website... SO I have cancelled my email update and removed the ladowntownnews from of my favorites in my browser.... Blogdowntown is the only news source I need to read anyway for downtown news and happenings.....

Should we start making donations to blogdowntown--

2009-04-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

I think that is something that will be coming up shortly and real soon.. Why not??? Let's all make our donations to a community online newspaper that is objective and fair in their reporting.... enough said...

celebrating mental illness

2009-04-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

As we watch as the new film ; The Soloist, is released, I am very well aware of the tragedy of mental illness. I am one who wound up at such a young age at around 21 having to deal with Major Depression and to make things worse hypothyroidism. The hypothyroidism made the depression even worse and made me lethargic and I was tortured at every level because of my decrease in physical abilities the rest of my time in the Marine Corps.

After we came home from desert storm I was confronted with my family berating me as a murderer, particularly my Uncle and my Aunti.. I had called from a forward area where 2nd marine division had established a chow hall ,and it seemed I would miss the main assault into Kuwait so I let my family know this, unfortunately for me I did make the main assault and did go through the breeches in the mine fields with my unit. When we came home from that war... I was even letting my Uncle know that I was about get get all of my tuition paid for by the State of Texas , when he abruptly asked me what made me so special. I began to get so depressed. My little sister also made me feel terrible. It was a horrible time for me because I was so depressed and didn't understand what the ribbons I wore on my right breast signified. I died deep inside knowing my family was ashamed of me and called me a coward or a murderer. Little did I know I also had portions of my brainstem that were inflamed and had a demyelinating illness. It was a horrible time for me..because no one would help me because of the diagnosis, later, of mental illness.

I only now know that the 3 small ribbons I wore on my right breast, combat action ribbon, Navy Unit commendation , meritorious unit commendation, one was the unit equivalent of an individual receiving a silver star and the other was the unit equivalent of an individual receiving a bronze star. Little did I know that those two ribbons , along with the combat action ribbon, on my right breast told the story of heroism in battle and the job my unit was called to do in breaching the mine fields in front of the grunts to be able to support them from the front because our artillery had a shorter range than their artillery.. so throw in an MOS of artillery and you can see how no matter how much I told the story, it was thought to be embellished, but I never realized that those three ribbons told the whole story.... my life took a course , a course that would leave me without my family......all because I did not understand that those little ribbons are not given out like candy, but are only authorized to be warn by the secretary of the Navy and the president of the United States of America...wow!!!!!

Mental illness, specifically PTSD , has a way of bending reality and taking your soul from you if you get no help....

I am glad for all of us , as a result of Nathaniel Ayers......let us enjoy it while we can, but after the premieres and after the the oscars , next year, we know that it will just be in the back of our minds again....

Now at 38 , with the prospects of finally becoming a millionaire , i can feel my body deteriorating rapidly. I can't handle the heat anymore amongst other things , but I move forward knowing in my heart that those who hurt us, people like Anita U Nelson, the executive director of SRO Housing Corporation , can't hurt us anymore....esp, now that I am coming into my own. May god help me to continue to make those advances. No one can take my combat action ribbon from me nor can they take away the navy unit commendation and meritorious unit commendation I helped earn for 2nd battalion 1oth marines during operation desert storm along with those unsung heroes out there , like myself , who only seeing putting our lives in danger for others as only a part of our job. We will continue to do so even after war..

LA WEEKLY steals copyrighted photo I took of Lesley TAplin

2009-04-20T02:01:00.000-07:00

LA WEEKLY CORRECTS THEIR ERROR: GOD BLESS LESLEY TAPLIN>>>>She taught us well to fight for our rights as skid row artists....
LA Weekly has kicked me in the gut. I am still very distraught over the loss of my very good friend Lesley Taplin...now the LA Weekly steals a photo I took of my friend in trying to get the right photo to show who she really was. This photo was taken during a skid row neighborhood watch walk. I knew Lesley since 2000. It was I she began her relationship with skid row as we fought together to see to it that Skid row residents had a voice on the neighborhood council. She asked me many times why I would not run for that seat. I told her it was because I worked so that my neighbors ion skid row would begin to participate in their own self-determination. She understood.. She is the reason I am the Official Town Crier of Los Angeles.

Eric Richardson called before he even used the photo at his blog and got permission to use it.. The LA WEELY on the other hand chooses to dishonor the memory of Lesley Taplin by hurting one of her skid row friends......that's right .... it was LEsley who taught us to fight for ourselves as skid row artists and I won't dishonor her memory by not fighting...

SKID ROW deaths ignored by press

2009-04-17T23:46:00.000-07:00

There were two Murders at Lamp Lodge , which is in the area of 7th street and Stanford, in skid row. No one knows who the perpetrators were who infiltrated the mental health housing hotel where many Los Angeles Men's Project clients reside.

No one knows the motives of the perpetrators nor who were the perpetrators of the crime, but one thing is known; we know who the victim's were.

One of those murdered was someone in skid row we know who was well known for his work on the movie ,"The Soloist" , which will be released this next weekend. He worked closely with the scouts of the movie production crew and he worked closely with the directors and assistant director's to give the movie that real skid row feel...many of us who worked on the set of the film watched as KK would direct the people on how to act and behave...he was instrumental in getting the true feeling of the horrors of what skid row used to be...he even came searching for me when one of the assistant director's began his own documentary of skid row.... he left no stone unturned for those he was working for...but , why has the press not released the names of those who were murdered?

We all wonder? The Downtown News has made not one mention of who the victims were nor has the Los Angeles Times.... knowing that the film is ant-police and anti- Antonio Villaraigiosa and anti- safer cities initiative... one can only surmise and make conjectures as to the reasons...

It is heartbreaking to watch as skid row denizens who are addicts continue to engage in the behaviors that put them in danger. It is almost as if they are stuck on stupid. What causes these people to continue to live their lives in such a manner in such a way that they don't have to anymore? KK had a bright future ahead of him, but he refused to leave those people he identified with and the surroundings that were familiar to him.... but it killed him. He will be missed, and if it wasn't for KK who helped Joe Wright make the decision to use actual residents of skid row in his film, many of us would be in different situations. Many have decided to move forward and continue to improve their lives. KK helped so very many in such a way that others may never be able to emulate for a very long time..Tears at his memorial at LAMP Lodge were hard to fight back....the tears were for both my aquaintance KK and my friend Lesley Taplin who perished in a freak freeway accident this past Tuesday Morning....The dichotomy could not be more obvious between those two. KK, who spent time away from his family in skid row, and his mother constantly coming to visit him , he was a person who lived a rough life with his character faults and Lesley who lived a life far more different in a world of wealth and close family relationships and who came from a world so different from the world KK was in. These two both touched people in their own way and made a difference in their own way , but they touched the same people that helped them to better themselves and love themselves and bring themselves out of a world that many of us thought that fate would not allow us to leave. Courage and self-esteem are now traits that skid row community members now have because of the way they were touched by these people who were so different..

Will the Main Stream Media reveal who it was that was murdered in LAMP LODGE? I just wonder the motives why they have not.....

The Great MIssion experience- Resurrection Sunday

2009-04-14T01:20:00.001-07:00

Family praying during the invocation before the meal is served

Helping at mission's in skid row is not just the perks of movies stars , but it can also be a great experience for all of us . The highlights of these experiences are the various feedings on holidays such as Easter , Christmas , and Thanksgiving...My most wonderful time is always at Easter. The Midnight Mission always has it's celebration on Easter Sunday, which many of us call Resurrection Sunday. For many of the people who reside in skid row and surrounding areas, the Midnight Mission celebration is the place to be on resurrection Sunday. Volunteers and guests alike come to the Midnight Mission on Resurrection Sunday because they would rather be of service than just be at home . One father brings his children to serve those who come to enjoy the meal of chicken and ham every easter....

This father brings his whole family out every easter Sunday to help at the MIdnight MIssion.

The most exciting aspect of the event at the MIdnight MIssion is listening to the MIdnight Mission all volunteer blues band. Los Angeles area musicians show up to get in line , just in case they are allowed to play. It is amazing . I asked one Musician who plays at the Pig n Whistle on Hollywood blvd , if it bothered him that he didn't get to play this past Sunday. He told me that it is an honor just to be there that day and , although he missed a paying gig, he would rather be at the MIdnight Mission.

Happy musician who was glad to be on standby...

Dick Van Dyke and Barry Liss

One of the many reasons given to me about the Midnight Mission Easter/Passover street fair is the party atmosphere. Many people tell me they prefer to dance in the streets ,celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope it brings to this weary world .... for those in skid row and the person who traveled by bus all the way from Compton to be here , they would rather enjoy the music and celebrate and be happy , this brings many.

One of the things I have learned is that the proof a program in skid row being successful is told in the amount of those that come back to give back;those that have been in the program. The MIdnight Mission has many alumni who return in gratitude all year long and during the Holiday season to help the Midnight Mission continue it's service to the community. They give in time , money, and service..
.

Midnight MIssion alumnus leading the invocation before the brunch- he now leads the Celebrate Recovery Program at the rock church in chatwsorth.

Barry Liss - Midnight Mission alumnus who organized the Midnight Mission all Volunteer blues band- he spent three years at the Midnight Mission when it was on 4th and Los Angeles

There are many many more..... and this is one aspect that continues to inspire me to continue to support the Midnight Mission.

Another neat thing about the MIdnight MIssion Celebration is the appearance of people you wouldn't expect....

This past Sunday it was Grammy Nominated Musician - Phoenix Benjamin-

Phoenix Benjamin_xvid
by dgarzila

SRO Housing Corporation tenant warns me at Midnight Mission Easter Celebration

2009-04-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

A resident at the Southern Hotel , who is engaged in drug sales and prostitution , warned me at the Easter Celebration not to tell on him and others who are engaged in those practices at the Southern Hotel. Allegations are coming from the street that even the on site manager is protecting him and others engaged in the practice of selling rock , heroin , and marijuana and renting out tenants rooms and getting prostitutes for the many tenants who reside at the Southern Hotel at 412 e. 5Th street.

This was an ongoing problem for myself at the Southern Hotel , since I was engaged in working with the LAPD in making skid row a place to live without the types of crime that come with the problems associated with drug dealing and prostitution. It is already too late for that person who threatened me as the LAPD has already informed me that they know who it is and mentioned him by name to me without myself addressing it to them....they said they are watching him and will get him soon... This is one of the reason's I was glad for the 30 day notice and those who have helped me. The Southern Hotel began to become a place where dealing took place 24 hours a day 7 days a week....many of those who were dealing were nervous of my presence...

Patient Dumping is more than Hospitals dumping- it's providing the housing in skid row without the supportive services

2009-04-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

We have been focused on hospitals dumping the mentally ill in skid row, yet patient dumping involves more than just hospitals dumping mentally ill patients , it also involves those housing providers that claim to have onsite supportive services , yet do not.

With the LATIMES article on how the State Assembly is raiding the money to provide the services for the mentally ill to fix the California state budget, we need to realize that allowing the creation of housing for the mentally ill, such as the Rossylyn Hotel on main street is not going to cut it anymore. There must be supportive services provided on site...

Skid Row Housing Trust has been working to bring the actual services to their over 20 hotels in the downtown area of skid row and the housing they are building in downtown los angeles away from skid row. The reports from tenants at the St George hotel on 3rd street and main tell of many tenants who are satisfied to be living there and have mantained their housing because of the psychiatric and medical services that are found on site. Thus, it works. Single Room Occupancy Housing Corporation , who's ceo is Anita U Nelson , who is accused of negligence and homicide thrugh intimidation of her tenants , moves tenants in and when the tenants have problems are evicted, the reason is that they do not have the on site supportive services that they claim to provide. Many of the mentally ill are evicted and many find themselves in housing operated by skid row housing trust or if unlucky roam the streets of Downtown Los Angeles. Single Room Housing Corporation harbors drug dealers and prostution rings , managers and property managers have been found to participate in these crimes.

Downtown Los Angeles has been the dumping ground for the mentally ill for many years and the way that non-profit housing providers hide this fact is by claiming they provide on site supportive services. SRO Housing Corporation does a very bad job and in reality will support their managers in harrassing tenants who are mentally ill to hide the facts that they do not provide the services they claim to, and knowingly or unknowingly support managers engaged in prostitution and drug dealing in those hotels.

We need to put an end to this travesty of dumping the mentally ill into skid row and sending them to housing providers that claim to provide services for them , but we also need to understand that the money for the services is hard to come by and those Housing Providers such as Skid Row Housing Trust who continue to work to get the money to actually provide the on site services for the mentally ill struggle to provide those services and struggle to seek that type of funding......

We need to put an end to the trend of building housing for the mentally ill in skid row and downtown without actually providing the on site services. WE need to stop this. No more..... If executives such as Anita U nelson are busy putting tax payer money into her salary through pay raises as bonuses and into her Palos Verdes Estates home instead of seeking to provide the money necessary for onsite services , then we should not allow the creation of anymore so called supportive housing in downtown los angeles...unless onsite services come with them intact ....