Venice Neighborhood Council Candidate: Yolanda Gonzalez

Editor’s note: This is one of several articles in a series of profiles on Venice candidates.

What would you prioritize if you were voted in? 

I am past President of the Venice Neighborhood Council 2004-2006, and Past Vice President Of Boyle Heights. I bring knowledge and experience as a committed community oriented person. I am running again because our wonderful City of Los Angeles has some serious issues that must be delegated carefully, and as Neighborhood Councils we must prioritized what is important for our communities.

One of them is that I want to bring to the table we elect and appoint our own Commissioners to Land Use and Planning, Department of Water and Power Liaison, Department of Police Commissioners, Education and Department of Transportation. Each community has different issues we must be able to take that power from the Mayor, since our own who live, work and own businesses and property know better of our problems. Venice has faced serious problems and we that are stakeholders in Venice recognize these issues.

The west and specially Venice is one of the highest taxed communities because of its proximity to the Beach and property values.. And are we getting services??????? NO.  Today W. Gruel sent out an release of erratic billing practices of the Department of Building and Safety of inconsistent billing practices in fees. This is UNACCEPTABLE. Our alleys never get fixed after an or any new construction. Money that gets put into escrow for these repairs, and nothing gets fixed. We must follow the money, which I am good at. Since, I was part of a big collision that who got rid of The Redevelopment Agencies, because of hidden funds from the tax payers. 

THIS APPOINTMENT OF OUR COMMISSIONERS IS IMPORTANT and a PRIORITY if elected. At this years NC Congress many agreed with me on this issue. After 25 years we all know who we are and who we can count on.

Who are your primary supporters? 

My primary supporters are those that have asked me to run again, because the Past President and I got streets paved, streets cleaned and steamed, we would call into 311 and have pot holes fixed. Got lights fixed and solar powered, that were just sitting in the warehouse of DWP. Plus we delegated very difficult and serious issues. I am an problem solver. . I am an landlord and I have faced serious problems. I was part of the original member of putting together by-laws and legislation of NC"s. Bill Rosendahl at that time was a reported for Television and news paper. I am world traveled and have very progressive visions of progress.

What issue do you feel most strongly about and what’s your position?

One of the issues that has really affected me as an landlord is seeing how good business have fled our city or totally closed down. Leaving tenants out of work, after being at their jobs over 15 years, and the Mayor did nothing nor city council to keep this businesses alive.. We have young people with degrees out of work for months. We have a city council that is more worried about their positions as district representatives, unions, than what this city DOES not represent.  

The Mayor used me and my friends to get elected. As a Latina he is a real disappointment. He is an ASS. That is why he was nicked named Vanity Mayor. Villa famoso. he comes first, second and third. What an ego on this idiot. He has been kicked out of Boyle Heights and we don't want him as Supervisor for the County.

Because I am able to go to City Council on open comment and speak my mind I let them have it. Most city council representative know me well by now. Bill R always lets me speak more than I am allowed to. My gringo friends love me.  Because I get away with saying things they can't. I am retired as well as my husband. Several of us share meetings and we report back to our own Neighborhood Councils on issues our city faces. What the new constituents  don't know about me if elected is that once elected to a position of a NC, it is a very serious commitment and responsibility. It takes our own gas and money to be able to go from one end of town to an other for support and legislate on city issues.

I attend as many Congresses as I can not only locally but state wide. I am part of several city collisions. But one thing is that I have really enjoy being part of the NC movement for over 25 years and it has been the best education ever. I have made the best friends, and we all support and WORK with  each other no matter what political affiliation we have. Washington DC should learn from us. Our city is important to us because we live in it.

Where there is money there will always be growth, anything west of Highland Blvd, we are the biggest property tax COW payers that support this city.   The city is after tax money. Venice is an important tourist and an Architectural icon. More books have been publish of Venice than any other community.

What's one thing most constituents don't know about you?

I am a Naturalized Immigrant who came in legally into this country with my parents and I believe in the rule of law. I am world traveled and have a vision of progress not common among other Latinos. 

I am running again because our city is in real TROUBLE.--- NC"s are very important to me as to others. And many of our COMMUNITIES know it. City council never counted that we would be A People Power. Remember NC's got the voters out. In certain districts they could not get enough votes to get elected. Nc's did get the voters out because of community action and participation. I have no political ambitions. I am a happy camper where I stand.

Why did you decide to run?

How is it the gangs can apply a gang tax, to allow certain vendors operate in their communities???????? Do we not have a big problem????????? I balance my check book----- so should the city of Los Angeles. Property Taxes are due. Want to see where we stand. Do we not have problems?????? I have been cured of feared a long time ago. GOD don't pay my bills nor tragedies.

Yolanda Gonzalez is running for one of 13 open positions as a Community Officer on the Venice Neighborhood Council. To read more candidate profiles, click here.

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