Echo Park: Mayoral candidate and City Councilmember Eric Garcetti (district 13) has somehow created the image of being a champion of the environment. Yet he's failed to support the South Central Farm (beyond lip service); he approved rezoning of a property on a wildlife corridor from three to 15 units, against the wishes of most neighbors; and recently allowed the destruction of 40 protected trees on that same land.
Although he's a front runner in the mayoral race, politicians have been stopped before. In 1993, Councilman Michael Woo, who also promoted development in Hollywood, ran for Mayor but encountered major opposition from a group called Citizens for Anyone but Woo. Hopefully, history will repeat itself.
Eric Garcetti Allows Destruction of 40 Protected Trees