Monday, January 28, 2008 - - Tonight was a proud night for this community. You turned out in unprecedented numbers to voice your concerns about SKIN to the LAPD Hearing Examiner. In the three short months since our first community meeting in October, we’ve all done a tremendous amount of work. Last night was our payoff.

From every corner of our extended neighborhood, people poured into the auditorium at Hamilton High. South Robertson residents, Palms residents, Pico area residents, Beverlywood residents, La Cienega Heights residents and many more. The long line outside was a indicator of the true scale of turnout. By the time the hearing got going, it was standing room only inside. Residents, business owners, religious leaders, community leaders, parents, educators, children and elderly citizens all came together to fill the entire Hamilton High Auditorium (which seats about 600) and to make their voices heard on this issue. The hearing went on for over 3.5 hours.

We thank each and every one of you who attended the hearing, particularly those who publicly spoke to the issue in front of the examiner. It was truly inspiring to hear the passion and commitment we all feel for our community. We thank each of you who has taken the time to walk flyers through the neighborhood, put up yard signs, write letters or donate money. According to the LAPD Community Advocate, the turnout was larger than he had ever seen at any other similar hearing. Add to that all the letters you’ve written — over 650 letters with 900 individual signatures — and it’s clear that our community has spoken with a loud and unified voice.

In the coming days, we’ll post more about next steps. We had a great night and gave the Hearing Examiner our recommendations, but the fight isn’t over. In the meantime, we encourage you all to sign up for updates from the site. It’s our absolute best tool for informing everyone as things move forward. You’ll only hear from us when we have something new to say, and we won’t share your email with anyone, ever. Help us keep you informed.

And thanks again, from the bottom of our hearts.