Lynwood Rotary Meeting Update 10-08-2015

At the October 8, Meeting, the members and guests heard a presentation from the scheduled speaker, Rowland Becerra, Organizer and Director of Lynwood Union. Assisted by his sister, Stephanie, Rowland’s presentation included a power point presentation illustrating aspects of the history of Lynwood.

Rowland grew up in Lynwood and is currently a member of the Lynwood Public Safety Commission and also a member of the Ricardo Lara Linear Park PAC Committee, whose responsibility is to help plan activities for the new park. Rowland will be attending the State of the City Event on Thursday evening, Oct 15, and will have a display table for the event.

Using the name of Lynwood Union, Mr. Becerra has developed a page on Facebook, which is dedicated to the history, art, music, food and people of Lynwood. His presentation included a display table with many interesting photographs and explanations of examples of the history of Lynwood. Rowland was proud to note the Facebook page for Lynwood Union has 1600 followers!

When asked when and how Rowland got interested in the art world, he stated that in high school he became interested in art and music and at the time he felt out of place in his own circle of friends. Now he states that kids are more interested in the artistic world, to include art, music, photography, history and food from an artistic point of view.

Rowland explained that his art gallery and historic photos and other historic mementos are on display in the historic Allen Theater in South Gate, and that Lynwood High School students volunteered to help get the space ready for public viewing. In the future, the goal is to find a location in Lynwood for this museum and gallery. Rowland noted that along Atlantic Blvd. near the existing Masterson hot rod and old car restoration shop and garage would be a good place for The Lynwood Union to be located. He believes that such a place “ can grow our city through art.” He stated: “art can stimulate rejuvenation of buildings, streets and neighborhoods.” “ I believe we can make our community better through art.” For example, he noted the City of Downey’s art gallery has stimulated night life there. We can do the same thing here in Lynwood.” Rowland states: “I want to show the world what Lynwood has to offer.”

Among the many interesting people to have grown up and/or lived in Lynwood include many well- known people. Just to mention several names Rowland mentioned: Dodgers player, Duke Snider; Venus Williams, practicing tennis at a Lynwood school; Weird Al Yankovic, with his music record, Straight out of Lynwood; and Mother Teresa. Concerning Mother Teresa, she visited the U.S. frequently for a period of about five years in the late eighties or early nineties, during which U.S. visits; when in LA, she stayed at the St. Emydius Church Convent, to include attending Mass and sometimes speaking during the Mass. Other Lynwood historical facts of note: During the period of 1937 to 1945, Lynwood had a float in the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena. From the display table: there is a photograph of a restaurant owned by John Ham: “ John Ham better known as ‘Johnny Ham, The Ice Cream Man’, owned Ham’s Ice Cream and Restaurant on Atlantic Blvd. In the early 1960’s he became Council Member and eventually Mayor of Lynwood.”

Daniel and President Martina expressed their appreciation for this very stimulating presentation, and stated a desire to stay in touch with The Lynwood Union and with its goals for Lynwood. The Lynwood Union flyer states in part: “The Lynwood Union was founded on January 1, 2015 for the purposes of increasing CIVIC PRIDE in our community. The Lynwood Union is an organization aimed at showcasing all the positive contributions that originate or have origins in Lynwood, CA. From pop culture, the arts, and rich culinary to historical influences and influential personalities – the residents of Lynwood, united continue to show pride in our community.” “The Lynwood Union was started by Luis Vega, LHS Art Teacher; Hector Jimenez, graduate from UC Berkeley's Film Dept; Aly Becerra, graduate from Cal State LA's Anthropology Program; Stephanie Becerra, graduate from UCLA's History Program; Tom Pimental, Local Photographer and Rowland Becerra, Community Organizer.”

Announcements and Presentations Before the Speaker Club President Martina Rodriguez requested a club member to join her at a coming Rotary District 5280 Quarterly Breakfast meeting to hear a noted community speaker. Ramon Rodriguez volunteered to accompany Martina at this District Breakfast meeting. In the absence of Marisela Santana, Public Information Officer for the City of Lynwood, Daniel announced that the City’s newly named Ricardo Lara Linear Park, will have an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Sat, Oct 10, at 11 am on the corner of Fernwood Ave. and Gertrude Drive. Also Rotary members were reminded of the City of Lynwood’s State of the City Address on Thur, Oct 15, with sign-in at 5:30 pm at Bateman Hall and with RSVP deadline of Oct 8. All Lynwood Rotary members received an invitation in the mail several weeks ago.

Daniel Miller / Omar Franco

Public Relations and Community Outreach for Lynwood Rotary