“Each of Los Angeles’ 15 Council Districts has its own unique culture and economy.  What do the neighbors around MacArther Park have in common with residents of Chinatown or Mount Washington?  More than you might think,” stated the opening article in the 1Voice magazine launched by Council District 1; Council Member Gil Cedillo and 1Voice writers, designers and producers, Steve Weingarten and David Okihiro.  Published in English and Spanish,  1Voice is translated by Mexican journalist, Paulina Herrera.

Members of the USC Institute for Genetic Medicine Art Gallery Advisory Council and the ENCOUNTER Network of Networks attended the 1Voice Launch on Friday evening, March 20, at Council District 1’s Highland Park Office.  An atmosphere of vibrant art by master printer Richard Duardo, and papel picado artist Margarita Sosa, inspired citizens of Council District 1 and beyond  to share resources, warmth and a strong desire to collaborate in diversity, creativity and passion to define LA- the Connected City.  The energy was electric!

The magazine’s launch demonstrated the power of media to celebrate community successes, analyze our challenges and promote the people who make our corner of Los Angeles so vibrant.  That there is much we can learn from each other was made evident.   The USC Institute for Genetic Medicine Art Gallery Advisory Council and our partners within and adjacent to Council District 1 bonded in deeper commitment to establishing PEACE: Public Safety, Environment, Arts and Culture, Clean Communities, and Economic Development.  These are the issues that Council District 1 residents consistently tell the Council Member they care most about and to which the Council Member and our inclusive, noncompetitive, transparent and accountable citizen groups are totally committed.

Photos taken at the event further demonstrate the event’s message that communication is a two-way street.  1Voice has invited us all to share our thoughts on Team Cedillo and city government.  Let’s bond together now to let Council District 1 leadership know what we think about how they are doing and what we have to share and leverage with them to make LA a 21st Century model of a Connected City!