Mothers of East Los Angeles facts for kids
Mothers of East Los Angeles (MELA) started in 1986. It was a group of Latina mothers. They came together to stop a state prison from being built. The prison was planned for East Los Angeles.
Some of the founding mothers were Rosa Diseno, Lucy Ramos, Mary Lou Trevis, Juana Gutierrez, and Aurora Castillo. There were about 400 members in the group. Today, two groups exist from these founders. One is Mothers of East LA. The other is Madres de Este Los Angeles, Santa Isabel.
Both groups focus on environmental justice. This means they work to make sure everyone has a safe and healthy environment. They care deeply about their families and children. MELA is famous for stopping the prison project. After that, they continued to fight for their community. They protect it from projects they think are harmful.
Contents
Fighting for the Community
Stopping the Prison Plan
The state of California wanted to build a prison in Los Angeles County. This was because many inmates were from Southern California. Plans for the prison site were discussed for three years. Then, in March 1985, East Los Angeles was chosen. Many people did not know about it.
Assemblywoman Gloria Molina brought attention to the issue. She helped gather support from other groups. This gave MELA time to grow their movement. A local priest, Monsignor John Moretta, joined the fight. He named the mothers "Mothers of East L.A." MELA's protests made the community stronger. They showed the dangers the prison could bring. They also got a lot of public attention. In the summer of 1991, the prison plan was voted on. It failed by just four votes.
Protecting Air Quality
Stopping the Vernon Incinerator
In 1987, a company planned to build an incinerator in Vernon. An incinerator burns trash. This one would be very close to homes, schools, and hospitals. The company had been planning it for two years in secret.
Assemblywoman Lucille Roybal-Allard quickly got support. MELA and Greenpeace joined the fight. They organized protests and kept the community informed. They also attended important meetings. MELA fought the incinerator for many reasons. They worried about harmful health effects from air pollution. They also felt it was unfair to put such a plant in their community. After a six-year battle, MELA sued the Environmental Protection Agency. The project was stopped in 1991.
Fighting a Waste Treatment Plant
Just weeks after the incinerator victory, another project was proposed. This was ChemClear, a plant for hazardous waste. It was planned for Huntington Park, California. MELA, Senator Al Torres, and other groups protested. They raised concerns about the plant's location. They also worried about safety plans and pollution. In 1991, ChemClear stopped the project. This was due to an economic slowdown. MELA still saw it as a big win.
Improving School Air Quality
In 2011, MELA started a new project. They began working to improve air quality at seven schools in Boyle Heights. This project received a grant of $1 million. Los Angeles is known for its air pollution. MELA's goal is to create a healthier environment for children.
Mothers as Activists
MELA used their family connections and Mexican American culture. They turned these into tools for activism. They saw their role as mothers as caring for the community. They also welcomed non-mothers into their group. MELA members often say their low-income backgrounds make them strong. They believe they have the right to oppose projects that harm their community's health.
Community Partners
Mothers of East LA has worked with many groups. These groups also fight for a better quality of life in the community.
| Organization | What They Do |
|---|---|
| Watchdog | Focuses on environmental issues through education and protests. |
| Concerned Citizens of South Central Los Angeles | Helps create low-income housing projects. |
| AD Hoc Committee | Works to end poverty in Los Angeles and California. |
| Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce | Helps businesses and works on community improvement projects. |
| Hollenbeck Youth Center | Provides programs for kids in sports, education, and culture. |
| TELACU | Works to protect and grow the community, making it safe and clean. |
These partners help MELA with projects. They all aim to improve the community.
Recent Work
MELA continues to focus on community programs. They run health education campaigns. They also raise money for scholarships. They inform the community about environmental unfairness. They do this through protests and public meetings.
In 2010, MELA fought against a proposed CVS Pharmacy. This store was planned for the historic Golden Gate Theater. The theater was built in 1927. MELA argued that a CVS could cause environmental problems. They also worried about more alcohol sales. The Board of supervisors allowed the theater to become a CVS store.
