Some Background Details of the Shady (If not totally corupt) Las Villas "Liquor Arcade" Near LAUSD

Las Villas, Inc.: The $9.2 Million Dollar HUD Project That No One Wants Except the Politicians ($9.2 million includeds $1.5 million HUD block grant.)

First of all, some members of Lincoln Heights area are calling for a Congressional investigation into the HUD money that is being used for this "community block grant" that is being administered by the CRA.

I think Xavier Becerra may be contacted, who is the Congressmember for the district.

Regrading the law that prohibits the sale of alcohol 500 feet from schools and churches, The political bullies in charge claim that the need for economic development overrides any other issue, like public safety.

One person wondered aloud on the phone to ZD, "How are the three commissioners tied into Councilmember Ed Reyes?
East L.A. Area Planning Commissioners:

Louis Lopez: Works on LA River plan with Reyes.
Fabiola Vilchez: Used to work for Jackie Goldberg.
David Marquez:

Maybe some readers have some additional information on any cahootsism.

The economic development zone needs to be economically developed/improved, but why does this liquor gaming arcade have to be near three schools? Reyes the Cowardly Councliman hides behind the non-fact that, Chuck E. Cheese is the comparative model for this project: But can anyone find a Chuck E. Cheese in the City of Los Angeles that is less than 500 feet from schools and churches?

The reason you DON'T see this, is not only because only an idiot or corrupt politician would allow a gaming arcade that serves alcohol to operate less than 500 feet from schools; BUT BECAUSE LOS ANGELES HAS A 500 FT ORDINANCE! (Duh!) But when you feel protected from the law, you simply say, "Economic development trumps all law." (Remember that guy in Lethal Weapon II..."Diplomatic Immunity!" Reyes likes to say, "Economic Development.")

The Las Villas Liquor Palace is a $9.2 million dollar project.

How can two people, who allegedly have no previous restaurant experience walk away with $1.5 million in HUD money?

LADailyBlog.com has heard that there is an ongoing investigation into the legitimacy of all of this.

Alicia Corona, owner Las Villas Caterers: The office address used for Las Villas Catering is registered to Ortiz Moving and Storage facility. (An office, with no food preparation facilities. Dave Margosian (health inspector) went to the office to speak with Alice, and check into things, but she was not there.

Las Villas Catering has already catered some events at the facility, but no license for off site food preparation could be found in Los Angeles County.

So if there are no food preparation facilities at the catering location, and if there is no license filed with the Health Department; how is the food being prepared and served?

The other owner of Las Villas, Inc is Teresa Duarte of Terry's Fashion, an apparel manufacturer. (Even though the person I spoke with called it a "sweatshop", "apparel manufacturer" is the proper term.)

Novack & Associates is a lobbying firm who filled out a Form CEC 434 for quarter ending December 31, 2003. Las Villas, Inc is a client, registered at the same address as Terry's Fashion Shop. And although Terry is one of the owners of Las Villas, Inc...the actual business address for Las Villas Inc is Ortiz Moving and Storage. So there seems to be some confusion regarding the addresses used by Novack on the form.

And the health inspector didn't help instill much confidence.

Is this a sign of what to expect from these operators in the future? Especially from people who want to operate a game arcade that serves alcohol so close to three schools. (In violation of the 500 ft ordinance.)

Meanwhile, to the person who just left me a voice mail, wondering how to start and F.B.I. investigation into this project; I would suggest hooking up with the people who will be trying to get Congressional attention on this matter. I think that is the proper channel for this one.

zumadogg@gmail.com
LADailyBlog.com


NEW YouTube 2/29/08: ULTIMATE ZUMA DOGG (TRIPLE SPEED) HYPER-RANT ON LA VILLAS AND ISSUES BLOGGED ON LADAILYBLOG.COM. (It turns into more of a public convulsion, than a public comment.) Check it out...click here for video

COMING NEXT: How to funnel money to politicians in return for favors like project approvals against community wishes. (It's one big racket!)