We had the good fortune of connecting with Fernanda Sanchez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fernanda, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
When it comes to politics, I would argue that the majority of the disenfranchised public does not participate; whether it be because they’re completely unaware of the political mechanisms that structure our jaded society, or because they simply do not believe in the political system. I of course have found myself in these groups. Lately, as someone that has fully dived into the grassroots organizing world however, I have lifted the veil in seeing that we cannot run away from politics. We cannot pretend it does not affect us. We cannot pretend that we are not participating, even when we are not actively participating. In fact, being complacent is the worst form of participation; there are a lot of political, social, and corporate entities that greatly benefit from us being inactive while living in this society. I can insert some sort of Hobbe’s Leviathan juxtaposition here, but what I’m really trying to say is, our government and politics has failed our communities in many ways. Immensely. That is the obvious point here. The not so obvious point is there needs to be some sort of participation from the angry, marginalized working class, immigrant group of folks that are being hurt the most. Specifically, I am going to use the Neighborhood Councils as a prime example.

You’ll have people who will vehemently argue that Neighborhood Councils do not have any sort of power whatsoever, and therefore they should be completely disregarded. This sort of commentary comes from a place of privilege, and a lack of creative understanding of how these boards can be run and overtaken. The reality is, the Neighborhood Council system was created as a bridge from the monstrous city council, to the quiet communities the city fails to connect with. In writing, and legally, Neighborhood Councils are autonomous advisory boards to the City, and are a platform to document, advocate, fund, and represent their communities. Neighborhood Council board members go through a public election process; we are quite literally unpaid Public Elected Officials. So what does this mean for us?

I would consider my Neighborhood Council to be quite revolutionary. I live in a historical community, the first suburb of Los Angeles. An ancient town, full of history: in our architecture, our culture, our indigenous roots, our Chicano Political movements, and its historically immigrant residents. This is all at risk of being lost through the outcome of violently accelerated gentrification. I have written academically about gentrification for years, and am now living through it. My involvement in my beloved community stemmed from urgency and desperation, as I saw my neighbors being illegally evicted during the pandemic despite an eviction moratorium. Now, that site, formerly known as the Brine, has long been demolished and there is a luxury market rate complex nearly built. Before you know it our communities, as we saw in Highland Park, will be completely flipped; our people displaced, our murals erased, our businesses eradicated, our neighborhood median income skyrockets, without any trace of the history that once colorfully painted our streets. As if we never existed. And that is dangerous. It is violent; it is violent to our people, to our history, to our autonomy, and to our rights as human beings.

This is where activism can coincide with your Neighborhood Council. I have run two successful slates for the 2021 and 2023 Neighborhood Council Elections, and we now have community members who have never been a part of any political system, advocating for the communities they love and built. We are able to highlight the ongoing predatory corporate luxury development that happens in our community. We are able to write Community Impact Statements to document, oftentimes illegal, developer tactics used in our community to displace us. We are able to connect folks to resources, and provide tenant right workshops. We provide a platform where the community can finally be a part of the process, and understand how the planning and land use decisions are made that negatively affect our community. We have successfully stopped development from encroaching our very limited green spaces, such as Flattop, by activating the community for public comment, and submitting a Letter of Opposition as the official Neighborhood Council. We have given back to our indigenous elders, the KIZH nation through our neighborhood purpose grants. We are doing extraordinary things in the midst of such uncertainty and chaos. We can create enormously powerful platforms that communities – especially communities that are being gentrified – should take over. It starts locally. It starts with talking to your neighbors.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

It takes a courageous amount of energy to advocate for your disenfranchised communities. Navigating the dichotomy of a world where everyone is struggling, and being on a platform to highlight these issues, is a fine balance. Suddenly, you’re seen as a radical, simply for advocating for basic, fundamental human rights for your people. The right to autonomy and the right to challenge capital colonialism, in my opinion, are fundamental to the pillars of democracy

I started putting in the work, in the summer of 2020. I saw on social media that the historical homes formerly known as “The Brine” had received a Notice of Demolition, and therefore eviction notices. A group of us went to canvas those homes. People who had been living there for decades, their whole lives, were suddenly met with the reality of being homeless – during an eviction moratorium. The city was nowhere near to uphold these policies, and it was even harder to find ways to hold corporate developers accountable. What is truly devastating, is knowing that countless people lost their homes during the pandemic due to landlords and developers practicing illegal evictions. Being witness to that, obligated me to get involved with tenant organizing. I met other organizers for other causes in my community, and got involved. All of this, ultimately led to running a campaign for Neighborhood Council elections.

 
In this fight, I have been met with many obstacles. What keeps me going is meeting people in my community who are doing their best to keep us alive. People who put in the work to put our people first, and understand that we have our homes, our culture, our livelihoods, our neighborhoods at risk. There have been times where I am the only person advocating for the autonomy of our brown, immigrant, undocumented working class people  to make the decisions to stay in their communities, and I am always advocating to put people first over corporate development interests. Oftentimes, there are remarks about gentrification being a myth – or worse yet, it being better for us. We are sold the illusion that nicer, cleaner streets are the outcome of gentrification, and a great benefit to our communities. If we focus on the superficial symptoms of gentrification, we contribute to the erasure of our people and our culture, and more importantly, ignore the violent tactics and true outcomes of gentrification. We are displaced by eviction. We are displaced politically. We are displaced economically. We are displaced as patrons. We are displaced culturally. And whether or not that is the intent of gentrification, it certainly is the outcome; it’s erasure in its fastest form.
 
 When the height of gentrification was taking place in Highland Park, families who were evicted from their apartments had nowhere to go, and so they moved to the park, off of Arroyo Seco freeway; the group of families, the tents, it was all over the news. And then, everyone forgot about those families. Where did they go? Where are they now? So many of our folks have moved hours away, to the desert and commute to work in Los Angeles every day. One day, the deserts, Palmdale, Victorville, Hemmet, will also be gentrified. What will we do then? We cannot run away forever. Working class people have a right to permanent homes. Renters have a right to permanent homes. Undocumented people have a right to permanent homes. We all have a right to a long term, affordable permanent home, in the communities we created and grew up in.
I will continue to develop my platform in efforts to highlight the outcomes of gentrification, and to encourage people to get involved and speak out. I am reminded of the history my community holds. Zoot suit riots. Chicano Moratorium. The Walk Outs. These are movements that are integral to the identities of our people, our streets, and our name. If this is something you can relate to, start reaching out to like minded folks, and hold a space to talk. Organize your community, your neighbors, your comadres, your tios and tias. It’s totally possible. Three years ago, I had no idea what the Neighborhood Council entailed. Now, I am running the board and uplifting my community into these spaces. You can do it too.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I will always prioritize and patronize local businesses – especially long time local ethnic businesses.Through my experience in my communities of Lincoln Heights, Highland Park, and El Sereno, these are the businesses that are most at risk of being displaced when were facing gentrification. So, if I had a week to take my friend around, it would absolutely be a food tour, tasting everything East LA (now known as North East LA thanks to the influx of incoming newbies) has to offer. Also, itineraries are low key my speciality.

First Day in LA:
Breakfast at La Morenita in Lincoln Heights. Order their chilaquiles with cecina. And their freshly squeezed orange juice. You also NEED to try their salsa macha. You will not regret it. Unless you hate spicy food.

Lunch at Otomisan in Boyle Heights. They’ve been around since 1956. My favorite is their Saba Shio. Wow. Spectacular.

Hang out: El Mercadito on Lorena street in Boyle Heights. This is one of my favorite places on earth. A truly historical gem in our community that has been fighting to stay alive for quite some time. Please go support them, and be respectful of the native community that go there (this is such a safe space for us) and the vendors, as well as their prices. This is not a place to create a spectacle, as I’ve seen some youtubers do. There are three corridors that lead you inside the building. The first to the right are all snacks: elote, esquite, churros, icecream, and jello. The middle corridor to the left, is more esquite (the better place in my opinion), camote, popcorn, aguas frescas, and clothing, the last corridor to the left up the stairs, is clothes, toys, and music and also leads you into the second floor of the building. The second floor is truly a magical place. You will be met with an array of spices, herbs, ingredients, restaurants, smells, colors, candy, sounds. The best type of sensory overload imaginable. Cash only.

Must try: if you want the best churros your money can buy in LA, you need to try the churros sold here ( first corridor to the right). You cannot miss it, they are the only stand that sells churros. They also have the best agua frescas at this stand, agua de naranja is my fav here
Chilatole: this green esquite quite literally changed my life; the profound vibrant flavors, coupled with the comfort of masa-esque flavor, has reigned my tastebuds ever since. You’ll find it in the second corridor, first shop to the right. This shop’s popcorn, and esquite, are the best here in my opinion.

Second Day

Breakfast at Raspados Nayarit for they’re made to order green juices. Raspados Nayarit in Lincoln Heights is a treasure. They have the absolute best aguas frescas, smoothies, juices and more – all made to order. My favorite mangoneada is sold here. Also: on the weekend: YOU MUST try their Colima style posole. My family is from Colima, and the posole is untouchable from that region. I’m whole heartedly willing to have a Posole cook off to prove this.

Beach Day: pick up a couple of carne asada burritos and nacho fries from Carnitas Michoacan on Broadway. The horchata here (rice based) is also really good, and truly nostalgic for me. Then, head over to the beach; I like to go to a tucked away spot off of Coastline Drive

Dinner: finish it off a little lighter, and get some thai food over at Thai Fantasy on Monterey Road, borderline El Sereno. Their Green Eggplant Curry is top notch, their Beef Larb is absolutely delicious and a must. I’m low-key a Thai beef salad connoisseur, and their Beef Salad is absolute perfection.

Third Day

Breakfast at Los Tres Cochinitos: their chilaquiles are red, spicy, and tasty. Cash Only. This is a very, very home style comfort mexican restaurant. It’s like walking into mom’s kitchen. Amazing menudo on the weekends only. If you’re not bringing your pot to fill up on menudo on the weekends, you’re doing it wrong.

Snack: Boba in SGV. Alhambra/SGV holds a special place in my heart, some of the best food also comes out of here. Back in the day, Cha for Tea was a consistent staple; I miss them everyday. Current Fav boba spots on Valley:
Twinkle Tea:Raspberry smoothie with cheese foam (literally tastes like a cream savor! Remember those?)
Xing Fu Tang: brown sugar tea

Dinner: Tacos El Chino on first street in Boyle Heights, in front of Food 4 Less. These are tijuana style street tacos, and wow, are they incredible. Their carne asada is top quality meat, their marinated chicken is to die for, and their chorizo is so flavorful. Their agua frescas are top notch here as well, fresh fruit, and no frills.

Fourth Day

Hike at Ascot Hills in El Sereno. So beautiful and foggy in the morning.

Brunch: Breakfast burrito or a milanesa torta at Wendy’s Tortas in Lincoln Heights. They have excellent tortas here for lunch. I haven’t seen their delivery car in quite some time; but there was a time when that little yellow Wendy’s Tortas Smart car with a giant Torta printed on it, was zooming off everywhere all the time. 5 points every time you spot it.

Dinner: Pancho Lopez in Lincoln Heights. Their Carne en su Jugo is a specialty; meat in broth. Simple but so delicious. They have an array of things to try, and I recommend you try it all.

Fifth Day

Breakfast: Velardes Restaurant on Cesar Chavez in Boyle Heights. They have fresh juices in the morning, and they also have amazing frijoles con queso, and tortillas in the morning. Sometimes a simple breakfast is really, the best type of breakfast.

Hang out: Galco’s in Highland Park. Vintage Soda shop with really cool finds. You can also make your own flavor of soda here. They used to carry a Chai Cola that would pair perfectly with carne asada tacos. But, I haven’t been able to find it anymore. If you see it, grab it!

Dinner: La Golondrina Taco truck in El Sereno on Huntington Drive. They have the best quesadillas here. If you’re into BRC Burritos, you cannot go wrong getting them from this truck. My advice: order a side of salsa de aguacate (avocado salsa). It’s 50 cents extra, but it is amazing. My usual order is tacos de carne asada and I will add cheese to them – I know – but this is the only place that I can get away with doing that. It’s like a tiny mulita. You’ll love it.

Sixth Day

Breakfast: Best tamales are in City Terrace, in front of St Lucy’s Catholic Church. The Tamale lady runs out by 9 am or so, so get there early! The green pollo tamal is my favorite here. She also has fresh orange juices, and green juices.

Lunch: Tenampal in Boyle Heights. Their taquitos are insane. They put so much care into their craft at this family run, scratch kitchen; every ingredient has a purpose.

Cheo’s Tacos on Alhambra Ave in El Sereno. Exceptional Tacos de Tripa (tripe). They are fried, crispy, salty, and absolutely perfect. Their avocado salsa is the perfect pairing. I literally dream about these tacos. 
 
Second Dinner: Weekend only!! Elote Man in Lincoln Heights. A true community icon. He gets there anytime around 11 pm – 12 midnight; we live in his world, ok? The line will be a mile long by that time, but the wait is worth it. This is a family run gig, and they are beautiful people. I have been going to him for over 20 years now, and each time, it’s better than the last. My advice: get an elote (corn on the cob) AND an esquite (in a bowl)- for later. Add lime to your order. No regrets.

Seventh Day
Sleep off your food coma.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Elders in my community are a constant reminder of how long this fight has existed, and how far their voices have carried the hopes of our community. Because of them, I am learning how to organize a community, and how to legally fight some of these battles. I want to especially thank my fellow social workers who are in the trenches fighting to keep our people safe, healthy, and seen. I come from the social work field, and I call my friends when I need grounding, and inspiration. I want to also acknowledge every person out there fighting gentrification in every form; especially those young minds that are waking up to the injustices and are eager to get involved. I want to give a special shout out to Buried Under the Blue for being such great mentors, who have been fighting this fight since the displacement of the three communities of Palo Verde, La Loma, and Bishop. I want to give a very special shout out to Rene Camarillo; a fellow artist and community activist who always uses their art as a political form of engagement and representation. This shout out wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging someone from 15 years ago: Mr. Meza. A substitute teacher for my 8th grade world history class; a radical young graduate with a Pantera shirt on, converse, and long hair. He started the class by saying, “I am going to teach you a ten thousand dollar word. This word cost me ten thousand dollars to learn through my degree.” He went up to the board and wrote the word “GENTRIFICATION” on the chalk board. He went on to define the word, spoke on how this would look like in our communities, taught us about colonization of our indigenous communities; that was the first time I had ever learned my people’s history. That lesson has been with me ever since. I have never stopped thinking, speaking, and writing about gentrification since that day. Thank you, Mr. Meza.

Website: https://defend-lhts.carrd.co

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ferny.ferns?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/fernanda-sanchez-36b564200

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiKhYVqRA6Ni-xWz4HWL1PQ

Other: https://instagram.com/lincolnhtsnc?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==

Image Credits
Steve Lucero – Slate Campaign Headshots

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.