What a special moment it was to spend time with the Honorable John Lewis and to hear his historic accounts of his many battles for civil rights.

Reverend Andy Bales is the leader of the Union Rescue Mission. He is devoted and tireless, working on behalf of those who have no home.

Standing between two icons and being honored at the same time by Grand Performances was an evening to remember. I’m with Michael Dolphin of Dolphin Records and Geoff Gallegos (aka Double G)

Former chief of staff and the other half of my brain. 2014

I was the recipient of the Land of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays Award from the Emperor of Japan. It was presented to me at the official home of then Consul General Kono in a very special ceremony attended by friends and family. The last non Japanese person to receive this honor was Los Angele...

George Takei is one of my heros not only is he an exceptional actor but he is a teacher to remind us all of how America treated his community during WW2. His fight for equality including LGBTQ and others continues to be an inspiration.

A gathering of friends to celebrate a birthday. My godson is special and so are his fathers Danny and Bill.

Receiving a commendation from the Emperor of Japan that goes along with receiving the Land of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays Award because of my many years of service and support to the Japanese and Japanese American community.

Standing with L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina at the opening of La Plaza de Cultura. She is a role model for translating activism into creating permanent institutional change for the community.

One of my favorite non profit housing developers is Tom Safran and Associates. His company did a joint venture with the CRCD to create job and training opportunities for people in the Vernon central community of South L.A.

Big John and his wife at annual NECA before he received the NIKRAM award.

I still miss long time resident and community activist Mae Matsumoto. Little Tokyo 2013

Kent Twitchell mural on Wilshire Blvd. What a beautiful rendering of Nelson Mandela.

As former GM of the EWDD our partnership with the Los Angeles Public Library in creating a Worksource Center inside the library was a great collaboration.

I have always been proud to support the hard work of County Assessor Jeff Prang. He has streamlined country bureaucracy and made the office of the County Assessor much more accessible to the public. He is a true public servant.

I started the City Hall Farmers Market on the South Lawn. While the market has been moved to City Hall East it is thriving and better than ever. Fresh and affordable food is more important than ever before.

Celebrating the diversity of our City is a joy to behold. One of my favorite photos is Nowruz, the Persian New Year’s annual gathering on Westwood Blvd. for the community and friends.

As a former recipient of the Devorah Award from the Anti-Defamation League I was proud to celebrate the award being given to Liane Weintraub for her entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to community health of young children.

As former councilwoman for downtown Los Angeles and Trojan for life it was a special honor to assist in opening a full service medical clinic in downtown L.A. to better serve the community.

I am so appreciative of the mentorship of Celestine Palmer for many, many years. The knowledge she has shared has continued to resonate.

This is time well spent at Los Angeles Valley College in their Advanced Manufacturing classroom watching students acquire up to date skills.

So proud to have supported LAMP and the Sisters who are out there everyday taking care of families in South Los Angeles and giving children access to better education.

I was recognized by Walkers Legacy for my work promoting small business and entrepreneurship. The organization is named after Madam C.J. Walker.

Donna Lent of the National Women’s Political Caucus who recognized me for my work in developing two woman-made wetlands in South Los Angeles to bring more open space and clean water for children and their families.

Chef Akira Hirose is always generous with his time and donates his considerable talents to raise money for the community. 2014

I always enjoyed visiting Second Baptist Church and spending time with Mr. and Mrs. Mendez - 2014

Great gathering on the Eastside -Spring 2020

It was a great day when Metta Word Peace joined with me, as GM of EWDD and Brenda Anderson to motivate and inspire young people in the community and issues of mental health and youth employment.