Comment by Jacki Paddock on November 30, 2009 at 7:38am

Thanks James for putting this together!
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Comment by John Ayers on November 30, 2009 at 9:36am

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Comment by Tony Navarro on December 24, 2009 at 10:38am

Hoping that MVChC will unite and inspire our business sector!

Comment by Andrew Rasmussen on January 22, 2010 at 10:57pm

This morning I was told by Fermin Santiago, owner of Valle De Oaxaca Restaurant on Grand View, that David Linder,
of Linder and Associates has given them 30 day notice to evacuate. According to Fermin he has paid his rent on time for four years.

Since the lease is up David can choose to do this.

Fermin has offered to pay double the rent and David rejected his offer.

According to Fermin, when asked why, David explained that he "Does not want to rent to a junk restaurant with junk food"

Fermin is aware that his restaurant appearance is poor-mediocre and is very willing to upgrade the appearance , and change the menu, change his market to more "white people" if that is what would make him acceptable, but David has so far refused to outline any possible changes that would allow him to continue his business.

This restaurant may look mediocre but the food is really terrific.

With the economy in the tanks right now, it strikes me as a bold and risky move on the part of L&A to vacate a successful family owned business, refuse a voluntary 100% increase in rent, and replace it with a start-up.

The most disturbing aspect of this to me is the particularly aggressive form of gentrification at work here.

Even If the tide of wealthy whites forcing out lower income Latinos from this community is unstoppable, can't they at least demonstrate a willingness to support an existing business by co-operating with them until they run their course or can not afford rents ?

As members of this online Mar Vista Chamber of Commerce group dedicated to supporting businesses in Mar Vista, I look forward to hearing your reactions.

Comment by Jacki Paddock on January 23, 2010 at 3:01pm

sounds like a racist move to me.

Comment by Katie Lee on February 8, 2010 at 1:11am

Help! I feel out of the loop with this group. Are you still actively meeting and trying to form a chamber? When is the next meeting?

Comment by James Brennan on February 10, 2010 at 1:48pm

Hi Katie, Steve mentioned there may be another gathering soon. We'll let you know here when the next event is announced.

Comment by Katie Lee on February 11, 2010 at 9:46pm

Thanks James!

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