This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Landavazo: Fonda and War Memorial Don't Mix

The council candidate is critical of the city's decision to host the One Billion Rising event featuring Jane Fonda at a park that contains a monument to veterans.

Candidate for West Hollywood City Council Christopher Landavazo clarified his position Monday regarding actress and activist Jane Fonda's recent appearance at Sal Guarriello Memorial Park.

On Saturday the website Wehoville published a story that noted Landavazo's objection to Fonda's One Billion Rising appearance at a park that has a monument honoring veterans. Fonda, West Hollywood City Council members Abbe Land and John Duran, council candidate Sam Borelli, Marisa Tomei and Anne Hathaway attended the event promoting awareness about violence againsst women.

Landavazo, who is a Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy and military veteran, released the following statement:

Find out what's happening in West Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I am extremely supportive of women's empowerment and of the efforts of "One Billion Rising" to bring attention to ending violence against women. My non-profit work here in the US and Internationally via the Cops 4 Causes El Salvador International Cop X-Change clearly demonstrates my commitment to addressing women's and children's issues including but not limited to domestic violence, health and wellness issues. 

I am third generation U.S. Military Veteran, who served two tours of duty in the Persian Gulf, fought nationally to repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell" (DADT),  and was recalled for additional service, due to the tragic events of 9/11. I am also the son of a Vietnam War Veteran and I continue to devote my time to Veteran's affairs. Ms. Fonda's historical photo on the anti-aircraft-battery and statements made in Hanoi in 1972 (3 years before I was born) still provoke a deep resentment by many Vietnam Veteran's and American's, as a whole. 

Find out what's happening in West Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Our City's leadership should have recognized the sensitivity regarding the Veterans Memorial and it's importance and prominence to our Veterans community and of our service men and women and chosen a more suitable park within our City to host this event with Ms. Fonda.

On the day of the "One Billion Rising" ceremony, attendees  were standing on the Veteran's Memorial Monument, which pays tribute to the thousands of men and women who gave their lives in service of our country to preserve Democracy around the world. 

Our West Hollywood Sal Guarriello Veteran's Memorial should be respected for the men, women and families for which it stands. 

Be sure to follow West Hollywood Patch on Twitter and "Like" us on Facebook.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from West Hollywood