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Los Angeles Times
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
What the Dodgers can learn from Angel City about community
So that's why they're called the Dodgers. For the better part of the last two weeks, the Los Angeles baseball franchise has evaded calls from fans begging that it speak up and show support for communities terrorized by ongoing immigration raids taking place across the Southland. When thousands of Angelenos took to the streets for a series of protests, the Dodgers buried their heads in the sandlot and pretended the unrest wasn't happening. 'We're not going to comment,' Dodgers executive vice president and chief marketing officer Lon Rosen told my colleague Dylan Hernández, who included the quote in a scathing column published Saturday morning in which he accused the team of cowardice and letting down their Latino fan base. But as the team found out later that evening, the issue was not going to go away. Before the start of Saturday night's game against the San Francisco Giants, Nezza performed 'El Pendón Estrellado,' a Spanish-language version of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' commissioned by the State Department in 1945 and composed by Clotilde Arias. In a TikTok video uploaded on Sunday, the 30-year-old L.A.-based pop singer, whose real name is Vanessa Hernández, revealed that she sang the national anthem in Spanish against the team's wishes. She also claimed that the Dodgers banned her from the stadium, an assertion the club denies. The incident became national news by Monday, and the Dodgers came out looking like a franchise that only cares about its Latino fans when it's trying to make money off of them. On Wednesday, after initially saying that they would not be commenting, a team spokesperson told my colleague Jack Harris that the Dodgers were working on a plan to assist immigrant communities, and that they would announce the specifics soon. (As I write this, the team has not yet unveiled what said plans are.) On Thursday morning, the Department of Homeland Security brought the immigration debate to the team's doorstep after several federal agents were spotted near a Dodger Stadium parking lot gate. Rumors spread on social media that the team had allowed ICE agents to use their parking lot as a staging area. Hours later, the Dodgers took to social media to clarify that no such thing had transpired. 'This morning, ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots. They were denied entry to the grounds by the organization. Tonight's game will be played as scheduled,' the statement said. In response, DHS said that the agents were not with ICE, but with the Customs and Border Protection — the department oversees both agencies. That people believed the Dodgers were collaborating with ICE shows you just how much trust they have lost with fans — on Thursday night, protesters gathered outside the stadium and some of the anger appeared to be directed at the club. The team's inaction over the last two weeks should be used in crisis management classes as an example of what not to do. It was a self-inflicted wound, and it didn't have to play out that way. Just look at what the Angel City Football Club did. On June 7, the day after the start of the immigration raids, the National Women's Soccer League franchise released a pro-immigrant statement on X. 'We are heartbroken by the fear and uncertainty our Los Angeles community are feeling right now,' it read. 'At Angel City, we believe in the power of belonging. We know that our city is stronger because of its diversity and the people and families who shape it, love it, and call it home.' It wasn't an empty gesture. The following week, ahead of Saturday's match against the North Carolina Courage, Angel City players and coaches walked on to the pitch donning black shirts with 'Immigrant City Football Club' emblazoned in the front, and 'Los Angeles is for everyone/Los Ángeles es Para Todos' written on the back. In addition to distributing them to fans in attendance, Angel City has been selling the shirts from its team store, with net proceeds going to the nonprofit Camino Immigration Services. 'The statement was the beginning. The statement was our way of making sure that our fans, our players, our staff felt seen in that moment,' Chris Fajardo, Angel City's vice president of community, told Times soccer writer Kevin Baxter. 'The next piece was, I think, true to Angel City. Not just talking the talk but walking the walk.' It's a lesson the Dodgers ought to learn. At some point in the last week, the topic of pro-immigrant and Latin music protest songs came up on the De Los team Slack channel. I asked the team to send me some of their favorite tracks, and a brief description about why they picked it. Here's what they said. 'The Battle of Los Angeles' by Rage Against the Machine – As Angelenos take the streets to defend the city's immigrant communities, this classic 1999 rap metal album feels more relevant than ever. Born in Long Beach to Mexican American parents, Rage frontman Zack de la Rocha wasn't a prophet so much as he was a student of history — which he illustrated with righteous fury in songs like the Grammy-winning 'Guerilla Radio' and 'Sleep Now in the Fire.' —Suzy Exposito 'Latinoamérica' by Calle 13 – This song is an ode to the strife and joy that simultaneously permeates across the Americas; it's an affirmation that its land, and its people, will never be crushed by unforeseeable forces. Layered with powerful chants by Afro-Peruvian folklore singer Susana Baca, Afro-Colombian singer Totó la Momposina and Brazilian singer Maria Rita, 'Latinoamérica' is a timeless fight song that marches in step with the pulsing heartbeat of Latin America. —Andrea Flores 'Clandestino' by Manu Chao – Multilingual reggae rocker Manu Chao was born in Paris to Spanish parents who fled the Franco regime; as a result, he felt called to promote the rights of refugees and migrants all over the world. His 1998 song 'Clandestino' would become a global anthem for the undocumented. —Elana Szczepanski 'Tres Veces Mojado' by Los Tigres Del Norte – The song reflects on the difficult and dangerous journey of an immigrant crossing borders — and the challenges of being seen as an outsider in other Latin American countries. —Lupe Llerenas 'Invalid Litter Dept.' by At the Drive-In – This Texas post-hardcore band was founded in El Paso, but their eyes were cast across the border, in the neighboring Ciudad Juárez, where hundreds of Mexican women went to work in factories and never returned home. In confronting the Mexican government for its failure to prevent the femicides, the band also challenges a culture in which commerce is valued more than the lives of the workers who keep it running. —S.E. 'La Carencia' by Panteón Rococó – 'La carencia' translates to 'the lack' — and as such, the song captures the lack of opportunities given to the working class in a globalizing world. —Anthony Solorzano 'Pa'l Norte' - Calle 13 ft. Orishas – A vibrant song celebrating the strength and resilience of immigrants who've traveled far from home for better lives, while acknowledging the sacrifices and injustices they face. —L.L. 'El Mojado' by Ricardo Arjona – A poetic reflection on the experience of being undocumented, working hard and still not belonging where you are. —L.L. 'Gimme Tha Power' by Molotov – Criticizing government corruption is always timely, no matter which administration or time period. Mexico City band Molotov decry state agents who extort the same communities that pay their salaries, and make a plea for power to be returned to the people. — Carlos De Loera 'La Jaula de Oro' by Julieta Venegas – Mexican singer Julieta Venegas paid an electronica-infused tribute to the original song by legendary norteño band Los Tigres del Norte, 'La Jaula de Oro,' which translates to 'The Golden Cage.' The song warns immigrants that, while there's much money to be made in the U.S., it can come at a high personal cost. —L.L. 'Al Millón' by Los Dos Carnales – This song embodies a strong sense of pride and resilience, emphasizing staying true to oneself and facing challenges with courage and integrity. The lyrics express a willingness to go 'all in' and not back down. —L.L. 'The Star-Spangled Banner' by José Feliciano – At the zenith of anti-war and counterculture protests throughout the world, Puerto Rican icon José Feliciano performed the national anthem before Game 5 of the 1968 World Series and infused his signature sound to the song. His rendition garnered mixed reactions as some fans booed him at the park — and the New York Times called his take 'controversial.' Really, it's just beautiful. — C.D.L. Trump can command National Guard as California's legal challenge moves forward, appeals court says The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided Thursday to leave troops in Los Angeles in the hands of the Trump administration while California's objections are litigated in federal court, finding the president had broad — though not 'unreviewable' — authority to deploy the military in American cities. ICE issued new rules for Congress members visiting detention centers. Experts say they're illegal Members from California, Illinois and New Jersey have been denied access in recent weeks to immigrant detention facilities in their states. Oversight experts say that's a substantial departure from past practice. Jorge Ramos on his new digital series: 'I have a few pending battles left' Six months after leaving TelevisaUnivision, the renowned Mexican journalist turns to social media programming with 'Así Veo las Cosas.' From ICE raids and spirituality to babysitting, 'Trans Los Angeles' examines life in the city 'Trans Los Angeles' film director Kase Peña and star Carmen Carrera talk about authentic portrayals of the trans community, and the financial challenges that come with making an independent feature. 'It's a risk to come to work': Terror and a touch of desperation in L.A. Around certain immigrant hubs, The Times found that daily life had been significantly altered because of the fear and panic around the ongoing immigration raids. South L.A. mother deports herself to Mexico amid Trump's immigration crackdown, family says A South Los Angeles mother deported herself last week to Mexico after living in the U.S. for 36 years, according to her family. Video shows military-style vehicle in what witnesses say was a Compton immigration raid A military-style vehicle was used in an immigration raid in Compton on June 9, according to witnesses and video of the incident. Immigrant protests, unrest in L.A. reverberate in Mexico News coverage of the immigration raids and protests in Southern California has transfixed Mexico, where reports have heavily sided with the immigrants against U.S. efforts to detain and deport them. 18 immigrant-founded restaurants in L.A. from our Hall of Fame list Immigrant cuisines form the backbone of L.A.'s food scenes. Here are 18 spots to support from the Times' Hall of Fame guide. Protesters are chasing federal agents out of L.A. County hotels: 'A small victory' In hotels across L.A. County, federal immigration agents come face-to-face with a public that is often highly critical of their enforcement actions. Farms, hotels and restaurants press Trump to exempt their businesses from immigration raids As confusion swirls around whether Trump will exempt farms and other businesses from immigration raids, businesses are emphasizing the importance of their immigrant workforce. ICE flights out of L.A. area more than doubled in the last month A majority of the ICE flights departing Victorville were headed to airports near detention centers in Arizona and Texas. Bad Bunny calls out ICE for conducting raids in Puerto Rico In a recent Instagram video, Bad Bunny criticized ICE agents for continuing to conduct raids in his native Puerto Rico. 'Real Women Have Curves: The Musical' bows out of Broadway The Boyle Heights-inspired production will close out its final performance on June 29, less than two months from its official spring debut. Diego Luna says Hollywood offered him only drug dealer roles before 'Star Wars' During a roundtable discussion with the Hollywood Reporter, the 'Andor' star spoke candidly about his career before taking on the Empire.
Los Angeles Times
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Letters to Sports: Dodgers continue to be agents of controversy
Kudos to Dylan Hernández for his column 'Dodgers are no longer agents of change,' noting the absurdity of a Dodger team going to the White House to meet Donald Trump. If anything, he was too gentle in pointing out the irony. It was the Trump administration that removed mention of Jackie Robinson from a Department of Defense website as part of its effort to cancel anything that hints at diversity, equity or inclusion. They claimed later that it was a mistake and restored the Jackie Robinson article, but their only 'mistake' was not realizing it would create an outcry. An Air Force webpage honoring Powell, who was the first Black U.S. Secretary of State, and first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was removed, and replaced with the word DEI. It was not restored. The difference between the two groundbreakers is that Robinson is more visible and beloved. Deleting Colin Powell occurred without many people noticing. Not to mention Trump's efforts to destroy lots of 'mom and apple pie' things like the Department of Education, the Post Office, Social Security, Medicaid, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Constitution. I think the Dodgers meeting the president only helped to normalize the insanity. I don't think many Dodger fans would have objected to their beloved team passing on the Trump visit. Paul KoretzLos Angeles The Dodgers, indeed, threw their fans a curveball. How hypocritical to visit Trump one week and then turn around and celebrate Jackie Robinson Day the next. Baseball is not immune to racial prejudice and, unfortunately, neither is this particular White House. We've just seen it up close and personal. Very disappointing! Marty ZwebenPalos Verdes Estates Fueled by an intense hatred for Donald Trump, Dylan Hernández puts forth a feeble and biased argument against the Dodgers' visit to the White House. His personal animosity toward Trump appears to cloud his already questionable judgment. Visiting the White House is a time-honored tradition — a sign of respect for the institution of the presidency, not a blanket endorsement of any president's politics. It's about recognizing excellence, not playing politics. Jackie Robinson, a man of immense grace, integrity, and principle, would have undoubtedly recognized the importance of the office and accepted the invitation with class. To suggest otherwise is to ignore the very values Robinson stood for. Sam ChaidezMission Hills Please give Dylan Hernández the transfer out of the Sports department, he's obviously very unhappy and wants to be in the political editorial division. Rand ElkinsCamarillo First there was 'The Curse of The Bambino.' Now it seems we have 'The Curse of The Trump White House Visit.' So be it, I say. William P. BekkalaWest Hollywood 16-0! Love it! It's the curse of the White House visit. Didn't you ever read 'Everything Trump touches dies?' Rico GardnerSan Diego The Dodgers should think twice about scoring seven runs in the first inning since it's missed by three-fourths of the fans who are either on the freeway, in the parking lot or in line at the concession stands. Same results goes for scoring after the seventh inning. Jeff HershowWoodland Hills Having been a Lakers fan for more than 50 years, I don't recall seeing anything like this. Luka Doncic is the scoring machine. Can you imagine what Chick Hearn would have screamed every time Doncic scored? We're living in historic times. Patrick KelleyLos Angeles Like all sports commissioners, Rob Manfred's main job is to be a positive advocate for his game. But to insist that baseball doesn't have an 'affordability problem' simply because attendance is rising ignores the reality that this is true only when grading on a curve against the staggering cost of attending other professional sporting events that have fewer games per season (NFL, NBA, etc.) or concerts if you want to compare baseball against all live entertainment. He's also ignoring the fact that many sports fans — and American consumers in general — simply solve 'affordability problems' by charging everything and worrying about paying for it later. John MerrymanRedondo Beach Rory! Rory! Rory! There may not be crying in baseball, but there is crying in golf. Vaughn HardenbergWestwood I enjoy reading Bill Plaschke's columns because he's never afraid to share his opinions — whether they're complimentary or critical. His takes are often interesting, sometimes entertaining, and usually correct. But what I truly respect is his willingness to admit when he gets it wrong. In his recent column, 'They Hit Power Switch with Redick,' he did just that, acknowledging that his earlier criticism of the Lakers' hiring of JJ Redick was misplaced. Similarly, he previously admitted he was wrong to criticize the drafting of Bronny James. I agreed with both of those decisions by the Lakers, and I appreciated seeing Bill come around and own up to his initial doubts. It's refreshing to see a sports columnist 'man up' and admit when he's off the mark. Credit to Bill for that. Al SwedelsonWoodland Hills The Los Angeles Times welcomes expressions of all views. Letters should be brief and become the property of The Times. They may be edited and republished in any format. Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number. Pseudonyms will not be used. Email: sports@
Los Angeles Times
18-04-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Lakers playoff preview: Can this time make it to the Finals?
The 2025 NBA playoffs have begun and the Los Angeles Lakers begin their journey to another NBA Finals. But, can they defeat the Thunder? Could the Clippers play spoiler? Los Angeles Times reporter Dan Woke and columnist Dylan Hernández break it all down.
Los Angeles Times
19-03-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Dodgers go home with two wins, Roki Sasaki shows promise
Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnist Dylan Hernández look at the Dodgers' strong 2025 start, winning both games of the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs.
