Thursday, November 8, 2012

Tribute to Jason Rivera

Dear friends and neighbors of the hills,


Jason Rivera


It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of Jason Rivera, a Montebello resident and avid community activist.

Jason was received into the arms of the angels last Friday, November 2, 2012.

Please see the update at the end of this post.  
2nd update posted.
3rd update posted.

Despite his rather rough-looking exterior, Jason was a very soft-spoken and gentle young man with a huge heart and a passion for standing up to injustice wherever he found it.  He was a self-described "defender of the Montebello Hills" and was often seen at city events or just riding around town on his bicycle with his hand-made "Save the Montebello Hills" flag streaming in the air behind him.  Jason was a member of the Save the Montebello Hills Task Force, Sierra Club/Angeles Chapter and a participant in the Occupy L.A. movement.

Jason's hand-made flag fluttering in the wind over Montebello City Park.


Jason will be sorely missed by his family, friends and fellow activists.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jason Rivera.

Daisy Mae



If you have any information about what happened to Jason Rivera, please contact the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau, which is assisting Montebello police in the investigation, at 323-890-5500.


Pasadena Star News


UPDATES:



1.  The family of Jason Rivera has posted the following message at Topix.com:

Fundraiser this Saturday In Honor of Jason M Rivera. A car wash will be held, and we will also be selling drinks and tacos.
400 W. Whittier Blvd. Montebello,Ca 90640
10am-???? Rain or shine,
Please come and show your support. It would be greatly appreciated.
"Justice for Jason!" 

For y'all living in Montebello, this is the tire business at the corner of Whittier Blvd. and 4th St.


2.  Jason's family posted a notice that this week's "drum circle" at Venice Beach will be held in Jason's honor.

Venice Beach Allstars
Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012
12:00 (noon) to sunset
Venice Beach - Venice and Washington
[On the beach, look for Jason's famous flag.]

YouTube video of Venice Beach Allstars

3.  On behalf of the family of Jason Rivera, the chairperson of the Save the Montebello Hills Task Force, Sierra Club/Angeles Chapter sent out the following email:


On Friday night November 2, 2012 one of the Save the Montebello Hills Task Force's most passionate supporters, Jason Rivera, was shot to death on the embankment of the Rio Hondo River at the gazebo, a place where he loved to spend time. His friend Melissa Hernandez has provided the following information:
 "Jason was a very big supporter of the Save the Montebello Hills project.  He rode around on his bike, flying his "Save the Montebello Hills - Defend and Preserve" flag proudly and gladly took every opportunity that came his way to voice his opinions at meetings, public forums and to anyone within earshot.  He was a true lover of the land.  
At this time, the family has set up an account to help with arrangements.  Any donations will be greatly appreciated."
Jason participated in numerous task force outreach events. I will remember his sweet smile, good humor and positive attitude. His tragic death leaves us all poorer. He will be missed.
A memorial fund for Jason (to help the family with final expenses) has been established at the Bank of America Montebello branch office on Whittier Blvd., account number 325000998800. However donations can be made at any Bank of America branch.


The name on the account is Jason M. Rivera.

1 comment:

  1. Montebello is my HomeNovember 9, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    "Justice for Jason."

    The reverse is also true: Jason for Justice.

    Jason had deep feelings about Justice for the People of Montebello, the Wildlife in the Hills, the dispossessed people of the Occupy LA movement.

    He seemed to have unfailing faith that the People could get Justice eventually, if they would only stick together and act nonviolently.

    He had as much good humor and gentleness as energy, and all these parts of him impressed those who took the time to engage him in discussion.

    Ask not for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for we who remain.

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