ERNC Hears Fired School Coach, Opposes Limited Immunity for Pot Shops

At its monthly board meeting on Tuesday, June 5, the spent the better part of an hour hearing a former football and basketball coach’s account of the circumstances surrounding his dismissal in February by ERHS Principal Salvador Velasco.

See the accompanying video for some of the highlights of the presentation given by Steven Jovanelly, a substitute teacher at Eagle Rock High who was also a popular football and basketball coach at the school.

And click the links below to read more about Jovanelly’s dismissal and its impact on school affairs:

• How a Conflict Between a Coach and a PE Teacher Came to Rock Eagle Rock

• Students Protest at Eagle Rock High in Support of Fired Coach

• Allegation of Sexual Misconduct at ERHS Dominate LAUSD-Moderated Forum (Video)

Q&A with Eagle Rock High School Principal Salvador Velasco (Video Part II)

• Q&A with Eagle Rock High School Principal Salvador Velasco (Video Part III)

• Teacher Accused of Sexual Misconduct Stops Coming to Eagle Rock High

The ERNC board also voted to oppose a “limited immunity” motion in the City Council May 29 by Council Member Paul Koretz, which was aimed at preventing the City from prosecuting some 100 medical marijuana dispensaries that follow strict restrictions on where and how they can operate.

The ERNC vote also reaffirmed its support for Council Member José Huizar's motion to temporarily ban storefront dispensaries until the California Supreme Court clarifies state law and allows a clear regulatory scheme to be implemented by the City of Los Angeles. 

Both Huizar's ban proposal and Koretz's motion will be heard at the City Council's Public Safety Committee meeting on Friday, June 8, before going before the full Council.

Seven ERNC board members voted against Koretz’s motion, while two members abstained. The meeting was held at Eagle Rock City Hall.

The ERNC also announced the departure of its longtime treasurer, Brian Heckmann, who resigned May 31 after reaching his six-year term limit. As the ERNC's longest-standing member, Heckmann had also served as the organization's president, past president and Sub-District 1 Director.

Heckmann's position as treasurer was temporarily taken by Osbaldo Luna, ERNC Director, Sub-District 5.

Besides thanking Heckmann for his services, the ERNC bid farewell to CD 14 Field Deputy Kai Newkirk, who announced to the board that he would be leaving Eagle Rock City Hall and Huizar's office on June 15 to take up another assignment where he would be paid a lot less but to which he felt drawn. Newkirk worked energetically in the CD 14 office for just under a year, overlooking the City’s affairs in Eagle Rock.