Central Los Angeles : Activist Honored as Senior of the Year
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Martha Martinez Cooper, the founder of a neighborhood group that battles violence, graffiti and pornography, was honored as Outstanding East Los Angeles Senior of the Year in a ceremony attended by hundreds of seniors in Boyle Heights.
Martinez Cooper, who founded the Laverne Avenue M.A.S.H. Group (More Advocates for Safer Homes), was one of five candidates nominated by neighborhood organizations for their “significant contribution to the betterment of the community,” according to members of the Privilege Plus program for seniors, which gave the award for the fifth consecutive year.
“She is outstanding in her community,” said Privilege Plus council member Elena Cruz Valencia. “She doesn’t only help seniors but citizens at large.”
Martinez Cooper, whose latest crusade has been seeking the closure of an adult bookstore at Whittier and Arizona avenues in East Los Angeles, was pleased and surprised upon receiving the award from Mayor Richard Riordan and City Councilman Richard Alatorre.
“I never expected to get any recognition for the things I’ve done for the community,” said the 68-year-old great-grandmother, who has long battled to keep vendors and prostitutes off the streets. “There’s so much to be done and I won’t be here forever.”
Martinez Cooper also belongs to the county Commission on Aging and the sheriff’s advisory council.
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