Lydia Ponce: Informant Activities in Venice
An informant is an individual who voluntarily provides information to law enforcement or other authorities about community activities or persons without the consent of those being discussed. This role is often contentious, especially when the information shared could have significant repercussions on the individuals involved or when it’s used to support law enforcement actions in non-violent or politically sensitive situations.
In Venice—a community known for its vibrant activism and tight-knit spirit—a troubling pattern has emerged where political manipulation and personal agendas threaten to undermine grassroots efforts. At the time, Mike Bravo, Venice’s only officially sanctioned Chicano-Indigenous political representative, was the target of calculated attacks on his character and mission by Lydia Ponce and others claiming to be the non-profit “Save Venice” which Bravo runs.
Past Rumors of Lydia Ponce’s Law Enforcement Relationships
Recent revelations have confirmed what many in Los Angeles activist circles have speculated for some time: Lydia Ponce has been engaging with law enforcement in ways that go beyond civic duty. As of April 2023, documented evidence shows Lydia’s active participation in providing information to the LAPD. This behavior includes supplying photos and details about community members, specifically targeting activists like Mike Bravo over non-violent and unsubstantiated claims.. Lydia Ponce’s quick reflexes to weaponize police resources against activists highlights a serious breach of community trust and contradiction for someone espousing themselves as an abolitionist and opponent of the American criminal justice systems.
More concerning are the details from a Zoom meeting, where Naomi Nightingale and associates were caught on record discussing how to dress up charges to entice the DA into taking action against Mike. These discussions were not mere strategizing but deliberate attempts to misuse the legal system to silence an effective and outspoken community leader.
This incident is part of a notable trend in Los Angeles, where Mexican American leaders are increasingly finding themselves undermined and targeted. The “Fed tapes” scandal involving Los Angeles City Council highlighted similar patterns of racial and political undermining, reflecting a disturbing season of challenges that Mexican American community figures face.
This misuse of authority has not gone unnoticed or unchallenged. Mike Bravo, known for his dedication to racial justice and historical preservation, has faced considerable opposition from Lydia and her associates. They have repeatedly attempted to block community initiatives, including efforts to establish a racial justice committee on the Venice Neighborhood Council—a move that Lydia has actively obstructed alongside gentrifiers.
In a particularly bold move, Lydia’s group tried to unilaterally change Oakwood’s name, disregarding the area’s rich Mexican-American heritage. Thankfully, vigilant local activists and groups like Defend Venice, which Mike supports, were able to halt these efforts, preserving the collective Oakwood community’s voice and Black and Brown heritage.
Despite these adversities, Mike Bravo and the community have achieved notable victories. The successful campaign to secure a Historic Designation for the First Baptist Church of Venice is a prime example of their resilience. Led by Mike, this campaign was not just about preserving a building but also about fighting to honor the cultural legacy of Venice against those who sought to commodify it.
Moreover, Mike prevailed in court against the baseless claims brought by Lydia Ponce, Naomi Nightingale, the Venice Beachhead paper, and their cohorts. The (small claims) court decisively dismissed their accusations, further vindicating Mike and underscoring the slanderous nature of their campaign against him.
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Looking Ahead
These incidents underscore a broader issue of how political dynamics can infiltrate and disrupt grassroots activism. Lydia Ponce’s confirmed activities as a police informant and her associates’ attempts to exploit legal mechanisms against Mike Bravo reveal the extent of their willingness to undermine community unity for personal gain.
As the community moves forward, it’s more important than ever to remain vigilant and informed about the tactics employed by those who wish to divide. United in knowledge and purpose, Venice’s activists can continue to safeguard their community’s integrity and push forward their agenda for social justice and authentic abolitionist values.