Monday, April 06, 2009

Free citizenship classes in Hollywood

Free citizenship classes are now offered at the Bronson Court Apartments (1229 N. Bronson Ave) for those in the community considering American citizenship.


Sponsored by the Hollywood Community Adult School, classes will be held every Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For details, please contact the Hollywood Community Adult School at (323) 993 -1800.

Neighborhood improvements make East Hollywood safer for pedestrians and drivers

This morning I joined community members in dedicating new pedestrian and traffic improvements in East Hollywood.

The streetscape project includes new landscaping, street trees, street lights, sidewalks, wheelchair access ramps, and a new median to make it safer for local drivers and pedestrians. The traffic and pedestrian improvements are located on Heliotrope Drive between Clinton Street and Oakwood Avenue (near the Rosewood Community Garden).

This project not only beautifies the neighborhood, it makes it safer for pedestrians and drivers. Every week, thousands of people walk this neighborhood – seniors going to doctor’s appointments, students going to school, parents with strollers, and people in wheelchairs. These improvements will make their journeys safer and more pleasant.

Friday, April 03, 2009

Free services for family caregivers

The City of Los Angeles Department of Aging links older adults and their family caregivers to supportive services throughout the city. Family caregivers are defined as those who provide unpaid assistance to a spouse, relative, neighbor, or friend who is alone or unable to take care of themselves.


Unfortunately, many caregivers are so focused on the needs of their loved ones that they often do not realize there are services available to assist them. To assist family caregivers, the Department of Aging provides Family Caregiver Support Group and Caregiver Trainings free of charge.

Caregiver Training topics include:
1) Fall and injury prevention
2) How to handle hoarding
3) Medication management
4) Reducing caregiver stress
5) Legal issues related to caregiving

Please contact the Department of Aging's Staff to schedule a free Family Caregiver Support Group meeting or free Caregiver Trainings today:

Anat Louis: 213-252-4007 or anat.louis@lacity.org
Susi Shapiro: 213-252-4004 or susi.shapiro@lacity.org

You can also visit the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging website to learn more about services for Family Caregivers.

Get fit for free!

Free fitness classes are now available at the Bronson Court Apartments (1229 N. Bronson Ave). Sponsored by the Hollywood Community Adult School, classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. and include basic aerobics and stretching exercises.


Classes are open to everyone, and are a great way to get healthy and have fun!
For details, please contact Matthew at (213) 629-9172, ext 109.

Historic LA survey launches Saturday

Do you know of a special place worthy of historic recognition by the City of Los Angeles? If so, be sure to attend "MYhistoricLA," an event hosted by the Office of Historic Resources on Saturday, April 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Los Angeles Central Library.

Our city has a rich and diverse cultural heritage as well as a remarkable architectural legacy, but only 15 percent of Los Angeles has ever been surveyed to identify these historic places. Historic preservation professionals conducting the survey cannot know all of the potential historic resources throughout the city - and that's why they need your help. They want to hear your special story about a local building, landmark, or other special location in your neighborhood.

The event is part of a special citywide kickoff celebration of SurveyLA, Los Angeles's first-ever comprehensive survey of its historic resources. Be sure to come and learn how survey teams will identify historic sites in your neighborhood. To learn more about how you can help spread the word, click here.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Latino Business Chamber of Greater Los Angeles launches today

Today I attended the launch of the Latino Business Chamber of Greater Los Angeles. This new organization is comprised of business professionals from a diverse range of industries from those who lead large corporations to small business owners. The Chamber will coordinate efforts to provide technical assistance, networking opportunities, and other resources to its members and the L.A. business community at large. I'm excited about this new organization that will help bring more jobs and economic opportunity to our communities at a time when they are desperately needed.

Songkran Festival celebrating Thai New Year - this Sunday!

Why go to Thailand to celebrate New Year's Day when you can celebrate it right here in Los Angeles? Our city is home to the largest Thai community outside of Thailand and on Sunday, April 5, you can join the 6th annual Songkran festivities on Hollywood Boulevard between Western and Vermont. The fun begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 7 p.m., and will include traditional folk dances, costume competitions, water ceremonies, and live music.


Come hungry! The 2nd Annual International Curry Festival runs concurrently with the Songkran Festival and will feature delicious Thai dishes as well as dishes from Kenya, Jamaica, Japan, India, and Indonesia.


For more information, click here.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Census 2010

This morning we kicked off Los Angeles's year-long campaign to raise awareness about the upcoming census count. Our city departments are developing comprehensive plans to reach out to every resident in collaboration with the county and other neighboring cities.

Why is the census so important? The data from the census helps inform important decisions such as how much federal and state funding we will get for education, senior programs, new roads, emergency food and shelter programs, and much more.


Los Angeles's population is usually undercounted. According to the Mayor's Office,
Los Angeles lost an estimated $206 million in state and federal funding for public and community services in the last 10 years.

So talk to your friends and neighbors about the census and help us make sure everyone gets counted!

Food distribution for families in need - Friday at 4 p.m. in Hollywood

On Friday, April 3, families in need can come to the new Los Angeles Food Bank distribution site in Hollywood at 4 p.m. to pick up free canned goods, beans, rice, and other items.

The distribution center is coordinated by the Los Angeles Housing Partnership and located at the Bronson Family Apartments (1229 N. Bronson Avenue). It is part of a new partnership between the Food Bank and LA Housing Partnership that will distribute food on the first Friday of every month.

LA Housing Partnership needs volunteers to help pack food and would appreciate donations of food items - particularly fresh fruits and vegetables.


For more information about receiving or donating food or volunteering, please contact Matthew Valdez at Los Angeles Housing Partnership.

Applications for A+ for Energy education grants due Monday, April 6

Applications are now being accepted for BP's A+ for Energy grant program, which provides grants of $5,000 and $10,000 to fund innovative classroom, after-school, extra-curricular, or summer programs focused on energy and/or energy conservation.

Teachers of grades pre-K through 12 can apply and the grants are awarded directly to teachers. Applications are due by April 6, 2009.

You can learn more about the A+ for Energy program by clicking here.