Year-Round Jobs Initiative - Job Fair

Assemblyman Mike Dave (48th District) in Partnership with Crenshaw Employment Development Department (EDD), Southeast L.A.-Crenshaw Worksource Center, Mothers in Action, L.A. Sentinel, and the Brotherhood Crusade presents:

The 2nd Annual "Year-Round Jobs Initiative" Job Fair

SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2007, 9AM -1PM

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S GALEN CENTER
3400 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90037
(on the corner of Jefferson and Figueroa)

18 years of age and older
Dress for success and bring your resume!
Meet and interview with employers
Find out about job opportunities
Attend Workshops:Resume Writing, Interview Techniques & Dress for Success

For more information contact: Anton Blakely at
Assemblyman Mike Davis' District Office at (213) 744-2111
or email to: anton.blakely@asm.ca.gov

Earthquake Preparedness

Are you prepared for a major earthquake in Southern California?

Learn what you can do!

LAFD Earthquake Preparedness Workshop
Thursday, July 24, 2008
7pm

Highland Park - Ebell Club
131 S. Avenue 57
Los Angeles, CA 90042

Sponsored by the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council and
City Council Districts 1 & 14
(Refreshments Provided)
Please RSVP to
ngatto@ucla.edu
323-256-7122

Expo Light Rail Workshop

Good Afternoon,

The California Public Utilities Commission is holding a Public Workshop on the Exposition Construction Authority's grade crossing application for the Harvard Avenue grade crossing near Foshay Learning Center. The workshop is designed to provide the public an opportunity to appear and be heard on issues related to this proposed grade crossing for the Exposition Light Rail project, portions of which are currently under construction.

Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2008,
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: Foshay Learning Center
Student Auditorium
3751 S. Harvard Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90018


To view the complete announcement, please click here.

Have a good day.

Greg Starosky
Government/Community Relations Representative
Exposition Construction Authority
213.243.5534

Free Tuition

Syracuse University has 10 Full Rides for African American Men and Women Interested in Studying Architecture

Just in case you know someone who may be interested. Syracuse University has 10 full scholarships for African American men and women interested in studying architecture.

Mark Robbins, Dean of Syracuse University's School of Architecture is desperately seeking young men and women of color interested in pursuing a five year professional degree in Architecture. He says he's deeply committed to bringing diversity to his field and has scholarship money set aside to fully cover education costs for 10 students.

Syracuse University's School of Architecture has a great reputation and this seems like a terrific opportunity, so please pass this on info to everyone you know.

Contact: Mark Robbins, Dean, School of Architecture
Phone: 315 443- 2255
Email: robbinsm@syr.edu

For the Children...

Hello Friends,

WaMu and with the aid of KaBoom!, the YWCA Greater Los Angeles will build a much need playground for the 2-5 years old at the YWCA Compton site on Saturday, August 16th, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In order to successfully do this within the six hours, we will need man power and woman power to help us build. We are in need of 125 volunteers. Please contact me for a Volunteer Form. Please email it to your friends and family. They can complete the form and email it back to events@ywcagla.org.

We had a very successful Design Day with the children and Washington Mutual. They are counting on us to do our part. I encourage everyone to sign up and help us make this a wonderful day for the YWCA and YWCA Compton Child Development Center. If you belong to an organization who does public service, this is a wonderful service project that will impact the health and lives of the children. There is a job for everyone! Please sign up for a committee and bring some friends. There will be plenty of refreshments.

Thanks in advance,

Leslie

Leslie Ann Orticke
Fund Development Associate
YWCA of Greater Los Angeles
3345 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 365-2991 Ext. 1330
(213) 365-9887 Fax
Leslie.Orticke@ywcagla.org

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory: Stay Safe in Hot Temperatures

LOS ANGELES – High temperatures are forecasted for today and this weekend throughout Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County Health Officer and Public Health Director, Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, would like to remind everyone that precautions should be taken, especially by those people sensitive to the heat.

“While people don't need to be told it's hot outside, they do need to be reminded how to take care of themselves, children, the elderly, and their pets when the weather gets hotter," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "When temperatures are high, prolonged sun exposure may cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in closed vehicles, even with the windows ‘cracked’, because temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels.

If you plan to be outdoors, take precautions to protect yourself from the heat. Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. Individuals with these symptoms should be moved to a cooler, shaded place and given water or sport drinks. More severe symptoms such as diminished judgment, disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing may indicate heat exhaustion or impending heat stroke and requires immediate medical attention.

Several tips for beating the heat include:
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink water or sports drinks often (do not wait until you are thirsty), and avoid drinking alcohol.
• Offer help to those in your neighborhood with limited access to air conditioning and transportation, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently or take them to a location with air conditioning.
• During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area. If you don't have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities such as shopping malls, parks, and libraries to stay cool.
• Avoid unnecessary exertion, such as vigorous exercise during peak sun hours, if you are outside or in a non-air conditioned building.
• Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from sun damage.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $750 million.

To learn more about Public Health and the work we do, please visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

Free Advance

The Honorable
Judy Chu, Ph.D.
Chair, State Board of Equalization
and
The Honorable
Mike Davis
Assemblymember, 48th District
cordially invite you to attend a

FREE TAX SEMINAR FOR NONPROFIT
AND EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS

Friday, July 18, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(check-in at 8:30 a.m.)

Los angeles Southwest College, theater
1600 West imperial Highway
Los angeles, Ca 90047
Free Tax Seminar for Nonprofit and Exempt Organizations – July 18, 2008

Pre-registration by July 11, 2008 is recommended. Register online at www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/nonprofitsched.htm
E-mail your registration information to SouthLANP@boe.ca.gov
Fax your registration to 213-593-1317
Mail your registration to: State Board of Equalization, Attn: OSD, 450 N Street, MIC:19, Sacramento, CA 95814-0019

For additional information, please call 213-593-1311. The location is accessible to the disabled. If you require special assistance, please call 213-593-1311.

Presentations include:

• Property Tax Exemptions
• State Board of Equalization
• Sales and Use Taxes for Nonprofit Organizations
• Internal Revenue Service
• Tax Laws and Compliance for Nonprofit Organizations
• Franchise Tax Board
• Employment Taxes and the Nonprofit Organization
• Employment Development Department
• Recent Developments in Charity Law
• Office of the Attorney General
• Grant Writing
• Center for Nonprofit Management

California's New Cell Phone Law

New Cell Phone Laws Taking Effect July 1

Teens Have To Hang Up; Adults Must Be “Hands-Free”

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) today issued an important reminder to all motorists that two new restrictions on the use of cellular phones while driving go into effect on July 1. The first law prohibits anyone from using a hand-held cell phone while operating a vehicle on California roadways. Operators of vehicles requiring a Class “A” or Class “B” driver’s license, such as large trucks, can use a push-to-talk device such as a Nextel through 2010.

“We know that cell phones are the number one cause of distracted-driving accidents. Getting people’s hands off their phones and onto their steering wheels will save lives and make California’s roads safer,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger.

The second law going into effect July 1 prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of cell phone while driving. Cell phones can continue to be used by those 18 and older if they have either a wireless or hard-wired head set in one ear.

“New, inexperienced drivers need to focus their full attention on operating a vehicle and not be distracted by phone calls,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.

Violations carry a minimum base fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses. When court costs and other fees are added to the fines, they often double or even triple the amount of the base fine. There will be no grace period to avoid penalties under these new laws and officers can begin issuing citations July 1.

According to CHP statistics, 1,091 crashes in 2007 were blamed on drivers using hand-held cell phones. A total of 447 people were injured in those crashes.

For more information about the new cell phone laws, including a list of frequently asked questions in English and Spanish, please visit the CHP’s website at www.chp.ca.gov.

Public Hearing on Housing

The Department of City Planning
2006-2014 Housing Element Update

Notice of Public Hearing

Special Joint Meeting
City Planning Commission with
Affordable Housing Commission

Thursday
June 12, 2008
8:30 - 11:30 am
City Hall
Room 1010
200 N Spring Street
Los Angeles CA 90012

Thursday
June 26, 2008
8:30 - 11:30 am
Van Nuys City Hall
Council Chamber, 2nd Floor
14410 Sylvan Street
Van Nuys CA 91402

Proposed 2006-2014 Update to the Housing Element of the General Plan Case No. CPC-2008-2120-GPA Citywide General Plan Amendment

The City of Los Angeles will conduct two (2) Public Hearings regarding the proposed 2006-2014 Update to the Housing Element. You have received this notice because you have indicated an interest in the project. The proposed project is an amendment of the current 1998-2005 Housing Element of the General Plan for the 2006-2014 planning period.

This update to the Housing Element satisfies the requirements of Government Code Sections 65580 - 65589.9 by (1) identifying sites which can accommodate the City’s share of the State’s housing need (Regional Housing Needs Assessment or RHNA) of 112, 876 units of housing without the need for any change in zoning and (2) providing a statement of goals, objectives, policies and programs the City intends to implement to assure that those housing units meet the needs of all income groups in the City for the years 2006 to 2014. The Housing Element of the General Plan is amended every 5 to 7 years.

Public Hearings will be conducted by the City Planning Commission and the Affordable Housing Commission (Commissions) on June 12 and June 26, 2008 at 8:30 AM. The Commissions will consider all testimony presented to the City at that time and any written communications received prior to the hearings. The Commissions will subsequently prepare a recommendation, which will be considered by the City Council at a public hearing on a later date. The environmental documentation (ENV-2007-5270-EAF) will be among the matters addressed by the City Council on this later date. Written communications and comments should be addressed to Naomi Guth, City Planning Department, 200 N. Spring Street, Room 721, Los Angeles, CA 90012, and should reference City Planning Case Number CPC-2008-2120-GPA.

Copies of the Revised Draft of the Update of the Housing Element and relevant documents are available for review at the Department of City Planning and the City’s central and regional libraries. Electronic copies are also available online at the Department of City Planning’s website cityplanning.lacity.org (click on “Draft Housing Element Update 2006-2014” under “What’s New”).

Let's Talk about Iraq

Iraq & Middle East Peace Forum at Cal State L.A.

Thursday, May 29th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Cal State Los Angeles
Golden Eagle Building, 3rd Floor, Ballroom
5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90032

Moderated by Sonali Kolhatkar of KPFK 90.7 FM, and "Afghan Women's Mission"

Speakers Include:

Raed Jarrar is an Iraqi political analyst and consultant to American Friends Service Committee's Iraq Program currently based in Washington, D.C. After the U.S.-led invasion, Jarrar became the country director for CIVIC Worldwide, the only door-to-door casualty survey group in post-war Iraq. He then established Emaar, (meaning "reconstruction" in Arabic); a grassroots organization that provided humanitarian and political aid to Iraqi internally displaced persons (IDPs). Emaar delivered medicine and food as well as helped initiate micro-enterprise projects for IDPs. Additionally, Emaar engaged in political advocacy on behalf of displaced populations.

Ann Wright resigned from the U.S. Foreign Service on March 19, 2003, while serving as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Mongolia. She resigned due to her disagreement with the Bush administration's decision to go to war in Iraq without the authorization of the UN Security Council, the lack of effort in resolving the Israel-Palestinian situation, the lack of policy on North Korea and unnecessary curtailment of civil liberties in the United States. Ms. Wright joined the Foreign Service in 1987 and served as Deputy Chief of Mission of US Embassies in Sierra Leone, Micronesia and briefly in Afghanistan. Before entering the Foreign Service, she served in the Army and has a combined regular Army/Army Reserve service time of 29 years. She served primarily in special operations units and attained the rank of Colonel. Ann Wright will also have her book for sale at the event, called "Dissent Voices of Conscience" about how government insiders speak out against the Iraq War.

Edgar Cuevas was stationed in Germany for three years as a Cavalry Scout for the United States Army. Twelve days before his contract was about to expire he was Stop Lossed and forced to serve in Iraq for a year and a half. He served in Iraq from February of 2004 through March of 2005. He was stationed in Tikrit and witnessed innocent people being mishandled and tortured. He is a member of 'Iraq Veterans Against the War" in Los Angeles.

Sponsored by the "Student Friends Service Committee of CSULA". Co-sponsored by the Humanist Association at CSULA. For more info call 310-795-2235.

Want to Save $$$ on Property Taxes?

The UNNC Neighborhood Council offers a Free Mills Act and Cultural Monument Application Workshop with Conservation Easement Information
May 31, 2008 from 9:30-11:00 am

At the LAPD Drop-in Center
4012 Washington Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90018
(near 10th Avenue)

Mills Act Applications are due on June 27, 2008.

The Mills Act Program is designed to encourage preservation of historic properties; these properties can be either residential or commercial. If approved, the property owner enters into a contract with the city of Los Angeles to use funds resulting from the reduction in property taxes to restore or maintain the structure. This approval remains with the property and is a positive marketing tool when the property is sold. Eligible properties must be either a contributor to an established Historic Preservation Overlay Zone or a Los Angeles City Cultural Monument.

Owners who purchased property after 1995 have the greatest potential benefit. Those who purchased property in the 1980’s may see a decrease. Those who owned property prior to the passage of Proposition 13 would receive no benefit.

The Mills Act application requires either a substantial time commitment from the property owner or the services of a professional. Computing potential property tax savings is the first step in determining whether to complete the application process. The application can be downloaded from the Planning Department website or can be obtained from the historic resources office on the sixth floor of the Los Angeles city hall.
The application handbook and forms require multiple downloads.

Please review the application prior to the workshop, if possible, and bring it to the workshop. Photos of the property interior and exterior are also useful.

Please R.S.V.P. to: mmdarch@ca.rr.com.

Voices of the Comminty - Voces De La Communidad

The Figueroa Corridor Community Land Trust, in conjunction with other local organizations and neighborhood residents, invites to you participate in:

VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY - VOCES DE LA COMUNIDAD

When: Saturday, May 31st from 9:00am to 12:00 noon
Where: Auditorium of St. Vincent's School
(on the west side of Figueroa, halfway between 23rd Street and Adams)

Councilmember Jan Perry, Councilmember Ed Reyes, and staff from the Planning Department will be there to hear presentations from community residents about issues of concern.

Our focus has been on two neighborhoods: Estrella neighborhood (bounded by Washington/Hoover/Adams/Figueroa) and MLK/South Main (bounded by Jefferson/Broadway/Vernon/Avalon).

Over the past six months, we have been gathering information about these neighborhoods (through our March 1st Community Walks, and a Fall 2007 Community Health Survey). We look forward to this opportunity to present these findings to the City, and to dialogue with the Councilmembers and other City staff about solutions.

WE INVITE ALL NEIGHBORS AND OTHER INTERESTED FOLKS TO JOIN US!

Registration at 8:30am. Breakfast, childcare and simultaneous translation (English/Spanish) provided.

To RSVP or for information, contact Blanca Rivera or Tafarai Bayne at 213-784-4140 ext 103 or 102.