El Camino summer classes to begin

June 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment


imageRegistration is underway now at El Camino College for six-week and eight-week summer sessions, which begin June 20. 

At a time when some California community colleges have already cut summer sessions completely due to budget cuts, two sessions are available at El Camino College, featuring day and evening classes. Course offerings range from transferable general education classes to career technical education and basic skills classes. Online courses are also available.

Many students welcome the summer session as an opportunity to take needed classes in a relatively short period of time. In addition, a growing number of students like Morgan Andersen are enrolling in El Camino College summer courses to take advantage of the $26 per unit fees. A fee increase of $36 per unit begins Fall 2011.

“I registered for a Spanish class and a history class – I figured I could take care of two general ed classes at a lower price this summer, before the fall increases,” said Torrance resident Morgan Andersen, an ECC English major who plans to transfer to a university in Fall 2012.

“Last summer I took a math class. I like the summer session, I can take care of classes quickly and still have time to work and make vacation plans. I also liked how the class went at a faster pace. When you are there every day for two or three hours, you learn more material and it sticks with you.”

Students may register online at any time – just go to www.elcamino.edu and click on MyECC. Financial Aid is available for qualifying students. View the class schedule here.

El Camino College is located at 16007 Crenshaw Boulevard, near Torrance. For more information, go to www.elcamino.edu or call 1-866-ELCAMINO

Filed Under: Blog

Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles: The Dignity of Choice

June 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment


By Laura J. Nelson

The second of a two-part series on the services provided by Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles.

imageThe gravelly squeak of a shopping cart’s wheels against the cracked sidewalks of Skid Row pierces the hot silence of a March day in Los Angeles. In the middle of the handful of streets called the epicenter of the Los Angeles homelessness epidemic, only a handful of cars pass by, and no pedestrians.

Inside the Center for Harm Reduction a block away, it’s even quieter.

The building, next to the Los Angeles Needle Exchange, houses an array of programs designed by non-profit Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles to help the homeless cope and adjust to their new lifestyles once they’re off the streets.

“We see people on the streets at the Beverly building, we meet people coping with drug issues at the Needle Exchange, and here, we’ve progressed to people who are in the aftermath of all that turmoil,” said Delia Mojarro, the Community Assessment Service Center director for HHCLA. “We saw this program as a missing piece to all the services that we offer.”

On opening day at the end of March, almost no one came in. But in the two months since CHR’s annex opened, more than 15 people have begun working with a case manager. Once the center is in full swing, case managers predict a load of more than 100 clients.

Read more…

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: , ,

South LA neighborhood fed up with prostitution

June 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment


By Mary Hill-Wagner

In a letter to Intersections, one South LA resident wrote: “Our community desperately needs help combating prostitution on the corner of 29th Street and Western (Avenue).” image

David Chiu — who has lived in the neighborhood for a decade — wrote the letter in hopes that someone would take action against the prostitutes and pimps who have all but overrun his neighborhood.

“During the past three years prostitution has become a problem, and now it is unbearable,” Chiu wrote. “Prostitutes are standing on the corner of 29th and Western (Avenue) all hours of the day and night.”

Chiu claims that he has repeatedly called the police and says he has been told that he should relocate because the LAPD has much more serious problems to combat than the seemingly victimless crime of prostitution.

The LAPD refused to comment on the matter.

“We have witnesses violent fights between pimps; pimps brutally beating up girls; and a naked prostitute being beaten and thrown into the trunk of a car by her pimp,” the letter continued.
For his part, Chiu said he put in flood lights near his house after he witnessed a “John being serviced” in his yard.

Chiu said, “We were informed by an officer working in the Southwest Division that the prostitutes know how to work the system by filing complaints against police officers,” the letter continued. “After a certain number of complaints, officers will be transferred out of a division to protect their careers.”

On June 22 the LAPD and the City Attorney’s Office will hold a meeting with residents of Council District 8 to discuss how to address the prostitution problem in the neighborhood along Western between 28th & 30th Streets. The meeting is scheduled to be held at the Southwest Community Police Station, 1546 W. Martin Luther King, Blvd. All interested residents are encouraged to attend.

Meanwhile, other local activists have taken up the cause to fight prostitution. However, their methodology is less about law enforcement, and more about community action, said Najee Ali, direct of Project Islamic HOPE.

On June 17 a coalition of community based organizations and leaders will launch a new South Los Angeles initiative called, “a protest against prostitution.”

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The group will meet in front of the Barack Obama Global Prep School, 1700 W. 46th Street in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. The group will march along Western Avenue. The group plans to offer social services to the “working girls,” according to a Project HOPE news release.

“These women need help to overcome homelessness, domestic violence and substance abuse,” said Ali. “These are our sisters, daughters and mothers on these streets, who are participating in these immoral and illegal acts.”

A push by law enforcement against the pimps and prostitutes would merely move the problem onto another block, he said.

“Getting police involved just moves the problem to another street, to another yard,” he said. “We’re trying to address causes and offer solutions. This way they can get off the street permanently rather than just leaving and coming back when (the police) are gone,” Ali said.

Ali said the prostitution activity has picked up in South LA largely due to the poor economy. “We’re not about locking them up and throwing away the key,” he said.

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Celaya Bakery brings family recipes to Vermont Ave

June 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment


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Juan Moreno and his son Joe are currently the owners of three bakeries in Los Angeles. Their “youngest bakery” is Celaya located on 2704 Vermont Avenue.

Thanks to experience in the field, the Moreno family is able to balance its prices and product quality in order to stay competitive on the bakery market.

Watch this slideshow about Celaya Bakery:

‘The State of Vermont’ explores the businesses, restaurants and activities on Vermont Avenue. A collection of audio slideshows, the series was produced by the Visual Journalism class at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California.

Filed Under: Arts Tagged With: , , , ,

Latino Coalition says redistricting maps are unjust

June 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment


From the Latino Coalition

Los Angeles –June 14, 2011 –The initial Assembly, Senate and Congressional district maps released by California’s Citizens Redistricting Commission would weaken opportunities for the poor and underserved in the democratic process. We the people of Californian approved the creation of this Commission hoping for a transparent redistricting process that would produce fair lines for all people of this great State of California.

The Commission must respect the geographic integrity of our neighborhoods. Commissioners must also respect the federal Voting Rights Act and draw a certain number of majority-Black, majority-Asian or majority-Latino districts, where they can elect representatives of their choice. It is imperative that these maps act in accordance with the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), which protects underrepresented communities from discrimination in the electoral process. 
Under state law, the VRA is one of the highest priorities that the Commission must apply in drawing the new districts and the Commission’s initial plan falls far short of that standard.

Also this plan fails to consider communities of interest—that is, self-identified groups of people with something in common economically or socially—but communities of interest also tend to be communities of similar politics.

These maps represent a bittersweet state of affairs for the underserved and underrepresented communities in California, especially in Los Angeles County.  Since the last time maps were drawn, California’s Latino population attributed for 90% of the state’s total growth, and California would have lost Congressional seats without it. With these maps the Commission has failed to reflect the Latino population growth by not producing opportunities for increased Latino representation.

The Commission’s map also places some of Los Angeles’ poorest neighborhoods of Pico-Union/Westlake in the same district as the affluent western communities of Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, and downtown’s financial district. These maps would further disenfranchise Blacks, Asians, and Latinos by not giving them a fair and equal voice in the democratic process.

This plan falls short in creating communities of interest districts, and could reduce the current number. One of the Congressional districts in the Commission’s map places Latinos and African Americans against each other, two underrepresented groups that have worked for decades to earn adequate political representation for their respective communities. 

Latinos represent California’s second largest population group, and the state’s democracy will only remain strong if it is responsive to the Latino community.  As the Commission moves forward in revising its initial maps, it must make sure that the lines drawn provide Latinos with opportunities for fair and just representation – the future of our State relies on it.

Note:  A new conference will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 11 am in front of the LAPD Olympic Police State (1130 S. Vermont, Los Angeles 90006) to urge community members to testify at this week’s commission hearings. COMMISSION HEARINGS.

Filed Under: Blog

Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles: The Stages of Change

June 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment


By Laura J. Nelson

The first of a two-part series on the services provided by Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles.

imageThe clients who walk through the doors of Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles share many of the same stories: homeless, jobless, struggling with addictions, estranged from family or friends who could support them through addictions and medical crises.

They’ve come on court orders or hospital referrals or their own will power, hoping one of the city’s most unique homeless support programs can give them what they need.

That raw need is what empowers the employees of HHCLA. They hope that instead of shoehorning their clients into a certain plan or program, they can help them with whatever they need. HHCLA dreams of getting rid of homelessness someday, but in a city where one in 100 residents is a transient, that won’t happen soon.

So instead, HHCLA attacks the problem of homelessness with a uniquely holistic approach called “harm reduction” — addressing the immediate needs of the homeless, whether that means medical care, education or drug treatment.

Read more…

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City Planning Director to confront nuisance businesses on Western Avenue

June 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment


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Residents from the Martin Luther King Park neighborhood called upon Los Angeles City Planning Director Michael LoGrande to audit three businesses on Western Avenue that they claim foster criminal activity at the nearby park and library.

Residents presented LoGrande with a letter–signed by more than 300 residents–that requested a report card review of Dan Mar Motel and public hearings for Pinetree Motel and W&W recycling center. LoGrande said he is committed to reviewing the evidence and making a decision about whether to hold public hearings within 30 days. He also promised to send Dan Mar Motel a reminder that it is already scheduled for a city review on November 10.

Community speakers at a meeting on Monday described the businesses as a self-sustaining cycle of crime: offenders find recyclables at the park, cash them in at W&W and use the money for drugs or prostitutes at the motels, park and library.

“How can we make this area really thrive as a flourishing business district?” asked LoGrande. “From a planning point of view, how do we make sure we don’t have a recycling center, a motel and liquor store all next to a school or nursery?”

Residents expressed concern that even though the park was recently renovated with new playground equipment and facilities, the nearby illicit activity could revert the area back to a crime hot spot.

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“We want to have a vibrant Western [District],” said Carla Guerrero, communications assistant for Community Coalition. “We want to make this a place where people are proud to live.”

Community Coalition says it is focusing on this specific stretch of Western Avenue as an example of the kind of community action it hopes to see across South L.A. neighborhoods that are troubled by drug dealing, prostitution and other illegal street activity. The group identifies “nuisance businesses” with the aim of mitigating crime by enforcing on-site security, regulation lighting and mandatory closing times.

“By getting the community involved, it kind of puts them under a microscope,” said Pierre Olega, LAPD senior lead officer who oversees the area. He explained that something as simple as informal neighborhood watch teams can discourage crime. “Arresting them doesn’t solve the problem. It’s a temporary fix, but by working with the community and city planning, we can help interrupt the process [of criminal activity].”

Photos by Lisa Rau

Filed Under: Community, Politics

Hiking in the middle of the city

June 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment


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Bob Cazzell leads a hiking group through Griffith Park three times a week.

Watch a slideshow from one of their hiking trips:

‘The State of Vermont’ explores the businesses, restaurants and activities on Vermont Avenue. A collection of audio slideshows, the series was produced by the Visual Journalism class at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California.

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: , , , ,

Officials call for Governor Brown to suspend ‘Secure Communities’

June 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment


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Los Angeles law enforcement already has a strained relationship with the city’s growing immigrant communities and city officials claim the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) current strategy is making it worse.

On June 7, the Los Angeles City council passed a resolution calling for the suspension of the “Secure Communities” program in California. City officials affirmed the federal program unfairly deports non-criminals and discourages immigrants from cooperating with police.

“How do you get someone to call 9-1-1 when they fear deportation for being a good samaritan?” asked Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-31).

Rep. Becerra and fellow congressional representatives today released a letter calling for Governor Jerry Brown to suspend the program in California. The letter asserts that more than 45 percent of “individuals taken into ICE custody from L.A. County had not committed a crime or had only been charged with a low-level offense.”

“Secure Communities” was implemented in 2008 with the goal to identify undocumented criminal immigrants by sharing information with local and state law enforcement. But many of these agencies claim the program was unclear on whether or not participation was mandatory. Los Angeles officials want to halt the program until it’s reviewed by the Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General’s Office to prevent further rifts between law enforcement and immigrants.

Council members Bernard Parks (CD-8) and Jan Perry (CD9), who earlier this week co-sponsored a resolution calling for the suspension of “Secure Communities,” joined the congressional representatives during a press conference announcing the letter. Parks, a former Los Angeles Police Chief, said “this is about maintaining a 40-year history in the city of Los Angeles in directing its energies towards having great relationships with immigrant communities … so that people having a willingness to come forward and not be victimized.”

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But not all law enforcement agencies agree the program is a bad thing. While the Los Angeles Police Department opposes the implementation of “Secure Communities,” arguing immigrants will be reluctant to report crimes for fear of deportation, Sheriff Lee Baca is a staunch supporter. Steve Whitmore, spokesperson for the sheriff, says Baca “understands their concern and shares some of these concerns, but for right now he thinks the program should be improved as it moves forward. He believes that Secure Communities is an effective program.”

Perry’s main concern is that the program discourages immigrants who are victims of domestic violence to report abuse for fear that they may be deported for contacting police for help.

“We don’t feel protected by the police so much anymore because it becomes an immigration issue, even if we’re waiting on the street for a job or bus,” said Alma Martinez, a 40-year old Salvadoran member of Janitors for Justice, a Service Employees International Union advocacy group. “We’re against what they’re doing because they’re no longer just targeting criminals, but common people.”

In addition to Becerra, the six other congressional representatives who signed the letter urging Governor Jerry Brown to act are Lucille Roybal-Allard, Judy Chu, Maxine Waters, Linda Sanchez , Grace Napolitano and Karen Bass.

Governors of Massachusetts, Illinois and New York have passed similar measures. Washington state, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania have resisted the program since its inception.

Legislation for California to withdraw from the program has passed in the state Assembly. A vote is still pending in the Senate.

“If we don’t act now,” Becerra said, “the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency may irreparably shatter the hard-earned trust and cooperation … that our local police officers have established with the people and communities of Los Angeles and beyond.”

Photos by Lisa Rau

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: , , ,

South LA educator invited to Innovator Educators Forum

June 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment


Daphne Bradford, an educator at Crenshaw High School in South Los Angeles, has been chosen by Microsoft as one of the top 2011 Innovative Educators in the US.

imageBradford and 100 other educators from around the country will attend the 2011 Innovative Education Forum (IEF) at Microsoft’s main campus in Redmond, Washington.

Bradford is one of 72 second-round finalists chosen by Microsoft and the only Los Angeles educator from the first and second-round finalists.  She is also an Apple Distinguished Educator.

Bradford’s Developing Digital Media Geniuses project at the Cal State Dominguez Hills Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) qualified her as a finalist.  Her Crenshaw High School Digital Media Team students use the skills they have learned in digital photography and video production to teach OLLI students (age 55+) how to make digital photo albums and movies. 

The team created weekly lesson plans using Microsoft Office tools.  The experience allowed students to get an understanding of teaching in the 21st Century and bridging the intergenerational digital divide.  “The project injected the spirit of entrepreneurship with the adult learners who encouraged Crenshaw team members to become independent digital media trainers,” said Bradford. 

image“The most important outcome was watching my students exemplify the following ISTE National Education Technology Standards for students,” said Bradford,  “creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making, and the use of technology effectively and productively.  The program has been a resounding success at Crenshaw High School, Cal State Dominguez Hills and in the community.” 

“The school leaders selected to attend IEF are the best in the nation at incorporating technology into their classroom curricula to enhance each lesson and really break through with students,” said Andrew Ko, senior director, U.S. Partners in Learning, Microsoft. “It is inspiring to see these educators use technology to get students excited about learning and connected to the issues impacting their lives while developing the skills they will need for a successful future.”

Bradford and the other educators will showcase the creative ways they are using technology in the classroom at IEF in the forum in late July.

More stories
The young teaching their elders
Crenshaw garden cleanup honors Dr. King’s legacy
South LA students to visit the White House

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