Headington Media Center

11/17 with Josh Tickell, Taffany Lim & Dan Witzling

2011-11-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

BREATHE LA BreathTakes Radio Show featured filmmaker Josh Tickell, the Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs’ (PBI) Taffany Lim and BREATHE LA’s Dan Witzling. The broad-ranging conversation included a discussion of the new documentary on the Gulf Oil Spill, “The Big Fix,” an update on recent and upcoming programming at the PBI like their December eHealth Summit, and a recap of BREATHE LA programs, events and focus areas. Here is the show link. This radio show is offered as a community benefit by BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the "Listen 1 Live button on the left-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email a question to ask on-air.

11/10 with Michael Collins & Michael Kalish on the Environment, COPD, Art & Public Health Campaigns

2011-11-10T15:26:00.000-08:00

BREATHE LA BreathTakes featured award-winning investigative journalist Michael Collins of EnviroReporter and Drive4COPD Ambassador and artist/sculptor Michael Kalish. The conversation ranged from the hyperlocal of environmental clean-up at the Rocketdyne facility to broader themes of art in public places and the COPD awareness campaign. BREATHE LA Board Member James Okasaki was also part of the hosting team. This radio show is offered as a community benefit by BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

11/10 featuring Michael Collins & Michael Kalish on the Environment, COPD, Art & Public Health Campaigns

2011-11-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

BREATHE LA BreathTakes Radio Show has another great line-up tomorrow @ 1 p.m. with award-winning investigative journalist Michael Collins of EnviroReporter and Drive4COPD Ambassador and artist Michael Kalish. We’ll be talking about environmental issues, COPD, art and a whole lot more. Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the "Listen 1 Live button on the left-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email a question to ask on-air.

Here is a link to last week’s show with Katy Grimes, Lynne Plambeck and Wayde Hunter. This is offered as a community benefit by BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

Get Out the Vote, Get in a Cab

2011-11-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, November 7, 2011
For Immediate Release

Contact: Marco Soto
msoto@layellowcab.com
(323) 972-9528

Get Out the Vote, Get in a Cab

Local Taxicab Companies Offering Free Rides to CD 15 Polling Places on 11/8 Election Day

SAN PEDRO, CA – The Yellow Cab Co. and United Checker Cab Co-Op are again offering free rides to voters as their part of give-back to the community and supporting the City of Los Angeles. Tomorrow’s special election to fill the Council District 15 seat is not expected to generate a high turnout so these two companies have stepped up so transportation will not be an issue for Angelenos wanting to go vote.

“With times as tough as they are, it is important to give back to the community and help them get to the polls, said Marco Soto, Director of Public Affairs for the two taxi fleets. “We encourage all Angelenos to take advantage of this free service we offer every Election Day.”

WHO – Yellow Cab Co. & United Checker Co-Op

WHAT – Free Cab Rides to Polling Places

WHEN – Tuesday, November 8^th from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE – City of Los Angeles, Council District 15

HOW – Voters interested in a ride to their polling place can call a cab at (800) 808-7293. Callers must state their polling location and provide the dispatcher with the code “LA Vote” when booking their cab.

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Los Angeles Yellow Cab offers efficient, reliable LA taxi service to meet the transportation needs of residents, visitors and our corporate clients. Areas include Pacific Palisades, San Fernando, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, West Hollywood, Westwood, Bel Air, Brentwood, Calabasas, Century City, Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Marina Del Rey. For more information, visit www.LAYellowCab.com.

United Checker Cab Co-Op offers efficient curb to curb service from the oldest, largest and most efficient taxicab company in the South Bay area—including Hawthorne, San Pedro, Harbor City, Gardena, Carson, Torrance, Wilmington and the surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.UnitedCheckerCab.com.

11/3 BreathTakes with Katy Grimes, Lynne Plambeck & Wayde Hunter

2011-11-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

BreathTakes featured Cal Watchdog reporter Katy Grimes, Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment's (SCOPE) Lynne Plambeck and North Valley Coalition President and Sunshine Canyon Landfill-Citizens Advisory Committee Vice Chair Wayde Hunter for a lively discussion of green jobs, high speed rail, traffic impacts, air pollution, development projects and landfills. Click here for the link. Neil Richman was in studio for the high caliber conversations. This radio show is offered as a community benefit by BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

11/3 featuring Katy Grimes, Lynne Plambeck and Wayde Hunter

2011-11-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

BREATHE LA BreathTakes Radio Show has another great line-up today @ 1 p.m. on L.A. Talk Radio with Cal Watchdog reporter Katy Grimes,Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment's Lynne Plambeck and North Valley Coalition and Sunshine Canyon Landfill-Citizens Advisory Committee's Wayde Hunter. We'll be talking about green jobs, development projects and landfills. Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the "Listen 1 Live button on the left-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email a question to ask on-air.

Here is a link to last week’s show with water expert Ron Gastelum and Warner Bros. Director of Sustainability Mike Slavich. Special thanks to the sponsor BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

10/27 BreathTakes on Water & Sustainability with Ron Gastelum & Mike Slavich

2011-10-27T15:12:00.001-07:00

BreathTakes featured former MWD of Southern CA CEO and current Special Counsel for Water & Energy at the Cordoba Corporation, Ron Gastelum, and Warner Bros. Director of Sustainability, Mike Slavich. The conversation ranged from California’s water needs and challenges to how the entertainment industry is making strides in the double bottom line of making money and greening their productions. You can play/download on LA Talk Radio or iTunes. Neil Richman was in studio to debrief this morning’s BREATHE LA Green Salon on "Decreasing Diesel Emissions” as well as offer his take on the new “smoking ad” by presidential contender Herman Cain. Special thanks to the sponsor BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

10/20 BreathTakes Radio: LACCD's Mona Field & Santa Susana Historic Park's John Luker

2011-10-20T09:54:00.001-07:00

BREATHE LA BreathTakes Radio Show has another great line-up today @ 1 p.m. on L.A. Talk Radio with Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees Member Mona Field and Vice President of the Santa Susana Mountain Park Association John Luker. Ms. Field will speak on greening projects throughout LACCD as well as other sustainability and energy saving measures. Named "Chatsworth Citizen of the Year" earlier this year, Luker was featured in a Daily News story last Saturday on the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park. BreathTakes will also be discussing next week's BREATHE LA Green Salon on "Decreasing Diesel Emissions: New Technologies, New Policies."

Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the "Listen 1 Live button on the left-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email a question to ask on-air.

Here is a link to last week’s show with the Hon. Monica Garcia and LA Weekly's Jill Stewart. Special thanks to the sponsor BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

Coro CrossTalk on Prop. 13

2011-10-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

The Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership held a panel discussion at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) on the issue of Proposition 13. Tom Hogen-esch of the CSUN Political Science Department moderated.

SOLID Support for Law Enforcement

2011-09-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

It is important to remind ourselves of those who put their lives on the line to safeguard our lives and property. Special thanks to groups like S.O.L.I.D. who support law enforcement. Be sure to attend their pasta dinner next month in Northridge on the 14th. Great cause and great people. The photo below is from this past Saturday's Open House at LAPD's Devonshire Division station.

BreathTakes featuring David Abel and Assm. Betsy Butler

2011-09-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

B reathTakes featured VerdeXchange's David Abel for an interesting conversation around green issues around the globe and here in California, especially on the clean tech industry and business-to-business interaction. Then we spoke with California state Assemblymember Betsy Butler for a legislative update on bills she has authored (AB 475 – Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and AB 1319 – BPA’s) and legislation she has supported. Part of the BREATHE LA hosting team included Rob Gard and Neil Richman—who also gave listeners an update on the BREATHE LA Green Salon held that morning. Click here is the link to the show. Special thanks to our sponsor BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the "Listen 1 Live button on the left-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email a question to ask on-air.

OTP September 15th Advisory - Rick Orlov & Howard Fine

2011-09-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

Off the Presses (OTP) will feature the Daily News' Rick Orlove and the Los Angeles Business Journal's Howard Fine tomorrow at 11 a.m. Special thanks to our sponsor PacFed Benefit Administrators, Inc. and our media partner, The City Maven. Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the “Listen 1 Live” button on the right-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every OTP show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email us a question to ask on-air. Here is the link to our conversation last week with KCAL-9 reporter Dave Bryan.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

SPONSORED BY

9/15 BreathTakes to feature Chris Cannon, Wally George and Hon. Paul Koretz

2011-09-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

BreathTakes will feature the Port of Los Angeles' Chris Cannon, Jobs First Alliance's Wally Baker and Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz Thursday at 1 p.m. Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the "Listen 1 Live button on the left-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email a question to ask on-air. Here is the link to our conversation last week with the Hon. Jan Perry and Ed Begley, Jr.

Coro to Hold Public Debate on Prop. 13 @ CSUN

2011-09-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release

Contact: Edward Headington

EHeadington@Coro.org

818.720.7181

Coro’s popular public speaker series, CrossTalk, returns tomorrow night at 7 p.m. with a panel discussion on the popular yet controversial property tax initiative

LOS ANGELES (September 6, 2011). The Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership’s popular public speaker series, Coro CrossTalk, returns this week with a special panel discussion on Prop. 13., the 1978 "People's Initiative to Limit Property Taxation." Popularly referred to as the "Jarvis-Gann Amendment," it changed California in fundamental ways. As reported in the Sacramento Bee and more recently by Rick Orlov in the Daily News, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called for its overhaul. This moderated conversation is free and open to the public, sponsored by Health Net, Inc. and facilitated by Headington Media Group.

WHO – Welcome: John Greenwood, Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership

Moderator: Tom Hogen-Esch, CSUN Political Science Professor;
Panelists:

Roberto Barragan, President of the Valley Economic Development Center

Harvey Englander, Partner of Englander, Knabe & Allen and First Ex. Dir. of the CA Tax Reduction Movement (the forerunner of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association)
Joe Mathews, Author of California CrackUp: How Reform Broke the Golden State & How We Can Fix It

WHAT – Panel Discussion on Prop. 13

WHEN – Wednesday, September 7^th @ 7 p.m.

WHERE – California State University, Northridge @ 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330 in the Thousand Oaks Room in the USU

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Coro Southern California and its six affiliated centers nationwide shape emerging civic leaders for effective roles in public affairs. The Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs has a Master’s Degree level partnership with USC. Coro graduates are teachers, investment bankers, union leaders, corporate directors, activists, lawyers, journalists, and elected officials, and serve in many other professions. No matter where they work or what job titles they hold, they have learned how to challenge themselves and others to be more ethical and effective leaders. Coro runs programs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Cleveland. For more information, go to www.CoroLA.org.

Invite - Coro CrossTalk on Prop. 13

2011-09-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

Coro CrossTalk on Prop. 13

The Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership's popular speaker series, CrossTalk, returns this week with a special panel discussion on Prop. 13., the 1978 "People's Initiative to Limit Property Taxation." Popularly referred to as the "Jarvis-Gann Amendment," it changed California in fundamental ways that are still being felt. As reported in the Sacramento Bee last month and more recently by Rick Orlov in the Daily News, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called for its overhaul. This moderated conversation is free and open to the public.

Welcome – John Greenwood, Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership

Moderator – Tom Hogen-esch, CSUN Political Science Professor

When – Wednesday, September 7^th @ 7 p.m.

Panelists:

Roberto Barragan, President of the Valley Economic Development Center
Harvey Englander, Partner of Englander, Knabe & Allen and First Ex. Dir. of the CA Tax Reduction Movement (the forerunner of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association)
Joe Mathews, Author of California CrackUp: How Reform Broke the Golden State & How We Can Fix It

Location – California State University, Northridge @ 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330 in the Thousand Oaks Room in the USU.

Sponsored by Health Net, Inc. and facilitated by Headington Media Group.

You and any guests are encouraged to use public transit. Parking will be $6 on campus. Light refreshments will be served at no cost. Please note that all Coro CrossTalks are recorded and footage, photos and podcasts are made available to the public--at no charge--within 72 hours of the event. For more information, contact Edward Headington at EHeadington@coro.org or (818) 720-7181.

Register Now!

Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership
1000 N. Alameda St., Ste. 240, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 346-3218 or www.CoroLA.org

OTP August 25th Advisory - Mariel Garza & Sherman Ellison

2011-08-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

Off the Presses (OTP) will feature Daily News editorial writer Mariel Garza and attorney Sherman Ellison today at 11 a.m. Special thanks to our sponsor PacFed Benefit Administrators, Inc. and our media partner, The City Maven. Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the “Listen 2 Live” button on the right-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every OTP show and/or go to iTunes.

Please feel free to tweet or email us a question to ask on-air. Here is the link to our conversation last week with Joel Kotkin and Jon Regardie.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

SPONSORED BY

Greenwood on Coro & the Los Angeles Civic Scene

2011-06-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

This Washington Post column made us at Coro think of another institution that moved to Los Angeles at the same time as the Dodgers, Coro, or the Coro Foundation as it was then called. We started our first Los Angeles Fellows class in 1958. I wasn't involved with Coro at the time, so I am not sure if the founders, Don Fletcher and Van Dyne Dodge, or Bill Whiteside made any comparisons. In 1958 or almost anytime thereafter, no one would bet that Coro would survive and grow and the Dodgers would declare bankruptcy, We have had slim times financially over the years, but our "fans" have always been willing to help us get through. Thanks to all of you who have supported Coro and helping us become the agile organization we have had to be to survive financially and programmatically for more than 53 years.

- John Greenwood

President, Coro Southern California

6/30/11 OTP Advisory - Bob Stern & Stuart Waldman

2011-06-30T07:28:00.001-07:00

Off the Presses (OTP) will feature the Center for Governmental Studies’ Bob Stern and VICA’s Stuart Waldman. We’ll be talking reform, redistricting and politics. Catch the live stream at 11 a.m. on LA Talk Radio (just click on the “Listen 2 Live” button on the right-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every OTP show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email us a question to ask on-air. Here is the link to our conversation last week with Los Angeles Business Journal Editor Charles Crumpley.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

SPONSORED BY

Coro W.I.G.O. Interviews with Jack Fine, Melinda Cordero-Barzaga & Tim Smith

2011-06-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Here are three recent interviews I did with graduates of Coro leadership programs: Jack D. Fine, Melinda Cordero-Barzaga and Tim Smith. Wonderful people and leaders in their own right.

Footage, Photos & Podcasts of Coro's 36th Annual Crystal Eagle Gala Awards

2011-05-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

3/18/11 SHPE-Los Angeles Chapter Business Luncheon

2011-03-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

ADVISORY

For Immediate Release

Contact: Robert Guzman
(323) 707-2535 or agconsul@pacbell.net

The Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Inc. (SHPE-LA) is holding its chapter business luncheon on Friday, March 18, 2011 featuring many distinguished speakers. It is a ticketed event but members of the media are welcome. Footage, photos and podcasts will be made available after the event.

WHO - Remarks by Rep. Judy Chu (CA - 32nd Congressional District), Supervisor Don Knabe (Los Angeles County - District 4), the Hon. Richard Martinez (Superintendent of the Pomona Unified School District), Vanir Group of Companies President Dorene Dominguez, and The Oaxaca Group Chair, Honorable Jaime Oaxaca.

WHAT - SHPE-LA Chapter Business Luncheon

WHEN - Friday, March 18, 2011 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE - La Costa Restaurant @ 854 N. Garfield Avenue, Montebello, CA 90640

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SHPE-LA Board of Directors 2010-2011

Robert C. Guzman, President
Javier Del Valle, Vice President
Jose Fernando Nunez, Secretary
Elias Cortez, Treasurer
Emanuelle Galvan, Student Representative

"SHPE is the Source for Quality Hispanic Engineers and Technical Talent."

Statement of Values: We are brought together by heritage, social responsibility and desire to improve the equality of all people through the use of science and technology. We value excellence in education, professional pursuits and leadership. We obtain excellence through integrity, empowerment, achievement, diversity and continuous improvement.

Vision: SHPE is the leading social-technical organization whose primary function is to enhance and achieve the potential of Hispanics in engineering, math and science.

Strategic Focus Areas: We will fulfill our mission by increasing educational opportunities, promoting professional and personal growth, carry out our social responsibility to be involved in education, business and government issues and enhancing pride within our organization and reinforcing our reputation as a vital Hispanic organization.

For more information, go to www.ShpeLosAngeles.org.

Councilmember Huizar Introduces Motion to Keep Street Service Workers Working Year Round to Fill Potholes and Pave Streets Using Special Funds

2011-01-07T15:43:00.000-08:00

MOTION
January 7, 2010

Recent rains in Los Angeles left significant numbers of potholes, fallen trees and other severe road damage in their wake, causing inconvenience to millions of Angelenos in addition to flat tires, damaged vehicles and blocked traffic lanes. The City’s road repair crews should be operating at full strength so they can fix our streets as quickly as possible and help taxpayers avoid damage to their cars.

Certain job functions within the Bureau of Street Services, not all of which correspond exactly to worker classifications, are completely funded by special funds such as federal stimulus dollars. One such example is pothole repair, which is a key service in any year but certainly a priority following the worst storm in memory. Other functions are nearly entirely paid for by special funds or could easily be.

The Bureau of Street Services has been extremely responsible in its efforts to help with the City’s budget situation. With just 2.9% of the City’s workforce they have produced 9.3% of the overall savings this year from furloughing employees, according to a report issued recently by the Controller. Exempting positions that are special funded from furloughs will not negatively impact the City budget.

I THEREFORE MOVE that the City Administrative Office be instructed to report to Council on options for exempting from furloughs certain classifications within the Bureau of Street Services that are fully paid for by special funds. This report should also explain the process by which determinations about which staff are and are not furloughed are made, including which formulas staff is utilizing.

PRESENTED BY: _________________________

JOSE HUIZAR, Councilmember, 14^th District

SECONDED BY: __________________________

ERIC GARCETTI, Councilmember, 13^th District

Former Pro MMA Fighter Develops MMA Workout Kettlebell DVD

2010-12-20T22:48:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark de Grasse
800.659.5691 or mark@mymadmethods.com

Joey Alvarado, former professional MMA fighter and competitive grappler, has just announced his first MMA workout kettlebell DVD to be released in December 2010. The new MMA workout kettlebell DVD features unique kettlebell and Jiu Jitsu exercise variations created specifically to enhance MMA fighters’ performance.

Highland Park, CA (December 20, 2010) – Joey Alvarado, former professional MMA fighter and competitive grappler, has announced his first MMA workout kettlebell dvd to be released this month. The new MMA workout kettlebell DVD features unique kettlebell and Jiu Jitsu exercise variations created specifically to enhance MMA fighters’ performance.

“When I first started training with kettlebells, I realized how applicable they are to MMA fighting,” said Joey Alvarado, former professional MMA fighter and the developer of Combat Kettlebell Systems. “I’ve simply combined kettlebells with Jiu Jitsu exercises to create a highly effective method which allows MMA fighters to increase their strength, explosiveness, and stamina.”

The Combat Kettlebell Systems DVD is the first follow-along MMA workout kettlebell DVD to teach and incorporate several new kettlebell exercise variations into high intensity workouts geared for competitive MMA fighting. These new kettlebell exercises include the Rocking Chair Get Up, Fighter’s Figure 8, Fighter Swing, Kettlebell Upa, and more.

Joey Alvarado’s MMA workout kettlebell DVD includes over 15 step-by-step exercise instruction and demonstration clips along with three follow-along workouts designed to simulate competitive MMA fight sessions. The first workout contains three, three minute rounds, the second is four, four minute rounds, and the final is five, five minute rounds. Each workout incorporates different bodyweight, Jiu Jitsu, standard kettlebell, and newly-developed kettlebell exercise variations to give viewers an intense, hardcore workout.

Alvarado has over 30 years of Martial Arts experience, including a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and Kuk Sool Won, along with a Machado Purple Belt and extensive Muy Thai training under Frank Cucci and Ajarn Chai Sirisute. During his fighting career, he was a Cage of Fire Lightweight Champ, Grapplers Quest Gold Medalist, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu US National Silver Medalist. He is currently the owner and head trainer of Socal MMA Fitness based in East Los Angeles, California.

The Combat Kettlebell Systems DVD is currently being offered for pre-sale pricing at www.MyMadMethods.com/store through December 2010, at which point the DVDs will be shipped out.

Albert Rios is a professional MMA fighter that has trained with Joey Alvarado and the Combat Kettlebell System technique and had this to say about his training: "The Combat Kettlebell Systems technique is the perfect training system for MMA fighters. All the movements are the same movements used in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, and Muay Thai. Joey Alvarado's method does not only help you improve those movements, but also helps you develop awesome cardio, strength, and explosive power. It would be a great addition to
anyone's MMA training."

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The Combat Kettlebell System DVD is the first DVD produced by My Mad Methods Productions, a segment of the My Mad Methods company. My Mad Methods also produces the My Mad Methods Magazine, a publication dedicated to unconventional training methods like kettlebells, and MyMadMethods.com, an online fitness community and exercise and workout database. My Mad Methods is owned and managed by Mark de Grasse, a kettlebell specialist out of Orange County, California.

SoCal Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness is located in the Highland Park community of Los Angeles, CA providing the best in mixed martial arts disciplines. Training styles offered include: Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Female Kickboxing and various Self Defense techniques. SoCal MMA offers multiple weekday classes and private sessions to its members. For more information, go to www.socalmmafitness.com.

Click here for an interview of Joey Alvarado playing at MyMadMethods.

LOS ANGELES HISTORIC LANDMARK GETTING A FACE LIFT

2010-12-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:Rick Coca, rick.coca@lacity.org

East LA Community Corporation and Councilmember José Huizar kick off $24.6 million restoration of The Boyle Hotel -Cummings Block

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 19, 2010) — More than 100 guests enjoyed mariachis music as Los Angeles City Councilmember José Huizar and Maria Cabildo, President of the East LA Community Corporation (ELACC), kicked off the $24.6 million restoration of the historic Boyle Hotel-Cummings Block, one of Los Angeles oldest buildings.

First constructed in 1889 by George Cummings, work is set to begin on a complete rehabilitation of the building by ELACC, replacing all major systems and restoring the historic façade and turret. The resulting building will be a mixed-use development featuring 32 units of affordable housing for mariachis and other low income residents.

The transformed building will serve, along with Mariachi Plaza, as a true gateway to the Eastside.

“This housing development is the first for this historic intersection,” said Maria Cabildo, ELACC President. “It is a shining example of what is possible when the community, developers and elected officials work together on a vision for the future of our neighborhood. This project will provide much-needed quality affordable housing for local residents while supporting and uplifting the strong Mariachi culture of Boyle Heights.”

The Boyle Hotel-Cummings Block has great historical and cultural value to the City of Los Angeles and the Boyle Heights neighborhood. Through the years, the building became occupied mainly by Mariachis looking to secure work across the street at Mariachi Plaza, long known as a location where people come from all over to hire mariachis for weddings, quinceañeras and birthday parties.

Councilmember Huizar helped facilitate nearly $8 million in City and Metro funding for the project, as well as assisting with community outreach and the permit and entitlement process.

“Boyle Heights, one of the City’s oldest and most storied suburbs, is experiencing a period of unprecedented investment,” said Councilmember José Huizar. “From the Metro Gold Line, to a new police station, four new schools, improvements to parks, libraries and pools, we’ve seen well over $1.4 billion in public improvements in this neighborhood. Today, with this renovation of the Boyle Hotel, we are creating new history for this already historic neighborhood. I applaud ELACC for pushing this essential community project forward in support of our local residents and mariachis.”

In December of 2006, when ELACC acquired the property the tide began to turn for this building. Repairs were made to bring it up to code. Tenants were engaged in the planning for the development and provided relocation for the upcoming construction period. All of the tenants have the first right of return and were provided workshops for returning to the building.

Juana Gonzalez, who lived in the building, shared her enthusiasm for the project.

“I am excited to see work start on the building and ready to come back once it is completed,” she said.

The Boyle Hotel-Cummings Block development is part of a new gateway project for Boyle Heights and the greater East Los Angeles area. The development includes a completely new building west of the hotel and a total of 51 quality affordable housing units. There will be 4,100 square feet of commercial space, rehearsal space for Mariachis and a Mariachi center. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2012.

Just last week, Councilmember Huizar joined Metro CEO Art Leahy and local Boyle Heights’ artists and residents to announce the $12 million portion of the $30 million Measure R Eastside Access Project. The Gold Line related project will bring $12 million of pedestrian/bicycle improvements along First Street, including streetscape, sidewalk, art, lighting and signage improvements to the area surrounding the Gold Line, which is home to a burgeoning Arts District.

The $24 million Boyle Hotel-Cummings Block development is the first of four planned developments surrounding the Metro Mariachi Plaza Gold Line station.

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MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA APPLAUDS MTA APPROVAL OF FREE TRANSIT FOR SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS

2010-12-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:Arielle Goren, (213) 280-8750

New Policy Will Let Students on School-Organized Trips Ride for Free on MTA Trains and Buses during the Day

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 9, 2010) — Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today praised the unanimous approval by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of a new policy that allows students on school-organized trips ride for free on MTA trains and buses during the day.

“By offering our students free transit during field trips, we allow them to take advantage of museums, programs and a variety of learning experiences that take place outside the classroom,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “In these tough economic times, it is important that we continue giving students many opportunities to learn especially for those students who do not have the resources for alternative transportation.”

MTA will not suffer an increase in operating costs because service is already running, and no revenue loss because students would not otherwise be riding transit during school hours without this policy.

"Student field trips are a vital part of any good education, showing children all that the world outside their own communities has to offer," said Councilmember and Metro Director Jose Huizar. "Metro's role in ensuring student field trips can continue through this cost-neutrel plan cannot be underestimated. I am proud to lend my support and I applaud Mayor Villaraigosa for recognizing in a tough economy, it is imperative that we work together and engage in innovative, multi-agency planning to keep vital services operating."

“This is an incredible opportunity for our students, many of whom come from low-income families and otherwise might not be able to explore all the learning activities that our city has to offer,” said Partnership for Los Angeles Schools CEO Marshall Tuck.

“Because MTA buses and trains have unused capacity during school hours, making free transit available for students is a ‘win-win’ policy for MTA,” added Mayor Villaraigosa.

Following approval by the MTA Board, MTA management will be required to develop specific procedures for administering the policy and implement the system by the end of January 2011.

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Coro Recruiting Leaders for Fellowship Program in Public Affairs

2010-11-22T18:58:00.000-08:00

ADVISORY

November 22, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact: Edward Headington

EHeadington@Coro.org

818.720.7181

Coro Southern California venerable leadership program seeks extra-ordinary individuals

Los Angeles, CA – Coro has been training leaders for over 60 years and recruitment is underway for its national program, the Coro Fellowship Program in Public Affairs (FPPA). The deadline to apply is January 14, 2010. Sign up for a webinar today!

The Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs is a full-time, nine month, graduate-level experiential leadership training program that prepares diverse, intelligent and committed individuals for effective and ethical leadership in the public affairs arena. Unconventional by traditional academic standards, the Fellows Program is rigorous and demanding, an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth. The Fellows Program is offered in Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco and St. Louis.

Coro introduces program participants to all aspects of the public affairs arena, preparing them to translate their ideals into action for improving their own communities and beyond. Coro Fellows learn to see the big picture—the community as a whole—and appreciate the varying perspectives that characterize our cities, states, and nation, through field placements, group interviews, seminars, focus weeks, individual and group projects, and hands on experiences.

The application process begins with a brief pre-application form. You can click here for the application. For more information, contact Ashley Nesby at (213) 346-318 or ANesby@coro.org.

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First Councilmember to Call for DWP Ratepayer Advocate Endorses Measure

2010-11-19T16:02:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:Rick Coca, rick.coca@lacity.org

José Huizar supports ballot measure, which will bring better oversight to the Department of Water & Power

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 19, 2010) — As the City Council ended its debate on what provisions to include in a March 2011 ballot measure on oversight for the Department of Water and Power, the final product looked a lot like what Councilmember José Huizar first offered up as a solution two-and-a-half years ago.

The City Council voted Wednesday to create an Office of Public Accountability “to provide public independent analysis of department actions, as they relate to water and electricity rates.”

In July 2008, Councilmember was the first Councilmember to call for an oversight position at DWP. His legislation came after concerns over several rate hikes by the DWP following 15 years without any price increases and asked to establish a fully independent ombudsperson position “to provide independent and neutral analysis on future proposals for rate increases and rate restructurings.”

In 2008, neither the DWP nor the City Council was ready to engage in a conversation about creating such a position. This summer, following a contentious battle over rate increases and allegations the DWP withheld delivering $73.5 million to the City’s General Fund, the tide turned and several other councilmembers called for such a position.

“While I had hoped we would have gotten here a lot sooner, I am pleased that the voters will now have the opportunity to create an oversight position for the DWP that in the end will benefit everyone involved, most importantly the ratepayers,” said Councilmember José Huizar. “This new office will help the DWP, City leaders and the public engage in informed conversations about rate adjustments and long-range energy projections in a timely, thoughtful and deliberative manner.”

Since 12 votes were not secured, the City Council will need to vote once more next week on the Office of Public Accountability, along with another measure to give the Council the power to fire the DWP General Manager as well as remove members of the DWP Commission via a vote.

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Matching Fund Program-Campaign Donation Restriction Measure on Ballot

2010-11-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:Rick Coca, rick.coca@lacity.org

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 16, 2010) —The Los Angeles City Council voted 11-4 Tuesday to place a measure on the March 2011 ballot that would allow more money to be used for the City’s matching fund program voters first approved in 1990 in order to limit special interest influence. Another important part of the ballot measure would impose restrictions on campaign contributions from those vying for City contracts.

The measure was presented by Councilmember José Huizar and Council President Eric Garcetti. The matching fund proposal was part of the Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights, an election reform package created by good government groups and Councilmember Huizar with assistance from Council President Garcetti.

“Los Angeles residents have already told us they support a more diverse candidate pool when they voted to support our Matching Fund Program in 1990,” said Councilmember José Huizar. “After 20 years, that system needs to be updated if we want to support serious candidates who are not beholden to special interest. This good government ballot measure will do that while restricting campaign contributions from those looking to do business with the City.”

The ballot measure will ask L.A. City voters to lift the current Public Matching Fund Program Trust Fund cap, which experts say is necessary if the City wants to increase the number of serious candidates using the City’s matching fund program. If voters pass the ballot measure to remove the cap, currently a little over $12 million, that vote will enable significant changes in the City’s matching fund program designed to increase the number of qualified candidates, particularly citywide ones, to compete against heavily financed candidates. An amendment was added to the measure allowing the City Council to partially tap into the fund during City fiscal emergencies.

Since 12 votes weren’t secured Tuesday, the item will require one more second-reading majority vote in a week.

Currently, the City’s Matching Fund Program is limited in the amount of funding that it can offer candidates for office due to limited resources, which ironically is one of the main reasons why the fund is currently at its cap. Since the passage of Proposition H in 1990 created the Ethics Commission and the City’s matching funds program, 2009 was the first year that none of the leading candidates for Citywide office agreed to participate in the program.

Enhancements such as increasing the current 1-to-1 matching ratio for citywide candidates, will be needed to entice the expected candidates for the Mayor’s office in 2013 to participate in the City’s program, which sets spending limits for candidates and also requires public debates. There are also a number of Council seats that will be open in both 2013 and 2015 due to term limits and added funding would allow for increased matching fund limits in those races.

“City Council, led by Councilmember Jose Huizar and Council President Eric Garcetti, did the right thing by putting this measure on the ballot to give voters a chance to start addressing the problem of special interest money in politics,” said Trent Lange, President, California Clean Money Campaign. “Strengthening the City’s campaign trust fund so it can provide more matching funds to candidates who show a broad base of support will let candidates spend less time fundraising and more time talking with voters.”

With the increase in Independent Expenditures (IEs) this election cycle on the federal and state levels the ability of the City to help candidates targeted by IEs with matching funds becomes all the more important.

Previously the City Council voted unanimously to adopt Councilmember José Huizar’s legislation calling for Vote-by-Mail elections in the City’s next available Council seat Special Election. The plan would also leave open all polling places so voters can either vote-by-mail or vote in person on Election Day. Following the Council seat Special Election, the City Clerk’s office would determine the number of people who participated via Vote-by-Mail vs. those who voted in person. The City Council could then use that data to determine how many polling places they would need to keep open in order to expand Vote-by-Mail in future elections.

Councilmember Huizar election reform package, the Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights, has the support of several good government organizations, including California Common Cause; League of Women Voters of Los Angeles; California Clean Money Campaign and the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project.

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Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel Cites Opportunities for Positive Change Arising from Economic Crisis

2010-11-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

RELEASE

For Immediate Release

PBI Contact: Jacqueline Ruiz, 323.343.3770

Media Contact: Joey Furutani, 310.914.5000

In Keynote Address at Pat Brown Institute’s 18th Annual California Policy Issues Conference, Greuel Calls on Cities to Reduce Waste, Operate More Efficiently, Chart Course for Future

LOS ANGELES (November 4, 2010)—In her keynote address today at the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute’s 18th Annual California Policy Issues Conference, Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel said the current economic crisis offers great opportunity for Los Angeles and other cities to do things more efficiently.

In her presentation entitled “California 2011: Where Does LA Fit?” Greuel cited anger and mistrust of government and incumbent politicians on the part of voters in 2009 and 2010 elections. “The public wants change,” Greuel said, recalling the City of Bell corruption scandal for tarnishing the reputation of local governments.

To earn the trust and respect of her constituents, Greuel said she positions herself as an outsider concerned with stopping waste, abuse and fraud.

“Sadly, I look at the Los Angeles of today and it is not the same city I grew up in,” she said, adding that L.A. can move forward by focusing on what she calls the “four main pillars of governing,” specifically: Focusing on core services (public safety, public works, transportation and economic development); not relying on short-term fixes for long-term problems; having a reserve fund, and working on pension reform.”

She cited the national real estate and mortgage crisis, which directly affects the city’s primary revenue stream – property taxes – for creating the city’s current budget woes. “It has forced us to make difficult choices here in L.A.,” she said. Part of the challenge for Los Angeles will be redefining what residents can reasonably expect from their government, she said. “We have to roll up our sleeves and do things better.”

In her remarks, Greuel lauded the PBI for focusing on public policy and for engaging current and future leaders. “As I look toward the future of the city of Los Angeles, I want a city that knows where it is going,” she said. “That’s where the Pat Brown Institute comes in. They are creating the future leaders and the future advocates.”

Greuel was sworn in as City Controller in 2009. Previously, she served seven years on the Los Angeles City Council, representing the 2nd District in the northeast San Fernando Valley. Before that, she worked in corporate affairs at Dreamworks SKG; for the office of then–Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros, and in the office of former L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley.

Greuel’s speech was one highlight of a conference that brought together elected officials, civic leaders and experts from the political arena, academia and the business community to discuss and debate the future of Los Angeles, especially in light of Tuesday’s elections.

“For the Pat Brown Institute to host this conference today, just two days after his son Jerry is re-elected Governor of California, was exciting,” said Dr. Jaime A. Regalado, Executive Director of the PBI. “Tuesday’s elections – not just the Governor’s race – definitely set the backdrop for today’s stimulating dialogue on timely public policy issues affecting our region.”

Attendees heard from experts on local, state and national politics and policy. In one panel entitled “Election 2010: Implications for California and Los Angeles,” panelists discussed the election returns and their potential impact on the region. Another panel on “Jobs, the Economy & Green Growth in L.A.,” looked at emerging patterns of unemployment and poverty and how to achieve a higher level of sustainability.

“Today, we looked at where Los Angeles will be in the next 5 years, the next 10 years,” Dr. Regalado said. “Thanks to leaders like City Controller Wendy Greuel and our numerous expert panelists, we saw a vibrant exchange of ideas as we develop leading-edge solutions to the many challenges affecting our region. “

Held at California State University Los Angeles, the Pat Brown Institute’s 18th Annual Policy Issues Conference was supported by Kaiser Permanente, Southern California Edison, Wells Fargo, AT&T, SEIU Local 721, The Walt Disney Company, Sempra Energy, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Union Pacific, IBEW Local 47, the Californian Faculty Association and the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation.

For nearly three decades, the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs (PBI) has focused on state and community issues—dedicated to the quest for social justice and equality of opportunity, enlightened civic engagement, and enhancing the quality of life for all Californians.

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The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs, a presidentially chartered institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining vision and legacy of former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community driven initiatives. For more information, go to http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.

City Council Approves Plan to Elevate Matching Fund Program

2010-11-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:Rick Coca
(213) 473-7014 or rick.coca@lacity.org

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 2, 2010) — The Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to place a “Voter-owned election” referendum on the March 2011 ballot in order to encourage more candidates to use the City’s matching fund program while limiting special interest influence.
Introduced by Councilmember José Huizar as part of the “Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights,” an election reform package created by good government groups and the Council member, Tuesday’s vote means a ballot measure will be drawn up asking L.A. City voters to lift the current Public Matching Fund Program Trust Fund cap, which experts say is necessary if the City is serious about increasing the number of serious candidates using the City’s matching fund program.

If voters pass the ballot measure to remove the cap, currently a little over $12 million, that vote will enable significant changes in the City’s matching fund program designed to increase the number of qualified candidates, particularly citywide ones, to compete against heavily financed candidates.

“Today, we took a significant step in ensuring fairness in our elections and allowing a more diverse pool of candidates the opportunity to run serious campaigns without being independently wealthy or depending on special interest money,” said Councilmember José Huizar.

Currently, the City’s Matching Fund Program is limited in the amount of funding that it can offer candidates for office due to limited resources, which ironically is one of the main reasons why the fund is currently at its cap. Since the passage of Proposition H in 1990 created the Ethics Commission and the City’s matching funds program, 2009 was the first year that none of the leading candidates for Citywide office agreed to participate in the program.

Enhancements such as increasing the current 1-to-1 matching ratio for citywide candidates, will be needed to entice the expected candidates for the Mayor’s office in 2013 to participate in the City’s program, which sets spending limits for candidates and also requires public debates. There are also a number of Council seats that will be open in both 2013 and 2015 due to term limits and added funding would allow for increased matching fund limits in those races.

“Los Angeles voters owe Councilmember Jose Huizar and Council President Eric Garcetti their thanks for working to give them the chance to vote on this important start to addressing the problem of special interest money in politics,” said Trent Lange, President, California Clean Money Campaign. “Strengthening the City’s voter-passed matching funds system will let candidates spend less time fundraising and more time talking with voters.”

With the increase in Independent Expenditures (IEs) this election cycle on the federal and state levels the ability of the City to help candidates targeted by IEs with matching funds becomes all the more important.

This past Friday, the City Council voted unanimously to adopt Councilmember José Huizar’s legislation calling for Vote-by-Mail elections in the City’s next available Council seat Special Election. The plan would also leave open all polling places so voters can either vote-by-mail or vote in person on Election Day.

Following the Council seat Special Election, the City Clerk’s office would determine the number of people who participated via Vote-by-Mail vs. those who voted in person. The City Council could then use that data to determine how many polling places they would need to keep open in order to expand Vote-by-Mail in future elections.

The Council has referred to committee the third plank of Councilmember Huizar’s election reform package, Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). The proposal, as it stands is to try out this more progressive form of voting in special elections, where in addition to saving the City, LAUSD and Community College District millions of dollars with each usage, RCV also can help to fill vacant seats faster, ensuring that voters do not have to do without elected representation.

Councilmember Huizar election reform package, the Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights, has the support of Council President Eric Garcetti and several good government organizations, including California Common Cause; League of Women Voters of Los Angeles; California Clean Money Campaign and the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project.

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City Council Approves Huizar’s Vote-by-Mail Election Plan

2010-10-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:Rick Coca
(213) 473-7014 or rick.coca@lacity.org

Data shows Vote-by-Mail increases voter participation

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 29, 2010) — The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Friday to adopt Councilmember José Huizar’s legislation calling for Vote-by-Mail elections in the City’s next available Council seat Special Election. The plan would also leave open all polling places so voters can either vote-by-mail or vote in person on Election Day.

Following the Council seat Special Election, the City Clerk’s office would determine the number of people who participated via Vote-by-Mail vs. those who voted in person. The City Council could then use that data to determine how many polling places they would need to keep open in order to expand Vote-by-Mail in future elections.

“This is a victory for the voters of Los Angeles,” said Councilmember Huizar. “By giving them access to Vote-by-Mail without having to send in any forms, we will see a rise in voter-participation, which is the main goal of introducing this legislation. It is my hope that we will see Vote-by-Mail expanded throughout the City in future years so that more people take part in our City’s democratic process.”

Friday’s action by the City Council was a compromise designed to initially allow for voters to vote in person at the same number of polling places while increasing the number of overall voters by sending Vote-by-Mail ballots to all registered voters in the Special Election District.

Vote-by-Mail has consistently led to an increase in voter participation in states like Washington and Oregon and cities like Denver and Burbank. Increased voter participation via Vote-by-Mail cuts across all demographics, regardless of political affiliation, race or economic status.

Councilmember Huizar presented his plan as part of an election reform package, the Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights. That effort has the support of Council President Eric Garcetti and several good government organizations, including California Common Cause; League of Women Voters of Los Angeles; California Clean Money Campaign and the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project.

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Pat Brown Institute Hosts 2010 Distinguished Lecture “Strengthening the Golden State: Mending a Cracked California"

2010-10-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

RELEASE

Wednesday, October 27, 2010
For Immediate Release
PBI Contact: Jacqueline Ruiz, 323.343.3770
Media Contact: Joey Furutani, 310.914.5000

Pictured (L to R): (front) Wells Fargo Vice President of Community Development Roy Jasso, 2010 CA Agenda Distinguished Lecture featured speaker Joe Mathews, and PBI Board Member Sascha Rice. (back) PBI Associate Director Taffany Lim, PBI Executive Director Dr. Jaime Regalado, and PBI Public Policy Education Program Director Jacqueline Ruiz.

LOS ANGELES, Calif., October 26, 2010 – The Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs (PBI) hosted the 2010 Distinguished Lecture of their California Agenda: Los Angeles 2010 series entitled, “Strengthening the Golden State: Mending a Cracked California.” This culminating event featured Joe Mathews, co-author of California Crackup: How Reform Broke the Golden State and How We Can Fix It. Mr. Mathews offered steps that can be taken to stabilize the state’s current and future outlook. His lecture examined the origins of California’s unprecedented crisis, its current weakened condition, and the means to fixing the “cracks.” Mr. Mathews is the Irvine senior fellow at the New America Foundation, a non-partisan think tank. He is also a contributing writer at the Los Angeles Times and lead blogger at NBC’s California website Prop Zero.

This event is part of the California Agenda, a component of the Pat Brown Institute’s Public Policy Education Program, created to educate and engage leaders and individuals from across the sectors on significant state, regional and local public policy issues. Although traditionally focused on significant regional and statewide public policy issues, the 2010 California Agenda will focus on the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles metropolitan area, with an emphasis on the region’s most pressing issues. The 2010 California Agenda is sponsored by Southern California Edison, Wells Fargo, Sempra Energy, Sony Pictures, Union Pacific, and the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation.

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Notes from Coro's Annual Water Luncheon "Surfacing the Solutions"

2010-10-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

NOTES

October 14, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact: Edward Headington, EHeadington@Coro.org, 818.720.7181

Water Issues Flood Coro’s October 14 Water Luncheon Discussion

Los Angeles, CA – For over half a century, the Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership has been “Training Tomorrow’s Leaders” and serving as an incubator of thought through its leadership training programs and expert panel discussions.

“Facts are stubborn things and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” - John Adams

Phil Isenberg, former legislator, Sacramento Mayor and currently Chair of the Delta Stewardship Council, used this quote to describe the current problems with California water. Here are some of the unpleasant facts he sees:

Northern California needs to realize that most of the water from the Sacramento delta goes to Northern California, not Southern.
Perhaps the biggest stressor on the delta is the conversion of Delta wetlands to agricultural use. There is not one cause or one solution to restoring the Delta.
Climate change is shrinking the Sierra snow pack so much that it now melts a month earlier than previously. Decreasing water supply from the Sierras will make our water problems much worse.
The groundwater along the San Joaquin River is totally unregulated and at risk. This can cause severe problems up and down the state.
Although Southern California can be complimented for reducing its water use, the biggest factor in that reduction is the loss of water-intensive aerospace work, not conservation. We will have to do much better.

In true Coro fashion, he urged the 200 guests to accept the facts so we can move towards agreement on solutions.

What are the Solutions?

Craig Wilson, the newly appointed Sacramento Delta Watermaster, will focus on reducing the waste of water in the state. He spoke about his strongest weapon, a clause in the State Constitution that prohibits “waste and unusual use.” He plans to use this to get voluntary agreements or, if necessary, mandate conservation measures. Court cases have given him broad authority. Look out!

Phil Anthony from the Orange County Water District outlined their sewer recycling plant, the largest such facility in the world. It processes enough water to serve 600,000 people a day.

Robb Whitaker of the Water Replenishment District outlined their plans to eliminate their need for imported water entirely.

Gloria Gray, a relative newcomer to the water community, spoke about the importance of educating the general public about these crucial issues. In four years, she went from novice to President of West Basin MWD Board of Directors.

Finally, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano urged the water community to talk with and educate their legislators, ask them to tour local facilities, and urge them to work together. California, “the breadbasket of the country,” risks losing its leadership position because we cannot act in concert, at the Congressional level, the state level or the citizen level. “If we don’t act together, we are going down.”

The legislation passed by the Legislature and the Governor setting up the Delta Watermaster and authorizing a statewide bond election is a start. The next steps are up to members of the water community and the concerned citizens who attended or should have attended the luncheon.

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Coro Southern California and its affiliated centers nationwide shape civic leaders for effective roles in public affairs. Coro graduates are teachers, investment bankers, union leaders, corporate directors, activists, lawyers, journalists, and elected officials, among other professions. No matter where the more than 10,000 alumni work or what position they assume, they have learned how to challenge themselves and others to be more ethical and effective leaders. Coro runs programs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Cleveland; annually more than 1,000 participants go through Coro programs nationwide. For more information, go to http://www.corola.org/.

Pat Brown Institute Releases Executive Summary of the “2010 Los Angeles State of the City Report” at Cal State Los Angeles Press Conference

2010-10-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

RELEASE

Monday, October 4, 2010
For Immediate Release
PBI Contact: Jacqueline Ruiz
323.343.3770, JRuiz@cslanet.calstatela.edu
Media Contact: Edward Headington
818.720.7181, Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com

The 6^th edition of the PBI report was discussed by several contributing authors. Questions raised about City leadership on the issues of housing and immigration. Full report to be released at the 18^th Annual California Policy Issues Conference

LOS ANGELES, CA—The Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs (PBI) made public the 6th edition of its “Los Angeles: State of the City” (SOTC) report this morning at a press conference held at California State University, Los Angeles. You can click here for the summary, download the full SOTC Executive Summary, see the slideshow and view tweets from the event. The 2010 edition is generously funded by the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation.

“Trying to determine who are the heroes and villains in the ongoing story of Los Angeles is both a difficult and unenviable task,” said SOTC report editor and CSULA Geography Department Chair Dr. Ali Modarres. “What we’ve tried to do is provide the start for conversations between policymakers, residents, nonprofit organizations and other stakeholders. It is important to remind ourselves who we are, why we are here and what we are supposed to do.”

This annual enterprise of the PBI features articles from eight regional experts who offer substantive discussions on critical issues impacting the quality of life in Los Angeles—including the economy, immigration, housing, transportation, sustainable development, and healthcare reform. Pat Brown Institute Executive Director Dr. Jaime Regalado joked that there were no “softball questions” coming from the media and many centered on housing and immigration.

Contributing PBI SOTC author Dr. Jacqueline Leavitt left no uncertainty as to the importance of her focus area: “Housing is a human rights issue and relying on market conditions is not enough for the working poor.”

Whether it was the recent gubernatorial dust-up on undocumented workers or lingering feelings over Arizona’s aggressive legislation, several questions arose on the issue of immigration and comparisons to Mayor Mike Bloomberg in New York. USC professor Dowell Myers said: “Most of the big decisions are made at the state and federal level but most people think at the City level.”

The press conference also included Dr. Michael Cousineau who spoke on the issue of healthcare, Dr. Richard Willson who talked about transportation and Dr. Dan Flaming who addressed economic conditions. Footage of the event will be shared at a later date.

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Pat Brown Institute Releases Summary of the “2010 Los Angeles State of the City Report”

2010-10-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

SUMMARY

Monday, October 4, 2010
For Immediate Release
PBI Contact: Jacqueline Ruiz
323.343.3770, JRuiz@cslanet.calstatela.edu
Media Contact: Edward Headington
818.720.7181, Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com

The 6th edition of the PBI report will be discussed and be made available tomorrow at Cal State Los Angeles Press Conference

LOS ANGELES, CA—The Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs (PBI) will soon make public the 6th edition of its “Los Angeles: State of the City” report. A press conference has been scheduled for this Tuesday at Cal State Los Angeles to discuss the findings and conclusions of several expert contributors. This annual enterprise of the PBI features articles from eight regional experts who offer substantive discussions on critical issues impacting the quality of life in Los Angeles—including the economy, immigration, housing, transportation, sustainable development, and healthcare reform. The 2010 edition is generously funded by the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation. Contributing authors will reveal key findings from their reports at this public unveiling and press conference.

Writing About Los Angeles: An Introduction

Many of us wish we didn’t have to write about the state of affairs in Los Angeles. Looking at the larger picture, it is difficult to be upbeat. The recent economic downturn has compounded our perennial urban problems, including transportation, healthcare, and affordable housing. If you ask experts to talk about LA, invariably, you will get the same troubling stories. From year to year, they differ only by degrees. Of course, it is difficult to live in a metropolitan area of 10 million people and a city of nearly 4 million and not have any problems. Beyond the agony of writing about our ongoing challenges, however, many of us are here to stay and refuse to relinquish the title of “the city” to one on the east coast. LA may be a cultural desert to some, but not to us. This city appears to many of us like the movie Memento. Once you learn how to leave notes to yourself, you can read and understand its cryptic story. But for those who are looking for an old plot with clear heroes and villains, this may be a difficult city to analyze and comprehend.

The authors of this report are largely the note takers, researchers, and observers Los Angelenos have come to respect and rely upon to remind us of its past, make sense of its present, and cast a spotlight on where it might want to go. In many cases, however, they do not merely try to script the city into existence. Rather, they focus on piecing together an evolving and seemingly fragmented script as diverse and ever changing as the people and institutions of this metropolitan area. Authors of the collection try to understand every urban phenomenon from the sociospatial, political, economic, and cultural notes left by others. In doing that, they help us write the contemporary history of Los Angeles, with all its fragments, and leave directions for future excavators of our history.

This report and its accompanying summary deal with eight different topics (though many more could have been included): economy, immigration, housing, politics, sustainability, transportation, water, and health. Each chapter focuses exclusively on one topic; however, the interrelationship of multiple topics is undeniable. A sustainable future requires attention to all of these issues and more. To generate a reasonable conversation about each theme, we have avoided the typical scorecard approach. As in previous years, each author was asked to develop a narrative that explains his or her analysis and recommendations. This year, with the help of the Haynes Foundation, we were able to do even more. Each author developed a longer report, which is included in this manuscript, and a shorter summary, which appears in the accompanying document. We hope our readers, including policymakers and their staff, will critically engage with the topics in one or both of these documents.

We begin with what concerns most of us, the economy. Dan Flaming offers a sobering statement: “Job losses in the current recession are much more severe in Los Angeles than in the nation as a whole.” He also suggests that certain portions of the labor market have been affected more severely than others. Unfortunately, this inequity is compounding existing social and economic disparities. Those with fewer resources and less human capital are marginalized further. This dire condition creates multiple negative outcomes for access to health services and housing. Without jobs, our social and economic safety networks also diminish. From this, the author naturally turns to the issue of poverty and its pattern in Los Angeles. With a stern warning that “Los Angeles risks lasting damage to its social cohesion and human capital through the harm this recession is causing to children and families,” he submits seven recommendations for dealing with today’s extraordinary economic condition. As readers will note, many of these deal directly with the topics in other chapters.

(Immigration – Information on this section is confidential until the official release of the report on October 5, 2010.)

An important economic factor that affects the foreign- and the native-born equally is housing. Even before this recession, housing was a troubling topic in our metropolitan area. The current economic downturn, however, has made the condition worse. Jacqueline Leavitt provides an in-depth analysis of the housing problem from an equity perspective, focusing particularly on those who have become further marginalized during the last few years (see the chapter by Dan Flaming for a discussion of this topic). These are the working poor, the underemployed, and, at times, the seemingly middle-class workers, who find the cost of housing and access to quality, affordable housing beyond their reach. For that reason, Leavitt approaches the topic of housing as a human rights issue, elevating this particular problem to an international level by bringing the United Nations and other organizations into the debate. After reviewing a substantive amount of literature and reports on the housing condition in Los Angeles, this chapter ends with a set of recommendations directed at decision makers in the City of Los Angeles, particularly the City Council. But will we see any major changes in the near future? The next chapter may shed some light on this expectation.

Raphael Sonenshein begins with a clear suggestion: “The Los Angeles City budget crisis reminds us that no city is an island. Buffeted by a national economic recession, even the most dynamic cities have seen their fortunes wrecked and their autonomy challenged. Los Angeles is no exception, having faced gigantic holes in its budget for the last several years. The tough choices required to close the budget gap will test the relationship between political leaders and the community.” While some relief could come from state and federal governments, the “rest will have to come from inspired political choices rising above the seeming maze of local politics.” The author takes the reader through the politics of Los Angeles, portraying some of its (dys)functionalities by focusing on recent elections, the city’s governing structure and budgetary woes, and the cast of personalities that make up its leadership. Sonenshein concludes his analysis with an engaging discussion of the role that the Mayor has played (and could play in the future). As expected, however, all roads end in the economy. In the last section of the report, titled “Los Angeles Politics: Where Does It Go From Here?”, Sonenshein offers the following observation: “The future of Los Angeles politics and government begins with the budget and the city’s ability to fund levels of services necessary for the residents of the nation’s second largest city.” Economic development, housing, infrastructure, water, waste management, transportation, pubic safety, and a long list of other needs have to be weighed by policymakers and budget analysts, suggesting hard choices ahead, especially as the state looks to cities for solving its own financial troubles. Housing, transportation and other issues discussed in this report are on that long list of necessities.

The chapter on sustainability begins with an acknowledgment of our dire economic condition as well. Manuel Pastor, however, tries to offer a more optimistic view, identifying opportunities for achieving a higher degree of sustainability while improving the economic condition. The content of this chapter is largely driven by this significant question: “Can Los Angeles, long considered the capital of bad air and environmental neglect, really lead on sustainability?” From the Mayor’s office to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), there appears to be a united effort to make this a reality. Through various initiatives, formal plans, and grassroots collaborations, the city and its residents seem committed to creating a more sustainable city that offers a better quality of life while creating jobs in a new green economy sector. Pastor offers a number of successful examples, illustrating the power of overcoming fragmentation and difference in creating and achieving a sustainable Los Angeles that can become a role model for other megacities. The author concludes the chapter by offering a number of suggestions. He points to the importance of leadership in achieving such a goal not only for the city but also for the entire region. To know how far we have come and how far we need to go, Pastor also recommends the construction of a sustainability metric. At this point, LA lacks such a metric. But LA’s aspiration for sustainability could face more important, yet familiar, obstacles of political, social, economic, and physical fragmentation. To become green, Pastor advises, LA must overcome this problem while remaining focused on the issue of equity.

One of the main challenges on the road to sustainability, economic prosperity, and equity is transportation (no pun intended). Richard Wilson begins his chapter with a fundamental question: “Can the city’s transportation system evolve in a way that will make access and mobility work for more than 4 million residents?” In the remainder of the chapter, the author answers this and many other related questions, analyzing the overall transportation condition in the city. However, his report is written with a specific message in mind: solving the traffic gridlock through a particular design intervention called “road prioritization,” which “is the allocation of road space to priority uses, such as bus-only lanes on arterial streets.” The main concern here is to alleviate congestion from both freeways and the major street network, while increasing the overall throughput of our transportation infrastructure. Not unlike other chapters, the author points to the complexity of this region and how transportation solutions need to go beyond the city’s boundaries and include the larger region. This requires us to overcome the fragmentation that Manuel Pastor identifies and the other authors lament.

Viewed from the perspective of infrastructure investment, transportation is not the only issue requiring our attention. In the chapter on water, Rita Schmidt Sudman brings to our attention another lingering problem that could threaten the viability and growth of our metropolitan area. After highlighting the history of water acquisitions in Southern California, she discusses current sources of water and how we might overcome some of the gaps facing us in the future. Water conservation, recycled water, and groundwater replenishment are among strategies discussed. Among additional challenges facing our city and region in the future are infrastructure for the delivery of water and overall water quality. She ends with a few final thoughts, reminding us that “the days of cheap water for all of Southern California are over.” In addition to what LADWP is preparing to do, Los Angelenos, and for that matter Southern Californians, need to become more educated about water, its sources, use, and conservation. Without proper education, the residents’ adoption of necessary strategies may fall short of desired goals.

We have left health to the last chapter, not because of lack of importance but because it is highly impacted by the issues discussed in this report. Clearly, increasing unemployment and underemployment affect the ability of a growing number of Los Angelenos to have access to health insurance and quality healthcare services. Given these dire conditions, Michael Cousineau has undertaken the important task of describing the content of the recent health care reform and its possible impact on Los Angeles and its residents. This detailed analysis should be highly informative for our readers, who may find the new legislation confusing. The author concludes on a positive note. Using the estimated number of LA residents who will benefit from the Affordable Care Act (ACT), he suggests that while “implementation will be a challenge, the ACA represents a remarkable opportunity to improve health and reduce health care disparities in Los Angeles.” That promise should be another reason for our fragmented region and its political structure to come together and work toward creating a sustainable, equitable, and healthy living environment for all LA residents.

As this brief introduction to the manuscript suggests, the report’s content is rich and provides the necessary beginning for many conversations that should occur among and between policymakers, residents, and nonprofit organizations. After all, good policy is not made in vacuum, but rather through dialogue. To that end, we view this report as notes for many conversations to come. Our city deserves and needs hundreds of these notes, so that it will remind us who we are, why we are here, and what we are supposed to do. Pulling the fragments of our memory together and constructing the narratives that define us can easily treat urban amnesia. We only hope that the readers of this report will enjoy these pages as much as we did and will engage with us in the important task of purposeful remembering.

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10/7 Reforming Los Angeles Forum at City Hall

2010-10-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

Reforming Los Angeles: A 10-Year Review of Charter Reform - Is It Working?"

Councilmember José Huizar will moderate a Reforming Los Angeles panel discussion on October 7th in City Council Chambers featuring some of the region's top experts on Charter Reform and City Governance.

Panel: Julie Butcher, Jackie Dupont-Walker, Fernando Guerra, Xandra Kayden, Ron Kaye, Greg Nelson and Raphael Sonenshein.

Ten years ago, Los Angeles voters approved a set of sweeping changes to promote civic engagement and rethink its government structure. It is time to review Charter Reform to see if it is working and decide where we need to go.

This is a follow-up to the successful March forum on Campaign Finance Reform and the June forum on Election Reform. In addition to moderating, Councilmember Huizar will also provide an update on both of the previous forums and make an announcement for the fourth in the series--set for November.

• Forum hosted and moderated by Councilmember José Huizar

• Thursday, October 7, 2010

• 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Los Angeles City Hall Council Chambers

• Free and open to the public

• Hosted parking

Register Now!

The Government Reform Forum Series are free and open to the public. There is no cost to attend and free parking can be arranged by contacting the Office of Councilmember Huizar at (213) 473-7014. Light refreshments will be served.

Press Club Panel Discussion on Talk Radio and Its Impact

2010-09-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact: Diana Ljungeaus, Press Club Executive Director

(310) 210-1860 or Diana@lapressclub.org

Edward Headington, Publicist

818.720.7181 or Edward@lapressclub.org

Hollywood, CA: KFI’s John Kobylt, half of the John and Ken show, Talkers magazine publisher Michael Harrison and KPCC/LA Times journalist and radio host Patt Morrison will be among the participants of a high-powered panel discussing the state of talk radio in L.A. and the nation, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club, Thurs., Oct. 28, at the Steve Allen Theater—a week before the mid-term elections. R.S.V.P.

According to Talkers magazine publisher Michael Harrison, who coined the term “talk media” and defined it years ago in preparation for this new era, “Talk media is collectively the most accurate bellwether of American public opinion in the mass media today.”

Radio veteran Bill Moran will moderate by tossing such queries as “What is the impact of Talk Radio on the mid-term elections?” and “Is a strong news department relevant or even necessary to the content of Talk Radio?” And there are many other probing questions he will be challenging participants to answer. Two of those being put on the firing line include top talk show program directors Robin Bertolucci of Clear Channel and KABC’s Jack Silver.

The event is free to LA Press Club members; non-members pay $20 (includes drinks and snacks). Tickets at http://LApressclub.org.

John and Ken, a five-hour, Monday through Friday radio show on KFI, 640 AM, are one of very few local radio shows with one million listeners.

The term “talk media” includes broadcast talk radio and television, cable news/talk television, as well as the new talk media delivered via the internet, podcasting and satellite radio.

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The historic Los Angeles Press Club is the only all platform journalist organization in Southern California. The club has honored and engaged some of the most intriguing figures of the 20th Century. Among them are Harry Truman, Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Nixon-to name but a few. The Club’s prestigious Journalism Awards Presentation has been an annual tradition for the last 52 years. This past June, among those either presenting or being honored, were Anderson Cooper, Sean Penn and Arnold Schwarzenegger. For more information, go to http://www.lapressclub.org/.

PR Newswire, co-sponsor for all Los Angeles Press Club events, is the global leader in news and information distribution services for professional communicators. For more information, go to www.prnewswire.com/.

Headington Media Group is a boutique communications firm dedicated to promoting public affairs and journalism in Southern California, specializing in image management, branding, messaging and public relations. For more information, go to www.headingtonmedia.com and/or visit www.headingtonmediacenter.org.

Pat Brown Institute Announces “2010 Los Angeles State of the City Report” Press Conference

2010-09-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

ADVISORY

Tuesday, September 28, 2010
For Immediate Release
PBI Contact: Jacqueline Ruiz
323.343.3770, JRuiz@cslanet.calstatela.edu
Media Contact: Edward Headington
818.720.7181, Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com

The 6th edition of the PBI report will be discussed and be made available this Tuesday, Oct. 5th

LOS ANGELES, CA—The Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs (PBI) will soon make public the 6th edition of its “Los Angeles: State of the City” report. A press conference has been scheduled for this Tuesday at Cal State Los Angeles to discuss the findings and conclusions of several expert contributors. This annual enterprise of the PBI features articles from eight regional experts who offer substantive discussions on critical issues impacting the quality of life in Los Angeles—including the economy, immigration, housing, transportation, sustainable development, and healthcare reform. The 2010 edition is generously funded by the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation. Contributing authors will reveal key findings from their reports at this public unveiling and press conference.

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Daniel Flaming, Economic Roundtable
Dr. Dowell Myers, University of Southern California
Dr. Richard Willson, California State University, Pomona
Dr. Jaime Regalado, Executive Director of the PBI, and Dr. Ali Modarres, Chair of the CSULA Department of Geography and Urban Analysis and State of the City Report editor will also be available to the press.

OPPORTUNITIES: Speak one-on-one and ask questions with the PBI and the expert contributors

DATE & TIME: Tuesday, October 5th @ 9 a.m.

LOCATION: Cal State LA @ 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032 in the Student Union on the 3rd Floor in the Montebello Room

MORE: This is a free public event open to the media, elected officials, and all community stakeholders. Parking available on campus at Parking Structure C or Lot 5 located at Paseo Rancho Castilla; Cost is $2 per two hours (cash only).

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Coalition Seeks Election Reform thru the ‘Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights’

2010-09-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

UPDATE

Here is the link to the full news conference and an edited version of the Councilmember's remarks. You can also view the slideshow.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Rick Coca, (213) 473-7014 or rick.coca@lacity.org

Four-part plan seeks to place proposal on March 2011 ballot in order increase voter turnout in the City of Los Angeles, ensure fair elections and save the City much-needed money

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 27, 2010) — A working group of election, voter and community advocates joined with Councilmember José Huizar Monday to announce plans to place a package of good-government referendums on the March 2011 ballot in order to ensure fair elections, increase voter turnout and save the City much-needed money.

The reform package, the Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights, was born out of two campaign and election forums hosted by Councilmember Huizar where a panel of experts representing a wide-range of political, election and community interests, spoke in-depth about reforming the City’s campaign and election process.

“Councilmember Huizar’s package of reforms would improve elections in several important ways,” said David Holtzman, President of the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles. “I thank Mr. Huizar for leading the way here and hope to see increased interest and participation in our local elections as these reforms are implemented.”

The Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights will be discussed in greater detail after it is co-presented by Councilmember Huizar and Council President Eric Garcetti in chambers on Tuesday. Along with Councilmember Huizar, participating organizations that helped shape the plan include Common Cause; League of Women Voters of Los Angeles; California Clean Money Campaign; the Center for Governmental Studies; and the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project. Council President Garcetti’s office also provided input.

Councilmember Huizar brought the groups together after his forum discussions found there was agreement on a number of election-reform issues that could work as package legislation.

“With the Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights, a group, representing divergent and often competing interests, has united for a common good to fight voter apathy and fatigue,” said Councilmember José Huizar. “We want to make sure our elections are fair, do not unnecessarily overburden voters and give Angelenos the kind of voting choices that make it easier for them to participate in one of our most sacred freedoms.”

Kathay Feng, Executive Director of Common Cause, said the time is right for election reform.

“We’ve seen in election after election lower voter turnout in the City of Los Angeles,” Feng said. “We believe the Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights will increase participation and trust in the voting process.”

The Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights is a four-part plan that seeks voter-approved Charter changes for the first three proposals listed here. The other, Election Day Voter Registration, will be presented as a Resolution supporting County and/or State legislation.

1) Voter Owned Elections: Limit special interests influence through an adjustment, at no additional cost, to the City’s General Fund, in order to increase funds to the public finance account and encourage more candidates to use public financing and not rely on special interest money.

2) Vote-by-Mail/Neighborhood Vote Centers: Voter participation in Los Angeles City elections is appalling low. This system seeks to engage more voters, who because of work or family obligations have difficulty getting to the ballots, while continuing to offer voters the option of voting in-person at larger Neighborhood Vote Centers.

3) Ranked Choice Voting: Voters have a right to a quick and efficient election through Ranked Choice Voting. To save the voters time and the City money, voters should have only one regular City election per year. Ranked Choice Voting allows voters to indicate their top three choices in a single election, which the City Clerk would use to determine a winner with greater than 50 percent support.

4) Election Day Voter Registration: No eligible citizen should be turned away from voting. If a citizen is eligible to vote and can be securely verified, that person should be able register and cast a ballot on Election Day at designated Vote Centers. We call on Los Angeles County and State efforts to give voters this right.

Trent Lange, President of the California Clean Money Campaign, said his organization will work with the Council offices and other organizations to gather support for the package in the coming days.

“We need to make it easier for voters to have their voices heard by passing the Los Angeles Voters’ Bill of Rights,” Lange said. “We should use the savings to strengthen and update the public financing system that Los Angeles voters passed in 1990 so that voters can feel confidant that politicians are accountable to them and not big money donors.”

Tuesday’s motion will be heard Wednesday in the Rules and Elections Committee before coming back to Council in time to consider placing the package on the 2011 March ballot.

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Huizar Works with City to Find Loans to Continue Senior Meals Services

2010-09-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Rick Coca
(213) 473-7014 or rick.coca@lacity.org

Councilmember José Huizar introduced emergency loan motion and worked with City Staff to successfully identify $3.6 million to cover City Senior meal programs and other services set to run out due to State budget stalemate

LOS ANGELES (September 22, 2010) — A week after Councilmember José Huizar introduced City legislation directing City staff to quickly find money that could be used as loans to continue funding critical Senior meal programs and other services, $3.6 million in City funds have been identified.

Councilmember Huizar took the action to ensure that Senior meal programs in the City of Los Angeles see no disruption in services due to the state budget stalemate, with the state holding up federal funding that organizations in Los Angeles depend on to provide Senior meal services, as well as Senior multi-purpose centers and job training programs. The meal services often represent the only hot meal many Seniors receive. Councilmember Huizar introduced follow-up legislation Wednesday to formally request the loans be approved by the City, as well as a resolution seeking support for state legislation to separate the federal funds from the state’s budget action in the future.

“I want to thank City staff who worked with my office to quickly identify these bridge loans,” said Councilmember Huizar. “While the loans will have no financial impact on our own City budget, they will have an enormous impact on our Seniors, ensuring that the vital services they depend on, especially our Senior meal programs, will continue uninterrupted regardless if the state acts or not.”

The recently concluded legislative session in Sacramento ended without any action to reauthorize federal funds for meal-assistance programs, which expired on September 1. This means that the 6,700 elderly Los Angeles residents who rely on this program for sustenance were at risk of going hungry until the State passes a budget, with some service-providing organizations facing shutting down operations by October if they did not receive some form of financial help.

The City of Los Angeles receives $14.6 million annually for this program, which provides 3,520 meals a day at dining centers and 3,221 more to home bound Seniors. The Department of Aging called the various agencies that provide these services and determined that $3.6 million will allow them to continue operating without the federal funds through the end of December 2010.

Another program impacted by the State’s cash flow problem is Title V - the Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP), which is a job-skills training program for low-income Seniors who receive a training stipend while they gain on-the-job training experience. A bridge loan for this program ran out two weeks ago. Seniors Multi-Purpose Center Services are also affected by the funding freeze.

The bridge loans come from $2.3 million in UDAG funds and $1.3 million from the Public Works Trust Fund. Once the federal funds are released by the state, those loans will be repaid.

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Future Plans Announced for Beloved Clifton's Cafeteria on Broadway

2010-09-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Huizar/Rick Coca, (213) 473-7014 or rick.coca@lacity.org
Meieran/Dan Cox, CRPR Media, 323-481-0983

Project will focus on historic preservation and community service, ensuring Clifton’s iconic tribute to American idealism, hope and imagination will be preserved and enjoyed for generations to come. 100 new jobs to be created, including opportunities for formerly homeless individuals through partnership with Midnight Mission.

LOS ANGELES (September 21, 2010) – — Los Angeles entrepreneur, Andrew Meieran, joined Councilmember José Huizar, Robert Clinton, owner of Clifton’s Cafeteria, and Linda Dishman, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Conservancy, to announce future plans for the iconic Clifton’s Cafeteria at 648 S. Broadway now that Meieran, owner of The Edison, recently purchased the business.

“We feel honored to be a part of the Clifton’s legacy and the history it represents and are working closely with Bringing Back Broadway and the Conservancy to ensure Clifton’s iconic tribute to American idealism, hope and imagination will be preserved and enjoyed for generations to come,” said Meieran, who intends to maintain the cafeteria’s integral role in providing service to the economically, culturally and socially diverse neighborhood – both day and night. “We hope the venue will once again help
establish Broadway as a nightlife destination and will help bring life to Broadway after dark.”

Meieran described plans to restore much of the cafeteria to its original condition, and maintain historic elements while updating building systems, infrastructure, disabled access, restrooms and services. Specifics of the plan include maintaining cafeteria-style food service (with an updated menu) on the ground floor during day and evening hours, complemented by the conversion of currently underutilized upper-floor space to provide a nightlife destination in the form of a neighborhood lounge with sit-down
restaurant service. Meieran also plans to reactivate Clifton’s top-floor commercial bakery and offer fresh baked breads and pastries under the Clifton’s brand. The work will be done without closing cafeteria doors as the restoration proceeds – similar to the way Clifford Clinton originally converted the building from the Boos Brother’s Cafeteria in 1935.

Meieran explained that his intention with Clifton’s – the same as was his intention for The Edison when it was being developed – is to retain the building’s iconic character and build upon its historic fabric and unique design with the future in mind.

“Historic preservation is not about pressing the pause button indefinitely, but about finding ways to honor the wonderful history that makes Broadway so special, while utilizing our historic buildings and businesses in innovative ways that allow them to be successful and vital into the next generation, while serving our diverse community,” said City Councilmember José Huizar, initiator of the Bringing Back Broadway revitalization plan.

Huizar explained there is currently a 15 – 20% vacancy rate on the ground floor along Broadway, with more than 1 million square feet of commercial space in the upper floors of Broadway’s buildings, producing no jobs, no revenues, and doing little to support revitalization or support Downtown’s success.

“Today, we celebrate because Clifton’s is reversing that statistic,” Councilmember Huizar said.

Born from the uncertainty and need of the Great Depression, Clifton’s Cafeterias became retreats from the harsh economic realities of 1930s America. Clifford Clinton, founded Los Angeles’ premier cafeteria chain on the premise that people should conduct their business according to their conscience, not their pocket book. A unique blend of fantasy architecture and social activism, Clifton’s Cafeterias represented the best of American entrepreneurship and imagination.

The much beloved Broadway location, originally known as Clifton’s Brookdale, was designed to resemble a redwood glen similar to those frequented by Clifford Clinton when he was growing up in Monterey, California. The whimsical design originally included a wishing well, limeade springs and a mechanical sherbet geyser. Surviving original elements that helped create the magical setting include a small chapel, full size faux redwood trees and a waterfall that meanders its way through the dining room.

Meieran’s restoration and renovation process, which will focus on preservation of character-defining elements of both the interior and exterior, will culminate in his desire to nominate Clifton’s Brookdale Cafeteria for designation as a Los Angeles Cultural Monument and have it registered on state and national registries of historic places. Meieran plans to work with the Los Angeles Conservancy on these efforts.

“The Los Angeles Conservancy is thrilled with the announcement that Clifton’s will continue operating under new ownership,” said Linda Dishman, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Conservancy. “Clifton’s is one of the great touchstones in L.A. and we look forward to working with Andrew Meieran on this project.”

In addition to focus on community service, business development and historic preservation, Meieran explained job preservation and job creation is a main priority for the project. Meieran’s goal is to retain the existing 65 Clifton’s associates while also creating at least 100 additional positions as business hours expand and nightlife components are added. He intends to take advantage of numerous business and tax incentives available to Broadway businesses, and develop partnerships for employing local workers from underserved communities.

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Reforming Los Angeles Forum Announced for October 7th

2010-09-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

Reforming Los Angeles: A 10-Year Review of Charter Reform - Is It Working?"

Ten years ago, Los Angeles voters approved a set of sweeping changes to promote civic engagement and rethink its government structure. It is time to review Charter Reform to see if it is working and decide where we need to go.

The forum will address hot topics such as the LADWP/Ratepayer Advocate, status of Neighborhood Councils, and the power dynamic between the Mayor, City Attorney, City Controller and the City Council.

· Forum hosted and moderated by Councilmember José Huizar

· Thursday, October 7, 2010

· 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Los Angeles City Hall Council Chambers

· Free and open to the public

· Hosted parking

Register Now!

Coro Public Affairs Fellows Begin Anew

2010-09-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

RELEASE

September 7, 2010

For Immediate Release
Coro Contact: Kelly LaMar, Coro.lamar@gmail.com, 213.623.1234
Media Contact: Edward Headington, EHeadington@Coro.org, 818.720.7181

Los Angeles, CA – For over half a century, the Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership has been “Training Tomorrow’s Leaders” through its venerated Public Affairs Fellows program. A number of local leaders have gone through the rigorous nine month training—including U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein, U.S. Congressman Jerry Lewis, state Senator Alex Padilla, former City Councilman David Cunningham, publisher David Abel; public affairs expert Kerman Maddox, Governor Schwarzenegger aides Billie Greer and Lisa Kalustian, former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Chief of Staff Robin Kramer. Twelve more future leaders began their Coro leadership experience this week as the 53rd class of Fellows in Public Affairs at Coro Southern California.

Patrick Atwater – Claremont McKenna College, BA
Farid Enrique Ben Amor – Cornell University, BA
Andrew DeBlock – Occidental College, BA
Timothy Golden – Lingnan University, BS
Elana Goldstein – Brown University, BA
Jessica N. Gray – Pepperdine University, BS
Antoinette Grier – University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, BA
Thuy Huynh – University of California, Los Angeles, BA
Leticia Munoz – University of California, Santa Barbara, BA
Thalia Roussos – University of California, Los Angeles, BA
Corinne E. Tapia – Georgetown University, BA
Katy Young – University of California, Los Angeles, JD

“As a graduate of the Coro Fellows program and Trainer all these years, I know what awaits these young leaders,” said Coro Southern California Chief Operating Officer, John Greenwood. “We have a long tradition of experiential leadership training and an alumni network that is second-to-none. It is going to be another Coro world-class experience for them.”

For nine months, the Coro Fellows will examine the institutions of public affairs—government, business, labor, media, political campaigns and community organizations—to better understand the public sector and strengthen the relationship between citizens and their government. Stay tuned for future updates around placements, presentations and other Fellows activities.

“To ‘Train Tomorrow’s Leaders,’ Coro engages the community as a class room,” said Greenwood. “Through projects, focus weeks, seminars and assignments, the Fellows learn about challenges facing the region and develop the necessary civic leadership problem-solving skills and networks to address them.

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HMG September 2010 Community Hotsheet

2010-09-07T00:06:00.000-07:00

Below are some great events in and around Los Angeles. HMG promotes public affairs and issue forums throughout Southern California and provides this hotsheet as a community benefit. You can get additional information and stay in touch with us through:HMG, Twitter,Facebook, YouTube,Vimeo, Flickr, LinkedIn and HeadingtonMediaCenter. Please email any suggestions and/or upcoming events to Events@HeadingtonMedia.com. Enjoy …

PUBLIC POLICY/AFFAIRS

September 9^th– Los Angeles Press Club Newsthinking Workshop with Bob Baker 6 p.m. @ the Steve Allen Theater. For more information, go to http://www.lapressclub.org/.
September 15^th – 17^th– League of California Cities Annual Conference & Expo @ the San Diego Convention Center. For more information, go to www.cacities.org/events.
September 16^th– BREATHE LA Green Salon Environmental Innovation in Our Educational Systems 9 a.m. @ the California Endowment. For more information, go to http://www.breathela.org/.
September 16^th– California Partnership for Access to Treatment Advocacy Training: How to Effectively Communicate with Policymakers and the Media 12 p.m. @ the Greater Riverside Chambers ofCommerce. For more information, go to http://www.caaccess.org/calendar.html.
September 23^rd– Town Hall Los Angeles Discussion with L.A.P.D. Chief Charlie Beck 11:30 a.m. @ the Biltmore Hotel. For more information, go to http://www.townhall-la.org/.
September 24^th– Los Angeles World Affairs Council U.S.-Mexico Relations with Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan 12 p.m. @ the Biltmore Hotel. For more information, go to www.lawac.org/.
September 29^th– Pat Brown Institute Health Policy Outreach Center Mental Health is Everyone's Business: Promoting Collective Ownership and Wellness in Our Communities 9:30 a.m. @ CSULA. For more information, go to http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.
September 30^th– Coro Southern California CrossTalk on Healthcare: A Look at the Rise and Fall … and Rise Again of the Public Health Option and Single-Payer Proposals 9 a.m. @ Los Angeles City Hall. For more information, go to http://www.corola.org/.

CIVICS/POLITICS/HISTORY

September 4^th– Nixon Presidential Library kicks off Treasures from the Vault: Head of State Gifts @ the Nixon Presidential Library & Museum. For more information, go to http://www.nixonlibrary.gov/.
September 11^th– Service Nation 9/11 National Day of Service 9 a.m. @ Giving Children Hope (in Buena Park). For more information, go to http://www.servicenation.org/.
September 12^th– California GOP Ronald Reagan Opening Celebration Dinner 10 a.m. @ the Reagan Presidential Library. For more information, go to www.reaganlibrary.com/details_t.aspx?p=PE40002PGE&h1=7&h2=13&sw=&lm=programandevents&args_a=cms&args_b=888&argsb=N&tx=2141
September 22nd – Markos Moulitsas Discussion & Book signing of American Taliban 7 p.m. @ Immanuel Presbyterian Church. For more information, go to www.laprogressive.com/the-media/markos-moulitsas-speaking/.
September 23^rd– Los Angeles County Young Democrats 10^th Annual LACYD Laurel Awards 6:30 p.m. @ Cicada. For more information, go to http://www.lacyd.org/.
September 24^th– USC Unruh Institute Rebooting California Conference Details TBA. For more information, go to http://college.usc.edu/unruh.
September 25th – Los Angeles Clean Sweep Candidate Forum 12 p.m. @ location TBA. For more information, go to http://lacleansweep.com/.
September 25^th to the 27^th– Coffee Party National Convention. Louisville, Kentucky. For more information, go to http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/.
September 30^th – October 1^st– Politics magazine Crash Course in Campaigning Seminar The Washington Marriott. For more information, go to www.politicsmagazine.com/seminars-events/the-art-of-political-campaigning

CULTURAL/COMMUNITY/ENTERTAINMENT

September 9^th– Season Premiere of Destination Truth 9 p.m. @ SyFy Channel. For more information, go to www.syfy.com/destinationtruth.
September 11^th– Granada Hills Movie Night showing The Incredibles. 7 p.m. @ the Granada Hills Recreation Center. For more information, go to http://www.ghnnc.org/ or http://www.ghsnc.org/.
September 11^th – Avenue 50 Studio Brushes of Fire featuring Sonya Fe and Margaret Garcia 7 p.m. @ Avenue 50 Studio. For more information, go to http://www.avenue50studio.com/.
September 12^th – 2010 MTV Video Music Awards 9 p.m. @ MTV. For more information, go to http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2010/.
September 12^th – Poetry reading with Alden Marin and Pablo Capra 7:30 p.m. @ Beyond Baroque. For more information, go to http://www.beyondbaroque.org/.
September 13^th – Vroman’s Bookstore Robert Scheer Discusses and Signs The Great American Stickup 7 p.m. @ Vroman’s Bookstore. For more information, go to www.vromansbookstore.com/robert-scheer.
September 14^th – Cobalt Poets Open Reading with Brandon Cesmat 9 p.m. @ the Cobalt Café. For more information go to http://poetrysuperhighway.com/cobalt.
September 14^th – Zocalo Public Square Are Celebrity Chefs Good for Food? 7:30 p.m. @ the Skirball Center. For more information, go to http://zocalopublicsquare.org/upcoming.php?event_id=429.
September 15^th – Vroman’s Bookstore Joe Mathews and Mark Paul Discuss and Sign California Crackup 7 p.m. @ Vroman’s Bookstore. For more information, go to www.vromansbookstore.com/california-crackup.
September 19^th – Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore’s 1st Annual Rise of the Youth Community Fundraiser & Lowrider Show 12 p.m. For more information, go to http://www.tiachucha.com/.
September 19^th – Avenue 50 Studio H.I.P. presents Mujerismo: An Afternoon of Strong Latina Poets 2 p.m. @ Avenue 50 Studio. For more information, go to http://www.avenue50studio.com/.
September 19^th – Valley Contemporary Poets presents Reading with Luis Rodriguez, Liz Gonzalez and Xochitl-Julisa Barmejo 3 p.m. @ the Tarzana Community & Cultural Center. For more information, go to http://poetrysuperhighway.com/vcp/pubs.html.
September 21^st – Valley Contemporary Poets presents Open Reading with Trish Falin 9 p.m. @ the Cobalt Café. For more information go to www.poetrysuperhighway.com/cobalt.
September 24^th – Premiere of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps Check your local listings.
September 24^th – Premiere of Howl Check your local listings.
September 25^th – UCLA-Heal the Bay Coastal Cleanup Day 9 a.m. throughout Los Angeles County. For more information, go to www.environment.ucla.edu/calendar/showevent.asp?eventid=217.
September 25^th – Hollywood Bowl Sing-A-Long Sound of Music 6 p.m. @ the Hollywood Bowl. For more information, go http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/.

SPORTS

September 2^nd – College Football USC vs. Hawaii
September 4^th – College Football UCLA vs. Kansas State
September 11^th– College Football USC vs. Virginia
September 11^th – College Football UCLA vs. Stanford
September 11^th – MLS Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Columbus Crew 7:30 p.m. @ the Home Depot Center. For more information, go to www.lagalaxy.com/schedule.
September 15^th – UFC Fight Night 15 8 p.m. @ Spike TV.
September 18^th – College Football USC vs. Minnesota
September 18^th – College Football UCLA vs. Houston
September 18^th – MLS Los Angeles Galaxy vs. D.C. United 7:30 p.m. @ the Home Depot Center. For more information, go to www.lagalaxy.com/schedule.
September 18^th – HBO Boxing Shane Mosley vs. Sergio Mora 6 p.m. @ HBO PPV. For more information, go to www.hbo.com/boxing.
September 21^st – Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres 7:10 p.m. @ KCAL/Dodger Stadium. For more information, go tohttp://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=la.
September 24^th – MLS Los Angeles Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls 8 p.m. @ the Home Depot Center. For more information, go to www.lagalaxy.com/schedule.
September 25^th – College Football USC vs. Washington State
September 25^th – College Football UCLA vs. Texas
September 25^th – Showtime Boxing Super Six World Boxing Classic 7:10 p.m. @ Showtime. For more information, go to http://sports.sho.com/browse/events.html?sport=boxing.
September 25^th – UFC 119 Mir vs. Cro Crop 7 p.m. @ PPV.

NETWORKING

September 16^th – Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Poolside Mixer 6 p.m. @ Los Angeles Marriot Downtown. For more information, go to http://www.leadershipnetwork.org/index.php?src=events&srctype=detail&category=Partner%20event&refno=68.
September 28^th – Professional Business Network Open House Business Mixer 6 p.m. @ City Club on Bunker Hill. For more information, go to www.pbnonline.org/

PBI Announces 9/16 Transportation Panel Discussion

2010-08-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

ADVISORY

Friday, August 27, 2010
For Immediate Release
Pat Brown Institute Contact: Jacqueline Ruiz, (323) 343-3770
Media Contact: Edward Headington, (818) 720-7181

LOS ANGELES, CA. The Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs (PBI) is hosting a panel discussion on transportation entitled "Aging Highways, New Horizons: The Future of Transportation in Los Angeles." It is free and open to the public but be sure to confirm your RSVP today as space is limited. To R.S.V.P., call (323) 343-3770, register online or visit http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.

* Thursday, September 16, 2010
* 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
* Peterson Automotive Museum @ 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
* On site parking for $8 (cash or credit card)
* Light breakfast will be provided.

The vast highway program that began under former California Governor Pat Brown is now an aging transportation infrastructure. To sustain the quality of life Angelenos have come to expect, it is important to revitalize our transportation systems in the Southland that offer equal access to all residents. It is equally vital to weigh environmental concerns and funding options as new forms of public transportation are built. Now more than ever we must be visionary as we reinvigorate our transportation infrastructure and project Los Angeles’ needs for the next 10 years.

The 2010 California Agenda is sponsored by Southern California Edison, Wells Fargo, Sempra Energy, Sony Pictures, Union Pacific, and the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation.

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Last Call - 8/26 "Breaking the Bell City Scandal" Program

2010-08-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 26, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Diana Ljungeaus, Press Club Ex. Dir./Producer
(310) 210-1860 or Diana@lapressclub.org
Edward Headington, Publicist
818.720.7181 or Edward@lapressclub.org

How we broke the story: Gottlieb and Vives reveal the story behind the Bell City Scandal (tickets still available)

A simple request by two Los Angeles Times reporters for salary information on public officials in the small city of Bell blossomed into a scandal that has captivated readers nationwide. Reporters Jeff Gottlieb and Ruben Vives broke the story that disclosed Bell's city manager was being paid $787,637 a year. Come hear them tell "How we got that story" next Thursday evening, Aug. 26, at the Los Angeles Press Club.

When: 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010

Where: Los Angeles Press Club in the Steve Allen Theater @ 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA. Free parking behind the building (two blocks west of Vermont), Metro: Red Line, Sunset/Vermont

Cost: Free for members, $15 for non-members. Refreshments included.

Click here to R.S.V.P.

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The Los Angeles Press Club stands as an organization devoted to improving the spirit of journalism and journalists, raising the industry's standards, strengthening its integrity and improving its reputation all for the benefit of the community at large. Serving the Southland since 1913, it is the only Southern California journalism group that speaks for all journalists working for daily and weekly newspapers, radio & TV, magazines, documentary films and online. For more information, go to http://www.lapressclub.org/.

PR Newswire, co-sponsor for all Los Angeles Press Club events, is the global leader in news and information distribution services for professional communicators. For more information, go to www.prnewswire.com/.

Honoring ‘Last Comic Standing’ Winner Felipe Esparza

2010-08-19T23:03:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Rick Coca
(213) 473-7014 or rick.coca@lacity.org

Boyle Heights’ comedian garnered national attention after winning competition – Huizar to honor him Friday in City Council and at special musical festival at Boyle Heights Farmers Market

LOS ANGELES (August 19, 2010) – Comedian Felipe Esparza, who turned everyday tales of growing up in the eastside’s Boyle Heights into a winning formula on national television as the 2010 winner of “Last Comic Standing,” will be honored Friday by Councilmember José Huizar.

First, Felipe will receive a special city resolution from Councilmember Huizar and the City Council during a presentation at their 10 a.m. Council meeting at City Hall.

Then at approximately 6 p.m., Councilmember Huizar will honor Felipe onstage at a special “Gran Festival” at the Boyle Heights Farmers Market at Mariachi Plaza. Friday evening’s celebration will also include musical entertainment from a variety of acts, as well as a Rancho-style horse exhibition at the popular farmers market, which was launched this summer to bring quality fruits and vegetables to the Boyle Heights’ community.

WHO: Comedian Felipe Esparza; Councilmember José Huizar; (Farmers Market): radio personality Humberto Luna, Mariachi Monumental De America; Amidst, Casa de Calacas; Rocio Ponce Flamenco; horse exhibition by Rancho Armendariz.

WHAT: Honoring Comedian Felipe Esparza

WHEN: Friday, August 20, 2010

WHERE: 10 a.m., City Council Chambers @ City Hall, 3rd Floor

6 p.m., Mariachi Plaza @ E. First St. and S. Boyle Ave., Los Angeles, 90033

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City Launches New Tool to Catch Illegal Dumping Violators

2010-08-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Rick Coca
(213) 473-7014 or rick.coca@lacity.org

The program, which will include a community/business participation component, aims to combat more than $12 million in annual costs to fight the most commonly committed environmental crime

LOS ANGELES (August 19, 2010) – Councilmember José Huizar joined Bureau of Street Services (BSS) officials and Central City East Association’s Estela Lopez Thursday to announce an increase in fines for illegal dumping under an amended ordinance that will make it easier to cite violators without having to catch them in the act, as in years past.

Illegal dumping costs the City more than $12 million a year. The primary targets of the amended ordinance are businesses and contractors who illegally dump multiple items on a regular basis.

“This amended ordinance will allow us to aggressively pursue those who choose to trash our City streets, parkways and alleys with their garbage,” said Councilmember José Huizar. “It also empowers our community and business partners to assist BSS in gathering evidence that can lead to fines being levied against illegal dumping perpetrators. This partnership could save the City much needed money and resources, and I look forward to working with BSS to conduct outreach to promote this program.”

The modified ordinance, which Councilmember Huizar helped usher in as the Chair of Public Works, will allow BSS Investigators to train interested organizations, such as Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) and Neighborhood Councils, to gather evidence linking violators to a residence or business so that BSS can issue administrative fines. The BSS Investigation and Enforcement team will continue to conduct investigations and can, when warranted, take cases to the City Attorney for criminal prosecution. The new administrative fines offer BSS the opportunity to institute fines directly, without first involving the City Attorney.

“The ordinance now authorizes Bureau investigators to administratively fine violators based on evidence found in dumped trash that identifies a responsible party,” said Bureau of Street Services Director William A. Robertson, of the Department of Public Works.

The amended ordinance, which went into effect in July, increases fines to $500, $750 and $1000 for each successive violation in a 12-month period. A fourth violation would result in criminal prosecution as a misdemeanor offense.

According to the Central City East Association, which offers cleanup services through its BID programs in the Arts & Industrial areas Downtown, there were 119 instances of illegal dumping in those areas in July 2010 alone.

“We owe each other, and especially our children, clean neighborhoods…clean rivers…clean oceans,” said Estela Lopez, Executive Director of Central City East Association. “Every time someone illegally discards trash on our streets and sidewalks, it compromises the health of our communities and poses untold hazards via our storm drains. It’s not just ugly. It’s dangerous. And it’s against the law.”

According to the code, it is illegal to dispose of any rubbish on public property without a permit from the Board of Public Works.

"While our Bureau Investigators do perform surveillance and cite or arrest violators caught in the act of dumping, the problem is so pervasive that arrests alone cannot prevent illegal dumping City wide," said Chief Street Services Investigator Gary Harris. “In addition to proactive enforcement of criminal laws, there is a need to hold accountable those that are not observed and who cannot be prosecuted through conventional methods. Using this administrative remedy helps us ensure that violators are held accountable.”

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Statement from José Huizar on Council’s Vote for DWP Ratepayer Advocate

2010-08-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Rick Coca
(213) 473-7014 or rick.coca@lacity.org

City Council votes 14-0 to ask City Attorney to draft language to place the position on the March 2011 ballot. Councilmember Huizar first to call for the position in 2008

LOS ANGELES (August 10, 2010) –“I am pleased that my colleagues and I voted today to ask the residents of Los Angeles to decide whether they think the Department of Water & Power needs a consumer oversight position, which I believe they do,” said Councilmember José Huizar, the first City Councilmember to call for such a position.

“Whether you call it an Ombudsperson, an Inspector General or a Ratepayer Advocate, we are talking about a position that will restore the public’s faith in the DWP, which is good for the ratepayers, good for the City and certainly good for the department. I look forward to working with Council President Garcetti and my colleagues on the City Council to make the Ratepayer Advocate a reality.”

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Coro CrossTalk on Leadership & Success with Michael Levine

2010-07-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

"Training Tomorrow's Leaders"

Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership's public speaker series, Coro CrossTalk, holds its second headliner event early next month at Los Angeles City Hall. Please join us for a special presentation with media expert, public relations guru and prolific author, Michael Levine.

Michael Levine on Leadership & Success in the Public Arena

With more than 25 years experience and having worked with some of modern society's biggest names and companies, Michael Levine is the founder of LCO. As the author of 19 books, including Guerrilla PR - considered the most widely used introduction to Public Relations in the world - Levine is an industry expert who is frequently called upon by national media to provide PR insight into topical news and events.

Called by USA Today, "one of Hollywood's brightest and most respected executives," Levine has been responsible for public relations campaigns for, among others, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Charlton Heston, Linda Evans, Jon Voight, Suzanne Somers, Demi Moore and Michael J. Fox. His clients have run from movie & TV stars, to sports heroes, to music figures, comics, producers and multi-national corporations.

Click here for his recent inteview on Off the Presses Radio Show.

Register Now!

There is no cost to attend and parking will be hosted if you provide your car make, model and license plate number. It is also accessible via the Civic Center metro exit and bus routes.

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Edward Headington @ eheadington@coro.org or 818.720.7181.

Light refreshments will be served. Parking is not hosted but there are numerous lots in the area.

Coro CrossTalk records all of its discussions. Check out last month's program: Matt Miller on How Rising Leaders Need To Think About Dead Ideas, Destined Ideas, and How to Get From Today's Headlines to Tomorrow's Solutions.

Upcoming CrossTalks include Education, Music, Healthcare Reform and the Public Option, Politics and a number of other timely issues. Coro will also be doing a special CrossTalk in Orange County later in the year.

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Coro is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that has trained leaders for civic life in Southern California for over fifty years. It prepares leaders to deal creatively, ethically and effectively with the challenges of democratic self-governance, and gives them the tools to make responsible decisions in the face of change and ambiguity. Coro embodies the belief that an individual truly can make a significant difference in society. Found in every sector and in all professions, Coro alumni are people who create, govern and guide with skill, vision and excellence.

Californians to Re-Write State Constitution Using Twitter

2010-07-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

RELEASE

Monday, July 19, 2010
For Immediate Release
ReThinkCali – Edward Headington, 818.720.7181 or edward@headingtonmedia.com
New America Foundation – Elizabeth Wu, 510.295.9859 or wu@newamerica.net

The Golden State launches reThinkCali to Reform its Political System; to Convene the World’s 1st Virtual Constitutional Convention

LOS ANGELES, CA – California business and public policy leaders have convened the world’s first Virtual Constitutional Convention. The online effort, reThinkCali.com, will use Twitter and other social media to re-write the state’s constitution, and “educate and engage everyone in innovating new solutions” to California’s chronic problems. Using an online organizing technique known as “crowdsourcing”, reThinkCali will offer incentives including prizes, scholarships and “stardom” to reward participants’ contributions.

“California’s governance crisis is at the very root of our state’s economic and fiscal problems, said Lenny Mendonca, Advisory Board Chair of reThinkCali and Chair of the Bay Area Economic Institute. The solutions for those problems will come from innovation and new ideas and reThinkCali is a fun catalyst.”

The effort is the brainchild of Los Angeles-based social entrepreneur Anthony Rubenstein, a veteran of California’s ballot initiative process. He founded and led Californians for Clean Energy - Yes on Proposition 87 in 2006, and helped lead the “Coalition of Everyone Against Proposition 10” in 2008. “We’re going to unleash the spirit of invention and out-of-the-box thinking that has made California the global engine of economic and cultural innovation,” said Rubenstein. “By using California’s new media tools like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to throw open the gates, we want to encourage everyone with an idea to fix what ails us to get involved, get heard, and get rewarded.”

reThinkCali will employ online “crowdsourcing” techniques that use a series of games or “challenges” designed to solicit ideas, allow all participants to rate and comment, and eventually select their favorites. The first challenge, dubbed the reConstitution e-Convention (or reCon e-Con) will allow e-delegates to re-write the California state constitution using Twitter and other social media tools. Participants will be eligible to win prizes and perhaps a bit of fame by creating, posting and even appearing in a user-generated media campaign slated for next January when California’s new Governor and legislators are sworn-in.

reThinkCali is a project of the New America Foundation, free to join, non-partisan and open to anyone—not just Californians. “The New America Foundation’s California program is dedicated to finding new voices with new solutions for our state. For us, reThinkCali is an innovative way to bring those new voices into the conversation,” said Mark Paul, Senior Scholar and Deputy Director of New America’s California program.

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reThinkCali is the place for you to respond to our challenges converging on the current state and the future of our beloved California. For more information, go to http://www.rethinkcali.com/.

New America Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institute that invests in new thinkers and new ideas to address the next generation of challenges facing the United States. For more information, go to http://www.newamerica.net/.

Headington Media Group is a boutique communications firm dedicated to promoting public affairs and civic engagement in Southern California. For more information, go to http://www.headingtonmedia.com/.

Putting the Care in "Obamacare" An Alternative Healthcare Town Hall

2010-07-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

ADVISORY

For Immediate Release
Contact: Elizabeth Wu
510.295.9859 or wu@newamerica.net

LOS ANGELES, CA. On the anniversary of the uncivil town halls of 2009, the New America Foundation and the Integrated Healthcare Association will host a constructive conversation among leaders of hospitals, physician practices, and community clinics. They will evaluate opportunities in federal healthcare reform implementation to improve the quality of care provided in California in ways that build on the state's successful models of high-value care.

Click here to register.

• Monday, July 19, 2010
• 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Los Angeles City Hall in the Bradley Tower @ 200 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• There is no cost to attend.

Featured Speakers

• William Chin, MD,Executive Medical Director
HealthCare Partners Medical Group

• Tom Priselac, Chief Executive Officer
Cedars-Sinai Health System

• Kavita Patel, MD, Director, Health Policy Program
New America Foundation

• Cástulo de la Rocha, President & CEO
AltaMed Health Services Corporation

Moderator

• Micah Weinberg, PhD, Senior Research Fellow
New America Foundation

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New America regularly launches multi-year, issue-specific Policy Programs to bring innovative, cutting-edge policy solutions to the fore of the national debate. These programs combine ongoing research and publications with working groups, conferences and public events. In the process, New America convenes many of the nation's brightest minds -- from across the political spectrum -- to work collaboratively on some of the most complex dilemmas of our time. For more information, go to http://www.newamerica.net/.

This event is co-sponsored by the Integrated Healthcare Association, Off the Presses, Headington Media Group, and the New America Foundation.