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APRIL 9, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE
GARCETTI JOINS HUD SECRETARY SHAUN DONOVAN TO ANNOUNCE NEW NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM
This week, Los Angeles welcomed the new Secretary of Housing a nd Urban Development Shaun Donovan (second from left), who visited South L.A. neighborhoods on a tour of foreclosed homes. His visit underscores President Obama's commitment to keeping Californians in their home, where more than 25% of all foreclosures nationally have occurred, and the innovative approach that the City of Los Angeles is taking to address this crisis.
Secretary Donovan emphasized the need for the federal and city governments to work together to stem the tide of foreclosures.
"In many ways, Los Angeles is a model for the nation," said L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti. "The homes we visited will be purchased with funding from the federal government's Neighborhood Stabilization Program, designed to combat blight and prevent community destabilization by helping low- to moderate-income families purchase homes that have been foreclosed."
Secretary Donovan and Council President Garcetti discussed mutual efforts to help refinance and modify mortgages for families facing foreclosure, to keep renters from being evicted from foreclosed properties, and to stop communities from becoming blighted. Secretary Donovan specifically noted the need to prevent fraud against homeowners looking for help with their mortgages.
(Those facing foreclosure and needing help, should be sure to use a qualified loan mortgage consultant, which can be found at makinghomeaffordable.gov.)
NEW PEDESTRIAN, TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS IN EAST HOLLYWOOD
Council President Garcetti joined community mem bers in dedicating n ew pedestrian and traffic improvements in East Hollywood. The streetscape project includes new landscaping, street trees, street lights, sidewalks, wheelchair access ramps, and a new median to make it safer for local drivers and pedestrians.
“This project not only beautifies the neighborhood, it makes it safer for pedestrians and drivers,” said Council President Garcetti. "Every week, thousands of people walk this neighborhood – seniors going to doctor’s appointments, students going to school, parents with strollers, and people in wheelchairs.These improvements will make their journeys safer and more pleasant."
The traffic and pedestrian improvements are located on Heliotrope Drive between Clinton Street and Oakwood Avenue.
FREE SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS
The City of Los Angeles Department of Aging links older adults and their family caregivers to supportive services throughout the city. Family caregivers are defined as those who provide unpaid assistance to a spouse, relative, neighbor, or friend who is alone or unable to take care of themselves.
Unfortunately, many caregivers are so focused on the needs of their loved ones that they often do not realize there are services available to assist them. To assist family caregivers, the Department of Aging organizes Family Caregiver Support Group and Caregiver Trainings free of charge. 
Caregiver Training topics include:
1) Fall and injury prevention
2) How to handle hoarding
3) Medication management
4) Reducing caregiver stress
5) Legal issues related to caregiving
Please contact the Department of Aging's Staff to schedule a free Family Caregiver Support Group meeting or free Caregiver Trainings today:
You can also visit the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging website to learn more about services for Family Caregivers.
NEIGHBORHOOD PREPAREDNESS AMBASSADOR WORKSHOPS BEGIN NEXT WEEKEND
 The City of Los Angeles is hosting a Neighborhood Preparedness Ambassador Program to train residents to make sure our neighborhoods are as prepared as possible for any natural disaster. The training is designed for participants to be able to teach these procedures to their Neighborhood Councils or other organizations.
The workshops will be held on two consecutive Saturdays -- April 18 and April 25 -- from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Olympic Community Police Station located at 1130 Vermont Avenue. Participants are asked to attend both sessions.
Classes are free, but space is limited. For additional information or to RSVP, contact Mona Curry at the Emergency Management Department at 213-473-9921 or by emailing mona.curry@lacity.org.
HOLLYWOOD RELAY FOR LIFE SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 22-23
This summer, Helen Bernstein High School will host Hollywood's Relay for Life to raise funds for the American Cancer Society's patient service programs, cancer research, advocacy, and community education.
Local businesses, community organizations, friends and families will create teams of 12 to 24 people who will take turns walking around the high school's track over a 24-hour period.
There are many ways to get involved with this exciting event, including:
- Forming a team
- Volunteering to help
- Becoming a sponsor
For more information or to register, please click here to visit the website.
L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti represents the 13th Council District, which includes all or part of the communities of Glassell Park, Little Armenia, Thai Town, Atwater Village, Elysian Valley, Echo Park, Historic Filipinotown, Silver Lake, East Hollywood and Hollywood. Councilmember Garcetti serves as President of the Los Angeles City Council.
Council President Garcetti and his staff can be reached via e-mail at councilmember.garcetti@lacity.org or by mail or phone at City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, Room 470, Los Angeles, CA 90012, 213-473-7013; 5500 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028, 323-957-4500; and 3750 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90065, 323-478-9002
Watch the Meet Eric Garcetti video in English or Spanish.
www.lacity.org/council/cd13
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