Discussing Budget on NBC's News Conference

Councilmember Alarcon and I discussed budget cuts this past Sunday on NBC's News Conference morning show with Conan Nolan.

Donating Surplus Food to Establish a City Food Policy

Recently, I introduced legislation that would allow the City of Los Angeles to donate surplus food to food banks and non-profits. Earlier, I presented a resolution in support of State Senate Bill 35, which would establish a state-wide database linking food banks and non-profits with food service providers that want to donate surplus food. Both actions aim to help those who disperse food to the needy throughout the City of Los Angeles and to establish a comprehensive City food policy. According to Hunger Action L.A., approximately 30 percent of L.A. County families consider themselves “food insecure,” and with the current economic climate, many food banks are seeing increased need while experiencing a shortage in donations. There are many things that we can do to help others, this is only the first step. Read L.A. Times story HERE.
Photo by Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Welcomes Bollywood Actress Mallika Sherawat !

Today, it was my honor to be able to recognize Mallika Sherawat, as the first Indian star from Bollywood acknowledged by the city of Los Angeles. Ms. Sherawat's talent as a Bollywood actress has gained her recognition as the "original Bollywood bombshell" and has even garnered her a song dedication by international recording artist Yanni! She stared in India's 2004 box office hit, "Murder", and will soon hit the big screen again with Irrfan Khan of "Slumdog Millionare" in the upcoming film "Hisss." Ms. Sherawat was recognized in Council today for her work in charitable efforts, as an advocate of woman's issues, the environment and nutrition. I feel very honored to recognize her work on the eve of Indian Independence Day, when Los Angeles, one of the most diverse cities in the world celebrates the contributions of Indian Americans in the United States. Congratulations Mallika!

Kids Enjoy Summer Night Lights 2009

As we kick-off the second year of the highly successful Summer Night Lights (SNL) program, I want to encourage our young people and their families to become involved and take advantage of the excellent programs being offered. As part of an effort to protect our young people from gangs and gang violence, 16 parks within Los Angeles, including Ramon Garcia and Ramona Gardens parks in Boyle Heights, are now open and fully staffed from 7 p.m. to Midnight, Wednesday through Saturday, until September 7^th.

Participating Parks:

1. Baldwin Village/ Southwest – Jim Gilliam Park
2. Southwest II – Denker Park
3. Boyle Heights/ Hollenbeck – Ramon Garcia Park
4. Northeast – Cypress Park
5. Northeast – Glassell Park
6. Florence-Graham/ 77^th Division – Mount Carmel Park
7. 77^th Division II – Harvard Park
8. Newton – Ross Snyder Park
9. Pacoima/ Foothill – Hubert Humphrey Park
10. Panorama City – Sepulveda Park
11. Ramona Gardens/ Hollenbeck – Ramona Gardens Recreation Center
12. Watts/Southeast – Nickerson Gardens Housing Development
13. Watts/Southeast – Jordan Downs Housing Development
14. Watts/Southeast – Imperial Courts Housing Development
15. Rampart – Edward R. Roybal Learning Center
16. Hollywood – Lemon Grove Park

Let’s work together to make sure our communities and families are safe.

NYTIMES Article.

Picture Credit: Michal Czerwonka for The New York Times