Councilman Garcetti's Weekly Newsletter

[The information below was provided by the Office of Councilman Eric Garcetti.]

GARCETTI ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE HISPANIC COMMUNITY ACTION SUMMIT

L.A. City Councilmember Eric Garcetti joined hundreds of Angelenos, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, and other Obama Administration officials at the White House Hispanic Community Action Summit.  

"Our community faces major challenges and it's great that President Obama is so committed to working with us to meet them," said Councilmember Garcetti.  "This summit is an example of democracy at it's best... offering a voice to all who participate and moving us another step toward a country in which all families are given the opportunities they need for success." 

Summit participants joined with senior-level Obama Administration officials in break-out groups to discuss a wide range of issues of importance to the community.

GARCETTI DEDICATES MATTACHINE STEPS IN SILVER LAKE  

Councilmember Eric Garcetti and community leaders dedicated the public staircase that connects Cove Avenue to Rockford Road as the “Mattachine Society Steps.”  One of the earliest gay movement organizations, the Mattachine Society began in 1950 in the neighborhood at the top of the steps.

"It's fitting that we are dedicating a staircase to the Mattachine Society -- a symbol of the long climb toward equality in our city and country.  I hope that these stairs will help raise awareness of the continuing need to educate each other about our diversity and that each step taken by those who pass here will move us toward a more tolerant, accepting, and understanding world," said Councilmember Garcetti.

The Mattachine Society, founded by gay activist Harry Hay and several other gay men, advocated for a grassroots movement of gay people who would challenge anti-gay discrimination and recognize the importance of building a gay community.  They held open discussion groups, sponsored social events, raised funds, and published newsletters.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• On Friday and Saturday, April 13-14, the Special Needs Network (SNN) will host the 6th Annual Tools for Transformation Conference.   The conference brings together the country’s most renowned experts in medicine, law, education, and advocacy to provide families with cutting edge information and resources for children with developmental disabilities.  For more information on the two-day conference and to register, please visit http://www.tft2012.eventbrite.com/.

• On Saturday, April 14, join neighbors, gardeners, and special guests to take part in the official opening of Unidad Park’s community garden, which features 20 raised beds, a nopal garden, and a pollinator garden to entice bees and butterflies.  The grand opening will take place at Unidad Park (1644 Beverly Blvd) at 10:00 a.m.

• On Monday, April 16, all are invited to attend the Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council's 10th anniversary celebration featuring keynote speaker Raphael Sonenshein, Executive Director of the CSULA Pat Brown Institute.  The event begins at 6 p.m. at Taix Restaurant (1911 W. Sunset Blvd) in Echo Park.  This is a free event and children are welcome.  To RSVP or for more information, please call 213/308-2326 or contact Jose Sigala at bacasigala@earthlink.net

• On Tuesday, April 17, join the Veterans' Employment Program of Goodwill Southern California in celebrating their one year anniversary featuring a job fair and an opportunity to mingle with friends.  The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Goodwill center located at 342 San Fernando Road.  All veterans are welcome and encouraged to RSVP to Yvette Cowans at ycowans@goodwillsocal.org.

• On Thursday, April 19, Micheltorena Elementary School will host tours of its campus.  This will be an opportunity to meet the principal, teachers, and families as well as check out the school's curriculum, library, sustainable garden, music instruction, and more.  The tours will be from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  For more information, please visit www.micheltorena.org

• MARK YOUR CALENDARS:  On Saturday, April 28, Councilmember Garcetti, in partnership with Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), will present "Activating Women for Elected and Appointed Office," a workshop where women interested in serving in public office can learn more about running a successful campaign and applying for local and state appointments.  The workshop will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Glassell Park Senior and Community Center (3750 Verdugo Rd.).  RSVP here.

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