Councilman Garcetti's Weekly Newsletter

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

GARCETTI SPEAKS OUT FOR SENSIBLE GUN LAWS

L.A. City Councilmember Eric Garcetti addressed advocates of sensible gun laws at an annual summit hosted by Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles, the Violence Prevention Coalition of Orange County, and Women Against Gun Violence.  

"We need to stem the tide of senseless gun violence.  Every loss of life or injury has a ripple effect on our community, creating fear and despair.  We can and must do more," said Councilmember Garcetti. 

Garcetti discussed the City of Los Angeles's efforts to reduce gun violence by increasing penalties for firearm possession near schools, banning the sale of .50 caliber ammunition, and licensing ammunition dealers.  He pledged to work with advocates to restore an initiative through the City Attorney's Office to reduce straw purchasers -- people who agree to buy firearms on behalf of those who otherwise would not qualify to do so.

Garcetti also spoke of the need to prevent gun violence by providing positive alternatives for young people.  For example, when a 16 year-old girl was shot near the Glassell Park Recreation Center, Garcetti worked with community-based organizations to develop a program called "At the Park After Dark," which kept the recreation center open late during the summer and provided an attractive, safe, and supervised place for young people in the neighborhood to hang out.  That program was expanded by Mayor Villaraigosa into his Summer Night Lights initiative.

GARCETTI CELEBRATES OPENING OF LAKRETZ VILLAS

Los Angeles City Councilmember Eric Garcetti joined community members from Silver Lake and Hollywood for the grand opening of the LaKretz Villas, an affordable housing complex that will provide permanent housing and supportive services to homeless and disabled people.

"Providing permanent supportive housing is a key step in ending homelessness, and this project is a great example of what we can achieve when the private, publicand non-profit sectors work together," said Garcetti.

One of the residents, Calvin, said that his keys to his new apartment at LaKretz Villas came at a time when he felt he had no future.  He thanked those who made it possible for not only providing shelter and services, but for giving him "a stepping stone for tomorrow."

UPCOMING EVENTS

• On Saturday, March 31, check out the events happening for Good Food Day in Los Angeles.  Good Food Day-LA is a citywide event dedicated to learning about, celebrating and volunteering to strengthen our local food system. There will be 40 volunteer sites engaged in activities around the city, including at the Glassell Park Community Garden (3304 Drew Street) where there will be FREE healthy food preparation workshops and opportunities to taste healthy foods from 9 a.m. to noon.  Learn more here: www.goodfoodla.org

• On Saturday, March 31, Los Angeles Animal Services's amnesty for dog licenses will end.  If you have a dog that is not yet licensed or who has a license that has expired, act now and avoid late fees and penalties.  For detailed information on the application or re-registering, please visit http://www.laanimalservices.com.

• On Thursday, April 5, the White House will host a Hispanic Community Action summit.  All are invited to join senior-level Obama Administration officials to discuss issues of importance to the community.  The summit will take place at the Sonia Sotomayor Learning Academies (2050 San Fernando Road) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.   The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are required.  For more information or to register, please click here.

• On Saturday, April 7, run with the stars as the Hollywood Half Marathon bolts through this world-famous neighborhood.  5K and 10K races are also available.  More information and registration forms are available here:  www.hollywoodhalfmarathon.com.

• MARK YOUR CALENDARS:  The 6th Annual Tools for Transformation Conference will take place on Friday, April 13, and Saturday, April 14.   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.  The conference is organized by Special Needs Network, Inc. (SNN), a non-profit organization that supports families with children who have autism or other developmental disabilities in under-served communities.  For more information on the two-day conference and to register, please visit http://www.tft2012.eventbrite.com.

L.A. City Councilmember Eric Garcetti represents the 13th Council District, which includes all or part of the communities of Glass ell Park, Little Armenia, Thai Town, Atwater Village, Elysian Valley, Echo Park, Historic Filipinotown, Silver Lake, East Hollywood and Hollywood.