NEWS
POLAHS Receives ConocoPhillips Grant
SAN PEDRO – The Port of Los Angeles High School announced Aug. 25 that it was a recipient of a $10,000 grant from ConocoPhillips.
POLAHS will use the funds to expand its international business and maritime studies program.
The school operates on a limited budget provided by state funds that are sufficient for normal operations, but does not anticipate the specialized curriculum.
"We are extremely grateful for and dependent upon the support from caring companies like ConocoPhillips,” POLAHS Executive Director James Cross said. “They recognize that the vitality of our community's future depends on our ability to teach students the environmental and technological components necessary to participate in local and worldwide business markets.”
POLAHS Anticipates $202,000 in Federal Appropriations
SAN PEDRO – The Port of Los Angeles High School announced Aug. 23 that is is anticipating about $202,000 in federal appropriations funding for fiscal year 2011 from Congresswoman Jane Harman.
"The POLAHS Board of Trustees and Administration feels encouraged by the laudatory remarks received by Congress in support of the charter school concept and of the exemplary education that we are providing for their constituents," said Executive Director James Cross in a statement from the school. “We are particularly gratified that POLAHS is among the select few of those projects chosen by Congresswoman Jane Harman this year."
POLA Authorizes $1.2 Million for Maritime Education
SAN PEDRO — The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has authorized, Aug. 19, $1.2 million for the Port of Los Angeles to sponsor maritime-related educational programs in Southern California high schools to promote international trade and career opportunities.
The agreement with International Trade Education Programs Inc., which introduces high school students to careers in international trade, transportation and logistics through business connections, will allow students in the Harbor Area and elsewhere to continue to receive classroom knowledge and field exposure to port and maritime business operations, as well as job opportunities connected to the nation’s largest trade gateway.
The programs have four separate focuses at Banning High School in Wilmington that concentrate on international trade, global environmental sciences, safety and security as well as maritime agriculture, tourism and cuisine. More programming is planned for San Pedro, Gardena, Carson and Oakland.
“Even in lean budget times, we understand how critical it is to educate our youth about the maritime industry and enlighten them to potential career paths,” said Port Deputy Executive Director Mike Christensen in a statement.
Drake Park Expansion EIR Secures Funds
LONG BEACH – First District Councilman Robert Garcia announced Aug.23, during his first State of the First District address, that the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency, and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department secured $150,00 for an environmental impact report for the Drake Park Expansion Project with the support of Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.
If the expansion becomes a reality, Drake Park would become largest regional park in west and downtown Long Beach with three new soccer fields, restored wetlands, a nature center, community center and the restoration of the historical park.
Agreement To Reduce City Furloughs
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced Aug. 24 that the Engineers and Architects Association agreed to shoulder a portion of the city’s health care cost.
A memorandum of understanding was approved by the about 5,000 association members, which may provide more than $20 million in one-time and ongoing savings for the city.
The workers will be responsible for contributing 5 percent of their monthly healthcare premiums as well as a $20 co-payment per doctor visit (up from $10.)
In exchange, the city has agreed to reduce the number of furlough days for the members of the association from 26 to 10 days in the current budget year.
“Negotiating labor contracts during a fiscal crisis is never going to be pleasant, nor are concessions or sacrifices ever going to be made without reluctance,” said Michael Davies, interim executive director of the Engineers and Architects Association. “What EAA members realized is that this package of concessions, which still includes some minor gains, will help to sustain the quality of our health care benefit while at the same time providing some much-needed relief for those of our members subject to mandatory furloughs for a second year.”
Villaraigosa Appoints Jonathan Weedman Cultural Affairs Commission
LOS ANGELES – Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced, Aug. 23, the appointment of Jonathan Weedman, senior vice president of the Wells Fargo Foundation in Los Angeles, to the Cultural Affairs Commission.
The mayor-appointed commission, comprised of seven members, is an advisory board to the Department of Cultural Affairs responsible for the review and approval of all construction and artwork on city property. The Commission recently upgraded its design review process and guidelines and reinstated the Mayor's Design Advisory Panel.
Weedman has worked in banking for more than 20 years in various leadership positions. He is responsible for managing the charitable contributions of Wells Fargo’s, which includes an annual budget in excess of $15 million dollars for Los Angeles, Ventura, and west San Bernardino counties.
He also serves as chairman of the Young Musicians Foundation, and on the board of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Getty House Foundation. He is a member of the United Way of Los Angeles Community Investment Cabinet, served as chairman of the 2008 United Way Home Walk Committee and is a member of the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles Foundation Giving Committee.
Weedman is the recipient of numerous awards for his community service from organizations such as the American Heart Association, Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing, Shakespeare Festival Los Angeles and Para Los Niños. He and his partner are chairmen of the Los Angeles Philharmonic 2010 Hollywood Bowl Opening to raise funds for music education.
Schwarzenegger Signs Expansion of Whistleblower Law
SACRAMENTO – On Aug. 18, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an expansion of California’s Whistleblower Law.
The expansion, sponsored by Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, gives 22,000 state employees protection from retaliation should they report waste or wrongdoing in the state's judicial branch.
Most of the state's employees already were covered by California's Whistleblower Protection Act. However, employees of the judicial branch did not enjoy those protections prior to the governor’s action. Assembly Bill 1749, was co-authored by Assemblywoman Audra Strickland, R- Thousand Oaks.
California's 58 trial courts operate on a budget of about $3.7 billion. The lack of protection for judicial branch employees came to light during a recent hearing of the Assembly Committee on Accountability. Several lawmakers were surprised to learn that employees did not already enjoy the same kind of protections that applies to other state workers.
"We've seen some terrible stories about government waste lately," said
Lowenthal in a statement released from her office. "At the state level we have to encourage anyone who knows about wrongdoing to step forward."
Target Boycott Goes Musical
A recent YouTube video, produced to gain support for a boycott on Target Corp. for its financial support of a Minnesota politician, has garnered about 1,000 hits and counting, by taking their message straight to their local store with a great creative twist!
Check out the video at: Target Ain't People
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sept. 6
Rally at Jerry Brown’s Campaign Office
Supporters of Attorney General Jerry Brown’s bid for the governor’s office have scheduled a Labor Day rally from 2 to 4 p.m. at his campaign office in Carson.
Details: demwin2010 at att dot net or 310-421-VOTE
Venue: Jerry Brown’s Campaign Office
Location: 603-D East University Drive, Carson
Sept. 13
2010 ILWU Pensioners Convention
The 2010 Convention of the Pacific Coast Pensioners Association will take place Sept. 13 through 15, in San Francisco. There will be delegates from other nations, and the International Longshoreman & Warehouse Union officers will update members on important issues.
Details: (415) 474-0300 or www.ILWU.org
Venue: ILWU Local 10 Union Hall
Location: 400 N. Point St., San Francisco
COMMUNITY & FAMILY EVENTS
Sept. 3
San Pedro Library’s Used Book Sale
Support your local library, from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 3 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 4, at the San Pedro Library. Hardbacks are $1, small paperbacks are 25 cents, records are 50 cents, and compact discs as well as DVDs are $2.
Details: (310) 548-7779
Venue: San Pedro Branch Library
Location: 931 S Gaffey St, San Pedro
Sept. 6
“Labor Day Concert in the Meadow” at the South Coast Botanic Gardens
The Palos Verdes Symphonic Band will be performing a variety of musical selections at this South Coast Botanic Gardens fundraiser. The concert begins at 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, with free admission for children younger than12 years old.
Details: (310)544-1948 (weekdays) and (310)544-6815 (weekends)
Venue: South Coast Botanic Gardens
Location: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes Peninsula
Sept. 6
31st Annual Labor Day Parade
Join the labor community in their march for labor solidarity at 10 a.m. in Wilmington. Families, banners, signs, and floats are welcome. The event starts on Broad and E streets, traveling to Banning Park where the rally takes place.
Details: (562) 595-1891
Location: Broad and E streets, Wilmington
Sept. 12
Jaguar Concours d`Elegance Car Show
The 52nd Annual Jaguar Concours d`Elegance will feature a variety of different Jaguar models. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, $3 for children 5 to 12, and free for children younger than 4 as well as for foundation members.
Details: (310)544-1948 (weekdays) and (310)544-6815 (weekends)
Venue: South Coast Botanic Gardens
Location: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes Peninsula
Sept. 11
19th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture
Come to Point Fermin Park in San Pedro and revel in this celebration of Philippine culture. The even takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 11 and 12 at Point Fermin Park. Admission is $7.
Details: www.filamarts.org or call (213) 380 -3722
Venue: Point Fermin Park
Location: 607 Paseo del Mar, San Pedro
MUSIC & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Sept. 10
Noche Mexicana
Nuestras Raices presents Noche Mexicana in the James Armstrong Theater, at 8 p.m. Sept. 10 and Sept. 17. Enjoy the dance and music of Mexico. Tickets are $20.
Details: (310) 781-7171
Venue: Torrance Cultural Arts Center
Location: 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance
Sept. 12
Japanese Folk Song and Dance Show
Come to an evening of music and pageantry with the Japanese Folk Song and Dance Show, at 1 p.m. Sept. 12, at the James Armstrong Theater in Torrance. Tickets are $10.
Details: (310) 781-7171
Venue: Torrance Cultural Arts Center
Location: 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance
ART
Sept. 7
Artful Days: Go Baroque Exhibit
The Torrance Cultural Services Division presents an exhibit of Baroque period art, from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 7, at the George Nakano Theater. Contrast the over-the-top Italian Baroque art of Bernini with the subtleness of Caravaggio. Discover how both men living in Italy during the Baroque period seem to be working so differently. Free.
Details: (310) 618-2326
Venue: Torrance Cultural Arts Center
Location: 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance
|
