HACLA Releases RSS Feed

Summer Night Lights Mayor Announces Results

noemail@hacla.org — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT

A hard hitting news conference by the Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa as he announced the results for the Anti-gang program Summer Night Lights. The program is run out of the Mayor's Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) office. We use data and research to target neighborhoods where gang crime is most prevalent and the young people who are most at risk of joining gangs, said Mayor Villaraigosa. For the first time, the LAPD, the GRYD staff, trained intervention workers respond together to every gang related shooting or homicide. No other City has a community engaged law enforcement strategy quite like this. During the implementation of the program in the summer months of 2011, communities around the strategically targeted areas experienced a 43 percent decrease in aggravated assault, 55 percent drop in shots fired and a 35 percent reduction in gang-related homicide. This nationally recognized program was...

Promoting Early Literacy

noemail@hacla.org — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:00:00 GMT

In an effort to demonstrate the agencies commitment to early literacy, HACLA is Partnering with First 5 LA to bring attention to this important cause. Instead of toys this holiday season, more than 150 children aged 0 -5 at Imperial Courts housing community received a backpack or a lunch bag filled with educational materials including a book that encourages children to drink water instead of soda. The backpacks and lunch bags were donated by First 5 L.A. The event's surprise guest, Santa, greeted children with a story time reading of A Night before Christmas, followed by group photos. Promoting early literacy is part of the Authority's Education Initiative which will be launched in 2012. This comprehensive initiative will bring partners together to ensure that youth at all grade levels are getting the help and support they need in critical subject areas.

Imperial Courts Community Safety Fair

noemail@hacla.org — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, November 19th, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) celebrated the third installment of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) with a Community Safety Fair at the Imperial Courts housing development. The Imperial Courts Community Safety Fair was attended by Assembly member Isadore Hall III, HACLA Interim CEO, Ken Simmons, HACLA Commissioners Dennis Hernandez and Lucelia Hooper, LAPD officers, residents and HACLA staff. Assembly Member Hall's office teamed up with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to give each resident family a bag of traditional Thanksgiving groceries in preparation for the upcoming holiday. The Community Resource Fair was comprised of booths from a variety of vendors. The festive event also featured a DJ, Weinershnitzel and Kogi food trucks. The celebration concluded with a community Softball game, teaming the newly-placed LAPD officers against the Imperial Courts residents, in a friendly...

Jordan Downs Celebrates Community Safety Fair

noemail@hacla.org — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday December 7th, the Housing Authority concluded the celebrations of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) at Jordan Downs public housing community. The event started with a toy giveaway by LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and officers, followed by a basketball game between the LAPD and Jordan Downs teams. A Christmas dinner concluded the celebrations. Housing Authority Commissioners Alicia Maldonado, Lucelia Hooper, Interim President and CEO Ken Simmons, Housing Services Director Sanford Riggs, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and other high ranking LAPD officials. The MOA allows for the placement of LAPD officers at four housing developments (Nickerson Gardens, Ramona Gardens, Imperial Court and Jordan Downs), establishing what is known as the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Program. The CSP Program is intended to enhance the safety, security and welfare of HACLA residents through the presence and...

Over Twenty Residents Graduate from Sherwin-Williams Home Work Painter Training Program

noemail@hacla.org — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 01:00:00 GMT

On Friday, December 2nd, the residents of Imperial Courts Public Housing Development celebrated their completion of the Sherwin-Williams Home Work Painter Training program with a final graduation ceremony. The class of 21, an overwhelming majority of which were women, was instructed by Bob Ballew, the Work Painter Trainer from Sherwin Williams who has previously trained hundreds of residents in Housing Authority's ten other public housing developments in the last 4 years since the program started at HACLA. Throughout the ceremony, students were inspired to give their remarks about the program, and unanimously vocalized their gratitude for Bellow's determination, patience, and knowledge as their trainer. Starting this program was a very big step in a part of my life - it's something I completed, says Michael Odom, 48. From the bottom of my heart, I have you to thank for this, Bob. Bellow, who has been in the painting business for 35 years, gave...

Ramona Gardens Community Celebrates Community Safety Partnership with LAPD

noemail@hacla.org — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:00:00 GMT

Los Angeles (Nov. 16) - Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) celebrated the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on November 16th, with a dinner at the Ramona Gardens public housing development. Over 300 residents came to interact with the police officers who will be stationed in their community. The LAPD officers served a turkey dinner to the residents. This was a great opportunity for the community to come together and see the officers who will be at Ramona Gardens. They heard remarks from the HACLA Interim President and CEO Ken Simmons, HACLA Housing Services Director Sanford Riggs, LAPD officers, guests. HACLA Commissioner Lucelia Hooper, representative from Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard’s office, Mayor’s GRYD office, community partners, and other stakeholders were in attendance as well. The MOA has allowed for the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Program, which has made it possible for the placement of...

Senior Nutritional Workshop held at Queen Mary

noemail@hacla.org — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:00:00 GMT

Senior Citizen Nutritional Workshops were held on Nov. 2 and Nov. 16 at the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Approximately 175 senior residents from various HACLA sites participated in the workshop, which included health tips and resources for healthy lifestyle. A certified nutritionist spoke about the importance of healthy eating, reading food labels, counting calories and adding healthy food to diets. The importance of light daily exercise was also discussed.

Housing Services Director Sanford Riggs addressed the seniors and talked to them about the importance of the workshop and the Housing Authority efforts to provide resources for the residents.

After the workshop, the seniors took a walking fitness tour of the Queen Mary, learned about the historical importance of the ship from a guide.

Nickerson Gardens Kicks-Off the Safety Partnership Program with a Community Fair

noemail@hacla.org — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) celebrated the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Saturday, October 29th, with a Community Safety Fair at the Nickerson Gardens public housing development. The MOA has allowed for the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Program, which has made it possible for the placement of full-time police officers at select HACLA housing sites. The CSP Program was initiated to increase and enhance the safety, security, and welfare of HACLA residents, through the presence and relationships of LAPD police officers deployed to the site. The Community Safety Fair was attended by Congresswoman Laura Richardson, HACLA Interim President and CEO Ken Simmons, HACLA Commissioners Dennis Hernandez and Lucelia Hooper, LAPD officers, HACLA staff and Nickerson Gardens residents. The resource fair included volunteers from the Los Angeles Fire Department, educating families in earthquake...

HACLA Celebrates Million Dollar Jobs Program

noemail@hacla.org — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:00:00 GMT

On Friday, October 28, Housing Authority hosted the initiation of the Section 3 Million Dollar Jobs Program at the Nickerson Gardens public housing development. HACLA Interim CEO Ken Simmons was joined by Congresswoman Laura Richardson, HACLA Board Chair Mitchell Kamin, Commissioners Dennis Hernandez, Lucelia Hooper, Alicia Maldonado, Daisy Lopez, and many others. HACLA celebrated the new and improved program, which will provide low-income residents with jobs using over $1million in federal funding. Congresswoman Laura Richardson addressed the residents, guests and noted the importance of such programs to bring the community together. The ultimate goal of the Million Dollar Jobs Program is to increase residents' household incomes, while simultaneously providing 111 residents with the opportunity to gain more skills and experience, and ultimately obtain Union membership. This program has shown significant growth from the $110,000, spent for 8 new hires between 2010 and 2011. ...

Board of Commissioners at 2011 NAHRO National Conference

noemail@hacla.org — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Members of the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners are attending the NAHRO 2011 National Conference and Exhibition to participate in plenary sessions, address the most critical topics of importance to the Housing Authority. The conference provides an avenue for industry professionals to discover strategies and provides them with ideas how to overcome challenges of reduced federal funding. It also allows them to stay current with the latest information and develop working relationships to better carry out their duties. Photos: 1. HACLA Board Chair Mitchell Kamin and Commissioner Lucelia Hooper with Ken Lombard, at the NAHRO Conference. Ken Lombard is the former President of Starbucks Corporation. He has earned the reputation of one of the nation’s top experts on business development. 2. HACLA Board Chair Mitchell Kamin with NAHRO President Betsy Martens 3. HACLA Board Chair Mitchell Kamin with the newly elected NAHRO Senior Vice President Preston...

Anti-Graffiti Program at Mar Vista Gardens

noemail@hacla.org — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Sherwin-Williams, in partnership with the City of Los Angeles and Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), has developed an anti-graffiti program to solve the issue of graffiti on Mar Vista Gardens walls. The anti-graffiti program incorporates a training component where residents are taught the methods and techniques in an effort to graduate as certified painters, in addition to incorporating a new and effective anti-graffiti product from Sherwin-Williams.

HACLA has installed two (2) new trash enclosures at Mar Vista Gardens public housing community. On September 29th, Sherwin-Williams showcased the anti-graffiti coating by having residents paint the trash enclosures, giving it seven (7) days to cure, before spray painting it with graffiti, and ultimately coating it with the anti-graffiti product to show how the product works. To further display the product’s efficacy, using solely a rag and water hose, the graffiti came off with ease.

Utilizing the anti-graffiti coating, in addition to the painter’s education program for residents, Sherwin-Williams and HACLA will continue working together in the efforts to save money, time, and combat the community’s graffiti.

Photos: Maintenance staff applies the anti-graffiti coating to the trash enclosure; Housing Services Director Sanford Riggs and maintenance staff remove graffiti to see the effectiveness of the coating.

Councilwoman Jan Perry visits Pueblo Del Rio, plants trees with youth

noemail@hacla.org — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:00:00 GMT

For a second year, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles continues its partnership with non-profit North East Trees. The Environmental Stewardship Program is for youth in public housing communities. Starting on October 10th, 10 Pueblo Del Rio youth enrolled in a training course to learn of urban forestry methods and ultimately beautify their community by planting hundreds of new trees around the development. On October 28, Councilwoman Jan Perry visited Pueblo Del Rio and helped the youth plant trees. During the two-week program, students receive hands-on instruction about irrigation systems, types of plants, and techniques for caring for and maintaining beauty in their neighborhoods. Similar to most of the youth enrolled in the program, 19-year-old Henry Yang of Pueblo Del Rio plans to use what he has learned from the program to help him achieve a personal life-long goal. “I wanted to learn a new skill and possibly make a career out of it,” says Yang. ...

HACLA Celebrates Housing America Month with the Grand Opening of Dana Strand Apartments

noemail@hacla.org — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) celebrated the grand opening of Phase III of Dana Strand Village redevelopment project, as part of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) “Housing America” month. The October 6th event not only revealed the newly built structure, but also glorified the success of a public-private partnership between ROEM Development Corporation (ROEM) and HACLA, highlighting each organization’s enormous contributions. HACLA Interim President and CEO Ken Simmons and ROEM Corporation President Robert Emami were joined by Assemblymember Warren Furutani, Katy Gorman from NAHRO, Ana Gamiz and Rob Fredericks from California Association of Housing Authorities (CAHA), Congresswoman Janice Hahn’s office, Senator Ted Lieu’s office, HACLA Commissioners, partners, stakeholders, residents, to formally open the doors of this senior community. This project has been an especially grand...

ABC7: Mark Brown Special on Jordan Downs

noemail@hacla.org — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

On October 2, 2011 ABC 7 aired a special program focused on Jordan Downs Redevelopment in Watts, California.

The Jordan Downs redevelopment project goal is to create a vibrant urban village that offers quality housing, access to quality community amenities, transit connections and a human capital plan to increase the quality of life for the residents.

Click here to watch the ABC7 program.

Above: rendered drawaing of Jordan Downs

Pueblo Del Rio Youth Meet Celebrities at Tony Hawk Foundation Event

noemail@hacla.org — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 18:00:00 GMT

On October 2, 10 of youth from the Housing Authority of Los Angeles (HACLA)’s Pueblo del Rio development gathered in Beverly Hills to experience a celebration made possible by the Tony Hawk Foundation. Youth were able to eat, skate, and visit a variety of booths with giveaways ranging from spray-painted hats and skateboard decks, to shoes sponsored by Khol’s. Celebrities in attendance included renowned skateboarder, Tony Hawk, Jamie Lee Curtis, Bill Walton and Shaun White.

Tony Hawk’s Stand Up for Skate Parks Benefits aim to provide productive and educational activities for youth in low-income areas, while working to raise funds for new skate parks in low-income communities. The Stand Up for Skate Parks Benefits are made possible through the generosity of Activision’s Tony Hawk: SHRED, Ex Drinks, Wynn Las Vegas, Mondrian Los Angeles, Dynacraft, Quiksilver, Zappos, and T-Mobile. HACLA is proud to have participated in this event for the second year in a row, and appreciates the efforts put forth by the Tony Hawk Foundation.

For information and photos from last year’s event, click here

The Tony Hawk Foundation seeks to foster lasting improvements in society, with an emphasis on supporting and empowering youth. Through special events, grants, and technical assistance, the Foundation supports recreational programs with a focus on the creation of public skateboard parks in low-income communities. The Foundation favors programs that clearly demonstrate that funds received will produce tangible, ongoing, positive results.

Photo: Housing Services Director Sanford Riggs (far right) and Resident Services Manager Joel Lopez (far left) with youth.

Congresswoman Waters Visits HACLA

noemail@hacla.org — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), representing 35th District, which includes Jordan Downs, Mar Vista Gardens and Avalon Gardens public housing sites, visited HACLA headquarters on September 30th to address a number of issues of importance to both the Congresswoman and the Housing Authority. The Congresswoman met with HACLA Interim President and CEO Ken Simmons, senior staff.

Most notably, the Jordan Downs Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the redevelopment and selection of the master developer was discussed. Congresswoman Waters has been an active supporter of the process and HACLA continuously works the Congresswoman to ensure the redevelopment plans are moving forward, and residents are engaged in the process.

After the meeting, the Congresswoman toured the newly remodeled interview areas, talked to staff.

Photo: Congresswoman Waters (center) joined by HACLA Interim President and CEO Ken Simmons (to her right), Housing Services Director Sanford Riggs (to her left), Section 8 Assistant Directors Carlos Van Natter, Angela Adams and Application Center Manager Johnnie Anthony.

Ramona Gardens Opens a Community Garden

noemail@hacla.org — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:00:00 GMT

On Monday, September 12, Ramona Gardens celebrated the groundbreaking of its brand new fresh fruit and vegetable community garden. The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) collaborated with Triscuit Home Farming and Urban Farming Global Food Chains to create a solution to the lack of access to fresh food in low-income areas. The Ramona Gardens community was joined by HACLA Interim President and CEO Ken Simmons, Commissioner Dennis Hernandez, Housing Services Director Sanford Riggs, and Representatives Arturo Chavez and Fredy Ceja from Assemblymember Gilbert Cedillo’s office, in celebrating the launch of the new garden. The Cuahtemoc dance group also blessed the garden’s soil with a colorful and festive Aztecan ritual dance in which community members and officials were encouraged to participate. California Garden Supervisor of Urban Farming Marijane Mader was recognized on behalf of HACLA for her contributions in beautifying and inspiring the community...

Community Garden Planted at Rancho San Pedro Public Housing Development

noemail@hacla.org — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:00:00 GMT

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), joined Triscuit and Urban Farming to celebrate the ground breaking of a new community garden at Rancho San Pedro on Thursday, September 1, 2011. HACLA and the Rancho San Pedro community members were joined by former Commissioner Diane Middleton, the Port of Los Angeles Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., Irving Pacheco from Senator Ted Leiu’s office, and others for a ribbon cutting ceremony. This community garden is part of an ongoing initiative by HACLA, Triscuit and Urban Farming to plant 65 fresh vegetable community gardens in 20 cities across the country. The gardens are being implemented as a solution to a challenge faced by many Americans living in low-income areas: a lack of access to fresh food. The Rancho San Pedro garden is one of two community gardens at low income housing facilities in Los Angeles, with the second ground breaking to take place at Ramona Gardens on September 12, 2011. In addition to...

Estrada Courts Back to School Event

noemail@hacla.org — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:00:00 GMT

August 31 - Hundreds of school aged kids at Estrada Courts public housing community received backpacks and school supplies to prepare them for the new school year. The event was organized by Estrada Courts Resident Advisory Committee (RAC).

Housing Services Director Sanford Riggs helped to distribute the backpacks to children. In addition to this, several kids won bicycles.

Jordan Downs Community Holds Redevelopment Meeting

noemail@hacla.org — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT

August 23, 2011 – The Jordan Downs community gathered for another meeting to answer questions on topics such as off-site relocation, rent, safety, environment, and family resources. More than 100 residents and community members gathered in the Jordan Downs gymnasium to learn about the most recent information and the impact the redevelopment will have on families and the greater Watts community. As Jordan Downs members addressed the questions and concerns of possible relocation, they shared their thoughts and experiences about the community so far and provided ideas for improvements. The messages expressed to the community highlighted the following:

Additional units will be built on a 21-acre adjacent industrial property (9901 Alameda)
Jordan Downs community members have the possibility of being relocated and will be charged no additional fees for relocation
There will be jobs available for qualified Jordan Downs community members to actively participate in the construction of the new community
Nearby houses will soon be available for Jordan Downs community members, accompanied by courses in Home Ownership

Other discussions included redevelopment design, services, and resources to be available in the new community. HACLA staff including Ken Simmons, Interim President and CEO; Dennis Hernandez, newly appointed Commissioner, John King, Director of Planning and Policy; Larry Goins, Director of Development Services, and other HALCA staff were all on hand to help answer questions and provide updates.

Photos: Commissioner Hernandez (top photo) and Director John King addressing the residents.