Los Angeles, CA. The LA Opera announced its pandemic-related changes in the fall of 2020; this included postponing and canceling productions taking place during the 2020/21 season. But starting this month, the company hosted an audience for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. Oedipus Rex, based on the ancient Greek tragedy with the same name, premiered on June 6th at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Audience members had to prove they were vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19 to attend in person. And for those who could not make it, the LA Opera released an online version on June 17th. The show has a running time of 50 minutes, with no intermission.
The LA Opera took safety precautions by strictly following the LA County Department of Public Health’s guidelines. In March 2021, the Music Center (where the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is located) was the first performing arts center to receive a UL “healthy building” verification for its venues’ air quality.
June 6th performance of “Oedipus Rex.” Photo by Lawrence K. Ho.
Mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges performs the role of Jocasta.
From the LA Opera:
Stravinsky based Oedipus Rex on the ancient Greek tragedy of the same name by Sophocles—yes, the one where Oedipus unknowingly kills his own father and marries his mother. The 1927 opera is a highly stylized, ritualistic work; in fact, the composer specifically requested that it be staged with minimal movement (which works well with COVID restrictions). A narrator describes the action throughout the course of the opera. Stravinsky set his work in Latin but specified that the narration is to be spoken in the language of the audience. The performance will feature incredibly imaginative projected animations created by Manual Cinema, an Emmy Award-winning performance collective, design studio, and film/video production company.
Music Director James Conlon conducts a stellar cast led by tenor Russell Thomas, LA Opera’s Artist in Residence, as Oedipus, the doomed king. Just announced: Legendary actor Stephen Fry will make his LA Opera debut (via audio recording) as the Narrator in this equally legendary tale.
The recording and filming process for the “Oedipus Rex” online stream. Photo by Lawrence K. Ho.
Lifestyle Story: Los Angeles, CA. Bumble recently conducted research on how the pandemic has changed dating as singles head into the ‘summer of love.’ The women-first dating app and social networking platform, is revealing how the pandemic has shaped the way that single people are dating this summer and beyond as restrictions are beginning to ease and more people are becoming fully vaccinated within the United States every day.
Nearly 90%4 of American users who have selected their first date preferences within Bumble’s COVID Preferences Center are ready to date In Real Life (IRL) again. Of those ready for an IRL first date, there’s nearly an even split between those who are comfortable with a regular IRL first date (46%)4 or a socially distanced one (41%)4. Bumble has also seen growth particularly in those states and cities where there are higher vaccination rates.
“The pandemic has leveled the dating world like never before and has brought about meaningful changes in behavior that we see having a positive impact on our community long term,” said Whitney Wolfe Herd, CEO and Founder of Bumble. “Historically, this is a time of year where the dating industry sees a considerable increase in activity and we’re experiencing that more than ever heading into this summer season. As our research illustrates, daters are entering this ‘summer of love’ with more intentionality than ever before and are prioritizing safety, compatibility, and shared values as restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase.”
Ahead of the official first day of summer on June 20, Bumble is sharing new research and insights about dating during this ‘summer of love.’
Here’s all the current research from Bumble:
Dating has changed for the better. The time that people spent in lockdown really allowed them to focus on what they are truly looking for while dating, giving them a renewed sense of clarity and confidence in taking control of their dating lives as they begin to meet new people this summer. Through recent research, Bumble has found that people are now dating more intentionally than before the pandemic – they’re being more honest about what they’re looking for in a relationship, whether it’s something casual or serious.
55%2 of Bumble’s global users have said that they are now feeling less willing to compromise on what they want and need from a potential relationship, according to a recent survey.
Nearly 40%1 (38%) of Americans surveyed have noticed an increase in clear communication of expectations and intentions while dating throughout the pandemic.
Nearly 30%1 (28%) have seen a meaningful decline in dead-end conversations as people are being more honest about what they’re looking for in a relationship.
Nearly 40%1 (39%) respondents have noticed a meaningful decline in ghosting while dating throughout the pandemic.
Over 30%1 (31%) have said that they noticed a meaningful decline in catfishing.
Online dating is just… dating
It’s no surprise that people have adapted to new ways of communicating and dating to find and explore meaningful connections throughout the pandemic.
91%1 of the Americans surveyed believe that there is no longer a stigma attached to meeting someone online or through a dating app since the pandemic began.
An overwhelming two-thirds1 (65%) think that it’s possible to fall in love with someone that they’ve never met in person before.
Nearly 40%1 (38%) enjoy going on virtual dates as they find that it’s safer to engage with a match virtually before meeting in person.
1 in 31 (31%) like virtual dates because it saves them time and money.
1 in 41 (26%) appreciate that they only have to get partially ready (“half-glam”) when going on a video date.
Many are also leaning more into other means of virtual communication – 1 in 41 (25%) of those surveyed have sent someone an audio message this past year.
Safety is still top of mind
Following a year in quarantine, safety is still top of mind and many are continuing to prioritize discussions on precautions and COVID vaccination statuses before meeting someone in person for the first time.
More than 54%2 of Bumble’s global users feel more safety conscious than before the pandemic.
Vaccination status is essential to many, as 30%1 Americans surveyed would not go on a date or have sex with someone who hasn’t received the COVID vaccine.
Bumble announced its plans to launch a “Vaccinated” Badge in profiles this summer within the US and the UK. By adding the badge, people will be able to show on their dating profile whether they have been vaccinated for COVID-19. Bumble will also offer complimentary credits for premium features, such as Spotlight and SuperSwipe, to those who enable the “Vaccinated” Badge later this summer.
To help its community feel comfortable dating right now and to help normalize conversations about dating during the pandemic, Bumble has added a COVID Preferences Center that can be accessed by tapping the profile icon within the Bumble app. After matching with someone, both individuals will be able to see what the other person’s dating preferences are – such as meeting outdoors and in uncrowded places only – and what precautions they want to take.
Bumble also offers a Safety Center, which is available online and within the app by tapping the profile icon. Bumble’s Safety Center provides a compilation of resources and tools to help its community date confidently.
Shared values are more important than ever before
The way that people are now approaching conversations around race and intersectional inequalities while dating has completely shifted after a year that re-ignited powerful social justice moments.
Since the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in 2020, nearly 2 in 53 (38%) Americans surveyed said that they have re-evaluated how they approach race and inequality in their romantic relationships.
This number is even more significant for Black respondents, as more than 1 in 23 (53%) Black Americans are now re-evaluating how they approach race and inequality while dating since last year’s events.
62%3 of respondents say that it is important for them to talk about key social issues on a first date, such as gender equality, politics, race, or the environment.
75%3 would only date someone if a majority of their political and social views align.
1 in 23 (51%) respondents believe that activism is now a more important part of society than their parents considered it to be during their generation.
Wolfe Herd continues: “Over the course of the pandemic, we’ve remained intently focused on listening to our community to understand how their needs have evolved and we have continued to innovate our product to meet that demand. We are always looking for ways to enhance the user experience by listening closely to user feedback and will continue to do so moving forward.”
Over the past year, Bumble has made several updates to its platform, including introducing 150 new interest badges in dating profiles and launching its “Night In” feature, where two people can participate in an interactive game during a video chat. The company also recently launched Snap’s AR Lenses within Bumble video calls and launched video notes that utilize Snapchat’s technology.
Research background:
1 Based on insights commissioned by Bumble and carried out online by Censuswide. Surveys were conducted with a sample of 1,003 single adults in the United States between May 4th to 10th, 2021. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
2 Based on a survey conducted on the Bumble app among those based in Australia = 1,215, US = 1,598, UK = 1,272 during Q2 2021.
3 Based on insights commissioned by Bumble and carried out online by Research Without Barriers (RWB). The survey was conducted with a sample of 1,002 adults in the United States between May 14 to 17, 2021. All research conducted adheres to the UK Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct (2019) and ICC/ESOMAR (international). RWB is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and complies with the DPA (1998).
4 Based on proprietary Bumble platform insights in the US, June 2021.
About Bumble app: Bumble, the women-first social networking app, was founded by CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014. Bumble connects people across dating (Bumble Date), friendship (Bumble BFF) and professional networking (Bumble Bizz). No matter the type of relationship, women make the first move on Bumble. Bumble is built on the importance of equitable relationships and how crucial they are to a healthy, happy life. They’ve built their platform around kindness, respect, and equality – and their community plays an important part in that. Bumble holds its users accountable for their actions and has zero-tolerance for hate, aggression, or bullying. Bumble is free and available worldwide in the App Store and Google Play.
Los Angeles, CA. For most Americans, when they see a tiny kitten, their first thought is to scoop them up and get them out of harm’s way. That’s normal. But it can also be life-threatening for the kitten according to Stray Cat Alliance. Most people think the closest municipal shelter is a safe place. Most people believe the kittens will be cared for, bottle-fed, and have all their needs met. For the vast majority of shelters, this isn’t the case. Even if they are No-Kill and have a kitten nursery, survival is not guaranteed. A kitten’s best chances are with her/his mom.
The Stray Cat Alliance is working to educate the community to advocate for every cat’s right to be safe, healthy, and valued. It is a no-kill facility,
So, what do you do when you find neonatal kittens like the one above.
Assess the situation. If they are in a safe place (not in the middle of the street) and look fat and healthy, the best thing is to leave them there. The mom is probably foraging for food.
Leave wet food and water by her babies. Try and wait as long as you can to make sure Mom comes back. If you start to hear the babies crying, wait a bit longer as Mom will probably hear them too and come back.
If the babies are cold, or getting cold, put uncooked rice in a sock and heat it in a microwave. Put it around the kittens, making sure the socks are not too hot. Make sure the kittens can crawl away if they get too hot. Rice works better than water bottles because when it cools down it does not get cold.
Keep checking on the babies. See if Mom comes back. Wait approximately ten to twenty minutes of crying. It will feel like eons but Mom needs time to come back. If nothing bad has happened to her, she will return.
When she does come back, give her support. If Mom is friendly, consider bringing her inside to raise her babies in the safety of a home. You can also crate them in a garage.
If she isn’t friendly, or you can’t take them in, then put a nice big box out with towels for her to nest in. Make sure she has plenty of food and water. Because of instinct, she will move the babies at some point. The more inviting you make her stay the more likely she will continue to hang around. The kittens will start roaming at about 3 weeks old, and they will start eating solid food at about 4 to 5 weeks. That’s when you’ll see them show up for dinner with Mom.
Again, if you can’t do a full-fledged rescue, it’s okay to T/N/R (trap/neuter/return) this family when the kittens are old enough. Don’t feel guilty you haven’t been able to find them homes or bring them inside. The most important thing is that you don’t ignore them. This family needs you.
Families do well together. It’s okay to T/N/R the kittens, but remember cats are domestic animals. They rely on humans for food. A regular meal and sterilization do wonders for the quality of life of cats.
Los Angeles, CA. There’s a new incentive for LA residents to get their vaccinations. Officials nationwide have been getting ever-more lucrative ways of urging people to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and now one of sports fans’ most prized items is being offered in Los Angeles County: free Lakers season tickets.
Lifestyle Story: Los Angeles, CA. Did you know that nearly one in three Los Angeles singles surveyed are more likely to swipe right on someone if they have a dog pictured in their dating app profile? Singles are working to resume dating as pandemic restrictions finally ease and pet owners may have an edge. As National Pet Day approaches on Sunday, April 11th, new research from the women-first dating platform Bumble has found that dogs may be the key to romantic success when dating in Los Angeles.
“More than ever, people are looking to connect with those who share their values and interests as we’re navigating this new world of dating,” said Bumble Dating Expert Francesca Hogi. “Los Angeles consistently ranks as one of the top pet-friendly cities in the United States, and this has translated on the Bumble app, too, where more than one in three Angelenos who have adopted the Pet Badge are dog owners.” 52% of those surveyed thought that a person with a dog seemed more likely to be caring. According to the survey, conducted in March 2021 amongst Los Angeles singles, nearly one in three people believe that if a prospective romantic partner has a dog, it shows they’re less afraid of commitment.
Singles who want to show off their sensitive side should consider posting a photo with their dog on their dating app profile.
Including a photo of a dog in your profile can also be an easy conversation starter, as one in three Angelenos surveyed say that this could spark effortless conversation on a first date. In fact, nearly one in four respondents would actually prefer to walk their dog or go to a dog park for their first date, and one in five Los Angeles singles say that their dog getting along with their potential partner is a top dating priority for them.
If going to the dog park isn’t an ideal date scenario, embrace the sunny weather and suggest bringing your dog on a walk to the beach or visiting the farmer’s market. Nearly half of those surveyed would prefer a casual date outdoors for their first date.
People often include photos of their pets on their profiles, but Bumble’s Pet Badge also allows its community to easily share if they’re an animal lover and what pets they have. People can also filter their matches to find other people who love dogs (or cats) as much as they do. According to the survey, those who adopt the “Dog Badge: increase their chances of matching with someone by nearly 10%.
Bumble Dating Expert Francesca Hogi explains, “As a fellow dog mom and lover, dogs can be beneficial to romance at so many stages – from the first swipe to the qualities you develop as a pet owner to the bond it creates as a couple!”
As folks are spending more time at home with their pets during quarantine, they’re also more frequently including this within their dating profiles. Millions of people worldwide added the Dog Badge to their Bumble profile after the Covid-19 pandemic started in the US in March 2020.
About Bumble app: Bumble, the women-first dating, and networking app, was founded by CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014. Bumble connects people across dating (Bumble Date), friendship (Bumble BFF) and professional networking (Bumble Bizz). No matter the type of relationship, women make the first move on Bumble. Bumble is built on the importance of equitable relationships and how crucial they are to a healthy, happy life. They’ve built their platform around kindness, respect, and equality – and their community plays an important part in that. Bumble holds its users accountable for their actions and has zero tolerance for hate, aggression, or bullying. Bumble is free and available worldwide in the App Store and Google Play.
Unless cited otherwise, these insights were commissioned by Bumble and carried out by Atomik Research in March 2021 to 806 daters within Los Angeles, California, U.S. Other observations were based on proprietary Bumble platform insights within Los Angeles during March 2021.
Los Angeles, CA. The pandemic has turned school into a virtual experience for millions of kids and researchers say it has given cyberbullies more opportunities to attack others. Speak Out Against Bullying Inc., is trying to do something about it. The organization is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing, “social and civic changes to inspire a call to action against bullying and cyberbullying through public advocacy, prevention, and awareness.”
Hundreds of kids attend a Speak Out Against Bullying workshop before the pandemic.
When asked how the organization is fairing during the pandemic, Executive Director, Monica Harmon says, “It has been a struggle for a lot of nonprofits. I have seen some of my friends go under. I am thankful to our partners and volunteers who have continued to support our mission. ” Like many organizations, Speak Out Against Bullying Inc. had to pivot day-to-day operations to sustain its mission. Prior to the pandemic, the organization was bringing awareness by hosting in-person auditorium-sized workshops, holiday events, and giveaways. Now, the Speak Out Against Bullying team is hosting zoom meetings, making phone calls and sending out emails to stay up to date with families.
A pre-pandemic Speak Out Against Bullying workshop
Speak Out Against Bullying Inc. tries to bring joy to the children it serves. For the 2020 Speak Out Against Bullying Toy Giveaway, organizers didn’t know if they were going to receive enough donations, due to the financial strains many Los Angeles families were, and are, experiencing. Monica Harmon used her extensive civil service and law enforcement background to partner with six Los Angeles Police Department organizations. Last year’s toy drive received a record-breaking 3,000 toys. How do you safely give thousands of toys to the children? With the help of community partners. Speak Out Against Bullying organized a grab-and-go, drive-through, and delivery service.
Speak Out Against Bullying 2020 Toy Giveaway
On Valentine’s Day the organization partnered with Watts Community Core Group. Hosting a Valentine’s Day event at Nickerson Gardens for the children. Nickerson Gardens was featured in the Netflix film “A Week in Watts.”
Monica Harmon has spoken with thousands of youth since 2013. Prevention and confidence-building start at home she explains, “The positive thing about the COVID-19 pandemic is that it gives a break to the victims who are being bullied physically and mentally. They don’t want to go to school. The students prefer virtual learning so they do not have to face the bullying from the peers.” She has received many calls from parents regarding their children. With the new administration and a plan to steadily roll out the vaccine; the anticipation of going back to school for many students is causing unease. If you would like to find out more information about, donation or volunteer opportunities please visit Speak Out Against Bullying Inc.
Here’s a video about National Bullying Prevention Month
From Speak Out Against Bullying Inc.:
Speak Out Against Bullying Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit for social and civic changes to inspire a call to action against bullying/cyberbullying through public advocacy, prevention, and awareness. We have provided education and resources to tens of thousands. Working with our community partners of schools, students, parents, educators, law enforcement, businesses, elected officials, and neighborhood councils, our highly-touted public safety program teaches how to identify, prevent and speak out safely about bullying/cyberbullying. We advocate for a safe school campus that is respectful, tolerant, and inclusive.
Speak Out Against Bullying Inc. was founded in 2013 by Monica Harmon a Public Safety Advocate for over 30 years.
Ms. Harmon has been a guest speaker on Public Safety issues, bullying, cyberbullying, social media, Safe School Campus, and community issues. Speaker engagements include Public Policy Exchange “Tackling Bullying in California Schools,” California Association of Student Council’s Youth Action Summit, Special Needs Network Youth Bullying Summit at USC, Fox Studios “Future Professionals”, AEG Worldwide’s “Bring Your Child to Work Day,” Riverside Medical Foundation’s 1st Annual Anti Bullying Conference.
Speak Out Against Bullying Inc. was honored by Los Angeles City Council with a resolution signed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin and all City Council members. Ms. Harmon is a community organizer, community outreach specialist, community policing advocate, and believes in community engagement and investment.
Los Angeles, CA. The Los Angeles Marathon is Kitten Rescue’s largest fundraiser each year, and the funds raised are essential in allowing the nonprofit to save homeless cats and kittens all year long. Kitten Rescue is an Official Charity for the 2021 Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS.
The nonprofit is also always looking for volunteers. Here’s a video about that opportunity:
Information about the Los Angeles Marathon:
LA BIG 5K
SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2021
Participants of all ages are welcome to join us for this family-friendly, fun morning as we walk or run the LA Big 5K. Team members have the option to have their face painted like a kitty. Don’t forget your kitty ears! (Fundraising minimum of $350 to participate.)
CHARITY CHALLENGE
SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021
Not ready to run a full marathon? Run or walk the second half of the marathon in the Charity Challenge, a 13.1 mile course starting at Sunset & Fairfax. This half marathon experience is only available to Official Charities of the LA Marathon — partners such as Kitten Rescue! Spots are limited so sign up early. (Fundraising minimum of $650 to participate.)
2021 LOS ANGELES MARATHON PRESENTED BY ASICS
SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021
The 2021 Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS will begin at Dodger Stadium and finish at Avenue of the Stars in Century City. The course winds through Downtown Los Angeles, Little Tokyo, Hollywood, and more. The 26.2 mile course will follow its traditional route until Brentwood, where runners double back on San Vicente, Sepulveda and Santa Monica Blvd before finishing at Avenue of the Stars. Note: The 2021 course is subject to minor route changes. While the marathon event is currently scheduled, it could change pending COVID-19. Updates will be published here. (Fundraising minimum of $650 to participate.)
From Kitten Rescue:
Kitten Rescue is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization devoted to finding loving homes for unwanted, homeless cats and kittens. We rescue cats and kittens from the streets of Los Angeles and from City Shelter euthanasia. Since our start in 1997, we have grown into one of the largest, most well-respected animal welfare groups in LA.
Kitten Rescue volunteers adopt out over 1,000 cats and kittens into homes every year. Since we began, we have rescued and placed over 21,000 cats into loving homes. Thousands more have been helped through our volunteer-fueled education and outreach programs.
We educate the public about responsible pet guardianship, how to care for kittens and cats, and the importance of spaying and neutering. Kitten Rescue makes educational material available via events, print, school presentations and here on our website. We also provide Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) assistance for communities in and around Los Angeles, and teach people how to manage and care for feral cat colonies.
Los Angeles, CA. The United Way is working to keep students connected and moving forward. The transition from high school to college is something that students look forward to and work hard to achieve for years. As with many rites of passage during the pandemic, this long-anticipated change looked much different than expected for many incoming college students.
When access to a computer is essential to thrive in online learning, financial strains on families from the pandemic put a new laptop out of reach for many taking the next step in their educational journey. Fortunately, with support from Nordstrom, United Way of Greater Los Angeles was able to provide 9 thousand dollars in devices to more than 15 students. Every high school senior within the Young Civic Leaders Program (YCLP) who did not have a computer was given one so they could participate in college from home.
Young Civic Leaders Program
Here’s more information about the program from the United Way of LA:
Oscar, a 2020 graduate from Linda Esperanza Marquez High School, started school at UC Santa Barbara last Fall and is pursuing a degree in psychology. He characterizes the transition from high school to college as “disappointing, but understandable.”
“These are unprecedented times and I believed I would be on campus hands-on learning, but instead, I am doing school online currently with no choice,” Oscar states.
Hyewon, also a recent graduate, finished her senior year virtually at Alexander Hamilton High School. She will be attending USC this Spring, and is currently taking courses at LACC.
“Surprisingly, the transition from high school to the first semester of college wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” Hyewon said. “There is still a part of me that is adjusting from in-person classes to a full-on online experience but overall I was able to find some thoughtful and caring professors.”
In the midst of this transition, Oscar has focused on staying physically and socially healthy. He credits his perseverance, UWGLA and the YCLP as critical sources of support.
“The laptop has been a great resource for my studies as it has allowed me to invest in my education.” Oscar said. “YCLP and United Way can continue spreading important information about resources and current world events because there are students that need it the most.”
Though he isn’t particularly happy with the arrangement, Oscar has flourished through his computer screen.
“The experience is not as enriching as in-person class, but if you try to put in that effort and see past the negatives that are not in your control, then you can get the most out of something, and in this case, it’s education.”
Before she was given the laptop, Hyewon and her sister shared one, which can be difficult since they both needed to be online for schooling. At the peak of her hardship, YCLP and Communities in Schools helped her transition to be supported with a new laptop which has made things much better.
As Hyewon continues her transition into college in the midst of a pandemic, she credits her family and YCLP for helping her stay positive in these uncertain times.
“I remember during the first few quarantine months it was when I was spending my last few days as a senior at YCLP. Kat and Shekinah from Communities in Schools reached out for my well being and even provided additional help with the challenges my family and I were facing during the pandemic,” Hyewon said.
Hyewon found out about YCLP via Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), an organization that provides underserved youth with free, exceptional programs in academics, arts, and athletics within a nurturing environment.
“YCLP really caught my eye because during that time my work in the community was also focused on social justice and advocacy in the Los Angeles area,” Hyewon remarked. “Joining in, I met really supportive individuals and like-minded students who were so passionate and caring about community issues and the staff was also super inclusive and welcoming. ”
Although Hyewon is not a morning person, she said she knew that her Saturday mornings at YCLP would leave her with deep-rooted conversations and thoughts. She mentions that she is so thankful for the experiences she had at YCLP.
“Just the idea of being in a community where I was able to learn and grow really gave me strength as a minority and especially residing in such a busy city,” Hyewon said. “The amount of support YCLP provided really made me say: “wow I should really encourage my little sister to join. I hope that this program continues to exist and share the wonderful opportunities they have in store!”
Hyewon is still amazed that YCLP and UWGLA strive to continue to find more ways to support and aid students in any possible way.
“I believe that just continuing that momentum and support will go a long way to so many other students who are also feeling the same way of disappointment on the current issues our society is facing or even curiosity of learning about their community,” she said.
We are honored to help these students on their journeys into adulthood. This is a very difficult time and a sensitive transition. We are grateful to have the opportunity to help YCLP students.
From United Way Los Angeles:
We’re on a mission to permanently break the cycle of poverty for our most vulnerable neighbors: low-income families, students, veterans and people experiencing homelessness.
That means tackling the big problems. The ones people think can’t be solved. The ones that require leaders across sectors to unite and design groundbreaking solutions to our biggest problems. And by focusing on education, housing, and economic mobility, we can attack poverty at its roots to ensure better lives for all Angelenos.
Real and sustaining change requires more than money. By focusing on local, state, and national public policy, we fight poverty’s root causes through the systems that sustain them. We led the fight that resulted in nearly $5 billion in civic funds being dedicated to solutions to ending poverty. Watch the videos below to learn more about our role in the community.
Los Angeles, CA. Westside Pacific Villages is a nonprofit organization in LA that helps older adults stay in their own homes. For many senior citizens, the pandemic has exacerbated the feeling of seclusion. The majority of senior citizens feel uncomfortable shopping at their local grocery stores, ordering online, or running errands. That is where the Westside Pacific Village volunteers step in. Instead of driving the senior citizens to the grocery store, Westside Pacific Villages organized pickups and deliveries to the resident’s homes as seen above.
While the pandemic has increased the amount of isolation that senior citizens experience on a day-to-day basis there has been an influx of volunteers who have stepped up to the plate to deliver food and assist residents while maintaining social distancing and adhering to all Los Angeles County regulations.
“We have fared very well, during the pandemic. When this all hit. We not only canceled the social activities, but rides to the grocery store, YMCA, and weekly hair appointments,” says Executive Director Carol Kitabayashi. Prior to the pandemic, Westside Pacific Village hosted, art workshops, exercise classes, and social events. Since March of 2020, the organization has been using virtual platforms to communicate. Weekly phone calls are being held to assist the senior citizens with this process so that they can communicate on a consistent basis with other members. The virtual volunteer lead activities include tea & chat, Thanksgiving holiday events, New Year’s Eve celebration, book club, and baking. With the virtual session’s kids, grown-ups and seniors have all been joining in on the fun.
WPV’s mission has always been focused on supporting the oldest residents in our community by enabling them to remain active and engaged in the homes and neighborhoods they love, combating another serious health risk and epidemic for seniors, social isolation, and loneliness. With the closure of many non-essential facilities and L.A. County’s Safer at Home Order, the vital social components of WPV such as transportation services, social activities/events, and in-person friend visits have been interrupted. As a result, WPV quickly adjusted by placing a heavier emphasis on: (1) increased phone communication through its existing Call a Neighbor CAN Program, and (2) running errands, another exiting program benefit, through contactless delivery services.
Westside Pacific Villages is a nonprofit organization that helps older adults stay in their own homes. Some have mistaken the organization for being a senior care facility, but Westside Pacific Villages is a community-based nonprofit, driven by dedicated volunteers who go directly to the senior citizen’s residence to assist them. Unlike many non-profits who are based solely in the communities that they serve. Kitabayashi explains, “Westside Pacific Villages is a part of a nationwide phenomenon with about three-hundred similar organizations.” The model is simple, volunteers go out into their local communities to provide basic assistance; anything from changing a lite bulb, driving to a doctor’s appointment, or delivering groceries. A community spanning from the East to West coast. This simple yet highly effective model continues to cultivate unity throughout the Los Angeles communities they serve.
Here’s a video about the program:
Rodney is a WPV volunteer and donor. He’s also helping to promote the 2021 WPV Calendar.
As we age, we learn to differentiate and recognize the difference between being physically alone vs. being lonely. As we go through life, we can sometimes forget about the ones who came before us. The ones who paved the way. Westside Pacific Villages is a fantastic organization shining the light on and supporting forgotten communities throughout Los Angeles. The Westside Pacific Villages program is currently FREE of cost. The organization is looking for ways to broaden opportunities for all senior citizens in varying income brackets in the future. If you know anyone who is in need during this trying time or looking for ways to donate call: (310) 695-7030 or click HERE!
A feature story: Los Angeles, CA. Some singles put romance on hold to avoid Covid-19, but Isabel Klein just went on 52 dates—a date a week for a year. “I dated through the pandemic and did NOT get COVID! Take that, Covid!” Klein exclaimed. “It was a simple screening process. Imagine a windowless interrogation room, naked lightbulb swinging overhead, and me screaming in a guy’s face ‘You got an N95? You sing your ABC while you wash your hands?’ But seriously, it’s all about communication.”
The LA-based comedic actress became an authority on dating while waiting for the entertainment industry to re-start.
Klein blogs about her journey on Date-A-Week.com. “A lot of cringe-worthy things happened, so I used it as fodder for TikTok videos, and they took off.” The 24-year-old plays multiple parts as she recreates dates at her handle, @frizzyhairizzy. One of her #dateaweekla TikToks has already been viewed over 2 million times.
Klein explained, “I went on 52 dates! Speed dating on an app, blind date setups, virtual cookie making, I’ve done it all. I got stiffed by a guy who ‘forgot his wallet’ and went on over a dozen of social distance walks. But I never found a sexy way to pick up my dog’s poop.”
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the serial dater is offering advice to singles:
Top Three Valentine’s Dating Tips:
Start with a FaceTime date. It’s safe and helps prevent romantic letdowns. Pre-screen with a ‘Covid talk’ to ensure prospective sweethearts are using best practices.
Make a commitment to date regularly. It takes the pressure off individual dates so you’re freer to be yourself. If a date’s a bust, even on Valentine’s Day, there’s always next week.
Put yourself out there! It is not an act of desperation; it’s a bold, empowering, and intentional search for love!
“Look, if I can do it, you can do it,” Klein said. “Before I committed to go on a date a week, I got so nervous would dry heave before walking out the door. Last year I finally made overcoming my fears a priority.” It’s a technique that’s also working for readers who are trying it for themselves. Many offer Testimonials on Date-A-Week.com.
Like other singles, Klein had to pivot during the pandemic but didn’t want to stop meeting new people. “It’s a hard time to be alone. There’s not much to do because of Covid and we all need human connection.” Klein has a list of safety tips on her blog. “I’m not taking any chances. Covid-19 is serious business. Also, I can’t lose my sense of smell and taste, because Frappuccinos and chocolate croissants are my life.”
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