City Year LA Orientation Guide

1|Corps Member Orientation & Resource Guide Return to Navigation

Navigation CITY YEAR What is City Year?

Annual Calendar

Policies & Standards

Uniform Policy

Business Casual Policy

Uniform Parts Requirements

Food Stamps

Finding Housing

Commuting

Biking in LA

Exploring LA

Attendance Policy

$$ Living on A Budget

Getting Around LA

*Click icon to proceed directly to a particular section

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Table of Contents To go directly to a specific section, click on the section title listed below. To return to the Table of Contents, click on the icon in the bottom right of each page.

Welcome!

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5

What is a City Year?

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6

Service Calendar ………………………………………………….

9

City Year Policies & Standards

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10

Attendance Policy ………………………………………………….

11

Uniform Policy ………………………………………………….

15

Uniform Part Requirements ………………………………………………….

18

Living on Budget

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24

Budgeting ………………………………………………….

25

Budgeting Tools ………………………………………………….

27

Gas Assistance Fund ………………………………………………….

29

Food Stamps ………………………………………………….

30

Find Housing

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40

Where will I work? ………………………………………………….

42

Where should I live? ………………………………………………….

42

Traffic & Commuting ………………………………………………….

43

Who should I live with? ………………………………………………….

45

How much should I spend? ………………………………………………….

46

How to conduct an apartment search in LA ………………………………………………….

47

Apartment Search Websites ………………………………………………….

48

Tips for staying safe ………………………………………………….

49

Advice from AmeriCorps Members ………………………………………………….

52

Suggested Neighboorhoods ………………………………………………….

54

Getting Around LA

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65

Public Transportation ………………………………………………….

66

Walking, Biking & Driving in LA ………………………………………………….

68

Transportation Tools ………………………………………………….

69

Exploring LA

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71

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Acknowledgments

A special thank you goes out to members of the City Year Los Angeles Corps Council and all contributing staff for their advice and input. Thank you for your support of one City Year and allowing us to stand on your shoulders.

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Welcome!

You got the job! You are going to be serving 10 months as an AmeriCorps Members with City Year Los Angeles alongside a diverse and highly qualified group of over 280 peers supporting nearly 5,000 students, at one of the largest sites in the City Year network.

You will be part of a national corps of nearly 3,000 young people across 26 cities & with 2 international affiliates providing high-impact student, classroom and school-wide support, to help students stay in school and on track to graduate from high school ready for college and career success.

At City Year, you will make a difference in your students’ lives. You will also develop leadership skills and gain practical experience using them. There is a lot to learn and a lot to accomplish in the coming year, but the first step is to prepare for the incredible journey ahead!

This orientation guide is a launching pad into your year of service and will streamline your onboarding and transition within the program and the city. It will help you better understand what to expect from your year of service with City Year and to help you come fully prepared to make the most of it! Inside you will find: 

City Year inspirational standards & policies.



Helpful information to prepare you to work in LA as an AmeriCorps Member



Best practices from the AmeriCorps Members who have come before you

What this document is not is an answer to everything you could possibly encounter during your service year. For this, you will need to learn as much as you can from this experience by working with your peers, gaining new perspectives and being flexible – be sure to ask questions and seek out answers.

A big part of this service experience and the impact you can have is in your hands, so take charge of it and give this year your all! While staff and fellow AmeriCorps members can help you over the course of the year we also want you to be your own advocate, it is ultimately your responsibilities to seek out the resources you need. If you have questions about your service or coming prepared to start, reach out to Paul Rodriguez, Regional Admissions Manager of LA at prodriguez@cityyear.org.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the students and communities of Los Angeles. We look forward to serving with you soon!

Yours in Service, CYLA Staff

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What is a City Year?

A “City Year” reflects this vision of service as a common experience.

Just as the terms freshman year, sophomore year, junior year and senior year are immediately recognizable steps on a young person’s path, the organization’s name is based on the idea that a “City Year” or other year of service will become a rite of passage.

Throughout your City Year, you will provide students extra, individualized support, to help them overcome the challenges they’re facing, supporting under-resourced schools and communities in need, while simultaneously growing and developing as a leader and professional.

City Year, the organization, is a community made up of sites across the country that work closely and are supported by our national headquarters sharing resources to combat the dropout crisis and get things done for America (literally). While each site’s service and conditions on the ground are slightly different, we are, as the saying goes, “one CityYear”. This means we have the same motivation and passion for helping students graduate from high school, ready for college or a career.

During your year you will work full time at Los Angeles School District (LAUSD) partner school, along side 7-16 AmeriCorps Member peers starting before the first school bell and ending following our after school program. You will have the support and leadership of 1-2 Team Leaders (AmeriCorps Members who return for a 2nd year and take on additional leadership responsiblities), as well as a staff supervisor, your Program Manager. You will have a Program Director who leads your pueblo made up of 5 CY teams in your neighboorhood, your smaller community within CYLA. As well as the support of 60 other CYLA staff members that have dedicated their careers to service and making an impact on the lives our students and community. From the service team, a group of experts that will support your work with students, to the Operations team, who will support you as a member, you will have many supports to make this a successful year!

Arc of the Year Your year of service will be rich with many experience and events that can’t all be captured in words, but below are a few of the first big milestones that will help give you a sense of what to expect in the first several weeks.

1. In-person Registration: Your year will begin with registration to verify your eligibility and enroll you in program at the CYLA office on July 7th, 8th, 24th, OR 27th. (This is mandatory, see the upcoming newsletter from Paul Rodriguez to sign-up for a date) 2. Welcome Week: Prior to your first day the week of July 27th there will be informal and optional activities organized by the Senior Corps to providing opportunities to meet your fellow AmeriCorps Members and welcome you to City Year!

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3. 1st day of Service: On August 3rd you will check-in for service and receive a few important things to prepare you for service including: your Idealist Handbook, nametag, CY ID badge, and unlimited transit (TAP) pass.

4. Basic Training Academy: For the first 2 weeks of your service CYLA will prepare you to engage with students, teachers, and school administrators at the start of the school year. BTA begins with orientation, not just to City Year, but to the work of becoming mentors, leaders, tutors and role models in the schools you will serve in. You will get oriented with City Year’s core values and service model. You will explore City Year culture, build academic intervention strategies, learn about the importance of social emotional development, and begin to investigate the leadership development model at City Year. The goal is for AmeriCorps members to leave feeling ready to launch into their service year, a rite of passage in their servant-leadership development.

5. Practicum: After BTA, you will start in schools. As you meet your partner teaches, administrators, and students you will spend first 3 weeks with half the day in the classroom and while continuing your training for the other half of the day. This split will allow you to put the skills you learned in action with observations and feedback from staff members while continuing to develop those skills with training.

6. All Corps Service Day: At the end of practicum the entire corps will come together for a day of physical service to beautify a campus in our community organized by the Civic Engagement Team (a team of Senior Corps members who plan & execute service projects to improve the physical school environment). This will be the first of several physical service days you will participate in throughout the year, including one on MLK. 7. Full-time in-school service & ongoing training: After practicum, you will be working full time in classrooms with your students on their attendance, behavior, and course performance in ELA and Math. This isn’t end the end of your training and professional development. There will be trainings every other Friday, and summits throughout the year, focused on essential service skills like English and Math tutoring, behavior management, project planning, attendance initiatives, and more.

On the next page, you’ll find a calendar for this 2015-2016 City Year, that show key dates in the year as well as organizational holidays, and days off. However, please be advised that this calendar is not all-inclusive as these events and dates may be subject to change.

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2015-2016 City Year Service Calendar Please be advised that this represents the most complete information available; dates may be subject to change.

Day Monday Tuesday Friday Monday Tuesday Saturday Friday Monday Friday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Friday Monday Monday Monday Monday Friday Monday Monday Friday

Date 8/3/2015 8/11/15 8/14/2015 8/17/2015

Event Basic Training Academy begins All Corps Evening Dodger Game Basic Training Academy ends First day in schools

8/18/2015 LAUSD first day of instruction 8/29/2015 All Corps Service Day 9/4/2015 9/7/2015 10/2/2015 11/11/2015 11/26/2015 – 11/27/15 12/19/2015 1/3/2016 1/4/2016 1/8/2016 1/11/2016 1/18/2016 2/15/2016 3/21/2016 3/25/2016 4/28/2016 5/30/2016 6/10/2016

LAUSD Admissions Day Labor Day Opening day Ceremony Veterans Day Thanksgiving Break* Corps Winter Break begins* Corps Winter Break ends Corps returns to service/Mid-Year Summit begins** Mid-Year Summit ends LAUSD 2nd semester begins Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Presidents’ Day LAUSD Spring Break/Corps Training & Service Week Cesar E. Chavez Day Memorial Day Corps off-boarding and graduation

Notes Welcome!

Attendance Is optional

Service Status In-service In-service In-service

Practicum training begins

In-service In-service

CYLA training day/Practicum End Organizational Holiday Invite family & friends!

Organizational Holiday

In-service OFF In-service OFF

Organizational Holiday Organizational Holiday Organizational Holiday

OFF OFF OFF

CYLA training days CYLA training days

In-service In-service In-service

MLK Service Day Organizational Holiday

In-service OFF

CYLA training/Service Organizational Holiday Organizational Holiday Congratulations!

In-service OFF In-service In-service

* To allow for travel around Thanksgiving and Winter Break, there will be early dismissal from service at 3:00 pm on 11/25/2015 and 12/18/2015. When arranging travel, please DO NOT schedule flights that will require you to leave your service location prior to service end times. **All Members must return from any travel in time for an 8:00 am start on 1/4/16. Please arrange travel accordingly - NO EXCEPTIONS.

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City Year Policies & Inspirational Standards Serving as an AmeriCorps Member with City Year is more than a job. You will be a role model for our community and part of something bigger than yourself, filling in the boots of many before you.

City Year recognizes that our ambitious goals for transformational change can only be realized through disciplined, rigorous, tireless attention to detail. Excellence is both an inspiring vision and a daily practice; it informs the aspirational nature of the goals that we set for discipline, as well as the attention, focus, and ourselves we bring to every activity that must be completed on the way to achieving those goals.

In this section, we’ve included some organizational policies and standards that are especially important to know prior to the start of your service

Attendance Policy Consistent and reliable attendance is essential for performing excellent service.

The schools, teachers and the students we work with are expecting us and investing in us being there. Our absence policy mirrors that of our school district and the expectations of the teachers that we have the opportunity to serve alongside.

The following is City Year’s attendance policy as taken directly from the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement, which you must sign electronically as part of your online pre-registration work:

“

In addition to the Program’s organizational holidays, members may request personal days off during the course of the year to be used for illnesses, doctor’s appointments, childcare emergencies, bereavement, academic or career visits/interviews, or to observe a specific ethnic, religious or cultural holiday not officially celebrated by the Program: i) Members may request up to 10 personal days (roughly one day per month); those members who begin serving mid-year may request up to 5 personal days. ii) Senior members whose service begins in July may request up to 12 personal days (roughly one day per month). iii) Members who are parents or primary legal caregivers for an adult (and submit documented proof of that status) are allowed 2 additional days in each half of the program year (a total of 16 days for seniors and 14 days for first years). Members must sign an agreement to make up missed hours for these additional days.

Maximum allowable personal days are based on the number of service days available during the Program year and the average number of days needed for a member to complete the minimum number of hours required for AmeriCorps. Exceeding allotted personal days will result in dismissal from the program.

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Attendance Policy: FAQs While the language above may sound a little scary, we’ll help break it down in more manageable pieces. City Year staff will also spend more time during registration explaining this policy to you and answering any questions you may have. But for now, we’ve included responses to some of the most commonly asked questions of our attendance policy:

Are personal days the same as vacation days?

No, you cannot use your personal days for vacation days. The personal days can only to be used for these qualified reasons as stated in the contract:

-

Academic or career visits/interviews Illnesses and doctor’s appointments To observe a specific ethnic, religious or cultural holiday not officially celebrated Childcare emergencies Bereavement

Why is the attendance policy important?

It’s important to keep in mind that this is your year of service and that your students, teachers and community are investing in you to be there. National service program’s hours requirements (1,700 hours to be exact) are no small feat. These attendance requirements are ultimately in place to ensure that we are fulfilling our service commitments to the community as well as enabling corps members to meet the necessary hours requirements for successful graduation.

Do I have to get approval in advance to use my personal days? Yes. AmeriCorps members must request approval in advance from their supervisor to use their allotted personal days. If a corps member fails to receive approval for a day off and does not report to service, it will count as an unexcused absence and the corps member will not be paid for this day. In addition, the corps member will be subject to the professional accountability system.

Are there any breaks in service?

Yes! 1,700 hours of service packed into 10 ½ months is crazy enough and it would be even crazier if there weren’t any breaks in the year. Since we follow LA Unified School District instructional calendar, AmeriCorps members are typically off when class is not in session. These breaks typically include most federal holidays and LAUSD’s winter break (late December to early January), which is the longest period of time that AmeriCorps members have off.

Please note you will be in service: -

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, a national day of service for City Year across the country During LAUSD’s spring break, which typically takes place in April

Including all the holidays and winter break, AmeriCorps members in Los Angeles have approximately 16 additional days off outside of their allotted 10 personal days – and this does not the weekends that many of these holidays and breaks fall on.

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Can I extend a break with person days or use a personal day to travel? NO, personal days cannot be used to extend time off during holidays or holiday breaks. You may not use personal days for travel. Do not schedule travel on in-service days.

Can personal days be used in less than full day increments? Yes, personal days can be used in half-day increments as well as full day increments. You cannot take less than a half-day off.

What if I get sick and need multiple days off? A request for 2 or more consecutive excused absences will require a second level of approval from your Program Director. If you need to take more than 2 days due to illness, your supervisor (your program manager) may require you to provide a doctor’s note.

What if I have a serious illness and need to take of more than 5 days? In the event that a City Year AmeriCorps member finds themselves facing a more serious illness, injury, or family emergency that requires a minimum of 5 days of time off, they may have the option to suspend their service for the needed time period. A suspension of service means that the time off is granted without pay, and the hours missed will not necessarily need to be made up (although this may result in a reduced education award). Suspensions are granted at the discretion of the Program and sufficient documentation is required.

What happens if I need to use a significant amount of my personal days at one time? We understand that serious illness, family emergencies or other unforeseeable events beyond the AmeriCorps member’s control may unfortunately occur during the service term. Under these circumstances, City Year may be able to temporarily suspend the AmeriCorps member’s term without impacting their allotted personal days. City Year staff will explain the requirements of this benefit, also known as suspension under Compelling Personal Circumstances during in-person registration.

Can I use more than 5 personal days during the first half of the year?

AmeriCorps members are strongly discouraged from using more than 5 days in the first half of the year. While it’s important to have enough personal days to use when you are sick, it’s equally as important to ensure that you have enough days in the second half of the year to plan for your Leadership After City Year, or “LACY”. In the spring, most corps members utilize at least half of their personal days for job and/or academic interviews. If you are planning to apply for graduate school, especially medical school, during your service year, you will need to plan for use of your personal days accordingly.

I’m a parent or primary legal caregiver, how do I get my additional 2 days? Email Brian Romero, AmeriCorps Compliance Manager, at bromero@cityyear.org to discuss further.

What happens if I exceed use of my 10 personal days?

According to the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement, if you exceed more than 10 days at any point in the year, you will be dismissed from the program and therefore you will not receive your Segal Education Award.

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Important Takeaways 1. Consistent and reliable attendance is essential for performing excellent service 2. You may request up to 10 personal days 3. Personal days are NOT vacation days, and can only be used for specific purposes 4. You will get 16 additional days off for organizational & school breaks, not including weekends.

5. Exceeding allotted personal days will result in dismissal from the program.

6. If you don’t get approval to use a personal day and do not come to service, you will not get paid for the time missed, and will be subject to the professional accountability system.

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Uniform Policy The City Year uniform is a public symbol of a full-time commitment to service. Each time corps members put on the uniform; they are representatives of City Year, citizen service, and AmeriCorps. Corps members become trustees of the relationship between these organizations and the communities in which we serve.

Wearing the uniform carries the important responsibility of representing City Year and its mission with excellence and inspiring others. As community leaders and role models (whether in uniform or professional attire) corps members are expected to maintain a positive public image.

Why do we wear uniforms? The uniform represents your dedication to City Year and to the children and communities that we serve. It is a powerful and visible symbol that:     

Promotes the idea of citizen service and the values of City Year to the general public Instills a sense of spirit, discipline, purpose, and pride in all City Year members Establishes a spirit of unity and connection among all City Year corps, alumni and staff Adds a sense of stewardship for the organization’s relationship with the community Focus on each person’s unique skills, contributions and personality rather than wardrobe



Provides youth and members of the community with a sense of the reliability and continuity of City Year, even though they work with different corps members each year



Identifies each corps and staff member as part of City Year, a recognizable symbol of hope, idealism and inspiration



Expresses our full-time commitment to solving social problems, training outstanding new leaders and building a more beloved and just community, democracy, nation and world.

While service only lasts for 10 months and different groups of AmeriCorps member serve in our communities and schools each year, the uniform is one of the lasting legacies that provide continuity to those we serve.

How much do the uniforms cost?

Most of your uniform will provided for free, by City Year and our national sponsor ARAMARK. You will have to provide a few components that many corps member often already own and can easily be used after your year of service.

What are the parts of a City Year Uniform? Your uniform will consist of shirts, fleece vest, cardigan, bomber jacket, all-weather jacket, backpack, ID card, lanyard and nametag. Many of the uniform parts will have the City Year and AmeriCorps logo embroidered on them.

City Year Provided Uniform Items (Quantity)       

Dress Shirt (3) Polo Shirt (1) Service T-shirt (1) 2 In 1 Jacket Includes: o Waterproof Breathable shell, o Tough and Lite (Bomber) Jacket (1) Water Resistant Fleece Vest (1) 1/4 Zip Performance Sweatshirt (Quarter zip) (1) V-neck Cardigan OR Sweater Vest (1)

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You will need to provide your own: (see requirements below)

   

Khaki pants Black shoes Plain black belt Socks

How will I order my City Year issued uniform parts? You will be ordering your City Yearissued uniform pieces over the summer through an online portal, similar to ordering from any other online marketplace or store. Keep a look out in the newsletters from Paul Rodriguez for more details, including the link and step-by-step instructions. Christine Pierce, CYLA’s Corps Operations Coordinator will support you though the uniform ordering and distribution process.

When will I receive my uniform?

It takes a few weeks for your complete set of uniform parts to

arrive after service has already started.

Do I have to wear the Uniform every day? Once you receive your uniform, you will need to wear it every day in service. Your shirts will always need to be tucked in and ironed, your pants hemmed and ironed, and you should always be wearing your nametag along with your ID card and lanyard.

What will I wear until I receive my uniform? For in-person registration and basic training academy you must wear business casual clothing. Please be prepared to serve in professional dress for up to 4 weeks.

What is business casual? There is no one definition, but it our primary objective is to project a professional image. Listed below is a general overview of acceptable professional dress. Obviously, this is not intended to be exhaustive. Rather, these items should set the general parameters for proper professional dress and allow you to make appropriate judgments about items that are not specifically addressed. A good rule of thumb is that if you are not sure if something is acceptable, choose something else YES Slacks Clean and wrinkle-free slacks

Shirts

Blouse, shirt and tie, dress shirt, collared shirts without a necktie (for men)

Dresses & Casual dresses and skirts skirts Footwear Loafers, boots, flats, lace-up shoes and dress sandals Hats Jewelry

Watches, wedding rings, and conservative men's rings

NO Denim or corduroy jeans – blue, white, etc.; sweatpants, shorts, Capri pants, overalls and spandex or other form-fitting pants.

T-shirts, cropped tops, sweatshirts, shirts with large lettering or logos and any tops with bare shoulders (unless worn under another blouse or jacket) Micro mini-skirts and spaghetti-strap dresses Athletic shoes, sneakers, flip-flops and slippers Please do not wear hats of any kind indoors at any time.

Steer clear of items like bracelets and earrings, which convey a more casual look.

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Business Casual (Men)

   

DON’T

DO Wear a collared shirt Make sure your clothes are wrinkle free Nice trousers or khakis Dress shoes

    

Wear jeans Wear clothing that is too tight or loose Have an un-tucked shirt Wear sneakers or boots Wear t-shirts

Business Casual (Women)

   

DO Wear nice pants or trousers or fitted skirts Flats or heels are appropriate Nice trousers or khakis Dress shoes

  

DON’T Wear jeans Wear tight or revealing clothing Wear t-shirts

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Uniform Part Requirements The following sections will cover other non-City Year issued uniform parts that you will be responsible for providing on your own, specifically the pants and black shoes requirements.

Professional appearance guidelines are intended to create minimal distractions for the children and youth we serve, to support corps member safety in service environments, and to foster the professionalism of the corps

#1 Pants Requirements Professional khaki pants are an important part of the City Year uniform. Below are specific, recommended Old Navy style selections that meet City Year’s professional standards. Provided below are links to examples of recommended pants from Old Navy: Old Navy Women’s Pants:  Sweetheart Everyday Boot-Cut Khakis  Diva Everyday Boot-Cut Khakis  Flirt Perfect Boot-Cut Khakis  Flirt Khakis

Old Navy Men’s Pants:  Everyday Classic-Fit Khakis  Broken-In Khakis (acceptable color is “kicking up dust”)  Slim-Fit Khakis (acceptable colors are “kicking up dust” or “mouse”)

Can I buy other pants besides those recommended above? Yes you may choose to purchase khaki pants of different brands, they must look very similar (if not indistinguishable) from these colors and styles. Please be advised that City Year reserves the right to make a determination if your khaki pants do not comply with our professional standards. If they are deemed “out of standards,” you will be required to purchase a new pair that complies in order for you to serve.

How many pairs of pants should I buy? We recommend that you purchase a minimum of 3 pairs of khaki pants. You will be wearing these pants in service every day and one of the pairs of pants will be used for physical service days (school beautification days, painting, mural-ing, etc.). **Please note that you cannot wear stained or torn khaki pants in a professional school setting.

How should my pants fit? We strongly recommend buying pants that have a comfortable fit.

While your khaki pants must always be professional, please keep in mind the amount of movement required in a regular service day and, of course, the fact that you will be working with children! They must: 1. Sit at your hip 2. Touch your shoe laces The most appropriate khaki pants tend be relaxed along with a boot cut fit at the bottom of the leg.

Remember that you will need to tuck your City Year-issued shirts into these pants, wear them while playing kickball (or any game) during recess, and keep them looking sharp while tutoring in the classroom

What CAN’T my pants be?      

Too tight Too loose Skinny leg cut Jeans Corduroys Capri pants or cropped khaki pant

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Below are some examples of what NOT to wear:

How dapper! But sadly, these pants are too tight.

Remember, you’re going to need to move around comfortably in your khakis and be prepared for some serious freeze tag sessions.

Nice corduroys, but unfortunately not appropriate for service. (and they’re the wrong color!)

An example of metal rivets, noticeable stitching and the elusive 5th pocket – these definitely are khaki jeans, which also are not allowed.

Super cute, but they are a little too short for service. Remember, your pant legs must meet the tops of your laces and cover over your shoes.

How can I tell the difference between khaki jeans and khaki pants?

Jeans typically have 5 pockets and metal rivets near the waist. Also, the stitching on jeans is more noticeable. Regular khaki pants do not have these types of adornments.

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#2 Shoe Requirements In addition to khaki pants, AmeriCorps members are responsible for purchasing their own professional black shoes to be worn as part of the City Year uniform.

What are the City Year Requirements for Black Professional Shoes? The following is a list of requirements and images detailing appropriate black professional shoes as part of the City Year Uniform. Anything that does not comply with these requirements will be considered out of standards and cannot be worn with the uniform.

They must:     

Be entirely black; o It is ok to have logos, brands or designs only if they are all black Have black shoe laces Be closed toed Have soles that are white, dark or neutral Be appropriate for physical activity at a school o (i.e. yard support at recess, physical activities during ASP, 10-hr days and walking around a school campus)

They must NOT: 



Have o Colored accents displaying visible logos, brands or designs (i.e. pink Nike swoosh, glitter, sequins, sheer mesh, etc.). o a heel (including pumps & wedges) Be o Slip-ons o Ballet flats o Moccasins o Boat shoes (even if these have laces) o Boots of any kind o Toe shoes (such as the Vibram FiveFingers athletic shoes.)

What are the recommended shoes I can buy? Below are recommended styles for black professional shoes, covering a wide range of prices. We have also included examples of non-acceptable black shoes.

Chuck Taylor Classic Colors: Low, Canvas - $50

Women’s Kick Payless - $34.99

Vans: Canvas Authentic - $45

Women’s Relay Runner Payless - $34.99

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Asics GT-1000 Women’s Running Shoe - $54.95*

Nike Men’s Free Trainer 5.0 - $79.98*

Men’s Expo Runner Payless - $39.99

Dr. Martens 1461 Shoe Men’s - $100*

*Indicates starting price as price may vary by store and distributor.

Other types of shoes and styles that may be acceptable for the uniform are high-top, athletic shoes such as the following:

Can I buy other shoes besides those recommended above? Similar to your khaki pants, if you choose to purchase shoes of different brands, they must look very similar (if not indistinguishable) from the following colors and styles. Please be advised that City Year reserves the right to make a determination if your shoes do not comply with our professional standards. If they are deemed “out of standards,” you will be required to purchase a new pair of shoes that complies in order for you to serve.

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What shoes can’t I buy? Included below are some examples of black shoes that are NOT appropriate for the City Year uniform. Please note that the following shoes are not acceptable due to the following reasons:    

Having bold, off-color accents (e.g. logos, design, etc.)

Not having shoe laces Having off-color shoe laces Not being school appropriate for physical activity

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Financial Hardship There are a limited number of requests that we can accept to mitigate financial hardship, but if you are unable to purchase khaki pants or black shoes due to financial hardship please contact, City Year Los Angeles’ Corps Operations Coordinator, Christine Pierce at CPierce2@cityyear.org to discuss potential accommodations.

Questions on the uniform?

If you have additional questions about the uniform or are unsure if your khaki pants or black shoes meet City Year standards, please contact Christine Pierce at CPierce2@cityyear.org.

Important Takeaways The uniform represents your dedication to City Year and to the children and communities that we serve.

You will‌ 1. Wear a uniform every day and receive most of your uniform parts for free 2. Have to provide your own professional khaki pants, black shoes and belt, as outlined above. (We recommend buying 3 pairs of pants)

3. Wear professional dress for up to 4 weeks, prior to receiving your uniform.

4. You will have to purchase replacement parts for anything that does not comply with the above requirements as they will be considered out of standards and cannot be worn with the uniform.

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Living on a Budget Service organizations like AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps and City Year use a living stipend that fits the poverty line of the communities volunteers serve in. A stipend is not like a regular paycheck: this is compensation for volunteer work, and the amount of money you’re getting reflects that. This serves several purposes: 1. It links the experiences of the surrounding community to those that they serve through financial parity.

2. It reflects the leadership and professional development you receive throughout the year.

3. It maximizes funding given to AmeriCorps and affiliated nonprofits This often means that one of the largest concerns for anyone joining national service is personal finances. While it may be hard to budget your stipend over the course of the year it is also important to note that, in Los Angeles, over 1,500 AmeriCorps members have graduated before you and have successfully lived and enjoyed LA for a year or more. In addition to your stipend, it is possible that other benefits like free public transit and loan deferment can supplement your income.

Budgeting Budgeting is an extremely important part of service. As an AmeriCorps member you will be receiving a small volunteer stipend and you will be working hours that will make it difficult for you to have a second job in order to supplement your income. Below are some best practices and tips from previous AmeriCorps Members to set you up for success during your service year.

#1 Capture all of your income & expenses The first step to creating a budget is to figure out how much you will have in income and how much you will have in expenses. Start with the essentials (housing, food, transportation) and the non-negotiable items.

Make sure to be realistic about what things will really cost. Do your research on what your expenses will be; this includes knowing yourself and your spending habits. A good place to start is monitoring your current spending, which can inform your budgeting process.

Potential Income:  Stipend  Food Stamps (if you are accepted)  Other income source (2nd job, support from family, etc.)

Potential Expenses:  Relocations expenses  Deposit and 1st months rent  Utilities (gas, electric, internet)  Car & Transit expenses (gas, insurance, registration etc.)  Cell phone bill  Student loan payment

Other factors to consider: There might be other costs you might be responsible for during service, but we haven’t included above. Make sure to think and calculate any of these costs when planning your monthly budget. Such as:  

Gym memberships Laundry

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        

Reading materials Leisure activities or hobbies Childcare (AmeriCorps*CARES child care benefits are available to City Year corps members if they meet eligibility requirements) Credit card payments or bank fees Remember: Medical expenses Your first payday is 3 weeks into your Saving for holidays and birthday gifts service. There will be upfront and moving Parking Fees costs for your first month in Los Angeles.

Utility start-up fees Please consider that you may have to pay Renting major appliances (if they are not provide in your for: apartment)    

#2 Plan your budget

Uniform pants Deposit on your apartment Renter’s insurance A Metro TAP-pass (for the first few weeks) Groceries Household items

The ultimate goal in budgeting is to make sure your expenses do not exceed your monthly income. You'd never set out on a cross-country  road trip without consulting a map. And, likewise, you can't expect to  live on a stipend without developing a plan for spending and saving.

Budget around $1,000+ dollars for these After you know what is coming in and what will being going out the next initial costs step is to figure out how they match up to ensure you are living within your means. It's not about cutting out everything that gives you joy in life. It's about better allocating your money. When you buy without a plan, emotions dictate your spending. A budget can give you a sense of control over your stipend, which is very empowering.

SAMPLE Corps Member Budget with a roommate (’13- ‘14)

MONTHLY INCOME Item Stipend Income 2 Food Stamps

MONTHLY EXPENSES Item

Rent/mortgage Electric Gas Cell phone Groceries Car payment Auto expenses Student loans Credit cards Auto Insurance Personal care Entertainment Miscellaneous Internet

Amount $950.00 $0.00 $176.00

Amount $485.00 $30.00 $10.00 $45.00 $150.00 $0.00 $120.00 $0.00 $0.00 $75.00 $50.00 $75.00 $50.00 $30.00

While every corps member’s costs vary, the table to your left is a fairly accurate and normal depiction of what a corps member’s monthly expenses could look like.

After taxes corps members may expect to get $950 from their monthly stipend depending on their tax allowances.

If you qualify for food stamps, you can possibly get around $175+ for food and subsidize your own cost of living. (For more information, see the food stamps section). Likewise, if a corps member uses public transit rather than a car they can save a significant expense as well (See the public transit section).

What kind of expenses do you have?  Fixed committed expenses: have a fixed monthly amount  Variable committed expense: vary from one month to the next

month based on need, and would include groceries and gasoline.  Discretionary expenses: optional expenses and include recreation and entertainment.

What are the monthly portions of your expenses?

After you know what is fixed and what will vary, calculate the monthly portion of your expenses. This will help you balance everything with your income. It’s important to also set aside money for unexpected emergencies and miscellaneous expenses.

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When will I get paid?

You won’t get your first paycheck until 2 weeks into your service and you will be paid every two weeks throughout the year. Be sure to plan for that period of time. You also won’t receive your free transit pass until your first day August 3rd, so be sure to cover travel expense in you first months expenses.

Money Savers: As you go through this process you may be looking for other ways to stretch your budget, below are some tips from formers AmeriCorps members: 

Live with roommates.  The more roommates you have the more costs you can split  Take public Transit or Carpool  Shop at bulk stores like Costco or Food 4 Less  Always look for the generic version of an item!  Local farmers markets can also be an inexpensive way to get fresh fruits and vegetables  Using coupons or other rebates, keep a look out for deals  Look for creative and low-cost ways to have fun.  Prioritize what you need most. Examine all expenditures and determine what is essential.  Examine your cell phone plan and usage.  Bring your lunch every day

#3 Track your budget & spending Creating the budget is a good first step, but the most important thing is to follow your budget. Make time weekly or monthly to track your spending, and start to see if you are actually keeping to your budget. The more deliberate you are in your spending, the better off you'll be. Below are some cheap & simple tools to help you track your budget: 

Notebook and Pen: This is the oldest method and also the least expensive. You simply write down all of your sources of income and all of your expenses.



Spreadsheet: Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool, that allows you organize a lot of information easily and does the math for you. Many websites offer free samples of budgeting worksheets.



Free Online Software: There are many free web-based programs that can help with budgeting. They can allow you to create and group your expenses into categories and track your spending, so you can see exactly where your money is going as soon as the transaction takes place

After some time tracking your personal budget, you may notice some areas where you’ll have to make changes. You can then make the necessary and informed adjustments to have a budget that is more comprehensive and well-rounded. Below are some good tips to help: 

Keep records for all your deposits and purchases.



Print out your monthly bank statement if you aren’t already getting one in the mail. If you’re doing everything online, there is software that can make this step — and budgeting — really easy.

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

Do your own math for deposits and withdrawals to make sure your bank hasn’t missed anything or taken any liberties with your money.



Find the ending number from each monthly statement and work backward, check to see to see what has cleared, and what has not cleared.



Go line by line and account for any fees you’re charged. Seeing them up close may prompt you to call and ask to have some removed, which the banks often will do if you persist

Budgeting tools Budgeting and stretching a stipend can feel overwhelming or confusing if you’ve never done it before. Here are some following resources that can help get you started and ease the budgeting process for you. 

Mint.com: If you are looking for an electronic tool to assist with your budgeting needs, this user-friendly website automatically updates and categorizes your information and suggests ways to help you save.



The budget spreadsheet : The above sample tailored to a budget for an AmeriCorps member with City Year can be found on Google Drive on the Los Angeles AmeriCorps Support page. o



If you have questions about the sample AmeriCorps Member budget created by Chris Bischel CYLA Evaluation Manager, ’12 AmeriCorps Member, ’13 Team Leader, you can reach out to him via email at cbischel@cityyear.org.

http://ballingonabudget.org/: This is a helpful blog with suggestions on how to live on a budget, which gives some great tips and tricks.

Important Takeaways

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Gas Assistance Fund As you plan for variable expenses the gas assistance fun may be a useful resource. During the winter months qualified customers having difficulty paying their gas bills can get relief through the Gas Assistant Fund. This helpful program may be able to provide you—or someone you know--with a one-time grant for the amount of the gas bill, not exceeding $100.

To qualify for GAF, you must meet the following requirements:    

The gas bill must be in the name of the applicant requesting assistance The bill address must be the applicant’s primary residence.

The applicant must not apply for more than the maximum GAF allowance for the current program year.

The applicant must meet the income guidelines listed below: Number of persons in household

Total yearly household income** no more than

1 $31,460 2 $31,460 3 $39,580 4 $47,700 5 $55,820 6 $63,940 7 $72,060 8 $80,180 For each additional person in your household add $8,120. ** Includes current household income from all sources before deductions.

These income guidelines are effective June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015.

To apply to receive GAF assistance, please contact the non-profit partner organization in your area. Partner organizations are listed on the United Way GAF Agency Roster. For complete information on this benefit, please visit Southern California Gas Company’s Gas Assistance Fund.

Food Stamps If you use your stipend to pay for rent, utilities and personal expenses, you might want to consider applying for food stamps to offset food costs.

What is SNAP/Cal Fresh? The Cal Fresh Program, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), can add to your food budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. The program issues monthly electronic benefits, via an EBT Card (See the EBT FAQ section below) that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores.

Can I apply through City Year? No.

Food Stamps/SNAP is a federal aid program, which is in no way controlled, influenced, or related to City Year.

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City Year cannot guarantee that you will be awarded any amount in Cal Fresh benefits. DPSS is the government agency that will be reviewing your application for these federal benefits, which are ultimately administered by the state.

How do you recommend I apply? City Year is very fortunate to partner with DPSS (LA County Department of Public and Social Services) in hosting a food stamp application workshop at our office on July 29 and 30, prior to the start of the service year. In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to interview with a DPSS caseworker who will review your completed application and supporting documents, comprising the final step in the application process.

We highly recommend applying through this workshop as we handle the coordination of the interview process with a DPSS caseworker, which can take much longer if you were to apply on your own.

How do I sign up for a City Year coordinated food stamp workshop? We will be taking reservations for appointment times to meet with a DPSS caseworker at the workshop. A link to sign up and more details will be sent out via email June or July. In addition, we will provide you with the Cal Fresh application that you will need to complete prior to your scheduled interview. You are responsible for acquiring all of your necessary supporting documents (see next section) and bringing these items with you to your interview.

If you have already opened and submitted a Cal Fresh application online or have already applied in person and are awaiting your benefits, you will NOT be able to apply through the City Year coordinated workshop. Even if you have received notice from Cal Fresh instructing you to schedule an appointment for an interview, you still cannot set up an interview with our caseworkers. This is because you have already opened a case for yourself within the Cal Fresh system and cannot have multiple cases open at the same time

Why should I apply during the CY workshop and not on my own? Please be advised that we strongly discourage you from applying for Cal Fresh benefits on your own, unless you are unable to be present during the City Year/DPSS workshop in late July.

1. Navigating DPSS is complicated. Each year, we provide the opportunity for AmeriCorps members to apply at our own workshop through our partnership with the Department of Public and Social Services because we understand how difficult it is to apply for food stamps.

2. We provide guidance. Through this workshop, we are able to provide more guidance to AmeriCorps members in the application process and save you from waiting in line for hours, and thereby maximizing your time in service.

3. It’s quicker. The appointment is quicker and the turnaround time may be shorter. Though this is not a guarantee.

When will I hear back about my application? If you are awarded Cal Fresh benefits, your EBT card will be issued within 30 days of the date of your application.

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Do I need to be in LA to apply? At the time of application, you must be a resident of Los Angeles County to apply through the workshop that we are hosting with DPSS. You can check if your city/residence (expected or confirmed) falls within the County lines here: - Cities Within the County of Los Angeles - LA County Map

What do I need to bring for your in-person Interview? When you have a face-to-face interview, you will need to bring verification with you of your income and expenses. It is better to bring more documents than are required just in case you need them. If you are the primary caretaker for a child/adult, not a US citizen, make child support payments, etc., you will need to provide additional documentation. The following are examples of what to bring:

1. Required identification information: o

Proof of identity (driver's license, etc.). Note that when applying through the City Year/DPSS workshop, we will already have proof of these documents on file.

o

Social Security Numbers for all household members.

2. Proof of income: o

Letter of Employment. You MUST bring a Letter of Employment which is available from your AmeriCorps Compliance Manager, Brian Romero, BRomero@cityyear.org. This letter proves that you are an AmeriCorps member. Note that when applying through the City Year/DPSS workshop, we will already have proof of these documents on file.

o

If employed, proof of income (wage stubs, earning statements, etc.) for the past 30 days.

Note that if you are applying prior to the start of service, you will not be able to provide your pay stubs. However, as an AmeriCorps member, your income should be exempt.

3. Proof of Expenses: o

Bank statements for checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, credit union accounts, retirement accounts, stocks, bonds, dividends, etc.

o

Proof of shelter costs (rent or mortgage payment, lot rent, household, real estate, taxes, utility bills – heat, electricity, water/sewage/garbage, telephone, etc.)

o

Verification of shared living expenses (if you live with roommates or your family)

o

Lease OR Landlord Verification Form (if you live in an apartment)

**If you need assistance in obtaining this information, please discuss this with your Cal Fresh caseworker at the time of the interview.

If applying within Los Angeles County, please review DPSS’ application procedures for all options here: https://www.dpssbenefits.lacounty.gov/ybn/Index.html If applying from counties outside of Los Angeles, please review the state of California Department of Social Services’ (CDSS) instructions here: http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/foodstamps/pg847.htm

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If I can’t attend the workshop, can I use a personal day to apply? NO you cannot use your personal days to take time off during service and apply unless you have a compelling reason to do so.

Any time off must be approved by your program manager in advance. You may apply either directly in person, mail in your application or apply online. All options will require that you meet in person with a caseworker for an interview.

If I apply on my own, how long will it take?

If you apply in person, this may take several hours (in fact, even the whole day) depending on the volume of people being at your respective county office.

If you apply via mail or online you will be expected to attend an in-person interview to present all of your supplementary personal documents to your assigned caseworker. When attending this appointment, it is highly likely that you will have to wait a few hours for your interview.

IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS 1. Food Stamps/SNAP is a federal aid program, which is in no way controlled, influenced, or related to City Year.

2. City Year cannot guarantee that you will be awarded any amount in Cal Fresh benefits.

3. We strongly discourage you from applying for Cal Fresh benefits on your own 4. We will be taking reservations for appointment times to meet with a DPSS caseworker at the workshop organized by City Year. A link to sign up and more details will be sent out via email June or July.

5. When you have a face-to-face interview, you will need to bring verification with you of your income and expenses.

6. It generally takes 30 days from the last step in the application process (the in-person interview) for you to receive your food stamp benefits, if you qualify

7. You must submit semi-annual reports every 6 months to DPSS to verify your status to keep receiving your food stamp benefits.

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How do I use my SNAP benefits? (FAQs about EBT) The process to apply for food stamps can be complicated and so can using them. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you navigate using this potential benefit.

What is EBT? EBT stands for “Electronic Benefits Transfer”. EBT is a card that is administered to you via mail once you qualify for food stamps. EBT works like a debit card with a private pin that you chose on your own. You can swipe EBT at any grocery store or farmers market within LA County, though not all establishments accept EBT.

How long after the application process do I begin receiving my food stamp benefits? It generally takes 30 days from the last step in the application process (the in-person interview) for you to receive your food stamp benefits, if you qualify.

How do I collect my EBT food stamps? Once you are approved for EBT food stamps, your respective DPSS office will send you an Electronic Benefits card to use at food store checkouts to pay for your food. DPSS will deposit your EBT food stamps benefits in your EBT account automatically each month. You do not have to go anywhere to collect your EBT food stamps.

The Golden State Advantage card is California's EBT card. It is similar to a bank debit card that provides a way for you to spend your food and/or cash benefits when your monthly benefits are deposited into your EBT account.

What if I don’t get my auto deposit? If you have been approved for food stamps but did not get an EBT card after 30 days of approval, please contact your caseworker or local county office.

What identification do I need to use my EBT card? You must enter a secret 4-digit code called a PIN (Personal Identification Number) whenever you use your EBT card. This prevents other people from using your card without your permission. When DPSS sends you your EBT card, they will also send you your PIN. You can change your PIN at any time.

What happens if I forget my PIN? How do I change my PIN number? If you forget your PIN to access your account, or if you want to change the PIN for other reasons, there are 2 ways to do it: 1. You can go to a designated local county public assistance office that has PIN selection equipment and select another PIN. 2. You can call the toll-free customer service telephone number at (877) 328-9677 to select another PIN over the telephone.

Either way, you will need to provide identifying information. When your PIN is changed, you will continue using your current EBT card; a new card will not be provided unless specifically requested.

How do I check my EBT balance? Before you shop, check your balance by:  Looking at your last receipt  Calling Customer Service, 1-877-328-9677, toll-free. 

Going online to www.ebt.ca.gov

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How do I use my EBT card?

1. Choose your groceries and go to the checkout lane.  Depending on the store, you may need to separate your eligible food items from non-eligible items. Tell the clerk which benefits you want to use, “food stamp” or “cash.” You may use both but you must swipe your card for each transaction.

2. Swipe your card through the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal or hand your EBT Card to the clerk.

3. Enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad.  The terminal will show **** instead of the numbers you entered.

4. Press the “ENTER” key. If you’re using cash benefits and you want to get cash back, tell the clerk the amount of cash you want to get back.

5. The clerk enters the amount of your food stamp or cash benefit purchase. If the amount is correct, you press the “OK” or “YES” key.

6. You will get a copy of a printed receipt 7. Get and keep your receipt showing:  Store name and address  Amount of your purchase  Your new balances *You cannot be charged a fee to use your food stamps.

How can I check my benefits account online? You can check your EBT benefits on the EBT Client Website. This website is a resource for California EBT cardholders to:  check individual account balances  view transaction history detail  check claim status  Locate retailers and automated teller machines (ATMs) that accept the EBT card.

You must have a User ID and password to log into your account. To establish or change a User ID and password for this site OR if you do not remember your password or have replaced your card, please visit the EBT Client Website.

Which stores accept the EBT card? Most supermarkets, convenience stores, and food co-ops accept EBT cards. Look for the Quest® mark, or a "We Accept EBT" or "We Welcome EBT Benefits" sign.

1. You can use the EBT Retailer Locator to find stores in your area that accept EBT benefits: EBT Retailer Locator (USDA) a. Click the "Select Location" button b. Enter your street address or zip code c. Click "Locate Retailers."

2. You can also use California’s EBT Client Website Locator to locate stores and ATMs that accept EBT benefits: California EBT Locator – Where Can I Use My EBT Card? a. Enter the zip code b. Enter the city or county c. Specify what you are looking for (food, cash, and restaurant meals locations).

Many farmers' markets also accept EBT cards. Please see the following section on how to locate EBT-friendly farmers’ markets.

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Can I use my EBT card to withdraw cash from my food stamp benefit account?

Yes, however only under certain conditions. You can use the California EBT Locator (also linked above) to locate ATMs in your area that allow you to withdraw cash. Please visit the following links for more information on how to withdraw cash: 1. The easy, safe, and convenient way to receive your food and cash benefits 2. How to Withdraw Cash Benefits at NO Cost 3. Cash Access at ATMs and Retailers

What can I buy with EBT food stamps? You can buy any food item, except food that is hot when you buy it, or food that is sold to be eaten in the store such as restaurant food. Eligible food items include:  Any food products or ingredients used to prepare meals at home: - breads and cereals; - fruits and vegetables; - meats, fish and poultry; and - dairy products  Cold prepared sandwiches, salads, and other deli items  Ethnic and health foods  Snack foods, candy, soda, and ice  Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat You can also buy locally grown food at farmers' markets (if the markets have EBT equipment). To view which farmers’ markets accept EBT in the state of California and Los Angeles County, visit these pages: 1. Los Angeles County Farmers’ Markets EBT Listing 2. California EBT Farmers’ Markets

What can’t I buy with EBT food stamps? For details about eligible food items, including additional information about "junk" food, luxury items, energy drinks, and holiday food items, see Eligible Food Items on the USDA web site. Below are a few items you cannot purchase with food stamps:  



Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco Any nonfood items, such as: o pet foods o soaps, paper products o household supplies o Vitamins and medicines Food that will be eaten in the store

You mean I can’t buy hot food with my food stamps? No, however, you should ask your caseworker if you may be considered eligible for certain hot food programs at participating restaurants (e.g.

Pizza Hut, Subway, Carl’s Jr., etc.).

If I’m awarded food stamps, do I need to do anything to continue receiving my benefits? Yes! You must submit semi-annual reports every 6 months to DPSS to verify your status to keep receiving your food stamp benefits. Not responding to correspondence from your caseworker and/or forgetting to submit your Quarterly (SAR) Reports are the most common reasons for food stamp benefits to be shut off.

When do I submit my SAR report? You should receive notification to submit your SAR report by December, 1 month prior the 6th month report due date. The actual date depends on when you begin receiving 35 | C o r p s M e m b e r O r i e n t a t i o n & R e s o u r c e G u i d e Return to Navigation

the benefit. It’s important that you keep up with the paperwork that is sent to you from your caseworker in order to continue receiving your food stamp benefits. Please be sure to submit your paperwork fully completed and on time – unfortunately, your caseworker won’t be the one to remind you—this is your responsibility to manage if you wish to use this program.

How do I submit my SAR report? Included below are instructions on how to complete and submit your SAR online (especially if you cannot find the report that was sent to you in the mail), and access information about your benefits online: 1. Find your customer ID in the upper right hand corner (it's a 10-digit number) on your personalized notices the DPSS office has sent you. This is a different number from the one on your benefits card.

2. Go to https://dpssbenefits.lacounty.gov/ybn/Index.html 3. Select "New User" and be ready to provide your SSN and customer ID, etc. If you've logged in before, select Current Users and enter your information 4. Select Semi-Annual/Quarterly Reports. Complete the information, being sure to include any changes in your rent or income. Note: The electronic version will not ask for you to attach any additional documents as proof (i.e. paystubs) until AFTER you have submitted the document.

5. After you've clicked "Submit" there will be an option at the top of the page that says something like "Additional Documents" or "Submit Proof," where you must attach your documentation.

6. Load PDFs of your paystubs. You will need to do this or your SAR will not be complete. 

You can find your pay stubs on City Year’s internal system, cyresource, which we will be rolled out at the start of the year.

Note: this process of accessing your benefits information online also works for when submitting any documents you may have forgotten to bring during your visit with a DPSS social worker.

Will I be able to use my EBT card in other counties and other states?

Your EBT card will work at any store or ATM that displays the Quest® symbol in California and the other 49 states in the United States, as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. If you do not see the Quest® symbol, look for a sign that displays EBT, SNAP, or Food Stamps. If you are unsure, ask the store manager. Currently, California EBT cardholders cannot use their EBT cards in Puerto Rico.

Can someone else use my EBT card? Not unless they are authorized to. Ask your county caseworker about setting up an Authorized Representative (AR), who will have access to your EBT food benefit and/or cash aid benefit account. The AR will have a separate card with his or her own account number and PIN. The EBT system is able to track which card is used to access your account.

What should I do if my EBT card is lost or stolen? Call customer service right away at (877) 328-9677.Wait through two card number prompts without entering your EBT card number and you will hear a prompt to report your card as lost or stolen.

Once reported, your EBT card is disabled and you are told how to get a new card. It is important that you call as soon as possible! If someone uses your card to get your benefits, these benefits will not be replaced.

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When to call the toll free Customer Service Telephone Number:

(877) 328-9677 is a free call from California landlines; when using a cell phone, normal cellular telephone charges may apply.  

   

Your EBT card is lost or stolen.

Your EBT card does not work. o If it is damaged and it does not work (cannot be read) at retail or ATM locations, you should request a replacement EBT card as soon as possible.

You want to change your personal identification number (PIN), because you forgot it or someone else knows your PIN. You want to find out the amount remaining your account(s).

You have been charged for a purchase, but did not get the items or were charged too much for what you bought.

You have other questions or problems.

Eating Healthy using SNAP As mentioned earlier, you can use your EBT card at various farmers’ markets throughout Los Angeles County. Included below are links to website that can help you search for these farmers’ markets. We’ve also provided a short list of popular ones in the next section.   

LA County Farmers’ Markets EBT Listing California EBT Farmers’ Markets EcologyCenter.org

Farmers’ Markets in LA that accept Food Stamps: Saturdays, Los Angeles County  Leimert: Degnan Boulevard and 43rd Street, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (EBT) (323) 463-3171.  Los Angeles (Harambee): 5730 Crenshaw Blvd., north of Slauson Avenue, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (323) 292-5550; (323) 292-5558.  Pasadena (Victory Park): North Sierra Madre Boulevard and Paloma Street, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

(EBT) (626) 449-0179.  Santa Monica (Pico): Virginia Avenue Park, corner of Pico and Cloverfield boulevards, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(EBT) www.smgov.net/farmers_market (310) 458-8712.  Santa Monica (Saturday, organic): 3rd Street at Arizona Avenue, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (EBT) www.smgov.net/farmers_market (310) 458-8712.  Silver Lake: 3700 Sunset Blvd., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (323) 661-7771.

Sundays, Los Angeles County  Alhambra: Monterey and East Bay State streets, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (EBT) (626) 570-5081.  Atwater: 3250 Glendale Blvd., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (EBT) (323) 463-3171.  Beverly Hills: 9300 block of Civic Center Drive, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (310) 285-6830. www.beverlyhills.org 37 | C o r p s M e m b e r O r i e n t a t i o n & R e s o u r c e G u i d e Return to Navigation

        

Hollywood: Ivar Avenue between Sunset and Hollywood boulevards, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (EBT) (323) 4633171.

Long Beach (Southeast): Parking lot of the Alamitos Bay Marina, East Marina Drive, south of East 2nd St., west of Pacific Coast Highway, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (EBT) www.harborareafarmersmarkets.org (866) 466-3834.

Los Angeles (Larchmont Village): 209 Larchmont Blvd., between 1st Street and Beverly Boulevard, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.ccfm.com (818) 591-8161.

Los Angeles (Melrose Place): Melrose Place and Melrose Avenue, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.ccfm.com (818) 591-8161.

Mar Vista: Venice Blvd. and Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (310) 861-4444.

Santa Monica: 2640 Main St. at Ocean Park Boulevard, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (EBT), www.smgov.net/farmers_market (310) 458-8712.

Studio City: Ventura Place, between Ventura and Laurel Canyon Boulevards, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (818) 655-7744.

West Los Angeles: 11360 Santa Monica Blvd., at Purdue Avenue, behind the public library, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.westlafarmersmarket.com (310) 281-7855.

Westwood Village: Broxton Avenue between Weyburn and Kinross avenues, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., (310) 739-5028.

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Finding Housing A new job and potentially a new city likely means that you are looking for a new home in LA; this section is intended to offer you clear, objective, and varied information about living in Los Angeles. Inside you’ll find advice from former corps members, data and general information about the city that will hopefully give you a better sense of LA and how to find the best possible place to live as an AmeriCorps Member.

IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS

While this section is full of resources and information that can help you navigate finding housing in LA, it’s ultimately your responsibility.

Happy House Hunting!

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Living in LA as an AmeriCorps Member

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Where will I work?

City Year Los Angeles serves in four neighborhoods in clustered in Southeast LA: Westlake/ Koreatown, Boyle Heights, South LA, and Watts. For the 2014-2015 school year, CYLA serves in 25 schools, which are a mix of elementary, middle and high schools in each neighborhood. There may be variation and additions to the schools CYLA serves for the 2015-2016 school year.

During your service year you will work with a team of your peers at one of our partner schools. The placement survey each AmeriCorps Member completes helps the CYLA staff determine where you will serve, to create diverse and balanced teams. You will find out what neighborhood you will serve in by July 1st. Specific school placements are revealed during the 2nd week of training after you service begins on August 3rd.

In addition to your school site, you will occasionally work at the City Year Los Angeles Headquarters office, which is centrally located downtown. You will come to the office to register for the program as well as for many trainings days, after-service meetings, and professional development sessions throughout the year.

Where should I live?

In order to find the best living situation, there are multiple factors to consider. It is important to be honest with yourself when thinking through your housing options, because a difficult living situation can make your City Year experience more stressful. The only person who can answer these questions for you is you!

How much are you willing to pay for housing? You will likely get around $1000 each month after taxes for your stipend (your take home amount is dependent on your tax elections, which City Year does not control and cannot advise you on). When considering rent options, think about what other resources you might have and how much you are willing to dedicate to housing (suggested rent is $500-$700). This might seem daunting in a city like LA, but there are definitely options available within this range.

How important is safety? What do you consider “safe�? Any neighborhood in any city can be dangerous if you act without caution, but some do have higher crime rates than others. Later sections in this packet offer resources to find some statistics, but always visit a location, if you can, to get a sense of your own level of comfort there. We do not recommend living in Watts or South LA, while close to our partner schools, these neighborhoods tend to present safety concerns for members unfamiliar with Los Angeles.

How important is the surrounding location to you? Are you looking for a bustling nightlife right outside your door? Do you prefer a more suburban setting? Do you want to be close to popular sites?

How far do you want to travel to get to the grocery store?

Once you've found a neighborhood that suits you, before you take the plunge, we recommend you come back for another visit at night. Some neighborhoods can transform from charming to sketchy as night falls, and if crime is a concern, consult a LAPD crime map.

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Traffic & Commuting in LA Los Angeles is the second largest city in the US, with over 18 million people in the greater metro area, and covers 502.7 square miles. LA is large and it is known for its horrible traffic. The average traveler in LA experiences 72 hours of traffic delay per year according to the Texas Transportation Institute study. With traffic congestion the norm commuting and travel time to work are important considerations in deciding where to live.

There is public transportation in Los Angeles, but it's not like in New York or Boston. Los Angeles is not a very walkable city, and when you search for an apartment for rent in the City of Angels test drive the commute before you commit. Consider moving close to a Metro Rail Station as it will give you access to most schools and major Metro hubs.

How will you get to work? Will you use public transportation or a personal vehicle? AmeriCorps members receive a free Metro TAP pass for unlimited transportation in the LA area, but it does not cover many commuter transportation options for suburbs or neighboring cities (See the “Getting Around LA” section for more details). Below are some common public transportation train and bus lines by neighborhood for each current CYLA school:

 City Year Office o Metro Center (Blue Line, Expo Line, Red Line, Purple Line) o Pershing Square (Red line)

 Westlake/Koreatown o o o o o

Belmont HS — McArthur Park Station (Red Line) + 20 Min walk JLMS — Metro Center/ 7th ST + 15 Minute Walk NOW — Wilshire/ Normandy Station (Purple Line) UCLA — Wilshire/ Normandie Station (Purple Line) Virgil MS — Vermont/ Beverly Station (Red Line)

 Boyle Heights o o o o

Hollenbeck MS — Soto Station (Gold Line) + 9 Min Walk Mendez — Soto Station (Gold Line) Roosevelt HS — Soto Station (Gold Line) + 10 Min Stevenson MS — Indiana Station (Gold Line) + 9 Minute Walk

 South LA o o o o o o

Clinton MS— Jefferson/ USC Station (Expo Line) Jefferson HS — Bus 55/355 or Bus 202 John Muir MS — Bus 204 or Bus 754 Manual Arts HS — Expo/Vermont Station (Expo Line) + 15 Min Walk Normandie Ave ES — Bus 105/705 or Bus 206 Santee HS — San Pedro Station (Blue Line)

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 Watts o o o o o o o o o o

93rd Street ES — Bus 10/48 or Bus 51/52/352 99Th Street ES — 103rd Street (Blue Line) + 20 Min Walk 109th Street ES — Bus 51 or Bus 52/352 122nd Street ES — Avalon Station (Green Line) Compton Ave ES — 103rd Street (Blue Line) Figueroa Street ES — Bus 81 or Harbor Fwy Station (Green Line) or the Silver Line Bus Gompers MS — Avalon Station (Green Line) Jordan HS — 103rd Street - 20 Min Walk of 103rd Street (Blue Line) + Bus 117 Markham MS —103rd St Station (Blue Line) Locke HS — Avalon Station (Green Line) + 12 Minute Walk

How long are you willing to spend commuting?

Service starts early, and being prompt is required, so it’s important to consider how much time you are willing to commute in the morning and how much earlier you are willing to get up to ensure you arrive on time. Service day are also long and for some having a long commute on top of that adds stress. Do you like to read/listen to music while commuting, so don’t mind the extra time to decompress? Do you feel stressed in traffic, so extra time is an unwelcome addition?

What are the common traffic patterns?

Traffic varies by neighborhood and direction of travel.

When traveling to and from service, buses and train schedules may not run as often early in the day or late at night, which can impact travel time. Later sections of this packet offer resources to find some statistics that can help you gauge commuting times.

How will you get to trainings and meetings at the CYLA office?

Trainings are often held at our CYLA downtown office, as well as meetings after service, and professional development sessions. While you will not travel to the office every day it’s important to consider how you will travel to the office. If you drive, parking around the office is very expensive.

If you have a car, where will you park? Busy streets mean busy parking areas. When shopping for an apartment, always inquire about the parking situation. Many apartments come with their own parking space, but the location and security of your parking spot is also a concern when choosing an apartment in LA. If you will have street parking, you'll have to be aware of times when your car will need to be parked elsewhere, such as street cleaning day, or rush hour. A secure parking spot is often worth the extra cash.

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Who should I live with?

Similar to where you live in LA there is no single living situation that works well for everyone. Some AmeriCorps Members choose to live with other AmeriCorps Members, some choose to live with non-City Year people, some live with family, and some live alone.

This is another case where you need to be honest with yourself about what you think you will need in your life during your corps year. Keep in mind that you will be at work 10 hours a day, which means you will be with AmeriCorps Members for at least that long. The CYLA leadership aims not to place roommates on the same team, but there will be days when the entire corps is all- together.

Be honest with yourself about how you like to de-compress after a long and possibly stressful day. If you like to avoid what you did all day, living with corps members might be stressful. If you like to talk about it and continue the experience, living with corps members might be right for you. Below you will find some quotes from former corps members regarding their living situations:

Living with other AmeriCorps Members: Pros:      

“We are all on the same schedule. You are all usually up around the same time and get home late.

Living with ACMs has been beneficial because if I’m struggling with something on my team, I can reach out to my roommates and they can offer really great advice.”

“It’s helpful to have other people to navigate the city with for new locations” “Fun people make the experience fuller. ”It’s good to talk to people who understand the life” “I can vent to them about CY and they understand. Also, between the three of us, we can always find something to do on the weekends. It makes connecting with the corps as a whole easier.

“Nice to live with people who can relate to the long hours.”

Cons   

“Your life sort of revolves around City Year and it’s hard to decompress after a long day when City Year surrounds you. I like being able to come home, listen to music, etc. but sometimes all that CMs want to talk about is work, it can become pretty stressful.”

“When it’s an all-corps day it can be too much time together.”

“The negatives of my living situation pertain more to personal differences than to living with CY members in general. Overall, I’d recommend that living with other AmeriCorps Members is the best option.”

Living with Non-City Year people: Pros:   



“It’s not all City Year all the time.”

“I love that I do not live with other City Year Corps Members because I feel that my entire life would be consumed with City Year.”

“I live with a college friend, who’s currently doing TFA. We already knew each other, and so there’s no awkwardness when we come home and just need our chill time. He makes a lot more money that I do, so we live in a great location. We both understand the long hours since we’re doing similar programs.”

“Independence from family and ability to escape from CY life when needed”

Cons  

“My roommate doesn’t understand why we get upset when she’s loud and up late. She doesn’t realize how early we have to get up and how taxing our job is” “Depending on location, it can be difficult to connect with City Year people after hours.”

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Living with family at home: Pros:  

“It’s good to have family to talk to after a stressful day” “I don’t have to worry too much about groceries and much rent”

Cons    

“They treat me like a child” “Living with grandparents can be difficult because of differences in schedules” “Family doesn’t understand why I have so little time available or why I’m tired and just want to relax when I’m home” “Living with my family saves me money, but I have to commute from Ventura every day, so what I save in money costs me in free time”

Sharing a room within an apartment: Pros:  

“We can live in a nicer place because of lower cost” “Living with multiple roommates saves a lot of money”

Cons 

“Lack of privacy”

How much should I spend?

Of course, budget is always a consideration. When searching for your apartment in Los Angeles, consider your budget carefully. Housing will more than likely be your largest expense but that doesn’t mean it has to break the bank.

Start with the right mind set: As mentioned earlier, you’ll be averaging about $1,000 a month after taxes are taken out of your paycheck. Don’t come to LA thinking you’ll be living in the trendiest neighborhoods nestled in with all the celebrities. It’s safe to say that you should save one paycheck a month to spend solely on rent and utilities. On average, corps members spend between $400-$500 dollars a month on rent.

Do the leg work: Know your price range. Don’t be afraid to crunch the numbers and be sure to be realistic. Consider all sources of income and be comprehensive about what expense you will have. If you have a number in mind, start searching a little above that number. Why? Well, some apartment rentals in Los Angeles will include utilities and extras like cable, internet connectivity, water, etc. You'll usually pay a little bit more for these rentals, but the difference it can make in your overall cost of living is often significant.

Consider hidden expenses: When relocating and moving into a new apartment, there are a lot of expenses you don’t think about that can easily add up. More than likely, you’ll have to pay first and last month’s rent (or first month’s rent and a security deposit). This might sound strange, but not all apartments in LA come with a refrigerator or other large appliances. You can often negotiate with your landlord for them to buy one; otherwise you’ll need to budget in renting or purchasing one for the year. Each utility usually has a startup or security deposit fee as well. Again, just think about these things when saving for your move or while budgeting for your monthly expenses.

Unexpected expenses come up, so choosing a place within your means or even aiming for the low end of your budget to give yourself some flexibility is important!

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How to conduct an apartment search in LA Whether if this is your first apartment search you’ve conducted, or the 50th, there are some nuances to Los Angeles’s rental market that you’ll want to know about before you get started.

When should I start? Unlike other cities where you’ll be able to rent an apartment months in advance, the rentals are usually only available 2 months in advance in LA. First thing you’ll want to figure out is when you plan on moving to LA. From here, start doing research on the various neighborhoods, transit routes, and price ranges; you’ll want to figure out what neighborhood(s) you’d like to live in about 8 weeks before your scheduled move. About 3-6 weeks before your scheduled move in date is the primetime to conduct your actual search, at this point apartments will start to be advertised that will be available during your time frame.

How long will it take? If you find a place you like and it’s in your price range, act quickly! Once you complete an application and submit it to the landlord, the approval process is usually rather quick, about a 2-4 day turnaround. The market is really competitive so when you go to an apartment viewing it’s a good idea to bring a checkbook so you can act quickly and put down deposit to reserve it, if it’s the one. Make sure you have multiple places you’re interested in as backups just in case one gets rented out to someone else!

Where should I look? Realtors aren’t a necessity in LA but certainly can help if you and your roommates are all coming from out of town and won’t be visiting beforehand to lock down an apartment. Other great places to look are the following: o

Online: Is the most common way to find a place. There is a great list of websites to check out in the next part of this housing section.

o

Walking the neighborhood: Many landlords don't bother listing their properties online if they only have one or two, so if you know a neighborhood you like, searching for *For Rent* signs can prove fruitful.

o

Word of mouth: You’d be surprised by how many places you can find by asking around both the Facebook group and friends/family. Also, landlords often have multiple rental properties so if you are at an apartment viewing and don’t like what you see, ask if they have any other apartments that are available to lease.

When should you plan to move in? You will have to attend in person registration in the second or final week of July prior to your start date on August 3rd. With that in mind consider the expenses of starting a lease in July or August, and what time you will have to settle in. Can you stay with friends or family? Can you afford a motel or Airbnb until your move in date? When is the place you want available? Your move it date will depend on where you are moving from and your personal circumstances, but remember registration and your start date are non-negotiable.

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What are the steps? There is no one way or one check list for finding a great apartment, but below are a few common steps to consider:            

Establish your move-in date Figure out your must-have and nice-to-have list Plan your budget Research neighborhoods Search for available apartments Check the neighborhood and commute Make appointments to view/visit o (Try to view at least 3-4 a day to maximize your time, be proactive!)

Narrow your list Check for your must-have list Submit an application Sign a lease/pay the deposit Pick up your keys and move in!

Apartment Search Websites There are countless websites and services that are available to find your next apartment. We’ve compiled a list of resources of the most common places Angelinos, and our corps, use to find their next home.

Commonly used websites: 

Craigslist is the most commonly used website in LA to find apartments. It’s updated constantly so make sure you check early and often. o

Housing Section — has listings of apartments, rooms in shared houses, roommate requests or offers and much more.

o

Look at a variety of posts — to get a general sense of the time frame and what’s available.

Make sure you look for places with phone numbers, not just emails as they are less likely to be a scam and you’ll have a quicker turnaround contacting them

o

Pictures in the posts are important but not a guarantee – many of the posts on craigslist will have pictures of the apartment but don’t dismiss a place simply because there aren’t any shown. Often times you can find a “diamond in the rough” going this route, but be cautious.

o

Meet in a public place — If you are meeting a roommate or landlord, ask if you can met in a public place or during the day, for safety reasons. Bring a family member or friend if possible.



West Side Rentals Is a close second to craigslist with lots of options, but charges a $60 fee for 2 months access to their site. If you can “borrow” someone’s account for a month, give it a try. Or, try it for a month and if you’re out $60, then so be it. The potential reward (e.g., finding a place you love) dramatically can outweighs the cost.



Rent is a bit broader rental search engine and not updated as frequently. However, it can still be useful to get a general feel for demand and prices in your area.



The Rental Girl has fewer listings that are curated by a group of real estate women and organized by area.

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Other websites: • • • • • • • • •

Padmapper.com Apartmentratings.com Hotpads.com Apartments.com Apartmentguide.com Zumper.com Onradpad.com LArentfinders.com Mynewplace.com

Tips for staying safe Whether you’re brand new to the city or a native Angelino it’s important to be cautious when conducting your apartment search. Below are some tips and resources to help you avoid being an open target.

California Renters Bill of Rights: if you’re going to be a renter in LA it’s important to know your renter’s rights. Review them here: <http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/catenant.pdf>

How to avoid scams: •

Do not send any checks in the mail to someone you do not know.

•

Do not wire money in response to an ad until you have met the landlord and visited the apartment.

•

Give rent money and security deposit in person so you can guarantee it is going to a real human in exchange for a room or apartment

•

Pay attention to the advertisement and means of contact: avoid answering ads with typos, ads that do not list the address, or if you receive an automatic reply immediately after responding

•

Do not pay your security deposit or first month’s rent with a personal check as your banking information is attached to this, and it puts you in a situation for an unfamiliar landlord to take advantage of you.

Apartment Safety: As you consider apartments and after you move in there are a few important tips to ensure you have the best experience that can be easy to overlook.

Stay Clean and Infestation Free Your landlord is responsible for keeping your apartment free from insects and rodents. If you have an infestation problem, contact your landlord so that appropriate measures can be taken to get rid of the unwanted guests.

Do your part:  Infestation by rodents can often be avoided by storing trash in appropriate locations.

Even with all the best planning and safety its best and even mandatory depending on where you live to have renter’s insurance. https://www.geico.com/g etaquote/renters/

 Make sure trash containers have lids and remove trash from inside the residence frequently.  Ask your landlord about the proper location for trash and recycling.

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Bed Bugs: They love used furniture. Avoid picking up used furniture off the street!

Special Alert: Bed Bugs Bed bugs are tiny insects that are only four to five millimeters long. They hide in furniture, especially in beds and mattresses, and are hard to see.

Most people realize bed bugs are present from their persistent biting around the arms and shoulders.

Do your part: 

To prevent bed bugs, inspect your apartment carefully



Make sure your landlord completes all required rental inspections



If you buy used furniture, inspect it carefully for the bugs.

 If bed bugs do appear, notify your landlord immediately and arrange for fumigation. It may be necessary to throw away infested furniture.

Locks It’s important to find an apartment where you feel safe but also take appropriate precautions.    

Check all door locks to make sure they are functioning properly.

Make sure your door has a deadbolt lock and a peephole.

Remember to keep your door locked at all times.

Lock your door and take your keys whenever you leave

Window Security Doors aren’t the only potential entrance. Don’t forget the windows! 

Make sure all windows in your apartment are equipped with properly functioning locks and riser restrictors.



If you have a sliding glass door, place a wooden rod in the door track so it can’t be opened from the outside.

Building Security While having the right safety features is key, don’t forget you can be the weakest link.         

Never “buzz in” someone you don’t know and don’t allow strangers to follow you into the main entrance, or enter as you leave the building.

Immediately report all suspicious activity, strangers loitering in or near the building, or behavior by other residents or tenants that you feel presents a security risk.

Do not prop open the front door.

Do not allow anyone access who is loitering or hanging out in front of the building.

Always check to see who is at your door before opening it.

Make sure you know who has master keys to your building apartments.

Make sure that all public areas of your building and walkways are well lit.

Make sure mailboxes are locked.

Know who handles your maintenance. Hazardous situations like piling trash, and burned out lights should be reported immediately.

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Fire Safety LA is in a desert and very dry, taking the proper precautions is critical.    

Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once a month and change the batteries at least once a year. The landlord is responsible for installing working alarms.

Plan and practice emergency evacuation routes so you know exactly what to do in the case of a fire.

Test windows and doors. Are they easy to open? Wide and tall enough?

Post emergency numbers in a prominent location.

Earthquake Preparedness If this is the first time living in LA it’s important to ensure you take proper earthquake precautions as part of your move. While it’s true that Southern California is highly susceptible to earthquakes and earthquake related effects (and it is highly likely that you may experience one during your time here), it shouldn’t be a daily preoccupation. But for this to be the case, it should be a top priority for you to develop an earthquake readiness plan so that you are best prepared if and when an earthquake happens. In fact, the more you educate and prepare yourself for earthquakes, the more at ease you may feel.

For more information on how earthquakes affect the Southern California region and on how to develop your own earthquake readiness plan, we highly suggest that you review the following resources:  American Red Cross Earthquake Preparedness  American Red Cross Earthquake Safety Checklist: Be Red Cross Ready  The Great California Shakeout  Ready LA Disaster Awareness  Ready.Gov

Additional Safety Tips and Resources As part of a fully stocked emergency preparedness kit, you need at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day. Recommended quantity of supplies should enable you to survive for at least 72 hours following an emergency Red Cross First Aid App – The Red Cross has a handy first aid app that walks you through first aid, CPR and other key life saving tips. Download it to check it out!

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Advice from AmeriCorps Members There is a lot to consider when looking for housing for your service year. Below are tips from former AmeriCorps Members to help guide your search.

Location: 

 

Be as close to public transportation (buses or Metro) as possible (within ½ mile of a metro station is ideal!). Los Angeles sprawls out far and wide and this will allow you to easily commute to and from work and exciting areas to explore Be wary of “metro-accessible” housing in rental advertisements—use Google maps to find real distance and walkability Living outside of Los Angeles proper can be challenging and add significant time too

Landing a great place:     

Most leases are signed within 3-6 weeks of your move-in date.

The apartment market is competitive. If you get the first apartment you apply for, GREAT! If not, move on to the next one, fast.

If possible, walk around the neighborhoods you’re interested in and look for signs with vacancies. Often times you’ll find places that aren’t posted on websites.

Connect with other AmeriCorps Members via the Facebook page to find potential roommates.

Save up some money and head out a week early to find housing.

Paying for it:   

Set aside one paycheck per month for rent.

Keep in mind other costs such as parking, gas, utilities and relocation costs. You’ll have a lot of upfront costs when moving to a new city including travel to L.A., security deposits, utilities startup fees, furniture, and more that add up!

Avoid loans or credit cards to pay for your living expenses in LA. It’s a great way to ruin your credit quickly. Bad credit can really hurt your apartment search or even hurt your chances at getting a job.

Things to look out for:     

Many apartments in LA don’t have large utilities included. Plan accordingly when looking for housing. If you need to buy or rent one there are always cheap ones on craigslist.

Laundry in unit is very helpful, especially if you don’t have a car to transport everything.

If Laundry is not in the unit, account for that in your budget.

Make sure apartment/house has good maintenance protocol.

Plan to save $1000+ in order to make a down payment on housing and cover food costs at the start of this adventure!

Ways to save money:       

Look for places with utilities included in rent.

Look to individual rooms in houses that are already occupied.

Partition bedrooms to share and reduced rent costs.

Consider not having cable.

Consider living at home with your parents, if possible.

Consider living in a less “trendy” neighborhood.

Do research to see if your apartment building or county has assistance programs for paying utilities due to economic constraints.

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Other Resources If you are looking for more resources to gauge a neighborhood or just learn more about moving to LA, we have compiled some great websites to check out!

Relocate to LA: •

Immovingtola.com – Is a good place to start reading about any and everything that LA has to offer. It’s written specifically by people who are transplants to the city and have numerous posts and resources on what to expect, what to do, and how to immerse yourself so you become a true Angelino

•

Movingtolatoday.com –Is another place with a ton of articles and information about moving to LA, in particular, check out the article they wrote on the “5 Resources That Will Make Moving to L.A. Easier.

•

Fightingbroke.com – This site specifically talks about how much you should save, budgeting your income, and minimizing your “stuff” so you are transition into LA is as seamless as possible

•

LA Crime Statistics – Using data from the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Crime L.A. creates maps and reports for the hundreds of cities and neighborhoods covered by these agencies. With daily updates, readers can keep current on loc-al crime and compare crime levels across more than 200 neighborhoods and localities.

•

www.crimereports.com and www.mylocalcrime.com – These two sites show you crime reports on a map of LA that allows you to get a sense of the safety of a neighborhood or areas.

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Los Angeles & Its Neighborhoods

Map Key 0

Hollywood

Boyle Heights

Koreatown

Exposition Park

Chinatown

University Park

Mid-City West

West Adams-Normandie

Downtown LA

Areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CYLA serves in

East LA

What are the neighborhoods in LA like?

Los Angles is a sprawling metropolis with 158 cities and 114 neighborhoods, which can seem overwhelming when looking for a place to live. In this section we have highlighted the neighborhoods where AmeriCorps Members commonly live with brief descriptions. These will give you a start point to decide where you might want to live. If you want more detailed information check on the LA times neighborhood information here: http://maps.latimes.com/neighborhoods/.

Neighborhoods where AmeriCorps Members commonly live: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Boyle Heights Chinatown Downtown East LA Hollywood

6. Korea-town 7. Mid-Town Crossing 8. West Adams-Normandie 9. Exposition Park 10. University Park

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Suggested Neighborhood: Boyle Heights Boyle Heights is a working-class neighborhood that is predominately Mexican American. It is east of downtown youthful area of almost 100,000 residents. The district has more than twenty public schools and ten private schools, many of which have City Year teams in them.

Metro Train Stations: Gold Line: Soto Station Gold Line: Mariachi Plaza Station Gold Line: Indiana Station Gold Line: Pico/Aliso Station

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Suggested Neighborhood: Chinatown Chinatown is a neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles that became a commercial center for Chinese and other Asian businesses in 1938. The area includes restaurants, shops and art galleries but also has a residential neighborhood with a population of about 10,000 residents.

Metro Train Stations: Red Line: Union Station Gold Line: Union Station Gold Line: Chinatown Station

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Suggested Neighborhood: Downtown LA Downtown Los Angeles is the central business district of Los Angeles and has a diverse residential neighborhood of some 50,000 people. This is where the CYLA Headquarters is located. Downtown LA is also where the main hubs for Metro trains and public transportation are located.

Metro Train Stations: Red Line / Purple Line: Civic Center / Grand Park Station Red Line / Purple Line: Pershing Square Station Red Line / Purple Line / Blue Line / Expo Line: 7th and Metro Center Station Gold Line: Little Tokyo / Arts District Station Blue Line / Expo Line: Pico Station

City Year LA Office

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Suggested Neighborhood: East LA East LA is one of the least diverse neighborhoods in LA with 96.7% Latino population. It is located east of Boyle Heights and home to 125,897 residents. East LA has a rich Hispanic culture and it home to the Latino Walk of Fame.

Metro Train Stations: Gold Line: Atlantic Station Gold Line: East LA Civic Center Station Gold Line: Maravilla Station

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Suggested Neighborhood: Hollywood Hollywood is a district in the central region of Los Angeles. It is notable for its place as the home of the entertainment industry, including several of the historic studios. Hollywood is also a highly ethnically diverse, densely populated and economically diverse neighborhood and retail business district.

Metro Train Stations: Red Line: Vermont / Santa Monica Station Red Line: Vermont / Sunset Station Red Line: Hollywood / Western Station Red Line: Hollywood / Vine Station Red Line: Hollywood / Highland Station

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Suggested Neighborhood: Koreatown Koreatown is a neighborhood in Central LA. It is the most densely populated district in Los Angeles County, with some 120,000 residents. Despite its name, this community is highly diverse. Half of the residents are Latino and a third are of Asian descent.

Metro Train Stations: Red Line / Purple Line: Wilshire / Vermont Station Purple Line: Wilshire / Normandie Station Purple Line: Wilshire / Western Station

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Suggested Neighborhood: Mid-city West This area borders the City of West Hollywood on the north, Beverly Hills and the Pico-Robertson on the west and south, and is surrounded on the east and south by the Mid-Wilshire district. It is a highly diverse, very dense urban neighborhood in Central Los Angeles where renters occupying most of the housing space but also with notable districts composed of historic single-family homes.

Metro Train Stations: None

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Suggested Neighborhood: West Adams The Adams-Normandie district of Los Angeles is notable for its high population density, relatively low household income, youthful population, and high average household size. West Adams is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with most of its buildings erected between 1880 and 192. It is southwest of Downtown and west of USC and is named after Adams Boulevard, the major east-west surface thoroughfare in the district.

Metro Train Stations: Expo Line: Jefferson / La Cienega Station Expo Line: Exposition Blvd. / La Brea Station Expo Line: Exposition Blvd. / Crenshaw Station Expo Line: Farmdale Station

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Suggested Neighborhood: Exposition Park The Exposition Park neighborhood is in South Los Angeles and has about 33,000 residents. The neighborhood includes Exposition Park itself, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Exposition Rose Garden and three museums as well as parts of the University of Southern California.

Metro Train Stations: Expo Line: Exposition Blvd. / La Brea Station Expo Line: Exposition Blvd. / Crenshaw Station

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Suggested Neighborhood: University Park University Park is neighborhood in South Los Angeles. It is the site of the University of Southern California, but it is also notable for its dense concentration of residents, and their youthful age range. It is one of the most ethnically diverse areas in Los Angeles.

Metro Train Stations: Expo Line: 23rd St. Station

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Getting Around LA Getting around in any big city can be challenging, and LA is no exeception. While LA isn’t known for its public transportation it’s not only possible but can be practical to get around using the Metro bus and trains. Most AmeriCorps members use public transportation for a variety of reasons, including:  

Cost-savings (cuts down on gas and parking) Reducing time spent driving in traffic



Concern for the environment

The Metro bus and train system in Los Angeles operates 185 distinct routes. There are 18,500 bus stops and 1,433 square mile service area in LA County. The sprawling city that has enough roadways to wrap around the entire globe but luckily you will receive a free unlimited transit pass to use Metro public transit in the immediate LA area.

Each of our 24 schools is accessible via public transit from any location in the city and Metro is by far the main mode of transportation for our corps here in Los Angeles. Refer to the commuting section for specific lines and routes that are accessible to each of our partner schools. For more specifics details check out the maps and timetables here: http://www.metro.net/riding/maps/. Also consider downloading Metro Mobile App which will give you access to routes, arrival times, maps and important notifications while you’re on the go.

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What is a Metro TAP pass? TAP is a durable, eco-friendly, plastic card that contains smart chip technology which allows you to electronically purchase and load Metro passes, participating regional and local transit line passes, Stored Value, or any combination of the three. TAP is easy and convenient to use.

How does my TAP pass work? Tap your card it each time you board a bus or enter a metro train station and enjoy your ride. You must have this card with you at all times, when riding Metro, and tap it at designated terminals in order to ride. If you do not have your card while on Metro or fail to tap you may be fined up to $250 and 48 hours community service regardless of the fact that your tap pass is paid for the duration of your service year. Police regularly monitor public transit stations and you WILL get caught if you try to freeload so please keep this with you when out and about.

When will I receive my free Metro TAP pass? You will receive your free TAP pass on your first day of service August 3rd, when you check in for BTA. Note if you do not email your professional photo to Christine in at least a month prior to service you may not receive your permanent pass on your first day. Metro transit has a long turn-around time to create new pass, which is not controlled by City Year. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t receive your permanent pass on your first day you will receive a temporary pass until yours arrives.

If I move to LA early can I get my TAP prior to August 3rd? No, you are responsible for paying for any transportation costs prior to your first day of service.

How long is my TAP pass active? Your tap pass will remain active for the duration of your service with City Year from July 2015 to June 2016. If you leave service early your tap pass will be cancelled at that time.

How do a store my TAP card safely and securely? You should always store your TAP card in a safe, dry, place where it will not be bent (like in your back pocket) or rub up against keys, other credit cards, or magnets that can deactivate the chip in your TAP card.

Where can I use my TAP pass? All bus and light rail operated by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) only accept Annual TAP cards. For more information visit: http://www.metro.net/riding/aepp/ FAQ page.

What if I lose my TAP pass? If you lose your tap pass or it no longer works (hot carded) contact Christine Pierce, Corps Operations Coordinator, to order a new card. Note that you can only lose your card twice and after that no new cards can be issued.

Is there a fee to replace a lost TAP pass? YES! Metro charges a fee to replace a lost or damaged card is $25 the first time and $50 for the second. If your card is stolen, City Year will cover the replacement fee. You will be required to submit a copy of the police report.

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What is the City Year LA public transportation policy?

When in uniform, if the bus, train or subway begins to fill up you are obligated as an AmeriCorps Member to give up your seat and allow others to sit. If giving up your seat will cause more congestion than service, by all means remain seated. Our goal is to serve others, therefore if an elderly person or mother and child board the bus and need a place to sit, please give up your seat and model the compassion and humility expected of those in service to their country.

Tips from AmeriCorps Members          

Try the Metro Trip Planner! http://www.metro.net/riding/maps/ Check multiple timeslots to avoid being late Know how often the bus/train arrives at a certain stop/station Plan for a bit of a walk.

Give yourself at least 45 minutes before show time.

Have multiple routes ready (Maybe the bus is faster than the train, explore!)

Trains stop running at 2AM. Be mindful of color lines Learn your connections Always be on time! The bus/train will leave promptly.

Walking & Biking around LA Some people chose to walk or bike around LA. While these are both fun ways to see the city, they are usually not the timeliest way to get to service. Below are some resources for walking and biking around LA but they are geared more towards using in your down time.

Walking: 

https://www.walkscore.com/ Walk Score is a great resource to use to determine how walkable your potential neighborhood is, as they take several different factors into account such as safety, location of grocery stores, and points of interest.



Curbed LA's: The Most Walkable Neighborhoods in LA this is an article about the most walkable neighborhoods in LA: walkability was scored in terms of safety, things to do, and local businesses.



http://www.walkinginla.com/ this is a great art project that showcases different walks you can take in LA.



Map my Walk App is a pedometer that helps you keep track of your steps as well as showing popular walking routes by other users.

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Driving in LA Los Angeles is notorious for its traffic and as a result driving to and from service can be frustrating at times. In some cases it can take even longer to drive to service than to take public transportation. Keep in mind that once you arrive at your destination you’ll also have to find parking—which can be a headache in heavily populated or permit-only areas.

Also be mindful, there’s weekly street sweeping in LA. When you park on the street, always check the signs to sure it’s legal to park for both the day of the week and time of day. Parking citations start around $75, so please be careful and READ THE SIGNS.

Commuting: 

Maps.google.com, Waze.com, and socaltransport.org can help you identify how long a potential commute might be as well as how far from the bus/train an apartment or house is.



WNYC interactive map shows average time spent commuting from U.S. Census Bureau numbers and helps you estimate travel time based on neighborhood.

Though it doesn’t take into account whether this time is spent driving from point A to point B, or sitting in traffic and inching along the three miles you live from work.



Walkscore.com is a great way to see the “walkability” of a particular address. It rates an area based on its commute, crime, lifestyle, and the amenities that are nearby (grocery stores, gas stations, shops, bars, restaurants, etc.)

Transportation tools If you decide to not have a car in LA there are also alternatives to getting around quickly or lugging a lot of bags from the grocery store or IKEA. Below are some tools that allow short rentals and information on ride sharing programs:

Car Rentals:  Zipcar can be a useful resource if you occasionally need a car. Whether it is for a quick trip to the grocery, running errands, a day trip, or moving heavy things, a Zipcar membership could suit you. To learn more about Zipcar, go to www.zipcar.com/.

Ride Sharing:  UBER is a downloadable the app on your phone that allows you to request a ride from your phone without even calling! Visit https://www.uber.com/ 

LYFT is basically the same as Uber, with a few differences. Check out their website: https://www.lyft.com/how or download their app!

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Must-have Apps to Get around Los Angeles 

Google Maps: This great app and web based tools not only gives great directors with timely traffic information, it is also great for planning your travel on public transportation. It provides integrated and accurate timetables for bus and trains across LA.



Transit Stop: LA Metro gives you quick and easy access to bus and train arrival time estimates for your favorite Los Angeles Metro bus and rail stops on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. The application utilizes data provided by the LA Metro tracking systems over your device’s WiFi or cellular network connection.

 HopStop Not only does HopStop provide detailed public transportation directions for you in Los Angeles, but also in many other popular hubs worldwide. Transit maps are also at your disposal, along with schedules for Amtrak, bus lines, ferries, buses, subways, and rails around Los Angeles. The “Live!” feature allows you to participate in public transportationcentric posting regarding updates, complaints, and praises. Platform: Android, iOS (iPhone), Windows

 NextBus will tell you exactly when your next bus is coming. All you have to do is enter your bus number, and stop information. 

Around Me quickly identifies your position and allows you to choose the nearest bank, bar, gas station, hospital, hotel, movie theatre, restaurant, supermarket, theatre and taxi. AroundMe shows you a complete list of all the businesses in the category you have tapped on along with the distance from where you are. Platform : Android, iOS (iPhone), Windows

IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS 1. You will receive your free TAP pass on your first day of service August 3rd, when you check in for BTA 2. Your TAP pass gives you free unlimited access to the Metro public transit line in the immediate LA area 3. NOTE: If you do not email your professional photo to Christine in at least a month prior to service you may not receive your permanent pass on your first day.

4. DON’T LOSE YOUR TAP CARD. 5. The fee to replace a lost or damaged card is $25 the first time and $50 for the second.

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Exploring Los Angeles Prior to your start of service, and throughout the year LA has a lot to offer for fun and merriment. Below are some tips from former AmeriCorps members of places to explore in LA that won’t kill your budget.

Free Things to Do in LA 

Take a walking tour of Downtown: With so many free cultural attractions Downtown LA has become one of the city's best places to see the sights for free.



Follow the paparazzi: Witnessing the paparazzi portion of the star making cycle is an authentic LA experience, and totally free. Check out the top places to celeb watch.



Star gaze at Griffith Observatory: To learn about stars that are truly out of this world, the exhibitions and displays in Griffith Park landmark are all free.



See the reality behind reality TV: Whether it’s watching the American Idol finale live, or dropping into a Top Chef restaurant, reality TV fans have plenty of places to see throughout LA.



Explore L.A.’s Fashion District: The people-watching alone makes the Fashion District one of L.A.’s premier shopping destinations and an experience all its own.



Explore Exposition Park: Five major cultural attractions are within walking distance of each other in the USC/Exposition Park area, so be sure to take advantage of this walking tour.



Experience the Sunset Strip: Few other roads have the multiple personalities of this legendary 1.5-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard.



Step into Hollywood history: The Chinese Theatre has been one of the most popular free attractions since the 1920s, when actress Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped in wet cement during the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s King of Kings. Movie fans from around the world compare their hands and feet to those of stars past and present.



Get photographed with a star: Speaking of movie stars (and other pop culture figures), at Madame Tussauds Hollywood you never know which famous wax figure will be on display near the box office entrance off Hollywood Boulevard, a free photo op waiting to happen.



Walk the walk in Venice: From chainsaw jugglers, to swamis on rollerblades, or street dancers the most amazing street entertainers in the world are at Venice Beach.



Bike around LA during Ciclavia: Throughout the year there are free Ciclavia events where streets are closed to motor vehicles and open for the public to walk, bike, and skate through the open streets. http://www.ciclavia.org/



Window shop Rodeo Drive: Treasure hunt and star gaze along famed Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, home of the rich and super rich.



Watch TV live: Be a part of a studio audience for your favorite television shows and game shows like Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Tickets are free, but must be obtained in advance.



Treepeople: This LA based nonprofit organization has helped spear head the ecotourism industry by offering numerous opportunities to volunteer.

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Food and Fun by Neighborhood The next few pages include some fun suggestions for getting to know the city. Enjoy!

BOYLE HEIGHTS Recommendation

Category

Price

Address

Mariscos Jalisco

Mexican, Seafood

$

3040 E Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90023

Guisados

Mexican

$

2100 E Cesar Chavez Ave Los Angeles, CA 90033

Un Solo Sol Kitchen

Latin American, Vegetarian, Vegan Mexican, Cafes

$

1818 E 1st St Los Angeles, CA 90033

$

812 N Evergreen Ave Los Angeles, CA 90033

Thai Deli

Japanese, Thai, Korean

$

Cash only

La Mascota Bakery

Bakeries, Mexican

$

1835 E Cesar E Chavez Ave Los Angeles, CA 90033 2715 Whittier Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90023

Farmer's Market

Groceries

$

Mariachi Plaza Station

International Farmer's Market

Groceries

$

Mariachi Plaza Station

Every Friday (3pm-8pm) Every Sunday (12pm-6pm)

Corazon Del Pueblo

Art, Art Galleries, Open Mic, Film Screenings

$

2003 E First St Los Angeles, CA 90033

Manuel's Original El Tepeyac CafĂŠ

Additional Info

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CHINATOWN Recommendation

Category

Price Address

Eastside Market Italian Deli

Italian, Delis

$

Homeboy Bakery

Bakeries

$

Mexicali Taco & Co

Mexican

$

GIGO's Café & Deli

Vietnamese

$

Chego

Asian Fusion, American, Latin American

$

727 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

Nick's Café

Diners, Breakfast & Brunch

$

1300 N Spring St Los Angeles, CA 90012

Chinese Friends Restaurant

Chinese

$

984 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

Philippe The Original

Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch, French

$

1001 N Alameda St Los Angeles, CA 90012

Via Café

Vietnamese

$

451 Gin Ling Way Los Angeles, CA 90012

New Dragon Seafood Restaurant

Chinese

$

936 N Hill St Los Angeles, CA 90012

Scoops

Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

$

727 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90032

Far East Center

Ethnic Food

$

734 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

Chinatown Shopping Center

Shopping Center

$

N Broadway & W College St Los Angeles, CA 90012

MidTones/Space Circus

Music Venues, Jazz & Blues

$

943 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

Chinatown Summer Nights

Festivals

Free

943 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

Ed Freeman Gallery

Art Galleries

Free

945 Chung King Rd Los Angeles, CA 90012

Charlie James Gallery

Art Galleries

Free

975 Chung King Road Los Angeles, CA 90012

Ooga Booga

Bookstores, Men's Clothing, Women's Clothing

$$

943 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

Golden Crown Co.

Appliances, Kitchen & Bath

$

861 N Spring St Los Angeles, CA 90012

1013 Alpine St Los Angeles, CA 90012 130 W Bruno St Los Angeles, CA 90012 702 N Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90012 853 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

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Food Trucks The food truck scene is huge in Los Angeles and can be a fun way to explore different cuisines without breaking the bank. From macaroni and cheese to lobster rolls to Korean fusion tacos, the options are endless. The trucks are constantly moving around the city and some even post their schedules on their websites or through social media.

For schedules visit http://roaminghunger.com/la and http://www.foodtrucksmap.com/la/. They are excellent resources for tracking favorites and discovering new trucks.

Snapshot of the Los Angeles Food Truck Scene Kogi BBQ

El Chato Taco Truck

Grilled Cheese Truck

Cousins Maine Lobster

BACON Mania

Don Chow Tacos

Mighty Boba

Steamy Bun

Mustache Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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Museums, Galleries, and Centers Below is a list to start you off! There are many more museums and exhibits all around Los Angeles.

Zócalo Public Square Zócalo Public Square is a not-for-profit Ideas Exchange that blends live events and humanities journalism. They present free public events throughout Los Angeles, including forums featuring public figures, cultural events, gallery exhibitions, and more. Visit http://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/ for more information.

Grand Park The new Grand Park, with its majestic views extending from the Music Center to City Hall, provides Angelinos of all walks of life a place where they can come together to celebrate, reflect, and shape the future, in one central gathering place. Throughout Grand Park, open spaces are available not only for casual sitting and leisurely strolling, but also for civic gatherings. Check out their event calendar here: http://grandparkla.org/calendar/

Events and Attractions There are always events and festivals happening around L.A. throughout the year, below are some of our favorites. Visit http://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/events-festivals and http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/ for an updated calendar of events.

And don’t forget to check out this list for every free summer concert in LA: http://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/los-angeles/downtown/free-outdoor-concert-in-la-calendar

Larchmont Farmer’s Market

LA Times Festival of Books

Every Sunday from 10am - 2pm, vendors gather to sell homemade jewelry and art, fresh flowers, organic fruits and vegetables and more on Larchmont Blvd. on a street filled with local restaurants and shops.

One weekend each year, the USC campus is filled with hundreds of vendors and publishers, book signings, cooking demonstrations, and forums by popular personalities and authors.

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Santa Monica Pier

Sriracha Factory Tours

Located right along the beach in Santa Monica, the Pier is open late every weekend. Activities include fishing, an arcade, photo booths, carnival games, and Farris wheel!

Who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love Sriracha? Huy Fong Foods, the company that produces the condiment, invites fans to tour the facility during regular visiting hours, Monday-Friday, from 9am - 3pm.

Abbot Kinney First Fridays

Melrose Trading Post

On the first Friday evening of each month, Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice features rows and rows on food trucks, live performances, and shops open late.

MTP is a flea market that is open each Sunday from 9am - 5pm at Fairfax high school. Live bands and snack vendors are also present.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art

LACMA is free for LA County residents after 3pm Monday through Friday. During other hours and for non-residents, admission is $15. Presenting a student ID discounts admission to $10!

Admission to MOCA is free every Thursday evening from 5-8pm. Otherwise, general admission is $12 and admission with a student ID is $7.

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The Getty Villa

The Grammy Museum

Admission is free, but an advance timed-entry ticket is required. Parking costs $10-$15 in the Villa lot.

The Grammy Museum is conveniently located at the LA Live Center near downtown. Adult admission is $12.95, but ticket purchases after 6pm are $8.

The Natural History Museum

Griffith Observatory

The museum is located next to the USC campus and the Metro. Showing a valid Metro Pass or Rail ticket takes $1.25 off $12 admission!

The Observatory is open Tuesday-Sunday.

Admission to the building and grounds is always free.

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