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photo by keri freeman location : civic district

Women Who Tell Our Stories

LA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

38th Annual Women of the Year Awards

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Commission for Women held its 38th Annual Women of the Year Awards and Commemorative Celebration on Monday, March 13, 2023, to honor 13 exceptional women who have diligently worked to better the lives of women in Los Angeles County. The theme for this year’s event was “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”

The luncheon was held at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles in Downtown Los Angeles, in the beautiful California Ballroom. Attendees started arriving early, with registration and check-in opening at 10:30 a.m. The event began promptly at 11:00 a.m.

This year’s honorees were saluted for their work to bring about social and economic change. The list included community activists, educators, business leaders, and politicians. Karen Bass, the 43rd Mayor of Los Angeles and the first woman elected to hold this prestigious position, was awarded the President’s Award.

The five districts in Los Angeles County were represented by five honorees. Diana Diaz, Creator/Founder of Mexichic Crafts, the Goddess Mercado, and the Queer Mercado, was honored from the First District. Valaria M. Lincoln, Retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Los

Angeles District Office, was awarded for the Second District. Emiliana Guereca, Founder of Women’s March Foundation, was awarded for the Third District. Dr. Monica Sanchez, Councilmember for the City of Pico Rivera, was honored for the Fourth District. Dr. Jill Zimmerman, Dean of Students at Antelope Valley College, was awarded for the Fifth District.

In addition, eight Community-At-Large Awardees were recognized. These included Tema Staig, Executive Director of Women in Media, for Arts/Media. Erika Toriz, Founder & Executive Director of Haven Services, was awarded for Business/ Labor. Naomi Rainey-Person, President of Long Beach Branch NAACP, was honored for Community Activism. Luz Flores, Director of Operations at Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles, was awarded for Education. Vivian Ekchian, Superintendent of Glendale Unified School District, was recognized for Education. Andrea Piazza, Director of Virtual Programming at Discovery Behavioral Health, was awarded for Health. Muluemebet Alemayehu, Immigration Attorney at Law Offices of Muluemebet Alemayehu, was honored for Law/Public Safety.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will be used to provide education scholarships for young at-risk women.

#SURVIVING ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Every year on St. Patrick’s Day, Downtown Los Angeles fills with green beer, green clothes, and plenty of Irish whiskey. Thousands of visitors converge upon the city, looking for fun and adventurous ways to celebrate old Saint Patty. But amidst all the fun and revelry, few have heard the cautionary tale of the DTLA Leprechaun.

This mischievous little guy also comes out each year, pulling pranks and causing trouble for unsuspecting party-goers, all in a ploy to ensure that nobody gets lucky enough to uncover his hidden pot of gold. If you’re not careful, you might just fall victim to his tricks, and the end of the rainbow could mean a cold, hard jail cell, or worse.

Here are some DTLA survival tips we use to help avoid the Leprechaun’s wrath and have the funniest, safest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in DTLA ever. May the luck of the Irish be with you.

Stay hydrated: One thing the DTLA leprechaun hates to see is a sober person on St. Patrick’s Day. Sober persons can easily spot Leprechauns, and he’s not about to let people see him without a fresh mani/pedi. He spends all year coming up with spells he can cast on some of the most treasured watering holes so bar owners become mesmerized and offer amazing drink specials to entice us. How can we resist?

The Unholy Trinity Bar Crawl featuring Slane Irish Whisky and craftbeer selects pulls the community and popular bar spots High Tide, The Escondite, and the Mermaid Bar together from 1-9 pm in a quest for luck and a free “I Survived the Unholy Trinity” t-shirt when you patronize each location.

Get a passport photo taken at High Tide then get your passport stamped by ordering specialty drinks at ALL 3 bars. It’s a great way to celebrate and dress appropriately for the day’s festivities.

Plus, we all know what the DTLA Leprechaun will do if he sees someone not wearing green. @hightidedtla

Bar-hopping has become the tradition in DTLA, and we’ve got one heck of a bar crawl planned in the Arts District.

DOWNTOWN LA PRAISES PARK UP APP

one are the days of Murphy’s Law when finding parking in Downtown Los Angeles thanks to the creators of Park Up, we now enjoy “stress-less” parking experiences in DTLA.

Remember the days of circling the block hoping to find an open spot? With Park Up, we easily search for nearby parking locations and find the best spots in the city. And with the app's contactless payment system, we pay for parking without the need to leave cash or valuables in the car.

It's like having our own personal parking assistant!

Ever get a parking ticket for breaking any parking regulations? With Park Up, Downtown doesn’t have to worry about parking fines. The app provides information on parking regulations and availability, reducing the risk of even getting a ticket. Plus, the app's marketplace allows parking facility providers to compete for our business, displaying the best rates possible.

One Can Never Be Too Safe...

Park Up screen shows information on safe and secure parking locations, helping us avoid areas with a high rate of car breakins. Plus, the app's marketplace allows us to compare and choose from a variety of parking facilities where we rest easy knowing that our cars are in good hands while we're away.

Saving the Environment ...

Park Up has not only made finding parking stress-free, but it's also helped DTLA become more sustainable. By reducing the amount of time spent circling around, we're reducing traffic and pollution. Plus, by supporting local businesses, we're all helping to build a stronger, more vibrant, environmentally sound community.

Good bye bad memories.

Park Up has made finding parking in DTLA a dream come true, and the best part is, it’s free on iOS or Android devices.

HOW TO STAY SAFE ON THE METRO

Imagine you are a commuter riding the Metro Subway Train and there is a potential danger lurking around. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and escape from any harm:

Avoid Lingering: The danger could be lurking in the shadows, waiting for their next victim. Don't give them the chance to attack you. Wait for the train in a well-lit and populated area and avoid lingering on the platform or train, especially late at night or in deserted areas.

Listen to the Sounds of

People: Be aware of your surroundings and listen to the sounds of people around you. If you hear anything suspicious, move away or alert the train station staff. Trust your instincts and take action if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Keep Your Distance:

The danger could be sitting right next to you, waiting for the right moment to strike. When riding on the train, try to keep a safe distance from strangers. If possible, sit close to the door so that you can quickly exit the train in case of an emergency.

Report Any Suspicious Activity:

If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to the train staff immediately. Don't hesitate to speak up if you feel uncomfortable or threatened. Your actions could help prevent a potential danger.

Stay Alert:

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of people around you and any suspicious behavior. This will help you to quickly identify potential threats and take necessary action to stay safe.

Hit the Emergency Button:

If you feel threatened or unsafe, hit the emergency button to alert the train operator. This will immediately notify the train staff of any issues and get you the help you need.

Keep Your Valuables Safe: The danger may not only be after your safety but also your valuables. Keep your bags and personal belongings close to you and always in your sight to avoid any theft.

Dress Conservatively:

:

When riding on the metro train, dress conservatively to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Avoid wearing revealing or provocative clothing that could make you a target for harassment or unwanted advances.

Carry Self-Defense Tools:

If the danger attacks, you need to be ready to defend yourself. Carry self-defense tools such as a can of mace, a stun gun, or a whistle. These tools can help you to ward off potential attackers or alert others if you're in danger. However, it's important to learn how to use these tools properly and carry them in a safe and accessible location.

Remember, if danger is out there, you need to be ready to fight back. Stay safe, stay alert, and trust your instincts. Your safety may depend on it.

New Hires of Metro Safety Team - photo courtesy of Metro

#SURVIVING ST. PATRICK'S DAY

There’s a four-leaf clover at Engine Co

28 a unique establishment located in the Financial District just north of Fig and 7th. This old firehouse, built in the early 1900s, offers a festive St. Patrick’s Day menu including $7 Green Beers, $10 Irish Mules, shots of Jameson with a Beer for $12, and Irish Car Bombs made with Irish cream, Irish Whiskey, and dark Irish Guinness for $12.

And that’s just the tip of the clover when it comes to fun and St. Patrick adventure at Engine Co. Their delicious menu offers a variety of American Comfort Foods including Crispy Chicken Sandwiches, Fish and Chips, and BBQ Ribs. And with plenty of room for party-goers, this spacious, history-laden building is the perfect spot to join in the merriment for St Patrick with large groups of old and new friends. @engineco28

You want to know what else the DTLA Leprechaun doesn’t like? Water.

He knows if you get too dehydrated, your eyes will dry up, and you’ll never find the four-leaf clover that binds him to grant three wishes. So stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and its Leprechaun blinding effects.

Don’t Drink on an Empty Stomach: Eat a hearty meal! The DTLA Leprechaun can drink, but he doesn’t eat much. This probably explains why he stays overly intoxicated and keeps up with the mischief when it comes to thwarting a good time for happy party-goers. The anger doesn’t stem from selfishness or greed; they are just hangry.

So, now you’ve found the lucky leaf, you’ll need to find the DTLA Leprechaun, use the clover and make him lead you to the gold. The DTLA Leprechaun may want to see you fall into the trap. When searching for the miniature rascal, stay aware of your surroundings and do prior research to fully understand the area of DTLA you’re in. Downtown is a great place to visit, but some parts are known to have higher crime rates. Also, avoid confrontation. With whiskey being the drink of choice, over-intoxication and impaired judgment can go hand in hand. Avoid petty arguments and walk away before things get too heated. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption and remember to pace yourself.

The DTLA Leprechaun may not like water, but he sure loves matcha, especially on St. Paddy’s day. He’ll be up early, looking over plans on his laptop at Civil Coffee on 8th and Los Angeles. You can definitely find him there trying to convince customers to buy him a bright green cup. To make it easier, he’s cast a spell at Civil for BUY ONE GET ONE Matcha free all St. Paddy’s Day!

@civilcoffee

Quick, while he’s drinking his matcha, hit

him with that four-leaf clover, and he’ll be forced to grant you three wishes. Use one wish to find the gold and another to get back home. By no means should the St. Patty party-goer ever think about driving themselves home. You’ve got the lucky leaf and the gold. Put the DTLA Leprechaun to work as a ride-share driver. Always consider using a taxi, ride-sharing service, or public transportation instead of driving yourself.

Whew. You just survived St. Paddy’s Day in Downtown. Plus, you found the clover, you found the gold, and you found your way home. But what will be your last wish?

Fish and Chips at Engine Co 28 - photo by Keri Freeman

CITY HALL DUCKS WOMEN'S MARCH GETS HIT WITH LA TEACHERS PROTEST INSTEAD

This year's Women's March in Los Angeles took place in Venice, marking a departure from the traditional downtown location.

While the move was met with mixed reactions, one aspect that cannot be ignored is the impact the Women's March has on the city's economy. Every year, the march attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, generating significant revenue for local businesses.

However, while the Women's March was taking place in Venice, City Hall was hit with a demonstration by teachers advocating for better wages and working conditions. The demonstration is another example of the important role that social movements play in supporting the local economy.

Teachers are a vital part of the city's workforce, and their demand for better wages and working conditions is crucial for maintaining a healthy and thriving economy. By standing up for their rights, they draw attention to the importance of fair and equitable treatment of workers, which in turn supports the city's economic growth and prosperity.

Furthermore, the demonstration by the teachers highlights the significant impact that social movements have on the city's economy. While the Women's March attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, the demonstration by the teachers brings attention to the needs of the city's workers, who are vital contributors to its economic success.

The Women's March and the demonstration by the teachers have different objectives, but both are important contributors to the city's economy. The Women's March attracts visitors and generates revenue for local businesses, while the demonstration by the teachers highlights the importance of fair and equitable treatment of workers.

Both events demonstrate the critical role that social movements play in supporting the local economy and ensuring that the city's workforce is ated fairly and justly.

Teachers Rally in Front of City Hall - photo courtesy United Teachers Los Angeles