USC Dentists Turn Toothaches into Smiles

“Juan has just twenty teeth,” says Dentist Dr. Marjorie Domingo. But that’s typical for a first grader, she says.

What’s not typical is twelve of Juan Escovedo’s teeth have cavities on them. While kneeling down next to her pint-sized patient, Domingo’s face knits into a look of concern at the mention of Halloween candy. She pats his arm and tells him to go easy on the sweets.

But as much as the six-year old Escovedo smiled at the thought of going trick-or-treating, he was ready with even bigger, toothier smiles for his new dentist, who had come all the way from USC’s School of Dentistry to fix his teeth for free.

A traveling band of dentistry students and their instructors played “tooth fairy” for more than a hundred MUSD students last week. But instead of exchanging a nickel for a tooth, they offered up their services for free to the children, many of whom had never gone to a dentist before — even though plenty of dentist offices line the streets of their neighborhood.

The dental care, which included X-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, extractions, fillings, and restorations, averaged between $1000-1200 a child.

Many of the children that the team treated were in urgent need of major work. Dentistry students and faculty and MUSD nurses stayed late into the night at the trailers camped out on the Bell Gardens Elementary school playground.

“This was pretty intense,” Domingo says of this year’s visit. They didn’t leave until 11pm last Thursday, and still came back the next day for a morning session to treat additional patients.

The number of students who had serious dental problems were higher than in previous years, according to MUSD’s Student Health Assistant Bernadette Sanchez who says 80-90% of the students selected for the program this year were put into the most urgent of four categories.

Nurses from the district screened for 100 children who had no dental insurance and were the most in need for care. The children came primarily from Bell Gardens Elementary and Bandini Elementary in Commerce, though all students in the district are eligible for the program.

The services were also available to siblings of students selected for the program, because dental problems tend to travel within the family, Domingo says. The mother’s dental health is usually a good indicator of her children’s.

“If she doesn’t have dental care, for sure all of her progeny will have dental decay,” Domingo says.

Many of the students treated this year required a pulp treatment, which is needed if the child has major tooth decay, says Bell Gardens Elementary’s Nurse Rosemary Rodriguez.

Dental problems that go untreated have the potential to threaten the child’s overall health. Some parents may not realize the urgency of dental problems. Avoiding treatment could lead to expensive trips to the emergency room, Rodriguez says.

Prior to participating in the mobile clinic, one of the students had already visited the emergency room due to a tooth infection, according to George Muliere, MUSD’s coordinator of pupil and community services.

USC dispatches its dentistry students who are usually about seven months from graduation, and faculty to 14 different underserved neighborhoods a year. The school also runs programs serving migrant workers and the homeless. MUSD has partnered with the school’s Mobile Clinic program for the past nine years, rotating among four different host schools in the district.

Most students only see the trailers come around to their school four times a year, which is not enough, says Domingo, who acknowledges the program is only a safety net. Most dental care is available through private practices, while community health clinics that provide dental care are overtaxed, she says.

“We could be here everyday for years and never run out of patients,” Domingo says.
Especially in these uncertain economic times, parents with busy schedules and strapped

budgets depend on the clinic to help their children get the dental care they need, says Domingo. Many of the students, like Escovedo of Bell Gardens Elementary, have needed this care for a long time.

Domingo is the director of the clinic, formed more than 40 years ago by her mentor Dr. Charles Goldstein, who continued working into his 80s and is known as “dentistry’s Mother Theresa.” He passed away earlier this year.

Domingo’s own experience is similar to that of children like Escovedo. As an eight-year old in Oxnard, Calif, she was a patient of the Mobile Dental clinic. The encounter was so positive that it led to a career in dentistry with the USC program, which is geared toward promoting a sense of public service among new entrants into the field.

Domingo and the USC dental students continue to carry on the program’s tradition. “That’s what works for us,” Domingo says, “so we make it work back.”

Alejandra Almaraz, a 10th-grader at Bell Gardens High School, says she wants to study sociology in college so that she can get into social work. She was a bit nervous before her appointment, but the feeling quickly faded when she started interacting with the dentists, she said.

“The doctors were cool. They were very patient,” she said.

ShakeOut Special: Earthquake Tips

MAKE YOUR OWN EMERGENCY KIT

Many of the necessary supplies are easily found at discount stores.

In case of an earthquake or other disaster, it’s important to have an emergency kit with first-aid supplies and other subsistence products to last at least a week. It’s easy and could be inexpensive if some of the supplies are bought at discount stores. Below is a list of supplies recommended by the American Red Cross of Los Angeles:

Supplies That Should Be In Easy Reach:
• Portable radio with extra batteries stored separately
• Flashlights with extra batteries stored separately
• First-aid supplies: band-aids of various sizes, gauze, scissors, tweezers, needle, antiseptic, thermometer, soap, disinfectant, sunscreen, latex gloves, prescription medicine, and a pair of extra eyeglasses and a first-aid book.
•Bottled water: at least one gallon per person per day
• A week’s supply of canned/non-perishable food for every member of your household;
NOTE: Water and food should be used and replaced every six months.
• Can opener—not electric
• Portable oven with charcoal or butane gas; NOTE: Do not use oven until it is safe against gas leaks in the area. Use only in open air.
• Matches or lighter
• Police, firefighters and doctors’ telephone numbers
• Fire extinguisher—ABC type
• Tools to shut off water and gas
• Smoke detector, installed and working
• Ladder to escape fire in homes or apartments with more than one story;

EGP also recommends the following:
• Have your child’s school or day care telephone numbers
• Finding out what your child’s school or daycare emergency plan
• Make a family plan about what to do and where to go in case of separation
• Share these guidelines with neighbors and friends

PREPARATION GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW IN CASE OF AN EARTHQUAKE

In the likely event of an earthquake, dangerous and hazardous conditions may arise. The following is a set of recommendations by the American Red Cross of Los Angeles on how to prevent injuries and how to survive.

During an Earthquake:
• Duck! Cover! Hold On!
• Inside: Seek shelter under a table or desk, or against an interior wall, far away from windows or glass doors.
• Outside: Stay away from buildings, trees and power and telephone lines.
• In your car: Drive to a spot far away from bridges or elevated roads; park in a safe zone and stay in your car.
• In bed: cover yourself with pillows and comforters after the earthquake.
• Locate injured—administer first aid.
• Inspect the area—locate gas, water and pipe ruptures; locate fires, put them out or leave building; locate short circuits and fallen power lines, disconnect or shut off all corresponding utilities.
• Look for structural damages.
• Clean harmful substance spills.
• Use thick-soled shoes.
• Tune in to radio to receive further instructions from safety agencies.
• Do not use wireless phones unless in case of life or death emergencies.

You Should Know:
• How to shut off the gas, water and turn off the power.
• How to administer first-aid.
• How to locate your family according to a plan.

To register for first-aid, RCP or other course, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-627-7000 or visit www.redcrossla.org.

TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING IN AN EARTHQUAKE

The FCC recommends that people take into consideration that during an emergency, telephone lines will be impacted as more people attempt to communicate using their wireless/cell phones and the increased volume of calls will create network congestion.

In case of emergency, authorities ask that people limit their non-emergency calls and keep all calls brief. It is recommended that text messaging be used if using a wireless device, landline telephone or email to communicate with loved ones or friends. Wait 10 seconds before redialing a call so as clear the line and avoid congestion. And it is very important to coordinate a family communication plan where one person out of the area is designated as the central contact in case family members are separated, they’ll know who to call. Last, it is recommended that all households have a corded telephone not dependant on electricity in case of a power outage.

Community Calendar: November 13, 2008

Thursday, November 13
3:30 pm—Autumn Scavenger Hunt presented by the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library’s Junior Friends Group in the Friends Room is a fun program put on by youth for youth. There will be food and prizes. All teens are welcome. For more information, call (626) 307-1366 or visit the library located at 318 S. Ramona Ave., Monterey Park

6pm—“Food for Thought” Reading Program hosted by the City of Commerce and IN-N-OUT for children ages 4-12. Children read five books and receive a certificate and coupon for one free hamburger or cheeseburger from IN-N-OUT. Children may earn up to three coupons. Children must register at one of the Commerce Library branches. For more information, stop by a Commerce library or call (323) 722-6660, ext. 2829 or 2280. The event continues through Nov 22.

6:30-7:30pm—“Open Mic Night for Teens,” presented by the Los Angeles Central Library, allows teens to open their notebook and share their creativity with the world. Join other poets, musicians, writers, actors, comedians and storytellers as they share their work. Snacks and drinks will be provided. The Central Library is located at 630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles. For more information call (213) 228-7000

Friday, November 14
4-6pm—Free Breathe LA COPD Awareness Day Community Workshop session for people over 40 with a history of smoking and at risk of having COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Learn what COPD is, about the symptoms and what you can do about it. Location: Echo Park Branch Library Meeting Room, 1410 W. Temple St., Los Angeles. In Spanish with English language translation. Light refreshments.  For more information or to RSVP, call Everardo Alvizo (323) 935-8050, x230 or vist www.breathela.org.

4-9pm—The Lincoln Heights Recreation Center’s Turkey [Basketball] Shootout is open to people of all ages. Compete in shooting baskets to earn the most points in your division to win a free turkey. The event will be held at the Center located at 2303 Workman Street and is free. For more information, call  (323) 225-2838.

Saturday, November 15
8:30-11am—A Free Post Election Forum hosted by the League of Women Voters Pasadena Area. Discussion will feature Dr. Dana Ward, professor of political studies at Pitzer College, who will speak on “How We Choose Our Leader: Examining the Presidential Electoral Process. Other topics include: impact of massive voter registration efforts; role of the economy and family values. The forum will be held at the Women’s City Club, 160 N. Oakland Ave. Free parking is available at the rear of Club off Madison Avenue. A continental breakfast is available for $10. RSVP and further information are available by calling (626) 798-0965.

10am-Noon—Free 2-hour “Learn to be the Best Parent You Can Be Workshop,” for parents, expectant parents and other caregivers, presented by the Uniting Los Angeles for Effective Parenting Project in cooperation with the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) and the Center for the Improvement of Child Caring, at MAOF Headquarters, 401 N. Garfield Ave, Montebello. Topics include Guidelines for Effective Parenting, How to Bring Out the Best Behavior in Your Children and the Best Parenting Programs and How to Find Them. For more information, call (323) 890-9600, ext. 3640.

Monday, November 17
4pm – “Twilight” Party presented by Montebello Library, fans of Twilight, by Stephanie Meyer, can attend the “Twilight” Party to celebrate the upcoming movie. View “Twilight Short Films” made by other teens. Snacks will be served free. For more information, call Nora Chen at (323) 722-6551 or visit 1550 W. Beverly Blvd.Montebello.

Wednesday, November 19
4-5:30pm—A Cultural Master Plan Community input meeting, hosted by City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. Help develop a vision for the future of arts and culture in Los Angeles, and guide the mission of the Department of Cultural Affairs. The meeting will take place at 435 S. Boyle Avenue. More information available at www.culturalplan.lacity.org.

Announcements
The Wall-Las Memorias Project will commemorate World AIDS Day with the 15th Annual Noche De Las Memorias on Dec. 1. The annual free community event will take place at the AIDS monument located in Lincoln Park. Deadline to submit a loved one’s name to be placed on memorial wall panels is Nov. 20. To obtain a names application form, contact Enrique Topete at (323) 257-1056, ext. 24.

The Santa Cecilia Orchestra Opens 16th Season Sunday

For one day only, Santa Cecilia Orchestra presents De Alma Latina (From the Latin Soul).  This season opener celebrates Latin music that reveals the soul as not only vibrant and alive, but remarkably rich and varied.

Santa Cecilia Orchestra is an orchestra with a special mission to serve Latino communities underserved and underrepresented by the arts.  On Sunday, November 16, Sonia Marie De Léon de Vega, one of the most commanding musical figures in the region, will lead the Santa Cecilia Orchestra in opening its 16th season with a full symphony concert.  Following last year’s sold-out performance, The Best of Mexico and USA, the 2008-2009 season will begin with another spirited tribute to Latin culture.

De Alma Latina features the music of Mexico, Argentina and Spain.  The program includes Janitzio by Silvestre Revueltas, Danzon No. 2 by Arturo Marquez and Sones de Mariachi by Blas Galindo and features Tangazo a work by Tango enthusiast, Astor Piazzolla.  Also performing solo on De Falla’s virtuosic and alluring Noches el los jardines de España the same evening is one of Los Angeles’ premier pianists, Bryan Pezzone.  Pezzone has performed with a wide range of composers and musicians.

The season opens at 4:00pm, Sunday at the Thorne Hall, Occidental College.  Tickets are $7-$26 and available by calling the Santa Cecilia Orchestra Office at (323) 259-3011 or by visiting www.scorchestra.org

Editorial: Maybe Sacramento Needs A Washington Bail Out

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, panicking at the states’ ever-growing budget gap that is now projected to reach $27.8 billion over the next 20 months, has suddenly decided he needs to try anything and everything — from a myriad of new taxes and fees to budget cuts — to try and stave off the state’s impending financial disaster.

The governor has proposed a 1.5 percent sales tax increase, which will probably add the final blow to our dwindling car sales. Not only will it hurt sales of big-ticket items to consumers, it will further add to the states growing reputation as a high tax state.

And those who will be hardest hit by the increase are low- to moderate-income earners, already hurt by rising prices for such luxuries as food and rent. Locally, Angelenos could wind up paying 10 cents on every taxable dollar spent; $10 dollars on every $100; $100 on very $1,000.

The Governor also wants to raise auto registration fees by $12 and increase the vehicle license fee from 0.65 percent of the car’s value to 1 percent. Guess how much more that will add to the ticket price of that car you were thinking about not buying?

Another idea being floated in some corners is an income tax increase. All this, just days after our elected officials pushed for more bond borrowing which they rightly said aren’t new taxes, but tried to cover up the fact that bond payments come from state revenues. Revenues we don’t seem to have.

But Assembly Speaker Karen Bass has another idea—tell the feds the state also needs a federal bail out,

After all, California’s economy should merit at least as much consideration as AIG, don’t you think? The state employs thousands of people, thousands of businesses depend on state business, millions depend on state services.

The analysts say that whatever the governor and the legislature decide to do, they need to start doing it now. We guess that the analysts have lost sight of the fact that this is California: The governor and legislature do not do anything now. And when they do manage to get around to doing something, it is usually done through rose-colored glasses that allow them to believe they can keep spending and not worry about tomorrow.

Maybe we [taxpayers] would all be better off if they do nothing and let the feds foreclose on California. What have we got to lose?

Obama: Face of America’s Mestisaje

Obama as President of the United States marks an epochal watershed in American history. The results clearly present America’s new face as a multi-racial, multi-ethnic society, or more accurately, a “mestizo” (mixed race) nation.

The presidential campaign of this son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas was closely watched both at home and across the world, and especially by the hopeful eyes of Spanish-speaking people of African descent in Latin America. It was anticipated that a win by a bi-racial man here in the U.S. would also open up further opportunities for people of color across the hemisphere.

Only in recent decades have U.S. Census choices moved beyond black and white. Those of us who grew up near the U.S.-Mexican border have been long aware of the mixed world of color and cultures. However, despite the shifting demographics, too many journalists, beltway pundits, and pandering politicians continued to define the world in black and white, even as African-Americans intermarried with “whites” and other ethnic groups, and the growing Hispano/Latino population surpassed the numbers of African-Americans in the 2000 U.S. Census. Many were surprised to discover that Latinos had fanned out in all directions; into southeastern states like Georgia, even latinizing Brooklyn and Long Island, New York. How many realize that Boston, Massachusetts is the 20th largest Hispanic city in the US?

Ten years ago a survey published in USA Today revealed 57% of American teenagers dated inter-racially. Hispanics comprised the largest number—98%. This comes as no surprise as Hispanics are already mixed, whether they are mulatto Puerto Rican, or mestizo Mexicans.

Familiar to those of us in the Mexican southwest, mestizaje is the face of the “new” America, from Canada all the way to Tierra del Fuego in South America. The truth be known, America was never just black and white. From the time African slaves were brought to these shores and to the Caribbean, Mexico and South America, there has been love as well as war, with intermarriage between different races, ethnic groups, and cultures taking place for more than four centuries. (And do not forget this intermarriage, this intermixing, took place among the peoples of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East before clerics, settlers, and sailors crossed the Atlantic).

So extensive was the mestizaje in Mexico and Latin America that educator, Mexican philosopher, secretary of education and 1929 presidential candidate José Vasconcellos, defined the new people created by the mixing of European, Indian and other “races” in a 1925 essay titled “La Raza Cósmica,” The Cosmic Race. His “fifth race” was an admixture of all the races in the world with no respect to color or number, to erect a new civilization and the “universal era of humanity”.

That new era is already upon us. Yet there is another important theme which Barack Obama addressed that resonated with voters. It is our common values as Americans. He reminded us that “we the people” are one people, one America.

This is why Obama’s call to unity captured the hearts, minds and hopes of so many, because we inherently know that it is the values we live, and the principles we believe in—equality, democracy, freedom, honesty, justice, hope—and not the color of our skins, which form the collective community, “one nation under God”. And it is these virtues and principles which are so gracefully exemplified in the president-elect, which carried him to the White House and which will make him a great president.

To watch this acknowledgement of the new face of America as the election night results poured in supporting the president-elect, and to acknowledge our deepest felt virtues as a nation make me feel especially proud of my country.

Yolanda Nava is a broadcast journalist, columnist and author of the Latino book of virtues “It’s All in the Frijoles:  100 Famous Latinos Share Real-Life Stories, Time-Tested Dichos, Favorite Folktales, and Inspiring Words of Wisdom and Good Food, Good Health:  From Field to Feast Wellness Handbook.”

Afford a UC College Education? Yes, You Can!

Families worried about the financial burden of sending their children to college should be reassured: the University of California offers grants and scholarships, work-study jobs and low-interest loans to make it more affordable. Apply now.

In the next few weeks, tens of thousands of California high school seniors, with help from families, teachers and friends, will make one of the most important decisions of their young adult lives: where to apply for college.

Making that choice is even tougher this year in the face of a national economic crisis that has understandably heightened concerns among many parents and students about precisely which colleges they can afford to attend.

But in a knowledge-based global economy, where highly skilled workers are required, investing in a college education today is the best decision a student can make.

As families evaluate their options, some may fear that top research universities, such as the University of California, may be too expensive and out of their reach.

I want to reassure those families this is not the case at UC, and before they make their decision, I urge them to consider:

—UC enrolls a larger share of low-income students, nearly one-third of our talented student body last year, than any comparable university, public or private.
—More than half of our undergraduates receive grants and scholarships, averaging $10,300 a year, and nearly two-thirds are eligible for subsidized work-study jobs or low-interest loans.
—Loans are a difficult decision for every family, but UC graduates are in a strong position to manage repayment, particularly given their estimated average starting salary of over $40,000 per year.
—In addition, UC redirects a third of all fee increases back into financial aid for students who need it.

We take very seriously our responsibility as the state’s only public research university to keep a world-class education within reach of California’s families.

I strongly encourage all students who have worked hard to prepare themselves for college to apply to the University of California. Our online application for undergraduate admission is now open, with the filing period running throughout the month of November.

I also recommend that families take advantage of the “financial aid calculators” each UC campus has recently developed to provide individual students with estimates of the grant assistance students with similar financial circumstances might expect at UC. The calculators can be accessed at: www.universityofcalifornia.edu

No matter which of UC’s nine undergraduate campuses you choose, you will get a great and affordable education with stellar professors and exceptional students from all parts of California, the nation and the world.

While money is tight for everybody, even universities, what you gain from investing in a UC education now will pay life-long dividends throughout your career.

At UC, our students become part of a thousands-strong network of dedicated, accomplished people who use their talents every day to improve life in California and across the globe. We invite California’s students to come shape the future with us. The future of California depends on it.

Mark Yudof is president of the University of California system.

ShakeOut Special: Surviving ‘The Big One’ Is a Massive Task

Ready? Steady? Don’t be caught unprepared. See our earthquake readiness tips.

Today at 10:00 a.m. a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake will strike on the southern portion of the San Andres Fault causing levels of destruction and devastation throughout the Southland many residents are simply not prepared for. As a result of this earthquake, known to most as “the big one,” 1,800 people will die and 53,000 more will be injured. The earthquake will cause over $213 billion in damages as 1,500 buildings collapse and 300,000 more suffer serious structural damage. As life lines such as water, gas and electricity lines fail, over 1,600 fires will erupt throughout the Southland. More than 255,000 people will become homeless.

The above scenario is depicted in “Preparedness Now,” a short video created as part of an ambitious simulation that emergency response and prevention agencies from all branches of government will use today as they work together in the “Great Southern California ShakeOut.”
Today over 5.1 million Southern Californians will participate in what officials call the largest earthquake preparedness drill in U.S. history. The 7,8 magnitude earthquake on the San Andres Fault is a realistic simulation organized by over 300 scientists and engineers led by Dr. Lucy Jones of the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Participants in the training event include government offices, businesses, schools and community organizations.

This year the annual Golden Guardian Exercise, which involves more than 100 local, state and federal agencies, will coincide with the other “ShakeOut” events. The Golden Guardian Exercise, organized by the California Office of Homeland Security, is a five-day long event that will occur at various locations throughout Southern California. A scheduled event at the Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills will include press conferences by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Other events include the Get Ready Rally, which starts tomorrow at the NOKIA Plaza L.A Live in downtown Los Angeles from 4p.m.to 9 p.m. Coordinated by Designmatters at the Art Center College of Design, event organizers state that the rally is intended to bridge the divide between scientific understanding about damaging earthquakes and the ability of the public to feel empowered to change their behavior towards preparedness.

At the rally, residents can play “After Shock.” a collaborative forecasting game that will be played online. The Art Center’s Designmatters Initiative and the Institute for the Future created the interactive game that will begin today at 10:02 a.m. Over the next three weeks, participants will receive daily missions that provoke them to think about how they would respond to effects of a major earthquake. The game can be accessed at www.aftershock.net. In addition to the game, rally attendees will be able to view a series of videos created by Art Center including “Preparedness Now.”  This video depicts the physical, social and economic consequences of the 7,8 magnitude earthquake. This video can be viewed on www.youtube.com and www.shakeout.org/resources/videos.html. All event schedules and details are available at the ShakeOut Web site, www.shakeout.org.

Latinos Join Marches Against Prop. 8

In a way, it was a blessing in disguise. That’s how Eddie Martinez, 39, sees it. He marched last Sunday from Lincoln Park in East Los Angeles to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to protest the passing of Proposition 8, which restricts marriage in California to a man and woman.

“I think Prop. 8’s passing was a blessing in disguise. It brought the issue of inequality out in the open,” said Martinez, a volunteer with the No on Prop. 8 campaign and an activist with The Wall-Las Memorias Project, an HIV/AIDS awareness and advocacy group. “Hopefully it’s a wake-up call for America and so groups at a disadvantage continue to fight.”

The march began at 1 p.m. at Lincoln Park and was organized by the Latino/a LGBT Coalition and endorsed by the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition. An estimated 300 people attended, including families and individuals who are allies of the movement.

“We see what’s happening on the west side needs to happen on the east side,” said Martinez who believes it is important for LGBT Latinos to “see their own faces marching.” The march, he said, ended in front of the Cathedral to send the message to Cardinal Roger Mahony that not all Catholic parishioners supported Prop. 8 like he did.

Although Sunday’s march was smaller compared to other marches held last week, activists say the protests will continue.

“This movement is growing; it’s growing each day. This Saturday is the National Protest Against Prop. 8 where different cities and communities will go to city hall to protest because it’s a civil rights issue,” said Martinez.

The march was organized by Latinos to demonstrate that the Latino community does care about equality and is against any kind of discrimination and it is not tolerated, he said.
No incidents were reported, said Officer Julianne Sohn of the Los Angeles Police Department.
By 4 p.m., most protesters returned to the park, said Sohn.

Proposition 8 passed with a margin of 52.2 percent to 47.5 percent. About 70 percent of blacks and Latinos voted in favor of Prop. 8, said election officials.

Yesterday, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to join the legal challenge of the proposition. A county lawyer advised the board to join the lawsuit that will try to halt enforcement of Proposition 8 and declare it a civil rights violation.

ShakeOut Special: Community Members Lead Efforts on Earthquake Safety

As Southern California residents are inundated with dreary details of the potential effects of a devastating earthquake, residents in Northeast Los Angeles will take a lighter approach to the impeding disaster, opting to visit with Yogi Bear at a Family Fair on Saturday afternoon.
Along with the highly touted earthquake drill that will take place this morning, the Southern California ShakeOut is an opportunity for local neighborhoods to practice emergency response operations. In Hermon, a small neighborhood in Northeast Los Angeles, members of the local public safety committee will conduct its first Earthquake Preparedness Family Faire on Saturday from 1p.m. to 4p.m. at the LA International Charter High School Recreation Field. The field also serves as the Hermon Emergency Meeting Area.

As part of the day’s activities, the Los Angeles County Fire Department will set up its Yogi Bear School House Earthquake Simulator at the Hermon Command Center Emergency Center to allow local residents to experience an estimated 6-magnitude earthquake.

Mark Legassie moved to Hermon four years ago from Main. He said his fear of earthquakes led to his active involvement with the local safety committee.

“I remember thinking I would never move to Los Angeles,” he said recalling the 1994 Northridge earthquake. “It looked the whole city was on fire.”

Legassie said the committee wants to raise awareness of the importance of preparing for a big earthquake.

He said that many residents make the mistake of thinking they have to purchase expensive emergency kits.

“You don’t have to go out and buy anything,” he said. “You can identify what you already have in your home and put it in a duffel bag.”

Legassie said he will bring his kit to the faire and will conduct a workshop on how to assemble a similar kit using items from around the house.

Los Angeles Councilman Jose Huizar is scheduled to speak at the faire at 2:00 p.m. Also part of the program is April Kelcy, an emergency preparedness expert with Earthquake Solutions. Residents will be able to watch safety demonstrations, stock up on emergency supplies and register for local CERT and CPR training.

The faire is part of the committee’s effort to get more residents involved in the community’s emergency response plan.

With $7,500 in funding provided by the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council, Hermon residents began to assemble a volunteer emergency team. Legassie said at least 25 residents have completed Local Community Emergency Response Training (CERT). The public safety committee divided the neighborhood into nine zones and recruited residents from each zone to become involved with emergency preparation efforts. The next step was to identify local geographic hazards the community would likely face in the event of a major emergency.

Legassie said inspectors advised the committee to select the high school recreation field, located on a hilltop, as its emergency meeting area because the original designation of Arroyo Seco Park, part of Arroyo Seco river way, has several hazards such as floods and landslides. In addition, liquefaction is a significant threat to structures in five of the nine zones. This phenomenon poses a great risk to structures as violent shaking from an earthquake can cause the water pressure in the soil to increase and liquefy, causing structures built on top to collapse.

Other hazards identified by the committee include the potential collapse of the bridges on Avenue 60 and Via Marisol, which were built before modern earthquake measures were adopted for such structures. The Hermon car wall on Monterrey Road is also at risk as the structure is currently in need of repairs. Landslides from the hills along the Arroyo Seco could block exits routes for residents, Legassie said.

While emergency preparedness is the goal for the faire, Legassie did not hesitate to say that the real highlight is the opportunity for residents to ride the Yogi Bear earthquake simulator and to climb aboard a fire truck from Highland Park’s Fire Station 12. He said he had to pull some strings to reserve the earthquake simulator because Northeast Los Angeles is out of the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s jurisdiction. Also, the simulator was set to begin its routine three month long maintenance schedule.

Legassie, who serves as a radio operator for Auxiliary Communications Services, a civilian volunteer unit for the Los Angeles Fire Department, was able to convince county officials to delay the simulators scheduled maintenance so the committee could utilize it for the faire. With all the public attention on the ShakeOut, County officials donated the simulator free of charge.

“I told them they could have all the free hot dogs they want,” he said.
The faire is open to all resident in Northeast Los Angeles and is located at 625 Coleman Ave in Hermon. Attendees are asked to enter at Via Marisol and Lomitas.

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