LACF Blog

Hello everyone,

The last 10 days have been filled with a significant amount of violence and trauma in the Pasadena area. Much of this violence has taken place right in the heart of where the families of Lake Avenue Community Foundation reside. The staff of LACF staff has been compelled to use our last 30 minutes together to pray for our community before our students take off for spring break.

Everyone is invited for a 30 minute per time at 6 PM March 21 to join us at Villa 500 with our elementary program or in the LAC Warehouse at 393 North Lake with our middle school/high school program. Whether you are a student in our programs, a parent with our programs, volunteer in our programs or a concerned person about what’s happening in Pasadena, we invite you to join us.

Below you will find the notes from the chief of police for Pasadena to community leaders about the most recent events in our city.

Kind Regards,

The Staff of LACF

Critical Incidents:

On March 8 at about 3:38 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to Victory Park regarding a robbery investigation. On arrival, officers learned that the victim was meeting a friend in the park to possibly furnish him with some marijuana. Three suspects approached the victim and asked his if he was carrying narcotics. When the victim opened his backpack, one of the suspects grabbed the marijuana from inside the pack. Subsequently, a physical fight ensured. Pasadena Police officers arrived quickly and detained two suspects (juveniles). They were later arrested without further incident. The robbery victim, also a juvenile, was also arrested for possession of a concealed weapon. Pasadena Police detectives will conduct a follow-up investigation.

On March 10 at about 1:30 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the area of Howard and Mentone regarding a Domestic Violence Investigation. On arrival, officers discovered that the suspect, Male Black, 26, allegedly argued with his girlfriend and attempted to forcefully take custody of their child. The victim (girlfriend) attempted to stop the suspect and ended up on the hood of his car. As the suspect drove away, the victim was thrown onto the roadway, sustained a head injury, and lost consciousness. PPD officers contained the neighborhood and searched for the suspect. The Los Angeles Police Airship assisted PPD officers with the search. The officers were not able to locate the suspect; however, they know his identity. Lieutenant Ed Calatayud was the incident commander.

On March 12, a home invasion robbery occurred in the 1900 block of North Arroyo Boulevard. Three armed, masked gunmen entered the residence at approximately 11:00 pm, and held two women captive. The Pasadena Police Department was not made aware of the crime until the following morning, when bank personnel phoned the police department reporting that a female was at the location withdrawing money under duress. Pasadena officers responded and began their investigation. The robbery victims were not injured.

On March 14, 2013, at approximately 12:20 p.m., Pasadena detectives and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) plainclothes deputies were jointly investigating the robbery, when deputies encountered two suspects. One of the two suspects shot at the deputies and a deputy-involved shooting occurred. The two suspects fled on foot and a containment was established in the area of Mar Vista Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena. It is unknown if either suspect was wounded. No law enforcement personnel were injured. Pasadena detectives subsequently arrested Marquis Garrett (male, African American, age 20, a Pasadena resident) and Paul Scott (male, African American, age 31, a Pasadena resident) and Eddie McFadden Jr. (male, African American, age 20, an Arcadia resident) for kidnapping for financial gain. Each suspect is being held on $1 million dollars bail.

The Pasadena Police Department continues to investigate the home invasion robbery. The attempted murder of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputy, and the subsequent deputy involved shooting, are being investigated by the LASD, Homicide Unit. The home invasion robbery and attempted murder of a peace officer are violent crimes that necessitate a swift response. The subsequent arrest of the suspects was the result of a collaborative effort involving law enforcement entities including: the Pasadena Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Highway Patrol, and Canine search teams from South Pasadena, Alhambra, and El Monte Police Departments. Anyone with information regard the home invasion robbery is asked to contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241. Individuals with information regarding the attempted murder of the LASD Deputy are asked to contact the LASD at (323) 890-5500. You may report anonymously through Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or http://lacrimestoppers.org(insert key word Pasadena).

On March 15 at about 9:00 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 1800 block of Summit Avenue regarding several calls of shots fired. On arrival, officers located two gunshot victims (Male Hispanic Adults) suffering from non-life threatening wounds. Officers were told that a third victim (Male Hispanic Juvenile) was transported to a local hospital by relatives prior to their arrival. The juvenile victim was suffering from a serious gunshot wound and was alert and talking at the hospital. During their preliminary investigation, Pasadena Police officers learned the victims were standing near their residence when the suspects fired several shots, striking the victims. The suspects were last seen running south on Summit Avenue. Pasadena Police officers contained the area and established a nearby command post. The incident was managed by Sergeant Roger Roldan and Lieutenant Jason Clawson. Pasadena Police detectives responded to the incident and began their investigation. If you have any information about this senseless crime, please call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241.

On March 16 at about 2:11 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the intersection of California Boulevard and Euclid Avenue regarding a major traffic collision. On arrival, officers learned the driver of a vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when he broadsided a vehicle making a turning movement. At least one of the vehicles flipped on to its side and subsequently caught fire. Both drivers were trapped in their vehicles until the Pasadena Fire Department arrived and extricated them. In one case, the rescue took nearly 30 minutes while the second rescue lasted about an hour and a half. Both drivers were transported to a local hospital and were listed in critical condition. Pasadena Police Traffic officers responded to the location and began the painstaking effort to reconstruct the incident. If you happened to witness this incident, please call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241. Pasadena Police Lieutenant Jason Clawson was and the incident commander while Sergeant Max Dahlstein is supervising the investigation.

On March 16 at about 7:38 p.m., Pasadena Police officers received a call of shots fired in the 2000 block of El Sereno Avenue. Patrol and Special Enforcement officers arrived quickly at the incident after hearing the shots. The officers recovered some evidence at the scene and located several uncooperative witnesses. There were no injuries associated with this incident. Sergeant Kate Favara was the on-scene incident commander. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241. You may report anonymously through Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or http://lacrimestoppers.org (insert key word Pasadena).

On March 16 at about 8:02 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 600 block of Hill Avenue regarding a major traffic collision. On arrival, officers discovered two vehicles had been involved in a horrific collision. Both subjects were transported to a local hospital by Pasadena Fire Paramedics. Later, one of the drivers (Male Hispanic Adult) died as a result of the collision. The second driver may have been drinking; however, officers have yet to confirm their suspicions. Pasadena Police Traffic officers were working DUI saturation patrol and responded to the incident. Lieutenant Jason Clawson andSergeant Max Dahlstein supervised the investigation. The victim was a Pasadena resident. Our investigation is ongoing. If you happened to witness this incident, please call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241.

On March 16 at about 8:30 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 200 block of East Del Mar Boulevard regarding an accidental discharge of a firearm. On arrival, Pasadena Police officers contacted a Male Adult who said he was cleaning his rifle in his residence when he accidently fired one round through the floor, into an underground carport. The projectile struck a neighbor’s unoccupied vehicle. Fortunately, no one was injured. Officers recovered the rifle as evidence along with a shotgun and pistol for safekeeping. The case will be forwarded to the City Prosecutor’s Office for review.

On March 17 Pasadena PD received information regarding a major collision on the eastbound 134 freeway at the Colorado/ Orange Grove off ramp. The incident was contained on the freeway and it was reported that the two vehicles involved were on fire with victim’s trapped inside. Officers Herrera and L. Mercado arrived on scene and saw both vehicles ablaze, with one being fully engulfed by flames. The occupants of one vehicle had been either ejected or extracted by witnesses and were being assisted by an on duty Glendale motor officer who was passing by. Officers Herrera and L. Mercado immediately ran to the other burning vehicle where they were assisted by good Samaritans in rescuing two of the occupants and dragging them from the fire hazard.

Several PFD units responded and treated four victims who were suffering from massive injuries. No officers suffered any injuries. California Highway Patrol arrived on scene and took command of the incident. Park Safety personnel were instrumental in helping shut down the freeway onramps during the investigation. All media inquiries are behind forwarded to CHP. The eastbound 134 Freeway is expect to be closed down for another hour.

The following information is preliminary and subject to change:

On March 17 at about 7:10 p.m. Pasadena Police officers responded to a major traffic accident on the 134 Freeway at the Colorado Street off-ramp. Several vehicles were involved in the accident and apparently PPD officers were first on scene. One of the cars bursted into flames and PPD officers pulled the victim from the wreckage

Lake Avenue Community Foundation has partnered with Huntington Hospital’s H.E.LP. (Healthy Eating Lifestyle Program) and Zumba instructor Anthony Marmolejo to provide classes every Friday from March 1^st through May 10^th.  There is a nutrition class from 9:00am-10:30 am which covers healthy recipes, diabetes and heart disease prevention and awareness, and how to incorporate a healthy lifestyle in the busy lives of our parents.  Zumba is from 10:30-11:30am and it is a great class to burn some calories and stay in shape.

We are excited to have 15 people in the nutrition class and about 25 people participating in the Zumba class!  This is a great opportunity not only for our families, but also for the community since this is absolutely free and open to the community. If you would like to come and an experience a Zumba class feel free to stop by Villa 500 and check us out!

Charlie with his mentor Wendell

On a recent Monday morning, Jorge rode his bike to Pasadena City College (PCC) for his statistics class.  He is two semesters into his PCC career–the first step in his plan that includes transferring to CA State LA and pursuing a degree in business.  His Lake Avenue Community Foundation (LACF) mentor, James, has helped him map out his plan of study for the next few semesters and also walked him through the financial aid process. James checks in with Jorge regularly to support him as he balances his class load with a full work schedule.  Jorge is the first member of his family to graduate from high school and enroll in college. He is the only male in his immediate and extended family who hasn’t served prison time. Jorge is beating the odds.

Pasadena’s statistics tragically reflect the national crisis for young men of color in at-risk neighborhoods. Called “the cradle to prison pipeline,” the numbers are both shocking and heartbreaking: Of the males born in 2001, one in four African-American and one in seven Latino boys will go to prison during their lifetime. (Children’s Defense Fund, http://www.childrensdefense.org) In California, for every dollar spent on education, $3.50 is spent on incarceration.

LACF aims to shut down this conveyor belt to the state penitentiary that derails the lives of so many young men and their families. Using evidence-based practices to address the spiritual, social and educational adversities that beset these young lives, LACF saves lives one child at a time.

We know that when young African-American and Latino boys lose their thirst for knowledge and learning and turn off to school by fifth grade, direct personal intervention is required to get a child back on track. The “achievement gap” caused by poverty has been well-documented by researchers and educators, but, through our many years doing this work, we know that it can be overcome with the right kind of educational and social supports.

So we offer an after-school program, a safe haven where children can escape the chaos of the streets and find a warm, structured environment to support them as they improve their academic skills. Using YET (Youth Education for Tomorrow) literacy curriculum, we address our elementary school students’ need to develop their reading skills while they enjoy a variety of literature in a fun and engaging environment that inspires a love for reading.

We also know that one-on-one mentoring can provide the personal kind of encouragement that nourishes a child’s soul and offers neighborhood students in Pasadena an opportunity to rise above the challenges of their environment to become college-educated community leaders. We currently mentor 60 youth—at risk like Jorge—and utilize more than 45 volunteer mentors who model positive Christian values. This produces marked changes in a student’s identity, affects their value system and results in positive changes in their behavior and lifestyle.

When PUSD cut summer programs during the state’s fiscal crisis over three years ago, we rallied our volunteer resources to develop SKILLZ, a program for entering ninth and tenth-grade students. In addition to academic remediation, SKILLZ provides counseling and helps mainly African American and Latino youth acquire skills to successfully negotiate the myriad of social challenges, like peer pressure, dispute resolution, depression and substance abuse. More than 80% of the graduates of SKILLZ report that for the first time, they have developed a trusting relationship with an adult.

Our support and services do not end with high school graduation. Currently LACF supports 23 college students in a variety of ways –tuition support, housing, basic needs, mentoring, being a home base.—like we do for Jorge.

You can help kids like Jorge beat the odds by becoming a mentor. Your presence in the life of a child can make a profound impact that will change you as much as it transforms them.

And you can also help us beat the odds by creating new resources, especially funding.  While we effectively leverage thousands of volunteer hours to run our many programs, the truth is that we still have to keep the lights on, pay our dedicated staff and conduct services for the students who depend on us every day.  So LACF is issuing a challenge match and inviting you to help us grow a designated pool of $25,000 in leadership gifts and pledges that will be matched at one dollar for every three dollars YOU donate.  We cannot afford to leave boys like Jorge behind—nor ANY child in our city’s tough neighborhoods.  If together we can raise $75,000 in new funds by March 15, we will have created a fund of $100,000 that will be used towards general operations and an expanded program emphasis to mentor middle school African American and Latino boys.

We rely almost entirely on the generosity of people like you to make these programs happen—through the gift of your time and treasure. But we are at a critical juncture in our 12-year-history as our donations have declined with the ongoing economic uncertainty and we face the real prospect of cutting back critically needed programs.  Your support is more important now than ever before. Please give as generously as you can.

You can give your generous gift today as a part of the special LACF offering.  Make your checks out to Lake Avenue Community Foundation.  If you prefer to make your donation online, please do so at http://www.lakeavefoundation.org/donate/.  You can sign up to join us as a mentor at http://www.lakeavefoundation.org/volunteer/application/, or in the Worship Center lobby today.

Thank you and God’s Blessings!

Sincerely,

Valerie Coachman-Moore, Executive Director

Lake Avenue Community Foundation

If you missed our Mentor Meet Up, we talked about demystifying College and the road to getting to College.  We covered five myths that a lot of students believe about college.  We also have checklists for college success that are specific to each age and grade level.

There are 5 Myths about College that we talked about.  Think about them yourself and talk to your student about them.

1. I shouldn’t go to college because I don’t know what I want to do with my life.
2. I have to have straight A’s to go to college.
3. I don’t need to go to college to do what I want to do as my career.
4. I can’t afford to go to college.
5. I don’t need to think about college yet.

Let’s go over them.

1.  I shouldn’t go to college because…

If a student has any dreams of going to college or working a career that requires more than a high school diploma, then they should at least begin taking college classes.  While it may not be necessary to jump into a four-year school, they should at least begin at a community college to start working towards a degree.  Most students don’t decide on a career or major until a little ways into their degree program.  It’s worth pursuing a degree, especially if you don’t know what you want to do.

2.  I have to have straight A’s…

Let’s be honest, good grades are really important.  But, colleges take into account more than just grades.  It’s important for a student to be well rounded.  Involvement in extra curricular activities (sports, clubs, after school programs, etc) and being in a position of leadership is just as important as having good grades.  If mediocre grades are keeping a student from going to the college of their choice, starting at a community college or different school and then transferring into the school of their choice is always an option.

3.  I don’t need to go to college…

That may be true.  If a student wants to enlist in the army, college may not be necessary unless they are aspiring to be a General.  However, getting a college degree can greatly increase a person’s pay over their lifetime.  Let’s look at a career in education.  A high school graduate can get a job at a school as an aide or a helper.  They will make close to minimum wage and won’t have much room for advancement.  A college graduate with a degree can start a career as a teacher.  They will earn a livable wage with room for advancement and promotion.  Earning a masters degree will greatly increase job opportunity and promotional advancement.

4.  I can’t afford to go…

College can be very expensive.  But, there are ways to pay for it.  There are lots of scholarship opportunities available that students can apply to.  All students are also eligible to receive financial aid through the US Government by filling out a FAFSA form online.

5.  I don’t need to think about it…

It is never to soon to set yourself on a path towards college.  You may not be considering which college to attend specifically or what you want to do as a career, but it’s important to start setting goals to open the opportunity of doing what you decide.  You can start by taking challenging courses and getting good grades.  It’s also important to start getting involved in extra curricular activities at school and in the community.  This will set you on a path towards success in getting accepted to college and earning scholarships.

On Thursday, December 6^th, MS/HS STARS had the wonderful privilege of hosting a day with Dr. America Bracho, a public heath advocate who was featured in the HBO documentary, “The Weight of the Nation” for the transformative work she’s done in Santa Ana around obesity and diabetes through her organization, Latino Health Access. Brenda Lovera, a STARS student, Youth Council member and aspiring journalist was one of three students who traveled with Dr. Bracho as she met with Health care providers at the Pasadena Public Health Department, conducted a video interview with students, and then met with parents, students and members of the Day One afterschool program at STARS. Brenda shares the impact of this day below:

Our day began when I travelled with our program director, Eric Johnson and two other students, Brenda Morales and Emily Luviano (pictured right) to the Pasadena Public Health Department to observe a conference with Dr. Bracho, Dr. Eric Walsh, the Health Department Director and his staff. Dr. Walsh gave us a tour and one of the first things we saw was a healthy snacks vending machine. I immediately started asking questions about why students didn’t have these machines available on our school campuses.

In the conference with the Health Department staff I learned about how Dr. Bracho became active in her community at a young age in Venezuela to get poor children polio vaccines and how she started progressing from there to help others. Also I learned how she started the Latino Health Access 20 years ago and how that program helped the city of Santa Ana, California to get their very first park!

The conference was a big opportunity for me to help me see things from a different point of view. I learned that there is way more people living in poverty in other places than my own community. The conference was really worth going to because it gave me advice, like how meeting someone that needs help can make you understand the ways to help them. I was really pleased getting to know Dr. American Bracho and I know that Brenda and Emily were also pleased like me.

After the conference finished we brought Dr. American Bracho to Lake Avenue Church where we interviewed her. A group of students from STARS that are either interested in careers in the medical field or journalism or backstage camera crew came together as a team to interview Dr. American Bracho. It was really fast, we only had a short amount of time to set up and her around five questions, but her answers were really motivating to me. Pictured left are Executive Director of LACF Valerie Coachman-Moore and student Viviana Garcia with Dr. Bracho after the interview.

When we finished the interview, we headed upstairs to STARS with Dr. Bracho to meet with parents, our students and another program, Day One. I honestly think that the parents got something from her inspiring speech! I know I did. She really got to me with her words and passion. That was it for that day which I wish never ended. Getting to know and spending almost half a day with Dr. America Bracho was something amazing and I thank Eric Johnson for making that day possible.

   by Brenda Lovera

The Mentoring Photo Scavenger Hunt is underway.  LACF Mentors were invited to participate in 25 different activities and document their progress.  The activities are based on building the 40 Developmental Assets in the lives of the students and are designed to help mentors come up with fun ideas.  We haven’t had anyone complete the list yet, but there are a few who are well on their way.  It’s not too late to participate.  The Scavenger Hunt officially ends on April 6, so there is still plenty of time.  Thanks to all who are having fun checking off items from the list with their students. Click here to learn more and get the scavenger hunt list.  Happy Hunting!

Christine and Mentee discussing Psalm 23

Rita and Mentee bonding over their most embarrassing stories.

On Wednesday, November 7^th, STARS Middle and High school students were treated by the Pasadena Playhouse to a premiere performance of their new play “Intimate Apparel” written by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage (Ruined).

Through New Generations, an educational program arm of the Playhouse, students were treated to a discussion with Sheldon Epps who is not only the award winning Artistic Director of the Playhouse but also the director of the play. Mr. Epps engaged our students on what inspires his directing choices. He shared that his greatest inspiration was to find plays that our students would find interesting, plays that underscore diversity. Students who were interested in the performing arts were also able to ask Mr. Epps questions about the best way to move forward in this fascinating career choice.

“Intimate Apparel” is the story of an illiterate middle-aged black seamstress who dreams of owning her own parlor as well as one day being married. The story takes place in Manhattan in 1905. Our New Generations Teaching Artists instructed our students about the language, race relations and history of the times and provided activities during intermission and after the play to engage the students further into the story.

Our students were absolutely spellbound by the experience and can’t wait for our next visit to the Playhouse to see “A Snow White Christmas” featuring Ariana Grande, Charlene Tilton and Neil Patrick Harris!

Tuesday, November 6^th, was not only a big day nationally, it was also a big election day in STARS as our  Middle and High school students voted for the 2012-2013 Youth Council, the President of the United States and several California State Measures using a mock ballot.

The STARS Youth Council is a student body created to provide student input into STARS program decision making and planning and participates in several LACF functions and meetings. Youth Council members also receive community service hours and letters of recommendation for their service. Students running for Council were required to create campaign fliers to distribute as well as give speeches and debate on Election Night before voting. This year’s students elected to the Youth Council are:

• Viviana Granados – President (pictured back right)
• Viviana Garcia – Vice-President (pictured front right)
• Brenda Lovera (pictured back middle)
• Adolfo Moreno (pictured back left)
• Aidee Romero
• Karen Romero
• Vanessa Tellez (pictured front left)

In the mock election, students elected Barack Obama as President and after a vibrant discussion voted on the following State Measures:

• YES on Proposition 30 to fund education
• NO on Proposition 32 to continue to allow political contributions by payroll deduction.
• NO on Proposition 33. Students felt current auto insurance regulations were sufficient.
• NO on Proposition 34 to keep the Death penalty.
• YES on Proposition 35 to increase penalties on Human Trafficking.
• YES on Proposition 36 to revise the Three Strikes Law.
• YES on Proposition 37 to label Genetically Engineered Foods.
• YES on Proposition 38 to fund education.

It was exciting to see our students display a full understanding of these issues and engage tutors and staff with questions that demonstrated their understanding. Students, staff and tutors ended the night with watching national election results and the electoral vote count.

It is safe to say that based on our students’ interest in these issues, their community and the nation, we have a generation of knowledgeable, educated voters arising!

Diana Bravo was born and raised in Pasadena. She graduated from Pasadena Highschool (class of 2009) and is also attending college. She began STARS back in 4th grade and has now returned as part of the LACF staff with her recent internship with Techmission Corps. STARS had a major impact in her life as a child and now she wants to help students not only get more involved in their community but also to help achieve their academic goals. Diana trusts that God will use her talents to help and inspire those around her. She is also thankful and feels that God has blessed her with great staff and an amazing group of children to work with. She hopes that each and every day will be a great opportunity to impact these kids lives in positive ways.

When Diana is not at work she enjoys spending time with family and close friends, going to museums, painting and enjoys spending time with her cat.

Christine Brinn is our new Elementary STARS Program Manager. We asked her a couple questions, and this is what she has to say:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself, where you are from, and your hobbies.

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, which explains my love for fresh berries and all things outdoors. I love camping, hiking and being in nature. In elementary school, my family moved to Chile for a time. It was a painful change at first, but at a young age God planted seeds in my life that produced a love for listening to others and learning from other cultures. 5 years ago, I moved to Southern California to be part of a church plant in San Diego, where I fell in love with cities and urban families and began to come to terms with my own story of privilege and power. From there I moved to Pasadena to attend Fuller’s MFT program, and have stayed here ever since!

Hobbies? I love learning. This means I love listening and reading—especially about topics that interest me (urban community development, racial justice, ethnicity and culture, spiritual formation, healing prayer, family systems, community psychology). I also love organizing and cleaning—I’m kind of a nerd. Most importantly, however, I value community and love spending quality time with good friends.

2. What are your life passions? What journey does God have you on?

My life passions have a lot to do with healing and justice. I believe every one of us has a story that is broken and in need of healing, and that together we are all part of God’s larger story of bringing healing and redemption to creation. The journey that God has me on is both one of being healed, as well as one of being a part of God’s healing and justice in the world. My background is in mental health and I am passionate about seeing families reconciled and relationships restored. I am also passionate about communities and neighborhoods being transformed. I care about listening deeply to people, extending love and grace, and empowering them in community to reach their potential.

I come from a pretty typical suburban family. Growing up in a family of 4, we had a dog and a two-car garage. For much of my life I considered my story boring and insignificant. However, as I came to terms with who I was, I found my experiences and background leading me to be a bridge builder. God calls us to steward our talents and not to bury them. We each have talents—our time, our education and skills, our experiences, our finances. My prayer is that we as a community would together take greater risks in giving our lives away for the sake of God’s Kingdom coming! May we steward our lives and be people who hear His voice say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things.’ Thank you each for being people who are seeking healing and justice in our neighborhood. Let’s keep taking risks together!