Just when you thought no one cared about the voices of children, seniors or low-income families, California's parks department offers a glimmer of hope.
The state agency has awarded Latino Health Access -- which organized hundreds of residents to lobby city officials for more some green space -- a grant of $3.5 million to build the only park and community center in the 92701 zip code of Santa Ana.
Until now, kids in Santa Ana have often made make-shift playgrounds around back-alley Dumpsters.
The park and community center represent the collective action of public agencies and engaged residents to open safe, green spaces in Santa Ana, said Ana Carrichi, policy director for the organization.
State bureaucrats said they found the participation of children an "especially heartwarming" aspect of the Latino Health Access pitch for more green space.
Ruth Colement, director of California State Parks said her agency received 475 pitches from community groups vying for 62 grants. The outpouring, she added, "clearly shows the extent of recreation needs throughout California."
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Can You Fix It? The U.S. Budget, That Is.
If you could close the government's budget gaps, how would you do it?
For once, you can actually try. The New York Times has created an interactive tool that lets you choose what you would like to chop off the American budget. Your choices would help save the American people from projected shortfalls of $418 billion (in 2015) and $1,345 billion (in 2030). All you have to do is choose what to cut. Will you decrease war troops? Increase the age for social security? Tax millionaires? Tax carbon? Just check the box next to the initiative and watch the New York Times’ graph fulfill the budget gaps.
Sounds easy, right?
Link to budget puzzle:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html?hp
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