To submit comments, or to suggest items for this newsletter or First5LA.org, contact Katie Kurutz, public affairs officer, at kkurutz@first5la.org or (213) 482-5902.
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Click events below to view full listings.
Conference for Health Professionals Toward Improving the Outcome of Pregnancy
March 1-2, 2010
all day
Interaction Guidance
March 2-3, 2010
all day
Food Allergies & Intolerances in Children
March 6, 2010
from 9:00am - 12:00pm
Senator Price's District Child Safety Event
March 7, 2010
from 10:00am - 2:00pm
Introduction to Floortime(TM)
March 15, 2010
from 9:00am - 12:00pm
Childhood Grief and Traumatic Loss: Restoring Joy to Children and Families
March 17, 2010
from 7:45am - 4:45pm
Overcoming Barriers to Breastfeeding
March 17, 2010
from 9:00am - 3:30pm
Save the Date: Preconception Health Update
April 15, 2010
from 7:30am - 4:00pm
Pediatric Feeding: Special Topics in Autism
April 16, 2010
from 8:00am - 3:30pm
Depression and the Breastfeeding Mother
April 16, 2010
from 9:00am - 4:00pm
Nuts & Bolts of Assessing & Diagnosing Young Children: Using Tools Including Observation, DC:0-3R and ICARE Assessment
April 16, 2010
from 8:30am - 4:00pm
18th Annual Farm Walk at Pierce College
April 25, 2010
from 9:30am - 4:00pm
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First 5 LA Grantee Gets Visit from Barbara Boxer's Office
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer's field representative, Juan Camacho, was recently welcomed at the First 5 LA-funded 15th St. Family Literacy Program in San Pedro. More »
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First 5 Funding Not Part Of Mid-Year Budget Solutions
Legislators exclude Governor's proposed redirection of First 5 funding from current budget solutions; Cox bill dies in committee. More »
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Recap of Video Testimonials
Legislators exclude Governor's proposed redirection of First 5 funding from current budget solutions; Cox bill dies in committee. More »
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From Cooing to Conjugating
Most
experts agree that children learn to speak in a step-by-step process. But can a
parent always tell if their child is on the right path? Learn more. More »
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From Fat to Fit, The President's Budget
First lady Michelle Obama has joined forces with the surgeon general and the Department of Health and Human Services to launch a national campaign addressing national childhood obesity. More »
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Forgetting Californians' Commitment to Children
In 1998, as emerging science showed us what happens when we neglect vulnerable children, Californians made a bold and venerable move. We, as a people, decided to protect the needs of children and to create a special fund solely dedicated to their health and well being. Voters passed Proposition 10, a 50 cent tax on cigarettes and tobacco and made a financial pledge to our state's children that we would not abandon them.
But when the chips are down, some of our elected officials grab for what they can, forgetting that the people have made a commitment to children in the form of Prop 10. Last year when the budget crisis hit, state legislators placed Prop 1D on the ballot, requesting voters allow state legislators to redirect 50 percent of First 5 funds into the general fund.
So voters had to remind them by sending a message that sounded something like this: "Remember? We made a commitment to our children? Just because the state budget needs have changed does not mean children's needs have changed. We stand by our original pledge to protect kids." The people voted no on 1D.
But situational amnesia seems to be pervasive in Sacramento. Once again some elected officials see First 5 dollars, not as protected monies set aside for the well being of children, but as easy filler for a mismanaged state budget. The governor announced Prop 10 dollars as part of his budget solution and Sen. David Cox has gone so far as to introduce a bill - one in a series for him - to divert First 5 funds to other programs.
One thing is clear. In California, the concern for the needs of children can be easily dwarfed when panicked elected officials nervously look for solutions. And like anyone in a state of duress, they forget. It's up to us to remind our leaders that we, the citizens of California, have collectively made a commitment to our children.
The First 5 Association provides downloadable postcards to help us remind our leaders of our commitment to children and send other messages about the vital programs funded by First 5 Commissions. Click here to learn more.
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