First5LA.org To submit comments, or to suggest items for this newsletter or First5LA.org, contact Denise Nix, writer/editor, at DNix@First5LA.org or 213-482-7831. Calendar Click events below to view full listings. First 5 LA Panel Discussion: How Cuts to Early Childhood Education Programs Affect Children's Readiness for School Fri., April 20, 2012 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Fri., April 20, 2012 9 - 10:30 a.m. The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Sat., April 21 - Sun., April 22, 2012 Igniting Inner Passions: The Value of Children's Imaginative Play Sat., April 21, 2012 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Come Help Beautify Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area on Earth Day Sun., April 22, 2012 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 2012 Healthy Living Expo Sun., April 22, 2012 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. LAUP's Preschool Teacher of the Year Awards Thurs., April 26, 2012 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Program & Planning Committee Meeting Thurs., April 26, 2012 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.	April 16, 2012 Policy Pick Commission Approves Support for First 5 LA Legislative Agenda First 5 LA's Commission voted to support a number of bills relevant to the health and well-being of kids. More » Staff Profile  Government Affairs Officer Ruel Nolledo The First 5 LA Policy Department staffer has his finger on the pulse of all early childhood-related budget and policy issues. More » News and Announcements Closing the Achievement Gap for Latinos At a summit convened by President Barack Obama, a First 5 LA director shares lessons learned about early education. More » Autism Awareness Month No Clear-Cut Answers on Autism Causes Even the experts find conflicting information in the genetics vs. environment autism debate. More » Links  1. Funding opportunities at First 5 LA 2. Learn more about place-based effort Best Start 3. Visit our parent website Ready. Set. Grow! 4. Employment opportunities 5. Tell us what you think - take a survey