Events

At Home in Venice:

Houselessness & The Human Right

To Housing In Los Angeles

Saturday, May 18, 2024

2:30-4:30pm

Venice Public Library

501 S. Venice Blvd, Venice 90291

Exhibit opening & reception, reading by artist Aanti Sumaiyya and writer/activist Naomi Nightingale, and highlights from and discussion about a report by John Raphling, senior researcher with Human Rights Watch, on the criminalization of unhoused people and the human right to housing in Los Angeles & Venice. 

Presented by “Where Has All The (affordable) Housing Gone?” - co-hosted with Beyond Baroque,

CD11 Coalition for Human Rights, Venice Community Housing, and Westside Tenants Union, 

For more information: [email protected] 

http://www.beyondbaroque.org/wherehasallthehousinggone/

The 1st Annual Rosie the Riveter Celebration is a community event that is free for everyone to attend. However, we also welcome donations of $25, which will help us cover additional expenses and ensure the success of the event. We are extremely grateful for your support and contribution to our community events. Thank you for being a part of this celebration.

Sincerely,

Vivian M. Escalante,

CEO of Boyle Heights Community Partners

Tickets Available Online

To register CLICK HERE

Taste of the Nation, the Premier Culinary Event for a Cause, Returns on May 4th!

Co-chaired by award-winning chefs Brooke Williamson and Mei Lin, the outdoor, ultimate foodie experience supports the No Kid Hungry cause to end childhood hunger.

Los Angeles - Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry, the country’s premier culinary event for a cause, will return to Los Angeles on Saturday, May 4th, at Media Park in Culver City. Taste of The Nation is a culinary event created by No Kid Hungry to provide exclusive access to Los Angeles’s top culinary talent while making a direct impact on No Kid Hungry’s mission to end childhood hunger. The event brings together 40 of the best chefs, restauranteurs, tastemakers, and mixologists from around Los Angeles for one afternoon to serve guests scrumptious bite-sized fare, craft cocktails, and delectable desserts to support ending childhood hunger.

This year’s ultimate foodie experience was crafted in part by event co-chairs and award-winning chefs Brooke Williamson, Executive Chef and Owner of Playa Provisions, and Mei Lin, Executive Chef and Owner of Daybird. They have worked together with the Taste of the Nation team to bring every cuisine and style of cooking to this event, from bold Asian street eats to upscale farm-to-table dishes. Between courses, guests will cleanse their palates with curated, savory sips by celebrated local mixologists, winemakers, and brewers, such as Liam Odien from Playa Provisions and Chef Bricia Lopez’s famous Micheladas from Guelagetza.

When asked why No Kid Hungry’s efforts to end childhood hunger are so vital, Los Angeles event co-chair and featured chef Mei Lin shared:

“Childhood hunger is a problem that affects all of us. No Kid Hungry is working to solve this problem and has made a positive impact on the lives of millions of kids. I’m proud to be a part of LA’s Taste of the Nation event to help No Kid Hungry end childhood hunger.”

In addition to the delicious food and drinks, there is entertainment that suits all ages. There is live music, interactive games, raffles, and the fan favorite- a children’s activity corner. Perhaps the best entertainment of all are the live cooking demonstrations featuring top talent from around town. This event is a great way to get the whole family outside to enjoy some good food, all while supporting a great cause.

No Kid Hungry’s Senior Director of Culinary Partnerships & Events, Courtney Smith, stated that the Taste of the Nation event is so important because:

“One in five kids in the US is living with hunger. No Kid Hungry works tirelessly every day to make sure every child gets three meals a day by advocating for programs and helping communities get the resources they need to feed children. Your ticket to Taste of the Nation raises funds for this work. We welcome guests from across L.A. to come hungry and ready for an afternoon full of flavorful food, tasty libations, and family fun. And while you’re here, don’t forget to raise a glass in support of No Kid Hungry!”

All-Access Tickets give admission to the event 30 minutes early and include a reusable tasting plate and access to a relaxing lounge seat area, among other benefits. General Admission tickets are available. This event is expected to sell out; advanced tickets are encouraged. For tickets and pricing, go to https://events.nokidhungry.org/events/los-angeles-taste-nation/.

EVENT DATE AND TIME:

Saturday, May 4th – Tickets

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

EVENT ADDRESS:

Media Park

9070 Venice Boulevard

Culver City, CA 90232

EVENT PARKING:

Attendees are encouraged to carpool, rideshare, or take public transportation. Free circulator runs from the Metro Station to Downtown about every 15 minutes. There are several parking garages located within walking distance, under 0.5 miles from Media Park.

Stay up to date on No Kid Hungry and the Taste of the Nation event on social media by following on:

• Facebook: @nokidhungry
• Instagram: @nokidhungrylax @nokidhungry
• Twitter/X: @nokidhungry

Join Abe Gurko & Tamie Wilson To Help Defeat Jim Jordan

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that Jim Jordan is conceivably the evilest member of Congress. James Comer, his partner in crime, is just an ineffectual hack. So are Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, Matt Gaetz, and the other wanna-be Freedom Lunatics. But few are as sinister and dangerous as No-Jacket-Jordan. Please join me in my mission to “End Jim Jordan”.

Meet Tamie Wilson who is running to unseat Jordan in the 4^th District of Ohio, the state where she was born and raised. Tamie is a single mother to her 18-year-old son, a small business owner, and a community advocate.

Why, you may ask, am I focused on a congressional fight so far away from home? When I interviewed one of the victims of the Ohio State University sexual abuse scandal involving the heinous Dr. Strauss, I felt an obligation to do something to besmirch Gymbo Jordan. During that time, Jim Jordan worked at OSU and knew what was happening to the athletes. They confided in Jordan and his response was to turn a blind eye to the 150-plus students that were violated. To make matters worse, Gym Jordan called a student at his home and begged him not to go to the authorities! Since then, the NOT-SO-GOOD doctor has taken his life out of guilt and fear of spending a lifetime in prison. The court case with all the boys who were molested is still lingering in the courts. I feel as though we have a moral obligation to do something. Hence promoting Tamie Wilson to a wider audience is something I am happy to do. If you are in LA, join us for an informal event in

"I’m running for Congress because Jim Jordan and Washington aren't working for us. I just finished my first Bill, The Comprehensive Sexual Abuse Prevention and Accountability Act. My Bill will help protect and prevent students and athletes from being sexually abused. This Bill is the first of 9 Bills that I am writing. It’s time to elect a doer who will work hard to get things done for all our families. I have common sense solutions to help us all live better.” Please go to Tamie’s website to see her positions and what she will fight for. Get to know Tamie Wilson here.West Hollywood on May 5, Cinco de Mayo. Please email me for information and join us for a toast to Tamie.

Please join us on Sunday, May 5, 4-6 PM, private location.

Earth Day L.A. River Cleanup with LA Waterkeeper 

Saturday, April 20, 9:00a-11:00a Free event 

North Atwater Park, 3900 Chevy Chase Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90039 

Event link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/creekstocoastcleanups2024/event/earthday2024/ 

Registration required by Wednesday, April 17.  

Description:  

Join LA Waterkeeper for a family-friendly community cleanup of the L.A River this Earth Day weekend! We’ll be clearing away debris and revitalizing the riverbanks, as we tackle the aftermath of the rainy winter. Volunteers will learn about the river's rich history, assist in water quality tests with LA Waterkeeper, and take home native seed bombs to support local pollinators. Don't miss out on this rewarding experience filled with community, learning, and making a real difference for our environment. Let's come together to make the LA River shine! Please save your spot by registering at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/creekstocoastcleanups2024/event/earthday2024/.  

Learn more about Los Angeles Waterkeeper: https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/. 

CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, April 2, 2024, AT 7:00PM
4024 Radford Avenue, Editorial 2, Room 6. Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 655-5400
NEW ENTRANCE AND PARKING. Please use RADFORD GATE (4024 Radford, just north of Ventura Blvd).
Use the drive on or pedestrian access and follow instructions from Radford Security
Stakeholders with disabilities who have a valid DMV placard, use a wheelchair, walker, or cane, and/or those who
have difficulties walking distances should notify a Radford Studio Center Security Officer or call 818-655-5085 to
request shuttle assistance.
Committee Members: Abi Velasco (Chair, Stakeholder), Richard Niederberg (Vice Chair, Board Member), Barry Johnson
(Stakeholder), Mary Mallory (Stakeholder), Brandon Morino (Stakeholder). Chip Meehan (President Ex-Officio)

AGENDA

Sing out your silliness with live piano accompaniment at this twice-monthly improv musical comedy jam hosted by The Clubhouse.

Join the California Native Plant Society as you learn about our delicate ecosystem and remove invasive mustard. After your hard work, take a nature walk with the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society. You can borrow some binoculars, but make sure to bring your own water bottle.

Whether you’re looking to meet your next fur baby or simply want to snuggle with a cute critter, bring your hugs (and your kids) to this literary cuddle sesh. All kids will walk away with a free book — and of course, one of the adoptable cuddle bugs, if you so choose.

Ready for graceful meditative movements and flowy breathing out in the open air? This relaxing class in Culver City is specifically designed for newbies.

Neighborhood Council Budget Day Returns to City Hall: Save the Date for June 15, 2024

The annual Neighborhood Council Budget Day will be held the morning of Saturday, June 15, 2024.  For the first time since 2019, Budget Day will be in person at City Hall.  It is a free event that is open to the public.  

The plenary session will be presented in City Council Chambers where members of the Los Angeles government and other speakers discuss the City’s budget and what it means for programs and services the City provides Angelenos.  Please save the date for what will be an educational and thought-provoking event. 

Breakout sessions where attendees discuss regional concerns with City services follow the plenary session.  Anyone concerned about where our City is headed is encouraged to attend and provide input.  The regional breakout sessions will also elect Budget Advocates for their next two-year term. 

For up-to-date information, visit BudgetAdvocates.org.  Eventbrite registration will be available closer to the event.  

Dr. Elizabeth (Barry) White, along with her co-author Dr. Joanna Sliwa, will speak about their new book, The Counterfeit Countess: The Jewish Woman Who Rescued Thousands of Poles during the Holocaust, at the Holocaust Museum L.A., on Thursday March 14 at 6:30 P.M.  Free tickets are still available HERE.

[Note:  For background, Jeffrey Mausner, featured writer with CityWatch, has conducted this interview with Dr. White.]

Dr. White was a historian at the United States Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Office of Special Investigations (OSI – the Nazi War Crimes prosecution unit) from 1983 to 2010, becoming Chief Historian and then Deputy Director.  I worked with Dr. White when I was a Trial Attorney at the Justice Department from 1979 to 1985.  I got the opportunity to interview Dr. White prior to her presentation at the Holocaust Museum L.A.

Jeff: Hello Barry, it is so nice to speak with you.  I am looking forward to your presentation at the Holocaust Museum on the 14th.  I suppose you are traveling around the country for your book tour now.  What are some of the cities you have been to on your book tour so far?

Dr. White: Boston, Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Winston-Salem, Richmond, Mystic, New Orleans, New York, Atlanta and Philadelphia. We’ll be in Portland, Oregon the night before the LA event.

Jeff: Before we talk about the book, I’d like to ask about your background.  I know you have a Ph.D. in history.  I recall that you were completing your Ph.D. when you came to OSI in 1983.  Could you tell us how you came to be a historian and to work at OSI?

Dr. White: My Ph.D., from the University of Virginia, is in Modern European History, specializing in Modern Germany. I had become fascinated with European history in college. Part of what drew me to concentrate on German history was my experience growing up in the segregated South, in Virginia. I had struggled to understand how people I knew, who seemed compassionate and who professed to be patriotic Americans and good Christians, could accept and support a system that was blatantly contrary to the values they claimed to cherish. Germany in the first half of the 20th century provides the ultimate example of this human conundrum.

My dissertation, since published, was on German Influence in the Argentine Army, 1900-1945. Although I didn’t specialize in Nazi Germany, OSI hired me for my knowledge of the German military, my experience conducting research in German archives, and my ability to read old German script – none of which I expected future employers to consider desirable skills!

Jeff: What kinds of cases did you work on at OSI?

Dr. White: At first, I was assigned to investigations of SS officers and of concentration camp guards who we knew were living in the United States. After a few years, I became Chief of Investigative Research, meaning I was responsible for identifying and locating other suspected participants in Nazi crimes who had immigrated to the U.S. after World War II. In 1997, I became Chief Historian, supervising the work of OSI’s staff of historians, who conducted the office’s investigations alongside its attorneys. I became Deputy Director, supervising all of OSI’s non-attorney staff, in 2004.

Jeff: OSI’s mission eventually expanded beyond investigating Nazi persecutors, didn’t it?

Dr. White: Yes, in 2004, Congress charged OSI to investigate all persons who committed human rights violations before coming to the U.S. I participated in developing a multi-agency strategy to deny safe haven to perpetrators of such crimes as genocide, torture, and war crimes. I was also involved in interagency efforts to develop policies for preventing genocide and mass atrocities.

Jeff: When did you leave the Department of Justice and what did you do then?

Dr. White: In 2012, I left DOJ to become the research director of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Center for the Prevention of Genocide. Later, before retiring last year, I served at the USHMM as a historical expert on the Holocaust, post-Holocaust genocides, and international justice.

Jeff: Now let’s get to the subject of your book, the Counterfeit Countess.  Based on your background, I’m sure it is historically accurate and well researched.  Who was the counterfeit countess?

Dr. White: She was Dr. Josephine Janina Mehlberg, a Polish Jewish mathematician who survived the Holocaust in German-occupied Poland by posing as the Countess Suchodolska, a Christian aristocrat. She went to work for a Polish relief organization and, since she spoke flawless German, had the job of negotiating with Nazi and SS officials for permission to provide aid to non-Jewish Polish victims of Nazi persecution. She was incredibly persistent in her negotiations, never accepting no as a final answer. And she was incredibly successful: we’ve documented that she won the release of nearly ten thousand Poles from Nazi captivity, including over 4,000 prisoners of Majdanek concentration camp. At Majdanek, she continually pressed the SS to allow her organization to supply ever greater quantities of more supplies – even decorated Christmas trees and Easter eggs – for thousands of prisoners. She brought these deliveries herself inside the camp, a place where 63,000 Jews were murdered in gas chambers and shooting pits. What’s more, she was also an officer in the underground Polish Home Army and used the deliveries as cover to smuggle messages, supplies, and weapons for resistance members imprisoned in the camp – all under the very noses of the SS guards.

Jeff: That’s amazing! How did you come to write about her?

Dr. White: This book came about as a result of my work investigating concentration camp guards for DOJ, which led me to study Majdanek concentration camp, located in German-occupied Lublin, Poland. There was almost no scholarly work written in English about Majdanek, so I delivered a paper on it at the American Historical Association convention in 1989. After the panel, a historian I did not know handed me a carbon copy manuscript. He said it was the memoir of a Jewish woman, Janina Mehlberg, who helped Majdanek prisoners by posing as a Polish Christian aristocrat. She had died in Chicago in 1969, and efforts to publish her memoir had failed. Since I was working on Majdanek, the historian hoped that I could make its story known.

Jeff: So what did you do?

Dr. White: That story so astonished me that I had to question whether it could be true. I couldn’t use the memoir without verifying, and I had no way to do that then, particularly since I don’t know Polish. Since the memoir was being given to the USHMM [U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum], I figured a historian with the right skills would find it and do the work necessary to bring it to light. But that never happened, and the story haunted me, because if it was true, it needed to be made known. In 2017, with the help of the internet, I found a reference that made me think Janina Mehlberg probably was Countess Suchodolska. So I reached out to Joanna Sliwa, whom I only knew by reputation as an expert on the Holocaust in Poland. As soon as she read the memoir, she agreed to partner with me in investigating Janina’s life. Largely thanks to her sleuthing, we have not only corroborated the information in the memoir but have discovered that Janina actually accomplished even more than her memoir claims.

Jeff: Was Dr. Mehlberg able to help any of the Jewish prisoners at Majdanek?

Dr. White: The Germans only permitted her organization, the Polish Main Welfare Council, to aid ethnic Poles. Still, her aim was to provide enough food to Majdanek that it would benefit the non-Polish prisoners as well, particularly the Jews.

Jeff: What Dr. Mehlberg did required incredible bravery! 

Dr. White: She did not expect to survive the German occupation of Poland and so she decided to make whatever was left of her life meaningful by resisting her nation’s enemy and saving as many lives as she could.

Jeff: What would have happened to her if her true identity was discovered by the Germans?

Dr. White: If the Germans had discovered she was Jewish, the Gestapo would have tortured her to learn how she had obtained her false identity and then they would have killed her. If the SS at Majdanek had discovered that she was smuggling supplies to the resistance in the camp, the Gestapo would have tortured her to learn her resistance contacts and then it would have killed her. In fact, although the Germans never learned she was Jewish, the Gestapo did suspect her of resistance activities and set traps for her. One of her colleagues was caught in her stead and was tortured and killed.

Jeff: What happened to Dr. Mehlberg after the war?

Dr. White: She continued to live under a false identity in communist Poland and actually became the deputy director of the national social welfare organization. She escaped Poland in 1950 and eventually settled in Chicago. In the 1960s, she was a tenured full professor of mathematics at the Illinois Institute of Technology – almost unheard of for a woman at that time.

Jeff: Who is the publisher of your book and where is it available?

Dr. White: We were very fortunate that Bob Bender, a Senior Editor at Simon & Schuster, saw the importance and appeal of this story about an amazing heroine no one has ever heard of. The book is available in hard cover and as an e-book and an audio book at all the usual on-line vendors as well as at Costco and many independent book stores. Simon & Schuster has also enabled us to promote the book at many in-person and virtual events. More information about the book, including reviews, media coverage, and upcoming events can be found on the website https://www.counterfeitcountess.com/about

Jeff: Last question. How did you get the nickname Barry?

Dr. White: It’s from my middle name and is what I’ve been called all my life. It wasn’t considered particularly unusual in the South.

Jeff: Thank you for speaking with me.  I look forward to seeing you, and meeting your co-author, Dr. Sliwa, on March 14 at the Holocaust Museum L.A.

AGENDA
PPCC BOARD MEETING
March 7, 2024
Via Zoom Videoconference
6:00 PM – 8:00PM
Meeting ID: 882 8310 1185
Passcode: 553444
NEW Link to Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88283101185?pwd=G7rqFX4t6sGl3K6B4srbYL9HC67efX.1
Meeting will be recorded for Secretarial purposes

AGENDA