BEST Friends Summer in Full Bloom – Friday, September 12th, 2008

Summer in Full Bloom is LA's BEST Friends signature fundraiser with a fabulous wine-tasting and auction to benefit LA's BEST. Last year Summer in Full Bloom raised $65,000 and we hope to do the same or better this year! Auction items include luxury goods and services as well as "one of a kind" items such as a private screening with an Academy Award winning Producer. Please make sure to buy your ticket prior to the day of the event.

Friday, September 12, 2008

7:30-11:30 PM

Fairmont Miramar 101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90401

Please contact Cassandra.Krause@lacity.org with any questions or call at 213-978-0790.

Location: Fairmont Miramar Hotel

Click here to purchase tickets for BEST Friends Summer in Full Bloom

LA's BEST to Complete Mural Project at Detention Center – Friday, July 11th, 2008

CONTACT:  
Catherine Stringer
Vice President, Communications
(213) 978-0793

LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program

MEDIA ALERT
July 8, 2008

MAYOR AND CHIEF ‘DO TIME’ WITH LA’s BEST
 LA’s BEST, City Leaders Complete Mural Project at Detention Center Construction Site

LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year by continuing the dialogue in the Los Angeles community about gang violence and crime and the role after school programs play in preventing these sort of behaviors in the youth of the city. Last week part of the construction wall around the new LAPD Metro Detention Center in the Downtown Los Angeles Civic Center was white-washed, creating a 260-ft. canvas for a mural along Los Angeles Street between Temple Street and Parker Center. Artist Marcus Suarez has been painting a mural which reads, "Do Time at LA's BEST."

The intent of the mural is to bring awareness to the crucial after school hours between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. when many students are often left unsupervised and rates of juvenile crime go up. This mural depicts the importance of after school supervision and engagement in healthy, enriching and educating activities and the role it plays in juvenile crime abatement. In 2007, the Department of Justice commissioned UCLA’s National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards and Student Testing (CRESST) to do a long-term evaluation of the LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program and its impact on juvenile crime rates. The results show that students in LA’s BEST are 30 percent less likely to commit juvenile crime than their peers. Using conservative estimates, the study also found that for every dollar invested in the LA’s BEST program, the City saves $2.50 in costs associated with crime.

We invite you to meet the team of artists, learn more about the inspiration behind this project and to support the message of LA's BEST, that children who "do time" at LA's BEST are far more likely to make positive choices down the road. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Chief William J. Bratton will help finish painting the mural on Thursday, July 10 with LA’s BEST students and the mural artist, Marcus Suarez.

Marcus Suarez has been an accomplished artist for twenty years who got his start painting the steel on the sides of subway cars and now works with many celebrities and renowned artists such as photographer David LaChappelle. Fine artist Jillian Kogan art directed the mural project; she recently completed the annual promotional campaign for the California Arts Council.

WHO
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Chief William J. Bratton
Councilmember Wendy Greuel
Carla Sanger, President & CEO, LA’s BEST
Artist Marcus Suarez
LA’s BEST students

WHAT
Culmination of painting of the LA’s BEST mural on the construction wall around the LAPD Metro Detention Center

Visual: Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Chief William Bratton will finish painting the LA’s BEST mural on Los Angeles Street with LA’s BEST students and the mural artist, Marcus Suarez

WHEN
Thursday, July 10, 2008
9:00 a.m.

WHERE
Next to Parker Center at the mural site
150 N. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

About LA’s BEST
LA's BEST — Better Educated Students for Tomorrow — is a nationally recognized after school education, enrichment and recreation program serving more than 26,000 children with the greatest needs and fewest resources throughout the City of Los Angeles. LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program provides a safe haven for children ages 5 to 12 at 180 elementary school sites each day during the critical hours after school — at no cost to parents. Established in 1988, LA’s BEST is a partnership including the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District and the private sector. For more information, please visit www.lasbest.org.

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LA's BEST 13th Annual Family Brunch – Sunday, June 1st, 2008

LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program invites you to celebrate LA's BEST 20th Anniversary with the theme "Change Started Here" at the 13th Annual Family Brunch on June 1, 2008 at Sony Pictures Entertainment. The Annual Family brunch salutes the importance of family and provides an opportunity for LA's BEST to honor those in our community who support our program and enrich the lives of children. This year Academy Award winning actor Forest Whitaker and his wife Keisha Nash will be honored with the Family Focus Award; LAPD Officer Mauricio Valdovinos will be honored with the Alumnus Award; and the Amgen Foundation will be honored with the Community Partner Award.

 LA's BEST will also celebrate 20 student winners of the LA's BEST citywide writing contest, "What LA's BEST Means to Me" and their families.

If you would like to purchase a table or have any other questions regarding the Brunch, please contact Patty Phillips, LA's BEST, Development Associate at (213) 978-0797.

Location: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Click here to purchase tickets for LA's BEST 13th Annual Family Brunch

LA's BEST 17th Annual Dance/Drill Team Showcase – Saturday, May 3rd, 2008

On April 26 and May 3, 2008, LA's BEST students participated in the 17th Annual Dance/Drill Team Showcase at California State University, Los Angeles. This annual event brought more than 2,000 students together for incredible performances in drill team and dance. This annual showcase provides children with an opportunity to proudly demonstrate leadership, teamwork, self-confidence and performing arts skills mastered through hundreds of hours of dedication and hard work. The proud first-place winners of the two-day showcase were:

April 25, 2008

Small Dance - Yorkdale, Small Military - Micheltorena, Small Hip-Hop - Accelerated, Medium Hip-Hop - Telfair, Prop Novelty - Gates, Medium Hip-Hop - Coliseum

May 3, 2008

Medium Dance - Glassell Park, Small Hip-Hop - Hillcrest, Large Hip-Hop - Bradley, Large Dance - Sunny Brae, Pom/Song Leading - Vaughn, Large Military - Mayberry

Congratulations to all of the participants for their enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and excellent performances!

Location: California State University, Los Angeles

BEST Friends Casino Night – Friday, April 18th, 2008

8 pm to Midnight

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Please visit www.lasbestfriends.org for complete details.

 

Location: FantaSea Yacht, Marina Del Rey

6th Annual Family Health Festival – Saturday, April 5th, 2008

In collaboration with the California Nutrition Network at East Los Angeles College, the LA’s BEST Health Festival plays an important role in addressing the trend in obesity TODAY! This free celebratory and educational event aims to improve the well-being of our students, families and staff from 180 schools throughout Los Angeles with interactive activities and information booths designed to promote lifelong healthy habits.

WHEN: Saturday, April 5 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Weingart Stadium
East Los Angeles College
1301 Cesar Chavez Ave.
Monterey Park, CA 91754

For more information contact:
Edith Ballesteros
(213)745-1900 Ext. 52939

 Special Thanks To Our Sponsors:

Network for a Healthy California

KRAFT

East Los Angeles College

Abraxis BioScience

Molina Healthcare

Shaun Livingston Foundation

Care 1st Healthplan

1st Choice Dental

Class Parks

National Latino Children's Institute

Queens Care Family Clinics

AltaMed

Location: East Los Angeles College

LA's BEST Annual Celebrate Science Fair – Saturday, March 29th, 2008

The annual Celebrate Science Fair is the culmination of the LA’s BEST Celebrate Science Program, in which students across Los Angeles have engaged in fun-filled, interactive science experiences utilizing the “team inquiry” model developed by LA’s BEST under the guidance of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). This approach mirrors the real world in which scientists work collaboratively. Led by LA’s BEST staff, the program uses resources developed in conjunction with NASA/JPL, Girls Inc. and other organizations to encourage students to discover, explore and develop an appreciation for the world of science.

The winners of this finalists' competition will be awarded trips (with a parent) to U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.

The 17th Annual Celebrate Science Fair takes place Saturday, March 29, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Location: California State University, Los Angeles

LA's BEST & Virgin Megastore tee-shirt now on sale! – Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008

An eight year old LA’s BEST After School Enrichment Program student is the newest designer to have his work featured on a Virgin Megastore tee-shirt. The question was posed, "What does music mean to you?" and his response was a beautiful, watercolor guitar. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of this tee-shirt goes directly to LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program.

This tee-shirt is now for sale at the Virgin Megastore location at Hollywood and Highland, the addresses are below. Please support us and purchase a tee-shirt today!

Hollywood & Highland Center
6801 Hollywood Blvd. Suite 105
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 769-8520

KidType Seeking Computer Donations – Tuesday, January 1st, 2008

KidType is a five-week typing program offered to fourth- and fifth-gradenstudents in LA's BEST. The program concludes with a ceremony at which students are awarded your donated computer to take home and keep.

We need your help more than ever as we plan to grow the program by 67% this year. Our goal is to solicit 1,300 used computers in 2008.

Here is what we need:

* Pentium III or better PC computers (no Apple/Macintosh)

* 15'' or 17'' color monitors

* Keyboards

* Mice

* Power cords

* All equipment must be in good, working condition

* Minimum donation is 10 pieces of equipment

All donors will receive a tax deduction, free pick-up service, quarterly KidType updates, a Certificate of Appreciation, and acknowledgement in the LA's BEST Annual report. Make a difference in a child's life and donate today!

Please contact:

Sarah Serota, KidType Coordinator

(213) 745-1900 ext. 53407

sarahs@lasbest.lausd.net

14th Annual Community Jam Against Violence – Sunday, December 9th, 2007

The 14th Annual Community Jam Against violence celebrated the theme "Making Creative Choices" through an elaborate and beautiful talent showcase of song, dance and dramatic performances. The goal of the Community Jam is to bring LA's BEST children, families and community together to share students' thoughts and feelings on decrying the violence in their lives using different mediums.

 This years Community Jam was hosted by two young supporters of LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program, Shelbie Bruce from Spanglish and Alyson Stoner from the Cheaper by the Dozen movies. This year's special performance was by Jasmine Villegas, known as Jasmine V. and Brandon Kane, both young singing sensations.

We are so pleased that the 14th Annual Community Jam Against Violence was such a success. Thank you to LA's BEST Performance Coaches, LA's BEST Site Coordinators, ASAP Instructors, Center Theater Group, and The Actor's Garage. A very special thank you to LA's BEST After School Arts Program (ASAP), Citywide Events, Traveling Staff, Volunteers, Mark Flaisher Entertainment, UCLA Royce Hall Staff and the Los Angeles Office of the Mayor. Congratulations to all 23 sites that participated!

Location: UCLA's Royce Hall

N. La Brea Loves to Shop! – Thursday, November 29th 6-10pm

LA's BEST was the beneficiary of a portion of the sales at Cube, Yellow, Sugar, LGA Salon, JGreen Furniture and Kelsey Edwards Photography on North La Brea at the N. La Brea Loves to Shop event. LA's BEST supporters and BEST Friends came out and enjoyed snacks courtesy of Cube and drinks courtesy of Mayacamas Vineyards and K&L Wines and Upshot by Drinks That Work. Music was played by KCRW's own Dan Wilcox who was spinning tunes all night for the cause. Each lucky attendant received a brand new LA's BEST tote bag to shop with!

 

Location: 633 N. Labrea LA, CA 90036

Target Reads with LA's BEST – Wednesday, October 10th, 2007

Target and LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program teamed up to produce the First Annual Target Reads with LA's BEST citywide event on October 10, 2007. This National Book Month celebration to promote literacy and the joy of reading was the largest-ever corporate volunteer effort in LA's BEST history. Simultaneously and citywide, more than 200 Target volunteers read to LA's BEST students at 179 sites. Additionally, each child in the LA's BEST program received a donated book from Target, totaling a donation of 26,000 books.

Location: Citywide

Lights On! – Sunday, October 7th, 2007

LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL 2007

Afterschool leaders and supporters across the country are planning the biggest and best Lights On Afterschool celebration ever. In addition to bringing together students, parents, educators, lawmakers, and community and business leaders to show support for afterschool programs, the eighth annual Lights On Afterschool will kick-off a year-long celebration of the 10th anniversary of 21st Century Community Learning Centers, the chief federal funding stream for afterschool programs.

LA's BEST participated in Lights On at Birmingham High School on October 7, 2007. For more information, visit www.afterschoolalliance.org/lights_on/index.cfm.

Location: Birmingham High School

So You Think You Can Dance LA – Sunday, September 16th, 2007

Beginning Sunday, August 5th, 100 staff members from LA's BEST are students for six weeks in the first-ever So You Think You Can Dance LA workshop. The best choreographers from the hit FOX television show proposed giving back to the community by teaching dance to some of our dedicated staff, lessons they will take right back to the students in our program: This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the show’s top choreographers will enable the LA’s BEST staff to bring the energy, enthusiasm and skills of So You Think You Can Dance’s star choreographers to the children of LA’s most challenged neighborhoods.

The creators, choreographers and judges of the wildly popular show, including Executive Producer/Choreographer Nigel Lythgoe and choreographers Dan Karaty, Mia Michaels, Shane Sparks, Jean Marc Genereux and Lil’ C (a former LA's BEST staff member himself!) are teaching LA's BEST staff the latest moves in hip-hop, disco and ballroom dance. This six-week workshop culminated in a seventh-week grand finale group performance LA's BEST staff dancers and a competition by top dancers who wished to participate on September 16. The competition was judged by Dorianna Sanchez, Shane Sparks and Nigel Lythgoe from So You Think You Can Dance.

The winners of the competition were Alexandra Rivero in First Place from The Accelerated School, Hennessy Rubio in Second Place from Valley View Elementary and Zshatwa Plummer in Third Place from The Accelerated School. Congratulations to all the winners and participants who did a fantastic job!

LA's BEST Talent Showcase, Live Performance Event at Virgin Megastore—Wednesday, July 25th at 4PM – Wednesday, July 25th, 2007

Virgin Megastore will celebrate the talents of LA's BEST students at its first ever LA's BEST Talent Showcase. Students from LA’s BEST will display their talents for an audience of LA's BEST students, families and shoppers who will also see performances by Wylde Bunch and Chutzpah. Wylde Bunch is an alternative hip-hop group that has a mission to be creative and innovative in the music they develop for kids of all ages. Chutzpah is the first ever “Jewish hip-hop supergroup.” Come watch the show!  

When: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 beginning at 4:00 P.M

Where: Virgin Megastore Hollywood and Highland 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 105, Hollywood, CA 90028

Location: Virgin Megastore

Keep Los Angeles Beautiful – Saturday, March 3rd, 2007

Join us at 8:00 a.m. on the Spring Street steps of City Hall for the local kickoff of the nationwide Keep America Beautiful campaign. To celebrate this special event, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, representatives from all sectors of Los Angeles, key members of the White House, thousands of community volunteers and other special guests will be joining together in a day of community service.

LA's BEST board member Candy Spelling will join the Mayor and children from Clean & Green in leading the Pledge of Allegiance. LA's BEST 68th Street School Singers and the Stoner Elementary African dance group will entertain thousands of volunteers and special guests during opening ceromonies.

We hope you will join the excitement and participate in the day’s activities. Activities include tree and flower planting, graffiti clean up and litter removal. For more information, visit www.lacity.org/bpw.

Location: City Hall

Chinese New Year Parade – Saturday, March 3rd, 2007

Beijing and Los Angeles are partnering to bring a spectacular Chinese New Year Parade to Hollywood on Saturday, March 3. Two hundred students from LA's BEST will march with Chinese schoolchildren, dancers, performers and other parade participants.

The parade begins at 12 noon, and the route follows six blocks along Hollywood Boulevard, from Orange Drive to Wilcox Avenue. Parking is available on streets or in parking lots throughout the neighborhood. The parade route is also reachable via the Metro Red Line's Hollywood and Highland station.

Location: Hollywood