The Sacarmento Bee reports that more California high school courses will blend college and career prep.
For years, high schools have prepared some students for college and others for work. Now there's a push at the highest levels of state government to meld the two, so that as students learn job skills, they're also fulfilling course requirements needed to get into college.
You can see the concept at work at Cosumnes Oaks High School in Elk Grove, where a licensed contractor teaches college-prep engineering classes.
"I know I have a lot of students that aren't going to college, but my goal is still to prepare them because ultimately they have to be critical thinkers, whether they're in the workforce or they go to school," said Tim McDougal, a college-educated teacher who owned a contracting business for 12 years.
Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/04/27/3581302/classes.html#ixzz1KvryqEw6
Friday, April 29, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Council lifts employment restrictions on ex-cons
By Chirs Frost
Compton - The Compton City Council voted unanimously on April 5 to eliminate a restriction barring ex-convicts from applying for many city jobs.
The resolution – dubbed “ban the box” because it would eliminate the box on job applications that must be check if the applicant has been convicted of a felony – was brought to the council by All of Us or None, a group that opposes discrimination against those who have served prison sentences.
Saying the measure is in the “true spirit” of ban the box, Melissa Burch, from All of Us or None, commended the council for the move. However, she did express concerns as the initiative moves into the implementation phase.
The resolution needs to ensure that employers provide a copy of background checks for prospective employees, Burch said, and all them to contest any errors in the report.
“Arrests not leading to convictions will not be considered, but it should specify that dismissed convictions will also not be considered,” she said. “According to the regulations of California’s Fair Housing and Employment Act, expunged and dismissed convictions are not to be considered by prospective employers.”
She said the group is willing to meet with the city attorney to resolve any concerns and help the resolution move through implementation successfully.
District 3 Councilwoman Yvonne Arceneaux said she is happy the resolution made the agenda.
“They’ve served their time and paid their debt to society,” she said. “Everyone has made mistakes along the way.”
Mayor Eric J. Perrodin said that the initiative is good and he supports second chances.
“I live second chances in my courtroom every day,” he said. “I think they should be afforded an opportunity, but they shouldn’t be given an opportunity over the kids who didn’t do anything wrong.”
While the measure would open up many jobs to those who have been convicted or a crime, the resolution still bars those who have committed a crime directly related to the job.
“If you’ve been arrested for child molestation, you can’t work in the Parks and Recreation Department,” Perrodin said.
Many residents spoke in favor of the resolution and commended the council for taking action.
Vonia Quarles said she took advantage of the opportunities she had when she was paroled.
“I support ban the box because I am a third generation felon,” she said. “Because a lady withheld my background check, I was able to get gainful employment.”
Quarles said her employer invested in her and, as a result, she used the opportunity to go to college and get a law degree.
Minnie Sawyer, who has opened her home to people who were being paroled in the past, spoke in favor of the measure.
Compton - The Compton City Council voted unanimously on April 5 to eliminate a restriction barring ex-convicts from applying for many city jobs.
The resolution – dubbed “ban the box” because it would eliminate the box on job applications that must be check if the applicant has been convicted of a felony – was brought to the council by All of Us or None, a group that opposes discrimination against those who have served prison sentences.
Saying the measure is in the “true spirit” of ban the box, Melissa Burch, from All of Us or None, commended the council for the move. However, she did express concerns as the initiative moves into the implementation phase.
The resolution needs to ensure that employers provide a copy of background checks for prospective employees, Burch said, and all them to contest any errors in the report.
“Arrests not leading to convictions will not be considered, but it should specify that dismissed convictions will also not be considered,” she said. “According to the regulations of California’s Fair Housing and Employment Act, expunged and dismissed convictions are not to be considered by prospective employers.”
She said the group is willing to meet with the city attorney to resolve any concerns and help the resolution move through implementation successfully.
District 3 Councilwoman Yvonne Arceneaux said she is happy the resolution made the agenda.
“They’ve served their time and paid their debt to society,” she said. “Everyone has made mistakes along the way.”
Mayor Eric J. Perrodin said that the initiative is good and he supports second chances.
“I live second chances in my courtroom every day,” he said. “I think they should be afforded an opportunity, but they shouldn’t be given an opportunity over the kids who didn’t do anything wrong.”
While the measure would open up many jobs to those who have been convicted or a crime, the resolution still bars those who have committed a crime directly related to the job.
“If you’ve been arrested for child molestation, you can’t work in the Parks and Recreation Department,” Perrodin said.
Many residents spoke in favor of the resolution and commended the council for taking action.
Vonia Quarles said she took advantage of the opportunities she had when she was paroled.
“I support ban the box because I am a third generation felon,” she said. “Because a lady withheld my background check, I was able to get gainful employment.”
Quarles said her employer invested in her and, as a result, she used the opportunity to go to college and get a law degree.
Minnie Sawyer, who has opened her home to people who were being paroled in the past, spoke in favor of the measure.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
KEEP UP THE FIGHT FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
By Shonda Hutton
In the 112th session of Congress, Republicans have declared war against the American Woman – war against me, you, your mother, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, and friend. They want to undo her right to make decisions about her body.
Her body, her choice!
Congressman Mike Pence and US Senator David Vitter seem to think they know what’s best for women, especially low-income women of color.
How could that be? Because they both introduced legislation this year to undo a woman’s right to access affordable health care services.
Vitter introduced S.96, Title X Family Planning Act, which will amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit federal family planning funds from being awarded to any grantees who offer abortion services.
Pence introduced a similar bill in Congress named Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act (H.R.217), which will amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from providing any federal family planning assistance to any entity who performs an abortion.
This is NOT JUST about abortion – Pro-life or Pro-choice – this about a woman’s right to access basic primary and preventative health care. Services that allow women to take care of her health needs:
• Birth control
• Breast and cervical cancer screenings
• Pelvic exams and pap smears
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes and anemia screenings
• Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV
• Basic fertility services
• Pregnancy test
• Comprehensive health education
How could you deny a woman access to critical services?
What is the Republican Party’s interest?
My guess, they want to blow smoke and mirrors in front of the eyes of millions of Americans as they turn a blind eye to the issues that are truly important – economic growth, lessening the budget deficit, and education reform.
Truth be told, Title X funds cannot be used for abortion services.
But the Republicans will have us believe so.
Put your armor on because the battle has begun. Like the brave soldiers who fought for civil liberties for people of color and the rights of all people in the 1960s, we must fight for women to maintain their reproductive rights.
No matter if you are a lefty or a righty, one thing is clear you are an American. How would you feel if your own country raged war against you?
Her body, her choice!
Congressman Mike Pence and US Senator David Vitter seem to think they know what’s best for women, especially low-income women of color.
How could that be? Because they both introduced legislation this year to undo a woman’s right to access affordable health care services.
Vitter introduced S.96, Title X Family Planning Act, which will amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit federal family planning funds from being awarded to any grantees who offer abortion services.
Pence introduced a similar bill in Congress named Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act (H.R.217), which will amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from providing any federal family planning assistance to any entity who performs an abortion.
This is NOT JUST about abortion – Pro-life or Pro-choice – this about a woman’s right to access basic primary and preventative health care. Services that allow women to take care of her health needs:
• Birth control
• Breast and cervical cancer screenings
• Pelvic exams and pap smears
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes and anemia screenings
• Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV
• Basic fertility services
• Pregnancy test
• Comprehensive health education
How could you deny a woman access to critical services?
What is the Republican Party’s interest?
My guess, they want to blow smoke and mirrors in front of the eyes of millions of Americans as they turn a blind eye to the issues that are truly important – economic growth, lessening the budget deficit, and education reform.
Truth be told, Title X funds cannot be used for abortion services.
But the Republicans will have us believe so.
Put your armor on because the battle has begun. Like the brave soldiers who fought for civil liberties for people of color and the rights of all people in the 1960s, we must fight for women to maintain their reproductive rights.
No matter if you are a lefty or a righty, one thing is clear you are an American. How would you feel if your own country raged war against you?
Friday, April 15, 2011
Limiting Use of Shackles on Incarcerated Pregnant Women
Pregnant women, the majority of whom are in for non-violent and non-serious offenses, are frequently shackled by the ankles, wrists, belly, and even to another person while being transported to and from a correctional facility. 
The incidence of minor trauma, especially falls, increases as pregnancy progresses and excessive shackling poses undue health risks to a woman throughout her pregnancy. Accordingly, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists opposes the use of shackles on pregnant women in all but the most extreme circumstances.
In 2008, Federal law (42 USC §17501) prohibited shackling of pregnant prisoners in federal facilities for all but the most extreme cases.
Costs to implement regulations are minimal as any regulatory changes will be incorporated in the routine regulatory review cycle of the entities involved.
AB 568 protects the safety of pregnant women and protects counties and the state from potential liability by requiring that pregnant women be restrained in the least restrictive way possible, consistent with the legitimate security needs of each woman.
The incidence of minor trauma, especially falls, increases as pregnancy progresses and excessive shackling poses undue health risks to a woman throughout her pregnancy. Accordingly, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists opposes the use of shackles on pregnant women in all but the most extreme circumstances.The use of shackles prohibits doctors from treating women with such potentially fatal conditions as pre-eclampsya which is frequently suffered by pregnant women
In 2008, Federal law (42 USC §17501) prohibited shackling of pregnant prisoners in federal facilities for all but the most extreme cases.
Costs to implement regulations are minimal as any regulatory changes will be incorporated in the routine regulatory review cycle of the entities involved.
AB 568 protects the safety of pregnant women and protects counties and the state from potential liability by requiring that pregnant women be restrained in the least restrictive way possible, consistent with the legitimate security needs of each woman.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Road to Health: Improving Community Wellbeing Through Transportation
CPEHN invites you to its spring convening, The Road to Health: Improving Community Wellbeing Through Transportation. This workshop will focus on the impact of transportation on our health, and advocacy efforts underway in California to ensure cleaner air, safer streets, and accessible services. Featuring presentations from TransForm, a leading transportation advocacy organization, and local advocates, this convening series promises to provide stimulating discussion on how to create sustainable, healthy, and active communities through planning decisions.
Participants will:
Gain an understanding of the impact of transportation on health
Engage with community members working on safe routes to school, access to public transportation, and other important issues
Strategize on local, statewide, and federal advocacy efforts to influence transportation planning policies
Fresno – April 21, 2011
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
UC Center
550 E. Shaw Avenue
Co-hosts: California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation, Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program, Central Valley Air Quality Coalition, Fresno Metro Ministry, and Transportation 4 America
Los Angeles – April 27, 2011
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
The California Endowment
1000 North Alameda Street
Co-hosts: The Bus Riders Union, Green LA Coalition, Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, and Transportation 4 America
San Diego – May 4, 2011
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Sherman Heights Community Center
2258 Island Avenue
Co-hosts: Environmental Health Coalition, Foundation for Change, and Transportation 4 America
Oakland – May 5, 2011
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
The California Endowment
1111 Broadway, 7th Floor
Co-hosts: TransForm and Transportation 4 America
These convenings are co-sponsored by our ethnic partners, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, California Black Health Network, California Rural Indian Health Board, and Latino Coalition for a Healthy California.
Continental Breakfast and Lunch Will Be Provided
Registration is $25 for General Public, $10 for CPEHN Network Members
Click to register for The Road to Health: Improving Community Wellbeing Through Transportation.
Participants will:
Gain an understanding of the impact of transportation on health
Engage with community members working on safe routes to school, access to public transportation, and other important issues
Strategize on local, statewide, and federal advocacy efforts to influence transportation planning policies
Fresno – April 21, 2011
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
UC Center
550 E. Shaw Avenue
Co-hosts: California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation, Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program, Central Valley Air Quality Coalition, Fresno Metro Ministry, and Transportation 4 America
Los Angeles – April 27, 2011
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
The California Endowment
1000 North Alameda Street
Co-hosts: The Bus Riders Union, Green LA Coalition, Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, and Transportation 4 America
San Diego – May 4, 2011
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Sherman Heights Community Center
2258 Island Avenue
Co-hosts: Environmental Health Coalition, Foundation for Change, and Transportation 4 America
Oakland – May 5, 2011
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
The California Endowment
1111 Broadway, 7th Floor
Co-hosts: TransForm and Transportation 4 America
These convenings are co-sponsored by our ethnic partners, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, California Black Health Network, California Rural Indian Health Board, and Latino Coalition for a Healthy California.
Continental Breakfast and Lunch Will Be Provided
Registration is $25 for General Public, $10 for CPEHN Network Members
Click to register for The Road to Health: Improving Community Wellbeing Through Transportation.
Monday, April 11, 2011
VICTORY WITH BAN THE BOX
 |
| Courtesy of Unprison |
This meeting will also include Lifer's Families and Friends Project. We shall celebrate, but also share pertinent information on AB13. This bill cannot pass and your help is needed.
Our victory in Compton is only the beginning of a process that has the potential to expand to others cities and we shall discuss which city will be our next focuss.
I would like to personally thank each individual that spoke to the city council Tuesday evening and the supporters that were there to cheer us on in spirit and in truth. The atmosphere touched me personally and I am truly grateful for the team that was put together to voice our BAN THE BOX STRATEGIES.
Susan Burton, Melissa Burch, Vonya Quarls, Quanmesha Smith, Lady "T", Mike Chattom, myself, and I believe two to three others, which included an elder woman gave the council words that were so awesome, delightful and true that we cannot be thankful enough for the dedication that went with the struggle.
Save the date and come join us Tuesday evening to celebrate. If there are any questions, comments that you have and cannot wait for the 12th., feel free to call me any time.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Think Outside the Cage
KPFK's Think Outside the Cage will feature Harold Hall, a wrongfully convicted exoneree who spent 19 years in prison because police and prosecutors really didn't care who went down for the murder he was convicted of and an 18 year old black kid was as good as anyone else.
Harold was framed!!! It took him 19 focused and disciplined years to free himself. Harold would not accept his fate and he came out ready to work with others to expose the ruthless workings of criminal "in"justice.
It is said that 10% of the prison population are wrongfully convicted, in Cali that amounts to about 15,000. We're hoping the show will draw families out into conversation about this tolerated and avoidable "practice".
Tune in , call in (818.985.5735)! 1:30 PM on KPFK, 90.7 fm in Los Angeles, 98.7 in Santa Barbara, 93.7 in San Diego and 99.5 in Ridgecrest/China Lake, and streaming live on KPFK.org
Courtesy of CURB
 |
| birdorable.com |
KPFK's Think Outside the Cage will feature Harold Hall, a wrongfully convicted exoneree who spent 19 years in prison because police and prosecutors really didn't care who went down for the murder he was convicted of and an 18 year old black kid was as good as anyone else.
Harold was framed!!! It took him 19 focused and disciplined years to free himself. Harold would not accept his fate and he came out ready to work with others to expose the ruthless workings of criminal "in"justice.
It is said that 10% of the prison population are wrongfully convicted, in Cali that amounts to about 15,000. We're hoping the show will draw families out into conversation about this tolerated and avoidable "practice".
Tune in , call in (818.985.5735)! 1:30 PM on KPFK, 90.7 fm in Los Angeles, 98.7 in Santa Barbara, 93.7 in San Diego and 99.5 in Ridgecrest/China Lake, and streaming live on KPFK.org
Courtesy of CURB
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