Legislation Details

File #: HIST-1010    Version: 1 Subject:
Type: Historical Status: Action Item
In control: City Council Meeting Agenda
On agenda: 9/12/2005 Final action: 9/12/2005
Title: Discussion regarding Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts in Culver City and the City of Culver City’s Involvement.
Attachments: 1. Administration Katrina Relief Efforts A-1.doc, 2. Katrina Rpt Attachment.pdf
City of Culver City, California City Council Agenda Item Report RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council request that staff provide enhanced public information services relative to Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts and promote the referral of individuals to outside agencies equipped to receive and distribute donations of goods and services. BACKGROUND: Hurricane Katrina was the third most intense hurricane to make landfall in the United States. In the early morning hours of August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina grazed by New Orleans, Louisiana and made landfall in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The full extent of the humanitarian crisis left in Katrina's aftermath appears to have been greatly increased by the associated general failure of the New Orleans levee system. As the hurricane approached landfall near New Orleans, Mayor Ray Nagin placed the city under a mandatory evacuation order. However, many residents remained in the city. The vast majority of those who stayed were reported to have been unable to leave because they did not have vehicles, money for gas and other transportation. Also, many residents were unable to travel because they were elderly or infirm. As a result, the Louisiana Superdome was opened as a shelter of last resort for those that were to stay in the city. Federal disaster declarations blanketed 90,000 square miles of the United States. The hurricane left an estimated five million people without power, and it may be up to two months before all power is restored. Hurricane Katrina was a catastrophic storm that is likely to be the costliest ever and deadliest in recent US history; disaster relief plans are in operation in the affected areas. (Source: Wikipdedia) Meeting Date: 09/12/05 Item Number: A-1 AGENDA ITEM: Discussion regarding Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts in Culver City and the City of Culver City’s Involvement. Contact Person/Dept.: Shelly W. Chagnon Phone Number: (310) 253-6008 Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X] Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X] Public Notification: Master Notification List (09/07/05), LA County Office of Emergency Management (09/09/05) Department Approval: Jerry B. Fulwood (09/08/05) CAO Approval: Jerry B. Fulwood (09/08/05) City Controller Approval: N/ACity of Culver City, California City Council Agenda Item Report DISCUSSION: State of California Response According to the State of California Office of Emergency Services (OES), under the direction of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, California has provided substantial resources to the Gulf Coast to assist in the Hurricane Katrina Disaster and continues to make additional resources available, at the request of FEMA. To this end, OES activated the State Operations Center on Thursday, September 1 and is in contact with the states of Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi and Florida to identify any additional needs that California might be able to meet through proper channels. OES is attempting to track all emergency management resources being sent from California to ensure enough resources are retained within the state for adequate response and recovery in the event of a disaster here. California resources deployed to the scene include firefighters, lifeguards, search and rescue task forces, highway patrol officers, and National Guard soldiers and airmen. To donate or volunteer, OES suggests that interested individuals contact the following organizations:  American Red Cross o English - 1-800-HELP-NOW (1-800-435-7669) o Spanish 1-800-257-7575 o TDD Operator - 1-800-220-4095  California Kids Care Program children collect pennies for the American Red Cross - http://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/re/ht/yr05ltrckc0902.asp  FEMA's List of Organizations Accepting Donations and Volunteers https://www.fema.gov/press/2005/katrinadonations.shtm  FEMA Donations Hotline 1-800-440-6728.  U.S. Department of Homeland Security National Emergency Resource Registry https://www.swern.gov/  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Health Care Professionals Relief Workers  1-800-KAT-MEDI - https://volunteer.ccrf.hhs.gov/City of Culver City, California City Council Agenda Item Report Culver City Non-Profit Organizations Responses At the time of printing, staff was able to reach a member of the Exchange Club of Culver City who indicated that the Club would be making a monetary donation to relief efforts on behalf of the local chapter or through the national office of the Exchange Club. Staff is working to identify local non-profit and religious institutions that are making contributions and/or may have space to house evacuees. Westside Cities’ Responses The City of Beverly Hills has provided links to Hurricane Katrina Information Websites on its home page (Attachment 1). The City of Santa Monica provides similar information, organized by links to websites for individuals interested in making donations and listing other website links for those who need assistance and those who may wish to offer it (Attachment 2). The City of West Hollywood’s website provides the same information with the addition of quotes from the Mayor and a summary of the City’s core values with regards to emergency response. Additionally, there is an announcement of a proposed benefit concert at a West Hollywood restaurant/lounge (Attachment 3). Culver City Response Public Information The City of Culver City has posted a link to the Red Cross on the City’s Home Page. The Red Cross traditionally serves as a major point of contact for disaster relief during a major event. Housing in Private Homes Relative to other private housing opportunities, staff was able to look at resources currently available for those wanting to help with the housing relief element for Hurricane Katrina victims. Some of the agencies that are coordinating Housing include: KatrinaHome.com and HurricaneHousing.org (a project of Moveon.org). Several organizations such as these not only have a clearly defined database established to screen applicants and place individuals, but are known entities to disaster relief workers assisting evacuees living in temporary shelters. For a City the size of Culver City, it would not be efficient to coordinate the placement of evacuees from the affected disaster areas into private residences within the community. There are some issues concerning liability as well. For those Culver City residents who are interested in housing victims of the Hurricane, individuals may look at one of the pre-existing organizations, established for this purpose. HUD funding may not be used to offset expenses incurred by residents housing evacuees in their private homes.City of Culver City, California City Council Agenda Item Report Schools The Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD) has already placed a few students within its school system. Evacuees who want to enroll in Culver City Schools may contact CCUSD’s Director of Pupil Personnel Services. Mutual Aid The Culver City Fire Department (CCFD) states that there is a Mutual Aid plan that has been effect in this country for a long time. CCFD has been in contact with the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) about requests for assistance passed down from the State. The CCFD will continue to receive mutual aid requests to the affected region and consider donations of resources to the extent that local emergency services will not be compromised. The Culver City Police Department (CCPD) initially researched establishing a trailer for donations for the victims, but found that companies who are currently donating trucks to transport goods have been challenged by the number of donations and the logistics of transporting the items to the affected areas. Further, CCPD has learned that the donation of trucks in our region has also been maximized to the extent that availability has been limited. CCPD is in stand-by mode to move forward with this plan should the situation changes. Proposed Culver City Options Public Information In light of the extensive efforts already underway with non-profit organizations relative to housing assistance, staff recommends promoting these opportunities to the fullest extent possible. Public Information enhanced through the immediate dissemination of more information through handouts, additional website links through the City’s website, cable crawlers, and press releases. Housing Coordinated through the Community Development Department – Section 8 Voucher Holders The Community Development Housing Division will respond to persons displaced by Hurricane Katrina. This is mainly in reference to persons who are participants in the Section 8 Program or persons who may be given Emergency Housing Vouchers by HUD in the future. At any time, Section 8 Program voucher holders may use their vouchers anywhere in the United States. According to Housing Staff, Culver City can absorb 25 families, who are active voucher holders. The City of Los Angeles has the capacity to house 500 families, who are active Section 8 Voucher Holders. Section 8 funding is provided exclusively by HUD and does not impact the City’s General Fund. Staff’s goal is to assist not just the Section 8 Voucher Holder participant person’s housing needs, but in all areas they may need assistance. StaffCity of Culver City, California City Council Agenda Item Report will do what is necessary to help in their relocation. If HUD distributes emergency Section 8 housing vouchers for those displaced by the disaster, these individuals are given preference over other people on the waiting list. Although, Culver City has a waiting list of 8,000 people who desire a Section 8 voucher, individuals displaced by a natural disaster would take preference over them according to HUD guidelines. This preference is a common rule among all housing agencies nationally. Housing staff will distribute “welcome packets” to those persons seeking assistance, who are Section 8 voucher holders. This packet at a minimum includes: list with address and contact information for social service providers such as DPSS; unemployment services; schools; map of Los Angeles City and County; information about Culver City; a food voucher/gift card to local grocery store (as needed); bus tokens (as needed); and Section 8 Participant Handbook. Housing Coordinated through the Community Development Department – Non Section 8 Voucher Holders For those evacuees who are not Section 8 participants, Housing staff will do the following:  Provide them of a comprehensive listing of social services and contact information; and  Provide them with a map of Los Angeles and assist them with getting orientated around Los Angeles (AAA has donated maps to Housing); and  Allow these persons access to our telephone if they need to call social service agencies or a shelter (this is a case-by- case basis); and  Allow them to use the Housing laptop to access the internet if they need to apply for social services or personal information such birth certificates, etc (this will be on a case-by-case basis). Donations and Contributions Due to issues concerning liability, efficiency of service delivery and additional costs, staff recommends that any private donations of goods or housing be coordinated through the existing channels available through the Internet. Additional information related to providing private housing to evacuees can be provided on the City’s website and the other means established above. Coordination with Religious and Non-Profit Organizations Administration and Housing staffs will continue to work together to identify local opportunities for individuals to volunteer their time or contribute resources. Resources will be updated for the public and the Council, as information becomes available. Staff has learned that the Culver City Interfaith Alliance (CCIA) members City of Culver City, California City Council Agenda Item Report include individual churches who are working through their own channels to respond to the situation. As of yet, CCIA has not yet taken on any coordinated effort. Culver City staff will be available at the Council meeting to discuss details of their proposed programs and internal costs associated with them. FISCAL ANALYSIS: There is no fiscal impact outside of staff time and funds already budgeted for printing materials for the public. ATTACHMENTS: 1. City of Beverly Hills website information on Hurricane Katrina. 2. City of Santa Monica website information on Hurricane Katrina. 3. City of West Hollywood website information on Hurricane Katrina. MOTION: That the City Council: 1. Approve staff’s recommendation to provide enhanced public information services relative to Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts; and 2. Promote the referral of individuals to outside agencies equipped to receive and distribute donations of goods and services. MEETING DATE: September 12, 2005 AGENDA ITEM: Discussion regarding Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts in Culver City and the City of Culver City's Involvement. ATTACHMENTS Pages 1. City of Beverly Hills website information on Hurricane Katrina 1-3 2. City of Santa Monica website information on Hurricane Katrina 4-9 3. City of West Hollywood website information on Hurricane Katrina 10-13For Residents Page 1 of 1 ttry //uuwixi 1-te,ArPr1 utri li e rtr cr/nrF. c frrin T-T/T-Trwri Ann cri/Prxr-LP pc-i titan tre (110 in.rtne CITY of BEVERLY HILLS FOR IISI.DENTS 'Shortcuts — Events and Activities City Services Facts and Figures News and Information Utilities School District Local Government Contact Us I E-Notices I FAO SITE SEARCH Site Map I Site Policies nicipaf Code I Home I Calendar Information and insights for Beverly Hills residents Help Hurricane Katrina Victims There are many ways to help the victims of the disaster. Get a list of web addresses to charitiable and governmental organizations. Garden Showcase Tickets on Sale! Get tickets now for the Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase at Historic Greystone Estate held Nov. 5 and 6! Safety Week and Expo The 2005 Safety Expo is scheduled for Sunday, October 30 from 9am-1 pm at the Beverly Hills Farmers Market.Homeland Security Advisory System Emergency Preparedness Emergency Response and Recovery • Hurricane Katrina Information Websites Links to Related Sites Mission Statement Safety Programs Safety Video - Earthquake Preparedness 2005 Emergency Preparedness and Safety Expo 2002 Accomplishments Hurricane Katrina Information Web _...,) Page 1 of 2 CITY of BEVERLY HILLS [Shortcuts -- SITE SEARCH 1:1 LOCAL GOVERNMENT City Officials Commissions and Committees Departments and Offices Administrative Services - Finance Administrative Services - Human Services Cable TV Communications and Marketing Community Development - Building and Safety Community Development - Planning Community Relations Community Services - Art and Cultural Events Community Services - Filming and Special Events Community Services - Library Community Services - Recreation and Parks Economic Development • Emergency Management Engineering and Transportation - Civil Engineering Engineering and Transportation - Transportation Fire Department Information Technology Project Administration Police Department Public Works Hurricane Katrina Information Websites For Information on the Hurricane Katrina disaster and general information about the relief efforts, go to: • FEMA • Bush Clinton Katrina Fund • State of California Office of Emergency Services Other charities to donate to: • Catholic Charities • Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) • Church World Service • Episcopal Relief and Development • Habitat for Humanity • Humane Society • International Orthodox Christian Charities • International Rescue Committee • Jewish Family Services • Methodist Disaster Relief • Nazarene Compassionate Ministries • Red Cross • Save the Children • United Way • World Relief • World Vision n 10 1-1-7.0 ?vs m Ilerl !AA ,l,1 1 e /lTrY irran-T flr--Tnr .ngsrlon ma IT r.n ni To-riu1i1t,i111CrdLI111j 11110110:1110I1 VV eosues Page 2 or 2 Public Works - Parking Enterprise City Job Descriptions • Library Offers Online Testing- Posted Dec. 1, 2004 • Drenching Waterlogged Soil & Plants?- Posted January 7, 2004 • American Red Cross • Dept. of Homeland Security - Be Ready Campaign • Beverly Hills Schools Emergency Information • California Office of Emergency Services • Caltech/USGS SeismoCam • Centers for Disease Control • Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry • Federal Emergency Management Agency • Henry L. Stimson Center • LA County Human Relations Commission • County of Los Angeles Emergency Survival Program • National Weather Service • Oklahoma City Center for the Prevention of Terrorism • Safety Video - Earthquake Preparedness • 2005 Emergency Preparedness and Safety Expo • Southern California Edison • US Dept of Education • National Sherrif's Association - Neighborhood Watch • United States Geological Survey • Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report - 2003 (Of) • 2005 Pie Bake and Fiesta Contact Us E-Notices I FADs Site Map Site Policies I Municipal Code] Home I Ca/ender http://www ,beverlyhills.org/presence/connect/CoBH/Homepage/Local+Govemment/Departments+and+Offices/Emergency+Man . 9/8/2005Partner. -,-- Emergency Preparedness Fire Department Health Services Human Services HURRICANE KATRINA New! Local hotline: 866-733-5010 The Santa Monica Chapter of the Subscribe to WIN e-mail notices and Page 1 of 3 I 5i igt, -VfOr IlliO4.4040510!**1106141,t : .+ n 1. ,L;Ir q , t City Council Boards & Commissions City Departments Index Customer Services Directory Employment Opportunities Feedback Public Meeting Netcast ; 3 ,Itli'-'5"jk • Big Blue Bus Facilities, Beaches & Parks Road Construction Locations & Maps Parking 0 14 by the ocean OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES REPORT NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW Listen. •- FENCES, HEDGES & WALLS :00 Interim regulations on fence, hedge and wall heights went into effect on July 26 that, among other things, require city property owners to register their non- conforming uses by February 22, 2006, and allow neighbors to file objections to non-conforming uses by October 25, 2005, More ... Talk. City Map Demographic & Economic Survey History Image Archive RecScape (Recreation Guide) SeaScape (City Newsletter) . N. A . . . . . . . . . City Hall Hours City Hall is open today, Thursday, September 8, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Community Events Calendar Hot Topics News filp.•//r otririPTTIVIP-11CT-IFT T T-TAIT (CAT Q..A \Tp.rv, I Cr5CPT(q. TS. TNT 11 rn (1/0 tnrit-tcNeighborhoods Police Department Schools Civic Auditorium Convention & Visitors Bureau Public Library Santa Monica Airport Santa Monica Pier Arts & Cultural Guide stay up to date. HAZE 69° F Feels like: 67° F Humidity: 67% Wind: CLM at 0 mph Pressure: 29.96 in/Hg Visibility: 5 mi. Page 2 of 3 American Red Cross has set up a hotline to call for information on how and where to make donations, and how to volunteer locally or for disaster relief services in any of the 18 states where the Red Cross has set up shelters or service centers. Please click here for information about donating to emergency relief organizations for hurricane victims. Click here for additional telephone and website resources for those who need assistance and those who wish to offer it. DOWNTOWN PUBLIC PARKING PROGRAM DRAFT EIR The proposed ten year Downtown Parking Program to refurbish and add parking spaces downtown includes seismic retrofitting or rebuilding five existing structures and construction of up to two new structures, resulting in a net increase of up to 1712 new spaces and approximately 59,340 square feet of net new commercial floor area. The comment period ends Tuesday, October 18, 2005. More ... REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS TO DESIGN BANNERS FOR THIRD STREET PROMENADE Professional artists living or working in Santa Monica are invited to compete for the opportunity to design new, highly visible banners along the world- famous Promenade. Deadline is Monday, September 19, at 5 p.m. More ... 415 PCH REVITALIZATION UNDERWAY To get the beach ball rolling this summer at 415 Pacific Coast Highway, an "e-workshop" and a 2-day community workshop this fall are just two of many opportunities for public input on restoration of the former Marion Davies estate. Go to 415pch.smgov.net to learn more! 4 MORE NEW 7.4) -m...ur•vnrirT TVIV-11CT--MI T V-. 1 PT-T MT no AT 2011-13TIIXTM 11411-1 ru, in /A II Z.'Page 3 of 3 City of Santa Monica 1685 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 458-8411 • TTY (310) 917-6626 Copyright C) 2005 City of Santa Monica. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy I Accessibility Policy I Contact Us filP • 11r •MCV'T IMP— 1 \T-TPT T V 1 C'T-T AlT nr AT Q..11TArm-0,52,01CP1(qT\TNT (110 InnneCity 161 ,-1. 1‘11110111(tift - of rill|1010| 'a u ADVANCED SEATICH I SITF City News Releases Big Blue Bus News Environmental News Police Dept. News Council Meeting Wrap-up Events Calendar 4URRICANE KATR NA RELIEF AND RESOURCES Hot Topics Living Wage News Links SeaScape Index to Past Issues While the full scope of Katrina's devastation is just beginning to be assessed, the need for cash assistance, temporary housing and access to health care and personal counseling is enormous. We offer the following information as a service to Santa Monica residents who may wish to help the many thousands of people affected by the hurricane and its aftermath: News - Hot Topics - City of Santa Monica Page 1 of 2 Home / News Hot Topics - Hurrfcano Katrina Reiiet Hot Topics - Hurricane Katrina Relief & Resources City Business Contact Us American Red Cross (national) PO Box 37243 Washington, DC 20013 www.redcross.org 1-800-HELPNOW www.networkforgood.org This website offers one-stop resources, connecting people with various charities serving the affected region, and enabling secure on-line donations. American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter 1450 Eleventh Street Santa Monica, CA 90401 www.redcrossofsantamonica.org (Blood donors, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment, or see the Blood Mobile schedule by clicking on the link Other opportunities: Actor Morgan Freeman will host an on-line auction at www.charityfolks.com Sept. 2 - 16 (proceeds to American Red Cross).|109| h ttro //c n ta_rnnt-r;r. nrcrin 11-1 ritnrve ov Ara tri n _ral iPf fry,. en In In rr e)0 News - Hot Topics - City of Santa Monica Page 2 of 2 Click here for a list of telephone numbers and websites providing assistance, resources and referrals for those who need help and those who would like to help. Please click here for some important information from the Santa Monica Chapter of the American Red Cross about their hurricane relief services, making donations, and a local Blood Mobile schedule. This page was last modified on 09/06/2005 City of Santa Monica • 1685 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90401 . (310) 458-8411 • TTY (310) 917-6626 Copyright © 2005 City of Santa Monica. Ar Rights Roserved, Privacy Policy I Accessibility Policy I Contact Us littn . //canta-rnrinira nrranputc/hritrvniociltatr.inn_rplip•fili-rri rt 10 1,1(11-1cAMANCED SEARCH I SITE MAE, News - Hot Topics - City of Santa Monica Page 1 of 2 City of Saiiita 00011•,.!,40.07,0,.......frovlorriktopporway.t.lre.**--KeootottYq,c,-In •tr.VW . gara*:;';', . " Home / News / Hot Topics - Hurricane Katrina Reef Hot Topics - Hurricane Katrina Website Resources & Information HURRICANE KATRINA WEBSITE RESOURCFS AND INFORMATION • Emergency contact numbers for the states affected by Katrina • Health care professionals and relief personnel wishing to volunteer to assist with Katrina response operations can do so on-line: www.hhs.gov/emergency/hurricane.html City Business City News Releases Big Blue Bus News Environmental News Police Dept. News Council Meeting Wrap-up Events Calendar Hot Topics Living Wage News Links SeaScape Index to Past Issues • Help in locating missing child rem 1-800-THE-LOST Contact Us www.missingkids.com • Katrina Missing Persons Hotline: 1-888-544-5475 • CNN has developed a service to allow evacuees and others affected by the hurricane to post their names and let others know that they are safe: www.cnn.com/SPECIAL5/2005/hurricanes/list • The Librarian's Internet Index (LII) contains a lengthy list of web resources at http//lii.org/search/file/hurricanekatrina|109| littrvi/cnnta_rrinni.ra rrmIn a;o/hifrinoair-1' iifchtrn 11 ICI 1,1111-IlHome Page How To Reach Us E-mail Updates Business Resources Community Resources City Government City Services and Information City Highlights Special Events View Text Only Search .1 'MAN , 'itif4 AFli‘q 1Search|1010| City of West Hollywood: Home Page Page 1 of 2 Featured News City of West Hollywood Responds to Hurricane Katrina The City of West Hollywood extends its heartfelt condolences to those who have suffered enormous personal hardships and lost loved ones as a result of Hurricane Katrina. In the wake... [more] Featured Resources Parking Services Information on parking tickets, permits & more. Job Opportunities Information on jobs available at the City. Frequently Asked Questions Answers to some of our most common inquiries. Residential Rental Referral List Available rental properties in West Hollywood. City Council Agenda Packet View the current agenda, related reports and information. City News >> West Hollywood City Council Urges Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to Sign AB 849 Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage in California >> City of West Hollywood Praises California Senate's Historic Vote Today Passing Same Sex Marriage Bill Thursday, September 8 Today's Schedule: Open Tomorrow's Schedule: Open City Calendar Add these to your calendar ... Thursday, September 8 - Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board Meeting - Planning Commission Design Review SubCommittee Meeting - Rent Stabilization Commission Meeting Saturday, September 10 - Descanso Gardens and Huntington Library - Movies in the Park - "Shrek 2" Monday, September 12 - Helen Albert Certified Farmers' Market - Mature Driver Improvement Course - Public Safety Commission Meeting Tuesday, September 13 - Business License Commission Meeting - Choices in Sustainable Living - Community Development httrvlitinirsi7 rtrcri n in in 11(NlCity of West Hollywood: Home Page Page 2 of 2 >> Westsicle Urban Forum to Present Legacy Award to City of West Hollywood » Nominations Sought for City of West Hollywood Disability Service Awards >> West Hollywood Community Workshop to Gather Public Views on Christopher Street West Pride Festival [ City News Page 1 Director's Meeting - Human Services Commission Meeting Wednesday, September 14 csw Pride Event Community Workshop - Public Facilities Commission Meeting Transgender Task Force Meeting Thursday, September 15 - Children's Round Table Meeting - Planning Commission Meeting [ View City Calendar ] Search • Contact Us • Privacy Policy • Accessibility Policy 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069 • (323) 848-6400 n•n 1110. tfri• /hinurzr rE/g.hrs nrcr/ intln cNews: City of West Hollywood Responds to Hurricane Katrina Page 1 of 2 City Services and Information > City News > City of West Hollywood Responds to Hurricane Katrina (9/1/2005) The City of West Hollywood extends its heartfelt condolences to those who have suffered enormous personal hardships and lost loved ones as a result of Hurricane Katrina. In the wake of this national 'r? disaster, the City of West Hollywood is setting up a "West Hollywood Responds" program to help facilitate relief efforts for the victims of the hurricane and is proactively encouraging the public to make donations to The Red Cross and Operation USA, a West Hollywood based relief organization that offered disaster relief to the Tsunami victims early this year. "West Hollywood is a compassionate community and we must reach out to people whose lives have been devastated by this disaster," said Mayor Abbe Land. "My heart goes out to the people in the Gulf Coast region and I hope that West Hollywood Responds will provide some relief to people who are trying desperately to survive this catastrophe so that they can eventually rebuild their lives." West Hollywood's core values include safeguarding its community from the threats of natural and other hazards and in this instance applies it to the greater national community, particular the communities ravaged by the hurricane. As a municipality, West Hollywood is ever vigilant about the possibility of a natural disaster affecting its own residents and the duty and challenges inherent in providing disaster relief. As such, the City's thoughts are also with the government bodies that have the great responsibility and challenge to assist the hurricane victims. Home Page How To Reach Us E-mall Updates Business Resources Community Resources City Government City Services and Information City News E-Newsletter Press Releases Same-Sex Marriage News How to Reach Us Job Opportunities Public Information Office West Hollywood Strategic Plan City Highlights Special Events View Text Only Search: Search The "West Hollywood Responds" program will include: 11111-A • r-crrr Alin, /4 r,d0v nfrn 9f11 Donn rvn — et elVI nRrTfl-1 9521.93-vrtnrir.—IXTgall, A In inn /INews: City of West Hollywood Responds to Hurricane Katrina Page 2 of 2 • Urging constituents to donate to The Red Cross and Operation USA • Facilitating donations to The Red Cross and Operation USA by accepting contributions at City Hail on behalf of the two organizations. • Allowing City employees to cash out unused leave as donations to The Red Cross and Operation USA. • Placing visible banners at City Hail, Plummer Park and West Hollywood Park encouraging the public to assist in the relief efforts. • Reaching out to the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the business community in order that they may work with the City to provide disaster relief. The West Hollywood Mayor's office is bringing forward an emergency item to set up the financial mechanism to direct donations to The Red Cross and Operation USA at the West Hollywood City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 in the West Hollywood Park Auditorium, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard. Operation USA will attend the meeting and make a presentation to the City Council outlining their hurricane relief efforts. Additionally, the proprietors of Jaxx restaurant/lounge on the Sunset Strip - who lost a family member in the hurricane disaster - will discuss their plans to present benefit concerts by INXS, ZZ Top and Dave Navarro simultaneously with The Whisky, Viper Room and The Roxy on Sunday, September 11, 2005. To make donations, please follow the links below: • American Red Cross • Operation U.S.A. [ West Hollywood News ] Search • Contact Us • Privacy Policy • Accessibility Pdicy 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069 • (323) 848-6400 111-1, 1-1 /;7-11-1,a, ncrn ()AI A-Trli— 1 Q1.97srtnelc.—TXI.1,