AARP California

There has been a great deal of activity since our last update on the City of Los Angeles’ Mobility 2035 Plan. The plan is the City’s first comprehensive update on its transportation policies since the 1990s, and sets new priorities of safety, access, and reliability for all modes of transportation serving people of all ages.

Sacramento, CA —A scientific opinion poll released today by AARP and Small Business Majority shows a strong majority of California’s small business owners support the creation of a voluntary, portable retirement savings program that would allow employees to more easily save for their financial future. What’s more, small business owners believe offering such a program to their employees would give their business a competitive edge.

Since our last update we shared with you regarding the City of Los Angeles’ Mobility Plan 2035, there are new developments to share! In November 2015, a number of amendments went through City of Los Angeles’ Planning Commission and the full Mobility Plan, with these friendly amendments, was re-adopted by City Council on January 20th with a 12 to 2 vote. Changes to the plan included:

(Pasadena, CA) – This year, AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low- to moderate- income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 48th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention to the older population. Taxpayers do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

Pasadena, California — Este año, AARP Foundation brindará nuevamente asistencia gratuita en la preparación de las declaraciones de impuestos para los contribuyentes de ingresos bajos a moderados a través del programa AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. En su 48.º año, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide es el servicio de asistencia gratuita en la preparación de las declaraciones de impuestos más grande del país, que brinda especial atención a la población de mayor edad. No es necesario que los contribuyentes sean socios de AARP o estén jubilados para usar este servicio.

SACRAMENTO – To recognize her work in support California’s family caregivers, AARP has named State Senator Lois Wolk (SD 3) a 2015 “Capitol Caregiver,” joining a bipartisan group of state legislators and governors from across the nation. These elected officials have advanced policies to help family caregivers, whose dedication to their loved ones make it possible for older Americans to remain living in their own homes — where they want to be.

To recognize her work in support California’s family caregivers, AARP has named State Senator Carol Liu (SD 25) a 2015 “Capitol Caregiver,” joining a bipartisan group of state legislators and governors from across the nation. These elected officials have advanced policies to help family caregivers, whose dedication to their loved ones make it possible for older Americans to remain living in their own homes — where they want to be.

“Eastside Heartbeats,” an original musical about the vibrant East Los Angeles music scene of the mid-1960’s, opens January 16, 2016, at Casa 0101 Theater.

Not only is the New Year a great time to reflect on personal goals, but it can also provide an opportunity to contemplate visions for our communities. For example, how could your friends and neighbors benefit from being a part of a livable community -- one that is safe and secure, has affordable and appropriate housing and transportation options, and offers supportive community features and services?

Last month AARP in Los Angeles announced our partnership with local Chicana painter, Yolanda Gonzalez and leading non-profit visual arts center, Self Help Graphics , as part of our “Portraits of Community” project. As a result, Angelenos can now see Gonzalez’s portraits featured on three Metro buses, a Metro Gold Line train, and one hundred-fifteen Los Angeles Metro bus shelters throughout Los Angeles. Gonzalez is the first of several diverse artists who are slated to debut “Portraits of Community” artwork in Los Angeles throughout 2016.