AARP California

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.

By Anita Creamer

Yolanda Gonzalez -- a celebrated Chicana painter, art educator and punk rocker at heart -- was invited to be the inaugural artist for AARP in Los Angeles’s “Portraits of Community” project, an initiative that was inspired by a series of conversations held with residents of Los Angeles throughout 2015. The culmination of the first phase of this project will see Gonzalez’ artworks featured on three Metro buses, a Metro Gold Line train and Metro bus shelters around the city. (Additional artists from diverse communities around Los Angeles will debut distinct “Portraits of Community” artworks throughout 2016.)

Are you or a friend one of the caregivers we love? Not only do we want to hear your stories, but we’d like to thank you in a very special way. In honor of November being National Family Caregivers Month, those who submit stories to our I Heart Caregivers page will receive a copy of a special caregiving-inspired print created by noted Los Angeles Cartoonist, Lalo Alcaraz.

By Anita Creamer

Variety and AARP are excited to partner for the inaugural Variety and AARP Movies for Grownups Screening Series. This series will combine the Variety Screening Series with AARP’s renowned Movies for Grown Ups series to showcase the most anticipated films of the year, each campaigning for the most coveted awards for cinematic achievement. Each screening will be followed by a Q&A with the films' directors, writers, producers and/or cast members. For more information and to RSVP for screenings, please visit: http://bit.ly/1SEolph

Did you know that there are 4.4 million unpaid family caregivers in California? What’s a caregiver you ask? You may be one and not even know it!

LOS ANGELES— Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced a new collaboration between the Office of the Attorney General and AARP California to protect seniors from abuse and fraud. The collaboration will focus on educating seniors, their families and the general public about elder abuse and fraud laws designed specifically to protect those who are 50 and over.

By Anita Creamer