Winter

Playa Vista Job Opportunities and Business Services
Volume 13 Number 4
❚
Winter 2013
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
e live in an interdependent and
interconnected community, where the
actions and circumstances of one
affect us all. Our youth, adults and veterans
deserve a future, and in helping them, we help
ourselves.
For nearly 15 years, PVJOBS, working with
more than 100 of our community
collaborators, has enabled at-risk men and
women to realize meaningful career-track
Ernest Roberts
Executive Director, PVJOBS employment in construction and related
industries. While more than 6,000 positions
have been filled, there is so much more that needs to be done.
There were more than 200,000 homeless people in L.A. County last
year, and the numbers are rising. We have the highest per capita
prison population in the world and a 70% recidivism rate. Some of our
inner city high schools have a student body comprised of 70% foster
kids, which gives you an idea of the condition of the family unit
W
Workers Awarded for Job
Performances at PVJOBS Event
military veteran and three at-risk individuals were recognized
for their exceptional job performances at the recent PVJOBS
Transforming Lives and Communities awards event. The annual
awards luncheon recognizes PVJOBS workers who have successfully
launched construction careers and transformed their lives through
A
continued on page 3
PVJOBS
Employment Update
laya Vista has begun Phase Two of their development
after enduring a lengthy court battle in which they were
victorious. This project alone is expected to generate 900
to 1,000 positions over the next few years for our participants.
Of course, PVJOBS still has job placement opportunities at
other projects throughout Los Angeles, including the Los
Angeles Community College District’s bond project,
P
Pictured at the PVJOBS awards event are (from left) PVJOBS Executive Director
Ernest Roberts; Intern of the Year Anabel Soriano; Core Worker of the Year
Christopher Washington; Veteran of the Year Shawn Fuller; Positive Pathways
Program Worker of the Year Da’Quan Thomas-Giles; and PVJOBS Board
President Jim Bickhart.
the job program. Nearly 400 business, labor and community service
representatives attended the event, which was held at the Center at
Cathedral Plaza in downtown Los Angeles.
Hensel Phelps Construction also was honored as the Contractor of
the Year for the company’s work in implementing an effective local
hiring program while redeveloping the Martin Luther King Jr.
continued on page 2
continued on page 3
BECOME A PVJOBS DONOR
ou can help make a difference in the lives of the at-risk community by donating to PVJOBS. Donor
Y
opportunities are available for any individual, business or organization that wants to support
PVJOBS’ mission of helping people build new careers that transform their lives. Visit www.pvjobs.org
to learn about donor levels or other ways to get involved in the job program.
PVJOBS At Work
RONNIE PALMA:
One Goal at a Time
s a glazier, Ronnie
Palma spends his
workdays installing
architectural metal and
glasswork on new buildings,
like the gymnasium currently
under construction at Rio
Hondo College. It’s a new
career that Palma is openly
passionate about. “I finally
found something that I love
to go to work and do
Ronnie Palma
everyday,” says Palma, 44.
Although it’s taken decades to
realize his career dreams, it seems
as though Palma was always destined to work in construction. The
oldest of three siblings, Palma was raised by both parents in a
home just a few blocks from Venice Beach. At 12, Palma began
doing brick work with his grandfather, who was a construction
foreman. After his parents divorced, he moved with his dad to
Santa Maria, where he attended high school and later worked in
water well drilling. But over the next decade, Palma began
drinking heavily and his alcohol abuse led to three jail sentences.
In 2004, while doing tile work with his cousins in Los Angeles,
Palma heard that PVJOBS was hiring workers for the Playa Vista
development project. Weeks after visiting the job program, he
accepted a job working on an electrical team at the Playa Vista
site. He continued working steadily on construction projects for
two years, including an assignment with a glazing company.
When Palma was laid off from his glazing assignment, he
returned to doing tile work with his extended family. “But making
$10 an hour wasn’t cutting it,” he remembers. So he returned to
PVJOBS in hopes of earning a better living. When Palma shared his
ambition to establish a long-term construction career, PVJOBS
staffer Juan Alvarado went beyond the call of duty to help him
out. “When Juan heard a construction company was hiring, he
actually drove me all the way to Anaheim to fill out an
application,” he says. Palma not only got the job, but also made
plans to join the Glassworkers and Glaziers Union. Now a
journeyman glazier, Palma is on schedule to graduate from the
union’s training program by the end of the year.
Palma partly credits his career success to his strategy of
setting reasonable goals. “Sometimes people expect too much
out of themselves, so I’ve learned to make short-term goals,” he
advises. “Once you accomplish one goal, you can go on to
accomplish the next one.”
A
Ronnie Palma’s career was made possible through the PVJOBS Core
Program, which employs individuals with at-risk factors. To help the Core
Program continue serving the at-risk community, you can become a
PVJOBS donor. Find out more about donor levels by visiting www.pvjobs.org.
2
PVJOBS Employment Update
continued from page 1
UCLA/Harbor Surgical Replacement Center Project, MLK Tower
Renovation Project, Lorenzo Project, approximately 30 Community
Redevelopment Agency projects, two Los Angeles County funded
projects, and a Port of Los Angeles project. We continue to see signs
of an industry upturn and expect to place approximately 150 clients
over the next six months.
We have started a new program in conjunction with West Los
Angeles College that provides an array of IT certifications and
placement in unsubsidized employment. This program is funded
through an H1B grant. Those who are eligible for this program
include the long-term unemployed and veterans. Students
completing this program will be eligible to earn IT certifications that
are essential for information technology careers, including VMware
Certified Professional, Cisco Certified Network Associate, CompTia
Security+, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, and others. For
more information about this program, contact Irena Seta at (323)
432-3955, ext. 184.
Our Veterans Employment Assistance Program (VEAP) is still seeking
veterans for enrollment, intensive services and job placement
assistance. For more information about the VEAP Program, contact
Irena Seta at (323) 432-3955, ext. 184.
PVJOBS will be hosting a new Tech Math class starting January 26
(others to follow). Completion of the class is acceptable by the
Electrical Union as evidence of the algebra requirement necessary for
entrance and prepares clients for the entrance test. This class is held
on eight consecutive Saturdays and is taught by the National
Electrical Contractors Association. This class is free, but there are
selection criteria. For more information, reach Jann Whetstone
Brooks at (323) 432-3955, ext. 161.
The PVJOBS Positive Pathways Program targets youth ages 16 to
24 who are either currently incarcerated but due to be released soon
or have been released within the past year. This program offers
intensive coaching to assist youth in reaching self-actualized goals.
For more information about the Positive Pathways Program, contact
Mary Taylor at (323) 432-3955, ext. 186.
PVJOBS Stats (as of 10/18/12)
Goal
Current
Attainment
10% at-risk
12.7%
LACCD Proposition A&AA Bond
30% local
36%
LACCD Proposition A&AA Bond
6% at-risk
12%
Project
Playa Vista
PVJOBS Placements
General Program Positions Filled
4,143
Build LACCD (Construction)
2,056
Build LACCD (Interns)
1,501
Playa Vista Job Opportunities and Business Services
WWINTER 2013
Workers Awarded for Job Performances
continued from page 1
(From left): PVJOBS Executive Director Ernest Roberts is pictured with awardees
Hensel Phelps Outreach Manager Paul Santangelo and John Reamer, City of L.A.
Director of the Bureau of Contract Administration.
Inpatient Tower in Watts. A final award was presented to John Reamer,
City of L.A. Director of the Bureau of Contract Administration, for
advocating hiring programs that benefit at-risk residents.
“We’ve all been given second, third, fourth and even more chances
in life, including myself,” said Reamer, who served as the event’s
keynote speaker. “We’re helping people get new chances in life so
Message from the Executive Director
continued from page 1
locally. And our veterans, who we owe for the sacrifices they have made
on our behalf, suffer twice the national average of unemployment.
The most significant correlation to at-risk behavior is a lack of
they can reach their highest potential.”
The award recipients who were recognized for their job
performances received perfect scores rated by their construction
employers. What makes their awards particularly special is that these
positions are the first construction jobs that these workers have ever
held. The award recipients were: Shawn Fuller, Veteran of the Year;
Christopher Washington, Core Worker of the Year; Da’Quan ThomasGiles, Positive Pathways Program Worker of the Year; and Anabel
Soriano, Intern of the Year.
Fuller, a military veteran who holds a degree in kinesiology and
adaptive physical education, sidetracked his life several years ago
and was sentenced to serve time in the penal system. After working
with the PVJOBS staff, he discovered his interest in drywall, which
led to his current drywall union apprentice position with Los Angeles
Engineering. Washington is an ex-convict who completed a drug
and alcohol program before visiting PVJOBS. Washington, who now
works as a laborer for Los Angeles Engineering, was one of only
three people who graduated from a laborers union boot camp class
of 15 last year.
Thomas-Giles was considered an at-risk youth before visiting
PVJOBS, which enrolled him in their Positive Pathways Program that
provides career guidance for juvenile offenders. Although he
performed well in his first job at a shoe company, he was eventually
fired after he was caught stealing merchandise. Despite his offense,
he expressed full remorse for his actions and was ultimately given
another job opportunity. He also enrolled in El Camino College to
work on earning an associates degree.
Soriano once associated with neighborhood gangs before deciding to
make something of her life by pursuing a college degree. As a promising
architectural technology student at Los Angeles Harbor College today,
Soriano works as a paid intern at the Los Angeles Community College
District (LACCD) e7 Architecture Studio. The LACCD Interns Program,
which PVJOBS operates, offers paid internships to students while giving
them invaluable on-the-job experience.
opportunity—particularly in employment. We need your help to
provide our at-risk residents with opportunities that will help change
tomorrow for both our participants and our collective community.
Please visit our website at www.pvjobs.org to learn how you can
support our cause of giving youth, at-risk individuals and veterans a
shot at the American dream.
Inspirational Corner
It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to
have tried to succeed.
—Theodore Roosevelt
WINTER 2013
Goals are the fuel in the furnace of
achievement.
—Brian Tracy
Playa Vista Job Opportunities and Business Services 3
PVJOBS Community Partners
APPRENTICE PREPARATION PROGRAMS
ABCO Technology (fee-based services) (Steven Moraldo)
Abram Friedman Occupational Center (Ray Wilcox)
East Los Angeles Occupational Center (Rosario Galvan)
Harbor Occupational Center (Trudy Hawkins)
Los Angeles Technology Center (Maxine Hammond)
Flintridge Operating Foundation (Brian Biery)
PUENTE Learning Center (Luis E. Marquez)
WINTER (Women In Non Traditional Employment Roles)
(Eddy Santillan)
(310) 216-3067
(213) 765-2400
(323) 223-1283
(310) 547-5551
(323) 732-0153
(626) 449-0839
(323) 780-8900
(213) 749-3970 X1006
WORKSOURCE CENTERS
Arbor E & T, LLC., Northeast Worksource Center (Elena Quintana)
(323) 352-5100
Career Planning Center Marina Worksource (William Sola)
(310) 309-6000
Chinatown WorkSource Center Chinatown Service Center (Harris Lee) (213) 808-1700
Community Career Dev. Cntr Wilsh/Metro Worksource (Monica Pecot) (213) 365-9829
Compton Career Link Worksource California Center (Henry Smith)
(310) 605-3050
Compton Worksource Center (Joyce Williams-Petrie)
(310) 762-1101
El Proyecto WorkSource Center (Suhad Jaber)
(818) 504-0334
Florence Firestone WorkSource Center (Claudia Murillo)
(323) 583-9655
Hollywood Worksource of California (Margo Scoble)
(323) 960-1300 x225
LA Works (George Hernandez)
(626) 960-3964 X222
Metro North Worksource Center (Cesar Perez)
(323) 539-2089
Northeast San Fernando Valley WorkSource Center (Sheila Wright)
(818) 890-9400
PACE/Westlake Worksource Center (Albert Sy)
(213) 353-1677
Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network (Melu Habacon)
(800) 292-7200
South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Center (Inglewood)
(Lazaro Inguanzo)
(310) 680-3700
South LA WorkSource Center Community Centers Inc.
(Aureliano Galvez)
(323) 752-2115
Urban League Adams Baldwin Hills Wrksrce Cntr (Myrna Anguiano) (323) 525-3740
Urban League WorkSource Business and Career Center (Gayle Avant) (323) 600-1106
WLCAC Southeast LA-Watts Worksource Center (Victor Archaga)
(323) 563-5669
YOUTH AND ADULT PROGRAMS
All People Christian Center (Saundra Bryant)
(213) 747-6357
Anchor of Hope (Sandra Lewis)
(310) 516-1433
Belmont Education and Career Center (Deborah R. Deveres)
(213) 689-2270
Canaan Housing Corporation (Brenda Evans)
(213) 748-0250
CCFP/ Meals on Wheels for Children (Sandra Moore)
(323) 638-0760
Chrysalis Los Angeles (Mo Brown)
(213) 806-6300
Chrysalis Santa Monica (Adelai Whitman)
(310) 392-4117
Coalition of Mental Health Professionals, Inc./
FamilySource Center-SouthEast II (Alin Zamora)
(323) 777-3120
Coaliton for Responsible Community Development (Mark A. Wilson) (213) 743-6193
4112 S. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90037
(323) 432-3955 – phone
(323) 432-3995 – fax
Common Unity Reaching Everyone (C.U.R.E.) (Mark Calloway)
(310) 324-2575
Communities in Schools (William Rodriguez)
(818) 891-9399
Community Build (Babatu Bektamba)
(323) 789-9950
Community Fresh Start Family Unity Program, Inc. (Sandra Straight) (661) 526-6727
Community Outreach and Opportunity Programs
(CO-OP) (Sharma Henderson)
(310) 649-1016
Compassion Care Center, Inc. (Tim Lester)
(310) 230-5574
CRTD Faithworks (David Richardson)
(310) 673-0277
DARE U TOCARE (Sabrina Parker)
(323) 756-3208
Dayle McIntosh Center (Vilma Delgado)
(714) 658-4281
Downtown Women’s Center (Monica Martinez)
(213) 680-0600
EIMAGO, INC. (Union Rescue Mission) (Elizabeth Kelly)
(213) 316-2707
Ex-Offender Action Network (Monnie Anderson)
(323) 238-0445
Faithful Central Bible Church (Marc T. Little)
(310) 330-8000 X 3256
FAME Renaissance Assistance Corporation (Dwayne Price)
(323) 730-8354
Federal Bureau of Prisons (Micaela Garofalo, Ph.D.)
(310) 732-5425
Gratitude Retreat Foundation (Steven Nelson)
(310) 618-9173
Harbor Interfaith Services (Tahia Hayslet)
(310) 831-0603
Homies Unidos, Inc. (Alex Sanchez)
(213) 383-7484
Housing Authority of LA (Judy Rasheed)
(213) 252-1800
Human Pontential Consultants,LLC (Deidre Norville)
(310) 756-1560
Jobs for the Future/Homeboy Industries (Araceli Soto)
(323) 526-1254
Joint Efforts Inc. (Matt Davison)
(310) 831-2358
Jovenes, Inc. (Andrea Marchetti)
(323) 260-8035
Korean Churches For Community Development (Hyepin Im)
(213) 984-4243
LA Family Housing Corporation (Abel Moreno)
(818) 982-4091
LACOE (Nathan Auzenne)
(213) 744-3168
Love and Respect Youth Foundation (Deborah Bell-Holt)
(323) 297-3511
Mar Vista Family Center (Lucia Diaz)
(310) 390-9607
Marriott Foundation Bridges (Tad Asbury)
(213) 381-1220
Meaning and Purpose (Ted Moore)
(323) 296-2553
Mid-City/Exposition Light Rail Transit Project
Local Jobs Program (Ted Booker)
(323) 290-7605
NABSIO Nahaniel (Rashad Ali)
(323) 755-6024
New Beginning Outreach Foundation (James Jones)
(661) 940-3330
New Directions (Brigitte Slayton)
(310) 914-4045
P.A.N.E., Inc. (Darrell Glover)
(909) 499-9010
PATH (Jonathan Bennett)
(323) 644-2272
PATH Achieve Glendale (Catherine Conerly)
(818) 246-7900
Pico Youth & Family Center (Michael Jackson)
(310) 396-7101
Project 180 (SSG Central Mental Health) (Destiny Hill)
(213) 620-5712 x 121
Public Allies of Los Angeles (Ernesto Saldaña)
(213) 741-2202
Raeverly’s Resource Center (Beverly Thomas)
(310) 856-0280
Rowen & Schuster, Legal Advocacy &
Life Coaching (Tina Marie Rowden)
(949) 510-8687
Save Our Future (Ken Jordan)
(323) 766-8836
SCHARP (South Central Health &
Rehabilitation Program) (Denise Shook)
(323) 751-3026
SHIELDS FOR FAMILIES (Reginald Van Appelen)
(323) 242-5000 x1246
Skid Row Development Corporation (Lite Program) (Steven R. Senzo) (213) 623-7130
State Emergency Response Systems, Inc (Timothy D. Shannon)
(310) 882-1511
St. Vincent’s Cardinal Manning Center (Chuck Happold)
(213) 229-9963
Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE) (Samantha Quintero)
(213) 745-9961
Success in Challenges (Leon Mosely)
(562) 423-8111
The Midnight Mission (Ricardo Rosales)
(310) 677-9616
The Salvation Army Haven (Anne Murphy)
(310) 478-3711 x 44353
Transitions Network (Eimon M. Raoof)
(323) 751-1366
UJCC/ City of Refuge (Jean Franklin)
(323) 803-4066
Unity T.H.R.E.E (Shonteze Williams Sr.)
(323) 732-0230
USVETS (Katherine Gibbs)
(310) 348-7600
US VETS (Long Beach) (Fernando Godinez)
(562) 388-8046
Venice 2000 (Melvin Hayward)
(310) 823-6100
Vinewood Residential Re-Entry Program (Esther Gobrial)
(323) 464-0817
VIP Mentors (Volunteers In Parole, Inc.) (Pal Roman)
(626) 450-6250
Volunteers of America (S.T.R.I.V.E.) (Darwin Ramirez)
(213) 228-1911
Walden House Inc. (Ralph Mendoza)
(213) 351-2800
Walden House SASCA Region 111 (Sal Wilson)
(213) 741-3720
Watts Academy/CDM Design Construction (Stuart Parham)
(323) 402-5221
Weingart Center Association (Fred Walker)
(213) 267-9000
Women’s Care Center (Leslie Sanchez)
(818) 753-0606
Youngjobs.com (Billy Hadala)
(888) 717-5627 x104
Youth Rebuild (Victoria Foreman)
(310) 600-6201
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Archdiocesan Youth Employment Services (Robert Gutierrez)
CCEO Youth Build (Anthony Tejeda)
Covenant House of California (Lori Koenig)
Goals For Life (Reggie Berry)
La Causa Youth Build (Noemi G. Soto)
LA Youth At Work (Sean Jernigan)
Los Angeles Conservation Corps Youth Build (Gabriela Jimenez)
Los Angeles Youth Opportunity Movement - Boyle Heights
(Ozzie Lopez)
Los Angeles Youth Opportunity Movement - Watts (Ryan Tyiska)
United Friends of the Children (Carla Palmer)
Venice Community Housing Corporation Youth Build (Sandy Eiges)
Youth Oppurtunities Unlimited Inc. (James L. Watson)
For more information, call PVJOBS at (323) 432-3955.
(213) 736-5456
(310) 225-3060
(323) 957-7455
(562) 864-6040
(323) 887-2500
(213) 580-7505
(213) 749-3601
(323) 526-0143
(323) 971-7640
(213) 580-1850
(310) 399-4100
(323) 789-4977