Jose F Linares Autism Awareness

Hello my name is Jose F, Linares Currently I am an ABA therapist at Home of Angels Located in Alhambra Working with Children diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and co-morbidities ages 3-5 

• interventionist: creating strategies to reduce maladaptive behavior and redirect them to more appropriate behaviors.
• data Taker: observe patient during group or 1 on 1 sessions and record behaviors present, antecedent what happened before the behavior, the actual behavior, and what was the consequence. Record response time, on-task duration, and percentages of goal completion. Record interventions implemented and reinforcement or punishments provided during session. 
• Leading: implement and directing program for the required session, supervise each individual therapist and patient. gather resources required for the session and each individual patient. 
• orientation and training leader: provide ABA terminology for each individual intern or volunteer, provide intervention strategies, provide general information on each individual patient, and provide feedback and evaluations for interns/volunteers. 

When visiting a mall or dining in a restaurant with loved ones you notice a child engaging in a tantrum what is your first thought?

A) what bad parents, they don't know how to educate a child
B) Poor child he/she must belong to an abusive home
C) What an annoying kid
D) This Child must have a mental illness or condition which leads to that behavior


Unfortunately in society this is our immediate reaction when seeing a child demonstrate maladaptive behaviors or inappropriate behaviors. Society is quick to judge, and provide a negative comment which is basically bullying a parent and child for doing something incorrectly without providing a solution or correction. I have heard individuals having a conversation and saying "oh I see, she's a young single mom, no wonder her child is like that. I bet she can't even clean herself let alone educate a child". As it is educating a child is a challenge, now imagine educating a child who learns differently compared to others. As individuals we need to be careful with the words we select and the actions we take in order to show respect and comprehension to others. With this blog my goals is to raise awareness on behalf of children diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder and the families of those children.

Overall learn to be KIND, COMPASSIONATE, and UNDERSTANDING.

What is Autism?
The Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is a persistent deficit in social communication and social interaction.
Most children diagnosed with autism engage in self-stimulation which is abnormal repetitive behavior due to over stimulation, under stimulation, anxiety, or pain. The repetitive actions include

• clapping
• hand-flapping 
• jumping 
• rocking back and forth 
• walking on tippy toes 
• vocalization: child may repeat sounds that are pleasing to them for long periods of time and the frequency to which it is done may increase as well
• vestibular: a child may begin to spin in circles   

Prevalence & Incidence

In the early 1990s special education programs in the United States are annually required to report how many children receive services for an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. From 1994 to 2005 the numbers of children ages 6-21 receiving services have gone from 22,664 to 193,637 (Center for Disease Control & Prevention, 2000). 

Annually the costs are estimated to reach 35 billion dollars (CDC, 2000). The overall cost is divided by various contributors who provide children with the necessary services which include:

•  Education curriculum
• treatment to reduce symptoms and effects connected to disorder 
• public or private agencies paying for these services
• psychologists 
• occupational therapists 
• speech pathologists 
• physical therapists 

The Department in Psychology in Virginia Polytechnic Institute conducted a study on 140 mothers and their children. According to the study:

• 94.2% of the patients diagnosed come from Caucasian decent, 2.2% are African-American, 1.4% Latino, and 0.7 Asian/Pacific Islander 
• 79.9% of the children are males, 19.9 are female
• 48.9 were diagnosed with co-morbidities
• 16.1% had siblings. 

What factors can lead a diagnosis with autism?

Usually appearing at age 2

• Advance parental age at time of conception 
• prenatal exposure to air pollutant and pesticides
• Maternal obesity, diabetes, immune system disorders
• extreme prematurity, low birth weight 

Provided by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 2020

Testimonials From parents
During my third year at California State University, Los Angeles I volunteered at Centro for an entire school year. I began working with children who were diagnosed with various developmental delays including Down syndrome, autism, and spine bifida. There is a misconception that these children are not present and retain little to no information, however those individuals who hold that idea are highly mistaken. From my short experience these children hold creative minds that are able to see details and patterns which neurotypical individuals fail to see. Many of the skills and abilities required for daily living they can perform too with the assistance of early intervention.
Centro de Padres Y Ninos Testimonials

If you saw the video above the common emotions parents feel is anxiety, isolation, confusion, and fear for them and their child. I believe early intervention and support groups are necessary due to the increase children that are being diagnosed with ASD. No  individual should have to confront this alone their is a saying " it takes a village to raise a child".  

Work from current patients (Angels) 

Unfortunately due to confidentiality I'am unable to present images of my amazing patients, however hopefully through their art you can have an idea of who they are, their focus in regards to detail, and abilities as well

to the left patient was angry and non-compliant due to lack of sleep, to the right demonstrates no behaviors while performing Task. 

S.I: This particular patient is a fast learner at age 3 he can tact (label) numbers 1-40, knows all his letters A-Z, Identifies body regions, can motor imitate upon request, is proficient in fine motor skills. This patient was diagnosed as non-vocal, however began repeating words (echolalia) after 4 months in the program. Patient loves doing things in a specific order, however when there is interruptions or not in the mood begins to engages in tantrum & non-compliance. Patient refuses to sit on chairs or tantrums when he is either hungry or sleepy or needs water. This patient enjoys music and can flawlessly perform "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes", Baby Shark", The Wheels on The Bus". Patients Self-stimulation included vestibular, hand flapping, and clenching his teeth.

M.A: This Patient is a kinesthetic learner who enjoys arts and crafts this includes; crayons, play-doh, markers, painting, bracelets, and oils. This patient is age 5, engages in non-compliance when asked to participate in exercise or academics. Patient has difficulty understanding numbers and letters, however demonstrates understanding and identification through coloring and matching the colors.

L.T : This specific patient is age 4 male. The patient is able to tact (label) various animals, foods, objects, numbers, all the letters A-Z both upper and lower case. Patient is able to perform eye-contact, wave, and say hi for greeting. L.T is a fast learner when taught through mass trials. unfortunately this particular patient seeks attention from therapist which leads him to self harm, non-compliance, elopement (running off), and tantrum. through simple observation we assume patient receives no attention at home, clothing is worn for 2 to 3 days, is always given junk food as snack or meals for sessions. Patient's family sees distant which may lead to this specific behavior. Intervention include providing reinforcement for good behavior and performing planned ignored when patient requests a service through inappropriate behavior. Patient is required to say please or label item or address therapist by name which patient is able to do.

Programs and activities performed during academic Friday's and Sunday Funday G.A.P sessions

This is a program of what we do during sessions which is recently reduced due to the COVID-19 situation, normal sessions are concluded at 4 PM.

This is the general format for a Academic Friday Session 

Take home message

next time we observe a child misbehaving let's not demonstrate frustration or place judgment in a child or parent. Children with developmental delays struggle to perform certain tasks that may seem easy for us. In regards to parents no one is prepared for this step in life so let's be merciful and offer help in any way we can. Most of us may not have ABA experience, however a helping hand and someone who listens can alway be a huge help. Those who have kids without certain limitations let's teach them to respect every individual and avoid bullying anyone due to them being a little different.

References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2000). Autism Developmental Disabilities

Monitoring Network. What is Prevalence? (pp. 5-7). Center for Disease Control and Prevention.   

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (2020, March). Health & Education: Autism. 

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autism/index.cfm

Rezendes, D.L., & Scarpa. A. (2011). Association Between Parental Anxiety/ Depression and 

Child Behavior Problems related to Autistic Spectrum Disorders: The Roles of Parenting Stress and Parenting Self-Efficacy. Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, vol. (2011), 1-10. 10.1155/2011/395190

Zhou, W., Liu, D., Xiong, X., & Xu, H. (2019). Emotional Problems in Mothers Of Autistic

Children and Their Correlation With Socioeconomic Status and the Children’s Core Symptoms. Medicine, Vol. (98), 1-8. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2019/08090/emotional_problems_in_mothers_of_autistic_children.68.aspx

  

  

     

Sexual Harassment in Our Community

WHAT IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT?

• Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature, or requests for sexual favors (Working: Now and Then). It can occur in various manners and various locations such as school, the workplace, as well as social surroundings. It can lead to long term issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD (Spector). 

WHY IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT AWARENESS IMPORTANT?

• Sexual harassment awareness is important because both men and women should have the liberty of knowing they are not alone and as a community we need to be present in supporting the people who have gone through these incidents. Along with that, we should be increasing education in shifting the frame of thought to not put blame on the victims but on the assaulters. It is important because these events have lingering effects dealing with: depression, anxiety, poor self esteem and body image, avoidance of places or activities, disordered eating or loss of appetite, out of control stress hormones, homelessness, impaired heart health, career problems, weight changes, and sleep disturbances (MacMillan). 

STATISTICS

• An online survey conducted in January 2018 by a nonprofit called Stop Street Harassment found that 81% of women and 43% of men has experienced some form of sexual harassment in their lifetime.

RESPONDING TO STREET HARASSMENT 

• Trust your instincts: it is OK to do nothing. You get to decide what's right for you.
• Reclaim your space by: setting the boundary, engaging bystanders, and documenting the situation (Hollaback)

WHY IT MATTERS TO ME

My whole life I have been forced to keep an eye out of my surroundings, choose my outfits wisely, and carry a sort of defensive weapon with me. The concept of having to teach these things to a young girl and watching her have to hear nothing be said to young boys is traumatizing to think about. In our society, that is the reality of our circumstance. I know women close to me who have dealt with the harsh repercussions of sexual violence caused by men who were born into a society who almost seems to have taken their side. I chose this issue because I also know plenty of women who, although have not dealt with sexual violence, have dealt with sexual harassment, such as cat calling. They have also been forced to carry a sort of weapon with them at all times for the *possibility* of something happening. Do you realize how disturbing that sounds? The fact that women have to be PREPARED at all times because solely leaving their house is a risk.

STATEMENTS

• Sonia Colis- "Being out as a girl is terrifying now. A simple task like going to get gas has to be done in the daylight with many people around. Living in the area I do I come across many situations where I feel I'm threatened. Working in a clothing store can be stressful because I often come across people who just stare and that's enough to make me feel scared. Growing up I was always taught to always be aware of my surroundings and now that I'm older and I see what's around, I get scared sometimes."

• Jasmine Amador- "It has affected me because it's made me take extra precautions that men may not have to worry about. Like going out I always have to be aware of my surroundings, especially at night and who is around because you never know. Also when being cat called I always assume the worst may happen so it's made living as a woman a little more difficult."

Work Cited

“All the Ways Sexual Assault and Harassment Can Affect Your Physical and Mental           Health.” Health.com, www.health.com/condition/sexual-assault/sexual-harassment-health-issues.

Chatterjee, Rhitu. “A New Survey Finds 81 Percent Of Women Have Experienced Sexual Harassment.” NPR, NPR, 22 Feb. 2018, www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/02/21/587671849/a-new-survey-finds-eighty-percent-of-women-have-experienced-sexual-harassment.

“How to Respond to Street Harassment.” Hollaback! Together We Have the Power to End     Harassment, www.ihollaback.org/responding-to-harassers/.

Spector, Nicole. “The Hidden Health Effects Of Sexual Harassment.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 1 Dec. 2017, www.nbcnews.com/better/health/hidden-health-effects-sexual-harassment-ncna810416.

Domestic Violence

                I STAND AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

 

 I will be discussing a social issue that has not only affected myself personally but many women on a daily basis, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. I am a SURVIVOR of domestic violence and luckily I was able to get out of that situation. I spent days trying to figure out how to cover up my bruises so that my family would not see them on me. I was afraid to tell, to speak about what was going on. He would always tell me, "I'm a Marine. I was trained to kill. I can kill you and make it look like an accident." So, I learned a lot of tricks during this time, I even learned how to cover up a broken nose. I was not able to cover the holes in the wall and door though. My dad was the first to notice. I of course denied the whole thing, as many women do. I kept on telling myself that it would eventually stop because he loved me and I know he did not truly mean to hurt me. It never stopped though. My final straw was when he took it out on my daughter. At the time, I had my two kids. My son was 3 and my daughter was just a few months old. He had never laid a hand on them until that night. He came home from work around 3 in the morning because he used to work nights, extremely upset with me. See we worked at the same location however I worked during the day. He had heard from somebody at work that I had sat down to have lunch with another guy. This part was true. What they failed to tell him was that it was a group of us and I was just one of five people. When he got home, he stormed into the room and started yelling at me. Of course him screaming woke up our daughter. He then turned towards her and started yelling at her to shut up. I begged him not to yell at her and when I tried to get up to comfort her, he threw me across the room. It was at that point that he picked her up and started shaking her while yelling for her to shut up. I crawled up to the bed and begged him to please give me my baby. He turned to me and threw her. Luckily she landed "safely" on the bed. He got his wallet and left. That is the exact moment that I got the courage to leave. My family helped me get through it all and I have not seen him since that night. At first, it was hard for me to speak to others about my trauma but over the years I have learned that what I went through not only made me stronger but has and can help others along the way.

First of all, what is domestic violence? Domestic violence is violence or other abuse in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation. It may be termed intimate partner violence when committed by a spouse or partner in an intimate relationship against the other spouse or partner, and can take place in heterosexual or same-sex relationships, or between former spouses or partners. Domestic violence can also involve violence against children, parents, or the elderly. It takes a number of forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, economic, religious, reproductive, and sexual abuse, which can range from subtle, coercive forms to marital rape and to violent physical abuse such as choking, beating, female genital mutilation, and acid throwing that results in disfigurement or death.
On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. However, women are not the only one's that can be victims of domestic violence.
* 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc. * 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. This includes a range of behaviors (e.g. slapping, shoving, pushing) and in some cases might not be considered "domestic violence."
* 1 in 7 women and 1 in 25 men have been injured by an intimate partner.
* 1 in 10 women have been raped by an intimate partner. Data is unavailable on male victims.
* 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence (e.g. beating, burning, strangling) by an intimate partner in their lifetime
* On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide
* Women between the ages of 18-24 are most commonly abused by an intimate partner.
* Only 34% of people who are injured by intimate partners receive medical care for their injuries

Every year during the month of October, Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence runs a campaign dedicated to raising awareness to intimate partner violence. Silence is the abuser’s biggest protector, and through increased awareness on the violence occurring behind closed doors, we can reduce the isolation, shame, and stigma surrounding abuse. The company's focus is on empowering victims and their family, friends, and co-workers by giving them life-saving information and encouragement to help them break free from domestic violence and take back their lives. To achieve a successful break from an abusive relationship, it is necessary to have the right tools to not only help you or someone you love to leave their abuser but to also stay safe in the process.

Getting out of an abusive relationship isn’t easy, but we all deserve to live free of fear

Why doesn’t she just leave? It’s the question many people ask when they learn that a woman is suffering battery and abuse. But if you are in an abusive relationship, you know that it’s not that simple. Ending a significant relationship is never easy. It’s even harder when you’ve been isolated from your family and friends, psychologically beaten down, financially controlled, and physically threatened. 

If you’re trying to decide whether to stay or leave, you may be feeling confused, uncertain, frightened, and torn. Maybe you’re still hoping that your situation will change or you’re afraid of how your partner will react if he discovers that you’re trying to leave. One moment, you may desperately want to get away, and the next, you may want to hang on to the relationship. Maybe you even blame yourself for the abuse or feel weak and embarrassed because you’ve stuck around in spite of it. Don’t be trapped by confusion, guilt, or self-blame. The only thing that matters is your safety.

 

If you are being abused remember:

• You are not to blame for being mistreated or battered
• You are not the cause of you partner's abusive behavior
• You deserve to be treated with respect
• You deserve a safe and happy life
• Your children deserve a safe and happy life
• You are not alone. There are people waiting to help

Making the decision to leave an abusive relationship

As one faces the decision to either end the abusive relationship or try to save it, one must keep the following things in mind:

If you’re hoping your abusive partner will change… The abuse will probably keep happening. Abusers have deep emotional and psychological problems. While change is not impossible, it isn’t quick or easy. And change can only happen once your abuser takes full responsibility for his behavior, seeks professional treatment, and stops blaming you, his unhappy childhood, stress, work, his drinking, or his temper. 

If you believe you can help your abuser… It’s only natural that you want to help your partner. You may think you’re the only one who understands him or that it’s your responsibility to fix his problems. But the truth is that by staying and accepting repeated abuse, you’re reinforcing and enabling the behavior. Instead of helping your abuser, you’re perpetuating the problem. 

If your partner has promised to stop the abuse… When facing consequences, abusers often plead for another chance, beg for forgiveness, and promise to change. They may even mean what they say in the moment, but their true goal is to stay in control and keep you from leaving. Most of the time, they quickly return to their abusive behavior once you’ve forgiven them and they’re no longer worried that you’ll leave.

If your partner is in counseling or a program for batterers… Even if your partner is in counseling, there is no guarantee that he’ll change. Many abusers who go through counseling continue to be violent, abusive, and controlling. If your partner has stopped minimizing the problem or making excuses, that’s a good sign. But you still need to make your decision based on who he is now, not the man you hope he will become.

If you’re worried about what will happen if you leave… You may be afraid of what your abusive partner will do, where you’ll go, or how you’ll support yourself or your children. But don’t let fear of the unknown keep you in a dangerous, unhealthy situation. 

Safety planning for abused women

Whether or not you’re ready to leave your abuser, there are steps one can take to protect yourself. These safety tips may make the difference between being severely injured or killed and escaping with your life. 

Know your abuser’s red flags. Stay alert for signs and clues that your abuser is getting upset and may explode in anger or violence. Come up with several believable reasons you can use to leave the house (both during the day and at night) if you sense trouble brewing.

Identify safe areas of the house. Know where to go if your abuser attacks or an argument starts. Avoid small, enclosed spaces without exits (such as closets or bathrooms) or rooms with weapons (such as the kitchen). If possible, head for a room with a phone and an outside door or window.

Come up with a code word. Establish a word, phrase, or signal you can use to let your children, friends, neighbors, or co-workers know that you’re in danger and they should call the police.

Make an escape plan

Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Keep the car fueled up and facing the driveway exit, with the driver’s door unlocked. Hide a spare car key where you can get to it quickly. Have emergency cash, clothing, and important phone numbers and documents stashed in a safe place (at a friend’s house, for example).

Practice escaping quickly and safely. Rehearse your escape plan so you know exactly what to do if under attack from your abuser. If you have children, make sure they practice the escape plan also.

Make and memorize a list of emergency contacts. Ask several trusted individuals if you can contact them if you need a ride, a place to stay, or help contacting the police. Memorize the numbers of your emergency contacts, local shelter, and domestic violence hotline.

Domestic violence shelters

A domestic violence shelter or women’s shelter is a building or set of apartments where abused and battered women can go to seek refuge from their abusers. The location of the shelter is kept confidential in order to keep your abuser from finding you.

Domestic violence shelters generally have room for both mothers and their children. The shelter will provide for all your basic living needs, including food and childcare. The length of time you can stay at the shelter is limited, but most shelters will also help you find a permanent home, job, and other things you need to start a new life. The shelter should also be able to refer you to other services for abused and battered women in your community, including:

• Legal help
• Counseling
• Support Groups
• Services for your children
• Employment programs
• Health-related services
• Educational opportunities
• Financial assistance

If you go to a domestic violence shelter or women’s refuge, you do not have to give identifying information about yourself, even if asked. While shelters take many measures to protect the women they house, giving a false name may help keep your abuser from finding you, particularly if you live in a small town.

Additional Help:

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233

California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
P. O. Box 1798
Sacramento, CA 95812
Office: (916) 444-7163 Fax: (916) 444-7165
Website: www.cpedv.org
Email: info@cpedv.org

 

DACA

Whats The American Dream Without Dreamers? 

 Americas identity has become a nation where education and hard work are the pathway to prosperity and opportunities. Individuals all over the world immigrate for the “American Dream”, hoping for an upward mobility for their family, but the dream is belittled. Parents who bring their children at a young age to the United States have grown to have American roots, and aspire to give back to a nation they call home. The children are “Dreamers,” who have been rejected by society, and have been told their dreams are illegal. Thousands of undocumented students are not able to work towards their dreams and live their American dream, and are not able to attend college, join the military, or work. These students have little attachment to their native land and are illegal immigrants to a land they call home. Many grow up not knowing they are undocumented until they apply for a driver’s license or college, and realize they stand in the same positions as their parents do. Since they live on the margins by being immigrants, their high aspirations and plans are ambiguous. However, they seek for more, fight for immigration rights, march for their voices to be heard, and pressured president Obama to make action to protect them from deportation.  A speech given by President Obama in the Rose Garden, addressed the new policy that would spare young people who are Americans by heart a fear of deportation.

These are young people who study in our schools, they play in our neighborhoods, they’re friends with our kids, they pledge allegiance to our flag.  They are Americans in their heart, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper. They were brought to this country by their parents -- sometimes even as infants -- and often have no idea that they’re undocumented until they apply for a job or a driver’s license, or a college scholarship (Lee). 

In 2012, Obama passed the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an executive order that has allowed 750,000 undocumented immigrants to have a temporary work permit, social security, and the protection of not being deported. Having Donald Trump in office and promising to repeal all executive orders done by President Obama, dreamers have a fear of being deported, their investments and sacrifices being at lost, and having to restart everything. The year of 2017 was a contentious year for immigrants, many who believe immigrants are not contributing back to the nation and are only taking jobs away. Donald Trump as the president of the United States, has made a campaign on an open xenophobia promising to build a wall, deport all immigrants, and to make America great again. For example, in his announcement speech in June 25, 2016, he explained            

When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best. They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people. I love the Mexican people, but Mexico is not our friend. They're killing us at the border and they're killing us on jobs and trade (Tal).

However, in the America Great Again?by Eileen Traux, it explains how President Trump's priority on deporting all immigrants and creating a wall will cost “$100 billion and $300 billion to arrest and remove all undocumented immigrants residing in the country, a process that we estimate would take 20 years." The money that will be needed to separate many families can be used for a better cause, such has creating more programs that will benefit both the economy and the students, building community parks, and give more money to schools instead of cutting funds. Investing money in the community will be a fundamental factor that will help America move forward and allow the nation to be at a better stand in the economic world. Dreamers are raised Americans, and once they get older society tells them, “go back home”, it is like being adopted to a nation but the nation does not want you. Dreamers should be allowed to be fully adopted to the country, and have the chance to give back and not be a hidden figure. It will allow more jobs, allow dreamers to invest themselves fully, and help expand the economic growth.  

DREAM ACT

An event concerning immigrant students, is the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, also known as the DREAM Act.  It was introduced to the senate in 2001, it is a bipartisan legislation addressing to allow current, former, and future undocumented students a pathway to U.S. citizenship. Congress would serve as an opportunity for immigrant students, to contribute back to the country by attending college or by joining the military. To be eligible for the DREAM Act, they would need to show evidence that they have been in the country at least five years and were younger than 16 when they first entered the country, and have no criminal record.  Students will be granted conditional lawful permanent resident (LPR) as six years follows up with them, and once the student has either completed two years in a program for a bachelor’s degree or higher degree or has served in the military services for at least two years will have complete status (Bray). Completely having a permanent residency and ultimately citizenship, individuals will be able to utilize their hard earned education and talents to the country that has fully adopted them into the nation. In the article, The Dream Act: We all benefit by Michael Rivera, states that 

Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Howard Berman (D-CA) introduced the DREAM Act as S. 952 and H.R. 1842, respectively. The latest version of the bill was introduced On December, 2010, when the DREAM Act was brought up and passed in the House by a vote of 216-198 (H.R. 5281).  However, when it reached the Senate on December 18, 2010, it fell five votes short, receiving 55 yeas’ and 41 nays’.

 Support for the DREAM Act has grown since it was first introduced, but having the Republicans control the Senate, the bill has not passed because the lack of support it has shown from the party. For example, republicans claim the DREAM ACT is an offering for a “mass amnesty” that will encourage more illegal immigration (Montopoli).
    One criticism was from Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Jeff Sessions, urged his Senate colleagues to oppose the DREAM Act Amnesty bill. Five democrats did vote against the legislation: Kay Hagan of North Carolina, Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Ben Nelson of Nebraska and both Montana Democrats, Jon Tester and Max Baucus. Sessions states “the bill contains too many loopholes, allows too many illegal aliens to qualify, and doesn't hold illegal aliens to the educational and military standards that its supports say it does (Wong)”. Republicans hammered it as offering "mass amnesty" that will encourage more illegal immigration. However, the Dream Act would have passed if Democrats has shown unity on the measure. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, who is the chief sponsor of the bill, explained the “senate democrats came up five votes short of the 60 needed to advance the house-passed bill, which would provide a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants brought to the country as children if they attend college or join the military for two years (Wong).” I contend that those who were opposed of Dream Act were too afraid to grasp of the changes the can happen. For example, providing conditional permanent residency to illegal immigrants who show good moral character, have an education, will improve our economy since jobs will be filled and more money will be spent. If the Dream Act was to be legalized it will also persuade more illegal immigrants to become educated and live a moral life, which will decrease the crime rate associated with illegal immigrants. It is said that Republicans are unwilling to take action on comprehensive immigration reform or any other immigration bill until America's borders are secure. Also, they argue that Dream Act would still fulfill the parents’ primary objective for bringing them here and will attract more illegal immigrants. Nevertheless, Dick Durbin, strongly denied that claim before it was called to vote. “He showed photos of successful young people who could gain citizenship under the bill, including the leader of the UCLA marching band, and argued that the bill was about providing opportunity to those who deserve it (Montopoli)”. He also called for Republicans to back the bill in what he said would be an "act of political courage" for members of the Grand Old Party (GOP). I contend that having Americas borders more secure will have a success of stopping immigrants from coming to the US. The Dream Act to be passed, it will allow for the dreamers be fully adopted to the country, and have the chance to give back and no longer be a hidden figure. In the article ‘The American Dream’ and ‘The Sandbox’, it illustrates how the Dream Act can benefit the country to flourish for more. For example, “DREAM Act would add $329 billion to the U.S. economy and create 1.4 million new jobs by 2030, demonstrating the potential of the proposed law to boost economic growth and improve our nation’s fiscal health” (Mell). Passing the law, it will provide infinite opportunities for students who are educated and will open doors for higher paying jobs. Therefore, dreamers will be fully invested and be allowed to be productive members of society. Allowing dreamers who are immigrant college students, who have known no other home than America, be given a chance of pathway to citizenship will expand economic growth.

Why I Stand With DACA

 Undocumented students have been brought to this country as children hoping to have a better life, something their native land cannot provide. As they become older, they are aware of their immigrant status, and stand in fear with their parents. Through the executive order, DACA has become an immediate relief to thousands of immigrants, where they are able to move forward with their dreams and alleviate the fear of being deported. They can do more than identifying themselves as Americans by hearts, such as having a legal documentation permission to work and be part society. These students have grown to have American values and hope to one day be fully adopted to the nation.
I am an American citizen who has love and only hopes for the best for the country. The country that has given me endless opportunities, and the chance to improve myself. I was raised by an immigrant parent who devoted all his life to his low paying job, to only see me succeed and have a better life. I am for to accepting all “Dreamers” to have a pathway to citizenship, to have society understand their purpose, and allow them to fully contribute back to their home. My brother is a DACA recipient, and I am a witness that dreamers can be good to our society. For example, my brother Christian, who was a student before DACA passed, spent his summer breaks working in two jobs, and all the money earned was saved to pay for tuition and books. With the support of my father he graduated with a B.A in Mathematics and Hispanic Literature, and is planning to go back for his credentials to become a high school teacher. He wants to give back to the community that has helped him excel in his academic life and make in difference in students. My brother is an an investment to the country, and someone who is passionate in working with students, and plans to pursuit a higher education. Dreamers have to work the double; not belitiling the work of us U.S citizens but were not in fear of our achievements being taken away. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to dream and strive to be the best version of themselves they can be without having any limitations.

          

Bray, Ilona. "Who Qualifies For Deferred Action As An Immigrant Student Or Graduate (DACA)". www.nolo.com. N.p., 2012. 11 Apr. 2017.              

<http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/applying-deferred-action-dream-act-student.html>

Lee, MJ. "Obama: Halt some  illegal immigrant deportations." POLITICO. The Washington Post. 11 March 2017.

<http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/nov/9/illegal-immigrants-vow-defy-  

Tal, Kopan. "What Donald Trump Has Said About Mexico". CNN. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (2016). 3 May 2017.      

  <http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/31/politics/donald-trump-mexico-statements/>       

Gentrification in Boyle Heights

Gentrification In Boyle Heights 

The importance raising awareness of Gentrification in Boyle Heights:

Recently my grandmother who owns three properties on the corner of Marengo and Pomeroy street recently received a handful of phone calls asking if they could speak to her in regards of buying her property. Reluctantly she  declined and asked me why this man has been harassing her about the properties she own. I asked her if she knew what gentrification was and without blinking her fragile eye she responded "¿Que es eso?"(What is that). It then dawned on me that like my grandmother many un educated people in Boyle Heights are in the same boat that she is in. Confused as to why people are so desired on buying homes or land in a area with an household median average of a $35,000 a year. I explained to my grandmother that gentrification is the process of renovating and improvising a house or a district so that it conforms to the middle/upper middle class taste. A perfect example this was when the landlords of a family owned business called Carnitas Michoacana raised their rent stagnantly until they couldn't afford it anymore. Then within a couple months after being their for over thirty plus years was run out and turned into a Panda Express. This is only one example of the many that have already and will continue to transpire in my community. The wealthy invest in low income communities to then invest in the appeal of the upper middle income which then displaces the lower-income communities that call this place home. This is why it is important to be aware of what is going on in the community because so many are being affected by it. My grandmother was considering their offer and recently decided she was going was not going to sell. Many people in this area don't have the luxury of owning their own land. Many are renting and are very close to being homeless due to the increasingly high rate of their rent. Those including myself can't afford to live in my own community. If I were to try to move out and rent down the street I would be paying close to $2,200 for a 2 bedroom house in my area.


Graciela Mendoza (My Grandmother) Statement: Ive been lucky enough to be able to afford my mortgage. Surprisingly this is the first time  have heard about gentrification. I have on the other hand noticed the change in my community. Small businesses are closing while Starbucks and Fast-food places are incoming. I want my children to be able to afford to live close to me but the reality is that at this time they cannot afford to live close to home.

Those without the luxury of owning their own property:

In the journal article "Evidence of Gentrification-induced Displacement among Social Services in London and Los Angeles" author Geoffrey DeVerteuil states, "A wide array of research has shown gentrification to be harmful, including increased cost of living, depletion of neighborhood place-identity, homelessness, community conflict and, critical, the purported direct and indirect displacement of low income groups and their attendant landscapes."(1564) The real life example of this is through Jose Solano, in the article " Homelessness has many faces" author  Esmeralda Ortiz and Samantha Silva state, "Wearing an old dirty shirt, while lying on a rocky surface with blankets under him. Jose Solano, 59, explains how he went from earning a living to living under a bridge at Hollenback Park. As he tells it, when he was diagnosed with kidney problems sen years ago and told  he would eventually need a transplant, he lost hope and problems  seven years ago and told he would eventually need a transplant, he lost all hope and decided to give up everything he owned.

Solano, who was born in Mexico, has three daughters, now 14, nine and eight, whom he hasn’t seen since he isolated himself from the world. He said he left them to save them from pitying him.

“I retired and gave everything away,” Solano said. “My female friend left me, I gave all of my things away and I went to sleep at a park.”Beside him was a market cart loaded with goods, including blankets, tortillas, containers with food and personal belongings. Socks were hung on the cart to dry. He said volunteers at the Parish of Santa Isabel on Soto Street supply him with these things.He feels he’s still alive because of his faith in God. “Years have gone by, and I feel better than before,” he said in Spanish. “Before I couldn’t walk, and now I can walk. I feel good. I feel spiritually healthy and physically healthy.""(2016)  His health took part in controlling his world. With the increasing amount of money it would take to keep himself alive would crush the financial situation of those around him. His belief was to sacrifice himself for those around him to survive without the worry of taking care of their father. This reality is just one that has been identified but what about those around him who may have similar stories. The cost of rent is through he roof in Boyle Heights now add bills from the hospital.

South Park as social commentary of gentrification: (background Info) When talk show host Jimmy Fallon jokes about how backward South Park is in his Tonight Show monologue due to Herbert Gerrisons anti-immigration Presidential platform, Randy Marsh relies the townsfolk to give the town a modern makeover and convict the nation that they are not all xenophobic hicks. The new shopping district SoDoSoPa is created in the poor side of town surrounding Kennys house. It's name  is likely contraction of its location in town:"South of DownTown South Park." This pan leads to Randy Venturing further by requesting a Whole Foods.

The Future Of Boyle Heights:

"Developer Izek Shomof purchased the building and the surrounding 13-acre site in 2013, with plans for an adaptive reuse projects - and potentially ground-up development.  Shomof has previously converted multiple buildings in Downtown Los Angeles into apartments, and is currently in construction on a similar project in Panorama City.

Architecture firm Omgivning, which specializes in adaptive reuse projects, has been tapped to design the Sears building's revival.  The existing building will see nine light courts carved into its interior, allowing for the creation of creative office space and live/work apartments above shops and restaurants. 

At the first through fourth floors of the building, plans call for exhibition space, a food market and creative offices.  On the fourth through tenth floors, plans call for a total of 1,030 residential units.  The building's 11th floor and roof level are to be repurposed with residential amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a basketball court, a gym and event space.  The iconic tower would see its upper level converted into a penthouse residence."- (Urbanize Los Angeles)

Why Gentrification is Important to me: 

Currently I live in one of the two housing projects in Boyle Heights and my goal is to someday purchase my own house in my community. At this time right now if I were to try to move out I would need 4 roommates to afford a place to live. My grandmother purchased her home for around $150,000 in the 90's and right now here house is worth upwards to $500,000. Thats good for her but for those who want to stay here we must surpass the class we are in right now. Right now I am trying to attain a education but what about those who have lived here all of their life and worked multiple jobs to afford their rent and bills. The Los Angeles Housing and Community department state, "Legally land lords can raise your rent 3% once every 12 months. To balance the needs of both tenants and landlords, the allowable rent increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). All this means that rent can only be increased 3% - 10% every year.  

If your landlord pays for the gas and electricity in your rental unit, he or she may increase your rent another 1% for each utility. A landlord may also raise the rent for an additional tenant. Learn more about this type of rent increase in the Addition Tenants Bulletin.

Your landlord does not need to notify the City to implement these rent increases.  But there are other types of rent increases allowed if approved by the Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA). For instance, a landlord may raise the rent for improvements or upgrades. Learn more in the Allowable Rent Increases Bulletin." That means that once these new apartments who are charging  $3,000 for a studio apartment in Boyle Heights Slumlords and Landlords will want those who are willing to pay for those apartments to also stay in their apartments or properties. So when it comes to resigning a lease they will spike their rent to an increasingly higher number than previously spent causing those to be displaced due to the insufficient amount made for living.

Resources:

Brown-Saracino, Japonica. The Gentrification Debates: A Reader. Taylor and Francis, 2013.

Chandler, Jenna. “New Renderings Unveiled for Massive Redevelopment of Boyle Heights Sears Complex.” La Curbed, 19 Oct. 2017, la.curbed.com/2017/10/19/16501368/sears-development-boyle-heights-renderings.

City, Los Angeles. “HOW MUCH CAN MY LANDLORD RAISE MY RENT?” The Los Angeles Housing and Community Department, HCDILA, hcidla.lacity.org/blog/how-much-can-my-landlord-raise-my-rent.

De Verteuil, Geoffrey. “Evidence of Gentrification-Induced Displacement among Social Services in London and Los Angeles.” Urban Studies, vol. 48, no. 8, 2011, p. 1563.

Ortiz, Esmeralda, and Samantha Silva. “Homelessness Has Many Faces in Boyle Heights.” Boyle Heights Beat, 20 Sept. 2016, boyleheightsbeat.com/homelessness-has-many-faces-in-boyle-heights/.

Sharp, Steven. “Boyle Heights Sears Building Slated for Revival.” Urbanize Los Angeles, 8 Oct. 2017, urbanize.la/post/boyle-heights-sears-building-slated-revival.

City, Los Angeles. “HOW MUCH CAN MY LANDLORD RAISE MY RENT?” The Los Angeles Housing and Community Department, HCDILA, hcidla.lacity.org/blog/how-much-can-my-landlord-raise-my-rent.
Ortiz, Esmeralda, and Samantha Silva. “Homelessness Has Many Faces in Boyle Heights.” Boyle Heights Beat, 20 Sept. 2016, boyleheightsbeat.com/homelessness-has-many-faces-in-boyle-heights/.
Sharp, Steven. “Boyle Heights Sears Building Slated for Revival.” Urbanize Los Angeles, 8 Oct. 2017, urbanize.la/post/boyle-heights-sears-building-slated-revival.
Chandler, Jenna. “New Renderings Unveiled for Massive Redevelopment of Boyle Heights Sears Complex.” La Curbed, 19 Oct. 2017, la.curbed.com/2017/10/19/16501368/sears-development-boyle-heights-renderings.
City, Los Angeles. “HOW MUCH CAN MY LANDLORD RAISE MY RENT?” The Los Angeles Housing and Community Department, HCDILA, hcidla.lacity.org/blog/how-much-can-my-landlord-raise-my-rent.
Ortiz, Esmeralda, and Samantha Silva. “Homelessness Has Many Faces in Boyle Heights.” Boyle Heights Beat, 20 Sept. 2016, boyleheightsbeat.com/homelessness-has-many-faces-in-boyle-heights/.
Sharp, Steven. “Boyle Heights Sears Building Slated for Revival.” Urbanize Los Angeles, 8 Oct. 2017, urbanize.la/post/boyle-heights-sears-building-slated-revival.
Chandler, Jenna. “New Renderings Unveiled for Massive Redevelopment of Boyle Heights Sears Complex.” La Curbed, 19 Oct. 2017, la.curbed.com/2017/10/19/16501368/sears-development-boyle-heights-renderings.
City, Los Angeles. “HOW MUCH CAN MY LANDLORD RAISE MY RENT?” The Los Angeles Housing and Community Department, HCDILA, hcidla.lacity.org/blog/how-much-can-my-landlord-raise-my-rent.
Ortiz, Esmeralda, and Samantha Silva. “Homelessness Has Many Faces in Boyle Heights.” Boyle Heights Beat, 20 Sept. 2016, boyleheightsbeat.com/homelessness-has-many-faces-in-boyle-heights/.
Sharp, Steven. “Boyle Heights Sears Building Slated for Revival.” Urbanize Los Angeles, 8 Oct. 2017, urbanize.la/post/boyle-heights-sears-building-slated-revival.

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