Medi-Cal Renewal Information, Earthquake Preparedness, Green Schoolyard Grants

In this edition of our resource corner, find information for school communities impacted by the Los Angeles Unified School District strike, important Medi-Cal renewal information, earthquake, and storm preparedness resources, details on the Green Schoolyard Grant program to provide nature-based solutions, shaded playgrounds, and tree canopy for California schools and much more!

Resources for School Communities During LAUSD Strike

If you or your family is impacted by the strike at Los Angeles Unified School District, here are resources and information that may be useful: 

• Grab & Go Food Locations: This is a service provided by LAUSD. Families may pick up meals for their students at Grab & Go sites on Tuesday, March 21 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Six meals per student will be provided at pickup, to cover breakfast and lunch over three days.
• Student Supervision Sites: LAUSD is also providing student supervision at select elementary, middle and high schools from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
• Tutoring: All LAUSD students in grades K-12 have FREE access to on-demand tutoring help before or after school. 
• The dates you need to know: This is a list of events planned for the week by the Service Employees International Local 99 Union (SEIU), which represents cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, special education assistants and other workers. 
• "What is this strike about?" & Other FAQs: Here you can find LAUSD's answers to frequently asked questions and background information and updates regarding the strike.
• More Updates & Resources: This LAUSD webpage provides the latest updates, strike information and resources . 

Important Medi-Cal Renewal Information

• Starting in April, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will resume the annual Medi-Cal eligibility renewal process that was paused during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Follow these three steps to ensure your Medi-Cal Coverage continues:
  • Confirm that Medi-Cal has your up-to-date contact information.
  • Opt-in for updates about Medi-Cal renewals.
  • Look out for a renewal form from your county that will come via snail mail, fill it out and return it right away.
  • Visit the DHCS website for more information, and to sign up for email and text alerts.

Storm Preparedness

• During storms, there is increased potential for flash floods, falling rocks and mud and debris flows. Everyone should be aware of the weather forecasts and associated impacts where they live, work, and play and take steps to be prepared and stay safe. Use the resources below to prepare for and stay safe during rainy weather.
• Visit the County’s Emergency Response Page to stay up to date regarding any evacuations, road closures or media releases during active storms.
• The National Weather Service (NWS) issues weather advisories and watches when the weather forecast indicates there is a potential for hazardous conditions. View the latest NWS Hazard Summary for current watches, advisories, and warnings.
• Register for Alert LA County to opt-in for these emergency alerts. 
• In need of emergency shelter? Find information on the County’s Winter Shelter program or call 211 for assistance.
• Plan ahead and look at road conditions before driving by visiting the LA County Public Works Road Closures website.
• Be prepared by checking for Flood Hazard Areas on this Interactive Map.
• If you are in need of sandbags, visit the Los Angeles County Public Works website to locate the nearest Los Angeles County fire station to obtain free sandbags. You must live in the community or city where you are requesting sandbags. Proof of residency is required.

Earthquake Preparedness

• Last month’s major earthquakes in Turkey and Syria brought huge tragedy to many families overseas claiming 48,448 lives and counting. This is an urgent for our families, neighbors and loved ones to prepare for potentially dangerous seismic activity in California. Make sure you are prepared ahead of time to stay safe when earthquakes strike by taking advantage of the resources below:
  • LA County’s Family Emergency Plan Guide
  • Get involved and help create a neighborhood preparedness network in your community through free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.
  • Follow before, during and after earthquake safety tips.
  • Sign up for Earthquake Warning California, the country’s first publicly available, statewide warning system that could give California residents crucial seconds to take cover before you feel shaking. Managed by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Earthquake Warning California uses ground motion sensors from across the state to detect earthquakes before humans can feel them and can notify Californians to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in advance of an earthquake. 

• The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) Urban and Community Forestry Program announced today that the application period for the Green Schoolyard Grants Program is now open. In total, $117 million is available for educational and traditionally underserved communities throughout the state to help lessen the impacts of climate change and provide nature-based solutions where California’s next generation often needs it most. Applicants are invited to apply by April 14, 2023. Specific details about the application process and for more information on CAL FIRE’s Green Schoolyard Grant and Urban and Community Grant Programs visit: 
  • https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/grants/urban-and-community-forestry-grants
  • Watch the Green Schoolyard Grants webinar
  • Read the grants webinar Q&A

• This state program offers all newborns up to $100 and eligible low-income public school students up to $1,500 to start saving for college and career training. Families are encouraged to build on this investment by opening and contributing to a ScholarShare 529 account of their own and see their college savings balances all in one place. Visit www.CalKIDS.org today to learn more about eligibility, registering for the program, and getting started on your savings!

• Attention students interested in pursuing a career in the engineering and technology fields! The Los Angeles LGBT Center has just launched a new Pride in Tech Scholarship, Presented by Angel City Football Club and CLEAR. The program provides a partial scholarship for one student taking college or bootcamp classes in software engineering, computer science, product management and design, user experience (UX) design and research, and other related fields. Learn more and apply by visiting the scholarship website here. Applications are due by April 15!