Hahn lifts school program
Mayor James Hahn is expanding the city’s after-school
program.
During a news conference Monday at 92nd Avenue Elementary
School, Hahn said the city would provide $1 million this year for
the L.A.’s BEST program, expanding it by 500 students for a
grand total of 19,500 each day.
“˜”˜I believe there is no better way to improve the
safety of our neighborhoods over the long term than to give our
children positive opportunities after school,” Hahn
said. “˜”˜In the midst of tough budget decisions, I am
committed to acting creatively to do more with fewer
resources.”
The L.A.’s BEST program currently operates at 117
elementary schools. Hahn has said he hopes to expand it to schools
citywide.
The program was started by former Mayor Tom Bradley to keep
young people off the streets after class and to provide
tutoring.
Gay worker sues airport
SANTA ANA “”mdash; A John Wayne Airport painter filed a $500,000
discrimination lawsuit against Orange County, claiming she was
harassed because she is gay and was forced to work the graveyard
shift as punishment.
Dana Darnell said the pattern of discrimination continued
despite her complaints, and the county never investigated her
claims of harassment by a male supervisor and co-workers. An
airport spokesman said he couldn’t comment on personnel
matters.
Darnell, who has worked at John Wayne since 1994, said she has
been on the graveyard shift most of her career and was rebuffed by
her supervisor each time she asked for different hours.
The suit said Darnell complained to supervisors and the
airport’s personnel office but her complaints were not
investigated. Darnell, who has been on medical leave for a year,
said the harassment and discrimination caused mental and emotional
distress.
The alleged harassment included bulletin board postings of
anti-gay news articles, job applications for fast-food restaurants
put in her mailbox, and derogatory remarks by co-workers about
her.
Reports from Bruin wire services.