More than 300 South L.A. community members attended the Cool LA Heat Relief for Seniors event hosted by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Los Angeles Department of Aging, and KBLA Talk 1580. The event was held at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee Center Phoenix Hall in Watts.
About 250 portable room air conditioners were distributed free of charge to attendees aged 60 and over who pre-qualified for the giveaway. Guests were also able to sign up on-the-spot for LADWP financial assistance programs such as EZ-SAVE and Lifeline, and learn about other money-saving programs. LADWP recruiters were also available to talk to job seekers.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker of Council District 15 noted, "We know the City of Los Angeles is experiencing an increasing number of hot days, year over year, and that some areas, and some populations, are more vulnerable than others. This is why it is critically important to hold events like this one for our seniors in Watts. Residents in this community, especially our seniors, endure unhealthy temperatures several degrees hotter than surrounding areas due to heat retention by pavement and buildings."
The event aimed to help seniors manage the risk of heat impacts, especially in warmer areas like Watts. "We are committed to keeping our customers - especially vulnerable members of the community such as seniors - safe from the dangers of extreme heat," said Nurit Katz, Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioner. "This program helps ensure that all LADWP customers have access to cooling as we face increased heat with climate change."
LADWP CEO and Chief Engineer Janisse Quiñones stated that a commitment to serving every Angeleno and making sure customers are equipped with the tools and resources to manage their bills are core to the utility's mission. "This event is part of our Powered by Equity initiative which ensures that everyone in L.A. can take part in and benefit equitably from the transition to clean energy," Quiñones said. "It was important to us to give away air conditioners in Watts and provide information about utility bill discounts because customers need to be able to mitigate the impact of extreme heat. We want to make sure that the programs we design are inclusive and don't leave anyone behind."
Left to right: Agustin Cabrera, Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education Policy Director; Jeanne Min, CD 15 Chief of Staff; Janisse Quiñones, LADWP CEO and Chief Engineer; Nurit Katz, Board of Water and Power Commissioner; Jaime Pacheco-Orozco, L.A. Department of Aging General Manager.
KBLA Talk 1580 broadcasted live from the venue, with KBLA radio personality Dominique DiPrima interviewing several LADWP leaders as part of their Climate Justice Series. Interviewees discussed heat safety, customer support programs and resources, and the importance of including every Angeleno as the City of Los Angeles moves toward a clean energy future.
For more information about future Heat Relief for Seniors events like this one, visit www.LADWP.com/HeatRelief2024 for the latest event announcements.
