S P R I N G L U N C H E O N C E L E B R A T I O N

2017

LA CONSERVATION CORPS

WELCOME

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the highlight of our year at the Corps, our Annual Spring Luncheon and recognition of our Russell Kantor Next Steps Fund Awardees! For those of you who have joined us before, we are thrilled to have your continued support. For those of you who are new to this event, we thank you for joining us and hope your hearts and minds will be moved by the power and passion of our Corpsmembers.

ahead to the future. That is why we are thrilled to be honoring Mike Burke, CEO of AECOM, who is bringing the dream of an innovative and dynamic Los Angeles to life. His bold belief in our collective ability to build a better world is also at the heart of the Corps’ vision for our community. We are excited to stand together for our future.

Everyone in this room has played a role in the success of our Corpsmembers -- from the municipal partners who provide meaningful work experiences, to the corporate sponsors who are helping us build an infrastructure of practical training and education, to the bridge employers who are investing in a Corpsmember’s

come.

Most importantly, thank you to the Corpsmembers for having the courage to join the Corps and invest in yourselves. Your strength and determination is an inspiration to us all and you make us better.

Mercedes Morton, Esq. Wendy Butts Chair, Board of Directors CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORSPRESIDENT & CHAIR OF THE BOARDMercedes Morton

VICE PRESIDENT & VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARDDEVELOPMENT/MARKETING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRSamantha MartinezVice President

TREASURER & FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIRAlbert Chavez

KCET

BOARD SECRETARYTeresa Cisneros BurtonSenior Director, Legal and Corporate Services

Jimmie ChoSr. Vice President, Gas Ops & System Integrity

Rhonda DibachiCo-Founder & Executive Chairman

Gary Dunn

Anne Freiermuth, CPAPrincipal

Anthony GingissDirector, Satellite Systems

Risa Green

Helenann Hirsch

Bryan LeRoyPartner

Mary LesliePresident

DEVELOPMENT/MARKETING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRJohn RegoExecutive Director, Sustainability

Marisol RodriguezDistrict Director

Nicolo RusconiFounder & Director of Business Development

REAL ESTATE COMMITTEE CHAIRDana S. TreisterPartner

Julie Waxman

Caroline WittcoffAdjunct Law Professor, Gould School of Law

Dawn WilsonDirector, Environmental Strategy & Corporate Responsibility

LEGAL COUNSELSarah Chambless, Esq.

Remembering our founding Board Member and devoted champion, John Van de Kamp.

John was a shining example of a life of public service and mentor to so many at the Corps. He kept us focused on how to best serve the young people who come to us for a second chance at a high school education and a good job. He challenged us and the Corpsmembers to always keep their long-term success as our primary goal. He applauded hard work, diligent study, and

gave a helping hand when needed.

Thank you, Mr. Van de Kamp. We will miss you.

JOHN VAN DE KAMP TRIBUTE

CORNERSTONE OF THE COMMUNITY

Join us in reinvesting in a neighborhood that has supported the Corps for many years. We are moving our administrative and executive staff into our Northeast Los Angeles building adjacent to the newly redesigned Los Angeles State Historic Park. We will have a stronger presence in an evolving neighborhood, and ensure that the voices of our Corpsmembers continue to be heard. By investing in upgrades to this cornerstone building and establishing it as our new headquarters, we can:

• Serve as an anchor in the community.

• Be more responsive to Corpsmember needs.• Improve program delivery and community impact.

• Lower overhead costs and improve sustainability.• Strengthen partnerships with businesses and community organizations.

THE CORNERSTONE OF THE COMMUNITY

A STRONGER CORPS

SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGNCornerstone

of the Community

Contact: WWW.LACORPS.ORG/CORNERSTONECAMPAIGN

WHO WE ARE

The Los Angeles Conservation Corps is an environmentally focused youth development organization. We transform the lives of youth from disadvantaged communities through work and education. Work projects improve the quality of life for our communities and protect the environment for future generations.

WHAT WE DO

Our programs equip these young people with life skills and work experience by employing them in a variety of conservation projects. Some of those projects include building parks and community gardens, planting trees, refurbishing

and case management they need to remove the barriers to success. Our goal is to give at-risk young adults the chance for a meaningful, living-wage job with a career ladder or college or vocational school with future prospects for employment.

JUST A FEW OF OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 2015-16:

956 Corpsmembers 14- to 24-year-olds provided with work experience

308,463 hours Corpsmembers spent in job training and activities

$84,227 Total scholarship funds awarded to Corpsmembers

31,258 Trees planted by Corpsmembers

4,617 Miles of city blocks/vacant alleys cleaned up by Corpsmembers

31,570 Linear ft. of trail built/maintained by Corpsmembers

ABOUT THE CORPS

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: XAVIER BECERRA

On January 24, 2017, Xavier Becerra was sworn in as the 33rd Attorney General of the State of

in the history of the state.

Attorney General Becerra has decades of experience serving the people of California

he has fought for working families, the vitality of the Social Security and Medicare programs and issues to combat poverty among the

working poor. He has also championed the state’s economy by promoting and addressing issues impacting job generating industries such as health care, clean energy, technology, and entertainment.

Attorney General Becerra previously served 12 terms in Congress as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. While in Congress,

powerful Committee on Ways And Means, served as Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, and was Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security.

Prior to serving in Congress, Attorney General Becerra served one term in the California Legislature as the representative of the 59th Assembly District in Los Angeles County. He is a former Deputy Attorney General with the California Department of Justice. The Attorney General began his legal career in 1984

Born in Sacramento, California, Attorney General Becerra is the son of

degree, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Stanford University. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Stanford Law School. His mother was born in Jalisco, Mexico and immigrated to the United States after marrying his father. He is married to Dr. Carolina Reyes, and they are the proud parents of three daughters: Clarisa, Olivia and Natalia.

reporter for ABC7 Eyewitness News at 4:30am, 5am and 6am.

Alysha was born and raised in Southern California. She majored in communications at the University of Southern California and graduated with honors.

She began her broadcasting career on the Assignment Desk at UPN/Fox 11 News, as

Shortly after, she reported on Southern California

at Hot 92 Jamz. She then moved on to morning show positions at 102.7 KIIS

and then co-hosted on LATINO 96.3 FM.

Alysha is an elected member on the board of the East LA Weingart YMCA. She also donates time and resources to several other organizations, including VotoLatino, Reading to Kids, Adelante Mujer and The Sierra Club. She also mentors at-risk high school students.

community service.

ALYSHA DEL VALLE

Michael S. Burke is Chairman and Chief

infrastructure assets in more than 150 countries.

Mr. Burke has served as a key AECOM leader since he joined the company in 2005 and has been instrumental in the evolution of

whose staff of architects, engineers, designers, planners, scientists and management and construction professionals serve clients virtually

his appointment as CEO in 2014, Mr. Burke had been president of the company since October 2011.

During 2014, Mr. Burke led AECOM’s purchase of URS Corporation, an $11-billion, leading provider of engineering, construction, and technical services for public agencies and private-sector companies around the world. This acquisition was a transformational event for the industry and a critical step in advancing AECOM’s

Mr. Burke also directed the company’s initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which was one of the 10 largest NYSE listings for 2007, and one of the largest engineering industry IPOs of all time.

Prior to joining AECOM, Mr. Burke served as Western Area Managing Partner at KPMG LLP. He joined KPMG in 1990 and was admitted to the partnership in 1995. He also

member of the Board of Directors, he served as the chairman of the Board Process and Governance Committee and a member of the Audit and Finance Committee.

Mr. Burke is a member of the Board of Directors and chairman of the Audit Committee for Rentech, a publicly traded company providing clean energy solutions. He also is a member of the Board of Directors for LA 2024, the committee seeking to bring the 2024 Olympic Games to Los Angeles.

AECOM is built to deliver a better world, connecting knowledge and experience across a global network of experts to help clients solve their most complex challenges—from high-performance buildings and infrastructure, to resilient communities and

companies have annual revenue of approximately US$17.4 billion. Learn more at aecom.com and @AECOM.

HONOREE: MIKE BURKE

THE RUSSELL KANTOR NEXT STEPS FUND

The Russell Kantor Next Steps Fund honors Russell’s memory by supporting vocational training and scholarships for the young men and women of the LA Conservation Corps as

they head out into their futures.

AWARDEE PROFILES

RONALD CAROLL Alumni

Ronald’s most notable projects as a Corpsmember include the

tree planting at Fire Station 112 in San Pedro, and painting a mural at Woodcrest Public Library. Ronald overcame several barriers impeding his transition to adulthood through the support system at the LA Conservation Corps. At the LA Conservation Corps, Ronald gained

Agency’s Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training program, also known as the

KELVIN OVIEDO Alumni

While growing up in South Los Angeles, Kelvin faced an array of

commercial driver’s license which subsequently led to employment as a truck driver. Following his two years as a truck driver, Kelvin moved back to Los Angeles and joined the LA Conservation Corps. At age 21 Kelvin was determined to earn his high school diploma. With will,

determination, and support from staff at the Corps, Kelvin earned his high school diploma and gained valuable work experience that prepared him for the next chapter in his life. Kelvin is currently enrolled in his fourth semester at Los Angeles Trade Tech College pursuing an Associate of Science degree in Diesel Technology.

HOLLY KEEDY Young Adult Corps

Holly credits the Corps for broadening her horizons both

public speaking. I give tours at the SEA Lab. I have built planters using re-purposed material and can now use power tools, electric saws, and

as volunteering with SurfRider and Waterfront Education. She received naturalist training and teaches science to children. Her experience at

year at CSU Dominguez Hills, double majoring in Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratory Science.

AWARDEE PROFILES

JAVIER RODRIGUEZ Alumni

Growing up in Watts, Javier was exposed to gangs, drugs, and crime at a young age. Javier found himself serving a nine-month term in juvenile hall and probation camps throughout Los Angeles. By age seventeen, Javier faced housing instability which led him to search for support. Javier discovered the support he needed to thrive through the California Conservation Corps residential program in Lake Tahoe as part

a transformative experience for Javier which led him to leave his troubled past. Javier eventually moved back to Los Angeles where he joined LA Conservation Corps on March 17, 2014. At the LA Conservation Corps, Javier received the guidance and support he needed to pursue his dreams by obtaining training and work experience to propel him to his next step. As a corpsmember, Javier enjoyed work in construction, tree maintenance, landscaping and forestry. To this day, Javier continues to have close ties with the LA Conservation Corps,

become a role model and mentor for my daughter, my family, and the youth in marginalized

undergraduate student. He will graduate in June 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology. Javier will pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work at UCLA in fall 2017.

LATANYA ROSS Alumni

hurdles to attend college. In high school, she lacked the motivation, guidance, and support that she needed to strive academically. It was

today. Despite all the odds, Latanya has been able to transition from high school to college, successfully earning herself a spot on the Dean’s list at Humboldt State University. Since leaving the Corps, Latanya continues to seek support from staff and mentors at the Corps

DEAN LAVONTE Young Adult Corps

Dean moved out of his parent’s home at a young age and worked two jobs to support himself. Dean found the LA Conservation Corps while struggling with his transition to adulthood. He credits the

opportunity to attend an orientation for different employment positions within the Los Angeles Department of Sanitation. The position that caught my interest was Maintenance Laborer, which if hired would

career goals. Dean is eager to transition out of the Corps to attend Los Angeles Trade Tech College and obtain an Associate Science degree in Wastewater Technology.

AWARDEE PROFILES

JOCELYN MIRANDA VENCES Alumni

Born and raised in South Los Angeles, Jocelyn was exposed to the criminal justice system as her older brothers were incarcerated. Fleeing from the problems at home, Jocelyn sought out comfort in gangs which subsequently led to expulsion from several schools for her behavior. Seeking a second chance, Jocelyn joined the Corps and enrolled in Saito High School where she received the support of caring teachers and staff that proved instrumental in turning her life around. Since joining the Corps, Jocelyn drastically improved her behavior, grades, and

and gain work experience in tree planting, trail maintenance, construction, and become forklift

Drawing from her own personal experience, Jocelyn aspires to work with at-risk youth from her

Criminal Justice in hopes of transferring to a four-year university.

JUAN ALVAREZ Alumni

Seeking an alternative school setting, Juan enrolled in Saito High School with only four high school credits to his name. At the Corps, he found

diploma, Juan felt a tremendous responsibility to provide for his family. With the Corps’ comprehensive approach, Juan received the supportive

because without the Corps I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now. I feel like they gave me a

attending Los Angeles Trade Tech College in pursuit of an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management.

HILDA COLATO Alumni

housing instability due to domestic violence at home. Hilda moved through several different schools and the constant change led to low academic performance. Hilda joined the LA Conservation Corps to complete her high school diploma, but as a Corpsmember she also learned hands-on skills to gain employment and become self-

irrigation systems. She can even handle a chainsaw. Hilda gained

semester at Los Angeles Trade Tech College, transferring to CSU Long Beach to study Social

AWARDEE RECIPIENTS & SCHOOLS

Kelvin AlbittronJuan AlvarezSara ArceFelix AvenaAndreyna AvilesIvan BautistaJesus BeltranBryan BoloixRonald CarrollPreeti ChamberHilda ColatoMiguel CruzEriberto DiazCarlos EscaleraJeanette GamboaIrana GarciaAndrew GuevaraBrenda GuzmanJareth HarrellChaz HentonHolly KeedyDean LavonteRamon LeijaLeslie LopezJuan LozanoAbigail LunaLoretta LupianVeronica MaganaAna MataElizabeth MezaJocellyn MirandaBryan MongeErik MontoyaAntonio MoodyCindi OrellanaKelvin OviedoSandra RamirezJavier RodriguezCesilia RoqueLatanya RossJosue SotoErick Tecuatl

CSU Dominguez HillsLA Trade TechCSU NorthridgeCSU Los AngelesSanta Monica CollegeEast LA CollegeEast LA CollegePasadena City College

CSU NorthridgeLA Trade TechRio Hondo CollegeSanta Monica CollegeAir & Refrigeration UnionSaito High SchoolSouthwest CollegeCSU Channel IslandsLA City CollegeEast LA CollegeLA Trade TechCSU Dominguez HillsLA Trade TechCollege of the CanyonsLA Trade TechPainter’s UnionCSU Long BeachSanta Monica CollegeEl Camino CollegeMt. Saint Mary’s LA Trade TechLA Trade TechGlendale CollegeCement Masonry UnionLA Trade TechLA Trade TechLA Trade TechLA Trade TechUCLALong Beach City CollegeHumbold StateFlorida State UniversityLA Trade Tech

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: GREEN CAREER PATHWAYS

In 2016, the Corps launched Green Career Pathways, a refocusing of our Young Adult Corps (YAC) program into a 21st Century workforce development program. This framework creates more specialized and robust opportunities for disconnected youth to train for and pursue the growing number of jobs available in the burgeoning green economy.

now also equipped with the tools and support to specialize in one of our Green Career Pathways: Land Management, Zero Waste, Energy, Manufacturing , Construction, or Independent, upon transition out of the Corps.

These pathways position Corpsmembers for career track, entry-level jobs in growing green industries or college or vocational programs aimed at higher skilled, higher paying occupations.

IN THE PAST YEAR:

595 Corpsmembers participated in the Young Adult Corps, with approximately 250 enrolled at any one time. 125 Young adults exited the program successfully • 33 going to college or vocational school • 74inding meaningful full-time or part-time work

IN JUST THE LAST SIX MONTHS:

30 Corpsmembers began industry-recognized trainings relevant to their chosen career pathways—driver’s education, heavy equipment operation, multi-craft core curriculum for construction, chainsaw safety, and energy

PADDLE THE LA RIVER

PADDLE WITH US!

River. We’re offering guided group trips, but new this year, we are also offering kayak rentals!

Guided Group Tours: Enjoy a 1.5 hour-long tour by our professional river guides!

history and current river conditions following this season’s rainfall as they lead you down the river and back.

Kayak Rentals: You take the reins! After a brief safety orientation, we’ll lend you a kayak and gear for one hour so you can explore this natural bottom stretch of the LA River for a self-guided adventure.

SUMMER 2017

For tickets and info, visit www.paddlethelariver.org

VISIT THE SEA LAB TODAY!

We offer: • Public Tours & Fish Feedings• Native Plant Nursery• School Programs & Field Trips• Kids’ Summer Camp and Winter Camp• Birthday Parties• Volunteer Opportunities

BECOME A SEA LAB MEMBER!

• Free admission for four guests to special Fishtivities• 1 private morning weekday tour each year (scheduled ahead of time)

• 10% discount on birthday party packages, summer camp registration, and at our gift shop.

The SEA Lab is located at:1021 N. Harbor DriveRedondo Beach, CA 90277(310) 318-7438

THE SEA LAB

Visit our website for more info!www.lacorps.org/programs/sea-lab

© 2017 Southern California Gas Company. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. N17K0016A 0317

With oceans, mountains, deserts and forests, Southern California shows

us nature’s beauty every day and reminds us of our responsibility

to protect it. SoCalGas® is proud to recognize the LA Conservation

Corps for taking the lead in taking care of our environment. Through

their efforts, we are inspired to continue working toward a cleaner and

greener future.

TOGETHER IN OUR

ENVIRONMENT

socalgas.com 1-800-427-2000

l i

Congratulations!

Corpmembers continuing their education

&

AECOM and CEO Mike Burke

Renee Dake Wilson & Brian Wilson and Glen Dake

Edison International is proud to support the Los Angeles Conservation Corps

Spring Luncheon Celebration 2017

TogetherWe Have the Power To Keep the Future Bright

LIFE. POWERED BY EDISON.

A brighter, greener tomorrowFrom skyscrapers that create all the energy they need, to NBA stadiums that run entirely on solar power — at AECOM we’re passionate about creating a better, more sustainable, world. We’re proud to support the Los Angeles Conservation Corps in its mission to create a greener future, brimming with opportunity. We congratulate our Chairman and CEO Mike Burke and the recipients of this year’s awards on their richly deserved recognition. aecom.com

Banc of California is proud to support the Los Angeles Conservation Corps and their mission to provide at-risk young adults and school-aged youth with opportunities for success.

At Banc of California, we are committed to strengthening California’s communities through affordable housing and homeownership, financing businesses and financial literacy education. By working directly with local leaders and causes who share in our vision, we proudly support those who campaign for change and their endeavors to strengthen our communities.

MAKING____________________________

CALIFORNIA STRONG.

Ou r Future

© 2017 Banc of California, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

bancofcal.com/communitydevelopment

TOGETHER WE MAKE CALIFORNIA STRONG.

PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE

LA CONSERVATION CORPS

&

CONGRATULATES

MIKE BURKE

&

AECOM

proudly supports the

© Disney thewaltdisneycompany.com/citizenship

Los Angeles Conservation Corps

YOU’RE WELCOME TO LEND A HAND.

By working together and being better stewards of the

environment, we enhance the life and beauty of our planet

for all to share.

Americas | Asia | Europe | Middle East | www.mayerbrown.com

We congratulate the LA Conservation Corps for another year of improving the lives of at-risk youth while enhancing the community. And we remember John Van de Kamp, our colleague and founding board member.

Service

We are remembering Russell today.

We are celebrating the dedicated young corps members who will begin job training and

college study through the generosity of our friends in Russell’s memory.

And as always, we are cheering the commitment of everyone at the Corps to

building stronger young lives in a great city.

Mickey and Heidi

We proudly support the fine work of the

Los Angeles Conservation Corps

which becomes more important every year.

Julie Waxman & Seth Freeman

We honor the

glorious Heidi and Mickey

for Transforming Communities!

Nancy and Miles Rubin

Manatt proudly supports the

L.A. Conservation Corpsand congratulates this year’s honorees and scholarship recipients.

Together we make a difference.

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP manatt.com

Thanks for making a greener LA possible.

Honored to support the LA Conservation Corps

We applaud AECOM and CEO Mike Burke for their commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Honored to support the LA Conservation Corps

TCA is proud to use our Hank Gratefulscholarship fund to support the LAConservation Corps in providingat-risk youth with opportunities forsuccess, while improving our communitiesand the environment.

temcanyon.orgtemcanyonassoc@gmail.com(310) 454-4188

BE A PART OF THE CORPS FAMILY

SPECIAL THANKS

We are deeply grateful to our Luncheon Co-Chairs Samantha Martinez and Teresa Cisneros Burton for your tremendous efforts in making this day such a phenomenal success. We also want to appreciate Risa Green and Caroline Wittcoff for working tirelessly on the program and Marisol Rodriguez for donating the beautiful centerpieces.

The LA Conservation Corps would also like to give a heartfelt thank you to all the members of our dedicated staff for everything they do on a daily basis to transform young lives. You are truly an inspiration!

Cheers to our vendors for making this event possible:AAA Rents, Adam Wright Design, A.Y. Nursery, BannerWorld.com, BLVD745, Homeboys Silk Screen, Rich Johner, LA County Board of Supervisors, Mike Mena, The Music Center, Nonstop Printing, Patina Catering, and Photography by Hamilton.

Be a part of the future of the Corps!

Thank YOU for being a part of this annual celebration. Please help us carry this message of hard work, determination, and triumph forward. Our Corpsmembers need your support to continue to believe in themselves and their potential.

Visit www.lacorps.org/donate to make a gift.

Our primary mission is to provide at-risk young adults and school-aged youth with opportunities for success through job skills training, education and work experience with an emphasis on conservation and service projects that benefit

the community.

lacorps.org

LA CONSERVATION CORPS