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​Heat Emergency: Week of August 28, 2017

Hi All - 
As you know, the temperature forecast for this week is characterized by heat wave: It’s so hot this week!  Please make sure that you are prepared with water, sunscreen, and way to get shade/air conditioning wherever you are (indoor, at school, outside etc...). 
Please pay special attention to the following if you plan to work outdoor in hot weather:

• Bring and drink enough water, at least 8 ounces every 15 minutes and do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water
• Early symptoms of heat illness – fatigue, heavy sweating, cramps, dizziness, and high pulse rate
• Life-threatening symptoms of heat illness – high body temperature, hot & dry skin, confusion, convulsions, and fainting

Please read the below message and be careful out there.
"Heat Emergency
High temperatures forecast for Downtown Los Angeles, Antelope Valley, Pomona area,
San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley and Santa Clarita Valley
 
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Health Officer has extended a Heat Emergency in the San Fernando Valley that will be in effect through Friday, September 1. A Heat Emergency has also been declared for the Pomona area through Wednesday, August 30.
 A Heat Alert is also extended for the additional following areas:
·         Downtown Los Angeles through Wednesday, August 30
·         Antelope Valley through Friday, September 1
·         San Gabriel Valley through Friday, September 1
·         Santa Clarita Valley through Friday, September 1
 
A heat emergency indicates that extreme measures need to be taken to protect the health and safety of those who are most vulnerable, including older adults, infants and children, and others who have medical or other conditions that make them sensitive to the heat. Exertion and heavy work out-of-doors should be limited or eliminated whenever possible. During the current situation, in which the relative humidity is below 30%, key strategies to remain cool include staying in air-conditioned areas and drinking adequate fluids to remain hydrated throughout the day.
 
“When temperatures are as high as they will be in the next few days, even a few hours of exertion may cause severe dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Others who are frail or have chronic health conditions may develop serious health problems leading to death if they are exposed to high temperatures over several days,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer, Los Angeles County. “Thus, it is critically important to never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in homes with no air conditioning and particularly in vehicles, even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open, as temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels. If you have an elderly or infirm neighbor without air conditioning, check up on them regularly, and make sure that they get to a cooling center or other air conditioned space between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.”
 
For a list of Cooling Centers and information on heat-related illnesses and prevention, please visit the Public Health website at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, or call 2-1-1. To locate the nearest cooling center, go to http://bit.ly/CoolingCtrs8-22. Call your local Cooling Center for hours of operation.
 
“While it is very important that everyone take special care of themselves, it is equally important that we reach out to those who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of extreme heat, including children, the elderly, and their pets,” said Dr. Gunzenhauser. “Extreme heat such as this is not just an inconvenience, it can be dangerous and even deadly, but we can protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors if we take steps to remain cool and hydrated.”
 
Schools, day camps, and non-school related sports organizations or athletes should take extra precautions during extreme heat. Practices and other outdoor activities should be scheduled for very early or very late in the day in order to limit the amount of time spent in the sun and heat.
 
Additional tips for those who must work or exercise outdoors:
·         Ensure that cool drinking water is available.
·         Drink water or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks often; do not wait until you are thirsty.
·         Avoid drinking sweetened drinks, caffeine, and alcohol.
·         Avoid drinking extremely cold water as this is more likely to cause cramps.
·         Allow athletes or outdoor workers to take frequent rests.
·         Pay attention to signs of dehydration which include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. Individuals with these symptoms should be moved to a cooler, shaded place, and given water or sport drinks. More severe signs of heat- related illness may include diminished judgment, disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing.
·         Coaches, teachers, and employers should seek immediate medical attention for those exhibiting signs of heat-related illness.
·         Avoid unnecessary exertion, such as vigorous exercise during peak sun hours, if you are outside or in a non-air conditioned building.
 
Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions:
·         During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities such as cooling centers, shopping malls, parks, and libraries to stay cool.
·         Do not rely only on open windows or a fan as a primary way to stay cool. Use the air conditioner. If you’re on reduced income, find out more about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, by calling (866) 675-6623 or contacting your utility provider.
·         Older adults and those on certain medications may not exhibit signs of dehydration until several hours after dehydration sets in. Stay hydrated by frequently drinking cool water. If you’re on a special diet that limits liquids, check with your doctor for information on the amount of water to consume.
·         Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect against sun damage. And remember to use sun screen and to wear sunglasses.
 
Infants and Children:
·         It is illegal to leave an infant or child unattended in a vehicle (California Vehicle Code Section 15620).
·         Infants and young children can get dehydrated very quickly. Make sure they are given plenty of cool water to drink.
·         Keep children indoors or shaded as much as possible.
·         Dress children in loose, lightweight, and light colored clothing.
 
Pets:
·         Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows ‘cracked’ or open.
·         Outdoor animals should be given plenty of shade and clean drinking water.
·         Do not leave pets outside in the sun.
·         Pets should not be left in a garage as garages can get very hot due to lack of ventilation and insulation.
 
Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat Cramps:
·         Symptoms include muscular pains and spasms, usually in the stomach, arms or leg muscles.
·         Heat cramps usually result from heavy exertion, such as exercise, during extreme heat.
·         Although heat cramps are the least severe of all heat-related problems, they are usually the first signal that the body is having trouble coping with hot temperatures. Heat cramps should be treated immediately with rest, fluids and getting out of the heat.
·         Seek medical attention if pain is severe or nausea occurs.
 
Heat Exhaustion:
·         Symptoms include heavy sweating, pale and clammy moist skin, extreme weakness or fatigue, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness or confusion, nausea or vomiting, fast and shallow breathing, or fainting.
·         First Aid: Heat exhaustion should be treated immediately with rest in a cool area, sipping water or a sports drink, applying cool and wet cloths and elevating the feet 12 inches.
·         If left untreated, victims may go into heat stroke.
·         Seek medical attention if the person does not respond to the above, basic treatment.
 
Heat Stroke:
·         Symptoms include flushed, hot, moist skin or a lack of sweat, high body temperature (above 103ºF), confusion or dizziness, possible unconsciousness, throbbing headache, rapid, or strong pulse.
·         Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness and occurs when a person’s temperature control system, which produces sweat, stops working.
·         Heat stroke may lead to brain damage and death.
·         First Aid: Call 911. Move victim to a cool shaded area. Fan the body, and spray body with water.
 Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs may also call 2-1-1 for emergency preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 LA County services can also be accessed by visiting www.211la.org."
Thank you
UEA
___________________________________________
United Eritrean Association  (UEA)
Address: P.O. Box 45938   Los Angeles, California 90045
Email: Unitederitreanla@gmail.com                              
Website: http://www.unitederitreanla.com 
FB: www.facebook.com/unitederitreanla
___________________________________________

Class of 2017 Grads/Transitioned and LA Soccer/Basketball Teams

Hi all - 
To all the 2017 Grads/transitioned: You did it! Congratulations! The UEA will continue to celebrate our grads every year. 
​
To Soccer and Basketball Teams: Congratulation for your participation (with very minimal resource) representing LA and surrounding counties in the 2017 Eritrean Sports Festival in San Francisco. 

To those of you who did not make it to yesterday's UEA graduation ceremony, you missed it and you are missed. It was truly a day to remember and we had a great event. We will post pictures from the event on the UEA website and UEA FB once available. 
In addition, the UEA would like to thank you Meseret & Merhawit (the twin sisters), Meron, Saimon, and Beti for your words of encouragements and peer-to-peer advise to your follow grads. You make us proud and appreciate and acknowledge your exceptional talent and deep knowledge! እንኳዕ ደቅናን ናትናን ኮንኩም!! 

To all volunteers: The UEA would not do it alone and thank you for your help and unreserved support.

To all parents, congratulations on the success of your children. They would not be where they are today without your unreserved love, care, support, sacrifices, and constant encouragements. 

To all Eritrean communities in LA, OC, SB, RS counties, let the preparations for next year grads begin today!!!
Thank you,
UEA

___________________________________________
United Eritrean Association  (UEA)
Address: P.O. Box 45938   Los Angeles, California 90045
Email: Unitederitreanla@gmail.com                              
Website: http://www.unitederitreanla.com 
FB: www.facebook.com/unitederitreanla
___________________________________________

Simon on the Record for a 4th Straight Time

​Simon did it for a 4th straight time (4th round speech contest) and won $4,500 scholarship reward.
Congratulation Simon! Well done and we are proud of you!!! What an achievement!!
Simon, you make yourself, your family, your friend, and the entire Eritrean community in LA, OC, RS, and SB counties proud of you!!
The 5th round is around the corner with $6,500 reward for scholarship.
Simon, the Eritrean community wish you all the best and good luck.
Thanks,
UEA
___________________________________________
United Eritrean Association 
Address: P.O. Box 45938 Los Angeles, California 90045
Email: Unitederitreanla@gmail.com 
Website: http://www.unitederitreanla.com 
FB: www.facebook.com/unitederitreanla
___________________________________________

Proud of you Meron

One of our talent young man, Meron Ghulbet, from LA is a recipient of the Mary R. Stauffer Scholarship during the Honors Night on March 27, 2017. He is recognized for being exceptional and outstanding student. He was celebrated and officially recognized for being Five-Semester Honoree Student and an A-student for straight three years!!

Please join us in congratulating Meron for his outstanding achievement.

His short but great speech attached below.
Congratulation Meron! Well done our bright young man. We all are proud of you!
Thank you,
UEA

___________________________________________
United Eritrean Association (UEA)
Address: P.O. Box 45938   Los Angeles, California 90045
Email: Unitederitreanla@gmail.com                              
Website: http://www.unitederitreanla.com 
FB: www.facebook.com/unitederitreanla
___________________________________________

Pictorial Report of Sbye's Reception at the Rogers Park

Hi All - 
This is a final summary of last week's event and a pictorial report of the reception (below). It's also posted on the UEA FB page at https://www.facebook.com/unitederitreanla

Sibhatu (Sbye) Kesete, we all are very proud of you. You are THE product of Eritrean heroism; the fruit of the I can-do people no mater what the challenge is and no mater how life through obstacles at you. You are the embodiment of Eritrea steady-fastness and unwavering commitment. On the big stage, you showed us how one can cope and deal with the obstacles you faced the Eritrean way. Your show of love to our Eritrean martyrs and our disable heroes and veterans is very commendable.

The below one paragraph is in Tigrigna and if you can't read it, check the UEA FB page. 
ስቤ፡ እንኳዕ ናትና ኮንካ። ታሪካ ታሪኽ ጀጋኑ፡ ስራሕኻ ስራሕ ጀጋኑ፡ ኣብ ልዕሊ ሰማእታትናን ጀጋኑ ስንኩላትናን ዘለካ ክብረት፡ ነቕ ዘይብል ድሌትካን ሓቦኻን ሕላገት ኤርትራውነትካ እዩ'ሞ እንኳዕ ሞጎሰካ። ሕማምካ ተጻዊርካ፡ ቃንዛኻ በዲህካ፡ ነፍስኻ ምልስ ከየበልካ፡ ክገብር'የ ኢልካ ብኒሕን ሓቦን ውድድርካ ምዝዛምካ ዮሃና። ኣብ ዝቕጽል ጻዕርኻ፡ ዝተዓጻጸፈ ዓወት ከምተሓፍስ ኣይንጠራጠርን።

Thank you LA and all surrounding communities for coming out to support Sbye during the LA Marathon race and joining us at Rogers Park to celebrate and honor him.

Above all, THANK YOU SELLA (School of Eritrean Languages Los Angeles) students for taking your time to write Sbye individual letters and for reading some of these letters on the stage to honor him. That was one of the greatest moment!!! That's unreserved Eritrean love! Thank you!!!

Those who volunteered to make the event and Sbye's stay a success, Thank You! We couldn't have done it without the involvement of many.

Thank you Robel for putting together the pictorial report.

Thank you,
UEA 
___________________________________________
United Eritrean Association  (UEA)
Address: P.O. Box 45938   Los Angeles, California 90045
Email: Unitederitreanla@gmail.com                              
Website: http://www.unitederitreanla.com 
FB: www.facebook.com/unitederitreanla
___________________________________________

Proud of You Simon

One of our talent young man, Simon, from LA is on a fierce competition in speech contest. 
MD-4 California Lions Students Speakers Program for 2016-2017. Two down four more to go, Simon was talented enough to win the first and second round of speech contests and won $100 and $150, respectively. We all are proud of you Simon!! Keep climbing up and the sky is the limit. 
Please congratulate Simon and wish him the best for the rest of the competition. Some pictures below.

Thank you,
UEA
___________________________________________
United Eritrean Association  
Address: P.O. Box 45938   Los Angeles, California 90045
Email: Unitederitreanla@gmail.com                              
Website: http://www.unitederitreanla.com 
FB: www.facebook.com/unitederitreanla
___________________________________________

A heat alert is issued by the Los Angeles County Health Officer (below). Please read it through and be safe. Share the info with your contacts. 
Thanks,
United Eritrean Association (UEA)

Heat Alert: High temperatures forecast for Los Angeles Basin
 
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Health Officer has issued a Heat Alert as high temperatures have been forecast for Los Angeles Basin today, September 27.

The Department of Public Health would like to remind everyone that precautions should be taken, especially by individuals who participate in outdoor activities, older adults, caretakers of infants and children, and those sensitive to the heat. This alert may be extended if weather conditions do not improve.

“When temperatures are high, even a few hours of exertion may cause severe dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Others who are frail or have chronic health conditions may develop serious health problems leading to death if they are exposed to high temperatures over several days,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer, Los Angeles County. “Thus, it is critically important to never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in homes with no air conditioning and particularly in vehicles, even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open, as temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels. If you have an elderly or infirm neighbor without air conditioning, make sure that they get to a cooling center or other air conditioned space between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.”

For a list of Cooling Centers and information on heat- related illnesses and prevention, please visit the Public Health website at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, or call the LA County Information line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone within the county. To locate the nearest cooling center, go to http://bit.ly/BeatTheHeat2016. Call your local Cooling Center for hours of operation.

“While it is very important that everyone take special care of themselves, it is equally important that we reach out to those who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of extreme heat, including children, the elderly, and their pets,” said Dr. Gunzenhauser. “Extreme heat such as this is not just an inconvenience, it can be dangerous and even deadly, but we can protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors if we take steps to remain cool and hydrated.”

Schools, day camps, and non-school related sports organizations or athletes should take extra precautions during extreme heat. Practices and other outdoor activities should be scheduled for very early or very late in the day in order to limit the amount of time spent in the sun and heat.

Additional tips for those who must work or exercise outdoors:

• Ensure that cool drinking water is available.
• Drink water or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks often; do not wait until you are thirsty.
• Avoid drinking sweetened drinks, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Avoid drinking extremely cold water as this is more likely to cause cramps.
• Allow athletes or outdoor workers to take frequent rests.
• Pay attention to signs of dehydration which include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. Individuals with these symptoms should be moved to a cooler, shaded place, and given water or sport drinks. More severe signs of heat-related illness may include diminished judgment, disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing.
• Coaches, teachers, and employers should seek immediate medical attention for those exhibiting signs of heat-related illness.
• Avoid unnecessary exertion, such as vigorous exercise during peak sun hours, if you are outside or in a non-air conditioned building.

Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions:

• During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities such as cooling centers, shopping malls, parks, and libraries to stay cool.
• Do not rely only on open windows or a fan as a primary way to stay cool. Use the air conditioner. If you’re on reduced income, find out more about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, by calling (866) 675-6623 or contacting your utility provider.
• Older adults and those on certain medications may not exhibit signs of dehydration until several hours after dehydration sets in. Stay hydrated by frequently drinking cool water. If you’re on a special diet that limits liquids, check with your doctor for information on the amount of water to consume.
• Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect against sun damage. And remember to use sun screen and to wear sunglasses.

  Infants and Children:

• It is illegal to leave an infant or child unattended in a vehicle (California Vehicle Code Section 15620).
• Infants and young children can get dehydrated very quickly. Make sure they are given plenty of cool water to drink.
• Keep children indoors or shaded as much as possible.
• Dress children in loose, lightweight, and light colored clothing.

  Pets:

• Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows ‘cracked’ or open.
• Outdoor animals should be given plenty of shade and clean drinking water.
• Do not leave pets outside in the sun.
• Pets should not be left in a garage as garages can get very hot due to lack of ventilation and insulation.

Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat Cramps:

• Symptoms include muscular pains and spasms, usually in the stomach, arms or leg muscles.
• Heat cramps usually result from heavy exertion, such as exercise, during extreme heat.
• Although heat cramps are the least severe of all heat-related problems, they are usually the first signal that the body is having trouble coping with hot temperatures. Heat cramps should be treated immediately with rest, fluids and getting out of the heat.
• Seek medical attention if pain is severe or nausea occurs.

  Heat Exhaustion:

• Symptoms include heavy sweating, pale and clammy moist skin, extreme weakness or fatigue, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness or confusion, nausea or vomiting, fast and shallow breathing, or fainting.
• First Aid: Heat exhaustion should be treated immediately with rest in a cool area, sipping water or a sports drink, applying cool and wet cloths and elevating the feet 12 inches.
• If left untreated, victims may go into heat stroke.
• Seek medical attention if the person does not respond to the above, basic treatment.

  Heat Stroke:

• Symptoms include flushed, hot, moist skin or a lack of sweat, high body temperature (above 103ºF), confusion or dizziness, possible unconsciousness, throbbing headache, rapid, or strong pulse.
• Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness and occurs when a person’s temperature control system, which produces sweat, stops working.
• Heat stroke may lead to brain damage and death.
• First Aid: Call 911. Move victim to a cool shaded area. Fan the body, and spray body with water.

What's New in Our Community? Send us community related news and we will post it here. Thank you.

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A Special Recognition Award
Congratulation Tsega Habte, one of our own who is being recognized for her volunteer work to receive A Special Recognition Award, at the Bridget "Biddy" Mason. Details below.

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH AT THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF A CALL FOR BOLDNESS IN HONOUR OF BIDDY MASON
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

It is with great honor, profound humility and everlasting gratitude that I accept this incredible honor and the Biddy Mason Award for Boldness. 
I was guided and inspired by the superior talent, work ethics and story of the late great Biddy Mason to establish the First Eritrean Church for East African immigrants in Los Angeles. Today, this particular church has over a thousand-member congregation and serves South LA.
 
Biddy Mason you are great, your Legacy shines bright and I am blessed to be the recipient of this great award.   
I dedicate the award to my two daughters:    Merhawit Daniel Mehzun and Meseret Daniel Mehzun.
In accepting this award, I commit to raising my twins in the footsteps of Biddy Mason: a woman whose vision shines like a ray of light in the midst of darkness; a woman of courage who refused to be broken; a woman of faith who fought evil with good.
In accepting this honor, I feel a great sense of pride that I am an American. This is the country that opened its doors when I ran away from a war torn, unsettled country. This is the country that gave me education and led me to a profession. This is where I met and married my husband. This is where I received the true gift of God: my twin daughters.  America is where I will spend the rest of my life and it will be my resting place. 

In accepting this honour, I say, loud and clear, I am a proud member of the African American family.   A descendant of East Africa, a country named Eritrea. Today, I stand in front of you to receive this prestigious award because of the sacrifices paid by African Americans. As a Black woman, I am fully aware of how far we have come and how much more we need to travel.  I am ready to walk on this journey, hand in hand, with my people, following the footsteps of the great Biddy Mason.

In accepting this honor, I feel a great sense of belonging to my immediate family of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) of Los Angeles. To some of you, FAME is a place of worship where you go on Sundays. To me, FAME is my family. It is my home which gave me hope when I despaired, strength when I fatigued and joy when I grieved. 
​
I would like to conclude by saying that today, more than ever before, we need Biddy Mason. We need her because we still have much more to be done. We need her because our journey is incomplete. We need her vision to guide us in this long and difficult route.
We need her courage so we can stand firm in these uncertain times of injustice, discrimination, polarization, and conflict here in our own city and our nation. We need her determination to arrive at our final destination.  And, we need her spirit and soul when we celebrate our accomplishments.
 
Words cannot describe what I am feeling right now.
It is absolutely a great honor.
I am humbled and grateful
God bless all! Thank you !!!!
Tsega Habte ​

Good Morning Tsega,
I am contacting you to congratulate you on being selected to receive a special recognition award at the annual, A CALL FOR BOLDNESS CELEBRATION on Saturday August 13, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Biddy Mason Memorial Park, 333 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA.
This annual event honors women who have demonstrated bold commitments to the issues of civil rights, social justice and undeserved communities.
You have been selected as a result of your steadfast loyalty to FAME and the ministries of FAME.  Congratulations!!
You are also encouraged to invite family and friend to share this special day with you.
This event is part of a weekend that has been designed to honor the birthday of, Biddy Mason.  
Of particular interest to you and your lovely daughters might be the reading of the play, The Heart of Biddy Mason which is scheduled to be presented at FAME on the Plaza Level on the evening of August 13.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  
Again, please accept my sincere congratulations!
Blessings,
Jackie

Saturday August 13, 2016  10:30:00AM, - 1:00PM
A CALL FOR BOLDNESS
The Biddy Mason Memorial Park
333 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 
Jackie Broxton
   Director                                                                                        
The Biddy Mason Charitable Foundation
323 697 5378

​Adam Amanuel: Excels in athletics, academics, and arts. Press the link below to read the story.

LA sentinel: Adam-Amanuel-excels-in-athletics-academics-and-arts

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Ganta Selam is Back from Atlanta

Congratulation LA Selam soccer club for your participation in the 31st Eritrean Sports Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. The 2016 sports festival was organized by the Eritrean Sports Federation in North America (ERSFNA - https://www.eritreansports.com). Thank you for representing the LA and surrounding areas community. Thank you for your effort and commitment. You will be officially recognized and celebrated during the August 7, 2016 community event.  
The UEA Board, sport professionals, parents, and the community in general should come together to create vibrant sports teams (all ages and in both genders) in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. It's doable if there is a sustained commitment, engagement, and communication. 
Below is the team picture from Atlanta.
The UEA Board

Los Angeles Selam Soccer Club in Atlanta, 2016

Pictorial Report of the 25th Eritrean Independence Day Celebration in Los Angeles and Surrounding Counties.

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