VIEWPOINT

Letters to the Editor Re: Op-ed, L.A. the City of Refuge for Torture Survivors

By Dominque Quevedo, MSW, JD
Torture Survivors Project
Immigration Unit

Los Angeles Times, June 24, 2010

Mr. Meyerson’s outline of the phenomenal work of the Program for Torture Victims (PTV) is well deserved.  However, the exceptional work of other organizations in Los Angeles must also be acknowledged. The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles’ Torture Survivors Project (TSP) is a proud partner of PTV, working  with PTV and other organizations to provide a legal, holistic and a comprehensive approach to helping torture victims and their families.. Our immigration staff identifies and assists torture survivors, who are unaware of their eligibility for legal remedies and time-limited government benefits. We also provide family reunification, work authorization, post-asylum services and naturalization services, including assistance and referrals to asylum applicants. Recognizing that torture survivors have legal and social services needs, a social worker on staff provides much-needed case management and emotional support to clients. Community outreach is also integral to TSP, and all services are provided free of charge.

VIEWPOINT

Letters to the Editor Re: Op-ed, LA Should Abandon Rent Control

By Fernando Gaytan, Housing Litigator
Housing & Eviction Defense Unit
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

Los Angeles Times, May 21, 2010

As a housing attorney with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, I strongly disagree. During these economically uncertain times more stability is what renters need, not less. Having the majority of renters know that they won’t be evicted unless for cause, and able to predict what their housing costs will be in the years ahead, is generally a good thing. As a result, throughout this City, you can find stable neighborhoods where renters live for years with some relative sense of certainty about their housing costs. We need better enforcement of our housing laws, not less.

Rental housing has become less affordable as compared to 16 years ago and 58% of renters are still rent-burdened, meaning that they pay over 30% of their income on rent. Clearly, there is still a need to have a mechanism to curb unreasonable rent hikes.

VIEWPOINT

Letters to the Editor Re: Schwarzenegger’s ’ugly’ budget

By Dana Schumacher - Attorney, Government Benefits Unit
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

Los Angeles Times, May 19, 2010

The editorial raises important points and its defense of social service programs on economic and societal bases is noteworthy.

 However, the criticism of advocates and the courts is misplaced. It is their professional duty to protect the rights of those whose safety net is continually being ravaged by cuts, subjecting individuals to abject poverty.  

As noted, every cut has a domino effect.  Advocates see the effects of the cuts upon clients who are desperate and can no longer afford to pay their rent.  We assist elderly citizens who want the dignity of living out their lives in their own home. 

The Courts see the cuts which violate the federal laws under which the programs operate.  Their job is to ensure that the laws are enforced. 

 The ultimate question is why programs for elderly, disabled and poor are constantly targeted.  Clearly there are more humane ways to balance a budget. 

 

 

 

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