Miscellaneous

‘America is on the move again,’ LGBTQ Americans lifted up as Biden delivers State of the Union

To all the transgender Americans watching at home – especially the young people who are so brave – I want you to know that your president has your back

Published

3 years ago

April 28, 2021

Brody Levesque

WASHINGTON – In a historic first for an address to a joint session of the Congress by an American President, Joe Biden delivered his maiden State of the Union address with two powerful women politicos on the podium behind him.

Vice-President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the U. S. House Nancy Pelosi watched as Biden addressed a sparsely filled House chamber as the officials of the American government observed the established COVID-19 guidelines for indoor gatherings mandated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In his opening the president noted the historic nature of the moment by saying, “Madame Speaker. Madame Vice President. No president has ever said those words from this podium, and it’s about time.”

He commenced his remarks noting, “As I stand here tonight, we are just one day shy of the 100th day of my administration. 100 days since I took the oath of office—lifted my hand off our family Bible—and inherited a nation in crisis. The worst pandemic in a century. The worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War.

Now—after just 100 days—I can report to the nation: America is on the move again. Turning peril into possibility. Crisis into opportunity. Setback into strength.”

As the president continued listing the accomplishments of his White House, reaction at times was purely partisan with Congressional Republicans withholding applause.

The president listed accomplishments including the American Rescue Plan, critical investments to address the opioid crisis, along with “Rental assistance to keep people from being evicted from their homes. Providing loans to keep small businesses open and their employees on the job.”

The president’s emphasis also was pro-union in remarks about the American Rescue Plan. “The Americans Jobs Plan is a blue-collar blueprint to build America,” Biden said. “And, it recognizes something I’ve always said: Wall Street didn’t build this country. The middle class built this country. And unions built the middle class,” he added.

He then called for Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act – the PRO Act — “and send it to my desk to support the right to unionize.”

He then told lawmakers, “By the way – let’s also pass the $15 minimum wage. No one should work 40 hours a week and still live below the poverty line. And we need to ensure greater equity and opportunity for women.
Let’s get the Paycheck Fairness Act to my desk for equal pay. It’s long past time.”

The President also introduced the American Families Plan. He highlighted what he saw as four critical areas to be addressed by this plan. “First, access to a good education. […] Second, the American Families plan will provide access to quality, affordable child care. […] Third, the American Families Plan will finally provide up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave. […] And fourth, the American Families Plan puts money directly into the pockets of millions of families.” The last item Biden told lawmakers that the up to a $3,000 Child Tax Credit for children over 6 — and $3,600 for children under 6 should be extended to at least through the end of 2025.

Then he addressed taxes which is has been a long time Republican platform issue. “Let’s start with what I will not do. I will not impose any tax increases on people making less than $400,000 a year. It’s time for corporate America and the wealthiest 1% of Americans to pay their fair share,” Biden said.

“Just pay their fair share. A recent study shows that 55 of the nation’s biggest corporations paid zero in federal income tax last year.
No federal taxes on more than $40 billion in profits. […] That’s not right,” he added and then said, “We’re going to reform corporate taxes so they pay their fair share – and help pay for the public investments their businesses will benefit from.”

The President also addressed climate change, nuclear talks and agreements and the final withdrawal of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

“After 20 years of American valor and sacrifice, it’s time to bring our troops home. Even as we do, we will maintain an over—the—horizon capability to suppress future threats to the homeland. But make no mistake – the terrorist threat has evolved beyond Afghanistan since 2001 and we will remain vigilant against threats to the United States, wherever they come from,” he said.

Biden spoke about the ongoing issues over racial injustice in the United States. “My fellow Americans, we must come together to heal the soul of this nation. It was nearly a year ago before her father’s funeral, when I spoke with Gianna Floyd, George Floyd’s young daughter. As I knelt down to talk to her so we could talk eye—to—eye, she said to me, “Daddy changed the world.”

“After the conviction of George Floyd’s murderer, we can see how right she was – if we have the courage to act. We have all seen the knee of injustice on the neck of Black America. Now is our opportunity to make real progress. Most men and women in uniform wear their badge and serve their communities honorably. […] My fellow Americans, we have to come together. To rebuild trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. To root out systemic racism in our criminal justice system.

And to enact police reform in George Floyd’s name that passed the House already. I know the Republicans have their own ideas and are engaged in productive discussions with Democrats. We need to work together to find a consensus. Let’s get it done next month, by the first anniversary of George Floyd’s death. The country supports this reform. Congress should act.”

The President addressed the rising hate in the nation, saying, “I also want to thank the Senate for voting 94—1 to pass the COVID—19 Hate Crimes Act to protect Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders from the vicious hate crimes we’ve seen this past year – and for too long. I urge the House to do the same and send that legislation to my desk as soon as possible.

The president then urged Congress to pass the Equality Act to protect LGBTQ Americans. “I also hope Congress can get to my desk the Equality Act to protect the rights of LGBTQ Americans. To all the transgender Americans watching at home – especially the young people who are so brave – I want you to know that your president has your back.”

“To all the transgender Americans watching at home – especially the young people who are so brave – I want you to know that your president has your back”

President Biden also stressed that the nation especially Congress needed to address gun violence and mass shootings. “I need not tell anyone this, but gun violence is an epidemic in America,” he said.

“I will do everything in my power to protect the American people from this epidemic of gun violence. But it’s time for Congress to act as well. […[ The country supports reform, and the Congress should act. This shouldn’t be a Red vs. Blue issue. It’s an American issue.”

Biden spoke about the need for Immigration Reform. He pointed at the need for Congress to address immigration saying, “If you believe we need a secure border – pass it. If you believe in a pathway to citizenship – pass it. If you actually want to solve the problem – I have sent you a bill, now pass it.

We also have to get at the root of the problem of why people are fleeing to our southern border from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador. The violence. The corruption. The gangs. The political instability. Hunger. Hurricanes. Earthquakes.”

He told Congress, “when I was Vice President, I focused on providing the help needed to address these root causes of migration. But the last administration shut it down.” He then noted he was restoring immigration initiatives and asking Vice-President Harris to oversee those efforts.

He urged Congress to pass the Dream Act. “Congress needs to pass legislation this year to finally secure protection for the Dreamers – the young people who have only known America as their home.

And, permanent protections for immigrants on temporary protected status who come from countries beset by man—made and natural made violence and disaster,” he said.

The president spoke about what he deemed “the sacred right to vote.”

“Congress should pass H.R. 1 and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and send them to my desk right away. The country supports it. Congress should act.

As we gather here tonight, the images of a violent mob assaulting this Capitol—desecrating our democracy—remain vivid in our minds. Lives were put at risk. Lives were lost. Extraordinary courage was summoned.

The insurrection was an existential crisis—a test of whether our democracy could survive. It did. But the struggle is far from over. The question of whether our democracy will long endure is both ancient and urgent.”

He closed with an homage to the opening of the U.S. Constitution, “We the People” and then asked all Americans, “That we all do our part.”

“We are the United States of America.

There is nothing – nothing – beyond our capacity – nothing we can’t do – if we do it together.”

Kierra Johnson, the Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force in an emailed statement reacted to Biden’s remarks;

“Tonight, the President laid out a broad agenda that would improve the lives of diverse LGBTQ people in this country in so many ways, from the $15 national minimum wage to the infrastructure bill and the new American Families Bill, police reform, the expansion of hate crimes protections, gun control, voting rights and protecting our democracy and more. He prioritized the Equality Act as well, saying ‘I also hope Congress can get to my desk the Equality Act to protect the rights of LGBTQ Americans. To all the transgender Americans watching at home – especially the young people who are so brave – I want you to know that your president has your back.’

I believe Congressman John Lewis would be mighty pleased, for the President’s speech shows he and Vice-President Harris are all about making good trouble,” Johnson added.

PFLAG National Executive Director Brian K. Bond—who previously served in the Obama-Biden Administration also reacted to the president’s remarks; “We are grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support of our LGBTQ+ loved ones. His commitment to passing the Equality Act—critical legislation that would modernize our nation’s civil rights laws by including explicit protections for LGBTQ people, as well as improve protections for women, people of color, people with different national origins, and people of all faiths—has meant so much to our families. We are also moved by his vocal support of our trans kids, whose rights and very lives have been under assault with hundreds of dangerous and damaging bills in 33 states across this country.

“PFLAGers everywhere join the President in calling on Congress to pass the Equality Act. Our families will continue doing the work of bravely sharing their stories with legislators about why the Equality Act would protect their LGBTQ+ loved ones—and the ways in which these dangerous and damaging anti-trans bills are hurting their kids.”

Community Services - PSA

Youth Baseball & Softball Leagues for the Spring 2023 are back!

Published

1 year ago

February 10, 2023

LA Blade Digital Staff

Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – As the world gets a little warmer and we settle into the Spring season, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is proud to announce the return of our Youth Baseball and Softball Leagues for the Spring 2023 season.

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL ARE BACK!

Sign up for our Spring Sports Leagues, Coming to an LA County Parks Near You!

REGISTER FOR YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES TODAY!

YOUTH BASEBALL

Baseball season is right around the corner, now’s the perfect time to sign up your young athletes for our Youth Baseball Leagues! Our Baseball Leagues will provide an emphasis on learning fundamentals of Baseball, skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun. League will run for 10 weeks and consist of one weekday practice and one game every Saturday. Game score and league standing will be kept. Rules will be enforced. Registration fee will include uniform, award, and umpire. Qualifying teams will advance and participate in the playoffs.

Divisions & Dates:
D3-D6: April 15 – June 12

AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING PARKS
Divisions 3 – 6

NORTH AGENCY

Castaic Sports Complex: 31230 N. Castaic Rd., Castaic 91384 | (661) 775 8865

George Lane Park: 5520 W. Avenue, L-8, Quartz Hill, 93534 | (661) 722 7780

Jackie Robinson Park: 8773 E. Avenue R, Littlerock, 93543 | (661) 944 2880

Stephen Sorensen Park: 16801 E. Avenue P, Lake Los Angeles, 93591 | (661) 264 1249

El Cariso: 13100 Hubbard Street, Sylmar, 91342 | (818) 367 5043

Loma Alta: 3330 North Lincoln Avenue, Altadena, 91001 | (626) 398 5451

Pearblossom Park: 33922 North 121st St East, Pearblossom, 93553 | (661) 944 2988

Val Verde Park: 30300 Arlington St Castaic, 91384 | (661) 257 4014

EAST AGENCY

Arcadia Park: 405 S. Santa Anita Ave. Arcadia 91006 | (626) 821 4619

Allen Martin Park: 14830 E. Giordano St. La Puente 91744 | (626) 918 5263

Bassett Park: 510 Vineland Ave. Bassett | (626) 333 0959

Charter Oak Park: 20261 E. Covina Blvd. Covina, 91723 | (626) 339 0411

Dalton Park: 18867 E. Armstead St., Azusa, 91702 | (626) 852 1491

Manzanita Park: 1747 S. Kwis Ave., Hacienda Heights, 91745 | (626) 336 6246

Pathfinder Park: 18150 Pathfinder Rd., Rowland Heights, 91748 (562) 690 0933

Pamela Park: 2236 Goodall Ave. Duarte, 91010 | (626) 357 1619

Rimgrove Park: 747 North Rimgrove Dr. La Puente 91744 | (626) 330 8798

Rowland Heights Park: 1500 Banida Ave. Rowland Heights, 91748 | (626) 912 6774

San Angelo Park: 245 S. San Angelo Ave. La Puente 91746 | (626) 333 6162

Sunshine Park: 515 S. Deepmead Ave. La Puente, 91744 | (626) 854 5559

Steinmetz Park: 1545 S. Stimson Ave. Hacienda Heights, 91748 | (626) 855 5383

Valleydale Park: 5225 N. Lark Ellen Ave., Azusa, CA 91702 – (626) 334-8020

SOUTH AGENCY

Amigo Park: 5700 Juarez Ave. Whittier, 90606 | (562) 908-4702

La Mirada Park: 13701 South Adelfa Ave. La Mirada, 90638 | (562) 902-5645

Mayberry Park: 13201 East Meyer Rd, Whittier, 90605 | (562) 944-9727

Sorenson Park: 11419 Rosehedge Dr. Whittier, 90606 | (562) 908-7763

GIRLS SOFTBALL

Girl’s Softball League will provide an emphasis on learning fundamentals of Softball, skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun. League will run for 10 weeks and consist of one weekday practice and one game every Saturday. Game score and league standing will be kept. Softball rules will be enforced. Registration fee will include uniform, award, and umpire. Qualifying teams will be advance and participate in the playoffs.

Divisions & Dates

D3 – D6: April 15 – June 12

AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING PARKS
DIVISIONS 3 – 6