Earth Day: LAPD Spearheads Program to Create Strong Ties with Youth NA16074ti

WHAT: Sea In The City (Seainthecity.org), a nonprofit collaboration between the LAPD, The Surfrider Foundation, and artist Hilton Alves, will unveil new ocean themed murals at elementary schools Ann Street Elementary in Central L.A. and Holmes Avenue Elementary in South L.A. The program was created in an effort to creatively inspire children, help heal environmental stress in children, and stimulate classroom participation.

WHEN: Earth Day, Friday, April 22, 2016 12:00 to 1:00pm

WHERE: Ann St. Elementary 126 Bloom St Los Angeles, CA 90012

WHO: Bobby Arcos, Deputy Chief, LAPD Richard Quijano, Principal, Ann Street Elementary Patricia Gonzalez, Principal, Holmes Avenue Elementary Hilton Alves, Mural Artist The Office of Council Member Curren D Price Jr. (Holmes) Council Member Gil Cedillo (Ann Street) Craig Cadwallader, Chair of Southbay Surfrider Chapter Justine Makoff, Executive Director, Sea In The City

WHY: Studies have shown that creating and being around art has a phenomenal ability to inspire and broaden perspectives and horizons in people. Yet, access to art in California schools is often rare for children in underserved communities. Less than three percent of K-12 education spending is on arts education in California public schools. Sea in The City will allow youth to participate in a special art activity designed to cultivate their critical thinking and creative problem solving skills, enhance dexterity, and sharpen curiosity.

VISUALS: *Mural ribbon cutting ceremony *Speakers talking to children in playground in front of mural *Announcement of winners for student ocean art contest *Distribution of gifts and prizes to children by TOMS *One-on-one interview with speaker

CONTACT: For further information, contact Joanne Forster, at (310) 498-7585 or joanne@mojoprgroup.com.