When you ask Patricia Pérez why she’s involved with so many community organizations, she’s quick to answer. She focuses her volunteer work on the issues that matter to her: non-profits, job creation, and the environment. As the newest member of AARP California’s Executive Council, the team of leadership volunteers that helps to shape and execute our organization’s statewide priorities, she has ideas to help blend the three into her service.

It’s no surprise she’s an avid outdoorswoman who loves to hike, as she serves on the board of the California State Parks Foundation, which advocates for the nation’s largest state parks system. She’s also on the Executive Committee of the City of Los Angeles Workforce Investment Board and a board member with the Center for Non-Profit Management. This is in addition to her work as a partner with VPE Public Relations, one of the nation’s largest Latino-owned communications agencies.

A native of El Paso, Texas, Patricia moved to California to attend UCLA. She’s been with VPE since 1990, becoming a partner in 1992. Part of the agency’s mission is to use their formidable professional skills for the betterment of the community. “It’s the best of both worlds,” she says. “I get to represent great companies and do something meaningful, working with companies interested in building community partnerships for the long term.”

With all of this on her plate, it’s hard to believe she has free time, but she laughingly admits that she’s recently taken up golf and loves it. She also enjoys spending time with her family; she and her husband Frank live in Eagle Rock with their 15-year-old son David. We felt lucky that she was able to make time to join us for lunch today to discuss what she hopes to accomplish as an Executive Council member and why she’d tell her best friend to join AARP.

What attracted you to AARP?

Collectively, we’re looking forward to segunda vida, or a second life, where we can work, take up new sports, have time and disposable income, and be healthy as we age. I want to advocate for this population to receive the programs and services they have been counting on receiving after retirement, but also talk about the opportunities available through AARP. Everything that’s important to me, I can find through AARP, from philanthropy to volunteerism, employment opportunities, and encouraging outdoor activities.

I’ve been an AARP member for 14 years but did not get deeply involved until I won a contract to support AARP’s communications effort. Once I started seeing the whole breadth of what the organization offers, I was so impressed. When the opportunity came up to serve on the Executive Council, I said absolutely!

What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Executive Council?

First, I want to work with the leadership team in meeting the organization’s business priorities, both on advocacy and on member growth. Then I hope to introduce new opportunities, new alliances, and new audiences that perhaps we haven’t worked with in the past, such as environmental groups, including Latinos working on preserving open space. Such groups protect the legacy of our state for our kids and grandkids. For families, parks and open space provide an opportunity to have a great time connecting with nature without spending a lot of money.

You’re at your best friend’s house and she receives her invitation in the mail to join AARP. What would you say to her about why she should join?

The immediate answer is self-interest: all the benefits, discounts, and other advantages that you get just from membership. AARP membership pays for itself a couple of times over when you use any of those discounts. But at the same time, you’re joining a community. The fact that you are invited to join means you’re eligible to be a part of this community and it’s wonderful to be a part of a group that’s watching out for your best interests. By the simple act of joining AARP, you’re protecting your future and the future of many others.

If you’d like help us welcome Patricia, leave a comment here, on Twitter, or on Facebook! You can also follow Patricia on Twitter @2Latina.

AARP is committed to providing education and outreach on issues like health care and financial security. With 3.1 million AARP members in California, it would be impossible for us to be in every community. Fortunately, we have dedicated volunteers who participate in local events to share critical information with our members and the public.

On Saturday, May 18th, two of our San Gabriel Valley volunteers, Mike Schutz and Ron Brillhart, joined Assemblymember Ed Chau for the 49th California State Assembly District Consumer Assistance Fair at Mark Keppel High School in Alhambra. They shared information on Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, focusing in particular on the California Health Insurance Exchange (known as Covered California).

Covered California will be the new state-based marketplace where you will be able to shop for health insurance. Starting in 2014, individuals and small businesses will be able to compare the benefits and costs of health plans side by side. For individuals and families, the exchange is a single place where you can enroll in and purchase private or public health insurance coverage. For small businesses, the exchange is a way to level the playing field, where you have better choice of plans and insurers, the way larger employers do now. Covered California will also help you determine if you’re eligible for health programs or tax credits that make coverage more affordable.

For more information about the Affordable Care Act and how it impacts you and your family, check out the AARP Picture Better Health site, helping you understand the health care law one piece at a time.

Want to know when AARP is in your community at events like this one? Sign up for our state email to get notified about events and programs in your area and join us on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the know!

Cuando le pregunta a Patricia Pérez por qué es parte de tantas organizaciones comunitarias, ella rápidamente responde que ella enfoca su trabajo voluntario en los temas que le importan más: las organizaciones no lucrativas, la creación de empleos, y el medio ambiente. Como el miembro más nuevo del Concilio Ejecutivo de AARP California, el equipo de líderes voluntarios que ayuda a dar forma y a ejecutar las prioridades estatales de la organización, ella tiene ideas para ayudar a mezclar estas tres áreas en su servicio.

No es ninguna sorpresa que sea una ávida amante del aire libre a la que le encanta hacer caminatas, ya que es miembro de la junta de la Fundación de Parques del Estado de California, la cual aboga por el sistema de parques estatales más grande de la nación. También es miembro del Comité Ejecutivo de la Junta de Inversión de la Fuerza Laboral de Los Ángeles y miembro de la junta del Centro de Administración de Organizaciones no Lucrativas. Esto, además de su trabajo como socia de VPE Relaciones Publicas, una de las agencias con propietarios latinos más grandes del país.

Originaria de El Paso, Texas, Patricia se mudó a California para asistir a UCLA. Ha estado con VPE desde 1990, convirtiéndose en socia en 1992. Parte de la misión de la agencia es utilizar sus formidables habilidades profesionales para el mejoramiento de la comunidad. “Es lo mejor de ambos mundos,” dice ella. “Represento a grandes compañías y hago algo significativo, trabajando con empresas interesadas en construir alianzas con la comunidad a largo plazo.”

Con todo esto en su haber, cuesta creer que ella tenga tiempo libre, pero se ríe al admitir que recientemente empezó a jugar golf y le encanta. También disfruta estar con su familia; ella y su esposo Frank viven en Eagle Rock con su hijo de 15 años David. Tuvimos mucha suerte de que tuviera tiempo de sentarse con nosotras a almorzar hoy y discutir acerca de lo que ella espera lograr como miembro del Concilio Ejecutivo y que le diría a su mejor amiga para que se haga miembro de AARP.

¿Qué le atrajo de AARP?

Colectivamente, estamos ansiosos por vivir “una segunda vida,” donde podemos trabajar, aprender nuevos deportes, tener tiempo y dinero disponibles, y estar sanos mientras envejecemos. Quiero abogar por esta población para que reciban los programas y servicios que esperan recibir después de sus jubilaciones, pero también hablarles de las oportunidades disponibles a través de AARP. Todo lo que es importante para mí, lo puedo encontrar a través de AARP, desde filantropía hasta voluntarismo, oportunidades de empleo, y exhortar a hacer actividades al aire libre.

He sido miembro de AARP por 14 años pero no me involucre profundamente hasta que obtuve un contrato para apoyar los esfuerzos de comunicación de AARP. Una vez que comencé a ver la totalidad de lo que la organización ofrece, quedé muy impresionada. Cuando la oportunidad de servir en el Comité Ejecutivo vino, dije ¡definitivamente!

¿Qué espera alcanzar como miembro del Comité Ejecutivo?

Primero, quiero trabajar con el liderazgo en alcanzar las prioridades de negocios de la organización, tanto en abogacía como en crecimiento a nivel de miembros. Luego, espero introducir nuevas oportunidades, nuevas alianzas, y nuevas audiencias con las que tal vez no hemos trabajado en el pasado, tales como los grupos ambientalistas, incluyendo a latinos trabajando para preservar los espacios abiertos. Tales grupos protegen el legado de nuestro estado para nuestros hijos y nietos. Para las familias, los parques y el espacio abierto brindan una oportunidad de pasarla muy bien comulgando con la naturaleza sin gastar mucho dinero.

Se encuentra en la casa de su mejor amiga y ella recibe su invitación en el correo para unirse a AARP. ¿Qué le diría a ella acerca de por qué debería hacerse miembro?

La respuesta inmediata es por interés propio: todos los beneficios, descuentos, y otras ventajas que obtienes solo con la membresía. La membresía de AARP se paga a si misma más de un par de veces cuando usas cualquiera de esos descuentos. Pero al mismo tiempo, te estas uniendo a una comunidad. El hecho de que estés siendo invitada a unirte significa que eres elegible a ser parte de esta comunidad y es maravilloso ser parte de un grupo que está velando por tus intereses. Con el simple acto de unirse a AARP, estas protegiendo tu futuro y el futuro de muchos más.

Si le gustaría ayudarnos a darle la bienvenida a Patricia, deje un comentario aquí, o en Twitter, o en Facebook. También puede seguir a Patricia en Twitter @2Latina.

When we won a stay in a Montana cabin in a silent auction last fall, my husband Greg and I decided to make our vacation a road trip, something we’d never done together before. We left late last month and spent two full weeks on the road. It was absolutely incredible but we definitely learned a lot from the experience! I thought I’d share our best tips with our readers.

1) Prepare your ride.

This is critical, whether you do it yourself or have your mechanic handle it. A week before we left, my husband took his car in for an oil change and checkup. We wanted to be certain our car was prepared to handle the miles we’d be putting on it far from home. Be sure to check the tire pressure, fluid levels, and lights and signals. You don’t want to end up by the side of the road because your tire treads were worn through or you forgot to add coolant. If there’s something wrong with your vehicle that can’t be fixed before you leave, it may not be in the right shape for taking on a trip. Which leads me to our next tip…

2) Make you’re ready for a roadside emergency.

We were fortunate not to need a roadside emergency kit, something we completely forgot to pack. It wasn’t until we were stopped at a beautiful vista near the Columbia River and saw a gentleman working on his car that I thought to ask if my husband had jumper cables. The look on his face told me the answer – oops! I always have an emergency kit in my car, so I just assumed Greg did as well. Even if you don’t need it, you might be able to help someone else!

3) Make sure you’re ready for a people emergency, too.

While we weren’t prepared for a car breakdown, we were prepared for most other kinds. Greg’s pre-trip shopping list included a first aid kit, but you can make your own travel first aid kit with items you have on hand as well. We stowed our kit under the passenger seat just in case of a sprain, burn, or cut. We also had plenty of aspirin, allergy medication, melatonin, and band-aids in our ditty bags – and of course, we had our insurance cards just in case we needed medical assistance.

4) Plan your route.

You don’t need to know every stop you’ll make, but you should have an idea of what cities you’ll call home for an evening or more. There’s nothing worse than driving too long and finding yourself in the middle of nowhere with the nearest motel a hundred or more miles away. (I speak from youthful experience!) We spent time checking mileage between cities, deciding whether we wanted to drive a lot of hours in a given day or spend time exploring on another. We ended up planning our trip to include a mix of driving days, short stays in a couple of different places, and adventure days where we stopped in national parks.

5) Don’t forget the maps & guides.

We planned our trip online and my husband was smart enough to email the route to me before we left. As it turns out, there were places where we had zero internet connectivity, so having the email downloaded on my phone saved us from being totally lost. However, in retrospect, I should have picked up some free travel maps from our auto club or brought some guides from home. Don’t forget that you can also pick up free maps at many visitor information centers when you’re traveling.

6) Don’t worry about booking a hotel for every single night before you leave.

With today’s technology, it’s possible to check on hotel rates and book from the road with your smartphone or tablet. (Don’t forget the car chargers!) You can also look up tomorrow’s room while you’re in tonight’s hotel, using your laptop and the internet connection provided at most hotels. We actually changed our timetable halfway through the trip, leaving Montana a day earlier than originally planned; I was glad we hadn’t booked all of our hotels for the next leg of the trip yet. If you won’t have internet service, you might book a couple of days in advance to be safe. Note: if you’re camping instead, you do want to book your campgrounds in advance – they fill up quickly in the summer!

7) Do use your loyalty points for hotel stays.

I have a credit card that rewards me points towards a specific hotel chain; I use the card for most personal expenses to easily track what I spend. Until this trip, I’d only used the points one time for a free stay, so I had plenty accumulated – enough for three free nights in the course of two weeks! Plus, we were upgraded and offered freebies because I was a member of the hotel loyalty program.

8) Bring a cooler and some snacks.

When I was a kid, my family drove to Texas from Indiana each year with a cooler full of sandwiches and miniature boxes of cereal for the mornings. We didn’t go quite that far, but we took water, sodas, and an assortment of snacks including dried fruit, nuts, and chips. Okay, we also took a big bag of M&Ms, but that was all Greg, I swear! When we got the munchies, we didn’t have to stop and the plentiful water kept us hydrated. (We also took a few bottles of beer and wine for celebratory dinners and cozy evenings in hotels.)

9) Don’t overpack.

I’ll admit that we didn’t heed this tip. We had two huge bags of luggage, plus our cooler, two bicycles, helmets, hydration packs, and a fan. (Yes, I said a fan. I get hot at night!) Granted, we were traveling through areas with very different weather – Southern California and Montana are not the same temperature in late May and early June. However, we could have taken fewer cold weather items and still been fine. We also purchased some gear on the road, which made our luggage even heavier.

10) Take care of your health.

It never fails: I travel for more than a few days and I end up sick. It took until the end of our vacation, thank goodness, but I caught a nasty flu that landed me in bed for several days after we got home. (I’m still recovering!) While we’re home, we try to eat plenty of greens and have smoothies packed with spinach and fruit most mornings. On the road? Well, there are a lot more meals of burgers and a lot less healthy fare. I also usually take an immune boosting supplement, which I forgot at home. Next time, I won’t forget and I’ll be sure to pack more fruits and vegetables for snacking on the road.

11) Have fun!

This seems like a no-brainer, but it really is the most important part of your trip. We decided before we left that our trip was all about us having a good time and being together. Whether it rained or snowed, whether it was hot or cold, we were on an adventure. When we saw a cool point of interest, we stopped to take photos. When we ended up having a miserable time in the Montana cabin, we left a day early. When I got sick, we changed course to head to Central California on our last day instead of the coast so we could get home a little sooner. What was most important was that we had fun together.

How about you? What are your best road trip travel trips? Share in the comments below or tell us on Facebook or Twitter!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2013
CONTACT: Christina Clem, (916) 556-3024, cclem@aarp.org

AARP STATE DIRECTOR STATEMENT: MEDI-CAL EXPANSION PASSAGE

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today AARP California State Director Katie Hirning released the following statement regarding the announcement that both houses of the California legislature have passed the Medi-Cal Expansion as part of the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA):

“AARP is pleased with the legislature’s commitment to implementing the ACA in California. This landmark legislation will provide millions of low-income Californians with the coverage they need.  It will help 50 to 64-year-olds who have lost their jobs, are struggling to find new ones and can’t get affordable health care.  AARP estimates more than 395,000 50 to 64 year-olds could qualify for Medi-Cal in California.  The Medi-Cal expansion will provide a bridge to these hundreds of thousands of older workers until they become eligible for Medicare.

These individuals are usually priced out of or excluded from the current insurance market due to pre-existing conditions.   This legislation has the potential to reduce the millions of dollars spent on uncompensated care provided to the working uninsured, as well as other state and local health care service costs spent caring for this population. ”

# # #

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a bilingual news source.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.​

Join AARP staff and volunteers at the 8th Annual Fiesta del Sol, a two-day street festival celebrating the history, diverse cultures, and civic engagement of the people of San Diego. Visit our booth to learn more about our work and a chance to spin our prize wheel and win fun gifts!

Fiesta del Sol is the largest community-driven family festival in San Diego County and will take place on Saturday, July 20th and Sunday, July 21st. This fun, family-friendly event is alcohol- and tobacco-free and focused on creating positive change by empowering communities.

There will be an entertainment stages, a multicultural food court, four community pavilions, and over one hundred booths sponsored by local small businesses, non-profit organizations, and corporate partners. Admission is FREE – join us for a weekend of fun!

Fiesta del Sol
Saturday, July 20th and Sunday, July 21st
11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
On Historic Logan Avenue between Evans and South 26th Street (map)
San Diego, CA  92113

Want to be the first to know about AARP events like this in your community? Fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay informed.

Are you familiar with universal design? It’s a method of designing spaces that allows for safe, fulfilling use by people of different ages, physical abilities, and health status.

AARP is a proud partner in helping to educate the public on how you can make your home safer for you and your family as you age. ReVisions Resources leads our community-wide collaboration known as Designed for Life, which includes the San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers as a partner. Our next event, focused on lighting solutions, will take place on August 6th in San Diego.

As we age, hard-to-reach cabinet shelves, slippery floors, and poor lighting can cause accidents in the home – the top reason people are forced to leave their homes. With the right advice, you can learn how to modify your home functionally and aesthetically to continue with an active, independent lifestyle. With the cost of long-term care in San Diego conservatively estimated at $82,000 per year, adding aging in place design elements to your home makes economic sense. Take our quiz to see if your home is aging well and be sure to join us on August 6th!

Designed for Life
Tuesday, August 6th
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Illuminating Interiors (map)
7816 Miramar Road
San Diego, CA 92126

Want to be the first to know about AARP events like this in your community? Fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay informed.

If you’ve recently purchased a new computer with Windows 8, you might be wondering what happened to classic games like Solitaire and Minesweeper. Don’t worry, you can still play these games, but you’ll need to install them from the Windows Store.

How-To Geek provides a great step-by-step guide to finding and installing the new versions of the games for your computer. There’s even a tutorial on how to copy the desktop versions of the games from your old Windows 7 computer to your new computer. But what if you’re still a little bit lost using Windows 8?

If you’re not comfortable going through these steps, the good news is that AARP has loads of free games available to play on our website! Visit games.aarp.org to find your favorite card games like Solitaire and Bridge, along with arcade games, word games, strategy games, and more!

If you’re interested in giving your brain a workout, try our brain games and brain fitness exercises to test your memory, attention, and brain speed. If you like crosswords and Sudoku, you’ll love Writing in the Stars and Countdown.

What are your favorite computer games? Let us know in the comments or share with us on Facebook or Twitter!

AARP California has been working to educate and engage the public in opposition to PG&E’s request for a $5.33 billion rate increase. Over the past two months, 43 AARP activists joined us at California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) public participation hearings in San Bruno, San Francisco, Fresno, and Oakland to testify about the impacts the rate increase would have on their families and communities. Over 1,400 AARP activists have also emailed the CPUC to say NO to higher utility rates.

In San Bruno, AARP members John and Dorothy Sorensen spoke about retired seniors on modest incomes who will be unable to afford this rate increase. In Fresno, Billie Taylor of Modesto spoke about the difficulty of affording utility rate increases given the small Social Security cost-of-living adjustments in recent years. She also spoke movingly of her past experience as a mother of young children with a husband in the military. Her family was scraping by financially and barely able to avoid having the power turned off.

In Oakland, 14 activists showed up to speak at the public hearing. Long-time AARP volunteer leader Nuru Neemuchwalla testified that seniors can’t afford PG&E’s proposed rate increase. He urged the CPUC to be a watchdog for consumers and hold PG&E accountable. In San Francisco, AARP Associate State Director Celina Echazarreta stated our opposition to the proposed rate increase and noted that the volunteers and community members in attendance were giving their time because of the importance to their families.

There is still time to raise your voice on this critical issue! If you’re in San Luis Obispo,  attend the final hearing tonight, June 25th, at the City/County Library, located at 995 Palm Street, at 7:00 p.m. If you’re unable to attend, here are other ways you can join the fight:

• Email the CPUC to let them know you OPPOSE PG&E’s $5.33 billion dollar rate increase
• Share your story of how a rate increase would impact you and your family
• Sign up to receive our Action Alerts on important issues that matter to you
• Join us as an advocacy volunteer and meet with elected officials on policy and legislation
• Share this post with friends, family, and neighbors to let them know how they can take action

Visit action.aarp.org/CAutilities today to tell the CPUC that enough is enough. Be the voice of your family and your community by speaking out against higher electric rates!

Want to be the first to know about the issues AARP is working on in your community? Fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay informed.

On Saturday, June 22nd, AARP volunteers Ron Brillhart, Jennifer Feigerle, and Mike Schutz headed to the USC campus for Men’s Health Awareness Day. An estimated 500 people attended the event, which provided free resources, information, and health screenings to the public.

AARP provided information about the Affordable Care Act, sharing materials in English and Spanish regarding how the health care law will impact individuals, families, and small businesses. The information, which details what the Affordable Care Act means to different populations, was well-received. Volunteers also distributed personal medication records, which help individuals track medications and help doctors and pharmacists have the most current information about which medications he or she is taking.

In addition, Jennifer, Ron, and Mike provided information about the California Health Insurance Exchange (known as Covered California). Covered California will be the new state-based marketplace where you will be able to shop for health insurance starting in 2014. Individuals and small businesses will be able to compare the benefits and costs of health plans side by side. For individuals and families, the exchange is a single place where you can enroll in and purchase private or public health insurance coverage. For small businesses, the exchange is a way to level the playing field, where you have better choice of plans and insurers, the way larger employers do now. Covered California will also help you determine if you’re eligible for health programs or tax credits that make coverage more affordable.

For more information about the Affordable Care Act and how it impacts you and your family, check out the AARP Picture Better Health site, helping you understand the health care law one piece at a time and the AARP Health Law Guide, which will tell you the benefits and protections you can get right now.

Want to know when AARP is in your community at events like this one? Sign up for our state email to get notified about events and programs in your area and join us on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the know!

Click here to view the embedded video.

En Español | On Thursday, June 27th, Anaí Ibarra of AARP California was invited to join Guillermo Ahumada, host of the television show “Frente a Frente” (“Face to Face”) on KRCA 62 Estrella TV, to discuss the Affordable Care Act. Anaí will share additional information in another Spanish-language interview tonight, July 2nd, at 8:00 p.m. on the “Café con Leche“ radio show airing on W Radio 690 AM. You can listen live online tonight at the ”Café con Leche” website.

The Affordable Care Act makes it easier for people to get, keep and afford health care benefits. Beginning in October, health insurance exchanges will open in every state to make it easier for people without insurance, small businesses, and self-employed workers to buy private health insurance. Here in California, the exchange is called Covered California. Coverage will begin in January 2014, but starting October 1st, any American can compare plans and buy health insurance online.

Other important changes include the ability for parents to keep their adult children on their health insurance until they reach age 26. Right now, plans cannot deny coverage for children age 19 who have preexisting conditions; starting next year, that provision will extend to people of all ages. Insurance companies are also prohibited from dropping health coverage due to illness.

Many benefits of the health care law are already in place and others will phase in gradually over the next few years. AARP will continue to keep you informed about how the Affordable Care Act benefits you and your family. For more details, visit the AARP Health Law Guide for a customized report of how the law impacts you and check out our fact sheets online.

If you’d like to stay informed about our work to share information on the Affordable Care Act, sign up for our state email and join us on Facebook and Twitter.

Click here to view the embedded video.

El jueves 27 de junio, Anaí Ibarra de AARP California fue invitada por Guillermo Ahumada, presentador del show de televisión “Frente a Frente” de KRCA 62 Estrella TV, a discutir la nueva Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Costo (o ACA por sus siglas en inglés, también conocida como “Obamacare”). Anaí compartirá información adicional en una entrevista de radio esta noche, dos de julio a las 8 pm en el show “Café con Leche” que se transmite en W Radio 690 AM. Puede escuchar la entrevista en vivo esta noche en el website de “Café con Leche.”

La Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Costo facilita que las personas obtenga, mantengan y pueden pagar por un seguro médico. A principios de octubre, los intercambios de seguros abrirán en cada estado para facilitar que las personas sin seguro, las pequeñas empresas, y los empleados independientes puedan comprar seguros privados de salud. Acá en California, el intercambio se llama Covered California. La cobertura comenzará a partir de enero del 2014, pero a partir del 1 de octubre, cualquier estadounidense podrá comparar planes y comprar un seguro de salud.

Otros cambios importantes incluyen la habilidad de los padres de mantener a sus hijos adultos en su póliza de seguro hasta que éstos alcancen los 26 años. Actualmente, los planes no pueden negar cobertura a los niños de 19 años y menos debido a condiciones pre-existentes; a partir del próximo año, esta provisión será extendida a las personas de todas las edades. Las compañías de seguro también tienen prohibido retirar la cobertura de salud debido a enfermedades.

Muchos beneficios de la ley del cuidado de salud ya están vigentes y otras lo estarán gradualmente en unos cuantos años. AARP continuará manteniéndole informado acerca de los beneficios de la Nueva Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Costo para usted y su familia. Para más detalles, visite La Guía de la Ley de Salud de AARP para obtener un reporte personalizado acerca de cómo la ley le impacta y chequee nuestras hojas informativas en línea.

Si desea estar informado acerca de nuestro trabajo para compartir información sobre la Nueva Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Costo, únase a nuestra lista de correo electrónico y síganos en Facebook y Twitter.

Did you know that Social Security is America’s single most important anti-poverty tool?

According to a study from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 21,400,000 Americans are lifted out of poverty because of Social Security, including more than 1.1 million children under the age of 18 and another 5.8 million adults ages 18-64. Social Security doesn’t just protect you in retirement; for families in which a parent becomes disabled or dies, the program can ensure financial stability.

Of course, 14.5 million adults age 65 and older count on Social Security to keep them out of poverty, too. They worked hard for these benefits. As our colleague Josh Rosenblum recently wrote, “Americans pay for Social Security and Medicare through our payroll taxes. We earn them.”

Here in California, Social Security’s importance cannot be overstated. Nearly 1 out of every 4 Californians live in poverty, in great part due to our high cost of living. Yet 1,246,000 Californians are kept out of poverty by Social Security, depending on the program to help them pay for basic needs like food and shelter. For typical older Californians, Social Security makes up 52% of their individual income; for low- and middle-income seniors, that figure rises to 73%.

You can stay informed about the future of Social Security and add your voice to the discussion by being a part of AARP’s national discussion, You’ve Earned a Say. You can also review frequently asked questions about the program and use our Social Security calculator to determine when you should claim your benefits.

Visit the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities for a state-by-state breakdown of the number of seniors kept out of poverty because of Social Security. To keep up to date on how you can help keep Social Security strong, sign up for our state email and join us on Facebook and Twitter.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about the health care law, financial security, or caregiver resources, you’ll want to join AARP California at the 2013 Rose Hills Conference for Seniors & Caregivers on Saturday, August 10th in Long Beach.

This free, one-day conference will offer sessions developed with you in mind. Are you raising children while taking care of aging parents? AARP California’s Maxine Fischer, a licensed clinical social worker, will share tools and resources on financial fitness for the Sandwich Generation. She’ll discuss how to develop a plan to take control of your financial needs, ways to build and protect your assets, and information on long term care and retirement.

Other expert presenters will cover topics such as Medicare and Medi-Cal, senior housing, estate planning, and community resources for seniors and caregivers. An interactive Expo will feature free health screenings, tai chi classes, and healthy cooking demonstrations. Conference sessions and materials will be provided in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

2013 Rose Hills Conference for Seniors & Caregivers
Saturday, August 10th
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Long Beach
200 South Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Don’t miss out – register today! Free parking will be available in the hotel parking lot for all conference registrants. For questions or more information about the conference, please call (562) 463-4553 or email Ernesto Morales at Ernesto.Morales@rosehills.com.

Want to be the first to know about upcoming AARP events like this in your community? Sign up for our state email and join us on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed!

How does the new health care law impact you and your family? Join AARP for free educational community events that will help you learn what you need to know. We’re proud to sponsor this series that will bring together community organizations and elected officials to share practical information and resources about the health law in English and Spanish.

At each event, AARP will share an overview of the health care law in clear, easy-to-understand language. You’ll learn about the consumer protection aspects of the law and what it means to you if you have Medicare. (Spoiler alert: Wellness visits and more preventative care at no cost to you!) You’ll also learn about how the law is being implemented in California through Medi-Cal expansion and Covered California, our state’s health care exchange that will open on October 1st to make it easier for people without insurance, small businesses, and self-employed workers to buy private health insurance. Coverage will begin in January 2014.

The health care law brings access to health insurance coverage for more than 1 million people in Los Angeles County alone. We want you to have the facts you need to understand what it means to you and your family. Don’t miss out on these important events right in your community!

Monday, July 29th
A special collaboration of AARP with Congresswoman Linda Sanchez
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Weingart Senior Center (map)
5220 Oliva Avenue
Lakewood, CA 90712

Thursday, August 8th
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Maywood YMCA (map)
4801 E 58th Street
Maywood, CA 90270

Friday, August 16th
A special collaboration of AARP with Congresswoman Linda Sanchez
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Whittier Senior Center (map)
13225 Walnut St.
Whittier, CA 90602

Saturday, August 17th
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Carson YMCA (map)
5835 E. Carson St.
Lakewood 90713

Friday, August 23rd
A special collaboration of AARP with Congresswoman Linda Sanchez
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Pico Rivera Senior Center (map)
9200 Mines Avenue
Pico Rivera, CA 90660

Saturday, August 31st
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Pico Park Auditorium (map)
9528 Beverly Boulevard
Pico Rivera, CA 90660

Saturday, October 12th
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
City of Hope (map)
1500 E Duarte Rd
Duarte, CA 91010

Want to be the first to know about upcoming AARP events like this in your community? Sign up for our state email and join us on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed!

Our offices are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We can be reached via email at caaarp@aarp.org or toll-free at 866-448-3614.

SACRAMENTO
1415 L Street , Suite 960
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: 916-446-2223

PASADENA
200 S. Los Robles Avenue, Suite 400
Pasadena, CA 91101-2422
Fax: 626-583-8500

SAN FRANCISCO
150 Post Street, Suite 450
San Francisco, CA 94108
Fax: 415-986-3467

Members of the news media, please contact:

Southern California
Charee Gillins
(626) 585-2606
cgillins@aarp.org

Northern California
Mark Beach
(916) 556-3015
mbeach@aarp.org

Stay up to date on news important to Californians 50+ – fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Questions about our social media accounts or website? Contact Ericka Lozano-Buhl at elozanobuhl@aarp.org.

Photo by Daniel Peckham via flickr.com

En Español | If you are a grandparent raising grandchildren, you are not alone. There are over 300,000 Californians caring for their grandchildren, including an estimated 24,000 in San Diego County. That’s why AARP is proud to be a part of the 2013 Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Symposium taking place in San Diego County on Saturday, September 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The main event site will be Jacobs Center in San Diego, with keynote speeches webcast to El Cajon, San Marcos, and Chula Vista. Each venue will offer unique activities, presentations, or workshops following the keynotes and all presentations will be simulcast in Spanish. AARP will be at the Chula Vista site sharing information on housing, public assistance, and nutrition programs, as well as the legal issues around adoption and custody. The event is free and  includes continental breakfast and lunch; in addition, childcare will be provided and exhibitors will be on hand to share information and resources.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about resources and support for your family, as well as the chance to meet grandparents like you in your community. Events at all sites take place on Saturday, September 7th from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Register today!

Join AARP in the South Bay
Parkway Community Center (map)
373 Park Way
Chula Vista, CA 91910

Main Site
Jacobs Center (map)
404 Euclid Avenue
San Diego, CA 92114

East County
Meridian Baptist Church (map)
660 S. 3rd Street
El Cajon, CA 92019

North County
San Marcos Civic Center (map)
1 Civic Center Drive
San Marcos, CA 92096

Want to be the first to know about upcoming AARP events like this in your community? Sign up for our state email and join us on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed!

Guest post by Julie Nauman, Executive Officer, California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board

After the death of her husband, eighty-six-year-old Mrs. Jones was befriended by Nancy, a local nurse. Since Mrs. Jones’s only family was out of state, Nancy began helping Mrs. Jones run small errands, such as grocery shopping and trips to the bank. Before long, Nancy had convinced Mrs. Jones to let her move in to help take care of her. Nancy began recommending expensive home improvements, ensuring Mrs. Jones that they were best for her. She even suggested that Mrs. Jones buy an expensive new sports car, an item Mrs. Jones had no interest in. Sometimes Nancy would lose her temper with Mrs. Jones and hit her or tell her she was useless.

Mrs. Jones’s case is a prime example of elder abuse. There are several different types of elder abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect and abandonment. Unfortunately, these cases often go unreported by the victim because he or she is fearful, incapable or ashamed to ask for help. Like Mrs. Jones, a victim may not even be aware that abuse is taking place.

Elderly victims who are physically or emotionally abused can seek financial assistance from the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP), which provides compensation to victims of violent crime. CalVCP provides assistance with medical and dental treatment, mental health services, income loss, funeral and burial expenses, home security, crime-scene cleanup and other crime-related expenses. If you are a victim of elder abuse or would like more information about CalVCP, you can visit www.calvcp.ca.gov.

In addition, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) lists several ways to get involved in the prevention of elder abuse and instructions on how to report it. Learn more about how you can help, at www.ncea.aoa.gov.

In 2050, it is estimated that 20% of the United States’ population will be over 65 years old, a 17% increase from 2010. This means 17% more people will be vulnerable to elder abuse. Please help to keep our elderly community safe by spreading the word and reporting abuse.

Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State. The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) provides compensation for victims of violent crime. CalVCP provides eligible victims with reimbursement for many crime-related expenses. Funding comes from restitution paid by criminal offenders through fines, orders, penalty assessments and federal matching funds.

Join AARP at the 13th Annual Art + Soul Oakland Festival on Saturday and Sunday, August 3rd and 4th! The event will feature four stages of live music with R&B, Rock, Blues, Jazz and Indie sounds along with our diverse food offerings and myriad family activities including kid-friendly carnival rides. Conveniently located in downtown Oakland adjacent to the 12th Street/City Center BART station, the festival is open on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

We’ll offer a sneak peek of AARP events coming to the Oakland area and share information on the issues that matter to you. Learn how we’re fighting for your retirement security and find out if you’re saving enough for your future. Sign a petition to make your voice heard on the future of Social Security and Medicare. And don’t miss your chance to spin the prize wheel and take home fun, free giveaways!

Join us at one of the Bay Area’s top summer events! Tickets are available online or at the gate.*

* Any information you provide to the host organization will be governed by its privacy policy.

Art + Soul Oakland
Saturday, August 3rd – 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 4th – 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
1 Frank Ogawa Plaza
Oakland, California 94612 (map)

Want to be the first to know about upcoming AARP events like this in your community? Sign up for our state email and join us on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed!

Click here to view the embedded video.

On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law. Today, nearly 50 million Americans – 4.7 million of them right here in California - depend on Medicare for health security. More than 4.1 million Californians age 65 and older are enrolled in the program.

For the last 48 years, the program has fulfilled its promise: to provide access to health care for older Americans and people with disabilities. The challenge to us now is to strengthen the program to ensure Medicare is there for current and future generations.

How do we make Medicare stronger? Let’s start by making the cost of prescription drugs lower.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, over 6.6 million people with Medicare have saved over $7 billion on prescription drugs as a result of the Affordable Care Act. By 2020, the coverage gap or “donut hole” will close as a result of the health care law.

But the truth is, prescription drug prices are still too high. And there are a couple of big reasons.

First, brand-name drug makers actually make agreements to pay generic drug makers NOT to produce lower-priced versions of their products. This forces you to pay more money for prescription drugs – an estimated $3.5 billion more each year, in fact. That’s why AARP supports two bipartisan bills that would prevent drug companies from agreeing to delay consumers’ access to lower cost medications.

Another reason that prescription drug prices remain high for seniors is that Medicare is legally barred from negotiating lower drug prices with brand-name drug companies. Wouldn’t it be common sense to allow Medicare to bring the negotiating power of millions of people to the table? We think so.

AARP will continue to fight for ideas that will improve care, strengthen Medicare, and save taxpayers billions of dollars. Join us by signing – and sharing – the petition to help keep Medicare going strong!