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Frenzied media coverage of the major party conventions has all but submerged the upcoming third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The tragedy that resulted in at least 1,600 dead and hundreds of thousands displaced, is being marked by community organizations across the country, from New York, to Los Angeles, and of course New Orleans. Nearly three years later, injustices abound. Tens of thousands of homes are unoccupied and rents have risen by nearly 50%. According to a study by PolicyLink, 81 percent of those who received the Federally-funded, State-administered Road Home grants had insufficient resources to cover their damages. Racial disparities are also prevalent: African-American households on average had an almost 35% higher shortfall in funds for rebuilding than white households. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll 70% of New Orleans residents feel divided by class and/or race. Today we hear from local organizers who are putting together a series of events here in Los Angeles that includes a candle-light vigil, art, food, theater, speakers, live music, and film. Further more, the organizers are attempting to connect the struggles of people in New Orleans and Los Angeles.

GUESTS: Thelmy Perez, Davin Corona, organizers with SAJE

The event by The Right to the City coalition is this Friday August 29th at 6:30 pm at 3300 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.saje.net.