I purposely waited to review the ACLU Foundation of Southern California for my 200TH REVIEW…read more With my well-intentioned big mouth, I always thought I was going to land in court for one reason or another--with the most likely reason of course leading to a debate over free speech. During college, I was in MEChA. We spoke out a lot on many issues--living wage, immigration, free speech, LGBT-IQ, tuition hikes, globalization, etc. I probably could have gotten in trouble for some of the rallies and protests. Secretly, the dreamer me always hoped that if I did, organizations like the ACLU would help me out. Being a cautious person, I do know the consequences of my actions most of the time and if it wasn't worth it, I wouldn't have done it in the first place. I can, however, admit when I'm wrong and will apologize if I ever err and will try to right mistakes. Otherwise, it's going to be a long, costly fight for the other person to force me to do something I don't believe in. Since high school, Annie Dillard has reminded me "You can't test courage cautiously, so I [try to run] hard and [wave] my arms hard, happy." ACLU, Lambda Legal, and Human Rights First are tops and definitely giving attorneys a good name in my humble opinion. I like that I don't like all their clients. It's just not right to protect the rights of some and not others. It doesn't (and can't) work that way. Props to protecting so many civil liberties (http://www.aclu-sc.org/press_clips)! One of my favorite non-profit organization to donate and support when I can afford to (http://www.aclu-sc.org/support_us). Note the difference between the 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) entities if tax-deductions are important (http://www.aclu-sc.org/pages/tax_info).

As a college student I though ACLU was a Communist cell; mainly for taking unpopular positions,…read moredefending people who spoke out against "the establishment." But slowly I started to realize that taking on unpopular positions, defending outspoken people is supported by The United States Constitution, thus I realized The ACLU DEFENDS THE CONSTITUTION, using its legal teams to oppose people, especially politicians who use their power for their own personal agenda and disregard The Constitution. I've been a member of The ACLU for several years, donate occasionally in order to keep their work going, to keep "powerful" forces from attacking individuals. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, WE NEED YOU SPECIALLY IN THESE DARK DAYS!!!

A Great Training Site in Monterey Park…read more SITREP FREE PARKING! This is one of the few state offices within the framework of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) that actually two major parking lots in back and off to the right available for workers to park in FOR FREE! I'm sorry, but THAT right there will garner a start at 5-STARS for any workplace since it pisses me off to have to work for an employer that does NOT watch out for their workers and makes them pay for parking. When training new staff that come from all 24 different regional offices spread throughout the State of California (Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Bruno, San Jose, San Francisco, Rohnert Park, Chico, Fresno, etc. etc.), it's nice that expenses can be kept down and our trainees don't have to worry about the hassle of downtown parking. SETUP Now, that is NOT to say that location is what totally drives a definition of the "quality" of a training-site, but it is just one thing that is representative of the pluses that exist in having our training site located outside of our HQ back in Sacramento. I'm happy to term this office-site as my favorite Southern Cal location and for all intents and purposes: our SoCal HQ. AMENITIES We actually have three (3) separate training room sites at this complex - the 2nd Floor conference room, the 3rd Floor Board room and the 5th Floor Board room. The 2nd Floor can take a max of up to 40 trainees which we had in our training last year here. The 3rd Floor Board Room is where we found ourselves these last two weeks and it's great too for 20 and under trainees. Fountain, restrooms, break room, smoking areas, etc., are all nearby when trainees engage in breaks or just leg-stretches to get the kinks out of their behinds. ISSUES There was an A/C clusterf*ck the first 3 days of the training and they had to bring in fan units to help cool off the room which was very much needed since L.A. was in triple digit heat during this time. I could easily throw this rating down to 4-stars because of this, but the maintenance detail was quick and responsive in trying to mitigate the heat excess. Throwing this at 4.5 Stars, it is just easier to round up to 5 for all the effort that was shown. THE LOWDOWN I give this training-room and office environment two thumbs up for providing a great learning environment for new field staff.

Culver City Chamber and their staff are excellent to work with. I truly love how responsive they…read moreare to the concerns and needs of their members.

The Culver City Chamber of Commerce is an incredible resource for anyone looking to do business in…read morethe Culver City Area. This chamber is the most attentive, proactive, and service-oriented Chamber that I have found in all of LA. Furthermore, they have put together a wonderful roster of events that are always super fun and well-organized. I am proud to be a member!

The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce has been an invaluable resource for our business…read morecommunity. As a member, we have experienced firsthand their commitment to promoting business success and facilitating meaningful networking/connections within the Santa Clarita Valley. The Chamber is always evolving to meet the needs of its members, offering a range of programs and events designed to empower businesses of all sizes. And we have benefited greatly from their efforts in connecting, educating, advocating for, and promoting businesses in Santa Clarita. Thank you, Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, for your hard work and dedication to our business community.

The SCV Chamber of Commerce is the best place for businesses to establish and grow their business…read morethrough new connections and programming. The SCV Chamber is also the leading business advocacy organization in the SCV with a great grassroots program, ImpactSCV, which has made a huge difference in local, regional and state legislation effecting businesses.

A big shout out to the organizers of the Little House event, glad we all paid to wait in line for a…read moreover an hour. This feels like it was planned by a chamber. Not prepared.

Unfortunately the LHOP event was an epic fail. Extremely poor event planning and organization -…read moreworst I've ever seen. They clearly oversold the event, made promises on promotional materials that were not kept, and charged significant ticket prices (we paid $200 per ticket), but this was operated like a small local fair put on by the Rotary club. But it wasn't a local fair, it was tens of thousands of people they collected money from, and there was no event coordinator, non-existent signage, confusion and chaos, and thousands of ppl wandering around not getting what they paid a small fortune for, esp if you traveled from a long distance. Great show, not so great event.

I enlisted 4 years ago and I'm enjoying every minute of training that I receive from them. It's an…read moreexperience you can not get anywhere else. Basic training was really tough and challenging but I can honestly say it was one of the most funnest things I have ever done. I can't believe I get paid to shoot guns, go through obstacle courses, and to go camping. I have not been deployed throughout my time in the guard and it looks like it's going to stay that way. Not everyone deploys!! You can volunteer to if you want to. The Army gave me the tools I needed to get my life where it is at now. You can stay in for 20 years or more to get a retirement or just enlist for as little as 3 years which includes the time before you ship out and basic training/schooling. So message me if you are interested!

Everyone should take a look at the video posted by Remi. It shows a very disturbing lack of…read moreprofessionalism by Staff Sergeant Hood in his interaction with a civilian. As a veteran and a former member of the NCO corps (do you really stop being a member of that group?) I am embarrassed. I am embarrassed because I looked at the comments on this units Facebook page calling out SSG Hood and not one response has been given to apologize for his unprofessional behavior. When did the military forget who they work for? More importantly, when did the military forget who they ultimately report too? You serve the people of the United States and you swore and oath to support and defend our Constitution. You don't get to decide which parts you like and don't like. Specifically, to SSG Hood; you need to re-read the NCO creed, specifically the first and last sentence. And don't just read it, understand what you are reading, comprehend it. Really get in there and grasp what it is telling you. Generations of NCO's have worked to make the core the backbone of the Army, you just spent 45 minutes disgracing us all. "No one is more professional than I. I am a non-commissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers. As a non-commissioned officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army". I am proud of the Corps of non-commissioned officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the military service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety. Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind--accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient. I am aware of my role as a non-commissioned officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my Soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment. Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my Soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, non-commissioned officers, leaders!"

I was able to walk in and be taken care of without an appointment thanks to the awesome lady…read more(didn't get her name) at the check-in area. Connie did a very good job of making sure all of my documentation was in order. I work nearby and was able to get everything done on my lunch break, which was super convenient. I would highly recommend using her and checking out the OUE Skyspace LA--it's literally in the same building and great for pictures.

Dealing with USA Apostille has been a horrible experience. I needed an apostille for a document…read morefrom Louisiana. I paid overnight delivery. I tracked my papers and they were received by USA Apostille on a Tuesday. I phoned on Friday and they couldn't find my order. I paid $225 for a rush turnaround. I phoned Saturday and - though they were open - I had to leave voice messages. No one ever returned my call. I phoned again on Monday. They still couldn't find my order. They charged my credit card immediately and did absolutely NOTHING! Try UPS Apostille (which did an expert job and was much less expensive) or ANY other Apostille service. USA Apostille advertised quick service but they are useless.

Located right across the Russell Westbrook Dodge Ram car dealership. However, unlike most…read morebureaucratic establishments, I did not feel compelled to dodge or ram anything on my work visit here. Nobody wants to really be here but there is certainly much worse and at least there is some semblance of justice being served here. In the morning they put out a large demonstration board that has all the cases with corresponding information like the presiding judge and the courtroom number. If you can't find your name or the parties involved in your matter then the office adjacent to the board has people working there that can answer your questions. I hope you never have to come here but if you do then I certainly hope you get what you need. All I can say is WC lawyers are a different breed for sure.