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Get a free cooling kit and tips on beating the heat at these South LA workshops
Children play in the fountain at Grand Park on Thursday, when temperatures downtown were over 90 degrees.
(
Matthew Ballinger
/
LAist
)
Another stretch of scorching summer heat has been baking Southern California this week.
For renters wondering how to stay safe, free cooling kits and heat-safety information will be provided this weekend at a workshop hosted by Strategic Actions for a Just Economy, or SAJE.
The workshop — a collaboration between SAJE, the ARCH Collaborative and Cal State L.A. — will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at 152 W. 32nd St. in Historic South-Central and is free to the public.
What’s provided?
The 25 kits include a wall thermometer, a cooling neck band and towel, and emergency water tablets, among other products.
Attendees will learn how to use the products and best practices for beating the heat from a group led by Cal State L.A. environmental health science professor Evelyn Alvarez. You’ll also learn how to make your own kit to keep at home as a low-cost cooling strategy.
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Why now?
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for much of the region that remains in effect through 8 p.m. Thursday. Forecasters also expect humid conditions into next week.
Prolonged heat can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
An estimated one-fifth of Californians lack air conditioning, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“Renters in the inner city, particularly those experiencing AC insecurity and those who are not able to access cooling centers, may face increased risks of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke that can be life-threatening,” Alvarez said.
Last year, L.A. County passed an ordinance that requires landlords with homes in unincorporated areas to keep temperatures at or below 82 degrees. But enforcement won’t begin until 2027 or 2032, depending on how many units the landlord owns.
“A lot of folks don’t have the right to a cool house, so we’re really excited to offer this emergency service to folks,” said Alejandro Campillo, an assistant director at SAJE and another leader of the workshop.
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Will there be more workshops?
Yes — if you can’t make this one, another is scheduled for July 27, when another 25 free cooling kits will be distributed.
To attend, sign up for the July 18 or July 27 workshop here.
If you go
What: Heat workshop and cooling kit distribution.
When: 1 to 2:30 p.m. on July 18 and July 27
Where: 152 W. 32nd St. in Historic South-Central
Cost: Free.
More info: Sign up here for the opportunity to receive a cooling kit.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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