The Oaks HOA has been approached to spread the word about the upcoming U.S. Census. Local Census Recruiter Victoria Gaw points out that it is extremely important this year that California is counted, since in 2000 we were severely undercounted. It is estimated that we lost $3,000 per person per year in federal funds for our schools, hospitals and roads... not to mention representation in Congress and Electoral Votes.

The US 2010 Census is hiring Census takers here in the Oaks and in the 90068 zip code. They would like people from the neighborhood rather than outsiders. It's part time, temporary, and you work your own hours - and it pays $17/hour. So you can get paid to serve your community! This is an opportunity for people with full time jobs, as well as students, stay-at-home moms, retirees, etc.

If you are interested, the first thing you have to do is take the test. For the time being you can do that at two different locations. On Thursdays at 4 p.m and and 6 p.m., as well as on Saturdays at 11 a.m., you can take the test at 1946 Vedanta Pl. And on Saturdays at 2:30 p.m., you can do the same at the Van Ness Recovery House at 1919 Beachwood Dr. Bring your passport of California ID or Drivers License and your Social Security Card. Call Victoria Gaw at 323 856 0168, or the Hollywood Census Office at 323 301 1500, to confirm time and place. The Hollywood Office can also set up a test time just for you, if you can't make any of the other times.

They are going to start hiring soon and really need people from our area. Also needed are training sites in the neighborhood, especially for the last week of April.

The census has been done since 1790, and it's mandated by the constitution. Here is your chance to be part of it!