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This website is supported by Grant Number 90ZD0009 from the Office of Family Assistance within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Family Assistance.

Headquarters: 454 E. Carson Plaza Dr. #109, Carson, CA 90746

Sacramento Main Office 2255 Watt Ave., Suite 385 Sacramento, CA 9582

Sacramento Satellite Office 11779 Bagota Way Rancho Cordova, CA 95742

EVT Card Do's and Don'ts

Cal Fresh

DPSS Services

June V. Pouesi, Executive Director

In these trying times, please keep our Los Angeles families and community in prayer. Here are some ways in which help is being organized:

Financial Assistance: There are numerous funds set up to provide direct financial aid to those who have lost their homes or livelihoods. Organizations like GoFundMe have centralized hubs for verified fundraising pages related to these wildfires, ensuring that donations reach those in need. The GoFundMe Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 is one such initiative where you can contribute or seek help.
Shelter and Temporary Housing: The federal government has declared a major disaster, enabling affected individuals to apply for temporary housing assistance through FEMA. You can apply for this aid by calling the FEMA helpline or visiting their website for more information.
Volunteering and Donations: Local organizations, including the Anderson Munger Family YMCA and Koreatown YMCA, are accepting donations of essential items. Volunteers can also find opportunities through California Volunteers or by checking with local community groups that are coordinating relief efforts.
Mental Health Support: The trauma from such events can be overwhelming. There are resources available for mental health support tailored to disaster recovery, which can be accessed through various health services or through specific disaster relief programs.
Legal and Insurance Guidance: For those needing help navigating insurance claims or legal issues post-disaster, resources compiled by local organizations like Humanitas – Los Angeles Fire Resource List can provide guidance.

Please know that you are not alone, and the community, both local and national, is rallying behind you.

Our COMMUNITY

Help for YOUR FAMILY

Stepfather pleads guilty for sexual violations

Samoa OBSERVER

By Marieta Heidi Ilalio

A man pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual connection with his stepdaughter as he appeared in the Supreme Court on Monday.

The man appeared unrepresented and pleaded guilty when the charges were put to him. He shed tears and said he was remorseful as he asked for bail pending sentence.

The grandmother of the victim, who is under the age of 21 requested the court for a protection order for the victim because she was afraid of what had happened and was still attending school.

“Please you honour I want to make sure that the court has a way of protecting my dear granddaughter who is the victim in this matter because she is still attending school,” the grandmother said in tears.

Judge Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma told the defendant that the court opposed bail for him because of the seriousness of the charges against him. He told the accused that the maximum penalty for his offence was 14 years imprisonment and the court’s priority was to protect the victim in this matter.

The defendant has been remanded in custody for sentencing on 28 March.

According to the summary of facts, the defendant between 31 November and 1 June 2022, touched the victim’s private parts.

On the second occasion, the defendant sexually violated the victim between 30 September 2024 and 1 November 2024.

The victim was left in the care of the defendant as he was her stepfather.

Allegations of Drugs Transport in Empty Coffin Referred to Police

TALAMUA

Samoa Airways said it is referring to police allegations that the airline transported drugs in an empty coffin from Pago Pago.

The airline said the allegations made this week by an individual named Mau Hunt, are false and damaging.

“These claims are entirely unfounded, and we would like to clarify the situation for the public and our valued customers,” said an Airline statement.

“We want to emphasize that Samoa Airways has never transported a coffin in the manner described by Mr. Hunt, and there is no truth to the allegations of drug trafficking associated with any cargo we have handled.

“The safety and security of our passengers and cargo is a top priority, and we take any attempt to undermine the integrity of our operations seriously.

“These allegations not only harm the reputation of Samoa Airways, but they also erode the trust that the public has in the professionalism and dedication of our staff.

“In light of the severity of these false claims, Samoa Airways is referring the matter to the Police.

“We are committed to fully cooperate with any investigation and will take all necessary steps to protect the integrity of our airline. Samoa Airways has strict guidelines and processes in place to ensure the safe and respectful transport of human remains, should a coffin need to be transported on one of our aircrafts.

“All coffins transported by Samoa Airways are accompanied by family members or authorized representatives, and the entire process is fully documented and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

“We strongly advise against the circulation of misinformation that could damage the trust and reputation of Samoa Airways, as well as the livelihoods of our dedicated employees.

“We remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and professional services to our passengers, and we thank our customers for their ongoing trust and support,” said the Airline statement.

Samoa Airways staff test positive for drugs, including pilot on prescription sleeping pills

Photo: Samoa Airways

Samoa Airways has revealed that several staff have tested positive for drugs, including a pilot on a prescription sleeping pill.

The airline said recent drug testing, conducted by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, showed 10 percent of the tested staff returned positive results for illegal and prescriptive substances, as well as alcohol.

“This is a reflection of a broader societal issue that affects not just Samoa, but communities worldwide,” it said in a statement on Monday.

“The pilot who was tested positive for a prescriptive drug (sleeping pill) was also stood down, has been retested and returned with a negative result and will be allowed to fly.”

The airline said three staff members who tested positive for illicit drugs were stood down pending a board decision.

Six employees who tested positive for alcohol have been issued warning letters and have been retested.

The airline said safety is a priority.

“Recent flight cancellations, while inconvenient, are a testament to our commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards,” it said.

“As the ground handler for major international carriers like Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Fiji Airways, Samoa Airways is acutely aware of the necessity to uphold a safe, drug-free environment.”

Samoa Airways introduced its drug and alcohol testing policy for all staff in October 2024.

Obesity Among Pacific Islanders

Here are some culturally sensitive and practical tips for addressing obesity among Pacific Islanders, considering both traditional lifestyles and modern challenges:

Diet:

Emphasize Traditional Foods:
- Encourage the consumption of traditional Pacific Island foods which are often healthier. These include taro, breadfruit, yams, banana, and various types of fish and seafood. These foods are less processed and can help in managing weight.
Reduce Processed Foods:
- Pacific Island diets have seen an increase in processed and high-calorie foods. Advising a reduction in the intake of items like instant noodles, canned meats, and sugary drinks can make a significant impact.
Portion Control:
- Cultural feasts are common, where large portions are served. Encouraging mindful eating and smaller portion sizes can help manage calorie intake.
Increase Fruit and Vegetable Intake:
- Promoting fruits and vegetables that grow locally can increase dietary fiber, reducing hunger and aiding in weight management.

Physical Activity:

Cultural and Traditional Activities:
- Encourage participation in traditional dances like hula or other cultural dances that are not only fun but also good exercise.
Daily Movement:
- Encourage walking or cycling for short distances instead of using vehicles. Walking to the market or to visit neighbors can be integrated into daily routines.

Community and Family Engagement:

Family Cooking Workshops:
- Organize community or family cooking sessions focused on preparing healthy traditional meals, teaching about nutrition and portion sizes.
- Cultural Events with a Health Focus:
  - Events can be designed where traditional activities are highlighted alongside health education, turning community gatherings into opportunities for learning about health.

By integrating these tips with cultural practices, the approach to combatting obesity among Pacific Islanders can be both effective and respectful of their unique cultural identities. Remember, sustainable change often comes from within the community, shaped by its values and traditions.

Health issues among Samoans

Samoans indeed face a range of health challenges, primarily due to a significant shift in lifestyle and diet influenced by globalization and modernization. Here’s an overview of some of the key health issues affecting Samoans:

Obesity and Overweight: Samoa and American Samoa have some of the highest rates of obesity in the world, with over 90% of adults being overweight or obese. This is largely attributed to a dietary transition from traditional foods like fish, fruits, and vegetables to imported, processed, high-calorie foods.
Type 2 Diabetes: There’s a high prevalence of diabetes in Samoa, with rates reaching up to 24.8% in some parts. The increase in diabetes is closely linked to obesity and a lack of physical activity, compounded by poor health literacy and cultural practices that favor high-calorie diets.
Cardiovascular Diseases: These are among the top health issues, including heart disease and stroke, which are often exacerbated by the high rates of obesity and diabetes.
Hypertension: High blood pressure is another common health concern in Samoa, affecting about 24.5% of the population. It’s often linked to the same lifestyle factors driving obesity and diabetes.
Mental Health: There’s a noted gap in mental health services and understanding in Samoa, with issues like substance abuse, suicide, and psychological distress among Samoan Americans also documented. Cultural stigma and a preference for community-based care over formal health services can hinder effective mental health management.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): The rise of NCDs is a significant public health challenge, with Samoa experiencing an epidemic of conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are now prevalent even among children.
Access to Healthcare: While healthcare in Samoa is generally free, there’s a noted shortage of medical professionals, especially specialists, and a lack of comprehensive health education and preventive care strategies.
Cancer: Although not as extensively studied, there are concerns about the management and screening for cancers like breast and cervical cancer, with issues of cultural reluctance towards screening practices due to modesty or traditional beliefs.

The health landscape in Samoa is complex, with cultural, economic, and environmental factors playing significant roles. Efforts to address these health challenges include promoting healthier lifestyles, improving health education, leveraging traditional community structures for health interventions, and increasing the number of trained health professionals who understand both Western and Samoan health perspectives.

During inflation, managing grocery expenses can be particularly challenging, but there are several strategies you can employ to keep your costs down while still ensuring you have healthy meal options:

Plan Your Meals and Stick to a List:
- Before you shop, plan your meals for the week. This can help reduce impulse buying and ensure you only purchase what you need. Using a list helps you avoid extraneous purchases that can add up quickly.
Shop Sales and Use Coupons:
- Check weekly flyers or apps for sales before you shop. Combine store deals with coupons for additional savings. Many grocery stores offer loyalty programs that can give you discounts or points that translate into savings.
Buy in Bulk When It Makes Sense:
- For items that you use frequently and that have a long shelf life, consider buying in bulk. This can be especially cost-effective for pantry staples like rice, beans, pasta, and canned goods. However, ensure you have the storage space and that you’ll consume these items before they expire.
- Consider Local Markets and Farmers’ Markets:
  - Sometimes, buying directly from local farmers can save money, especially on produce in season. Plus, you might get fresher goods.
    
    Reduce Meat Consumption:
    - Meat tends to be one of the more expensive grocery items. Cutting back a couple of days a week and opting for vegetarian meals or cheaper protein sources like beans or lentils can lower your bill.
Shop the Perimeter of the Store: Fresh produce, dairy, and meats are typically around the edges of the store, where you’re more likely to find fresh, less processed foods that can be more cost-effective than prepackaged center-aisle items.

Remember, the effectiveness of these strategies can vary based on your personal situation, like how much time you have for meal prep, your access to different types of stores, and your storage capabilities. Combining several of these approaches can lead to significant savings during inflationary times.