ASSEMBLYMEMBER KAREN BASS
47TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
For Immediate Release: November 20, 2008
Contact: Pablo Espinoza
Phone: (916) 319-2408

LOS ANGELES – On Tuesday 500 turkeys were delivered to families in Assembly Speaker Karen Bass’ Assembly District 47 and surrounding areas. Codenamed Operation Gobble 2008, the turkey giveaway was made possible through a partnership of Speaker Bass and Golden State Water Company.

Marie N. Acosta is a participant in La Ballona Family Center, a delivery hub site for Operation Gobble. Her story reflects a growing list of those in need:

“I joined La Ballona Family Center about a year ago because my daughter was having some problems in school and our family was going through hard times. We had to move because my husband lost his job and it has been very stressful. Now we have to move again and Operation Gobble has benefited us so much because I don’t have to try to find money to buy a turkey. This turkey will feed my husband, daughter, mother and 7 siblings.”

Sylvia Castillo, director for Speaker Bass’ district office in Los Angeles, says the Speaker recognized the overall economic downturn has created a growing need that can only be addressed through community cooperation:

“Speaker Bass sees a need to step up efforts to help families feeling the brunt of the economic downturn – in this case with more turkeys. With the help of Golden State Water Company and groups like the Speaker’s South Los Angeles Clergy Alliance, Operation Gobble is just one example of how communities can organize to help families have a Thanksgiving dinner that otherwise they may have gone without.”

Website of Speaker Karen Bass: www.asm.ca.gov/speaker