Latosha and Keairria -- Hurricane Katrina survivors

BIG NEWS - NEW JOB, APARTMENT...

2005-09-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

Latosha was hired at Ciudad and is to begin work soon...in addition, we found a great apartment and she and Keairria moved in last night! Here is her new address and cell phone number:

11920 Chandler blvd #117
Valley Village CA 91604
Cell: 323-807-1825

Photos from the opening can be viewed on our website:

www.nohomodern/hurricanekatrinabenefit.htm

We have been very busy -- thank you to everyone for all of your help!

Link to Latosha's old restaurant...

2005-09-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

This link shows the "New Orleans Bistro," the restaurant where Latosha used be Sous-chef:

www.caesars.com/GrandCasino/Gulfport/Dining/CasualDining/NewOrleansBistro.htm

Check it out and let us know if anyone would like to interview her for a job...thanks

2005-09-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

A captive audience listened to the tale of Latosha and Keairria and how they got from the ruins of Gulfport to the glamor of LA

2005-09-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

We were able to thank all who came out and supported Latosha and Keairria in our efforts to help them get established here in LA

2005-09-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

A few of the supporters who came out to wish Latosha and Keairria well with their presence and donations...

2005-09-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Keairria enjoyed meeting new friends and seeing the nice gifts that were made for her

2005-09-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Latosha Ross Hurricane benefit held at NOHO MODERN last Friday, September 16th was a great success

Latosha's resume

2005-09-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

Latosha Ross
11623 La Maida ave
North Hollywood CA 91601
Tel: 818-761-3015
323-807-1825 (effective 9/22)

Seeking position as a Sous-Chef in a restaurant with an energetic ensemble atmosphere.

Experience:

Sous-Chef
"New Orleans Bistro," Grand Casino Gulfport, MS
March - September 2005 (Hurricane Katrina)
Ray Parrish - Head Chef
The restaurant was popular for it's Cajun style - New Orleans cuisine. Set in the Grand Casino, the dining room had room for 150 diners and was always at capacity. Due to the popularity of the restaurant and the rhythm of the kitchen, working an average of 12-16 hours per day was typical.

Prep Cook
"Great Buffet" / "Corky's BBQ," Sam's Town Casino, Tunica, MS
2001-2003
Mike Phillips - Head Chef
Prep work for a popular local buffet in a well-known Casino chain originally from Las Vegas. Received and organized and prepared all food and ingredients for the Line cook and Chef de garde manager stations.

Keairria goes back to school, apartment and job search, etc.

2005-09-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

Keairria went back to school yesterday and has a wonderful class with great kids and a great teacher. We are excited about her staying in the area so she can continue at this school, which is why we are actively looking at apartments in the Valley Village / North Hollywood area. Latosha has started interviewing for restaurant jobs this week as well. I will include her work experience in the next posting...

Again, thank you for all the donations, gifts, clothing etc. We no longer need clothing and toys, but children's books, gas cards, grocery store cards, cash donations etc. are still welcome.

Thank you to all who came out last night...

2005-09-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out last night to the benefit at the gallery to meet Latosha and Keairria. The night was very successful, as we raised over $5000 in cash and gift cards for the Hurricane fund. We now have over $10,000 in cash and gift cards that will be used to pay for rent, gas, expenses and so forth here in Los Angeles. I will be posting photos on the blog as well as on the website so that you can view them there with thumbnails -- I'll post the link once I've finished...

We still have not found an apartment for Latosha and Keairria and are actively searching in the valley near Colfax elementary.

Benefit Reception for the Latosha Ross Hurricane Fund tonight!

2005-09-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight we will host a benefit for the Latosha Ross Hurricane Fund at the gallery. Keairria will be there, as she feels much better and is eating all the time again. Latosha is preparing some Cajun-style hors d'oeuvres for all to enjoy. Here are the pertinent details:

Latosha Ross Hurricane Fund Benefit
Hosted by NOHO MODERN
11225 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood CA 91601
Tel: 818-505-1297
www.nohomodern.com

6-10 p.m.
Speeches at 7:30 p.m.

Cajun hors d'oeuvres prepared by Miss Latosha Ross
Children are welcome

Paypal donations accepted at:
hurricanefund@yahoo.com

Checks payable to:
Latosha Ross Hurricane Fund

For more information:
hurricanefund@nohomodern.com

Thank you to all who have helped and we look forward to seeing you tonight

2005-09-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

The old rabbit ears trick again...Jeremy and Keairria enjoying some more tunes. Keairria is looking forward to meeting some friends her age here in LA...

2005-09-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

Jeremy and Keairria enjoying some tunes at Virgin...

2005-09-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this young lady was in the hospital just a few days ago?

2005-09-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

After the auction preview we went by Virgin to listen to some music and shake a leg a little...

2005-09-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Keairria came with me last night to the auction preview at Bonham's and Butterfield's. We both had fun and she was happy to get out of the house now that she is finally better. She tried on a ring of citrine and diamonds estimated at $4000-$6000. I don't think we'll be buying that one despite the accolades from everyone on how well it fit her...

2005-09-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

Keairria still feeling sick just a couple of days ago...

2005-09-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

Latosha and Keairria resting up for Friday...

Reception / Fundraiser this Friday, 6 PM

2005-09-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Just to make everything clear, here is the information for the reception this Friday:

Latosha and Keairria Reception / Fundraiser
Friday, September 16, 2005 6 PM
NOHO MODERN
11225 Magnolia blvd
North Hollywood CA 91601
Tel: 818-505-1297
www.nohomodern.com

I had previously posted something about FEMA, but their confusing letter did not make it clear that they would be sending a check for $2000, which they did. That arrived today. As for her apartment, old car, possessions, etc., she will not be able to be in Gulfport for the inspection as they asked, since she is making her new life here in LA...so the rest of the money raised is a big help as she prepares to find a job, get an apartment etc...

Keairria is feeling a little better today, and we think she will definitely be able to attend the reception on Friday...

Salmonella poisoning...

2005-09-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

The lab results are back, and it turns out that Keairria has salmonella poisoning. She has been resting today and will do so this week as we help her to recover as soon as possible. It could have been worse, but salmonella is not so fun, either, and Keairria is dealing with it as best as she can...

We are now accepting paypal donations...

2005-09-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

We are now accepting donations to the Latosha Ross Hurricane Fund via paypal. Donations may be sent to this address:

hurricanefund@yahoo.com

So far, Keairria is doing much better today. She is keeping food down, and so we hope that the worst is past. Latosha was interviewed today by a documentary filmmaker and kept everyone captivated for 2 hours straight with stories about the hurricane. The filmmaker, who recently did a story on homeless children in Hollywood, was amazed...more to come.

Don't forget to come out and support Latosha and Keairria this Friday evening at the gallery:

NOHO MODERN
11225 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood CA 91601
Tel: 818-505-1297

Remember, children are most welcome

Keiarria is out again...the rollercoaster continues

2005-09-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

So...Keairria has been discharged from the hospital again, and we'll see if she can keep any food or drink down now...we should have some lab results back by tomorrow that will tell us what she has and how we can better treat whatever her condition is...we are looking forward to getting her better by the end of the week for the reception at the gallery on Friday.

Keairria back at the ER...

2005-09-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

Keairria hasn't been able to keep anything down, food, drink or otherwise, and this morning she is once again severely dehydrated, with diarrhea and vomiting, so Thomas is taking her back to the ER. I believe she dysentery or something similar...I post the latest as soon as I know...

Keairria is back home and resting...

2005-09-10T12:28:00.001-07:00

Thank you for all your concern...she needs rest and will back on her feet soon. I brought her back from the hospital late last night and we visited the pediatrician (thanks Dr. John!) this morning after her fever went up to 103 again -- her body is getting rid of all the bacteria and virus from the hurricane...more to come soon...

2005-09-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Huntington Memorial Hospital for your help!

2005-09-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

Keairria is the most active child you will see...we can't wait to see her running around again soon...

2005-09-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

A concerned mother and child...

2005-09-10T12:23:00.001-07:00

Latosha and Keairria at Huntington Memorial Hospital

2005-09-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Thomas and Latosha at the gallery

Keairria admitted to Huntington Memorial Hospital...

2005-09-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

I just got off the phone with Thomas, who was with Latosha and Keairria at the emergency room of Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, where she is being admitted. I don't know anything yet, other than her condition is worse than we realized. Thomas is going home for some much needed rest, and I will be headed to the hospital as soon as I've posted this blog. We would like to thank Dr. Annemarie E. Fanselau, the pediatrician who was kind enough to see Keairria for free and who immediately realized that she needed to go to the emergency room. Thank you also to RN Robert Ryken and all of the staff so far at Huntington.

Please don't send flowers, we would rather pick them and bring them since we are going to need the money more than anything to help get Latosha and Keairria back on their feet. I will update as soon as I know more.

We still planning on having the reception next Friday, and we are hopeful that Keairria will be recovered by then...

Email me with questions at:

hurricanefund@nohomodern.com

Reception at NOHO MODERN for Latosha and Keairria next Friday, Sept. 16

2005-09-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all the donations so far...we are no longer in need of clothing. Latosha and Keairria are overwhelmed with your generosity thus far and plan on thanking everyone personally once they have had more time to recover. We have decided to host a reception for them at the gallery next Friday, September 16, beginning at 6 PM. This will give them a little more time to rest and recover before meeting everyone. All are welcome, even if you haven't been able to contribute, because we feel that just by meeting Latosha and Keairria you will be positively uplifted.

I am awaiting the return of Keairria, Latosha and Thomas from the pediatrician. I think all the trauma of the last week and a half finally came down on her after putting such a brave face on it all for so long.

Here is the account number at Wells Fargo for the fund for those of you who would still like to help and would like to make a direct deposit:

Latosha Ross Hurricane Fund
Account: 5662054633

We are still in need of things like gas cards, grocery store certificates, Target and the like...
I will be posting a resume soon for Latosha, who worked as a sous-chef in a Cajun restaurant in a Gulfport casino before all was destroyed.

We found a pediatrician for Keairria...thank you...

2005-09-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

...Still looking for a doctor for Tosha and someone who would like to document the stories firsthand by video...

Does anyone know a Doctor?

2005-09-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

I just picked up Keairria from school with Latosha. As they talked about the hurricane in class, she became ill and nearly passed out. She has a fever of 102, is nauseous and is feeling pretty horrible overall. I am wondering if drinking sewer water has something do with it -- they had no choice at one point. Keairria has been extremely brave and I think her body is finally letting down it's guard now that she is somewhat safe. As we await the slow process of FEMA to supposedly kick in, with help for medical, etc., we need a pediatrician and a doctor to look at Latosha and Keairria. They have no insurance, and I just picked her up from school. Please let us know if you can help.

SCHOOL, DOCTORS, CLOTHING>>>

2005-09-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been a whirlwind as we have attempted to help Latosha and Keairria get settled in, get clothing, medical treatment, and enroll in school. As I read about New Orleans, and I hear Latosha's horrifying first-hand account of the lack of organization, misinformation, dehumanization by authorities, desperation on the part of the hurricane survivors, and out and out raciscm on the part of police and other "officials," and am further convinced that we did the right thing to get one mother and daughter out of the misery that is the gulf coast. First, the good news about what has been happening here in Los Angeles:

Thomas took Latosha and Keairria to a free clinic on Beverly blvd. on Wednesday. Keairria was given medicine for the rash that had developed all over her body as a result of living in dirty water for 8 days. They both received medicine for their stomachs. I had called the Red Cross, because they supposedly would be able to provide inital services. It became apparent that this would be a waste of time after making several calls and being told that their shelters were full and they would take days to "process" people. So we realized that a direct and personal effort is the only way to get anything done -- thus the email and the request for donations from you. THANK YOU once again for your kindness -- we still need more. Clothing quickly poured in to the gallery in the last couple of days and now this need has been taken care of adequately.

Yesterday, we got Keairria enrolled at Colfax elementary, right down the street from where she and Latosha are now living with Thomas and Tracy. The school opened up to her immediately, the kids are wonderful and the parents, teachers and administration have been amazing in a very short time. Thank you very much to COLFAX elementary for making Keairria feel welcome. I will post photos later of Keairria at school.

No More Clothing Donations needed, Thank You...

2005-09-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Thank you very much for all the donations up to this point. We do not need anymore clothing, thank you very much. We are seeking donations of these type of things:

Gas Cards
Grocery store gift cards
Other gift cards -- Target, etc...
Checks may be made out to:

Latosha Ross Hurricane Fund

Thank you again

2005-09-07T18:05:00.000-07:00

Latosha and Keairria

Hurricane Katrina - Latosha and Keairria - Donations needed

2005-09-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

Please read posts below for more information on Tosha and her daughter Keairria, survivors of Hurricane Katrina in Gulfport Mississippi. We are seeking donations of food, clothing, toys and money. We are setting up a fund and it will be called:

"The Latosha Ross Hurricane Katrina Catastrophe fund"

Checks can made out to this fund. Any amount is appreciated.

IN ADDITION,

Latosha and Keairria need some clothing and shoes. They have lost weight since the catastrophe so sizes are approximate, and are still walking around in donated sandals -- so shoes are a very immediate need. Here are their sizes:

Latosha (27 years old) size 8-10 womens, Medium top, size 8 1/2 -9 shoes
Keairria (8 years old) size 7 kids, size 5 kids shoes

Checks and or donations can be sent in care of us at NOHO MODERN. Please address items as follows:

NOHO MODERN
LATOSHA ROSS HURRICANE FUND
11225 MAGNOLIA BLVD
NORTH HOLLYWOOD CA 91601

We can be reached by email at:

hurricanefund@nohomodern.com

Hurricane Katrina victims Tosha and Keairria

2005-09-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

We picked up Tosha and Keairria last night at LAX after they took their first ever plane flight from Mobile, AL via Cincinnati, OH. Here is generally how things happened before and since that moment:

Our friend Jill found Tosha and Keairria in the wreckage of their apartment in Gulfport, MS, drove them to her home near Mobile, got them clothing and food and beds for the first time in over a week, and prepared them for a flight to a new life. As this was happening, we booked them a flight and hurriedly prepared for their arrival, buying a new bed, getting some furniture, painting the bedroom and putting up curtains and paintings to help them feel safe and welcome. We made a big welcome sign since we didn't know what they looked like and they hadn't seen us, and we had no problem finding each other at the airport. Afterwards, our hungry hurricane survivors were wisked off to Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles on Pico and where we all enjoyed getting to know each other.

Today, Thomas took Tosha and Keairria to a free clinic to be checked out. They had no running water and conditions were horrendous in Gulfport -- Keairria was covered in mud and had to be cleaned off with dirty flood water and has since contracted some sort of rash. We are hoping the doctor will help her and her mom to feel better. We have registered them with FEMA but we don't know what help will come and when. In the meantime, we are looking to accept donations and I will spell this out in the next post...

2005-09-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

All smiles after leaving 8 days of sewage and ruin in Gulfport for a new life of smog and traffic in LA...

2005-09-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Joey and Keairria are becoming fast friends after meeting less than an hour earlier...

2005-09-07T13:03:00.001-07:00

Tosha and Jeremy awaiting some chicken and waffles...

2005-09-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

Joey, Keairria and Latosha posing in Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles on Pico in LA...

2005-09-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

A long flight from Mobile, AL to Cincinnati, and finally LA -- first time in an airplane for both...

2005-09-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

Tosha and Keairria arriving at LAX and being greeted by Thomas, Tracy and Joey

2005-09-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

Latosha and Keairria eating breakfast this morning

Tosha and Keairria: From Gulfport to Los Angeles

2005-09-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

The purpose of this blog is to update the world on the lives of Latosha Ross and her daughter Keairria Shorter, survivors of Hurricane Katrina in Gulfport, Mississippi. They arrived in Los Angeles last night, September 6th, at 10:02 PM. We are providing a place for them to stay, and we are also seeking help in obtaining necessities as we determine what those will be. We will be updating you on things as they happen.

2005-09-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

NOHO MODERN