WESTLAKE : Latinos Updated on Status of Prop. 187

El Rescate, a center catering to the legal, social-service and educational needs of Central American refugees, has launched a series of Monday night meetings to keep Latino immigrants informed about the progress of Proposition 187 as the controversial voter-approved initiative moves through the courts.

“The meetings will focus on the different legal challenges (Proposition 187) is facing,” said Jaime Flores, acting executive director of the center. “They will last as long as there is a response from the community.”

Participants will receive weekly updates on legal decisions surrounding the initiative, which threatens to cut off social, educational and medical services to illegal immigrants. They will also be advised on what actions they should and should not take to protect themselves and their families.

Information will be presented on how those who do not have legal resident status can apply for residency--including political asylum, for which many Central Americans are eligible, Flores said.

The Prop. 187 meetings, which begin at 7 p.m., are the first of their kind for El Rescate, but the center has long hosted other weekly informational meetings.

Every other Wednesday at 6 p.m., the center sponsors information sessions for people interested in becoming U.S. citizens. They are shown how to apply and then referred to adult schools offering citizenship classes. Sessions dealing exclusively with the legalization process are held Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

The center is at 1340 S. Bonnie Brae St. Information: (213) 387-3284.