Cynthia Lezama

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s Freedom Summer Program is back for a second year, and this time at George Washington Carver Park in the unincorporated Willowbrook community. The program offers more than eight weeks of engaging workshops and activities designed to help residents build new skills, explore new experiences, and access healthy foods and other valuable community resources. All programs are free and open to Second District residents.

Supervisor Mitchell’s Freedom Summer Program extends the impact of her annual Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair by kicking-off at the event and continuing for over two months, to ensure residents have ongoing access to meaningful resources throughout the summer.

Supervisor Mitchell shared, “Each year, through our Juneteenth celebration, we ask ourselves: What does freedom mean today, and how can we help make it a reality? Freedom is realized when every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential. That’s why we’re investing in programs that nourish minds, strengthen families, open doors to new careers, and connect residents with resources that improve their quality of life.”

A new addition to this year’s Freedom Summer Program is the free Beach Bus, which provides transportation every Saturday at 9 a.m. from Carver Park to Dockweiler Beach through September 5. The Beach Bus departs Dockweiler Beach at 3 p.m. to return to Carver Park, making it easier for families and residents to enjoy Los Angeles County’s coastline and participate in healthy outdoor recreation at no cost.

Freedom Summer Programing includes:

A high energy program blending life skills, academic enrichment, and flag football to help youth learn, grow, and stay active.

Gain full production team experience through hands on training, multimedia classes, community outreach, access to a complete multimedia studio, and youth programming including summer camp opportunities.

A free, hands-on summer STEAM program where young people build confidence, leadership, and real-world skills through technology, creativity, mentorship, and collaborative projects that explore future career pathways.

A script to screen program for ages 12–24 that prepares young people for careers in the entertainment industry. Offered onsite as a cohort, with stipends provided for all participants.

A community popup farmers market providing fresh food access.

Residents can learn more and sign-up for Freedom Summer by visiting: https://mitchell.lacounty.gov/freedom-summer/

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. – As families gather to celebrate the July 4th weekend, Los Angeles County is reminding residents that illegal street takeovers are dangerous, illegal, and often deadly. Anyone participating–as drivers, organizers or even by promoting takeovers on social media–contributes to the danger and could be subject to fines of up to $1,000.

Last Sunday, in Los Angeles County’s Second District alone, a shooting at an illegal street takeover in Carson resulted in one fatality and six people injured. That same day a takeover in Gardena disrupted neighborhoods and blocked residents from entering their homes. At a South Los Angeles takeover, multiple vehicles were destroyed and a stolen vehicle erupted in flames. These are just a few out of many examples that speak to the national trend of takeovers increasing during the summer months.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, whose Second District experiences a disproportionately high number of illegal street takeovers and who spearheaded the County’s Street Takeover Reduction Workgroup, shared: “No one should have to fear for their safety or risk losing their life because of these reckless and entirely preventable events. We cannot accept a future where every summer brings another wave of dangerous street takeovers that threaten our neighborhoods. As we head into the holiday weekend and the busy summer season, our message is clear: if you choose to participate in, organize or promote an illegal street takeover you will be held accountable. The consequences are real, and together we will protect our communities.”

LA County has a zero tolerance for these dangerous events. The Sheriff’s Department will be increasing enforcement during the upcoming holiday weekend.

“Street takeovers are not a victimless crime, they are dangerous, illegal, and will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. “Our deputies will continue to take decisive enforcement action against those who participate in or facilitate these reckless events. Enforcement remains a critical component of our public safety strategy, but it is only one part of the solution.

“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department remains committed to a comprehensive approach that combines strong enforcement with prevention, education, and meaningful community partnerships to deter illegal activity, improve public safety, and protect the quality of life for everyone in Los Angeles County,” Sheriff Luna continued.

“Street Racing Kills—It’s Just Not Worth It,” a public service announcement released by the Department of Youth Development, tells the true story of Jacob, a young man whose split‑second decision resulted in a crash that took the lives of his three closest friends. His message is simple: one choice can change everything.

Preventing illegal street takeovers requires all of us—residents, families, community organizations, businesses, and government partners—working together to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Background on the LA County Street Takeover Reduction Workgroup:

The County’s Street Takeover Reduction Workgroup, created in response to a Board motion by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, remains committed to reducing these incidents and improving public safety through a comprehensive, multi-agency strategy that includes:

• Expanding youth prevention and education programs through the Department of Youth Development, the Department of Public Health, and Street Racing Kills;
• Installing deterrent infrastructure at high-impact intersections through the Department of Public Works;
• Strengthening enforcement coordination among the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement partners;
• Collaborating with social media companies, including Snap, Google, TikTok, Meta, and X, to remove and demonetize content that promotes illegal takeover activity; and
• Exploring safe and legal alternatives for automotive enthusiasts through partnerships with Slyd District Racing League and Project Street Legal.

These efforts are producing meaningful results. Countywide, overall street takeovers occurring in the County’s unincorporated and contract cities declined by 33% percent between 2024 and 2025 and 53% from 2024 to 2026 (based on data from the first three months of each year).

Youth outreach remains a cornerstone of this work. Eighty‑three percent of youth participating in prevention workshops reported being less likely to engage in street racing or related behavior.

If you know of an illegal street takeover being organized or see one occurring, please call your local law enforcement agency. To contact your local LA County Sheriff Department station, visit: https://lasd.org/lasd-phone-directory/

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the final land use entitlements for the Charles R. Drew University (CDU) Willowbrook Wellness Campus, clearing the way for a transformational expansion that will bring more than 250 affordable housing units, educational facilities, workforce development opportunities, and new community amenities to the unincorporated Willowbrook community.

Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who represents Willowbrook in Los Angeles County’s Second District, said, “For decades, Charles R. Drew University has been a beacon of opportunity, training healthcare professionals who understand the needs of historically underserved communities. CDU’s mission is deeply aligned with our shared vision for a healthier, more equitable Los Angeles County. The Wellness Campus is a once-in-a-generation investment that strengthens the University’s future while creating affordable housing, expanding educational opportunities, generating economic growth, and delivering lasting benefits for the South LA region.”

Located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles, Charles R. Drew University is a private, nonprofit institution. It is one of only four Historically Black Medical Colleges in the United States and the only federally designated Historically Black Graduate Institution (HBGI) west of the Mississippi River. Today’s action represents a landmark investment in one of Los Angeles County’s premier institutions dedicated to advancing health equity and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Charles R. Drew University President Dr. David R. Carlisle said, “The Wellness & Education Campus is a catalyst for community transformation and a once-in-a-generation investment in Willowbrook. We know that healthy communities are built by creating environments that promote holistic wellness and expand access and opportunity. By bringing education, affordable housing, research, recreation, and healthcare together in one place, we are creating a vibrant neighborhood hub where individuals and families can thrive. CDU is proud to lead this visionary initiative—one that will strengthen the health, well-being, and economic vitality of Willowbrook while improving the lives of generations to come.”

The Charles R. Drew University Wellness Campus will include:

• 250 affordable housing units for families, developed by Century Housing;
• 200 affordable student housing units;
• 50 affordable faculty and workforce housing units;
• More than 121,000 square feet of offices, laboratories, and bioscience space;
• A gymnasium and indoor swimming pool;
• A multi-purpose athletic field;
• A 700-space parking structure; and
• A central campus promenade connecting the campus and surrounding community.

Century Housing, a nonprofit developer, will lead the affordable housing component of the project, with construction expected to begin in 2027.

“I want to thank the Board of Supervisors for its support of this transformative project,” said Oscar Alvarado, Senior Vice President at Century Housing. “Through the Charles Drew Wellness Campus, we have the privilege of bringing 254 affordable homes for families and seniors to Willowbrook while helping realize a shared vision for a campus that will serve as a community asset for generations to come.”

As part of today’s action, the Board also certified the project’s environmental review, finding it complies with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The approximately 14-acre project site is primarily owned by the Compton Unified School District (CUSD), with an additional parcel owned by the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) designated for the future parking structure. Today’s action also authorizes a joint 99-year ground lease among CDU, LACDA, and CUSD, providing the University with long-term site control to develop the Willowbrook Wellness Campus.

“Our primary mission is to ensure this once-underutilized property is developed to provide new educational opportunities, community resources, and lasting support for our students and the broader community,” said Dr. Shannon Soto, Chief Operations Officer of the Compton Unified School District. “This project advances that mission and represents an important investment in educational infrastructure, community wellness, and equitable development in Willowbrook.”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell today announced that Dr. D’Artagnan Scorza will serve as Chief of Staff for the Second Supervisorial District, following the retirement of Fredericka McGee. His appointment is effective immediately. 

A nationally recognized leader in public policy, equity, and systems change, Dr. Scorza brings extensive experience advancing initiatives that confront systemic inequities and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities. As Chief of Staff, he will help lead efforts to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life for the nearly 2 million residents who live across the Second District’s 12 cities and dozens of unincorporated communities. 

“Dr. Scorza is a visionary leader whose career has been dedicated to creating pathways to opportunity and improving the lives of our most vulnerable residents. His deep commitment to equity, understanding of the County’s role as the safety-net level of government, and courage to challenge systems to better serve our communities make him exceptionally well-suited to lead our talented team as we work to create a more equitable and prosperous Second District and Los Angeles County for all our residents,” said Supervisor Mitchell. 

Prior to this role, Dr. Scorza served as Executive Director of Racial Equity in the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office, where he led the County’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative and supported the implementation of the Board of Supervisors’ anti-racism policy agenda across more than 40 County departments and agencies. 

“I am honored to join Supervisor Mitchell’s team and contribute to the life changing work of serving the residents of the Second District. Supervisor Mitchell has been a champion for equity and justice throughout her career and has long demonstrated thoughtful leadership on behalf of communities across Los Angeles County,” said Dr. Scorza. “I look forward to continuing to partner with community members, stakeholders, and County departments to advance policies and investments that build on Team Mitchell’s commitment to improving outcomes and creating new possibilities for the Second District.” 

Dr. Scorza succeeds Fredericka McGee, who retired after a trailblazing 35-year career in public service that included leadership roles in federal, state, and local government. Supervisor Mitchell expressed her gratitude for McGee’s leadership and contributions to the Second District. 

“Since the start of my tenure in 2020, Fredericka has been a strategic and innovative partner. Her influence is immeasurable and can be seen in initiatives like our Second District Racial Justice Learning Exchange, as well as in the countless behind-the-scenes decisions that have expanded access, equity, and opportunity across our communities,” said Supervisor Mitchell. “Her impact on our district and Los Angeles County will continue to be felt for years to come.” 

 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Building on a motion authored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell calling for strengthening the County’s ordinance to address illegal street takeovers, today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 4-to-0, with one abstention, to move forward with proposed amendments that include – increasing enforcement against organizers and promoters by raising penalties for violations from $500 to $1,000, expanding enforcement authority to include off-street parking facilities and creating opportunities for diversion programs for eligible first-time violators, reinforcing the County’s “Care First, Jails Last” approach to public safety.

“Even though we are seeing a promising decrease in illegal street takeovers across the County, this remains an urgent safety and quality of live issue for far too many of my constituents, especially in our unincorporated communities. These proposed amendments provide us with stronger tools to address organizers and promoters so we can stop these dangerous events while maintaining opportunities for rehabilitation and diversion for first-time offenders,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who represents the Second District.

The proposed ordinance reflects legal guidance following the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Garcia v. County of Alameda, which found portions of a similar spectator ordinance unconstitutional under the First Amendment. In response, Los Angeles County revised its proposed amendments to focus enforcement on individuals who knowingly organize, promote, facilitate, aid, or abet illegal street takeover activities, rather than spectators.

Los Angeles County Acting Chief Executive Officer Joseph M. Nicchitta shared, “The County has worked with communities to reduce illegal and dangerous street takeovers by 33% over the last year, but there is more to do to keep our unincorporated areas and contract cities safe. Imposing significant fines for those who flaunt the law while strengthening diversion options for first-time offenders strikes the right balance and gives law enforcement the tools it needs. The Street Takeover Reduction Workgroup remains committed to continuing to work with our public and private partners to make our streets safer for everyone.”

There will be a second reading of the proposed amendments to the ordinance for the Board of Supervisors to vote on in the coming weeks. If adopted, the ordinance will go into effect 30 days after the Board vote.

“Street Racing Kills supports the diversion component because diversion is prevention—accountability and education are what change behavior. When paired with strong enforcement, diversion gives eligible offenders a meaningful, structured path to understand the real-life consequences of street racing, takeovers, and reckless driving, take responsibility, reduce repeat behavior, and ultimately save lives before another family is harmed,” said Lili Trujillo Puckett, Founder and CEO at Street Racing Kills.

To read the amended ordinance, click here.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell provided the following statement in response to the error in the proposed budget from the Sheriff’s Department that overestimated expenses by $1.5 billion that was identified by the Reimagine LA Coalition.

“At a time when trust in government and public institutions is at an all-time low, and longstanding community concerns about how funding is allocated to the Sheriff’s Department persist, errors such as this furthers the public’s skepticism of government. I understand this was an error in estimation only, and that no funds were overspent; however, it underscores the need to strengthen our internal controls so that mistakes like this are identified and addressed more quickly.

I appreciate the Reimagine LA Coalition for catching this issue and want to thank the County’s Chief Executive Office for ensuring the proposed budget for 2026-2027 accurately reflects the estimated expenses for the Sheriff’s Department. Let’s continue to do all we can to ensure this does not happen again.”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved two motions co-authored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and Board Chair Hilda L. Solis focused on a dual approach for protecting workers and businesses by proactively going after wage theft and leveraging the County’s purchasing power to support local manufacturers with the launch of the Made in Los Angeles pilot program.

“Together, these initiatives represent a coordinated effort to protect vulnerable workers and support local businesses. By combining stronger labor enforcement with intentional procurement strategies, Los Angeles County is advancing a comprehensive model for economic justice—one that protects workers while investing in businesses that create quality jobs” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

“Small businesses and workers in Los Angeles County are facing real economic strain due to harmful policies from the Trump administration, from tariffs to inhumane immigration enforcement actions, alongside an uneven recovery,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “These motions take a balanced approach by strengthening worker protections while also giving businesses the tools and support they need to comply and grow. If we invest in both, we can build a more resilient and inclusive local economy.”

Addressing Wage Theft Through Worker-Centered Enforcement

Los Angeles County is the wage theft capital of the United States. According to research from UCLA’s Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, approximately 30 percent of low-wage workers in the County have experienced serious minimum wage violations, with wage theft totaling roughly $1.4 billion annually.

The Board has taken meaningful steps to address this. Since 2021, the Office of Labor Equity within the County Department of Business and Consumer affairs has reclaimed $4.6 million for over 3,000 workers. Today’s motion, Reclaiming Wages for Workers Through Worker-Centric Approaches builds on the County’s proven strategies by moving beyond a complaint-based system—which often fails workers afraid of retaliation—and instead emphasizes proactive enforcement with stronger partnerships with worker organizations and the creation of a public dashboard.

“Wage theft has taken an enormous toll on workers of Los Angeles County,” said Rafael Carbajal, Director of the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. “This harms individual workers but also destabilizes families and communities. We thank the Board of Supervisors for taking action and equipping DCBA with the tools needed to make a difference.”

Harnessing County Purchasing Power to Support Local Manufacturing

As the County works to stop bad actors in our workforce that don’t pay their employees what they earned, it is also focused on expanding its investment in local businesses that are good for both workers and our economy with its Made in Los Angeles pilot program, an initiative that applies a more targeted approach for the County’s $6-8 billion annual purchasing power toward local manufacturers that meet strong labor and safety standards—helping responsible businesses compete and grow.

Key components of the pilot will include establishing a pool of qualified local manufacturers that adhere to fair labor practices and convening industry, labor, and community stakeholders to guide program design, including metrics to measure economic impact and inform future expansion

Daisy Gonzalez, Campaigns Director for the Garment Worker Center shared “We strongly support both the Reclaiming Wages Motion and the Made in Los Angeles Program Pilot because they put workers at the center of enforcement and economic development—leveraging trusted partnerships with worker centers to recover stolen wages, investing in strategic co-enforcement, and using the County’s purchasing power to uplift ethical local businesses. Together, these efforts return money to the hardworking individuals that sustain our local workforce and show that fair labor standards are good for businesses and our regional economy.”

Both initiatives include report backs within the next 90 to 120 days and opportunities for stakeholder engagement, with the goal of scaling successful strategies countywide.