LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, representing the Second District to accelerate $21.5 million in Federal grant funding for the Florence-Firestone for All project to create safer streets, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of life for the over 64,000 residents of unincorporated Florence-Firestone community.

“With $21.5 million in Federal grant funding allocated to the Florence-Firestone for All project, we’re not just improving infrastructure, we’re saving lives. Florence-Firestone faces alarming rates of fatal and severe injury traffic collisions, disproportionately impacting our pedestrians. By accelerating these vital resources, we’re not just envisioning a safer future – we’re actively building it,” said Supervisor Mitchell.

Florence-Firestone has some of the highest rates of fatal and severe injury traffic collisions throughout Los Angeles County. Pedestrians in the community are involved in nearly 36% of these incidents, compared to 20% in the wider unincorporated County overall. Every major street in Florence-Firestone is identified as a Collision Concentration Corridor, with Firestone Boulevard, Alameda Street, and 92^nd Street ranking in the top 20 within the County’s Vision Zero Action Plan.

The $21.5 million grant funding will support traffic safety improvement projects, including:

• Designing and constructing proven safety countermeasures along the top three Collision Concentration Corridors
•  Launching a Safe Routes for Seniors Program
• Providing teen-focused traffic safety engagement to prevent distracted and impaired driving and discourage street racing
• Implementing demonstration projects to obtain community feedback and buy-in on roadway reconfigurations
• Conducting arts and culture engagement with community members to develop strategies for safer streets through incorporating art into infrastructure

The motion today directs several actions related to the Florence-Firestone for All: Achieving Vision Zero in South Los Angeles project. These actions include finding the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), authorizing the Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW) to file a Notice of Exemption for the proposed project, accepting grant funds of up to $21.5 million from the United States Department of Transportation for the project, along with potential future grants of up to $35 million per cycle under the Safe Streets and Roads for All program.

To read the full motion, click here.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. —Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor sent a letter to the Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation seeking their support in urging Congress and the Biden Administration to call for an immediate and lasting bilateral ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all captives, including Israeli hostages held captive by Hamas and Palestinians detained unlawfully by the Israeli government, and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid.

Read the full letter here.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, the LA County Board of Supervisors voted to submit an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the Johnson v. City of Grants Pass case urging the Supreme Court to rule upholding the prohibitions on both criminal penalties and civil penalties for unhoused individuals considered camping in public spaces while clarifying the application of Martin v. City of Boise. The U.S. Supreme Court is considering the question whether the enforcement of generally applicable laws regulating camping on public property constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment” prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. An amicus brief assists the courts by offering additional, relevant information or arguments the court may want to consider before making their ruling. Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell presented an amendment to narrow the County’s arguments for its amicus brief and provided the following statement:

“It’s important for Los Angeles County, the largest county in the nation, to make clear our support for protecting basic human rights in our fight to end homelessness. This is why I fully supported the motion presented by Supervisors Barger and Hahn for the County to submit an amicus brief in the Johnson vs. City of Grants Pass case before the Supreme Court. The amendment I presented today, that was accepted by the Board of Supervisors, was about continuing to fight for the best outcome for our unhoused residents and communities impacted by the homelessness crisis, until the final decision from the Supreme Court is made. This amicus brief does that without supporting the City of Grants Pass’ position to criminalize the unhoused. My amendment insisted that our position would state to the court that we oppose criminalizing homelessness through criminal or civil penalties. And seeks to get clarity on when we can remove bedding that has been dumped. If we don’t ask for this clarity, our silence would not be a protest but naiveté as the Supreme Court is going to make a ruling. This is the clarity my amendment seeks. I understand that we must be strategic and that it’s not ideal to have to ask this important question to this Supreme Court, but this our current reality.”

“The Supreme Court will make a decision on this case this year. What we can do now is uphold the tenets of the Civil Rights Movement, and not stop fighting. We can continue to advocate to prevent the criminalization of poverty while protecting the safety and health of the public until the final decision is made.”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. —Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell provided the following statement on the death of civil rights activist, Dexter Scott King:

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dexter Scott King, activist and youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dexter King continued the legacy of his father, working tirelessly to promote the advancement of civil rights and non-violence. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.

In honor of the King legacy, we must continue our collective efforts to advocate for equity, justice, and inclusivity. Supporting institutions like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital becomes not just a tribute to the past but a commitment to creating a better future for all. My condolences and thoughts are with the King family during this challenging time.”