LOS ANGELES, Calif. — More than 40 years after voters first envisioned a rail connection to the South Bay with the passage of Proposition A, today, this vision significantly advanced with unanimous support from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors, to approve Metro Board Director, Holly J. Mitchell’s motion – coauthored with Directors Tim Sandoval, James Butts, and Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, to approve the final Environmental Impact Report and select the Hawthorne Boulevard alignment option for extending the existing C Line light rail. The 4.5-mile extension of the C Line will create a single ride from the Expo Line to LAX and into the South Bay, reaching the cities of Redondo Beach, Lawndale and Torrance.

Director Holly J. Mitchell, who represents Los Angeles County’s Second District which includes the cities of Redondo Beach, Lawndale and several neighborhoods in the South Bay that will be served by the C Line extension shared, “Let me be clear, I’ve never tapped dance on this issue and have be consistent about ensuring transit reaches the South Bay, an area that has waited decades for fast, frequent, and reliable rail service. This has always been about fulfilling our responsibility and the voter mandate to expand transit access in the South Bay by selecting the best route for achieving this. The Hawthorne option presents the strongest opportunity to deliver lasting mobility, economic, and environmental benefits.”

Originally envisioned in 1980 through the passage of Proposition A, the C Line Extension has remained a significant regional investment for more than four decades. Voters reaffirmed their commitment by approving funding through Measures R (2008) and M (2016), and the Metro Board elevated the Project in 2019 as one of Metro’s Pillar projects.

Following an extensive environmental review and community engagement, Metro staff presented two primary alignments options: the Metro Right-of-Way (ROW) and Hawthorne Boulevard. The ROW option would impact 178 residential homes and require 17 temporary construction easements lasting more than six years. Residents living along the ROW raised serious concerns about proximity to homes, multi-year construction impacts, loss of green space, rail safety, utility and pipeline relocation, and potential exposure to contaminated soils.

The Hawthorne alignment addresses concerns raised by the ROW alignment option and enhances an established commercial corridor with approximately 170 commercial properties serving 350 businesses. It also connects directly to the South Bay Galleria redevelopment and existing bus service, offers stronger walk-up access, higher visibility, and greater ridership potential and prevents, prolonged construction impacts on residential neighborhoods adjacent to the ROW.

Chelsea Schreiber with the South Bay Environmental Justice Alliance shared “We’re genuinely excited to champion Hawthorne Boulevard because it’s a true win-win. It strengthens the community, brings long overdue revitalization to a corridor that needs it, and protects the environment at the same time.”

Fellow Metro Board Directors and co-authors of the motion for the Hawthorne alignment shared the following:

“It is an honor to celebrate this significant step forward for the South Bay with the Metro board’s decision to extend rail along Hawthorne Blvd. Today’s action highlights the importance of community voices in shaping vital infrastructure projects that will benefit the residents we serve for decades to come,” said Tim Sandoval

Inglewood Mayor James Butts shared, this project represents a promise made to South Bay voters more than 40 years ago. I support the Hawthorne alignment. As I said nearly two years ago, I believe the Hawthorne Alternative best addresses and serves the South Bay communities’ transportation needs. It’s important that we get this right and I think that’s the Hawthorne Alternative.”

Jacqueline Dupont-Walker stated, “I want to express my appreciation of the Metro staff for their community outreach and dedication to this important initiative and I want to thank Supervisor Mitchell for this motion. The Hawthorne option achieves transit expansion, while recognizing the strong concerns from communities. As we move forward with the making this happen in the near future, the courage and thoughtfulness demonstrated with the selection of the Hawthorne option will validate itself.”  

The Hawthorne Boulevard alignment has garnered broad local support as well. The city councils of Redondo Beach, Lawndale, Hawthorne, and Hermosa Beach have voted in favor of the alignment. Lawndale Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles stated “I appreciate Supervisor Mitchell’s commitment to collaboration, I’ve walked the alignment options alongside her and Metro staff. I will be a strong supporter of Lawndale doing all it can to assist with this project being completed expeditiously. I want to thank the Metro Board for its thoughtful deliberation and support of expanding transit access to the South Bay.”

And Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass added, “Today’s Metro Board decision confirms strong leadership and clear direction for the C Line extension,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “Supervisor Mitchell has championed the Hawthorne Boulevard option, and with the Board’s backing, we are honoring voter intent, listening to community voices, and delivering a long-promised investment for the South Bay. This project brings us closer to a one-seat ride connecting Los Angeles and the South Bay and will expand access to jobs, education, housing, and opportunity.”

Addressing Cost, Construction, and Business Impacts

While the Hawthorne Boulevard option carries a higher estimated cost, with more than 40 percent of funding already secured, the project is better positioned than many rail projects at the Final EIR stage to be completed.

The motion also:

• Establishes a Business Interruption Fund
• Expands Metro’s construction mitigation programs, including the Pilot Investment Fund
• Prioritizes coordination with Caltrans and local jurisdictions to streamline permitting

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In response to the Trump administration’s recent attempt to freeze billions in federal funding for critical social services, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and Board Chair Hilda L. Solis for the County to respond with a 14-days with a coordinated plan to urgently fight against the cuts and protect access to essential safety-net programs relied upon by thousands of County residents. The motion makes clear the County’s opposition to the unlawful funding cuts and directs County departments to develop a coordinated response plan within 14 days. The plan will outline actionable steps to confront the impending freeze, protect service continuity, and mitigate harm to residents who depend on these programs.

Today’s action by the Board follows a letter from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to California and four other states announcing immediate restrictions on access to federal anti-poverty funds, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)—known in California as CalWORKs—the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG). While a federal judge has temporarily blocked the funding freeze, the threat of disruption remains.

Supervisor Mitchell, whose office receives more than 1,500 calls each month from residents in urgent need of benefits, said, “We cannot and will not wait for the clock to run out. As the largest administrator of safety-net programs in the nation, Los Angeles County must stand against and plan for the devastating impact of this impending federal funding freeze. This is a man-made crisis. Under the guise of preventing ‘fraud,’ the federal government has issued yet another directive that is anti-immigrant, anti-Black, and harmful to working-class families.”

“Withholding federal funding from California families—especially children—is nothing short of despicable. Too many residents in Los Angeles County rely on programs like CalWORKs to make ends meet, and instead of fulfilling their obligation, the Trump administration is using our most vulnerable as political pawns. Make no mistake: Los Angeles County is committed to acting swiftly to protect families, assess impacts, and fight for the resources our communities need, while supporting the legal efforts of California and other affected states,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis.

California receives approximately $5 billion annually through the affected programs. In Los Angeles County alone, more than 112,000 families rely on cash assistance, approximately 200,000 children could lose access to monthly support and subsidized childcare, and tens of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities depend on services supported by SSBG funding.

In addition to directing the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) to assess the impact of any federal funding disruption on County-administered programs—including CalWORKs, childcare, and social services—the motion instructs County Counsel to identify all available legal actions, including participating in California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s lawsuit or filing amicus briefs, and for public awareness and outreach to help keep residents informed on the facts and resources available.

Dr. Jackie Contreras, Director of DPSS, stated, “This funding freeze—should it occur—would have a devastating impact on the families, parents, and children we serve through CalWORKs. Along with our partners and stakeholders, we will work tirelessly to help families navigate this unprecedented action that needlessly puts their support and well-being at risk.”

Brandon T. Nichols, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, added, “The looming threat of federal funding cuts is deeply concerning. If the freeze goes into effect, the safety net supporting children and families will be weakened, jeopardizing their stability and well-being. Without access to quality community services, families may only come to our attention after challenges become unmanageable. I remain hopeful decision-makers recognize that fraud-detection systems in Los Angeles County are working and that social services reach those who truly need them.”

The Trump administration demanded, within 14 days, extensive eligibility and personal data from states, without evidence of wrongdoing and without following federal rulemaking requirements. On January 10, 2026, a federal judge issued a 14-day temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing HHS from withholding TANF, CCDF, and SSBG funds, blocking a forced data-production request, and allowing funding to continue during litigation. The TRO is set to expire on January 24, 2026, unless extended or converted into a preliminary injunction.

“Any interruption of CalWORKs benefits would have catastrophic consequences for the most vulnerable families in Los Angeles—those fleeing domestic violence, navigating job loss or illness, and striving to build stability through education and work,” said Yvonne Maria Jimenez, President and CEO of Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County. “Even a few weeks without these benefits could leave children homeless and hungry. We are grateful for the Board’s swift action to plan ahead and prevent harm.”

To read the full motion, click here. If residents who receive CalWORKs benefits have questions about their benefits, please contact DPSS at 866-613-3777. For general information on resources available, residents are encouraged to call 2-1-1.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell released the following statement on the fatal shooting of Keith Porter Jr. and Renee Nicole Good by ICE:

Fatally shooting unarmed civilians is not about immigration enforcement or public safety, it’s an attack on our humanity and fundamental rights. Keith Porter and Renee Nicole Good deserved better. They should still be alive — watching their children grow up while pursuing their dreams. I extend my deepest condolences to their loved ones and to all who are grieving the far too many lives cut short due to this reckless, manufactured crisis by the Trump administration.

From California to Minnesota and across the nation, we will not look away from the disgrace and cowardice of masked individuals who take lives, tear families apart, and terrorize communities in the name of racism and hatred.

Our strength comes from standing together and that is what we will continue to do while using every tool at our disposal to fight back.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell released the following statement on the anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades wildfires:


One year ago today, the Eaton and Palisades wildfires forever changed lives across Los Angeles County. On this anniversary, we reflect and honor the lives lost and the resilience of the communities that endured unimaginable loss and hardship.


Thank you to all the first responders and to the County departments, community organizations, and residents who stepped up—meeting devastation with compassion, generosity, and support for those who needed it most.


Over the past year, my office has connected with displaced residents who relocated to our district, provided targeted support to childcare providers whose businesses were disrupted, and worked to prevent the exploitation and trafficking of workers that far too often follows natural disasters.


I am proud to serve alongside Supervisor Kathyrn Barger on the Altadena Wildfire Recovery Infrastructure Financing District and will continue to support the long road to recovery.


LA County created a website recapping lessons learned and ongoing recovery efforts, learn more here:
Lacounty.gov/eaton-palisades-one-year-later/

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (the Board) unanimously approved Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s motion to advance data transparency in the County’s juvenile justice system by calling for the creation of a public-facing juvenile justice data dashboard. The Probation Department in coordination with the County’s Chief Information Officer will report back to the Board in 60-days with a plan for launching this initiative.  

Supervisor Mitchell whose district includes the highest rate of young people in the County’s juvenile justice system shared, “The data we are tracking is tied to real lives—to the lives of the young people in our care, whom we are responsible for. This information needs to be accessible and readily available to all. Instead of navigating a cumbersome process of searching across multiple webpages or contacting departments directly, there will be a centralized location where this data can live. This is about building on the efforts of the Probation Department and our County teams to transparently track outcomes for young people in our halls so we can strengthen solutions for reunification, safe depopulation through community partnerships, and prevention.” 

The motion builds on the County’s Care First, Jails Last commitment and furthers steps taken by the Board in 2020 to improve data collection and information sharing by creating a centralized dashboard on the County’s existing Open Data portal. The dashboard will be updated monthly and provide clear, accessible insights for families of youth involved in the County’s juvenile justice system, advocates, County departments, and the public. Key data that can be publicly disclosed consistent with applicable laws, rules, and regulations will include, but is not limited to: 

– Demographics of the probation population, disaggregated by race, age, and gender (female, male, non-binary)

– Tracking of releases and facility transfers 

– Total number of youth in community placements 

– Total population at each Probation facility 

– Total number of youth with current or prior involvement with the County’s Department of Children and Family Services 

– Booking charges and Los Angeles Detention Screener scores (an assessment tool used to help inform recommendations for detention or alternatives to detention) 

– Length of stay in detention 

The County’s Probation Department shared the following “We support any effort to provide transparency in our daily operations and look forward to working with the Supervisors and our partners on this motion,” said Robert Acros, Acting Chief Deputy, LA County Probation Department. Chief Information Officer, Peter Loo, added “Collaboration is key, and departments, as the owners and stewards of their own data, play a key role in ensuring its integrity, accuracy, and completeness. Our team stands ready to assist Probation by providing the platform and tools, and technical assistance to publish a Juvenile Justice dashboard.” 

There are examples of public-facing dashboards in other counties, including Santa Clara County which the Los Angeles Youth Uprising (LAYUP) Coalition has uplifted as a best-practice model for data transparency.  

LAYUP Coalition member, Olivia Shields with the non-profit, Urban Peace Institute shared “an accessible, accurate, public facing dashboard detailing incarcerated youth demographics, releases and facility transfers, DCFS involvement, LA Detention Screener scores, and more will allow for increased accountability, opportunities to identify and remedy patterns of harm, and precise tracking of effectiveness of decarceration solutions. We look forward to following the implementation of the motion, with a particular focus on data quality and reliability, production integrity and transparency, and the ultimate efficacy of the dashboard.”  

The motion also instructs the Probation Department to provide regular progress reports to the Board and the Probation Oversight Commission to ensure continued accountability in the development the platform. 

Probation Oversight Commission Chair Eduardo Mundo added, “The Board has already affirmed its commitment to Youth Justice Reimagined, and this action helps accelerate the work the current administration of the Probation Department has begun by expanding access to publicly available data. Robust and consistent data collection allows us to move beyond anecdotes, reduce silos across youth serving departments, and better monitor our progress toward meaningful and lasting juvenile justice reform.” 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell in partnership with the Reimagine LA Coalition and St. John’s Community Health will be distributing a total of $350,000 – $500 in cash grants to up to 200-600 residents from the unincorporated Florence-Firestone community that are in need of support paying back-due rent, mortgage payments or utilities. Florence-Firestone residents can apply now until January 31, 2026. Eligible participants will have the option to renew payments up to three times. This program, titled Florence-Firestone is Home, is one of the winning ideas voted on by local residents as part of Supervisor Mitchell’s 2nd District Community Budget – Los Angeles County’s first ever participatory budget pilot.  

“We are officially in the implementation phase of our 2nd District Community Budget with the launch of Florence-Firestone is Home – a program that reflects the needs and values of our community. We know that far too many people are one $400 unexpected expense away from experiencing financial hardship. Providing cash grants that residents do not have to pay back, that can help cover rent or keep the lights on is needed more than ever,” said LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “I’m proud to partner with Reimagine LA and St. John’s Community Health to implement this resident driven initiative and to ensure it reaches those who need it most.”  

“We are honored to participate in this program that will lift up our communities. We are grateful for Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s leadership and funding of this program and are eager to help make this a success.  Every Angeleno deserves a chance to thrive,” said Jim Mangia, MPH, President & CEO of St. John’s Community Health. 

Florence-Firestone is Home is open to residents of unincorporated Florence-Firestone ages 18 and older with household incomes at or below 200% the Federal Poverty Level. Eligible tenants or homeowners who need assistance with past-due rent, mortgage, or utilities are encouraged to apply for cash grants that do not have to be paid back. Anyone can apply regardless of their immigration status at https://www.sjch.org/florence-firestone-is-home.  

About the 2nd District Community Budget  

Launched in 2023, the 2nd District Community Budget is LA County’s first participatory budgeting pilot program led by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, in partnership with the Reimagine LA Coalition, Participatory Budgeting Project, and Tres Lunas Consulting. The initiative gives residents of Florence-Firestone and Ladera Heights real decision-making power on how $1.7 million should be invested back into their communities. Through this project, residents have shared ideas and voted on community-driven projects that are now being implemented. For more information on the 2nd District Community Budget, visit http://mitchell.lacounty.gov/cb-2023 or follow Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell on social media: Instagram, Facebook, X, and Bluesky. 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (the Board) approved a motion authored by Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell and Janice Hahn that directs the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department (ISD) and Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to launch a three-year Community Hiring Pilot Program. The pilot will be countywide and connect high-road jobs from five of ISD’s largest procurement contracts to residents living in zip codes with high rates of poverty.

Each year, the County spends $6 to $9 billion dollars on good and services to meet the needs of its 10 million residents. Last year, the Board passed Supervisor Mitchell’s motion committing the County to using its purchasing power to expand access to high-road jobs – jobs that provide family supporting pay, benefits, and growth opportunities – for residents living in communities with high concentrations of poverty. Today’s action moves that commitment to implementation.

“This pilot program links procurement, workforce development, and economic mobility into a coordinated strategy that will provide quality job opportunities for talented and qualified residents in communities that have face historical under investment and high rates of poverty,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “We have an opportunity to show how equitable hiring practices tied to how we spend our money are good for business and for strengthening our efforts to end the cycle of poverty.”  

“If the County is going to spend billions of dollars every year contracting out to provide our residents services, we should use these contracts as tools to invest in good jobs in the communities that need them most. That is our goal with this Community Hiring Pilot Program – to use the County’s own purchasing power to open doors for LA County residents to stable careers and to help workers build a pathway out of poverty,” said LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn.

The Board will receive a report back within 90 days with a list of the five eligible ISD contracts, community hiring goals, and a timeline for implementation. The pilot will also include targeted outreach to America’s Job Centers of California, High Road Training Partnerships, and other community partners to support referrals of qualified job seekers.

“The County and our contracted partners hire for thousands of high-quality jobs and careers across almost every sector and occupation as we collectively invest billions in goods and services for our community wellbeing,” shared Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity. “Thanks to our Board of Supervisors and this motion, we are excited to formalize and scale these community hiring opportunities with talented, local workers, trained by our America’s Job Centers and training partners.”

The Community Development Technologies Center (CD Tech) is among the many community partners helping to prepare residents in South Los Angeles for quality employment opportunities. CD Tech President and CEO, Benjamin Torres, shared, “For 30 years, CD Tech has been combining grassroots community building towards strengthening the skills and self-sufficiency of residents especially though workforce development into high wage career pathways that make a difference. Thanks to Supervisor Mitchell’s Motion, the Community Hiring Pilot will open more doors into good jobs, hire people from our communities, and provide families with the economic mobility to make uplift our community.”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. —Ahead of World Human Rights Day on Wednesday December 10, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed Supervisor Mitchell’s motion directing Los Angeles County to formally share its support – via a signed letter from the entire Board of Supervisors – to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to hold the United States accountable to international human rights principles.

The United States broke precedent with the Trump Administration’s refusal to participate in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) – a global human rights evaluation led by the United Nations Human Rights Council that occurs every 4.5 years. Since 2006, the UPR provides an opportunity for all 193 UN member nations to undergo a peer review of their human rights records.

Last month, in lieu of the formal UPR for the United States, the UNHRC convened state and municipal officials from the U.S. along with advocacy organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Geneva, Switzerland to share testimonies about human rights violations in their communities. Supervisor Mitchell joined Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, and other government leaders to share the challenges and to highlight local efforts to protect basic dignity and civil rights.

“At a time when the federal government has abandoned its responsibility to uphold human rights, local leadership must step forward. Los Angeles County will continue to do the work—to protect, to document, and to lead. We will not be silenced. Instead, we are joining nations across the globe in honoring our shared humanity and the fundamental rights for all people” Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District.

From reports of masked, armed immigration agents detaining and removing residents without due process to deep cuts to essential safety-net programs, including health care, several recent federal actions have significantly harmed County residents and raise serious human rights concerns.

“The Trump administration’s unprecedented decision not to participate in the recent UPR human rights review is shameful and reflective of the fact that they are either unwilling or unable to defend their abhorrent human rights record,” said Chandra Bhatnagar, executive director of the ACLU of Southern California. “Local and state governments and officials of good conscience should heed L.A. County’s motion to urge the OHCHR to investigate the administration’s  human rights violations and do all in their power to defend our communities and our rights.”

The motion also calls on the LA County Human Relations Commission (HRC) to collaborate with the County’s Legislative Affairs Intergovernmental Relations branch on a report back in 90 days on ways to strengthen its ongoing coordination with the U.S. municipalities that joined LA County in providing testimony in Geneva, Switzerland. Executive Director of LA County’s HRC, Robin Toma shared:

“December 10th marks the day in 1948 when nations around the world united to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The federal administration’s disregard for basic human rights for LA residents and communities throughout this nation make Supervisor Mitchell’s motion and the Board of Supervisors support necessary. LA County continues to be an example for how local governments can prioritize equity, inclusion, and respect for human rights for everyone, something that our Commission has documented in our recent ‘A Human Rights Lens’ report.”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — This week, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a motion co-authored by Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell and Hilda L. Solis underscoring the County’s commitment to serving all residents with dignity and without interference. The motion responds to disruptive and intimidating immigration enforcement actions in County facilities by providing clear guidance and reinforcing protections for the County’s more than 100,000-member workforce.

“Dedicated workers in our hospitals, clinics, parks, libraries, and other County facilities have found themselves in untenable situations when pressured by federal agents to take actions that conflict with their legal, ethical, and professional duties. We must ensure our workforce has the clarity and support they need in these unprecedented times. This motion sends a clear message: we see you, and we have your back by defending County employees who are wrongfully charged by the federal government for simply doing their jobs,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District.

“Our County facilities must remain places of healing, safety, and trust for every resident who walks through our doors,” said Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor. “Recent federal immigration actions have created real fear in our communities, and our employees providing lifesaving care to our residents deserve clear protections as they carry out their duties in good faith. We are taking decisive steps to ensure our frontline workers can serve patients without interference while upholding their professional and ethical responsibilities.”

Under state law, a public entity like the County may provide for the defense of a criminal action brought against an employee or former employee if: 1) the action arises from an act within the scope of their employment, and 2) the County determines that the employee acted (or failed to act) in good faith, without actual malice, and in the interests of the County.

The passage of the motion makes clear if a County employee is charged with obstruction by immigration enforcement while acting in good faith, without malice, and peacefully performing their assigned duties – an independent factual investigation will be conducted – and if the facts show the employee was rightfully doing their job —Los Angeles County will provide legal defense.

It is important to note that the motion does not encourage employees to obstruct or block federal immigration enforcement efforts, nor does it encourage unnecessary conflicts with immigration officials.

“CHIRLA thanks Supervisors Mitchell and Solis for putting forward this motion, and LA County for standing with its workers and our immigrant communities. As ICE continues to terrorize our communities and interfere with people’s right to access services and resources they need and are entitled to, it is critical that public workers know they will be supported in doing their jobs and that our residents know we are fighting to protect their fundamental rights,” said Angelica Salas, Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA).

The motion reaffirms the County’s commitment to compassion, dignity, and excellence for all residents—regardless of immigration status, race, color, religious creed, sexual orientation, or gender identity. To read the full motion, click here.