LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (the Board) approved a motion by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell proclaiming September 2025 as National D/deaf Awareness Month, and September 23 as D/deaf Awareness Day in Los Angeles County. The motion calls on County departments and residents to celebrate and work toward a more inclusive Los Angeles County for the diverse and vibrant D/deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

“Our D/deaf community is expansive, with intersecting identities, and is worthy of celebration not just in September. I am proud that the County continues to stand with the global movement recognizing D/deaf Awareness Month, and I encourage residents to join us in constantly improving how our government, neighborhoods, and all aspects of life can be more accessible and supportive of our D/deaf community,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District.

Los Angeles County is home to one of the largest D/deaf and Hard of Hearing populations in the nation, with more than 800,000 individuals living in the greater LA region and surrounding counties. This year’s global theme, “Beyond the Silence,” challenges misperceptions and harmful stereotypes about people who are D/deaf and promotes diverse communication methods to ensure all voices are heard.

“Declaring September 23 as Deaf Awareness Day is more than symbolic—it is a commitment to embracing, honoring, preserving, and educating about the beautiful culture, language, and contributions of the Deaf community, while affirming our shared responsibility to protect communication access and equality for all,” said Dr. Patricia Hughes, CEO of the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc. (GLAD). “GLAD is a deaf-led, one-stop community center serving the Deaf community across Greater Los Angeles County.”

The Los Angeles County Department of Aging and Disabilities has launched a dedicated resource page for D/deaf Awareness Month, offering information to support and better understand the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities. Residents are encouraged to explore the page here: https://ad.lacounty.gov/services/disabilities/deaf-awareness-month/

In addition to encouraging County departments, the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities, community partners, and residents to promote awareness, inclusion, and equitable access for D/deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals through education, accessible services, and community engagement, the motion also acknowledges the historical significance of Native American sign languages and variations of American Sign Language (ASL)—including Black ASL, which developed in historically Black Deaf schools established during segregation.

To read the entire motion, click here.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell provided the following statement regarding today’s vote to ensure the Care First Community Investment (CFCI) Advisory Committee – which was created with the passage of Measure J – can meaningfully provide input on potentially diverting $10 million of its funding for community-led justice reforms towards rent relief:

“I believe we can establish a rent relief program without pitting the compounding needs of our communities against each other. It is possible to keep Care First Community Investment (CFCI) funding that voters overwhelming supported being allocated with the passage of Measure J towards community-led justice reforms and to identify the appropriate source of sustainable long-term funding for rent relief – which I have always supported. The Board supported a motion I co-authored in 2023 to provide rent relief that distributed over $81 million in funding.

I agree with the ongoing need and urgency for rent relief – an issue that affects far too many communities across the County. The path we take to achieve sustainable rent relief matters. Unfortunately, the motion presented today diverted funds in a way that bypasses the necessary input from the CFCI advisory committee, undermining the participatory process that Measure J was designed to uphold.

This is not the time to bulldoze through without strategic and intentional discourse, collaboration, and factoring in current budget decisions. I voted in support of the amendment to bring this motion back to the Board in two-weeks to allow for the CFCI Advisory Committee to have the opportunity to weigh-in in a meaningful way along with the public via our cluster process. I look forward to continuing to work together with advocates, residents, and our County departments to identify sustainable funding for rent relief without side-stepping the need for co-governance on this critical issue.”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (the Board) approved a motion by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell to extend the County’s Cluster Review Process for non-emergency Board motions until further notice and to establish a cluster meeting focused on Economic Development matters.

The Cluster Review Process pilot, which began in January 20205 has allowed for greater public input on Board motions before they are brought to the Board of Supervisors for a vote. The motion passed with an amendment from Supervisor Hilda Solis to allow for Board motions in response to actions by the federal government be exempt from the cluster review process.

“Our commitment to transparency and community-centered policymaking is embodied in the Cluster Review Process,” said Supervisor Mitchell. “It doesn’t impede our ability to respond quickly to emergencies and urgent matters, and it allows for more voices to be heard, early on with through collaborative feedback. The Board’s support of keeping this process in place allows us to continue to improve it for more effective policymaking and governance that better serves the needs of our community.”

County Cluster Meetings – which are similar to legislative committee meetings – have existed for years, but the six-month pilot launch in January 2025 formally integrated them into the Board motion process. A June 2025 report from the County’s Executive Office highlighted both opportunities for improvement and key benefits, including greater interdepartmental collaboration and enhanced public engagement on Board motions. An additional report is expected in August 2026 to assess the outcomes of the process.

“The shift from only a two-business-day review period to two weeks for public policies that will impact millions of residents has demonstrably improved the quality and impact of our local governance. I want to thank Supervisor Mitchell and the Board of Supervisors for ensuring the cluster review process for non-emergency Board motions remains in place to help maintain this positive momentum,” said Melissa Camacho, Senior Staff Attorney, ACLU So Cal.

As part of the Cluster Review process, non-emergency Board motions will continue to be presented at least two weeks in advance of the Board’s Public Hearing meetings at one of the six County cluster meetings that are held virtually and in-person:

(1) Operations
(2) Community Services
(3) Economic Development (newly established)
(4) Family and Social Services
(5) Health and Mental Health Services
(6) Public Safety

To view meeting agendas and ways to participate in County cluster meetings, visit https://ceo.lacounty.gov/agendas/

Motions for emergency declarations and routine administrative matters that are time-sensitive – such as reward motions used to help bring justice to families – will continue to not be exempt from the cluster review process.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell shared the following statement in response to California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s request for State receivership of Los Angeles County Juvenile Halls.

The safety and care of the young people in our Probation Halls must remain a shared and urgent priority. After years of the Los Angeles County Probation Department continuing to navigate a host of challenges – including achieving compliance with the Board of State and Community Corrections – I understand what would motivate Attorney General Bonta to request the state to seek receivership of LA County’s Juvenile Halls.

For a receivership to be successful, it is imperative that the receiver have the power and authority over all aspects of the detention facilities, including the staff that work there.

I urge the courts to hear this resounding alarm from the state and prioritize the depopulation of our halls and connect our youth with the community resources that address their holistic needs.

If this comes to fruition it will have real-life impacts on the youth in our care, their families, and our communities. It is my expectation that the integrity of our Care First vision in Los Angeles County is honored, and Youth Justice Reimagined is an integral part moving forward.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell provided the following statement on today’s immigration protests following ICE raids is Los Angeles County:

“The escalated and targeted attacks on the fundamental rights of immigrant communities has forced this public cry for justice. People have a right to peacefully protest the violation of rights, denial of due process, and wrongful deportations. The Trump administration taking over the National Guard is an unnecessary intimidation tactic that further hurts public trust. My office is in contact with our Sheriff department that is on-site at Paramount and throughout the county to protect the right to peacefully protest. I am asking anyone who has taken to the streets to make their voice heard to do so peacefully because the real message is that our residents have had enough.”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell provided the following statement on today’s ICE raids reported around the County:

“ICE raids disrupted the lives of many of our families, friends and neighbors today, cruelly spreading needless fear in communities across the County. No one should be in fear of violent assaults like the ones we witnessed as they go on about their daily lives.

The County will continue to stand with and protect our immigrant communities against these actions especially when there is excessive use of force. I urge all of us to know and assert our rights so that we can all be safer and stronger together. Our Office of Immigrant Affairs offers services for our immigrant communities including legal aid through RepresentLA and Know Your Rights Workshops in partnership with community organizations. If you or someone you know is in need of support, please visit https://oia.lacounty.gov/kyr/.”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell who also serves as on the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Board of Directors, shared the following statement in response to the AQMD vote on air quality regulations aimed at holding manufactures accountable in helping to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from space and water heater appliances:

“Today at the South Coast Air Quality Management District, we had the opportunity to pass life-saving legislation that would have significantly reduced air pollution from home appliances sold in our region. I’m deeply disappointed in the outcome of today’s vote. I believe we missed a key opportunity to improve health, reduce medical expenses, and fulfill our job of bringing our region into compliance with the Clean Air Act.

Had Rules 1111 and 1121 passed, they would have aligned our region with others across the country that are adopting clean energy standards and phasing out polluting gas appliances—while also helping to improve health outcomes and our environment. Unfortunately, our board voted the measure down, despite the proposal already being heavily weakened by industry lobbying.

In Los Angeles County alone, over two thousand people die each year from air pollution — nearly four times the number of traffic fatalities. Many more residents – especially in my district – suffer asthma and life-altering respiratory illnesses. These statistics underscore why I will continue to fight for strong protections and accountability to reduce harmful emissions that have been well documented. We must do what we can, as quickly as we can, to attain the standards required by the Clean Air Act, to avoid federal penalties, and do what’s in the best interest of public health.”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell provided the following statement on the passing of the honorable Nate Holden:

“We have lost a champion for civil rights, economic justice, and an equitable Los Angeles with the passing of the Honorable Nate Holden. He led with courage, carrying the spirit of his younger days as a boxer into the political arena – using policy and rhetoric to fight discrimination, challenge police misconduct, and demand accountability in public service. I, along with so many others, stand on his shoulders. Rest in power, Mr. Holden, and thank you for your enduring impact and service.”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, the Metro Board of Directors approved a motion authored by Director Holly J. Mitchell and co-authored by Directors Katy Yaroslavsky, Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, James Butts, Tim Sandoval, and Imelda Padilla calling on Metro to gather community input to report back with recommendations by November 2025 for further improving its transportation system for persons with autism and other developmental disabilities.

“It’s important that we co-create the survey with trusted community organizations who work closely with our neurodiverse communities to ensure we capture feedback that reflects lived experiences and leads to meaningful improvements on our transit system. Understanding and meeting the unique needs of our neurodiverse community is key to shaping a world-class transportation system that truly serves everyone,” said Holly J. Mitchell, Metro Board Director and Los Angeles County Supervisor, Second District.

The insights gathered from the survey will identify short and long-term solutions and the respective funding required. The recommendations will build on Metro’s existing initiatives for enhancing the ridership experience for people with disabilities which includes Metro’s Coordinated Plan, Section 5310 Program, and Office of Civil Rights management of ADA compliance.

“We appreciate this Board motion that will allow us to better understand how those with autism and other developmental disabilities experience Metro,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metro CEO. “Making our system more accessible to those with autism, will help us make our system more accessible to everyone.”

The survey will be developed and administered in partnership with key stakeholder groups that directly represent and help serve residents with autism and other developmental disabilities, such as the Special Needs Network, The Wiley Center, and the Aging and Disability Transportation Network.

“This motion is a critical step toward creating a safer, more responsive public transportation system for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. There is a long-standing gap in how we support vulnerable riders, and a countywide survey is the right move. It centers the voices of those most impacted and helps us build real, lasting solutions rooted in lived experience and equity. We’re proud to support Supervisor Mitchell’s leadership in making our systems more inclusive and humane,” said Areva Martin, President and CEO at Special Needs Network.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell provided the following statement in celebration of Earth Day:

“Today is Earth Day! In 1970 the first Earth Day was celebrated to raise awareness on pressing environmental issues like pollution. That same year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created. 55 years later, Earth Day, the EPA, and our environmental justice organizations are needed more than ever to protect against climate change and other real threats to our environment and planet.

We have one planet that we all call home, and we can all do something to help lessen the environmental harm it faces. For my team, some of the ways we are taking action include putting forward the ordinance to phase out oil well drilling across LA County, launching the Interceptor 007 in Ballona Creek to collect hundreds of tons of trash before it reaches our waterway, working to make our public transit system more accessible to help lessen the number of cars on the road and supporting the County’s comprehensive sustainability plan and initiatives to protect our environment.

I encourage you to join us in the above initiatives and to celebrate Earth Day at your local LA County library. Today, libraries across the County will be hosting hands-on activities and events where you can learn how to protect the earth through recycling, waste reduction, gardening, and more. Also, check out a special Earth Day celebration on Friday, April 25, at Stoneview Nature Center in Culver City.

For a complete list of Earth Day events at your local library, visit https://lacountylibrary.org/earth-day-and-garden-month/.”