Thank you for your interest in Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s newsletters. Subscribe here for the latest updates on community events, board meeting recaps, County resources, and more. We provide two bi-weekly newsletters: the Mitchell Memo for district-wide updates and the Second District Unincorporated Communities Newsletter, offering targeted information for our unincorporated communities.
I hope you’re doing well and that Spring has been good to you so far. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month this May, I wanted to share an important update about a program that is making a real difference in communities across Los Angeles County.
As one of the two million residents I have the privilege of representing, you deserve to hear directly from me not just about the work we’re doing but also about the people behind it that are helping to serve the Second District.
“Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” This powerful quote comes from the visionary lawyer, author, and justice advocate Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit that challenges injustice in the legal system.
April is Arts Month, which made it especially meaningful to celebrate today’s ribbon cutting for the David Geffen Galleries at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
As National Public Health Week (April 6–12) comes to a close and Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17) begins, I would like to share how our work continues to expand access to public health services that help keep our communities safe and whole.
Poverty is not inevitable—at the core of this multilayered issue are policy choices.
As we close out World Doula Week (March 22–28), I want to uplift L.A. County’s Medi-Cal Doula Hub.
My parents met while serving as eligibility workers for Los Angeles County. Watching their work ethic and commitment to community gave me a firsthand understanding of how public service can change lives.
This week, I traveled to Sacramento to meet with state leaders from both sides of the aisle about the serious impacts that the Trump administration’s H.R. 1 bill (or as I call it, the “Big Ugly Bill”) will have on counties across California—especially here in Los Angeles County, the largest county in the nation.
During this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting I voted in support of amending the County’s Nonconforming Vehicle Ordinance.
This week, my office launched the Second District Youth Justice Fund to expand access to proven, community-led programs that support young people in our district in reaching their fullest potential.
I would like to share an update on the Harbor-UCLA Replacement Program, which is expanding the medical campus to meet the growing healthcare needs of West Carson and surrounding communities.
Elections matter. We are reminded of this every day as the Trump administration continues its attacks on access to essential public services—services that help keep people housed, provide food and childcare, and ensure access to critical healthcare.
We’ve been tracking the Trump administration’s latest attempts to freeze federal funding that supports critical safety net programs that millions of residents rely on. A federal judge’s temporary restraining order has put a hold on any potential freeze (until Feb 6) and the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) has shared that February CalWORKs benefits will be issued on time.
We started this week honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as we face ongoing attacks on basic human rights like access to health care. This is why on MLK Day, it was important to me to stand alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, a vital component of our health care system, and the medical students from Charles R. Drew University – the future health care professionals who will be on the frontlines serving our most vulnerable communities.
This week, we launched the Sidewalk Vending Cart Program in partnership with the City of Los Angeles. The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity will oversee a $2.8 million investment to provide more than 280 free, health-code compliant vending carts to stationary and mobile sidewalk vendors operating in unincorporated Los Angeles County.
The fatal shootings of unarmed civilians by ICE agents – which is an absolute disgrace – and attempts to freeze billions in funding for programs that our most vulnerable residents rely on to stay housed, access childcare, and to survive, all stems from the Trump administration’s racist and inhumane playbook that cost lives and livelihoods.
I’m mindful that alongside the joy these days can bring, this year has been—and continues to be—challenging for many of our families, friends, and neighbors. My hope is that this holiday season offers moments of peace and meaningful time with loved ones that sustains you.
In celebration of National Digital Inclusion Week, my office partnered with the County’s Internal Services Department and California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) to bring the Digital Advancement & Opportunity Regional Summit to our district.
I am proud to share that at this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting we received the latest quarterly update from LA County’s Street Takeover Reduction Workgroup, showing a 35% drop in these dangerous activities in our district. Areas served by the Compton Sheriff’s Station—such as East Gardena, West Rancho Dominguez, and East Rancho Dominguez—saw even greater decreases.
The findings in the recent State of Black Women Report from the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI ) are a powerful reminder of a truth we cannot ignore: while Black women and girls continue to lead, build, and strengthen our communities, they remain disproportionately burdened by systems that were never designed with them in mind.
Budgets are value statements – reflecting our current priorities and the future we are choosing to invest in. From the federal government shutdown to local government, budgets directly impact our lives and communities.
Over 1.5 million Los Angeles County residents who rely on CalFresh to help pay for groceries will experience delays receiving their November benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
In celebration of National Digital Inclusion Week, my office partnered with the County’s Internal Services Department and California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) to bring the Digital Advancement & Opportunity Regional Summit to our district.
I want to make sure you’re aware of our Let’s Chat for a 2nd constituent engagement series for our unincorporated communities throughout the 2nd District.
This week, the Board of Supervisors passed my motion recognizing September as National d/Deaf Awareness Month and September 23 as d/Deaf Awareness Day in Los Angeles County.
Dear Neighbor,
Our small businesses face challenges with increasing costs, rising rent, and, in many communities of color, the threat of displacement and speculative development. To help address these issues, in 2022, the Board of Supervisors supported my motion to establish a Countywide Commercial Acquisition Fund (CAF).
Dear Neighbor,
I want to share an update on our efforts to address illegal street racing and takeovers. Building on our motion calling for a countywide plan for our unincorporated communities, the County’s Street Takeover Reduction Workgroup—comprised of community organizations and key departments, including the Chief Executive Office, Department of Public Works, Department of Youth Development, and Sheriff’s Department—has presented recommendations to further disincentivize attendance and participation in illegal street takeover events:
Dear Neighbor,
I recently joined my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors and LA County Department Heads working closely on recovery efforts for the County’s annual advocacy meetings with representatives in the State Legislature and with Gov. Newsom.
Dear Neighbor,
Our local economy and communities benefit from more residents having equitable access to employment opportunities – this must include our fellow residents who have served their time and are ready to work. Last year, I presented a motion with Supervisor Solis that the Board of Supervisors passed to create a Fair Chance Ordinance for our unincorporated communities that is aligned with the California Fair Chance Act (FCA) also known as Ban the Box.
Dear Neighbor,
I’m proud to share that our 2nd District Community Budget Project is one step closer to turning the ideas from residents into tangible resources. To help make this possible, my office is seeking nonprofit organizations to partner with us as Community Implementation Partners. These organizations will receive grants to help bring the winning proposals from our 2nd District Community Budget Project to life. These proposals were determined by the top votes from residents in the Florence-Firestone and Ladera Heights communities.
Dear Neighbor,
The passage of Measure G requires the county undergo governance reforms that will affect how the county’s budget and policies are created, the delivery of public services, and will usher in new elected county positions – all of which will have a direct impact on the lives of residents.
Dear Neighbor,
As Los Angeles County continues to face multiple active wildfires, our top priority remains ensuring the safety of residents and getting critical resources to those experiencing devastating losses.
Dear Neighbor,
As we close out this year and prepare to enter 2025, I am grateful for our work together, our milestones and memorable moments, and our shared commitment to creating solutions for the toughest challenges we face and must continue to address
As we close out this year and prepare to enter 2025, I am grateful for our work together, our milestones and memorable moments, and our shared commitment to creating solutions for the toughest challenges we face and must continue to address.
I want to ensure you’re aware of a new process the Board of Supervisors will be piloting starting January 2025 to provide additional opportunities for the public to weigh in on policy proposals, also known as motions, before they come to our Tuesday Public Hearing meetings for a vote.
I recently joined my fellow Supervisors and leaders from across LA County to raise awareness of the Report on Hate Crimes for 2023.
Today, on Small Business Saturday, LA County’s Department of Economic Opportunity is launching its Economic Holiday Grant Program for small businesses to apply for up to $5,000 in funding!
We are approaching the final days for voting in the 2nd District Community Budget, the County’s first participatory budgeting pilot program.
LA County’s Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) ordinance is now in effect! I was proud to have the support of the Board of Supervisors in passing the motion to create this ordinance, which allows LA County to align with the state in providing a pathway for unregulated home cooks and sidewalk vendors to become permitted.
Election season is here! Vote-by-mail ballots have already gone out and Voting Centers are now open throughout LA County from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. On election day (Tuesday, November 5) Vote Centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. You can vote at any Vote Center, to find the nearest one to you visit: https://locator.lavote.gov/locations/vc?culture=en
Voting has started for our first 2nd District Community Budget pilot in the unincorporated communities of Ladera Heights and Florence-Firestone. Residents from these communities ages 16 and older, regardless of immigration status, can now decide how my office should invest $500,000 back into their communities.
I’m excited to share that the 2nd District Business Interruption Fund will start taking applications on October 7. My office is working with the County’s Department of Economic Opportunity and PCR Business Finance to administer the program, which offers grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses that have lost revenue between October 2023 and now due to natural disasters, construction projects, illegal dumping, or other qualifying challenges outside of their control.
September is Senior Center Month! Our senior centers offer so much more than just activities – they provide a supportive community where our older adults can stay connected, active, and healthy.
I am proud to share about the 2nd District Beautification Project that my team has been working on in partnership with the Los Angeles Conservation Corps. This project focuses on revitalizing our unincorporated communities with the highest rates of illegal dumping and debris in our district. These include the unincorporated neighborhoods of East Rancho Dominguez, Florence-Firestone, Westmont/West-Athens, and Willowbrook.
August is National Black Business Month. To celebrate, we are spotlighting some of the many Black-owned businesses in our district that not only serve our communities but also enrich the cultural fabric of LA County.
LA County has been working to create a permit process for its estimated 50,000+ unpermitted sidewalk vendors. This month, the County’s Sidewalk Vending Ordinance officially became effective for all unincorporated communities.
As the start of the school year approaches for students throughout our district, it’s a good reminder to discuss that words matter and that we have the power to stand up to hate – not just in our schools but in every part of our community and everyday interactions with others.
The movement for guaranteed income is continuing to grow. I was honored to witness this firsthand this week as I addressed over 200 attendees – from elected offices, government departments, philanthropy, advocacy, and community representatives – at LA County’s Guaranteed Income Summit, held at the Second District’s Erwin “Magic” Johnson Park.
The Supreme Court’s decision in the case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson clarifies that cities can enforce criminal penalties on people who are unhoused and sleeping outside when there is no shelter available. This provides a punitive approach that moves people experiencing homelessness from one street to the next without truly solving the problem.
As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July this week with friends and family, I want to emphasize that the sale or use of illegal fireworks in LA County is prohibited and highlight some safety tips and resources for enjoying fireworks this summer, including checking out the Marina del Rey 4th of July show at 9:00 pm. For a close-up view of this 20-minute show, you can visit Burton Chace Park at 13650 Mindanao Way or Fisherman’s Village at 13755 Fiji Way.
I am proud to share that the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion I introduced this week, Continuing the Work of Reparations in Los Angeles County, to address the multi-generational impact of slavery and racist policies, including–but not limited to redlining, segregation, and housing discrimination -that continue to affect Black communities.
After months of community outreach and discussions regarding the Metro C-Line (Green) Extension from Redondo Beach to Torrance, this week, I joined my colleagues on the Metro Board in voting to further study and create a final Environmental Impact Report for the Right-of-Way Hybrid Alternative.
For this week’s 2nd District unincorporated newsletter, I want to ensure you have the latest updates on LA County’s West Side area plan that includes proposed land use and zoning changes for the Ladera Center. The Ladera Center is one of 11 sites in LA County’s Westside Area Plan. Since one-third (1/3) of the Ladera Center is in the City of Los Angeles and two-thirds (2/3) are in Los Angeles County, there are two separate land-use and zoning plans.
We recently kicked-off the full-scale launch of the County’s Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) with a Summit at Expo Park that provided free resources and programs to over 500 entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profits in partnership with the City of Los Angeles. Back in 2021, I introduced a motion with former Supervisor Sheila Kuehl to create the Economic Mobility Initiative to address the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly businesses led by women and people of color during the pandemic.
We consistently hear from residents on the harmful impact illegal street racing and takeovers has on their community. Earlier this year, my office hosted a community meeting, ‘Taking Back Our Streets,’ to create a space for constituents to share input on ways we can work together to address this critical issue. As a follow-up to this event, LA County will host a Community Symposium on Ending Illegal Street Takeovers and Racing on Saturday, May 18 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at Compton College: 1111 East Artesia Blvd. Compton CA 90221.
This week, Black Maternal Health Week continues (April 11 to April 17), helping to raise awareness and advocate for solutions to end the disproportionately high maternal health challenges faced by Black women and birthing people across the nation. Black women continue to be four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to White women.
Black Maternal Health Week starts next Thursday, April 11, and goes through April 17. Since 2021, the Board of Supervisors has stood with me in ensuring LA County joins in uplifting this national week of awareness and action, including The Day of the Black Infant on April 16. To learn more about upcoming Black Maternal Health Week events and available maternal health services and resources, visit blackinfantsandfamilies.org.
In California, women earn only 88 cents for every dollar a man earns. According to the National Women’s Law Center, this costs women an average of $907,680 over a 40-year career span. From the moment women are hired for their first jobs until they retire from the workforce, pay inequities impact not only their lives but also their families and communities.
I joined County department leaders and my fellow members of the Board of Supervisors to visit representatives in the California Legislature that serve our shared constituency of LA County residents.
It is a top priority for my office to get our family, friends, and neighbors who are experiencing homelessness off the streets and into the appropriate supportive housing and services they need to stay housed. We are committed to ensuring ongoing outreach–including cleanups and service connections are happening while the County’s Pathway Home program continues to scale up to reach more areas.
To help prepare for the impending rain that is expected to begin this evening and last until Tuesday, sign up for emergency alerts and get storm tips at READY.LACounty.gov; this includes information on sandbag distribution locations available here.
I want to make sure you received the LA County Office of Emergency Management’s Damage Collection Survey to help assess damages residents incurred during the recent storm that impacted our region. Residents and businesses are encouraged to complete the survey. This information will be used to determine if the estimated dollar amount of disaster damages within Los Angeles County meets the thresholds to qualify for various disaster assistance programs.
This February, as we celebrate Black History Month by uplifting the accomplishments and global cultural contributions of the Black community, I encourage you to check out ways to commemorate Black History Month throughout LA County and to join my office in participating in our 2nd District Racial Justice Learning Exchange.
Last year, my office began working on our first participatory budget pilot program, the 2nd District Community Budget. I’m excited to give you some updates on this program that officially launched this week with our first advisory committee meeting.
As we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and what it means today, I am reminded of the fight he took on after successfully pressuring Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Acts of 1965. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became more vocal about the connection between economic injustice and oppression.
As we welcome the new year, I would like to share a few of the many highlights from 2023 in our annual end-of-year recap video: bit.ly/SD2-2023-Highlights.
As 2023 comes to an end, I am reflecting on milestones achieved, memorable moments, and wins for our communities, plus the ongoing work in the year ahead.
As the new year quickly approaches, I want to remind you of the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count taking place January 23-25. Volunteers are needed to support the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and community partners in helping to capture the number of residents experiencing homelessness that are living on the street, in cars, RVs, and tents.
At the beginning of this year, the Board of Supervisors passed a motion that Supervisor Barger and I co-authored, directing the allocation of an additional $40 million in funding (supplementing the original $5 million) to create a Countywide rent relief program to support our mom-and-pop landlords and tenants.
At the beginning of this year Supervisor Barger and I co-authored a motion directing the allocation of an additional $40 million in funding (supplementing the original $5 million) to create a Countywide rent relief program benefitting our mom-and-pop landlords and tenants.
I am proud to share that we recently launched the Employee Ownership LA County initiative. When a business shares the ownership of the company with their employees–they are investing in the shared success of their company, workforce, and the communities they serve.
I’d like to share a follow-up from our Pathway Home RV encampment resolution that happened at the end of August in the unincorporated West Rancho Dominquez/East Gardena communities.
Team Mitchell had the honor of being part of the unveiling of the new mural It’s All for You, designed by the talented artist Brittney S. Price. The mural celebrates LA County’s Black community, utilizing the power of art to unite diverse communities.
Youth homelessness continues to be a persistent issue in LA County. At the end of the 2023 school year, over 58,000 unhoused students were identified in LA County.
For this week’s recap, I would like to share two updates on the work we’re doing to help expand access to County resources and services for our unincorporated residents.
We often hear concerns from residents in unincorporated communities across our district on the lack of parking enforcement and how it prevents street cleanings, makes it difficult for customers to access small businesses in their neighborhood, and makes our streets unsafe by blocking the public right-of-way.
Before we get into our weekly recap, I want to share my thoughts on the recent attacks that have taken place in Israel.
The future of the Marina del Rey Freeway has been a topic of discussion over the past few weeks, and I appreciate all who have been engaged on this critical issue.
I want to share a statistic that shines a light on the far-reaching impact of the opioid crisis.
To all who have been celebrating Rosh Hashanah this weekend, may you have a sweet and healthy New Year!
I am excited to introduce our Unincorporated Communities Newsletter. This newsletter aims to keep you better informed on the latest updates and resources impacting the many unincorporated communities in LA County’s 2nd District that I am proud to serve.