A Letter from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
Dear Friends,
As of Friday afternoon, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health had confirmed six cases of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant. Scientists say that early signs indicate that Omicron spreads quickly, as it is now the dominant strain in South Africa.
Although we are awaiting conclusive information on how Omicron spreads and how severe of disease it causes, early studies are showing that having prior infection or not having a booster does not provide strong protection against infection. That is why I urge everyone who is unvaccinated to get vaccinated immediately – regardless of whether or not you had COVID-19 previously. And if you are eligible for a booster, make sure you get one right away. That extra protection will be critical in helping prevent more serious outcomes from this new variant.
Anyone 16 and older can now get a COVID-19 booster six months after their Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and two months after receiving the J&J vaccine. As a reminder, only the Pfizer vaccine is available to those age 5 – 17. To find a vaccination site near you, make an appointment at vaccination sites, and much more, visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) or www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish).
If you or a loved one have difficulty leaving home to get vaccinated, you can request in-home vaccination by calling 2-1-1 or the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Vaccine Call Center at 833-540-0473 anytime between 8am - 8:30pm, 7 days a week. Residents can also fill out the online request form (multiple language options available) or visit the In-Home Vaccination Page (English) or In-Home Vaccination Page (Spanish) for more information. For resources related to paratransit and free rides for vaccination, please call the Public Health Vaccine Call Center or visit the How To Get Vaccinated page.
Sincerely,
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
 I'm thrilled about the completion of the Metro's Grand Ave. and Olive St. Bus Priority Lane Project. Thanks to the partnership between Metro and the City of Los Angeles, these bus lanes will get Angelenos to where they need to go more efficiently than ever before. The new dedicated bus lanes will see 60 buses every hour during busy times and will ensure that riders can move quickly across Downtown Los Angeles and beyond more efficiently. This project is a demonstration of our commitment to be BETTER - Bring Equitable to Transportation to Every Resident.
Market Match is California’s healthy food incentive program, which matches customers’ federal nutrition assistance benefits, like CalFresh, at farmers’ markets and other farm-direct sites. Market Match is available at over 240 sites, spanning 40 counties, that are run by nearly 60 community-based organizations and farmers’ market operators.
Swipe your EBT card and get vouchers to match to shop more! Choose Calfresh and visit Farmers' Market Finder by the Ecology Center to find a list of participating markets.
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The Federal Communications Commission has launched the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit Program to help eligible families pay for home Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program includes up to a $50 a month discount on Internet service until March 2022. Apply before December 31!
You can apply online by clicking here or calling (866) 696-8748.
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 The holiday season brings cheer and charity. But before you make a purchase or donation, beware of the following scams:
Utility Scams – Watch out for scammers posing as local utility company workers, threatening to cut off your electric, water, or gas services. Some are even taking advantage of people who need help paying these bills, asking for half of the money owed in order to forgive the rest.
Product Shortages – With production delays and supply shortages comes opportunities for scammers to take advantage of shoppers. Make sure you research the seller, shop around, and pay by credit card so you can dispute the charge later if needed.
Gift Card Scams – At many stores, gift cards are stocked in bulk. Scammers will write down the numbers and PIN seals of several cards, waiting to luck up on one that’s activated by a customer so they can steal the money. Before you purchase a gift card, make sure it hasn’t been tampered with and don’t share the number with anyone.
Donation Scams – The holidays are a great opportunity to donate money to non-profit organizations and charities. Before you say yes to a donation request, verify that the organization is reputable and always ask for a receipt for your records.
Porch Pirates – If you’re ordering gifts online, make sure to bring all packages in the house, or get them shipped to your office or another safe address if possible.
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For the whole month of December, get adoption fees waived when taking home cats and dogs in care for 10 days or longer through the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control's "Home for the Pawlidays" campaign, in partnership with the ASPCA. All adoptions include microchips, vaccinations, and spay/neuter!
Schedule an appointment to adopt a new furry friend today by clicking here.
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