A Letter from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
Dear Friends,
Although we have made so much progress in our battle against COVID-19, we must not let our guard down. We are unfortunately experiencing another winter surge, today reporting over 43,000 new cases due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. To that end, it is critical that we continue to follow the LA County Department of Public Health's COVID-19 safety guidelines to remain healthy -- this means getting vaccinated and boosted, getting tested and wearing masks, especially in indoor spaces and crowded outdoor areas.
Earlier this week, I launched multiple testing sites throughout the First District -- including East LA, South El Monte, Baldwin Park and La Puente -- to ensure our most vulnerable community members have access to the necessary tools to stay safe and slow the spread of the virus. Free testing sites are located throughout the County and residents can go to covid19.lacounty.gov/testing to find out information about where to get tested near them. Tests are free and proof of medical insurance or documentation is not required. Additionally, some County testing sites – including Obregon Park, Wingate Park, and the SGV Airport – are allowing residents to pick up nasal swabs for to help do testing at-home, with convenient drop-off locations to get results. Supplies are limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
I want to underscore that vaccines and boosters are the most life-saving tools that can keep us protected this winter and help us finally put an end to COVID-19 and its variants this new year. Residents who are vaccinated against COVID-19 are 20 times less likely to be hospitalized and 18 times less likely to die from the virus and its variants than those who are unvaccinated. Current data in LA County shows residents who have their booster shots are four times less likely to get infected than unvaccinated residents.
I urge all Angelenos to please get vaccinated, and if not yet boosted, do so as soon as possible. It is up to us to help save lives of those most vulnerable. Vaccinations are free and open to all residents ages 5 and older, regardless of their immigration status. To find a vaccination site near you, make an appointment, and get more information about vaccines, visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) or www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish).
Together we will overcome this.
Sincerely,
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
 I was so proud to join the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and SEIU 721 at Jon Donaire Desserts in Santa Fe Springs earlier this week where workers, many of them immigrant Latinos, have been on strike against Rich’s Products Corporation (the parent company of Jon Donaire Desserts) since November 3, 2021.
Two weeks ago, my colleagues and I passed a motion that asked Rich’s Products Corporation to negotiate in good faith with the workers on strike and come to an agreement that is good for all parties. We also directed the County to urge the California Labor Commissioner, California Labor & Workforce Development Agency, and the National Labor Relations Board to assure the implementation of fair labor practices through the monitoring of good faith bargaining between all parties. Since then, Christmas and New Year celebrations have come and gone, and still, those on strike have shown up to the picket line through the rain and cold weather to demand decency and respect. Lifting up the voices of those often overlooked is critical to the future of workers and their families.
 LA County has the largest unsheltered population in the nation. But we don't have to accept homelessness as an unsolvable problem. Do your part to help end homelessness by joining Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority for the Greater LA Homeless Count, taking place January 25-27, 2022.
Every year, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) leads the count and uses the data collected during the count to develop strategies to end homelessness and determine where funding and resources will do the most good. Every precaution will be taken to ensure the count is conducted in accordance with the LA County Department of Public Health's guidelines. Sign up at the link below to participate in this year's count.
 On June 2020, Supervisor Kuehl and I authored a motion to adopt the Countywide Cultural Policy. Implementation of the Cultural Policy has far-reaching potential to expand resources for arts and culture and enhance the quality of life for everyone. Therefore, the Department of Arts and Culture is working with the Arts Commission and Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative (CEII) Advisory Committee to develop a set of strategies for how the County can equitably invest in arts and culture.
From January 3-31, 2022, Arts and Culture is seeking public comment on the draft set of Cultural Policy Strategy Proposals. We live in a large and complex region with many funding needs. We want to hear what you feel are the most important strategies for LA County to implement and fund in order to have the greatest impact.
Please let us know your top three strategies. The public comment period will be open until January 31. You can submit your comments at the link below.
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