A Letter from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
Dear Friends,
The last 26 months have been marked by trauma for our communities. Not just when it came to the severe health ramifications of COVID-19, but also the increase in violence that we must address immediately. That is why I led the effort to increase funding for the County’s violence prevention work, through a $5 million dollar investment in Measure B funding and a $20 million dollar commitment in American Rescue Plan funding, thanks to President Joe Biden.
This week, I hosted a press conference at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) with the County’s Office of Violence Prevention to underscore a meaningful element of that investment – an increased commitment in hospital intervention, which is linchpin to violence prevention work. Our trauma hospitals, such as PVHMC, often receive individuals, including young adults and teenagers, who are victims of gang violence – gunshot wounds and other life-threatening injuries. Although we pray for their speedy recovery, and hospitals like PVHMC work to address their physical injuries, we know there is much trauma underlying that physical injury that we have a responsibility to heal.
If we are going to stop violence, we must stop it from reoccurring by gaining the trust of those who have suffered the consequences brought on by gangs and street violence. Victims of violence are understandably distrustful of government and institutions like hospitals. These are often young people who have grown up in the foster care system, homeless, and without the resources they deserve.
To that end, I am working to repair that trust through a partnership between PVHMC and SoCal Crossroads, an organization that brings peers and community navigators to victims, to implement hospital violence intervention programs and develop protocols for treatment. Just Us 4 Youth is also a critical partner in Pomona providing street outreach, another instrumental component of violence prevention. We have a lot of work to do to heal our communities, provide young people with opportunities, and actualize an LA County of peace and healing.
Sincerely,
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
I had such a fun time celebrating the grand opening of a new 0.75-acre dog park at Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park this week alongside our Department of Parks & Recreation and community members from the unincorporated communities of Rowland Heights and Hacienda Heights!
The new amenity, named "Dali's Dog Park" in honor of a community leader's beloved furry friend as they championed the realization of this project over 5 years ago, consists of two fenced-in dog areas ─ one for large dogs and one for small dogs. No such facility currently exists in proximity to the Schabarum Regional Park as the closest dog off-leash area is over 8 miles away! To that end, this new dog park will provide a much-needed service for dog owners wanting a secure space for dog socialization and play.
It was an honor to recognize Rosa Soto, Executive Director of The Wellness Center, as this year’s First District Woman of the Year at the LA County 37th Annual Women of the Year Celebration!
Rosa is a first-generation Latina from very humble, but hard-working Mexican parents and became the first in her family to go to college and receive her degree from the University of Southern California. She grew up in East LA and South El Monte where she often experienced systemic injustices and health adversities. She is nationally recognized by health foundations, such as The California Endowment, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Kaiser Permanente, as a strong organizer and a policy expert. Moreover, she is profiled in the Emmy nominated movie, Food, Inc., and has also been recognized by the White House and the First Lady Michelle Obama's Drink Up! Campaign, for her work in childhood obesity prevention.
I am so grateful for her leadership, her partnership, and most importantly, her friendship. Thank you for your commitment to our community and your courage to never stop fighting.
 So warming to commemorate the LA County Fair's 100th birthday with a reception for First District community leaders and our very own LA County Department Directors and Chief Deputies to thank them for their tireless work.
I’m truly grateful and proud to have partnered with the Fairplex over these past two years in service to our most vulnerable. From serving as a COVID-19 testing location, to a quarantine/isolation site, to a food bank, a vaccination point of distribution, and an Emergency Intake Site for unaccompanied children who were seeking refuge from trauma and violence last year during the surge on our border — the Fairplex has been a beacon of hope.
There is something for everyone at the LA County Fair including farm animals, wine tasting, food, carnival rides, shopping, and endless entertainment. Stop by! You don't want to miss out.
 The new contactless pilot program enables residents to reserve PCR testing kits and pick them up at the curb of a designated LA County Library location. No in-person contact will occur during the reservation and pickup process.
Upon making a reservation, recipients will need to indicate the number of kits needed, a pick-up date, and desired location. They will then receive a confirmation of their order, via email, and instructions for pick up. Up to four kits may be ordered at a time. Access to the internet is needed to activate the test kits and access test results. People without internet access can call (626) 350-0537 or (626) 434-3596 to get assistance.
The program is currently limited to three LA County Libraries, including one located within the First District — Norwood Library in the City of El Monte. The program will be expanded to other sites if it proves to successfully provide kits to residents.
 May is CalFresh Awareness Month and it's the perfect time to expand your benefits. If you receive CalFresh benefits, you may also qualify for the following benefits:
- Edison's CARE and FERA programs reduce your monthly electricity bill. Apply here.
- Get Amazon Prime for only $6.99 per month.
- Metro LIFE program provides reduced fares and a free 90-day pass.
- Women, Infant, and Children's (WIC) food programs. Get more information here.
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