A Letter from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
Dear Friends,
I am grateful to President Biden and his administration for declaring a national public health emergency for monkeypox – not only will this raise critical awareness of this issue, but it will also free up much-needed resources and flexibility to support local efforts. This sends an important message to our communities, who are already heavily impacted by this virus, that their safety is a top priority.
In LA County, we have already engaged with our federal and state partners to address this emergency and will continue to do our part. I am thankful to the Biden administration for the tens of thousands of doses we have already received and hope that this declaration will bring us more vaccines, as well as other critical funding and guidance, to support our efforts and those of our community partners. With the additional support and resources, we are working with our partners to stand up new vaccination clinics in the First District and across the County to expand access to our residents.
The monkeypox vaccine is now available to gay or bisexual men and transgender persons 18 years of age and older who had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days including engaging in survival and/or transactional sex (e.g., sex in exchange for shelter, food, and other goods and needs). Residents who are immunocompromised, including those with advanced or uncontrolled HIV, may be at high risk for severe disease and will also be prioritized for vaccination. Residents who met the prior eligibility criteria are still eligible for vaccination (i.e., you are a gay or bisexual man or a transgender person and who were diagnosed with gonorrhea or early syphilis in the past 12 months, are on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), or had anonymous sex or sex with multiple partners within the past 21 days in a commercial sex venue or another venue).
Those who meet any of the criteria can pre-register now for vaccination. Vaccine invitations will be sent over the next few days to all eligible persons who pre-registered. When it is their turn, the LA County Department of Public Health will send a text message with instructions on how to get the vaccine at a public monkeypox vaccination site. When you go to the monkeypox vaccine location, be ready to show the text message and your ID for verification. Those without access to the internet or who need help with registration can call 2-1-1 for assistance.
The protection the monkeypox vaccine provides will be highest two weeks after you receive your second dose. Although it is NOT a sexually transmitted disease, monkeypox is often transmitted through close physical contact, which happens during sexual activities. To that end, I encourage everyone who is at high risk to take the necessary steps to practice safer sexual activities until you have protection.
Sincerely,
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
It was so beautiful to experience first-hand a temporary public art destination with and for children using cleaned-up debris from the LA River. The arts are foundational to a healthy mind and a vibrant life. Ensuring access helps to provide a better quality of life for our residents, and strengthens and empowers the many cultures that call LA County home. Many thanks to the LA River Public Art Project for launching this beautiful project.
 I was proud to sponsor the 2nd Annual City Terrace Art Walk that featured local artists from the Eastside this past weekend! Everyone, no matter what zip code they live in, should have access to the arts. This is what continues to fuel my commitment in creating partnerships so that our communities, especially those with little to no arts programming and resources, have equitable opportunities to experience the magic of the arts. I'm grateful to the City Terrace Art Walk Committee for helping to make this event possible and for ensuring our residents have equal access to the arts and all the opportunities it affords.
 You can now borrow tools for free at five selected LA County Libraries, including Rosemead Library in the First District. Residents can borrow hammers, wrenches, electrical cords, cookware, sewing machines, gardening tools, power tools, and much more for up to a week. All that you need to borrow tools is to have a LA County card and be over 18 years old.
 You can now check out a Chromebook and wireless hotspot kit from any LA County Library. Adults with a standard adult library card can borrow them for up to 21 days, with the option to renew, if available. Renewals can be made up to 3 times. If you don't have a Library card, call your nearest library location for details about signing up.
 For the whole month of August, cat adoption fees will be waived and dog adoption fees will be reduced to $20, thanks to the LA County Animal Care and Control and Telemundo 52 "Clear the Shelters" program. Reduced fees include adoption, microchip, spay/neuter, and vaccination fees.
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