 Three years ago, we were in a very different place than we are now. COVID-19 is still with us, but — thanks to the efforts of our frontline workers, the medical community, and our County employees — it is no longer an emergency.
That is why our Board unanimously approved my motion to officially end LA County's COVID-19 emergency declarations at the end of this month.
 At the height of the pandemic, the emergency powers allowed us to respond to the crisis and save lives. We set up mass testing sites at closed malls, we took over hotels to shelter unhoused seniors, we fast-tracked the county's outdoor dining policy, and deployed county staff (everyone from lifeguards to librarians) to help.
When we end the emergency proclamation at the end of the month, LA County will no longer have these emergency powers and we no longer need them.
Today, the virus has become something we are learning to live with, manage, and predict. The Department of Public Health will continue to track COVID and make sure the public has the information and tools they need to protect themselves.
 COVID is still with us and we won't forget the lessons we have learned over these past three years. The importance of vaccines, of masks, and of staying home when we are sick.
I believe that our residents have learned a lot during the pandemic and are able to make decisions about protecting themselves and their communities.
 LA County, meet our new Fire Chief: Anthony Marrone has been our Fire Department's Interim Chief for the past eight months and on Tuesday our Board voted to give him the job permanently.
Chief Marrone has spent the past 37 years as an LA County firefighter protecting our residents and his fellow firefighters.
He knows this department and the brave men and women who serve in it. I know he shares my commitment to not only hiring more women and people of color, but also ensuring that everyone in the Department is given an equal shot at promotions and opportunities.
 Skilled jobs offer a path out of hardship for many families and communities. On Tuesday, we said yes to a first-of-its-kind agreement that will bring thousands of those jobs to LA County.
The new countywide community workforce agreement proposed by Supervisor Barger that I coauthored is going to offer apprenticeships, job training opportunities, and jobs that pay fair wages and with strong union support for thousands of workers.
 We heard from our partners at the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building Trades Council during our meeting. They shared the stories of young people, many of them who have been involved with the justice system but are looking to turn their lives around, who are already receiving training in the City of Bell. Their futures are bright.
When more of our neighbors have well-paid union jobs and the education they need to do them, LA County thrives.
 This week, I received an incredible honor from the La Mirada Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9148 who presented me an award to recognize my work supporting veterans.
 I don’t feel worthy of this special recognition, especially when I was standing in that room alongside men and women who wore the uniform and served our country, but I will try to live up to this immense honor by doing everything I can to support our veterans, honor their sacrifices, and get overdue help to those vets who are experiencing homelessness.
 The LA Harbor International Film Festival is happening this weekend at the historic Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro. The film festival is a great annual tradition that I sponsor through a grant from my office.
Tonight, there will be a screening of crowd favorite: White Christmas. Hope to see you there!
 I am working to get guns off the street through a series of gun buybacks I am holding across my district.
Today, March 4th, I am holding one at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department.
It is an opportunity to turn in unwanted guns in exchange for gift cards-- no questions asked. We will be there until 1pm and if you have unwanted guns in your home, I hope you take advantage of this opportunity.
 I have been working to keep our county pools open longer every year but that means we also need to hire more lifeguards.
The County's Parks Department has a free lifeguard training program, which gives young people ages 16-24 all the skills and training they need to start lifeguarding at one of our County pools.
Session 3 of the Lifeguard Ready Training Program is starting on Monday, March 6th at nine different pools across the County (including our new Greater Whittier Regional Aquatic Center) and there is still time to reserve a spot. Use the link below for more information.
 Bugz is a 1 year and 4 month-old rabbit living at our Downey Care Center while he looks for his forever family. He may be shy at first, but if you are patient and gentle with him, he will become your best friend.
You can set up an appointment to meet Bugz here or or visit him during the Downey Care Center's open hours.
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(213) 974-4444
fourthdistrict@bos.lacounty.gov
