A Letter from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
Dear Friends,
The creative economy is home to 7.6% of the State of California’s jobs, but its workforce has an outsized impact on overall economic output. According to the 2023 Otis Report on the Creative Economy, the five creative sectors (Architecture and Related Services; Creative Goods and Products; Fine Arts and Performing Arts; Entertainment and Digital Media; and Fashion) were collectively responsible for 14.9% of the State’s $3.4 trillion economy in 2021. Each job supported by creative economy activity resulted in $37,717 in additional tax revenue, generating over $194.1 billion in federal, state, and municipal taxes.
While the creative economy plays a critically important role in our regional and state economy, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to reverberate throughout creative sectors. Since the onset of the pandemic, the nation’s creative industries have faced unprecedented financial pressures and the recovery trajectories among creative sectors have varied significantly.
To build on LA County’s increasing support for the creative economy, I have authored a motion to uplift the Creative Jobs Collective Impact Initiative (CJCII) – a 7-year effort that envisions a thriving and equitable arts and culture sector through the creation of 10,000 living wage jobs in Los Angeles, the widespread availability of median wages for entry-level jobs, and new pathways into the sector for youth and adults from communities most impacted by systemic inequity and COVID-19 permanent job loss. The initiative is being coordinated by Arts for LA, with philanthropic funding support, and led by a steering committee that includes LA County’s Department of Arts and Culture and Department of Economic Opportunity, among others in the arts, data, and creative economy. This initiative is an opportunity to address underinvestment in the arts and disparities in employment, wages, and pandemic recovery. It will cultivate necessary cross-sectoral partnerships – including colleges, K-12 schools, small arts nonprofits, government, business, labor, entertainment, and large-scale creative employers – for the betterment of the wider arts ecology.
I recognize the need for investments in the creative workforce, programs that elevate this sector, and the support of arts data. By centering cross-sectoral thought partnerships, funding, and culturally responsive practices for the betterment of all residents across diverse identities, we can prioritize both intersectional and real-time responses to disparities in the creative sector exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This motion does just that, and right in time for Arts Month which begins tomorrow, April 1 through April 30! I encourage you to take some time this month to support artists and creative workers – a critical backbone of our economy.
Sincerely,
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
 LA County’s declaration of a local public health emergency for COVID-19 ends today, March 31, 2023. That means changes in some programs, but many services will continue to be available to support residents. We prepared an overview of what you can expect in several key areas—from the availability of free testing to resources for tenants and landlords. Click the link below for details on what residents need to do to avoid interruption of their Medi-Cal health benefits.
 The City of El Monte has launched an guaranteed income program that will provide 125 eligible residents with $500 per month for a year. To be eligible, residents must be a female head of household (no spouse present) who resides in the City of El Monte, has children younger than 18 years of age, and has a verified income at or below the federal poverty line. Applicants must also show a need for financial assistance due to being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The last day to apply is Saturday, April 15.
LA County is partnering with Community Services Unlimited Inc. to provide grants to qualifying organizations and businesses that wish to launch or expand equitable food distribution programs in specifically identified target areas within the County. Nonprofits and private/for-profit enterprises are eligible to apply for these funds. Applications seeking to serve communities that have been historically underfunded and resourced will be prioritized.
To be eligible, proposed projects must take place within a COVID-19 Recovery Target Area within LA County. You may visit COVID-19 Dashboard and search for the address or zip code of your proposed project. It must be located in an area with an “overall index” score of 80% or higher. Applications open Monday, April 3. The last day to apply is Friday, May 5.
 The LA County Performing Arts Recovery Grant is a new grant initiative designed to support the continuing recovery of LA County’s dynamic performing arts sector through flexible funding support that centers the artistic and creative process. This program will provide grants of up to $30,000 to artists, independent producers, and organizations dedicated to performing arts. The application portal opens on Wednesday, April 12.
 The LA County Department of Parks and Recreation is providing job opportunities for youth ages 14 - 24 through our Youth @ Work program. Employees will assist in leading recreational activities for persons of all ages, helping support event setup and takedown, and interacting with the public. Applicants must reside in LA County, possess a current work permit (for those under 18), and have the right to work in the United States.
The best way to prevent long COVID is to avoid getting infected or re-infected. The updated bivalent booster has been shown to reduce the likelihood of severe infection and potentially lower the risk of developing long COVID. People with long COVID may experience different types and/or combinations of symptoms longer than usual. Symptoms often include fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty thinking or concentrating, joint pain, and/or chest pain.
 As part of our Parks After Dark Spring Edition, our LA County Department of Parks and Recreation is partnering with The Music Center to bring an amazing lineup of musicians, dancers, and performers to 34 of our County parks. Performances range from jazz mariachi to jazz and from West African dance to Korean classical. Bring your family and friends and explore all the art and cultural activities we have to offer.
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