A LETTER FROM LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERVISOR HILDA L. SOLIS
Dear Friends,
August 21st was Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day - a national day of remembrance for those who have lost their lives as a result of fentanyl overdose and to recognize the devastating loss that thousands of family members and friends experience as a result of fentanyl.
Fentanyl is an odorless, colorless opioid drug that is 50x stronger than heroine and 100x stronger than morphine. It is used for pain and anesthesia when prescribed by physicians. Unfortunately, it is also being illegally manufactured in labs and mixed with other drugs such as methamphetamine, heroin, Xanax, MDMA, and cocaine. When ingested, fentanyl can rapidly stop someone from breathing and die from an overdose.
Sadly, 92% of teen overdose deaths in LA County are caused by fentanyl, and has become the #1 cause of death for people ages 18 to 45.
To that end, I authored a motion to have our county departments work with the community to put together a comprehensive response to the overdose crisis, and have expanded access to naloxone and other critical supplies throughout the counties. I am also concerned about the impacts this epidemic has had on children, which is why I was happy when the Board of Supervisors passed my motion for our Department of Public Health to work with school districts to raise awareness and hold public meetings to educate students, educators, and parents.
To learn more about the risks of fentanyl and how to save a life visit FentanylFrontline.org.
For substance abuse services, visit RecoverLA.org.
Sincerely,
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
 The LA County Film Office, part of the newly created County Department of Economic Opportunity, is hosting a FREE resource fair on Saturday, August 26th to help connect actors, writers, performers, workers, and small businesses impacted the entertainment strikes to critical services and support. Connect to mental health providers, on site benefit counseling, assistance to legal services, emergency financial assistance, information on permitting and much much more!
 Was your home damaged by the Tropical Storm Hilary? You may be eligible for tax relief. To qualify, you must file an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (ADS-820) with the LA County Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed. The loss MUST exceed $10,000 of current market value.
 Even after Hurricane Hilary passed, people are still affected by the effects of the tropical storm. One of these affects are mold, which can negatively impact our health. To prevent people from experiencing health concerns due to mold, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is advising residents how to clean up mold after a flood, how to properly throw away moldy items, what items to throw away, and how to prevent growth in our homes.
 When disasters happen, businesses cannot increase the price of goods and services 10% or more. If they do, it is price gouging, and it is illegal. If you suspect price gouging, follow these tips such as checking prices before and after a state of emergency and keep records and proof of suspicions. You can then report this by calling the telephone number given in the flyer.
 Open to Southern California high school students, the Music Center's Spotlight is a FREE performing arts competition, scholarship and artistic development program available in seven different performing arts categories. Students of all skill levels are welcomed to apply. With Spotlight, you can:
- Develop and strengthen audition, presentation and performance skills;
- Audition to receive cash scholarships;
- Receive feedback from artists and arts professionals; and
- Gain access to mastery classes with world-renowned artists.
 In partnership with the LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector, my office is hosting a virtual community meeting about the upcoming Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance. An STR is the use of property to provide lodging for compensation for periods of 30 consecutive calendar days or less. STRs are commonly booked through hosting platforms such as Airbnb, Expedia, and Vrbo. The Ordinance aims to strike a balance between the economic benefits of STRs and potential impacts on housing stock and quality of life for residents.
If the Board of Supervisors adopts the STR motion, the proposed regulations will apply to STRs in the unincorporated areas of LA County. All STR Operators will be required to register and pay an annual registration fee of $914 and can only use their primary residence.
 The LA County Department of Arts and Culture has three applications opening soon: Organization Grant Program (OGP) and Community Impact Arts Grant (CIAG) open August 30, 2023, and Arts Internship Program (AIP) opens on September 6.
LA County recognizes that arts and culture strengthen quality of life, health, resilience, and the social and economic development of our people and communities. The Department of Arts and Culture’s programs provide crucial funding to nonprofits to administer their arts programming in communities throughout LA County.
 We want to hear from you! The East Los Angeles Community Pedestrian Plan, a study that tells the County how to make East LA a more walkable and safe neighborhood, is back out for community review and comments. Please submit your comments via phone or email. The last day to provide comments to is Wednesday, September 20.
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