A Letter from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
Dear Friends,
On top of the many challenges our unhoused neighbors face, access to a bank account is one we may not always think about. Frequent movement between shelters, social isolation, stigmatization of being homeless, and limited access to technology impede access to bank accounts for people experiencing homelessness. Additionally, federal law requires individuals to provide a physical address when applying for a bank account. Without banking access unhoused individuals risk their personal safety by carrying cash and often sacrifice income to cash their benefits checks.
To that end, I am proud to have authored a motion with Supervisor Lindsay Horvath, which was unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors this week, to increase banking access for people experiencing homelessness.
As the County continues its work to end the cycle of homelessness for the over 75,000 unhoused Angelenos, we must consider how to improve access to banking accounts. This motion will help us get there by directing our Department of Consumer and Business Affairs to establish a plan to increase access to banking accounts for our unhoused neighbors. Additionally, the motion also directs County Counsel in partnership with CEO’s Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations division to propose possible federal regulatory reforms that may make it easier for people experiencing homelessness to access banking accounts.
Sincerely,
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
 It was an honor to join CARECEN and receive the Legacy Award at their 40th Anniversary Celebration this week. I am truly grateful for their tireless work in ensuring that Los Angeles County is a place where Central Americans, and other communities, can call home. May we continue to uplift migrants so that they too can reach the American Dream.
 As a Metro Board of Director, I was thrilled to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this week with ALMA, one of several employee resource groups at the agency. Metro is a very special partner to our Latino community as more than half of Metro riders identify as Latino and many of our Metro employees are Latino as well. I want to thank ALMA for their leadership in supporting our Latino community. Without them, we would not be able to deliver a great riding experience to all of our constituents across Los Angeles County.
 It is a great honor to announce that October 13, 2023 will be recognized as “Edward James Olmos Day” in Los Angeles County!
After receiving an Associative Arts Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice at East Los Angeles College in 1966, Olmos developed an interest in acting. In the early 1970s, he earned his big break when he was cast as El Pachuco in Luis Valdez’s landmark “Zoot Suit.” It became the first Chicano play on Broadway – earning Olmos a Tony nomination.
He gained many nominations and awards in his acting career such as his role in “Miami Vice” which he received an Emmy nomination and won, as well as Garfield High School math teacher Jaime Escalante in “Stand and Deliver” which he earned an Oscar nomination for. He then directed and starred in the 1992 drama feature “American Me” and other landmark works.
In 1998, he founded the Latino Public Broadcasting which funds public television programming focused on issues affecting Latinos. Olmos was also one of the driving forces that created “Americanos: Latino Life in the U.S.,” a 1999 book project featuring over 30 award-winning photographers that later was turned into a Smithsonian traveling exhibition.
While he has achieved extraordinary success as an actor, director, and producer, the Tony, Emmy, and Oscar-nominated actor is a devoted humanitarian. He has been a U.S. Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and executive director of the Lives In Hazard Educational Project, a national gang prevention program funded. Olmos also founded the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) – a premier event dedicated to showcasing the Latino perspective through film, television, digital, any other art form.
Today, and everyday, we thank Edward James Olmos for all he has done for the Latino community. Felicidades, Eddie!
 Come join us for the 3rd Annual City Terrace Artwalk! This family event will feature over 30 artists, art galleries, poetry readings, stand up comedy, food trucks, County services, pet adoptions, music, and more!
Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: 12 pm - 6 pm
Location: 4018 City Terrace Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90063
 The updated COVID-19 vaccine is now available at our Public Health points of distribution (PODS)! You can also receive a free flu shot and Mpox vaccine at the same time. We are open every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. Click the link below to learn more.
Celebrate with Metro on California Clean Air Day! On October 4, 2023, Metro is offering free rides for all busses, trains, bikes and Metro Micro in an effort to promote clean transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants for a cleaner community. You can also redeem unlimited free rides this day for Metro Bike and Metro Micro using the codes listed below:
Bike Share: 100423
Metro Micro: CleanAir23
 Attention EBT cardholders! The new Metrolink Mobility-4-All Program is in full swing and offers everyone with an EBT card 50% off discounts on any ticket purchase or pass. For more information, please refer to the flyer above or scan the QR code. Happy riding!
 Want to secure your dream job? Mark your calendars because the Department of Public Social Services GAIN Region III is hosting this year's Fall Job Fair! Join us for a chance to network with top-notch employers and making meaningful connections. Bring your resumes and come down on October 17, 2023, from 9 am to 1 pm. Interested? Click the link below to pre-register.
 The Girls Empowerment Conference is back! Join us on October 7, 2023, for amazing workshops on art, self-care, health, and more. Registration is now open!
 When our furry friends are healthy, it keeps the rest of our community healthy. We can prevent our pets from catching zoonotic diseases and parasites when we get them checked with a veterinarian and get all their vaccines checked. For more information and tips on how to protect your pets and community, click the link below.
 Do you love nature? Visit one of our Los Angeles County Nature Center near you! Every Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm, our Superintendents welcome you to Nature Center Discovery to learn about the habitat around you. Ask questions, learn fun facts, and participate in fun activities with this free program.
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