A Letter from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
Dear Friends,
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) skimming is a serious issue that cost millions of dollars annually to the State of California and LA County. In 2022 alone, over $22 million was stolen from EBT recipients and that number is expected to double by the end of this year.
The people targeted by EBT skimming are among our most vulnerable – including people experiencing homelessness and families still recovering from the pandemic’s hardships. They are being pushed to the edge when they check their account balance only to see that it has been wiped by individuals engaging in criminal activity. While the State of California is working diligently to upgrade EBT cards to prevent skimming, this will take time and families need relief now.
To that end, this week I introduced a motion, which was unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors, to create a unit within the District Attorney's Office, which will work hand in hand with our Department of Public Social Services to investigate and prosecute those engaging in skimming. This will provide an additional means of protection for our clients, create a deterrence for future criminal activity, and position Los Angeles County to address criminal activity of this kind in the future.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call one of my offices.
Sincerely,
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
 This year, our Department of Economic Opportunity and Department of Parks and Recreation took home the prestigious Productivity and Quality Golden Eagle Award for "Youth at Work at Parks" -- out of 88 submissions by County Departments for the 36th Annual Productivity and Quality Awards Luncheon. I am proud to have established this initiative in which 472 youth were hired; 122 becoming employees with our Parks and Recreation Department.
Our LA County employees are what makes us strong. With their hard work and commitment to bettering the lives of our residents, our employees create life-changing initiatives that always fit the interests and needs of our residents. From programs providing accessible healthcare to expanding the arts to providing safe housing, these projects and programs could not have been done without the dedication and compassion of our workers. To that end, it was an honor to attend this year’s 36th Productivity and Quality Awards Ceremony where we got to celebrate our hardworking County employees. I enjoy joining this ceremony every year because it reminds me of the County’s great work and all the lives we have positively impacted. I thank each one of our employees for all the amazing work they have done to make Los Angeles County an empowering home for all.
 With the support of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $15.6 million dollar grant, the LA County Sheriff's Department will have even more resources to combat the rampant organized retail crime occurring across LA County. The harm these ‘smash and grabs’ and other large thefts are causing not just impact small and large businesses, but also the employees and customers. Shopkeepers like the elderly shopkeeper in Chinatown who was brutally beaten and retail workers like the 34-year-old clerk who was shot and killed at a liquor store in West Covina put their lives at risk every day at work. Customers also feel unsafe with their day-to-day shopping. I wholeheartedly support the Sheriff and the collective efforts through the Organized Retail Theft Task Force to stop organized retail crime in LA County.
 On October 21 from 11am to 4pm, institutions along Grand Avenue open their doors to visitors of all ages for a day of free workshops, performances, tours, and interactive events. Explore art, music, dance, literature, and more: all events are free and open to the public, rain or shine.
The LA County Department of Animal Care and Control will host a Vet at the Park event in Baldwin Park this coming Sunday! There will be free veterinary services, including free exams, vaccines, microchips, flea medications, pet supplies, and more!
Date: Sunday, October 22, 2023
Time: 9 am - 1 pm
Location: Morgan Park, 4100 Baldwin Park Blvd. Baldwin Park, CA 91706
 The LA County Department of Public Health is partnering with the LA County Library to distribute free doses of Naloxone (Narcan). Residents can pick up a free dose at select LA County libraries throughout October. Residents DO NOT have to provide identification, proof of insurance, or payment. You will only need to complete a brief training on how to administer Narcan, which will be available on-site. Limit one per resident while supplies last.
Download the MyShake App to have earthquake information at your fingertips. MyShake delivers earthquake alerts provided in partnership with USGS ShakeAlert and CalOES, shows damage and shaking reports by others around the community, and allows you to share your experience with others. Learn more about the app today by visiting their website.
The LA County Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department (JCOD) is our new central agency unifying LA County's non-clinical efforts to serve vulnerable justice-impacted people and communities by connecting them to services now including housing, employment, and substance use assistance, and more.
Call the helpline at 833-522-5263 from 6 am to 11 pm, or visit the website below.
The LA County Aging and Disabilities Department is providing 250 iPads with internet services to older adults (60+) and adults with disabilities on a first-come, first-serve basis. To qualify for a pre-screening, you must complete the 8-week training course and meet all requirements.
Meet the requirements? Call Centro Maravilla Service Center at (323) 260-2804 from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm or fill out the interest form below.
The Greater LA County Vector Control District has confirmed the first mosquito sample to test positive for West Nile Virus in East LA this year. Click the link below to learn more.
 LA County Department of Public Works is updating the LA County Bicycle Master Plan (BMP). The proposed network includes recommended improvements for bicycle safety and connectivity in your community. Attend the virtual community meeting next week and see what the plan looks like in your community. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 6 pm to 8 pm. By attending the virtual meeting or filling out the online survey, you will participate for a chance to win a bicycle or a $200 gift card.
My office is partnering with Union Station Homeless Services, the City of Baldwin Park, and other agencies to bring free services and resources for people experiencing homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley.
Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Location: Teri G. Muse Family Service Center, 14305 East Morgan St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706.
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