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Dear Neighbor,
I am proud to share that we recently launched the Employee Ownership LA County initiative. When a business shares the ownership of the company with their employees–they are investing in the shared success of their company, workforce, and the communities they serve. In September the Board of Supervisors passed my motion calling for the Department of Economic Opportunity to scale different employee ownership models throughout the County.
The Department of Economic Opportunity will be partnered with the non-profit, Project Equity to help implement the initiative and provide technical support to business owners interested in employee ownership options. This initiative will also include other strategies like incorporating employee-owned businesses into the County’s procurement preference program and developing financial products to support the incubation and transition of employee-owned businesses. To tackle the growing wealth inequities in LA County, we need programs like employee ownership.
We commemorated the launch of this initiative at Giroux Glass, Inc., a women-owned glass glazing and architectural metals contracting company located in the Second District. Since 2007, Giroux Glass has operated an employee ownership model enabling employees to purchase shares and to become personally vested in the success and growth of the company.
To learn more about the County’s efforts to expand employee ownership and to book a free consultation, please visit their website here.
Sincerely, Holly J. Mitchell Supervisor, Second District Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
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Mitchell Memo Content
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Taking the Equity in Infrastructure Pledge |
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I recently joined LA County and City departments in signing the Equity in Infrastructure pledge during the LA Infrastructure Forum. The Equity in Infrastructure Pledge exists to improve public contracting practices by creating more opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses to build generational wealth and reduce the racial wealth gap by creating more prime, joint ventures, and equity contracting opportunities for these firms. With this pledge, we are committed to tripling the number of small businesses in LA County– with a special emphasis on small minority businesses that service infrastructure projects. A 2-million-dollar revolving loan fund has been established to support startup costs as small businesses obtain County contracts. I am excited to work–collaborating with the State of California, Metro, LA City, and the Los Angeles World Airports in expanding our investments in small businesses. |
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Last month, I had the opportunity to meet with residents from our recent RV encampment resolution in West Rancho Dominguez/East Gardena for a pre-Thanksgiving dinner as they received the keys to their permanent homes. Twenty households moved into a new 4-story modular apartment building in the 2nd District's Florence-Firestone community. They will have access to on-site services available through St. Joseph Center to assist them with accessing workforce opportunities, mental health, substance abuse services, and more. Connecting people to permanent housing with the services they need to stay housed is a critical step in the County's Pathway Home initiative. It is only possible with partnerships and Measure H funding. I look forward to sharing more welcome home days as we work to scale up the Pathway Home program throughout the 2nd District and LA County. To learn more about Pathway Home, visit their website here. |
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Evermont Topping Off Celebration of Building 1 |
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We celebrated the substantial completion of building 1 at Evermont, located on the Northeast corner of Vermont and Manchester. Evermont is a mixed-use development that will include 180 units of affordable housing, SEED School LA, a transit plaza, and a Metro training facility. Before the 1992 Uprising, the corner of Vermont and Manchester was a vibrant economic engine for the community. Thrilled to see that progress is being made on this wonderful addition to South LA. |
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Los Angeles County Tree Lighting Ceremony |
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For over 25 years, the County has kicked off the holidays with the annual LA County Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year, my Board colleagues, community members, and I were joined by emcee Marcos Mora, Telemundo 52 news anchor to celebrate the Christmas holiday. We enjoyed performances by the Valley Christian High School Handbell Choir, The Adderley School singers, and the Mariachi Hecho en Mexico band. The event featured a holiday marketplace with local artisans and art activities curated by the South Gate Art Gallery and Museum. All are welcome this holiday season to visit the Jerry Moss Plaza to see the festive 50-foot tree at 135 North Grand Avenue in Downtown LA. |
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Inaugural Youth Round Table Discussion |
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In partnership with Southern California Crossroads and Centinela Youth Services, Team Mitchell hosted our inaugural Youth Round Table at the 2nd district Lennox Community Office. We brought together Lennox youth to discuss advocacy, policy training, gun violence prevention, and community safety. I’m excited to continue this monthly initiative. Our next gathering will be in January to welcome more Lennox youth. For questions, please contact Alfonso Ruiz Delgado at (213) 974-2222 or email ARDelgado@bos.lacounty.gov. |
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December Racial Justice Learning Exchange Recap |
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This past Saturday we held our last Racial Justice Learning Exchange event for the year. This one was focused on food access, affordability, and preparing healthy meals. In LA County, 1 in 4 people face food insecurity, with a significant spike in 2022 due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With Love Market & Café was the perfect host for our event, providing healthy food options and a space for a food demonstration and discussion on nutritious recipes by Common Threads. There was a live food demonstration on how to prepare Turkey Picadillo taco filling and Egusi Soup with Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Thank you, to our partners, Black Women for Wellness LA, Common Threads, Kaiser Permanente, and MLK Community Development Corporation who helped make this event possible. For information on food distribution centers and pantries in the 2nd District, visit: bit.ly/SD2-RJLE-Dec-2. |
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Get Connected to Food Resources Near You |
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There are many different types of food resources available in LA County. Use 211LA to navigate the various food supports and programs to find and connect to food resources in your neighborhood. Click here to find locations near you. |
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COMMUNITY BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Ladera Heights and Florence-Firestone community members ages 16+ (regardless of immigration status) are invited to join our first Participatory Budget Advisory Committee. As part of the Advisory Committee, you will help decide on what ideas received from fellow residents should receive funding to be implemented in your community.
Applications are open until December 20, 2023. Learn more here: mitchell.lacounty.gov/CB-2023/
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LA County Rent Relief
LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) has launched the LA County Rent Relief Program Portal. This portal will help landlords access grants for eligible expenses incurred from April 1, 2022, and onward, including unpaid rental debt and related costs like utilities. Priority will be given to those meeting specific eligibility criteria.
For more details and updates, visit their website here.
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LA County CARE Court
Los Angeles County is now implementing the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act which mandates every County in California to open specialized courts to provide voluntary mental health services. CARE Court allows for qualifying individuals with severe mental health challenges or entities to petition the Superior Court of Los Angeles County to help connect eligible individuals to a broad array of services, including counseling, medication, housing options, social services, and more, via a voluntary CARE Agreement or CARE Plan.
For more information, click here.
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2023-24 Annual Secured Property Taxes
2023-2024 Annual Secured Property Taxes are due by Mon, Dec 11, 2023.
To avoid delinquency and a late payment penalty, the LA County Treasurer and Tax collector recommends property owners pay their property taxes online: vcheck.ttc.lacounty.gov.
Electronic payments are free and only require bank routing and checking account info. Payment by mail should ensure the envelope has a postmark dated Monday, Dec 11, 2023, or prior.
For more info visit the LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector website.
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Respiratory Disease in LA County Dogs
LA Public Health is currently investigating a respiratory illness known as Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD). Dog owners in LA County should look out for symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and lethargy (lack of energy) in their dogs. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, follow these steps to keep your dog–and other dogs safe and healthy.
For more info, visit the Public Health website.
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LA County Hate Crime Report
Last week, the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations (LACCHR) released an analysis of hate crimes reported throughout Los Angeles County in 2022. Among the findings highlighted in the report are the continuous rise of anti-black and anti-Jewish crimes, the highest number of anti-transgender crimes ever, and a high rate of violence. The LA County Board of Supervisors directed LACCHR to create a campaign to prevent and respond to acts of hate in the County-and that result is the LA vs Hate initiative. This work is critical to ensure that we are building an inclusive Los Angeles and actively standing up against all forms of hate. I encourage all community members to check out the report and learn more about how to get involved with the LA vs Hate initiative. Together, we can commit to eliminating racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, religious bigotry, and all forms of discrimination in our communities.
To view the LA County Hate Crimes Report, visit the LA County Hate Crime Report 2022. For more information on the LA vs Hate initiative, please click here.
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To access additional information on upcoming community resources and events related to education, health, housing, workforce development and more click here.
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LA COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM
Wed, Dec 6 | 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Virtual
The LA County Planning Department is hosting an online workshop on its Historic Preservation Program for properties in unincorporated Los Angeles County. Join the session to learn more about how to nominate a site to become a qualified historical resource.
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2023 WORLD AIDS DAY 35TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE EVENT
Wed, Dec 6 | 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Charles R. Drew LSRNE Foyer 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059
Join Supervisorial District 2, the Los Angeles County Commission on HIV, Black Caucus, Charles R. Drew University (CDU), and CDU DrewCARES– for a poignant and inspiring World AIDS Day event and resource fair as we reflect on the progress made, honor the resilience of our Black community and look toward a future where HIV is no longer a barrier to health and equality. This is a free event! No registration is required, open to the community.
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RISE, RECLAIM, RESTORE: TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT
Sat, Dec 9 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park 905 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90059
LA County’s Office of Violence Protection will be hosting engaging workshops and interactive activities focused on equipping young people with the tools to navigate their mental well-being at the Rise, Reclaim, Restore: Youth Mental Health Summit. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
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FREE DRIVE-THRU FOOD GIVEAWAY AT EAST RANCHO DOMINGUEZ PARK
Wed, Dec 13 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
East Rancho Dominguez Park 15116 East Atlantic Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90221
Join Team Mitchell for a free drive-thru food giveaway. No walk-ups. Line formation begins at 8:30 a.m. There are no eligibility requirements and food will be available while supplies last.
For additional food resources, visit GetCalFresh.org or covid19.lacounty.gov.
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VACCINE CLINICS
Wed, Dec 13 | 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lennox Library 4359 Lennox Blvd., Lennox, CA 90304
Free flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, and bivalent boosters (the most recent version of the COVID-19 vaccine) for individuals 6 months of age and older.
Open for walk-ins. Vaccines will be available while supplies last.
To avoid a longer visit, make your appointment online at your preferred location by visiting My Turn, California's vaccine appointment website.
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SENIOR RESOURCE WORKSHOP
Wed, Dec 13 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Del Aire Park Community Room 12601 South Isis Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059
Join my office to learn more about resources available for senior citizens including in-home support services, Medi-Cal, LA County resources, and more.
For questions, call the office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell at 213-974-2222 or email Ara An at aan@bos.lacounty.gov.
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PARKS AFTER DARK WINTER WONDERLAND
Fri, Dec 8 - Sat, Dec 16
Various Locations
Parks After Dark (PAD) returns for the winter season with extended hours and free recreational activities at 31 LA County parks. Bring your family and friends to an LA County Parks location for snow days, sports, exercise classes, dancing, healthy cooking classes, movies in the park, concerts, computer courses, health outreach, and social service resource fairs.
View List of Events
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FREE ART CLASSES AT FLORENCE LIBRARY
Oct 9 - May 20
Florence Library 7807 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001
Join Lynn Chu, instructor and multidisciplinary artist working with watercolor, ceramics, and textiles. Through Project Art Los Angeles, she will be leading tuition free child art classes at the Florence Library for different age groups. Enrollment is ongoing throughout the year. Registration is required in advance and space is limited.
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BOS Meeting Updates
The Board of Supervisors (BOS) meets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., except on Tuesdays following a Monday holiday when meetings begin at 1:00 p.m. The next meeting is Tuesday, December 5. All public Board meetings can be viewed live at: http://bos.lacounty.gov/Board-Meeting/Live-Broadcast.
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This Week on Social Media
Follow Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads to get the latest updates, resources, and events happening in the 2nd District!
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We encourage you to share this newsletter with your neighbors! If you aren’t already subscribed to the Mitchell Memo Newsletter, you can sign-up here.
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