A Letter from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
Dear Friends,
Indigenous migrants have been a part of the history of LA County since its founding in 1781, as nine Indigenous individuals were part of the original 44 Los Pobladores. According to the “2023 State of Immigrants in LA County” published by the USC Dornsife Equity Research Institute and the California Community Foundation, 1 in 3 Angelenos, comprising over 3.5 million people, are immigrants.
It is estimated that approximately 180,000 - 250,000 Zapotecs live in Los Angeles, constituting the single largest concentration of Indigenous Oaxacans outside of Oaxaca. LA County is also home to the largest concentration of Guatemalan migrant population and ancestry in the US. It is estimated that at least half of this population is Indigenous.
These statistics, however, likely do not capture the full extent of the Indigenous immigrant community in LA County. Historic misclassification of Indigenous communities – in federal, state, and regional enumeration and public documentation – has resulted in generations of demographic erasure and the erection of barriers to service provision given inadequate language access.
To that end, I am extremely proud that the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved my motion this past Tuesday to proclaim the month of December as Indigenous Migrants Month in LA County. I am determined to continue the work in uplifting the humanity and dignity of Indigenous migrant communities while also expanding access to services for these long-overlooked populations – and call on all Angelenos to promote the vast contributions and diversity of Indigenous communities.
Sincerely,
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
 Skid Row and the adjacent communities have the highest concentration of unhoused Angelenos. To that end, we know that more resources are needed in this area to help overcome the consequences of structural and systemic inequalities. I have championed investments to help fund the Skid Row Action Plan – a holistic initiative committed to improving the health and wellness of our unhoused neighbors in Skid Row. And today, I was so pleased to join the final convening of the Skid Row Action Plan, where all stakeholders of the Plan joined in to celebrate this milestone. Thank you to all the all the critical housing and health providers and advocates who have worked tirelessly on this endeavor for over a year. I especially want to thank the Skid Row residents, who played an integral part in creating and shaping this action plan. As Supervisor for the First District, I am committed to continuing to help bring hundreds of people indoors quickly and support them on their path to recovery!
 I am extremely grateful to the LA Regional Food Bank for continuing to partner with my office in hosting food distributions in our most vulnerable communities. This week, we hosted the last food distribution of the year in the First District, where we served 1,200 families in the Valinda area. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped us throughout the year to address the food insecurity that continues to affect many of our families across LA County.
What is a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO)? Join the LA County Departments of Public Health and Economic Opportunity for a virtual town hall on street vending in LA County and provide feedback on a potential new ordinance that will allow residents to legally operate a miniature restaurant from their home kitchen. MEHKOs is a state law that if passed locally, will provide entrepreneurs and aspiring chefs a legal pathway to:
- Prepare, and serve food to the public, as allowed by State law, similar to a mini restaurant.
- Make up to 90 meals per week and 30 meals per day.
- Earn up to $100,000 in revenue.
 As of December 1, 2023, qualified individuals – such as a family member, spouse, roommate, emergency responder, or licensed medical or mental health professional – will be able to petition the Court for an eligible individual with untreated schizophrenia or other associated psychotic disorders to receive treatment and services to stabilize their symptoms and continue on a path of recovery and well-being.
To seek these services, a family member, clinician or other person files what is known as a CARE Act petition for someone who is in need of help. Filing a petition is free. A judge reviews the petition and determines if the person is eligible for the CARE program. To be eligible for CARE COURT, individuals must meet all the following criteria:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Diagnosed with a disorder within the "schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders" class of disorders and currently experiencing symptoms.
- Not clinically stabilized in ongoing treatment.
- The individual's mental health is substantially deteriorating, and they are unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision AND/OR need services and support to prevent relapse and deterioration.
- Participation in a CARE Plan is the least restrictive alternative and the individual is likely to benefit from participation in a CARE Plan.
 Starting Sunday, December 10, Metro is making changes to bus and rail service to provide more frequent and reliable trips for riders. Metro is improving frequencies on the A, C, E, and K Lines, and adjusting several weekday and weekend bus schedules to improve reliability, with route and stop changes for various other bus lines to improve service for riders.
Detailed information on service changes is available online, on-board buses, and at Metro Customer Centers.
 The 64th annual LA County Holiday Celebration offers Angelenos of all ages the opportunity to experience and honor the dynamic, rich cultures of the county. Enjoy a diverse lineup of LA-based artists including many past favorites and some exciting new talent! With performances by choral groups, dance troupes, and local artists, the Holiday Celebration brings holiday cheer into the homes and hearts of all who tune in! See the L.A. County Holiday Celebration live at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, watch it on PBS SoCal or stream online!
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is transforming 34 LA County Parks into enchanting holiday destinations with 40 - 80 tons of snow! The holiday-themed event will feature a toy giveaway, winter snacks stations, a photo booth with Santa, holiday arts and crafts, pet adoptions, face painting, ice sculpting, a resource fair, and a lot more! Events will take place Fridays and Saturdays from December 1, to December 16.
Did you know that huskies are the third most common breed in LA County care centers? We’re hoping to get more huskies home for the holidays, so throughout December, we are waiving fees for huskies and husky mixes at all LA County Animal Care and Control centers.
An important note: we included “howl” in this promotion for a reason! Everyone who knows a husky knows that (generally speaking) they can be noisy, high-energy, and mischievously clever! That being said, they are also known for their loyalty, friendliness, and endearing silliness. Please consider ALL factors when choosing to adopt a pet, so that you make sure your home can truly be their forever home.
The promotion covers adoption fees, spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchips. It does not include license and trust fees.
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