A Letter from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
Dear Friends,
With higher COVID-19 transmission levels in LA County – along with other respiratory viruses – and many residents returning to school and work after the holidays, our Department of Public Health is encouraging residents to test if they have COVID-19 symptoms to prevent the spread of the virus.
Free at-home COVID-19 tests remain readily available at LA County libraries, through the federal government by mail, and at retail pharmacies with a California health insurance plan. It is important to know that most at-home tests can be safely used past the expiration date on the box. For more information on how to check home test expiration dates and how to get free COVID-19 tests, visit ph.lacounty.gov/COVIDtests.
One of the best ways to lower the risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 is by getting the updated vaccine that became available in September 2023. At least one dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older. The new vaccine is formulated to provide protection against currently circulating COVID-19 strains and increase immunity from prior vaccination or infection that may have decreased over time. To find a vaccination site near you, visit myturn.ca.gov.
Please spread the word to your family and friends – encourage them to get vaccinated, too. As we near the fourth anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge us to continue to keep our community’s health and well-being front and center. Together we can create a healthier 2024, with fewer disruptions due to illness, for everyone.
Sincerely,
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
 I was so excited to join Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez earlier this week for the grand opening of Northeast New Beginnings in Cypress Park.
This new interim housing site considers some of the best lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that we serve people experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect. Amenities such as in-unit bathrooms, a dog run, and laundry service on-site show our unhoused neighbors that we are willing and able to provide safe, clean, and dignified interim housing which will serve as a stepping stone on their path to permanent housing. As Los Angeles City and County continue to work together to solve homelessness, I am thrilled to see that our efforts are already bearing fruit.
 Join the LA Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) as a volunteer for the 2024 Greater LA Homeless Count happening January 23, 24, and 25, 2023. By joining, you will help make progress in ending the homelessness crisis in LA County by counting our neighbors without shelter and in need of support.
 The LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) will provide over $68M in grants to qualified landlords located within LA County through the LA County Rent Relief Program. This program will provide direct financial assistance to landlords to help them mitigate the detrimental economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in tenants’ inability to keep up on their rent. Landlords may receive up to $30,000 per rental unit for past-due rent and eligible expenses dating from April 1, 2022, to the present. Eligible expenses include unpaid rental debts, utilities, and any other verified related expenses.
If you need assistance completing your application or help navigating the application process, the Rent Relief Call Center is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm. You can also get free multi-language assistance by calling (877) 849-0770. DCBA is also hosting in-person and online sessions to provide application assistance.
The last day to apply is Friday, January 12.
 LA County is paving the way for legal sidewalk vending in unincorporated areas, thanks to SB 946 and SB 972. The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and our local partners are all in to help sidewalk vendors thrive in our open-air economy while ensuring safety and compliance. Join us in our upcoming in-person or virtual community sessions to shape the future of sidewalk vending.
In Person Listening Session Schedule:
- Monday, January 8, 2024, at 6:00 pm (English Session)
East LA Library - 4837 E. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90022
Virtual Listening Session Schedule:
- Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 5:00 pm (English Session)
- Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 5:00 pm (Spanish Session)
Let's build a vibrant and compliant community together. Scan the QR code or visit the link below to reserve a spot or learn more about upcoming listening sessions.
 Tree recycling is an easy way to return a natural resource to the environment. Recycle your Christmas tree on your regular collection day. If you live in unincorporated LA County, you can place your Christmas tree on your regular collection day. Curbside collection runs through Monday, January 15.
- All lights and ornaments must be removed.
- Place at the curb next to your trash without blocking streets and sidewalks.
- Artificial trees will not be collected.
The LA County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk is hiring for various positions at the new LA County Ballot Processing Center in the City of Industry. Join the RRCC team and make a difference in democracy!
 A 4.2 earthquake shook LA County Friday morning. Luckily, there were no damages or injuries reported. However, this is a reminder for all Angelenos to always be prepared for an earthquake.
Check out the safety kit the LA County Office of Emergency Management has prepared with all the steps you can take to help ensure you, your family, and your loved ones are resilient and ready for a disaster.
|
