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Dear Neighbor,
Last year, my office began working on our first participatory budget pilot program, the 2nd District Community Budget. I’m excited to give you some updates on this program that officially launched this week with our first advisory committee meeting. The 2nd District Community Budget will allocate a total of 1 million dollars ($500,000 for each community) between Florence-Firestone and Ladera Heights. Residents in those communities will be able to present ideas for how the money should be invested back into their neighborhood. The ideas will be reviewed by an advisory committee composed of residents from those communities and voted on by fellow residents. This process is called participatory budgeting.
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2nd District Budget Advisory Committee Meeting
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2nd District Staff & Advisory Committee Members
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As we roll out this participatory budget pilot, my goal is to apply the lessons learned to inform how we can potentially expand to other 2nd District unincorporated communities–in years to come. I’m excited about this program’s launch because it builds on our commitment to bring the community into the budget process. For more information on this pilot program, visit mitchell.lacounty.gov/CB-2023.
A key part of the success of this program is community partners who help ensure that residents are aware of - and have access - to submit their ideas and vote. To help with this, we just opened up applications for Community Engagement Partners to join us in leading outreach for residents to participate in the 2nd District Community Budget pilot. Selected community partner organizations can receive grants for outreach activities, such as hosting educational events, canvassing, phone banking, informational tabling, digital outreach campaigns, or other initiatives.
The deadline for Community Engagement Partners applications is Friday, February 9 at 5:00 p.m. Interested community-based organizations are encouraged to join our Zoom Info Session on Monday, January 29, at 12:30 pm for more details.
I would like to thank the Participatory Budgeting Project, the Re-Imagine LA County coalition, and Tres Lunas for their support in helping us implement this initiative. We’ve got a busy year ahead, and I look forward to working together to continue building a thriving 2nd District.
Sincerely,
Holly J. Mitchell
Supervisor, Second District
Read Ahead:
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UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITY UPDATES |
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Addressing Homelessness - Pathway Home Resolution in Compton |
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Our first Pathway Home encampment resolution for the year was in partnership with the City of Compton. Thirty-three residents experiencing homelessness near the Artesia Bridge were connected to interim housing. Now on their path to connecting to permanent housing, they will receive ongoing support from our community partners and County departments. This resolution has allowed the state to start repairs on the Artesia Bridge, which has been closed since 2020. To learn more about Pathway Home, visit homeless.lacounty.gov/pathway-home.
Team Mitchell and County Departments Meet with El Camino Village | Alondra Park Community on Sidewalk Vending Concerns
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Team Mitchell and the Department of Economic Opportunity joined the El Camino Village Community Watch Association and local residents for a meeting to address sidewalk vending concerns, including clarifying questions on enforcement. Departments in attendance included the Department of Public Health, County Counsel, and the Department of Public Works. Thank you to the El Camino Village community leaders for organizing this important discussion.
For information on sidewalk vending in LA County email: opportunity.lacounty.gov/sidewalk-vending-la-county. To report concerns in unincorporated LA County related to street vending, contact the Office of Small Business at 844-432-4900 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email: OSB@opportunity.lacounty.gov. Report issues such as illegal dumping or sidewalk obstructions to LA County Public Works at pw.lacounty.gov/contact/ or make a service request through LA County’s The Works App at pw.lacounty.gov/TheWorks.
2nd District Racial Justice Learning Exchange Book Club on Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart
We recently hosted our first Racial Justice Learning Exchange event of the year. LA County Library Director Skye Patrick facilitated an engaging conversation with special guests, including Retired LA Fire Department Chief Deputy Emile W. Mack and Deputy Fire Chief Julia Kim. The discussion delved into Michelle Zauner’s compelling book, Crying in H Mart, exploring themes of cultural identity, family, and the connection between culture and heritage through food. Special thank you to our panelists for sharing their personal stories, and Dr. Wong, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, for hosting the Human Library, and empowering attendees to share personal narratives. If you missed the event, you can watch it here: bit.ly/SD2-Crying-In-HMart. To attend future events, you can sign up here to receive notifications: bit.ly/SD2-RJLE.
2nd District Community Budget Call for Community Engagement Partners
The 2nd District Community Budget project is offering community-based organizations the opportunity to lead outreach in the unincorporated communities of Ladera Heights and Florence-Firestone. Selected organizations will receive up to $10,000 each to facilitate community engagement efforts. Activities funded through this program may include (but are not limited to) educational events, canvassing or phone banking campaigns, informational tabling, digital outreach campaigns, and more. My office is hosting an online info session via Zoom on Monday, January 29 that will provide details for community-based organizations interested in becoming Community Engagement Partners. To register, visit bit.ly/SD2-Jan-29 or join by dialing 669-444-9171 (meeting ID 889 1991 8695). For more information and to apply visit: mitchell.lacounty.gov/cb-2023.
Convening County Department Leaders to Enhance Services for Angelenos
 LA County departments support millions of Angelenos to access vital services and resources. Earlier this week, I hosted my annual New Year Convening with our Department leaders to reflect on our shared wins and what kind of work we need to improve–and best support our residents. For a list of County Departments and services, visit: https://lacounty.gov/government/departments-commissions-and-agencies/los-angeles-county-departments/.
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The LA County Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division is hosting a free Junior Lifeguard Prep Program at Jesse Owens Pool for youth ages 9 to 17 from January 26 to February. 8. The pool is located at 9835 South Western Avenue in Los Angeles. This preparatory swim program is to improve the swimming speed and stroke of prospective Junior Lifeguards. Youth who can swim and are interested in working as Junior Lifeguards during the summer months should attend. Register: eventbrite.com/e/2024-aware-junior-lifeguard-prep-tickets-780296938147
Please note that the prep program is not a learn-to-swim program. For information on swimming lessons visit: parks.lacounty.gov/swimming/
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COVID-19 TESTING & TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS
 Protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 by getting tested and treated. At-home COVID-19 tests are free, easy to use, and widely available in Los Angeles County. Learn how to get free test kits at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/covidtests/
If you need a telehealth appointment or to get a prescription for COVID-19 medication, call the Public Health Info Line 7 days a week between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. at 1-833-540-0473.
CAN THE TRASH! CLEAN BEACH POSTER CONTEST
Do you know a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader in LA County? Encourage them to submit their artwork that shows why it’s important to keep the beaches clean for the Department of Beaches & Harbor’s CAN THE TRASH! Clean Beach Poster Contest. Winning artwork will be featured on beach trash barrels from Malibu to San Pedro this summer. One winner from each grade will be selected and will receive a $100 Amazon gift card, plus a beach bag with the winning artwork.
Deadline: Wednesday, January 31
Learn more here: https://beaches.lacounty.gov/postercontest/
LA COUNTY LAUNCH PAD FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Calling all entrepreneurs for an exciting business opportunity! The LA County Launch Pad program is offering a street-level prime retail space for a local business at the brand-new Vermont and Manchester mixed-use development, located at 8426 South Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles, which will be ready for occupancy in early October 2024.
If you are an entrepreneur or local business interested in applying for this program, don't miss this opportunity! Submit your interest form today! Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements by accessing their website: https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/la-county-launch-pad/
To find out more about the Vermont Manchester Center: https://ladfnewmarkets.org/project-details/vermont-manchester-center.
MORTGAGE RELIEF PROGRAM 2.0
If you are a landlord with mortgage delinquencies or delinquent utility bills, you may be eligible for the Mortgage Relief Program 2.0. Please be advised that this program is only for landlords of 1 - 4 unit properties. Residents of the City of Los Angeles are ineligible for funding but can still receive free foreclosure prevention counseling. Property owners experiencing financial distress due to COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2023, in highly impacted communities, are encouraged to apply for relief. Approved applicants can receive up to $30,000 to address mortgage delinquencies, delinquent utilities, and delinquent property taxes. For more information and to apply, visit nhslacounty.org/mortgage-relief-program-2-0
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LAHSA GREATER LA HOMELESS COUNT - VOLUNTEER OUTREACH
Tuesday, January 23 - Thursday, January 25
Various Locations
Register to volunteer for the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count on January 23, 24, and 25. Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate in the Street Count. No one underage can volunteer in the upcoming Homeless Count.
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SMALL BUSINESSES LEADERSHIP TRAINING FROM CALOSBA
Tuesday, January 23 | 4:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m
Casa De Rosas
2600 South Hoover St. Los Angeles, CA
This event aims to increase your knowledge of California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) programs and resources available for diverse stakeholders and community-based organizations in order to foster growth and collaboration within the business community.
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2ND DISTRICT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PARTNER INFO SESSION
Monday, January 29 | 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Join the Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Participatory Budgeting Project, Re-Imagine LA, and Tres Lunas to learn more about becoming a Community Engagement Partner. An online information session is scheduled for January 29 at 12:30 p.m. There is a total of $50,000 available for partner organizations (approximately $10,000 per organization) selected to lead outreach and engagement efforts through the Community Engagement Partnership Program.
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We encourage you to share this newsletter with your neighbors!
Sign up for the Second District Unincorporated Newsletter here.
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