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Dear Neighbor,
This February, as we celebrate Black History Month by uplifting the accomplishments and global cultural contributions of the Black community, I encourage you to check out ways to commemorate Black History Month throughout LA County and to join my office in participating in our 2nd District Racial Justice Learning Exchange.
I created the 2nd District Racial Justice Learning Exchange to provide a space for residents, County department heads, commissioners, and community leaders–to come together and learn from our diversity and unique lived experiences. At the same time–confront biases and inspire meaningful steps to eliminate structural racism and all forms of hate in our community.
In February 2022, we hosted our inaugural RJLE event with a screening of the powerful award-winning documentary, Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America. Fast forward to today, we’ve hosted 24 RJLE events, launched the RJLE Book Club, RJLE Youth Book Club, and Stories from the 2nd District where residents share their experiences and listen to each other as we break down misperceptions and deepen our empathy for fellow Angelenos.
This year, we have an exciting calendar packed with engaging topics. I encourage you to sign up for RJLE notifications and be among the first to receive details about our free monthly events, which are open to all. If you would like to catch up on past events and see what’s coming up in 2024, visit the RJLE website at: mitchell.lacounty.gov/racialjustice.
Sincerely,
Holly J. Mitchell
Supervisor, Second District
Storm Resources
With stormy weather expected to start Sunday evening until Tuesday, here are some essential storm resources to help you stay informed, safe, and prepared:
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UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITY UPDATES |
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Community Partners Needed to Support with Participatory Budget Outreach in Ladera Heights & Florence-Firestone
We recently hosted a virtual Zoom Info Session to inform community-based organizations about the 2nd District Community Budget and how to apply to become a Community Engagement Partner to help lead outreach and engagement efforts in the unincorporated neighborhoods, Ladera Heights and Florence-Firestone. Selected organizations can receive up to $10,000 to spearhead outreach efforts.
To learn more about the 2nd District Community Budget pilot program and becoming a Community Engagement Partner, please visit https://mitchell.lacounty.gov/cb-2023/. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 9 at 5:00 pm.
Addressing Homelessness: Team Mitchell and Volunteers Join 2024 Greater LA Homeless Count
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Team Mitchell and hundreds of volunteers across LA County joined the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and community partners for the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. Team Mitchell’s Constituent Services Team organized a count at our Lennox Community Office for the communities of Westmont, West Athens, and Del Aire.
Our team also participated in Compton alongside LAHSA. The annual count is crucial in helping to capture how many of our fellow Angelenos are experiencing homelessness. This data helps us with securing state and federal funding to address the homelessness crisis. It also helps us effectively prioritize resources for the most high need areas. Almost one-third of unhoused County residents reside in the 2nd District. Our collective efforts to end homelessness is key to achieving a Los Angeles County where everyone can thrive without barriers. To learn more about the Homeless Count, visit https://www.lahsa.org/homeless-count.
Free Food Distribution at Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park Provides Food for 1,200 Families
Earlier this week, our Constituent Services Team partnered with LA Regional Food Bank for a free food giveaway distribution at Magic Johnson Park. With the support of our incredible volunteers, we were able to service 1,200 families in the Willowbrook community! It’s important that we continue to provide access to food in communities facing higher rates of food insecurity. Thank you to everyone who contributed and volunteered. For more information on accessing food in LA County, call 2-1-1 or visit https://211la.org/food-resources.
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Are you looking for a pet to join your family? Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control will waive pet adoption fees on rainy days in Los Angeles at all seven LA County Care Centers, located in Agoura Hills, Baldwin Park, Carson, Castaic, Downey, Lancaster, and Palmdale. Our animal care centers offer a wide variety of potential pets for you to choose from.
Go to animalcare.lacounty.gov to learn more about the Department of Animal Care and Control.
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LA COUNTY ARTS AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT SEEKS ARTISTS FOR A NINE-MONTH RESIDENCY TO DEVELOP TOOLKIT FOR PATHWAY HOME PROGRAM
The LA County Department of Arts & Culture is seeking applications from LA County-based artists for a nine-month residency. The focus of the residency is to partner with County departments and community members on ways to integrate arts, culture, and creativity into LA County’s homelessness encampment resolution program called Pathway Home. Interested candidates must reside or work within LA County. The application deadline is Tuesday, February 20 at 5:00 p.m. Learn more here Call For Artists: Pathway Home Artist Residency | LA County Department of Arts and Culture
APPLY NOW: ADVANCEMENT GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR 2024-25 ARTS EDUCATION PROJECTS
The Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture, in collaboration with the Arts Education Collective, is offering free, customized coaching to help school districts improve the quality and access to arts instruction. School districts interested in developing or updating their strategic arts plans can also apply for matching funds up to $25,000 through the Advancement Grant Program. The application deadline is March 13. Visit lacountyartsedcollective.org for technical assistance, more details and to apply.
SHARE YOUR INPUT ON METRO'S 2025 BUDGET
LA Metro has a plan to make it easier for everyone to get around LA County and wants your input as they create their budget for fiscal year 2025. When you submit your budget and tell us how you would change the way money is spent and provide contact information, you will be entered to win a $50 gift card or a TAP card with one year of free rides! To learn more go to mybudget.metro.net/online
$35,000 GRANTS FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs and LA County Center for Financial Empowerment has launched the County of Los Angeles Greenline Home Program which aims to tackle the legacy of redlining. The goal is to empower and uplift economically marginalized communities. $35,000 grants will be available for first-time homebuyers living in LA County. To learn more about eligibility requirements visit dcba.lacounty.gov/GREENLINE/
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SOUTHBAY AREA PLAN COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
Thursday, February 8 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Thursday, February 15 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Lennox Library 4359 Lennox Blvd, Lennox, CA 90304
Saturday, February 24 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Carson Library 151 E Carson St, Carson, CA 90745
LA County Planning invites residents, workers, and community members of Alondra Park/El Camino Village, Del Aire, Hawthorne Island, La Rambla/San Pedro, Lennox, West Carson, Westfield/Academy Hills, and Wiseburn to participate in community workshops to help shape the South Bay Area Plan (SBAP). This community-based plan focuses on the distinct characteristics of these eight unincorporated communities, aiming to create policies that address issues like traffic congestion, air quality, land availability, goods movement, housing, environmental justice, and noise impacts for the next two decades.
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SHAPE OUR FUTURE
Thursday, February 8, 2024 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Magic Johnson Park 905 El Segundo Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90059
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is hosting a series of local community town halls to solicit input on how we can better shape economic and workforce development for job seekers, businesses, and all residents of LA County.
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LA URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN NEIGHBORHOOD WORKSHOP
Saturday, February 17 | 11:00 a.m.
Florence Library 7807 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001
The County and City of Los Angeles are working together on community engagement efforts for their Urban Forest Management Plans (UFMPs). A UFMP creates a community-wide vision for the future of trees in our community and includes recommendations for how we take care of trees and grow our neighborhood forest. Join a workshop near you to share your feedback, or participate by completing a Community questionnaire here.
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2ND DISTRICT RACIAL JUSTICE LEARNING EXCHANGE
Wednesday, February 28 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell is hosting a discussion on implicit bias in media, its impact on combating or perpetuating racism, and how everyone contributes to the narrative. Media experts, journalism students, and community members are all invited to participate.
If you’re interested in attending, RSVP by Friday, February 9. Our team will reach out to confirm your attendance by Monday, February 12.
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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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