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Dear Neighbor,
We recently kicked-off the full-scale launch of the County’s Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) with a Summit at Expo Park that provided free resources and programs to over 500 entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profits in partnership with the City of Los Angeles. Back in 2021, I introduced a motion with former Supervisor Sheila Kuehl to create the Economic Mobility Initiative to address the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly businesses led by women and people of color during the pandemic.
EMI is a $25 million investment of American Rescue Plan Act funds. Through the support of the Department of Economic Opportunity and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, the EMI will provide small businesses and non-profits with Entrepreneurship Academies, technical assistance, training, and direct investments with grants and loans so that they can have equitable access to capital and commercial space through programs like the Commercial Acquisition Fund.
The next summit will be held at Mission College in Sylmar on Thursday, May 9.
To register for upcoming events and to connect, utilize the Economic Mobility Initiative visit, lacountyemi.com/.
Sincerely,
Holly J. Mitchell
Supervisor, Second District
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
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 Mitchell Memo Content
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Addressing Homelessness: LA County Awarded $51.5 Million to Expand Pathway Home Program Along I-105 |
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Los Angeles County was recently awarded a $51.5 million state grant to expand its Pathway Home program and help nearly 600 people living along the I-105 freeway and nearby riverbeds–access housing and services over the next three years, with the ultimate goal of ending their homelessness. They would be added to the nearly 600 people the County has already enrolled in Pathway Home since its launch in August 2023.
The County applied jointly with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority for the Encampment Resolution Funds to address one of the largest encampment groups on the state’s right of way: the I-105 corridor from West Athens to Norwalk. To learn more and for the latest updates from LA County Homeless Initiative visit: homeless.lacounty.gov/news/pathway-home-105-fwy.
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SEED School Los Angeles New Campus Opening Soon! |
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Last week I had the opportunity to join Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins and County Department heads from Public Works, Children and Family Services, Public Social Services, and the Probation Department to see the progress being made at the future location of The SEED School of Los Angeles County, located at Evermont on the historic corner of Vermont and Manchester. Thanks to the County's support and investment, California’s first public college-prep boarding school will open its new campus on May 6 to students and community members. From career readiness in transportation infrastructure, STEM, and the humanities, SEED School LA will shape the future for countless students throughout LA County and their communities.
To learn more, visit: seedschoolla.org.
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Honoring Junipero Serra High School Students |
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We highlighted outstanding students in the 2nd District, including a few from Junipero Serra High School in the City of Gardena, for its cutting-edge space squad members who participated in the International Space Station Program that sent experiments into orbit on the International Space Station. This group of bright students accomplished their first launch for seed germination, which can help astronauts grow food in space. They have already done a second launch–experimenting with 3D printing to help produce replacement parts for things that break on board, rather than having to ship them from Earth.
We look forward to seeing all the amazing things this extraordinary group of students will accomplish next. Read More About the Space Team Here.
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Women Rock Empowerment Summit |
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This past weekend I spent an inspiring day at Inglewood's 2024 Women's Rock Empowerment Summit! I am honored to have been the keynote speaker this year. Thank you, Councilwoman Faulk, for hosting this annual event to promote women's empowerment and gender equality. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. |
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Biddy Mason Foundation Foster Youth Resource Fair |
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My office teamed up with the Biddy Mason Charitable Foundation, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to co-host a resource fair event for our foster youth in Marina del Rey. Hundreds of young people came out for the day to connect to resources and career opportunities and enjoy water sports. My team remains committed to making the Marina more accessible through events like these and providing our youth with the support they need to thrive in LA County and beyond. Thank you, Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors for providing kayaking lessons for attendees. |
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Graduate Commencement Ceremony for Mount Saint Mary's University |
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I had the privilege of delivering the keynote address at the Graduate Commencement ceremony for Mount Saint Mary's University (MSMU). I am proud of the more than 200 individuals who are not just earning master's and doctorate degrees but are also becoming the future leaders of our community. For over a decade, MSMU has been at the forefront of reporting on the Status of Women and Girls in California. This year's report, which highlighted the detrimental effects of pay gaps and sexism, underscores the importance of the graduates future leadership in addressing these issues.
Thank you, MSMU, for awarding me the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, and congratulations to all the graduating classes for 2024!
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Teen Mental Health Summit |
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Team Mitchell joined the Teen Mental Health Summit at Jesse Owens Park, where over 140 youth and teens participated in activities and workshops focused on equipping youth with resources to support their mental health, self-care, and resilience. To learn more about LA County mental health resources, visit dmh.lacounty.gov/resources/ or call the Help Line at (800) 854-7771. |
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Respect My Crown Screening |
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It was an honor to have the incomparable Yvonne Brathwaite Burke—the first Black woman to represent California in Congress and serve on the LA County Board of Supervisors—join us for a screening and community discussion of the film Respect My Crown: The Rise of African American Women in California Politics. This film highlights the work of trailblazers, including Burke, and their sacrifices and contributions to become leading voices in politics, community activism, and organized labor. Thank you to the film's director, Pamela Bright-Moon, and Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO of the CA Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute, for joining me on the panel to discuss this incredible film.
Visit respectmycrownmovie.com to learn more about the film.
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Racial Justice Learning Exchange Event on “Advancing Health Equity Through Nature & Exercise” |
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We hosted our April Racial Justice Learning Exchange event on advancing health equity at Magic Johnson Park with community members and County leaders. Director of LA County Parks and Recreation, Norma Garcia-Gonzalez, shared the exciting programs available at LA County Parks that you can check out here. Dr. Tasha Dixon, senior physician, and Specialty Care Director at Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center discussed how systemic racism impacts our health and shared tips for reducing stress. Attendees also participated in Chair Pilates with Monica Blake and Tai Chi led by Chris Woolley. This event also featured a GirlTrek Walk, plus a tree giveaway with Senator Steven Bradford, Assemblyman Mike Gipson, and our event partner SoCal Edison. |
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The Department of Children and Family Services has a new interactive tool that creates a customized report to help current/former foster or probation youth ages 14-26 find benefits such as housing support, health care, financial aid, and more.
Visit http://bit.ly/3IXa9cn to learn more. |
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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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LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR
Now – Mon, May 27
Fairplex
1101 W McKinley Ave,
Pomona, CA 91768
The 102nd Annual LA County Fair is now open with FUN for all ages! Experience diverse cultures, thrilling rides, exhibits, delicious food, pig races, petting zoos, and more.
Visit lacountyfair.com for more information on dates, fair tickets, concerts, season passes, and attractions.
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COMMUNITY INFO SESSION FOR WEST RANCHO DOMINGUEZ RESIDENTS
Wed, May 8 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
West Carson Community Office
20101 Hamilton Ave, Suite 170
Torrance, CA 90502
Join us at our West Carson Community office to speak with your Constituent Services representative. Learn how to connect to county services and get questions addressed regarding issues like–parking enforcement, homeless encampments, street vending, street takeovers, and more. For questions, contact Constituent Services Deputy, Kyle Lee at KLee@bos.lacounty.gov or call 213-974-2222.
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LOS ANGELES REGION SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT
Thurs, May 9 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Mission College
13356 Eldridge Avenue
Sylmar, CA 91342
Wed, May 15 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cal State Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
Join the County of Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Mayor's Office for this year's Small Business Summit. This free in-person series of events is a County-City partnership that seeks to help small businesses recover, grow, and thrive by bringing together the Region's top free business resources, services, and programs - all in one place! This event will include panel discussions, a resource expo that convenes all major public and private providers of free business support, on-site free services, and much more!
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HOW DO YOU GROW A ROSE FROM CONCRETE?
Thurs, May 9 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Crenshaw High School
5010 11th Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90043
Join Architect Gabrielle Bullock, Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Destination Crenshaw senior art advisor V. Joy Simmons for a discussion on Destination Crenshaw’s genesis and design. Destination Crenshaw is anticipated to be the world’s largest open-air Black public art project. When complete, Destination Crenshaw will be home to artworks by Los Angeles artists like Charles Dickson, Maren Hassinger, Alison Saar, and Kehinde Wiley.
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WISHING TREE PARK GRAND OPENING
Thurs, May 16 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
20400 Budlong Ave.
Torrance, CA 90502
Join LA County Parks for the Wishing Tree Park Grand Opening! This is the first park in unincorporated West Carson and will add over 8.5 acres of parkland to the community! This exciting event will feature interactive youth activities, sports clinics, community resources, food, and more.
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COMMUNITY SYMPOSIUM ON ENDING ILLEGAL STREET TAKEOVERS AND RACING
Sat, May 18 | 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Compton College - Multi-Purpose Room
1111 East Artesia Boulevard
Compton, CA 90221
Are street racing and street takeovers impacting your life?
Your experience and insight into how street racing impacts you and your community is needed.
The County of Los Angeles is bringing together representatives working to address the issue–and along with residents like you, we want to share perspectives, brainstorm solutions, and create recommendations for ending illegal street racing and takeovers. Street racing and takeovers are not simply an activity; they contribute to premature death and impact the lives of our family, friends, and communities.
We want to hear from you. Open to all residents. Coffee, breakfast, and lunch will be provided.
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MARINA CULTURE JAM
Sunday: May 26 | June 9
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
The Marina Culture Jam is back! This FREE three-part arts series features a diverse range of live performances, plus cultural arts and crafts activities for the whole family.
For more information visit: beaches.lacounty.gov.
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YOUTH SAILING CAMP
June 10 - August 16
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Join our Youth Sailing Camp with multiple sessions available for Summer 2024. Taught by LA County Water Program Lifeguards, beginner sailing classes will start on June 10. Financial aid is available for qualifying families. Open to youth ages 11 - 17.
For more details, visit Youth Sailing Camp or call 424-526-7897.
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4TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION & RESOURCE FAIR
Fri, June 21 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Note New Location
Victoria Community Regional Park
419 Martin Luther King Jr. Street
Carson, CA 90746
Join the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell for our 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration & Resource Fair at Victoria Community Regional Park! We are thrilled to host our annual event in CARSON–and for the first time, the event will be in the evening. The celebration will feature music, food trucks, live performances, access to County services and resources, fun activities, and more! All residents are welcome to attend this FREE event. We encourage you to register, and please forward this email to your friends and neighbors!
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BUSINESS INTERRUPTION FUND GRANTS
Applications for the Business Interruption Fund (BIF) are now open. If you are a small entertainment business impacted by COVID-19 and the double Hollywood Strikes, you could qualify for grants of up to $25,000. To be eligible, your business must have less than $3 million in annual revenue and have experienced a 70% revenue loss from March 2020 to the present, as well as the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes. 70% of your income must come from the Entertainment Industry sector. The deadline to apply is May 24.
Visit bif.smallbizla.org/ to apply and learn more about the eligibility requirements.
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COMMERCIAL ACQUISITION FUND (CAF) GRANTS FOR NONPROFITS
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity is launching the Commercial Acquisition Fund Program to provide grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations to support the acquisition of vacant or abandoned land and buildings in designated communities most negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funded by the County, CAF has $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. These will be awarded as recoverable grants, ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000. Land and building acquisitions and funding must occur before December 1, 2024. The deadline to apply is May 20th at 5:00 p.m. Visit lacaf.info/ to learn more and submit your application.
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DIVERSITY HAIR CARE TRAINING SERIES – TRAINING FOR RESOURCE PARENTS
Are you a resource parent interested in learning more about caring for and styling different hair textures? This training will cover various hair techniques for hair maintenance, styling, and protection. Program participants will engage in hands-on activities, interactive discussions, and practical demonstrations to enhance their understanding of natural hair care practices. Classes will be in person at the Center of Hope LA, 9550 Crenshaw Boulevard in Inglewood. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Tiffany Dukes at jonest3@dcfs.lacounty.gov or your children's Social Worker.
Program Dates – Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on May 18, May 25, June 1 and June 8
Limited seats are available.
To learn more and register click here.
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ARTS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Are you a university or community college student interested in a career in the arts or arts administration? The Los Angeles County Arts Internship Program is back! This year’s program will provide over 200 paid internships for college students at more than 160 arts organizations across LA County. Positions are a mix of full-time and part-time opportunities.
Go to: lacountyarts.org/internships to apply directly to the organization offering the internship. New positions will be posted on a rolling basis at the beginning of each month through July 2024. Interns will be able to work from June 1, 2024 - March 1, 2025, depending on the needs of the organization.
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LA2050 GRANTS CHALLENGE
LA2050 is giving away $1 million to improve Los Angeles, but first, they need to know what issues YOU care about most. Voting is open to all ages, and available online now––through May 8. The ballot is available in 12 languages. It takes less than five minutes to make an impact. Issues have been sorted into five categories: play, learn, live, create, and connect. You'll vote for the one or two issues in each category that you care about the most.
To vote, go to: la2050.me/lac2.
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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, May 7. 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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