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Dear Neighbor,
For this week’s 2nd District unincorporated newsletter, I want to ensure you have the latest updates on LA County’s West Side area plan that includes proposed land use and zoning changes for the Ladera Center. The Ladera Center is one of 11 sites in LA County’s Westside Area Plan. Since one-third (1/3) of the Ladera Center is in the City of Los Angeles and two-thirds (2/3) are in Los Angeles County, there are two separate land-use and zoning plans.
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The City of Los Angeles has released its draft plan for Westchester-Playa del Rey, which includes a proposal to change the zoning for the Ladera Center from a Commercial-General to a Regional Center. While these proposed changes by the City of Los Angeles are not yet final, I do not support the current draft zoning plans to give Ladera Center a Regional Center designation. It is crucial that both the County and City of LA zoning plans be aligned on key parameters, including height and density, and that both plans be informed by Ladera Heights residents.
Regarding LA County’s zoning and land-use plan for the Ladera Center, the County is in the process of presenting a draft Environmental Impact Report for its draft Westside Area Plan, which includes a proposal to change the Ladera Center zoning from Commercial General to Mixed-Use. The Environmental Impact Report will be shared on June 18, 2024, and the residents will be able to provide feedback for 45 days.
I understand the concerns many residents have about traffic congestion and environmental changes; this is why the EIR is so important. It analyzes these potential effects of zoning changes and relies on community input. My office looks forward to reviewing the EIR and feedback from constituents in Ladera Heights and surrounding communities to help inform this critical decision when it comes to the Board of Supervisors for a vote at the end of this year.
Here is a link to a fact sheet with additional information. For the latest updates on LA County’s Westside Area Plan, please visit: https://planning.lacounty.gov/long-range-planning/westside-area-plan/.
Sincerely,
Holly J. Mitchell
Supervisor, Second District
Read Ahead:
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UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITY UPDATES |
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Wishing Tree Park Opens in West Carson After 30 Years of Advocacy and Collaboration
 It was an honor to join residents and our County Parks Department for the Wishing Tree Park grand opening in our West Carson community. This moment has been 30 years in the making and wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering advocacy of the Del Amo Action Committee and countless others.
Wishing Tree is a powerful example of how equitable park access and environmental justice can be achieved through sustained grassroots activism and collaborative leadership. This is the first grand opening of a park in the Second District during my term, but it's certainly not the last. I look forward to seeing the community, children, and future generations enjoy this beautiful community hub. Thank you to the dedicated local activists and leaders who made this park possible. Be sure to visit: 20400 Budlong Avenue, West Carson, 90502.
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Board Approves Baldwin Hills Wayfinding and Trail Improvement Project
 The Board has officially approved the Baldwin Hills Wayfinding and Trail Improvement Project to begin work. The Project location serves a population with high park needs and includes an extensive network of recreational trails for walking, hiking, and mountain biking. The Project will add new directional signs, maps, and necessary trail repairs within Stoneview Nature Center, Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area, Stocker Corridor Trail, and the Park to Playa Trail.
These trail enhancements support public safety, protect the local ecosystem, and help make our parks more accessible to all Angelenos.
LA County Partners with WeLink to Bring Affordable High-Speed Internet to Thousands of Communities
The County has launched a partnership with WeLink to bring low-cost and fast home internet to thousands of communities impacted by the digital divide.
We are excited for this partnership to further our efforts with LA County's “Delete the Divide” initiative to help every resident tap into the world of information, connection, and opportunities that internet access provides.
Visit deletethedivide.org/affordable-internet/ to learn more and apply for this program.
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Florence-Firestone and Ladera Heights: Submit Your Ideas to Improve Your Community
Idea submissions for our 2nd District Community Budget are underway! If you live or work in Florence-Firestone or Ladera Heights, regardless of age or immigration status, we invite you to submit your ideas for how to improve your community. Anyone in your household can submit their ideas here for Florence-Firestone and Ladera Heights.
Thank you LAist for your coverage on our first participatory budget pilot program. Read the article here.
April Racial Justice Learning Exchange Focuses on Health Equity at Magic Johnson Park
 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 youth 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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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.
Saturdays on May 25, June 1, and June 8 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
To register click here.
APPLY NOW FOR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION FUND GRANTS UP TO $25,000
 Applications for the Business Interruption Fund (BIF) are now open. If you are a small entertainment business impacted by COVID-19 and the Hollywood Strikes - you could qualify for grants of up to $25,000. To be eligible, your business should have less than $3 million in annual revenue, experienced a 70% revenue loss from March 2020 to the present - and during the May to November 2023 strikes - 70% of your revenue had to come from the Entertainment Industry sector. The deadline to apply is May 24.
Visit https://bif.smallbizla.org/ to learn more about the eligibility requirements and apply.
COMMERCIAL ACQUISITION FUND (CAF) GRANTS FOR NONPROFITS
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity is launching the Commercial Acquisition Fund (CAF) 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 LA County, the CAF has $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to be awarded as recoverable grants, ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000. Acquisitions and funding must occur before December 1, 2024. The deadline to apply is May 20th at 5:00 p.m. Visit www.lacaf.info/ to learn more and submit your application.
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 May, June, and July 2024. Depending on the organization’s needs, interns will work from June 1, 2024 - March 1, 2025.
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LA COUNTY FAIR
Now – Monday, May 27
Fairplex
1101 West McKinley Avenue
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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WESTMONT / WEST ATHENS PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS COMMUNITY MEETING
Monday, May 20 | 6:00 p.m.
Hellen Keller Park
12521 South Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90044
LA County Public Works will share updates on enhancements to 35 intersections in the Westmount/West Athens area to improve pedestrian networks–making it safer to walk and bike. The project includes curb extensions, ramp upgrades, crosswalk upgrades, flashing beacons, and tree planting. Construction is projected to start in summer 2026.
For more information, contact Rami Kakish, Senior Project Manager at (626) 458-3131 or email RKakish@pw.lacounty.gov
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RACIAL JUSTICE LEARNING EXCHANGE: HEALING WITHIN EMBRACING MENTAL WELLNESS THROUGH YOGA & SOUND
Friday, May 31 | 5:00 PM
Main Location:
The WalkGood Yard
4019 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Alternate Location:
Exposition Park Community Center
900 Exposition Park Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Join us as we create a safe space for collective healing and dialogue on racial disparities in accessing mental health services. Together, we'll explore alternative therapies such as yoga and sound baths, aiming to introduce new avenues for wellness and empowerment.
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YOUTH SAILING CAMP
June 10 - August 16
Boathouse at Burton Chace Park
13640 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Join our Youth Sailing Camp with multiple sessions available for Summer 2024.
LA County Water Program Lifeguards will teach the Beginner Classes. Financial aid is available for qualifying families. Open to all 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
Friday, 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 on Friday, June 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for our 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration & Resource Fair! We are thrilled to host our annual event in CARSON, and for the first time, it will be held in the evening! This event features music, food trucks, live performances, access to County services, resources, fun activities, and more! All residents are welcome to attend this FREE event. We encourage you to register and forward this email to your friends and neighbors!
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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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