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Dear Neighbor,
I am proud to share that the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion I introduced this week, Continuing the Work of Reparations in Los Angeles County, to address the multi-generational impact of slavery and racist policies, including–but not limited to redlining, segregation, and housing discrimination -that continue to affect Black communities.
In 2020, the County declared its commitment to being an anti-racist institution and created the Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusive (ARDI) Initiative to support fighting anti-Blackness and racism in all forms. With this motion, ARDI will collaborate with key County departments and community members to create a framework to inform how the County can potentially deliver reparations - guided by recommendations from the California Reparations Report submitted to the California Legislature in 2023.
The framework will include strategies for economic empowerment and technical assistance to access grant and loan funding for those harmed. It will also include best practices for implementing a formal apology, paying monetary reparations, and housing reparations for descendants of those displaced from their homes due to eminent domain in Los Angeles County.
To help commemorate Juneteenth this year and acknowledge the significance of this holiday for Black residents and our nation, the County’s museums and beaches will provide one free day of access on or around June 19th to LA County residents who self-attest their eligibility. Residents can self-attest and have their eligibility considered for potential future reparations benefits by visiting ceo.lacounty.gov/ardi/reparations/ and scrolling down to complete the interest form.
I want to thank the California Reparations Task Force for its immense work of presenting what is possible and to the County’s Chief Executive Office, ARDI Executive Director D’Artagnan Scorza, Ph.D. and our County departments, for taking this step in the collective and long journey to end racism, address inequities, and intentionally repair past harms that have a present-day impact.
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 - Inside Safe and Department of Mental Health’s Homeless Outreach & Mobile Engagement (HOME) Program
Please note there was an error in the Mitchell Memo sent earlier today incorrectly labeling the before and after photos of the “Addressing Homelessness - Inside Safe and Department of Mental Health’s Homeless Outreach & Mobile Engagement (HOME) Program” in the District Updates section. The correctly identified before and after photos are below.
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This week the LA County’s Department of Mental Health Homeless Outreach & Mobile Engagement (HOME) Program partnered with the City of Los Angeles’ Inside Safe program to bring eight unhoused individuals in our district into interim housing with supportive services. Residents can initiate a referral to the County’s homeless outreach team through the Los Angeles Homeless Outreach Portal. |
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Mamas Matter: Funding Black Maternal Healthcare |
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I presented at the 38th Annual National Organization of Black County Official’s Economic Development Conference on the importance of funding for Black Maternal Healthcare. I shared our efforts in LA County at the “Mamas Matter: Funding Black Maternal Healthcare '' panel to address the high maternal mortality rate that disproportionately impacts Black women by working to secure funding for health centers like MLK Hospital in South LA and expanding access to doula services.
Doula care is now a Medi-Cal-covered benefit and has been proven to positively impact pregnancy and birthing outcomes. To learn more about LA County Doula services visit blackinfantsandfamilies.org/doulas.
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Ensuring a Commitment to Care First in LA County’s First Independent Pretrial Agency |
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LA County’s Justice Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD) will soon launch the County’s first independent pretrial services agency. This week, the Board approved my motion to ensure the County’s “Care First, Jails Last” vision is at the core of its pretrial services - by calling for JCOD to build out this critical resource in partnership with community organizations and County departments and with a commitment to transparency.
LA County is home to the largest jail system in the world to help address this, it’s imperative that we ensure public tracking of data on the impact of our pretrial services and a commitment to breaking the cycle of trauma, poverty, and mass incarceration. I want to thank JCOD Director Judge Songhai Armstead and the over 200 community members and advocates who shared recommendations in the County’s Alternatives to Incarceration Work Group.
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Sporting Goods for Dickison Elementary School |
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Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of speaking to students at Dickison Elementary School to hear from some of my youngest constituents on what they want to see in their community. We then asked them to vote on three school initiatives they would like my office to support. Providing new sports equipment was the clear favorite after having limited access to play sports together due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, Team Mitchell made good on our promise and delivered tennis racquets, soccer balls, and various sporting goods to these bright and promising students. |
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Foster New Hope Initiative with the Dept. of Children and Family Services |
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Our office is proud to partner with the Department of Children and Family Services on its Foster New Hope initiative. What started as a pilot program in our district to provide hands-on training for foster parents on understanding different hair textures, has now expanded to reach foster parents throughout the County.
Honoring the uniqueness and cultural heritage of one's hair is an act of love that all children should experience in the care of their foster parents regardless of their racial identity. The non-profit Diversity Hair Care will host the next class on Saturday, June 29, at Center of Hope Church in Inglewood from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. To register and learn more, visit diversityhaircare.org/ or email 1diversitycare@gmail.com.
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Being part of setting up and creating a warm welcome for one of our 2nd District residents was worth all the joy of seeing Ana and her family walk into their beautiful new home. Thank you to A Sense of Home for providing our unhoused former foster youth with a home where they can build their future. Ana, we hope you and your family enjoy making this home your own. We are proud of you and look forward to seeing you finish your studies to become a registered nurse. Visit A Sense of Home to learn more about their programs. |
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The LA County Department of Children and Family Services is committed to providing a safe and affirming environment for youth and young people who identify as LGBTQ+. To learn more about LA County’s LGBTQ+ Tailored Services to Youth program visit, LGBTQ+ Youth LA County. To make a referral, click here. |
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YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC-DPH) is thrilled to invite passionate and dedicated youth to join the 2024-2025 cohort of the Youth Advisory Council.
Since its inception in 2019, the LAC-DPH Youth Advisory Council has been a dynamic group of young leaders committed to increasing youth involvement within the Department of Public Health. As an integral part of the Department's Positive Youth Development Initiative, our mission is to foster positive outcomes for young individuals by providing empowering opportunities that harness their strengths and ignite the potential of the next generation of change-makers. To learn more and apply, CLICK HERE by June 16, 2024.
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COMMUNITY PLANNING PROGRAM & CA YOUTH LEADERSHIP CORPS PROGRAM
Join the Community Planning Program & CA Youth Leadership Corps program at Trade Tech College to earn a Community Planning and Economic Development Certificate. Students in this program are placed in fellowships with local non-profits & can earn up to $10,000 in monthly stipends & up to $5,000 in scholarships during the 2024-25 school year.
To view the student interest form, click here.
To view the partner interest form, click here.
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DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR CALIFORNIA BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will provide low-interest federal disaster loans to California businesses and residents affected by winter storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides, and mudslides between January 31 – February 9, 2024. Applicants may call the Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, apply online at SBA.gov/disaster, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on disaster assistance. Residents with a hearing or speech disability can dial 7-1-1 for telecommunications support.
The deadline to apply for assistance for physical damage is July 16, 2024.
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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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SUMMER LEARNING DAY
Sun, June 9 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037
PBS SoCal invites you and your family to a day of exploration with Summer Learning Day 2024!
There will be fun kids' entertainment, a Family Math Sing-Along in Spanish and English with the band–Baila Baila, learning activities, educational resources, photo opportunities with PBS KIDS characters, and more!
This event is free and open to the public. Entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
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MARINA CULTURE JAM
Sun, June 9 | 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
The Marina Culture Jam is back! This FREE arts series features a diverse range of live performances, plus cultural arts and crafts activities for the whole family.
Visit: Marina Culture Jam 2024 for more information.
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LA COUNTY JUSTICE, CARE & OPPORTUNITIES DEPARTMENT FATHER'S DAY CARE EVENT
Sun, June 9 | 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Community Center
905 E. El Segundo Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90059
Join the Los Angeles County Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department for a free family-friendly Father’s Day event featuring a record expungement clinic, food, games, County resources, live music, and more.
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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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2024 BEACH MOVIE NIGHTS AT DOCKWEILER YOUTH CENTER
Friday Nights: June 14 – August 30 | 8:00 p.m.
Dockweiler Youth Center
12505 Vista del Mar
Playa del Rey, CA 90293
Join the LA County Department of Beaches & Harbors for FREE family-friendly movie nights on the sand and underneath the stars. Watch on Friday Nights this summer featuring screenings of Shrek, Finding Nemo, Space Jam, The Little Mermaid, and more. Visit 2024 Beach Movie Nights for more information.
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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 on Friday, June 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 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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PLAY DAY 2024
Sat, June 29 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The LA84 Foundation
2141 West Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90018
The LA84 Foundation and the Play Equity Fund return on June 29th to host “Play Day,” to promote the importance of sports, play, and movement for all children and raise awareness about the "play equity gap." That’s the gap between kids with access to youth sports and play and kids without access. This all-ages free event will feature prizes, giveaways, live music, community booths, play activations, dancing, and food trucks. Join the LA84 Foundation and the Play Equity Fund for Play Day!
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46TH ANNUAL ALONDRA PARK HO’OLAULE’A HAWAIIAN FESTIVAL
Sat, July 20 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sun, July 21 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Alondra Park
3850 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Lawndale, CA 90260
Join the Hawaiian Inter-Club Council of Southern California for the annual Ho’olaule’a, the largest Hawaiian Festival in Southern California! This event will feature Polynesian entertainment, arts and crafts, games, prizes, island-style food, and more.
Parking is available at El Camino College and neighborhood parking is free.
Apply here to become a Core or Community Program Partner for LA County Parks and Recreation.
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Board of Supervisors Public 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 on Tuesday, June 11. 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
Be sure to follow the Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Threads to get the latest updates, resources, and events happening in the Second 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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