Dear Neighbor,
I am pleased to share with you that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed October as “Adopt a Shelter Dog” Month in Los Angeles County. As you know, the dog population in Los Angeles County animal care centers has historically been at maximum capacity due to animal surrenders, abandonment, and backyard breeding. After the COVID-19 pandemic, even more owners are surrendering their pets due to financial hardships and many beach areas, urban washes, and even some of our County parks have become dumping grounds for abandoned pets. Social media is filled with community postings of lost and found dogs.
During Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, we celebrate the unconditional love and companionship that shelter dogs bring to our lives. Each adoption not only transforms a life, but also enriches our community. To that end, I urge everyone to consider opening their hearts and homes to these deserving animals.
The County has many services that can help current and prospective pet owners, such as the Pets Are Family program, mobile veterinary services, and more that can be found at the Department of Animal Control Services website.
Together, we can raise awareness to make sure all adoptable dogs in our shelters find their way into loving homes to residents that want to be pet owners.
Not sure where to start? Keep scrolling to see our First District’s Pets of the Week!
Sincerely,
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
 
At LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes’ celebration last night, I was thrilled to announce a $2 million grant to reimagine and renovate their ‘L.A. Starts Here’ exhibit into a permanent collection that will include the past five decades of cultural progress and recognition for Latinos in Los Angeles.
Since its opening in 2011, ‘L.A. Starts Here’ exhibit has provided an alternative to traditional interpretations of Los Angeles history, challenging visitors’ perceptions of the role of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in the city’s development. This vital organization serves as a beacon of representation, ensuring that our community's stories are not only told but cherished.
I am proud to contribute to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes and their commitment to celebrating and preserving the rich tapestry of Latino culture and history in Los Angeles. By investing in this space, I hope to honor the past and empower future generations to connect with their heritage and take pride in their identity.
 
I had the honor of awarding $450,000 this week to Pico Union Project’s Vida Sana Program, a community-based health initiative that provides fresh produce, groceries and other essentials each week to 400 families from the surrounding neighborhood. Through various partnerships, other resources are also offered such as mental health and General Relief and CalFresh from County agencies, as well as health care, dental care, LA Metro and others.
Vida Sana will play an invaluable role in uplifting our community and I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact this programming will have in the lives of our Pico Union residents.
 
I joined Servants Arms at their biweekly food distribution in Valinda this week to award a $30,000 grant in support of their operations. Each week, this community organization distributes meat, dairy, bread, and pastries. With support from volunteers, Servants Arms serves over 600 households in addition to delivering food to 70-80 individuals who, due to age or ability, cannot leave their homes.
I applaud Servants Arms’ commitment to these essential acts of service to ensure residents throughout the San Gabriel Valley are uplifted and taken care of.
 
Park playgrounds are an amazing opportunity for children of all ages to engage in safe and fun activities outdoors. This is why I was so pleased to join Department of Parks and Recreation in the unveiling of the newly renovated Belvedere Park Playground last Friday!
The afternoon was a momentous occasion in which neighbors and families gathered, enjoyed some free ice cream, and learned about some of the resources available to them in the community. Each time we invest in open spaces in our underserved communities like East Los Angeles, we are planting the seeds to change the lives and health of future generations and their families. It brought me great joy to be present for such an incredible moment.
Trees, especially street trees, gift us shade, cooler temperatures, cleaner air, and add beauty to our community. Volunteer with TreePeople and help share these gifts by planting shade trees in El Monte!
To volunteer, go to https://treepeople.org/volunteer
Attention Veterans!
This is your chance to connect with fellow veterans and discuss important issues that matter to you. Join the Los Angels County Department of Military & Veteran Affairs, in partnership with the office of Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, at the East Los Angeles Community Service Center for a town hall meeting for veterans on Saturday, October 12.
Reserve a spot at Veteran Town Hall.
   The Music Center Presents: The Chapter House Indigenous Peoples’ Day Party will celebrate L.A.’s Indigenous communities in two special events, by and for them, where all are welcome!
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Angelenos can shop at a vibrant marketplace on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center; meet representatives from local Indigenous-serving resource groups; participate in artist-led workshops; story-sharing; and view visual artwork and live performances featuring the rich cultural heritage and contemporary expressions of Indigenous communities. The October 12 celebration is supported in part by the County of Los Angeles’ Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative; the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture; and the LA City/County Native American Indian Commission.
The festivities continue the following Saturday, October 19, 2024, to coincide with Grand Ave Arts: All Access. On this day, The Music Center will host a live drumming performance, live DJ sets, art workshops as well as the return of the craft vendors marketplace.
Relax and have fun painting with fellow community members. This month's art will be a fall theme. No experience needed. Open to all ages!
 
Meet Pearl!
Pearl #A5637075 is a 5 year old delightful bouncy German Shepherd mix! This dreamy gal is the complete package deal - equal parts happy, energetic, playful, alert, and curious at 84lbs. She also really connects with her people, and actively seeks out love and affection from everyone around her.
Pearl is super athletic and high energy, with fabulous agility, so she needs space to run and let loose! She would do best with an active or outdoorsy family that can take her along on their adventures and also keep her mind engaged while at home.
Come meet her today at the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center!
Interested in viewing other pets at our County Shelters? Visit Dept of Animal Care and Control https://animalcare.lacounty.gov.
 Meet Chief!
Chief #A5653288is a soulful sweetheart, a big teddy bear, and a volunteer favorite! At 8 years old and 100lbs, he’s a gentle giant with an adorable heart nose that reflects his heart-melting personality. Chief is ready to find his forever home and fill his new family with warmth and joy!
Come visit him today at the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center!
Interested in viewing other pets at our County Shelters? Visit Dept of Animal Care and Control https://animalcare.lacounty.gov.
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