 Two years ago, we got an opportunity through the state's Project Homekey program to buy a Motel 6 property in West Whittier, with plans to turn it into an affordable housing community for people who had experienced homelessness—and yesterday we celebrated the grand opening of that community, Laurel Grove.
Laurel Grove provides 97 units of permanent supportive housing, and it includes on-site case managers, as well as outdoor space for gardening, a dog park, and more to ensure residents have everything they need to thrive.
 The Motel 6 wasn’t always the best neighbor, especially for Pioneer High School right across the street. So, when the Project Homekey funding became available, we knew this was a win-win: we could buy this property, create beautiful, affordable apartments to address our homelessness crisis, and at the same time replace a troubled motel with something the community could be proud of.
At the ribbon-cutting, I spoke to Angela, one of the new residents, who told me about her plans to finally go to college and get her degree—a goal that is only possible now that she has a safe roof over her head.
 Left: New Laurel Grove resident Angela; right: First Friends Church of Whittier Pastor Loletta Barrett
I am grateful to Holos Communities and everyone who was involved in this project for their work to change the lives of people like Angela.
To Angela and all of the new Laurel Grove residents: Welcome home.
We are facing two unprecedented crises that are driving thousands of residents to the brink of homelessness.
There are fire survivors who are still struggling to get by. At the same time, ICE isn’t targeting criminals – they are raiding workplaces. That means thousands of families have lost, not only their loved ones, but their breadwinners.
That is why we voted this week to create a nearly $30 million rent relief program for wildfire victims and immigrants.
LA County is our region’s safety net, and we are doing everything we can to step up and help people in dire need right now.
 When I first learned that Metro had fired bus drivers who spoke to the Los Angeles Public Press—and told the news outlet that they would not allow ICE agents on the buses they operate—I was concerned.
I called on Metro to reinstate these bus drivers. After all, these are exactly the type of operators who we want driving our buses. They clearly care about their passengers and the communities they serve.
I am glad to share that Metro ultimately made the right decision and has reversed its initial decision and has now reinstated these drivers. These are unprecedented times and we need operators like them who clearly care about their riders and the immigrant communities they serve.
 Monday marked one year since Irene Gonzalez was murdered in Lynwood in a vicious, close-range shooting, and her killer has still not been found.
The Board of Supervisors approved my motion this week to re-establish a $20,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
Irene and her loved ones deserve justice, and this violent criminal with no regard for human life belongs behind bars. We need the public’s help here. If you saw or may have seen something, please come forward.
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(213) 974-4444
fourthdistrict@bos.lacounty.gov
