  Dear Neighbor,
No one in Los Angeles County should ever go hungry because of circumstances beyond their control. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has been unable to fund CalFresh benefits. As a result, food assistance is now delayed until the government reopens.
Across the County, food pantries and community food banks are working tirelessly to meet the rapidly growing demand. In this moment, we have an opportunity to make a difference and to show compassion and solidarity with our neighbors by supporting these vital organizations.
Need Assistance?
If you or someone you know is in need of food or other support, help is available:
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Find Food Near You: LA Regional Food Bank Pantry Locator
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Call 2-1-1: Speak with someone who can help locate a nearby pantry or connect you to other available resources.
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Free Meals at Los Angeles County Parks: Youth, teens, and seniors can access free meals through Los Angeles County Parks Food Programs.
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Senior Meals: Adults 60 and older may be eligible for free meals at local senior centers. Call 1-800-510-2020 for more information.
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WIC Benefits: Pregnant or postpartum individuals may qualify for WIC benefits. Apply at startwic.org or text “APPLY” to 91997.
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Tenant and Homeowner Assistance: For tenant protections and foreclosure prevention services, visit dcba.lacounty.gov.
Ways You Can Help
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Donate: Contribute money or food to local food banks or community organizations providing meals to those in need.
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Start Your Holiday Giving Early: The need is urgent, so consider launching your seasonal giving efforts now.
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Give Gift Cards: Provide grocery or essentials gift cards directly to families in need.
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Volunteer Your Time: Food pantries need extra hands to distribute meals and meet the increased demand.
Ensuring that every family has access to nutritious food remains one of my top priorities. That is why I was proud to champion:
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$10 million from the County’s Care First, Community Investment Fund to offset previous federal SNAP cuts and expand nutrition support programs.
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$1 million to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to strengthen its ability to support local pantries and community-based organizations across the First District.
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$1 million to Resurrection Church in Boyle Heights to expand its long-standing food pantry programs that have been a lifeline for countless families.
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As a member of the LA Care Board of Governors, I also approved $5.4 million in additional food relief efforts, including direct gift cards for families in need.
These investments reflect my continued commitment to caring for our communities and ensuring that every household in Los Angeles County can put healthy food on the table.
Now, I invite all of us to take part in this effort. We need our entire community to come together — neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers lending their time, and all of us showing that compassion and generosity are the foundation of Los Angeles County. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind and that every family has what they need to get through this difficult time.
In community,
Hilda L. Solis
Chair Pro Tem, Supervisor of the First District
  Today I had the privilege of joining Greater El Monte Community Hospital to personally present $1 million in Measure B funding. This investment will help sustain their emergency department operations, ensuring that families, seniors, and working people across the San Gabriel Valley continue to have access to lifesaving care close to home. Hospitals across Los Angeles County are facing mounting financial pressures due to recent federal policy changes, and this funding directly supports one of the region’s essential healthcare providers.
Greater El Monte Community Hospital serves residents in El Monte, South El Monte, Baldwin Park, West Puente Valley, Avocado Heights, Pellissier Village, and nearby unincorporated areas. By directing resources to this hospital, I am helping to ensure that our communities have timely access to high-quality emergency care, particularly for those who face barriers to healthcare.
  I was honored to award nearly $1 million in grant funding to support Serenity Homes, an affordable housing initiative in Baldwin Park helping unhoused neighbors and families transition into permanent housing and stability.
Local jurisdictions play a vital role in addressing homelessness, and Serenity Homes not only provides critical support to Baldwin Park’s most vulnerable residents but also serves as a model for compassionate, effective solutions across the region.
I’m proud of Baldwin Park for helping to lead the way in the San Gabriel Valley and remain committed to partnering with cities to ensure every resident receives dignified care, no matter their circumstances.
  It was an incredible honor to receive the Dionicio Morales Lifetime Achievement Aztec Award.
Thank you to the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation for your commitment to uplifting families across California. For more than sixty years, MAOF has embodied hard work, compassion, and opportunity.
This award is deeply personal, as Dionicio Morales believed everyone deserves the chance to succeed. His legacy lives on through MAOF and all who continue the fight for equity and justice.
  Honored to join the Centennial Partners Community Celebration at Los Angeles General Medical Center, marking a major milestone in the redevelopment of the historic General Hospital and surrounding campus.
Through the Health Innovation Community Partnership (HICP), local organizations and residents have helped shape a shared vision for a “Healthy Village” — one that brings together wellness, housing, and opportunity for the community. This celebration was a meaningful moment to thank them for their continued engagement and partnership.
  The Statewide Special Election is just days away! You can vote early in the way that’s most convenient for you:
🗳️ Official Ballot Drop Box
Return your ballot at any official Ballot Drop Box. Find one near you: lavote.gov/dropbox
🏢 Vote Center
Vote Centers are open! You can vote in person or drop off your completed ballot at any location. Find a Vote Center in the First District here.
📫 By Mail
Return your ballot by mail—no postage required. To ensure your ballot is counted, we recommend asking for a postmark at the post office.
  The federal shutdown is having an impact on our community. To help residents in need, Los Angeles County’s network of more than 940 food pantries, coordinated by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, is ready to provide support. Food is available now, and additional supplies will be distributed throughout November to meet increased demand.
If you or your family need food assistance, visit the LA Regional Food Bank Pantry Locator or call 2-1-1 to locate a food pantry near you.
If you are in a position to help, please consider donating to your local food bank or pantry. Your generosity can make a meaningful difference for neighbors in need.
  Because of the federal government shutdown, CalFresh benefits will be delayed for the month of November. Beginning October 24, the State of California will notify CalFresh recipients about this delay.
If you receive CalFresh, please know that this notice does not mean your case has been closed or that you are no longer eligible. It simply means your benefits will be issued later than usual.
To avoid further delays, continue to meet all reporting requirements and respond promptly to any requests from the program. This will help ensure your benefits are processed as soon as they become available.
  The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation’s Youth, Teen, and Senior Food Programs ensure residents of all ages have access to free, nutritious meals and snacks, supporting both physical health and community well-being.
For teens ages 12–18, the Free Hot Supper Program provides evening meals at multiple locations, creating a safe and welcoming space to gather and refuel after school. Youth 17 and under can participate in the Free Youth Snack Program, enjoying healthy snacks each afternoon in a structured, supportive environment. For seniors, the Senior Nutrition Programs deliver balanced meals that promote wellness, connection, and vitality among older adults.
For more information visit the Los Angeles County Parks Food Programs website.
  While some VA services are paused during the federal shutdown, the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs remains open and ready to help. If you or a veteran you know needs assistance, call (877) 452-8387 or visit mva.lacounty.gov.
Effective January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal asset and property requirements will change, expanding access to health coverage for more Californians.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) is here to help guide residents through these important updates. DPSS will host free informational webinars from Monday, October 27, through Thursday, October 30, to explain what these changes mean and how they may impact eligibility.
Learn more and register today by clicking the link below.
Starting November 1, 2025, new CalFresh households without a member over age 60 or with a disability must report heating or cooling utility expenses separately from their shelter costs to remain eligible for the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) deduction. For more information, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) Food and Nutrition webpage.
I’m proud to partner with Self Help Graphics to bring the 52nd Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, a vibrant tribute to life, death, and our shared commitment to community. This year’s festivities serve as an empowering reunion of remembrance, joy, and action.
The celebration will begin with a procession at Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights and conclude at the East Los Angeles Civic Center Park, featuring altars, danzas, local vendors, food, and more. The event is free and open to the public.
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Meet Benji!
Benji (A5340849) Meet Benji is dignified 15-year-old male German Shepherd who carries himself with quiet grace and gentle energy. With his striking black coat and soulful brown eyes, Benji knows his commands and walks well on leash.
His rich fur shows a touch of gray, highlighting the wisdom he’s gained over the years. Gentle and easy to handle, Benji would thrive in a calm, loving home that appreciates the beauty of senior dogs and the unique bond they share.
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Meet Baby Girl!
Baby Girl (A5639474) is a sweet 9-year-old Siberian Husky with a beautiful salt-and-pepper coat and captivating blue eyes. Baby Girl is perfect for for someone who wants a best friend to relax with. She enjoys leisurely walks and cuddling up next to you on the couch. With her excellent manners and gentle nature, she’s ready to bring love and calm to her next forever home.
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