New on the County Channel

Thanks to a gift to the L.A. County Parks Foundation by the L.A. Clippers, LA County Parks will have 117 renovated basketball courts at 60 locations by the spring of 2025. L.A. County parks courts host 57 Jr. Clippers youth basketball league locations, as well as everything from volleyball and dance to community events and other programming. LA Clippers Guard and hometown hero Russell Westbrook was in attendance at the opening of one of many new basketball courts at Jesse Owens Park where he learned to play as a youth.

You can watch more stories like this on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

In Case You Missed It

Adopt A Family in Need for the Holidays

Join the heartwarming campaign by sponsoring a family in need this holiday season. Today, Los Angeles County residents who want to join the charitable movement, are encouraged to sponsor a family receiving benefits from the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) as part of the department’s holiday Adopt-A-Family Program.

For over 30 years, the department has partnered with the community to match sponsors with low-income families for the annual campaign. In 2022, Adopt-A-Family sponsored approximately 1,300 families.

Sponsors are matched with a family and given a wish list. The wish list may include clothing, gift certificates, or toys. Adopt-A-Family is a great project for families, co-workers, organizations, clubs, and schools. It is a rewarding way to lift communities and a reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season.

Those interested in sponsoring a family may apply online today at http://bit.ly/DPSSAAF. Sponsors may adopt one or multiple families. Information on the size of the family and location will be provided. For additional information, email: [email protected].

Thanks for the continued support of this worthwhile program!

At Your Service

Preparing for CARE Court

On December 1, 2023, Los Angeles County will implement the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act. Beginning December 1, 2023, qualifying individuals or entities can petition the Superior Court of Los Angeles County to help connect eligible individuals to a broad array of services, including mental health and housing services, via a voluntary CARE Agreement or CARE Plan established and overseen by a judicial officer. For additional information on Care Court visit dmh.lacounty.gov/court-programs/care-court/.

Residents and family members can access other LACDMH programs, services, and resources today through their website, calling the 24/7 Help Line at (800) 854-7771, or calling/texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Out and About

Holiday Boat Parade

Visit Burton Chace Park in Marina Del Rey on December 9th for the annual Holiday Boat Parade! From 4pm-8pm you can take part in various activities including a fireworks show, strolling carolers, photo opportunities, food trucks and kids crafts. 

This event is free to the public. For more information, visit beaches.lacounty.gov.

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Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.

New on the County Channel

Twenty newly housed Pathway Home participants celebrate Thanksgiving together at their new homes.

You can watch more stories like this on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

In Case You Missed It

Community Navigator Program – Apply Today!

The Center for Nonprofit Management launched the Community Navigator Program which aims to make direct investments in community organizations to provide community navigator services to communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This programming was made possible through the County of Los Angeles’ allocation of American Rescue Plan funds. The primary objective is to engage and support organizations, small business owners, individuals, and their families in accessing American Rescue Plan-funded resources and other County services necessary for their recovery.

Awardees will receive $200,000 – $268,000 over two years, plus skill-building, training, and capacity-strengthening assistance. To learn more and apply, visit cnmsocal.org/community-navigator-program/.

At Your Service

LA County Rent Relief for Landlords

The LA County Rent Relief Program will provide over $46 million in direct financial assistance to qualified landlords to help mitigate the negative economic impacts of the pandemic that have left many tenants behind on rent.

The Rent Relief Program will offer grants of up to $30,000 per unit to eligible landlords for expenses dating from April 1, 2022, to the present. The program is specifically designed with a focus on helping small, mom-and-pop landlords who own up to four rental units. Its goal is to reduce tenant evictions due to rent arrears, maintain the viability of small-scale rental businesses, and ensure availability of affordable housing in LA County.

Landlords can apply for the LA County Rent Relief Program beginning in mid-December. The application process will be easy and straightforward, and applicants will receive free multilingual technical support from community partners to guide them through the process and assist with gathering the necessary documentation.

To receive program updates and be notified when the online application opens, register today at lacountyrentrelief.com.

Out and About

Shop Local – Celebrating Small Business Saturday!

As we head into the holiday season, we are excited to partner with you to support local mom and pop shops across LA County! Join us on November 25th for Small Business Saturday – a day filled with local charm, unique finds, and a chance to support the heartbeat of our community – small businesses.

Shop Local LA Sweepstakes: Your Chance to Win Big!

To make your Small Business Saturday even more exciting, we’re launching the Shop Local LA Sweepstakes! This is your golden ticket to a $500 gift card to your favorite local spot and a slew of other fun prizes.

Here’s how it works:

• Visit the ShopLocal.LA website, take the Shop Local Pledge, and enter to win.
• Share the campaign with friends and family! Post on social media to encourage others to take the Shop Local Pledge.
• Take photos and leave reviews at your favorite local shops and restaurants. The more we amplify these neighborhood gems, the more our community prospers.

Lucky winners of our grand prize will receive a gift card to a local business of their choice. Many more will win shop local swag bags, and everyone benefits from supporting the local economy. [Some restrictions apply, please visit our website for full sweepstakes rules]

Save the date for Small Business Saturday on November 25th and get ready for a day of discovery, community, and the joy of supporting the unique businesses that make LA County shine.

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Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.

New on the County Channel

Know before you go! LA County waterways and river channels are an amazing sight during and after a rainstorm – but behind that beauty is a hidden danger. Swift moving water can be very powerful and even dangerous.

You can watch more stories like this on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

In Case You Missed It

Stay Updated on the 10 Freeway Closure

Here are some helpful tips and resources:

Driving:

• Check Quickmap prior to leaving for your destination for road closures.
• Alternate Surface Street Routes to Avoid Closure.

Public Transit:

• Use Metro and public transit to avoid I-10 closure in DTLA.
• Metrolink has added extra cars and service along the San Bernardino Line.
• LADOT Transit is offering free fares on all commuter express routes.

Send Tips:

Please send any tips anonymously to the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408 or [email protected].

At Your Service

#LARain

The rainy season is here. During storms, there is increased potential for flash floods, falling rocks and mud and debris flows. Everyone should be aware of the weather forecasts and associated impacts where they live, work, and play and take steps to be prepared and stay safe. Use the resources below to prepare for and stay safe during rainy weather.

Rain Safety Tips

• Heed all instructions from emergency responders and emergency alert notifications.
• Drive cautiously and slow down – Many roadways will be wet and slippery.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water.
  • As little as 6 inches of water can knock over and carry away an adult and 18-24 inches of water can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks. “Turn around, don’t drown!”

Stay Informed

• Residents living in recent burn areas should monitor the Los Angeles County Public Works Mud and Debris Flow Forecast.
• Visit the County’s Ready LA County Page for emergency preparedness tips.
• The National Weather Service (NWS) issues weather advisories and watches when the weather forecast indicates there is a potential for hazardous conditions. View the latest NWS Hazard Summary for current watches, advisories, and warnings.
• Monitor social media and local news media for relevant and important updates. For useful information, please monitor the Ready Los Angeles County account on X (formerly Twitter). 

Out and About

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance that honors and memorializes transgender individuals who have tragically lost their lives due to violence and discrimination. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and prejudice faced by transgender and gender-diverse people, fostering awareness, empathy and advocacy for their rights. This day also plays a vital role in unifying communities, promoting equality and mobilizing efforts to combat violence and discrimination against transgender individuals.

The City of West Hollywood would like to invite you to attend their Transgender Day of Remembrance Ceremony, on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90060.

The ceremony will feature speakers and a reading of names to memorialize people who have been murdered as a result of anti-transgender violence.

The Ceremony will also be available live and for replay at the City’s WeHoTV YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/wehotv

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Descanso’s Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles. For more information, click here.

Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. –  The regular meeting of the William S. Hart Union School District, located in the northern part of Los Angeles County on Wednesday, Nov. 15, was packed as LGBTQ+ allies and supporters and anti-LGBTQ+ battled during the public comment sessions over a proposed  “Parental Notification” policy.

Earlier in the day students at Hart High School in Newhall walked out of class to protest the policy. Speaking to KTLA 5, Hart High School senior, Heather Decosier, said that not all students have a safe place at home.  

“Some of us have personal experiences with already being kicked out and I’m concerned that if the policy goes into place, the suicide rates will go up, the abuse rates will go up and, personally, the homeless rates will also go up,” she said. 

Prior to the board meeting, a spokesperson for the District told the Blade that no vote on the proposed policy was set to take place at Wednesday night’s session.

Mason Cortina, another senior at the school, echoed Decosier’s opinion, telling KTLA the policy is potentially dangerous.  

“We need to do something because if we’re just going to sit and let it go, a lot of kids are going to get hurt or do something worse, like kill themselves,” Cortina said.  

Prior to the public comments, Irvine-based attorney Wendy Wiles, delivered a presentation to the board, which included an overview of the legal landscape regarding those California school districts that considered or implemented “Parent Notification” policies.

Her presentation included the preliminary injunction on two parts of the parental notification policy in the Chino Valley Unified School District by a San Bernardino County Superior Court judge.

During the course of the public comments, a majority of speakers in alliance with the LGBTQ+ students warned the school board that adoption of the policy had two certain outcomes- the District will be sued by the state and that there would be suicides, increased homelessness by LGBTQ+ students forced out of their homes as a result of the Outing policy, and probable incidents of violence against LGBTQ+ students.

The meeting was heavily attended by students from District high schools who spoke testifying about the damage the policy will inflict on queer kids. Those students included non-LGBTQ+ students speaking in alliance with their LGBTQ+ peers.

The proposed policy was introduced and being pushed by board member Joe Messina, a nationally known hard-right anti-LGBTQ radio host of nationally syndicated talk show The Real Side (TheRealSide.com).

On social media LGBTQ+ allies took aim at Messina as did numerous speakers during the public comments session.

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Related:

WSHUHSD – Regular Governing Board Meeting – Public Session – November 15, 2023:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNt52gazdD8

 Students at Hart High School protest LGBTQ+ notification policy:

LOS ANGELES – LA vs Hate, Los Angeles County’s robust anti-hate program, partnered with County Supervisor Holly Mitchell to kick off United Against Hate Week, unveiling a powerful new mural celebrating LA County’s Black community.

The Saturday, Nov. 11 event took place at the Willowbrook Senior Center and marked the fifth and final mural of LA vs Hate’s Summer of Solidarity, a public art series celebrating the diverse communities of Los Angeles.

The mural, titled “It’s All For You,” created by artist Brittney Price, is a testament to the program’s commitment to combating hate and discrimination. Launched in 2019 by the LA County Commission on Human Relations, LA vs Hate is a community-centered initiative designed to encourage all residents of Los Angeles County to unite against and report hate while providing support to victims of hate-motivated acts.

The “It’s All For You” mural, created in partnership with Willowbrook Inclusion Network, Brotherhood Crusade, LA Commons, and the office of LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, serves as the culmination of LA vs Hate’s Summer of Solidarity. This public art series celebrates the diverse communities of Los Angeles, conveying messages of inclusion, pride, and historical significance for groups experiencing high levels of hate and discrimination.

Muralist Brittney Price described “It’s All for You” as a welcoming piece connecting the history and future of Willowbrook’s ecology and community. Historical figures from Willowbrook and LA County’s Black community are depicted within a tableau of natural, musical, spiritual, and architectural elements paying homage to the neighborhood’s rich culture from the past to the present.

The unveiling event featured LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who expressed her gratitude for the community coming together to honor the history of their neighborhoods and working towards a brighter future. She emphasized the importance of recommitting to ending all forms of hate, stating that the mural serves as a beautiful reminder of the possibilities when communities unite.

President of the LA County Commission on Human Relations Ilan Davidson, commended the Commission’s efforts in bringing LA vs Hate to communities through the mural series and United Against Hate Week events.

Executive Director of the LA County Commission on Human Relations Robin Toma highlighted the strength gained when community art uplifts and unifies, making communities more resistant to division. Poet Shandela Contreras spoke as did a hate-incident victim who also shared their story.

The mural unveiling event marked the beginning of LA County’s fourth annual United Against Hate Week, which will continue through November 18. Various events are planned, including webinars, social media events, screenings, art projects, community dialogues, and meditation gatherings.

Returning for its fourth annual campaign, LA vs Hate’s United Against Hate Week (UAHW) is part of a California statewide effort for local civic action against hate and discrimination, which continues to threaten school campuses, neighborhoods, towns, and cities.

LA vs Hate will participate in several United Against Hate Week actions, including the statewide campaign press conference in Berkeley on November 13, partnering with the California Civil Rights Department, City of Berkeley, and Not In Our Town.

On November 13, the City of Santa Monica will collaborate with Right To Be to offer a virtual bystander intervention training for the community. On November 14, at the Museum of Tolerance, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and Brotherhood Crusade.

The United Against Hate Week will take place from November 12th to November 18th. Communities across LA County are planning a range of activities, including webinars, social media events, screenings, art projects, community dialogues, and meditation gatherings. These initiatives aim to increase engagement across neighborhoods and support efforts to stand up against hate in communities.

Charisse Bremond Weaver, President and CEO of Brotherhood Crusade, expressed the organization’s honor in standing alongside LA vs Hate, Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, and partners in unveiling the mural. She emphasized the mural’s illustration of the beauty emerging from diverse voices coming together to spread a message of peace and understanding.

Karen Mack, CEO of LA Commons, emphasized the power of experiencing art and culture together, transcending differences and finding common ground. She referred to the murals as powerful touchstones providing beauty, inspiration, and meaning, energizing communities for United Against Hate Week.

Reginald Johnson, founder of Willowbrook Inclusion Network, highlighted the added value of arts and culture, specifically visual art in the form of murals, to the community. He called for the replication and scaling of the coalition that worked on the project to enhance historic preservation projects that help communities understand their past, present, and future.

As the final mural unveiling of the Summer of Solidarity program, LA vs Hate welcomed back the artists of the other four community murals to discuss their work created for the Jewish, LGBTQ+, Latiné, and Indigenous communities of LA County. The series aims to remind residents of the County’s hate reporting system, where anyone can report an act of hate and receive free and confidential support by calling 2-1-1 or filing a report online at www.LAvsHate.org.

LA vs Hate, led by the LA County Commission on Human Relations, operates as a community-centered system supporting all residents and communities targeted for hate acts in Los Angeles County. The program partners with community organizations across all five County districts, forming a diverse coalition committed to preventing and responding to hate.

The goals of the LA vs Hate System include addressing the normalization of hate, building understanding about hate acts and reporting mechanisms, and supporting individuals and communities in their healing from the trauma of hate. By tracking and reporting hate incidents, the program ensures appropriate resource allocation and fosters the creation of respectful and resilient communities. Victims of hate are encouraged to report incidents by calling 2-1-1.

LA vs Hate employs various strategies in its prevention and response efforts, including art, healing interventions, bystander training, outreach and training for law enforcement, public school resourcing, and a pilot program for small businesses impacted by hate.

Related:

Contacting 211 LA is free, confidential, and accessible in 140 languages. As a public non-profit organization, 211 LA contracts with the County of Los Angeles to provide county-wide information and referral services, delivering case management resources to victims of hate. Victims who fear reporting to law enforcement are encouraged to report to 211 LA, ensuring their report can be anonymous.

LOS ANGELES — The Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles is currently home to a remarkable art exhibit that celebrates diversity, culture, and the power of place. Titled “Here – Arts and Culture Along the K,” this exhibit is a testament to what has been, what is present, and what is possible along the K Line of the Los Angeles Metro.

The exhibition opened on October 7, 2023, with a reception that brought together artists, cultural producers, and the community to mark the first anniversary of Metro’s K Line service. It will remain on view through December 30, 2023.

“Here” showcases a stunning collection of artworks and cultural expressions resulting from collaborations involving over 150 artists and cultural organizations. These creative minds have responded with bold imagination, infusing the distinct neighborhoods along the K-Line with the vibrancy of art and culture.

This massive project, which took approximately 15 years to complete, was made possible by Metro Art, an initiative dedicated to enhancing the customer experience on Los Angeles County’s metro system through visual and performing arts. Metro Art fosters ridership and connects people, sites, and neighborhoods throughout the county, creating a sense of place through site-specific artworks.

One remarkable aspect of this project is Metro Art’s commitment to providing opportunities for artists of all backgrounds and levels of experience. As Zipporah Yamamoto, Senior Director of Special Projects Art & Design, pointed out, this opportunity was open to all artists, regardless of their background or experience in public art. Metro Art took on the responsibility of shouldering the liability and cost of fabricating the art, providing technical support, and granting emerging artists the chance to gain valuable experience in the field.

The K Line, with stops in neighborhoods like Crenshaw, Leimert Park, Hyde Park, Inglewood, Westchester, and El Segundo, is more than just a transportation route. It’s an integral part of the identity of native Angelenos. In a large and dispersed city where the mode of transportation is an extension of one’s home, the metro lines become a canvas for celebrating the diverse cultures and stories of the people who call Los Angeles home.

Public art is a vital element of the city’s evolving culture, reflecting the spirit of the community, adding meaning to the urban landscape, and providing an intersection between the past, present, and future. It humanizes the built environment and invigorates public spaces, making art freely accessible to all.

“Here” showcases the works of artists Alexis Hunley, Carlson Hatton, Dean Erdmann, Eileen Cowin, Erwin Redl, Geoff McFetridge, Giovanni Solis, Ingrid Calame, Jaime Scholnick, Jason Williams, Kenturah Davis, Kim Schoenstadt, Mara Lonner, Michael C. Hsiung, Mickalene Thomas, Mobolaji Olambiwonnu, Moses X. Ball, Motherland Music, Rebeca Méndez, Russell Hamilton, Sam Pace, Sherin Guirguis, Shinique Smith, and Wakana Kimura.

One moving feature of this project is Metro Art’s collaboration with filmmaker Mobolaji Olambiwonnu. His work, “Community Voices,” is an award-winning short-form documentary series that gives context to the significance of the K Line’s opening by highlighting personal stories from community members over the years. This ongoing series captures the essence of the community and its journey.

Olambiwonnu shared his passion for capturing the humanity of the Black experience in America through his work with The Blade. For him, art is a medium to celebrate and reflect upon this rich history and bring communities together.

“The focus is always on a character or multiple characters,” said Olambiwonnu, “which allows people to fall in love, and be drawn in by a character that they can identify with via their humanity.”

Olambiwonnu discussed one of the films in this project that focused on two elderly men walking along the K Line tracks. The film captured these men as they reflected on the history of Los Angeles, particularly the evolution of the city’s transportation system. The film aimed to create a dialogue about the city’s history, transportation, and the unique experiences of the two individuals who had witnessed the changes in the city over the years, including the removal of the old train. In addition to allowing viewers to connect with the personal stories of these two seniors, the film gave insight into the city’s rich history through their perspectives.

“My hope is that through accessing the train and accessing other forms of art throughout the K line stations, people will be able to experience the beauty of that community.”

Artist Jaime Scholnick’s vivid 400-foot mural, which consists of 70 panels, was installed in January at the station at Crenshaw and Exposition Boulevards, the first stop along the 8.5 mile line. Her piece, “Layered Histories,” is an intricate collage of porcelain-glaze-on-steel based on “tens of thousands of images” of the surrounding neighborhood where she spent much of her time while in graduate school.

Scholnick’s art journey began in Kindergarten when she won an art competition with a drawing of a zoo, an experience that sparked her love for connecting with people through her art. She found the process of working with Metro Art particularly inspiring, as it allowed her to focus solely on creating art, without the burden of managing the technical aspects.

Scholnick worked closely with photographer Sally Coates to amass a huge photo archive, which she later narrowed down for the final project. Jaime also worked with foster youth from the RightWay Foundation, giving them disposable cameras and having them take photos around the city. Scholnick incorporated a selection of these photos into “Layered Histories.”

Artist Shinique Smith’s mosaic mural, “Only Light, Only Love,” at the MLK Jr. Station brings together elements of fashion, pop culture, and calligraphy to visualize the cultural richness of South Los Angeles. This artwork pays tribute to the station’s namesake and incorporates empowering words inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches and autobiography.

“The flow of the city, fashion, the graffiti of my youth, and Japanese calligraphy influence these gestures, as I extract what I see as the graceful and spiritual qualities in the written word and everyday life,” Smith said.

Smith told The Blade that her focus is always on creating a connection between the viewer and the character in her art. She believes in the power of humanity and its accessibility through art.

“What draws me to be an artist is the fact that what I do can resonate with a person,” Smith said. “There is an exchange of energy between my work and the viewer.”

“Here – Arts and Culture Along the K” is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse culture of Los Angeles. It honors the past, embraces the present, and envisions a future filled with artistic expressions that reflect the community’s strength and resilience.

For more information on current and future artist opportunities with Metro Art, click here.

New on the County Channel

Meet Carmen, a small businesswoman who has survived the pandemic and is stronger than ever thanks to BREATHE LA County’s Guaranteed Income Program. This pilot program provides 1,000 county residents some breathing room with $1000 a month for three years to help establish financial stability. For people like Carmen, it’s more than a check; it’s a path forward that’s changing lives.

You can watch more stories like this on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

In Case You Missed It

Getting People on the Pathway Home

Meet Dawn who, until this past August, lived in an encampment known as ‘The Dead End’ in unincorporated Lennox. Thanks to LA County’s Pathway Home program, she was placed into interim housing, along with 58 other encampment residents. Recently, Dawn became the first Pathway Home participant to be placed into her own permanent housing. Watch this video to see Dawn’s journey from the streets to her new home.

To learn more about Pathway Home, visit homeless.lacounty.gov/pathway-home/.

At Your Service

Veteran Peer Access Network

Prefer to speak with a fellow veteran before reaching out for resources? The LA County Department of Mental Health operates a Veteran Peer Access Network where veterans in need can connect with fellow veterans that will help them navigate the various services LA County provides and recommend resources that are best for them.

Resources available include:

• Mental Health – Treatment for trauma from combat exposure, military sexual trauma, relationship and intimacy issues
• Substance Misuse Support – Treatment for substance use disorders, including misuse of alcohol, prescription medication and other drugs
• Housing – Temporary and permanent housing for veterans and their families, help locating housing
• Workforce Development and Employment – Help with developing interview skills, resume creation, job coaching, plus volunteer and job opportunities
• Healthcare – Enrollment into VA healthcare, transportation to appointments, ensuring access to prescription medications
  Education – Support with school enrollment, vocational training, tuition assistance
• Miscellaneous – Food, childcare, transportation, financial assistance and more
• Legal Services – Help with eviction prevention, discharge upgrade, applying for VA benefits, etc.
• Social Connection/Recreation – Opportunities to connect with other veterans in a variety of settings

You can dial 1-800-854-7771 to get in contact with the Veteran Peer Access Network or email them at [email protected].

Out and About

Vet Day LA – RSVP Today!

The L.A. County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs welcomes all to the FREE Saturday, November 11, Vet Day LA event at the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is part of a month-long schedule of tributes honoring local military veterans and their families. The DPSS Medi-Cal Outreach team will be onsite providing information and benefit enrollment assistance. This year’s theme is “Uniting in Gratitude.” Special guests include Arnold Schwarzenegger. Attendees can enjoy food, games, a resource fair, and more! Register and RSVP for a chance to win $2,500.

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LA County salutes Veterans nationwide for their service.

Happy Veteran’s Day!

Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.

New on the County Channel

Meet Christopher, who is helping support his family while embarking on a new career. BREATHE is a guaranteed income pilot program in Los Angeles County that provides 1,000 county residents some breathing room with $1000 a month for three years to help establish financial stability. For those enrolled, it’s more than a check; it’s a path forward that’s changing lives.

You can watch more stories like this on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

In Case You Missed It

Rent Registry 2023/24 Registry Deadline Extended

Are you a rental property owner or mobilehome park owner in unincorporated Los Angeles County? The 2023/24 registration deadline for the LA County Rent Registry has been extended to November 30, 2023! Rent Registry allows property owners to register rental properties online and pay any annual rent registration fees required by the County’s Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance and Mobilehome Rent Stabilization and Mobilehome Owner Protections Ordinance. Don’t forget to register before November 30 to avoid late fees.

While some rental units or mobile home spaces may be exempt from registration requirements and fees, landlords and mobile home park owners with units or spaces located within unincorporated LA County are required to register and pay fees annually. To learn more about exemption requests or to determine if your property is subject to registration requirements, please visit dcba.lacounty.gov/rentregistry.

At Your Service

Justice Connect Helpline

Arrested? Now what? The Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD) is here to connect you to services now — including housing, employment, substance use help and more.

Call the helpline at 833-522-5263 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week.

Out and About

Shore Fishing at Dockweiler Beach

Go shore fishing at Dockweiler Beach on Sunday, November 12th! Be sure to purchase a fishing license beforehand. All ages are welcome! For more information and to pre-register, click here. 

Dockweiler Youth Center
12505 Vista Del Mar
Playa del Rey, CA 90293

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Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.

GLENDALE, Calif. – October is LGBTQ+ History Month, and the folks at The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) in Glendale is proud to partner with Circa: the first LGBTQ+ histories festival in the United States, presented by One Institute.

MONA is presenting an exhibition of new acquisitions as well as a 90-minute free program on Sunday, October 29 from 2:30- 4:30. Explore the galleries with artists, activists, donors, and MONA community members to learn the fascinating queer histories behind this radiant medium.

This program will feature short readings and presentations speaking to LGBTQ connections to neon art, signage, the Glendale community, and the museum. Presenters include Rachel Mason, Eric Lynxwiler, Tyler Kensek, GALAS LGBTQ+ Armenian Society, and special guests.

The exhibition features notable items in MONA’s collection including architectural lighting from Man’s Country, Chicago’s longest running gay bathhouse; LA-based bathhouse Midtown Spa; Body Builders Gym which served LGBTQ clientele through its 45 years of existence, Neon lips inspired by the Rocky Horror Picture Show, as well as the signage for Circus of Books, an L.A. bookstore and important gay cruising spot and Artworks made by LGBTQ artists and craftspeople past and present.

The exhibition will also take place on the multimedia mobile and web-based guide, the free Bloomberg Connects app.

KABC 7 Los Angeles Community News Producer J.J. Zavalla talked to some artists and experts:

Eric Lynxwiler, Board President for the Museum of Neon Art: “You really have to work and work and work in order to learn how to bend that glass tube over and open flame. They have to pump it full of gas and phosphor and then electrify it.”

Corrie Siegel, Executive Director of the Museum of Neon Art: “The Museum of Neon Art is an exhibition space and also a classroom where we teach the art and craft of neon glassblowing. We preserve history of Southern California, so we have signs from the 1920s to present day. In the 1920s, it was seen as the height of class the height of technology. During the time period of the 1980s when Mona was founded, neon was seen as kind of trashy. It was seen as almost like blight. A lot of times when that happens, it’s the people on the fringes. It’s the artists that are seeing things from the outside and they’re understanding this is material that is very powerful and potent. So artists, many of them part of the LGBTQ community, decided to champion this art form.”

Rachel Mason, filmmaker: “Circus of Books became a kind of legendary store. They really catered to the gay community primarily to have a place where it was like, no, no, no, you’re fine. You can have your books, here’s your magazines, it was a place where you could just not be judged.”

Buck Angel: LGBTQ+ advocate: “This (Body Builders Gym) is the bodybuilding gym that was in Silver Lake. I’m a transsexual man, so I transitioned to live as a female. That being said, I would go to that gym, I remember, it was just this camaraderie that you got. So when I see signs like that, I just remember my own history and how important that space was to me.”

Mason: “Knowing that it’s surrounded by other iconic signage from the LGBT world to be preserved and honored and cherished. It just feels amazing.”

Lynxwiler: “If it’s on a grocery store market, if it’s liquor, motels, or live nude girls, that neon sign was made by hand. And more often than not, that neon sign might find a home at The Museum of Neon Art.”

Siegel: “Neon was not seen as something worth preserving. And it’s due to these folks that were kind of just doing the work in the shadows steadily working towards preservation, that we have this museum – that we have preserved these histories. So it’s a big deal that we’re finally recognizing the queer history of this museum, because it would not exist without that leadership.”

Rsvp for this free program here: (Link)

SAN FERNANDO, Calif. – Protestors from several far-right anti-LGBTQ+ groups including, Gays Against Groomers California, CA State Coalition, Leave Our Kids Alone, and Saticoy Elementary Parents with others successfully shut down the planned Drag Queen Storytime at the San Fernando Library on Wednesday.

The anti-LGBTQ+ groups mounted a social media blitz on Monday with a stepped up campaign on Tuesday led by Gays Against Groomers California who tweeted:

On Wednesday morning when the drag queen reader arrived, Pickle, crowned as the City of West Hollywood’s inaugural Drag Laureate on July 16, 2023, was met by a hostile crowd estimated later by a spokesperson for the City of San Fernando Police to number less than 60 people.

The protestors blocked the entrance to the library plaza as well as a rear entrance to the building, blocking it with a table. The protestors holding signs, some wearing t-shirts with ‘Leave our kids alone’ shouted at the drag entertainer.

After it became apparent that there was not a peaceful solution to the stand-off, San Fernando Police escorted Pickle to her car and she departed.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, who had planned to take part in the event as a host and whose staff was present at the library, issued a statement to the Blade Wednesday evening:

“Today, my office was set to host a Drag Storytime at the San Fernando Library as part of LGBTQ+ History Month. What was meant to be a celebration of love and inclusion turned into the opposite.

Protestors claim they want to keep children safe while pounding on walls, shouting obscenities and slurs toward my staff and library staff, and using strollers to blockade moving vehicles. The hypocrisy is astounding.

These disgusting tactics and efforts to incite violence prevented Pickle and Library patrons from even entering the building. I hope no one does to their families what they did to their neighbors today. Libraries will not be breeding grounds for indoctrination of hate and contempt toward our fellow neighbor.

I apologize to the families who were excited about the event, but could not get in; to Pickle, a respected drag artist and West Hollywood’s Drag Laureate, who was determined that the program be held; and to the dedicated Library staff who shouldn’t have to show bravery by just showing up to work.

We could not hold the event. I am heartsick and outraged about what took place. I apologize to the families who were excited about the event, but could not get in; to Pickle, a respected drag artist and West Hollywood’s Drag Laureate, who was determined that the program be held; and to the dedicated Library staff who were threatened.

This has become all too common. It is unacceptable and I am undeterred in lifting up our LGBTQ+ community and denouncing hate. The protestors’ message and actions today will not win in our continued fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. We will continue to build communities where every person is treated with dignity and respect – and diversity is celebrated, not attacked or shamed.

The LGBTQ+ community – joined in active support from allies – will continue the fight for inclusion and belonging.“

Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to a Drag Queen Storytime:

“2023 has seen a marked increase in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and violence. Already this year, we have seen fistfights in Glendale, school board meetings filled with hate speech, and open and affirming churches vandalized for welcoming LGBTQ+ people. What happened on Wednesday in the San Fernando Valley is just the latest in a continued pattern of harassment and intimidation by far-right extremists.
 
What should have been a fun and engaging event for children of all ages at the San Fernando Library instead became an all-too-familiar scene of far-right protestors — who claim to be protecting children — shouting obscenities, threatening violence, and impeding library staff and patrons from entering the building.

Drag Queen Storytimes are beloved community events that encourage learning and reading comprehension in a fun environment. The queen who was to lead yesterday’s event, Pickle, is a respected drag artist and community member recently named West Hollywood’s Drag Laureate. Although the event could not proceed, we are grateful to those who ensured her safety, as well as the safety of the families present who had planned to attend. We are also grateful to Supervisor Horvath for her support for this event and for her ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community in her district and beyond.  

We will not back down from our fight to build a just and fully equal world for all LGBTQ+ people. The majority of Americans — particularly Californians — believe that their LGBTQ+ friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers should be treated with dignity and respect. These tactics by far-right extremists will not succeed, and we will not be cowed.”