Los Angeles County
Supervisor Kueh’s lawyers: LASD search ‘LA Confidential’
California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta on Tuesday took control from the LASD of a controversial criminal investigation into Supervisor Kuehl
LOS ANGELES – In a motion filed Monday, attorney’s for Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila J. Kueh, called the September 14 search of her Santa Monica residence by LA County Sheriff’s investigators a scene straight out of “L.A. Confidential.” Kueh attorney Chery L. 0″Connor also decried the search labeling it a politically-motivated and retaliatory raid.
The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday evening that California Attorney General Rob Bonta took control from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department of the controversial criminal investigation into Supervisor Kuehl and others, saying in a letter to sheriff’s officials that sidelining the department was in the “public interest.”
Bonta’s decision Tuesday comes amid mounting questions about the department’s handling of the probe and allegations from Kuehl and others that Sheriff Alex Villanueva is using it to attack political enemies.
In the Monday filing, the Out county supervisor’s legal team asked the Los Angeles Superior Court for an emergency order quashing the warrant and asking the court to order the LASD to return all of the property seized, stop an active search of any and all computers and electronic devices and a special master to review any forensically imaged copies of the devices.
In their request the attorney’s also noted that the affidavit in support of the search warrant is “plainly insufficient” and lacks any evidence, much less probable cause, that Supervisor Kuehl was involved in, influenced, or benefitted in any way from the award of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (“MTA”) contracts awarded to the LA non-profit Peace Over Violence.
“It lacks any evidence, much less probable cause,” the motion said, and argued that the warrant is, “fatally defective and was obtained under highly suspicious circumstances.”
The Public Corruptions Unit of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department alleged that Kuehl steered a now-defunct MTA contract to her longtime friend Patti Giggans, who runs the non-profit.
NBC 4 LA reported that Kuehl’s is the second challenge aimed at stopping the search warrant served September 14 at her home and office, following an initial “motion to quash” filed by an attorney representing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Office of Inspector General, another of the search targets.
LA Superior Court Judge William Ryan ordered the Sheriff’s Department last Thursday to cease its examination of two computers taken from the MTA OIG’s office and return them, and scheduled a hearing for Thursday with a list of questions he expects LASD to answer.
The politically charged investigation in part stems from a whistleblower complaint by a former disgruntled MTA employee Jennifer Loew, who alleged improper MTA contract dealings by both Kuehl and Giggans, which both women have vehemently denied.
Speaking with reporters last week as the search was underway in her home, Kuehl claimed the investigation by the sheriff’s department stems from a “bogus non-issue” related to claims brought on by a the disgruntled MTA employee.
“We didn’t vote on a contract, we didn’t even know about the contract,” said Kuehl, who claims the employee’s issue comes from an alleged contract brought on by METRO that was negotiated with Peace Over Violence, which Kuehl said she did not vote on. “These deputies have been brought into something that is kind of non-existent.”
She continued saying, “There’s no claim of any crime. There’s no basis for this.”
The Office of the Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón indicated the office was not inclined to take action on the results of the search by the LASD. The LADA also noted in a statement that “The allegation was investigated by LASD & submitted for filing consideration in September 2021. We reviewed the case and determined that the state of the evidence at that time did not prove criminal conduct beyond a reasonable doubt. LASD indicated that they would continue to investigate.”
The DA’s office went on to note that it was not notified of last week’s search nor was the warrant disclosed to the office and as such it was declining to defend the matter in court if challenged.
NBC 4 LA also reported that it appeared that Sheriff’s investigators had gone “judge shopping” as Superior Court Judge Ryan raised that issue himself in his ruling.
Why the Sheriff’s Department went to a new judge for last week’s warrant, after a different judge authorized the LASD to search the same locations, under the guise of the same investigation, in March, 2021 Ryan wanted to know.
“Why, after Judge Hunter was going to require a Special Master, did the Sheriff immediately seek a warrant from a different judge, and who made that decision,” Judge Ryan wrote in the order requiring answers from LASD.
Kuehl has garnered outspoken support over the search by the LASD including her fellow Out politician, openly gay Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin, who wrote on Twitter:
“A corrupt sheriff with a track record of abusing his power and trying to silence and intimidate his critics is conducting a bogus, vindictive, politically motivated witch hunt against Sheila Kuehl, a public official of the highest integrity.”
In another Tweet Bonin pointed out: “It’s worth noting to connect the dots that the judge who signed the warrant (Craig Richman) has a longtime special relationship with the head of Villanueva’s political enemies unit (Mark Lillienfield).” He also linked to an Los Angeles Times article describing the sheriff’s unit that targeted political enemies of LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
In an emailed statement Tuesday, a grouping of heads of LGBTQ non-profits voiced their support, although when asked by the Blade why there was a delayed response in issuing support to Supervisor Kuehl, a spokesperson for the group, LA LGBT Center head Joe Hollendoner replied;
“A very appropriate question. Truth be told, it took a bit of time for us to decide on an action and draft a statement. Plus, we really needed to contemplate risk of retaliation. No new developments have occurred that prompted this coming out today.”
In a follow-up question Hollendoner admitted that fear of retaliation was that potentially from Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
Statement:
L.A. LGBTQ+ Community Leaders Statement on Sheriff Department’s Unprecedented Action Towards Supervisor Sheila Kuehl and Patti Giggans
We, the undersigned group of Los Angeles LGBTQ+ community leaders, were deeply alarmed and concerned by the news reports, photos, and video footage of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department raiding Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s home at dawn on Wednesday, September 14, escorting Supervisor Kuehl from her home barefoot, and depriving the County Supervisor of her phone. We were equally dismayed to learn that these were then followed by Sheriff’s investigators acting similarly towards Civilian Oversight Commissioner, Patti Giggans, another member of the LGBTQ+ community, who has long served our community.
Facts about what led to the Sheriff’s Department’s taking this invasive action are extremely limited. What is known is that the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office evaluated the evidence in the case, and stated that it “did not prove criminal conduct beyond a reasonable doubt.” This fact alone suggests that due process was not followed. In the aftermath of Wednesday’s raid, the district attorney’s office stated that it was not aware of the search warrants used to invade Supervisor Kuehl’s house and that, for this reason, “we do not intend to defend it if challenged in court.” This unprecedented lack of coordination between the Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s offices gives credence to claims that this is a baseless political attack by Sheriff Alex Villanueva against his political opponents.
While most of the facts are unknown about the Sheriff’s extreme actions toward Sheila and Patti, we would like to point out what we hold as truths about these two public servants and this investigation. First, we have deep respect and admiration for both. The two women have dedicated decades of their lives to addressing violence within our communities, only to have an act of violence performed on them with the raiding of their homes and offices. Second, we have seen both women consistently act with the highest level of ethics and integrity. None of us have ever observed behavior on either’s part that makes us think that Sheila or Patti would violate the clear due process the County uses when awarding contracts. Finally, the LGBTQ+ community has had a long history of discrimination and harms at the hands of law enforcement. While much progress has been made in recent years on this front, we are deeply concerned that the safety of our community and its leaders could be placed in jeopardy if the Sheriff’s Department continues to disregard due process and this behavior goes unchecked.
As leaders of nonprofit organizations, many of which receive contracts from Los Angeles County, we believe part of our responsibility to our community is to hold elected officials accountable. To that end, we will be watching the developments in the investigation of Supervisor Kuehl and Patti Giggans very closely. We are prepared to mobilize our community to take necessary action and to hold officials accountable as the facts of this case continue to be revealed.
Signed,
Alexis Adsit; Benjamin Anderson Bashein; Evelin Montes; Jim Mangia; Joe Hollendoner; Keith McNutt; Mason Funk; Richard Zaldivar; Steven Roth; Tony Valenzuela; Tony Hoang
Supervisor Kuehl’s motion to quash:
Los Angeles County
New on the LA County Channel
You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here
New on the County Channel
L.A. County is investing millions of dollars in American Rescue Plan funds for paid early education apprenticeships. The Early Care and Education Assistant Teacher Apprenticeship Program aims to bolster the education career pipeline and bring relief to those hoping to avoid financial debt.
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
April is “Sexual Assault Awareness Month”
This April marks the 23rd observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a chance for each of us to think about the role we can play in preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.
Violence is preventable. Stopping sexual abuse, assault, and harassment before they happen requires us to work together to support healthy, safe, and respectful behaviors and environments. To build truly connected communities, we must start with community accessible services and support and expand the network of service providers. When it comes to sexual violence, everyone has a role to play to help build a community that is safer, inclusive, and equitable. Below are some resources and ways for you to get involved:
- Raise Awareness: The National Sexual Violence Resource Center
- Participate in Denim Day | April 24, 2024: 5 Ways to Participate in Denim Day and Denim Day Rally & Press Conference
- Learn More: Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services and The Rape, Abuse, and Incest Network (24/7 Confidential Support Hotline)
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673.
Learn more at lacounty.gov/sexual-assault-awareness-month/.
At Your Service
Commercial Acquisition Fund Program
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity recently launched the Commercial Acquisition Fund to provide grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations to support the acquisition of vacant or abandoned land and buildings in designated communities that were most negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Commercial Acquisition Fundis funded by the County, with $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and will be awarded as recoverable grants, ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000. Acquisitions and funding must occur before December 1, 2024.
To learn more, apply, or sign-up to attend a community webinar, visit lacaf.info.
Out and About
April 21 – April 27th is “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week”
Join District Attorney George Gascón, the LA District Attorney’s Bureau of Victim Services and the LA District Attorney Crime Victims Advisory Board for this special National Crime Victims’ Rights Week panel discussion: “Pathways to Healing: Supporting LA’s Crime Survivors.”
This hybrid event will be on Thursday, April 25 at 6 PM, with doors opening at 5:30 PM. Click here to register to attend.
Photo Finish
Celebrate the 4th year of SOAR at the South Coast Botanic Garden when butterflies return May 1!
Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.
Los Angeles County
UCLA survey says quality of life in L.A. County is way down
High cost of housing is the most important factor impacting the annual Quality of Life Index, particularly among renters
LOS ANGELES – Affordable housing, groceries and consumer goods that have all spiraled upward in cost has lowered the quality of life for Los Angeles County residents this past year according to a survey conducted by UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs.
Interviews were conducted with 1,686 L.A. County residents between Feb. 22 and March 14, both in English and Spanish.
The Quality of Life Index, or QLI, is a project of the Los Angeles Initiative at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs measures county residents’ satisfaction in nine categories. The overall rating fell two points from last year to 53 on a scale from 10 to 100, marking the second time in three years it came in below the survey’s 55 midpoint since the index launched in 2016. That means a majority of respondents are dissatisfied with the overall quality of their lives.
Zev Yaroslavsky, director of the study at UCLA said renters, who make up nearly half of survey respondents, are being disproportionately affected by the economic and inflationary pressures facing the region. More than half, or 59%, cited housing as the most important factor in their rating.
“Housing costs have gone up,” Yaroslavsky said. “And incomes have not gone up anywhere near commensurate with what’s happened to housing.”
While 61% of homeowners feel optimistic about their economic future in Los Angeles County, 51% of renters report being pessimistic. Only 23% of renters think they will be able to buy a home where they would want to live at some point in the future.
KTLA reported that according to data released by the National Association of Realtors earlier this year, parts of L.A. County rank 8th highest in the nation for highest housing prices. Just 23% of the renters that responded to the survey believed that they’d be able to buy a home in an area they find desirable in the future.
Homelessness problems are worsening
This year’s survey also produced striking results on the issue of homelessness.
“We discovered very little optimism about whether the current programs and efforts to eradicate homelessness will work,” Yaroslavsky said.
More than half, or 60%, of respondents said homelessness in their area has gotten worse over the past year, with only 10% saying it has gotten better. Just 20% are more hopeful than they were last year that the homelessness situation in Los Angeles County will improve.
Respondents were also asked whether they worried about becoming homeless themselves, with the highest levels of anxiety expressed by people living in households earning less than $60,000 annually at 44%, renters 37% and African Americans 33%.
“Despite the best efforts of state and local officials, the public is more negative and less hopeful about solving homelessness,” Yaroslavsky said.
In an email to the Blade Wednesday, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Lindsey Horvath said:
“Watching my neighbors struggle with affordability or be on the brink of homelessness is what calls me to be of service to our community. We need to urgently address our overlapping homelessness and affordable housing crises by expediting production of all forms of housing, expanding tenant protections, and ensuring fair wages to address rising income inequality.”
Dissatisfaction with the government
Noting the fact that this is an election year Yaroslavsky, a former member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from December 1, 1994 – December 1, 2014, said: “It feeds an overall sense that things aren’t working well.”
He framed this year’s results in the context of nearly a decade’s worth of research showing positive results for neighborhood quality and racial/ethnic relations, but low marks in categories commonly associated with decisions by public officials.
“A main theme over the last nine years is that Angelenos love the neighborhoods where they live. We appreciate diversity and get along with others better than some people think. And the quality of life for most of us is pretty good,” he said. “But at some fundamental level, people think our governmental institutions are letting them down.”
The last year has seen a modest decline in most ratings for elected officials.
- Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna is viewed favorably by 34% and unfavorably by 26%. Last year was 37% favorable and 21% unfavorable.
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is viewed favorably by 42% and unfavorably by 32%, a drop from 46% favorable and 23% unfavorable in last year’s QLI.
- Respondents had a slightly favorable view of the city councils in their cities: 37% favorable and 32% unfavorable. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is viewed more negatively: 27% favorable and 35% unfavorable.
The Quality of Life Index in issues regarding the environment found that 25% of respondents said climate change had a major impact on their quality of life in the last year; 38% saw a minor impact.
Los Angeles County
Eric Schockman appointed to LA County LGBTQ+ Commission
Schockman served as high-level staffer in the State Assembly & was instrumental in passing AB 1 (1st LGBTQ+ civil rights bill in California)
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang appointed LGBTQ+ community leader and educator as well as noted author H. Eric Schockman, Ph.D., to the first-ever Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission.
Schockman currently is Professor of Politics and International Relations at Woodbury University, previously serving as Associate Dean and Associate Adjunct Professor at the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California.
He was President and founder of the Global Hunger Foundation, dedicated to helping women in the developing world break the chains of poverty by funding projects designed to provide sustainable development and organic farming. He served as CEO and President of a prestigious international anti-hunger organization for over a decade pumping some $60 million in grants into the field.
“This was an easy choice for this ground-breaking commission,” Los Angeles County Assessor Prang said. “I’m just grateful that Eric agreed to serve on this important commission, especially in light of the serious and hateful policies against the LGBTQ+ community across the country. Eric has a long record of leadership and activism, advocating for LGBTQ+ equality and will add a strong voice of experience and accomplishment to this important commission.”
Schockman served as high-level staffer in the State Assembly and was instrumental in passing AB 1 (the first LGBTQ+ civil rights bill in California). He has also written several books and edited many articles on leadership and politics in California, the nation and international affairs, and presented on scholarly panels on these same topics.
(Photo Credit: Woodbury University)
Schockman holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and International Relations from the University of California.
“I am pleased and honored to be asked to serve on this historic commission,” Schockman said. “Assessor Prang has shown his leadership in LGBTQ+ issues for years and I do not take this new assignment lightly. I am grateful to be selected.”
The Commission was created last June with a motion authored by Supervisors Hilda L. Solis and Janice Hahn. The 15-member Commission will provide recommendations on policies and budget priorities at a time when LGBTQ+ people face mounting challenges.
According to the LA County Commission on Human Relations’ 2021 Hate Crime Report, 89% of the hate crimes towards gay men were of a violent nature and 93% of anti-transgender crimes were violent – a rate of violence higher than any other marginalized group recorded by the report.
The Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission will be seated and hold its first meeting in the coming months.
Los Angeles County
City of Malibu backing two bills aimed at making PCH safer
Between March 11 & 17, the Malibu CPH Task Force issued 109 citations (88 for speeding & two for distracted driving)
MALIBU, Calif. – The City of Malibu is supporting efforts by officials in Sacramento to increase and ensure efforts aimed at making the Pacific Coast Highway safer for drivers and pedestrians.
In a statement a spokesperson said that as part of the City’s commitment to addressing PCH safety and ensuring public safety in the community, the City sent a delegation of officials to Sacramento to support two State traffic safety bills, SB 1297 and SB 1509. Both bills were approved by the key State Senate Transportation Committee April 9 and will continue through the legislative process.
SB 1297, introduced by Senator Allen (co-authored by Assemblymember Irwin and Senators Stern and Friedman), would expand the State’s automated speed safety pilot program to allow the City of Malibu to participate. The City has advocated for the installation of the speed camera systems on PCH that can automatically issue citations to speeding motorists as one of the steps to help improve safety on PCH.
AB 1509, the NOT in California Act, was introduced by Senator Stern (co-authored by Senators Allen, Niello, Seyarto and Umberg), and would amend the CA Vehicle Code to make convictions of driving 26 MPH or greater over the posted speed limit, a two-point violation against a person’s driver’s license.
Malibu Mayor Pro Tem Doug Stewart, City Manager Steve McClary, Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown gave testimony and advocated for the Bills.
They were joined by Barry Stewart, whose daughter Peyton was one of the four Pepperdine students who were tragically killed by a speeding motorist while walking on PCH in October 2023, and Michel Shane, whose 13-year-old daughter Emily was tragically killed by a motorist while walking on PCH in 2010. Shane produced the powerful, moving film “21 Miles” about the dangers of PCH in Malibu. Both gave impassioned testimony about the dangers of PCH and the urgent need to improve safety conditions on the highway.
According to the California Highway Patrol, between March 11 and 17, the Malibu CPH Task Force issued 109 citations (88 for speeding; two for distracted driving; one for a seatbelt violation; and 18 for equipment violations). Four verbal warning were issued. One driver was stopped for speeding, and was arrested for DUI. Year-to-date, the CHP Malibu Taskforce has issued 721 citations.
The City Council on March 25 approved sending a letter urging Governor Gavin Newsom, State Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna, California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin, and Caltrans Director Tony Tavares to work collaboratively to make changes to the State Vehicle Code to help address PCH safety. The changes include:
- Anybody who exceeds 100 MPH shall lose their driver’s license for three months, and anybody who exceeds 100 MPH more than once in a 12-month period shall lose their driver’s license for six months.
- Anybody who exceeds twice the posted speed limit shall lose their driver’s license for one month, and anybody who exceeds twice the posted speed limit more than once in a 12-month period shall lose their driver’s license for two months.
- The loss of license in these instances shall be mandatory not discretionary.
Los Angeles County
New on the LA County Channel
You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here
New on the County Channel
Culinary classes, big screen movies, games and other delights for the entire family await those ready to venture out after the sun goes down for the beloved “Parks after Dark” Spring season at participating County parks.
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
Second Chance Month Expungement Events
Every person deserves the chance to rewrite their story. As we celebrate “Second Chance Month” in LA County, the Public Defender’s Office will be hosting a series of expungement clinics across the county.
Join the Public Defender’s Homeless Mobile Unit for Community Outreach Court at the Skid Row Community ReFresh Spot on Thursday, April 18th from 9am-12pm. This collaborative effort aims to assist individuals experiencing homelessness in resolving various legal matters, including record expungement, that can remove obstacles hindering access to housing, employment and social services.
For more information about the Community Outreach Court, visit pubdef.lacounty.gov/COC. For a full list of upcoming expungement events, click here.
At Your Service
Resilience is Taking Root in LA County
The Chief Sustainability Office has just released the discussion draft of Room to Grow, the first-ever Community Forest Management Plan in LA County. The Community Forest Management Plan is an actionable, long-term strategy to manage trees in our communities for today and for future generations to come.
To learn more about the plan and provide your input, visit lacountycfmp.org.
Out and About
Kids Beach Cleanup
In celebration of Earth Day, LA County Beaches and Harbors is partnering with Heal the Bay to host Kids Beach Cleanup event at Dockweiler Beach on Saturday, April 13, 9 AM – 12 PM.
Click here to learn more and/or register for the event.
Photo Finish
(Photo: Los Angeles County/Mayra Beltran Vasquez)
Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.
Los Angeles County
Anti-LGBTQ+ LA event features Christopher Rufo & Chaya Raichik
The events are held by far-right extremists like Raichik & Rufo protesting “secret gender transitions of minors & porno books in schools”
TORRANCE, Calif. – Two of the more prominent far-right anti-LGBTQ+ extremists are hosting an event Sunday, April 7 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Torrance – South Bay property which has stirred a reaction from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and activists.
Billed as a “War on Children” event, it features far right-wing extremist Chaya Raichik, the creator of the anti-LGBTQ+ social media accounts Libs of TikTok, and Christopher Rufo, who spreads transphobic and homophobic online content along with conspiracy theories.
A spokesperson for Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. provided a statement to the Blade that read in part: “Hilton properties serve as places of public accommodation and do not adopt, share, or endorse the views of any individuals or groups to which we provide accommodations and services. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Torrance – South Bay is independently owned and operated and therefore we are unable to speak on their behalf.”
Calls to the The DoubleTree by the Blade for comment were not responded to by the hotel.
Alejandra Caraballo, a trans clinical instructor at the Harvard Law Cyberlaw Clinic, who teaches Gender & Technology based courses posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Stand up to hate.”
Stand up to hate. https://t.co/7pFRmmMIEW pic.twitter.com/WitnA8tfiq
— Alejandra Caraballo (@Esqueer_) April 3, 2024
Rufo responded also on X posting: “The trans brigade is organizing a campaign to call the Hilton Hotel and demand that it shut down an event featuring me and @libsoftiktok. But the Hotel is telling them it is “proud to not discriminate” and then hanging up on them.”
The trans brigade is organizing a campaign to call the Hilton Hotel and demand that it shut down an event featuring me and @libsoftiktok. But the Hotel is telling them it is "proud to not discriminate" and then hanging up on them. pic.twitter.com/2R5vCuWPgJ
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) April 3, 2024
The “Stop the War on Children” events are held to protest what far-right and extremists like Raichik and Rufo allege are “the sexualization of children, secret gender transitions of minors and pornographic books at schools.”
Last October, “Stop the War on Children” rallies were held by anti-LGBTQ+ extremists in Temecula and 31 other U.S. cities and about 40 in Canada, all protesting LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum, books, and transgender youth in school settings on sports teams and using bathrooms that match their gender identity.
Los Angeles County
New on the LA County Channel
You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here
New on the County Channel
On the latest episode of ‘One on One,’ LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs’ Executive Director, Rafael Carbajal, discusses how the County is stepping up to help those in need.
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
Property Tax Deadline is Approaching!
The deadline to pay property taxes is approaching. Choose the safe, secure and no-cost way to pay. Pay your property taxes online with eCheck to avoid processing costs. To learn more, please visit propertytax.lacounty.gov.
At Your Service
Grants for Older Adult Homeowners
The Los Angeles County Development Authority’s Senior Grant Program assists with mobility and habitability repair to help low-income older adults (62 years or older) remain in their homes. To qualify, applicants must live within unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and own a home in need of modifications and repairs.
The program will finance deferred maintenance repairs such as roofing, plumbing, electrical, or heating that are necessary to improve the structural integrity of the home and prolong the home’s useful age.
Click here to learn more and see if you qualify.
Out and About
“Second Chance Month” Events
The Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department, in collaboration with County and community partners, will host resource fairs, meet-and-greets and grand opening ceremonies in all five Supervisorial districts during the month of April in honor of Second Chance Month.
The “Second Chance Month” events are an opportunity for justice-involved individuals and their families to learn about available and forthcoming resources from the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department and community-based organizations in their area.
Click here for a list of upcoming events.
Photo Finish
Solar eclipse program at the El Monte Library. Join in on all the solar eclipse fun at a County Library near you!
Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.
Los Angeles County
New on the LA County Channel
You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here
New on the LA County Channel
LA County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department recently launched an innovative and voluntary residential job training program that offers a chance for justice-involved individuals to receive free certifications and hands-on training in fire services plus room and board, career counseling, life skills training and job placement assistance.
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
Dine Out LA County
Los Angeles County currently offers Outdoor Dining for restaurants within unincorporated areas by permit. The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, in collaboration with Public Works, Public Health, and Regional Planning, are currently developing a Permanent Outdoor Dining Program that will continue to benefit both businesses and patrons.
Restaurants in unincorporated Los Angeles County have opportunities to expand dining seating into the following areas:
- Private Walkways
- Private Parking Facilities
- County’s Road Right-of-Way (Sidewalks, Metered or Unmetered Parking Spaces, and Alleys)
To learn more about this program, register for community meetings, or apply for a permit, visit lacounty.pw/dining.
At Your Service
Compact Mobile Food Operations Subsidy Program
The Department of Economic Opportunity will be supporting new and existing street vendors selling food with obtaining their Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) permits. Through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Department of Economic Opportunity will subsidize up to 75% of the total cost of CMFO fees which may include a permit fee, plan check, site evaluation, and home inspection. The funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information on the CMFO program, visit opportunities.lacounty.gov. To register for an upcoming workshop, click here.
Out and About
Women’s History Month: Fun at the Library!
Celebrate the last week of Women’s History Month with LA County Library! There’s something for everyone – to find an event near you, or to learn more with a good book, visit lacountylibrary.org.
Photo Finish
(Photo Credit: Los Angeles County / Mayra Beltran Vasquez)
Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.
Los Angeles County
New on the LA County Channel
You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here
New on the County Channel
During a recent LA County Pathway Home operation in Signal Hill and Long Beach, 60 people were moved off the streets and on to the road to permanent housing. To learn more about Pathway Home, click here.
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
Veteran Women’s Month
LA County celebrates all the incredible women who have served our country with unwavering courage and dedication. From defending our freedoms to breaking barriers, women veterans have played pivotal roles in shaping history and paving the way for future generations.
CalVet is surveying women veterans to assess their needs, gain their perspective, collect valuable data and link to services. Your experiences matter, and your voice is invaluable. Request a survey link today!
Thank you for your service!
At Your Service
HOP120: Home Ownership Program
LA County’s Home Ownership Program, HOP120, provides a second mortgage loan for first-time homebuyers with assistance up to $85,000, or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less. The loan provides a down payment and/or closing cost assistance–secured with a Deed of Trust and Promissory Note. HOP120 loans are 0% interest loans with a deferred payment.
For more information, and to see if you qualify, click here.
Out and About
W.A.T.E.R. YOUTH PROGRAM
W.A.T.E.R. Youth Sailing Camp is back for Spring Break! Taught by LA County W.A.T.E.R. Program Lifeguards, LA County Beaches and Harbors is ready to bring exciting outdoor adventures to eager campers in Marina del Rey! Here are the details:
- Dates: March 26 – 29, 2024
- Times: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Cost: $300 for the 4-day session (Financial aid available for qualifying families.)
- Ages: 11 to 17
- Level: Beginning
Click here to learn more and sign-up.
Photo Finish
Spring has sprung at Descanso Gardens! Plan your visit today.
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Los Angeles County
LA County Chair appoints two Angelenos to LGBTQ+ commission
Chair Lindsey P. Horvath has appointed two LGBTQ+ trailblazers to the inaugural Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey P. Horvath has appointed two Los Angeles LGBTQ+ trailblazers to the inaugural Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission, created through a Board action last June.
At the March 19 meeting of the Board of Supervisors, the Board unanimously approved Supervisor Horvath’s two historic appointees: Alejandro Soria and Sydney Rogers, known as Miss Barbie-Q.
“I am so excited that Sydney Rogers and Alejandro Soria have accepted our invitation to serve Los Angeles County as the Third District’s inaugural LGBTQ+ Commissioners,” said Horvath. “Their expertise, lived experience, and passion for uplifting all of our LGBTQ+ family, especially in this difficult time, are needed now more than ever. I look forward to working together to deliver for our LGBTQ+ communities and to ensure Los Angeles County is a place where everyone is welcomed, supported, and empowered.”
Alejandro Soria is a licensed marriage and family therapist who spent his professional career working with and advocating for LGBTQ+ families and individuals in the San Fernando Valley. A resident of Sylmar, Alejandro currently is the Senior Director of Outpatient Mental Health at the Village Family Services. He also is a private practitioner in the City of San Fernando, providing therapeutic services to children and adults. He is happily married and lives with his husband in Sylmar and brings deep passion and knowledge of the San Fernando Valley’s LGBTQ+ community to all of his work.
“As a proud San Fernando Valley resident and proud member of our strong and resilient LGBTQ+ community, I am honored for the opportunity to serve my community on the inaugural LA County LGBTQ+ Commission. As a mental health clinician with years of service to San Fernando Valley families, I am eager to offer my services and expertise to deliver for our communities,” said Alejandro Soria.
Sydney Rogers, also known as Miss Barbie-Q, is an activist, entertainer, and social worker who currently serves as the Equity Manager of Community Programs at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and the Program Manager of the Trans Economic Empowerment Project. She identifies as a a long-term sober, formerly unhoused Black Trans Femme sex worker who has fought to bring visibility and understanding to the TGI community throughout Los Angeles County. She is the recipient of the 2023 Williams Institute/Trans Latina Coalition UniTy Community Leadership Award. Sydney has worked in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Hollywood, and throughout the Third Supervisorial District of Los Angeles County.
“As anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and acts of violence increase day over day, I am grateful to Supervisor Horvath for recognizing the importance and necessity of uplifting Black and TGI voices at this critical time,” said Sydney Rogers. “As a drag artist and entertainer, our experiences in Los Angeles County matter. I am ready to bring my lived experience and that of so many others to LA County’s LGBTQ+ Commission, and it will be my priority to speak up for the most forgotten members of our community.”
The Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission will be seated and hold its first meeting in the coming months.
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