|
Dear Friends,
Through Project Homekey, we’re transforming old hotels into beautiful, safe apartments with wraparound services that help families experiencing homelessness transform their lives. The Sierra, run by Hope the Mission, recently opened and is already bringing hope to people in Lancaster. Formerly two motels, the facility is now the first of its kind in the Antelope Valley. There are 38 rooms with a total of 152 beds for families to safely stay together, with supportive resources onsite and lots of recreation space for children and pets to play.
It was so moving to hear stories from residents firsthand about how this facility has changed their lives. I met one single mother of six children who had escaped domestic violence and was living in her car with her children between the ages of five and 11. The family of seven was temporarily staying at a rundown motel, but preferred to stay in the car for safety reasons. It had been challenging to find steady housing because of the size of their family, which is why The Sierra was a perfect fit. After moving there, the mother and her children had plenty of space, their own beds, three meals a day, and supportive services to help them get on their feet. The mom said it's the best place she's ever lived and is immensely grateful for the safety and stability it's provided for her and her children.
The Sierra serves as a powerful example of what happens when we think creatively and work together to address homelessness in our communities. I look forward to seeing more facilities like it built in the Fifth District and more lives changed as a result.
Best wishes,
Kathryn Barger
Supervisor, Fifth District
|
|
|
Meet Xolo, a gentle and fun two-year-old Vizsla/German Shepherd mix, and Rocko, an energetic and playful two-year-old German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix. If you'd like to open your heart and home to a new pet, consider adopting one of them from the Palmdale Animal Care Center, which is open for drop-ins Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
|
|
|
This week, our Board of Supervisors headed to Washington D.C. for our annual trip to advocate for resources for our County. Some of the trip highlights included meeting with Social Security Administration Deputy Commissioner Tom Klouda (and Commissioner Martin O’Malley virtually) to talk about social security identification for foster youth, Federal Communications Commission Chief Legal Advisor Ramesh Nagarajan to discuss implementing the 9-8-8 emergency mental health line, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Director Eddie Belk to discuss infrastructure, and Federal Railroad Administration Associate Administrator Paul Nissembaum to talk about the High Desert Corridor Rail project. We also honored the outgoing congressmembers who represent L.A. County for their partnership and leadership, including my dear friend Rep. Grace Napolitano. It was a jam-packed and productive trip!
|
|
|
It's been an exciting time in girls sports for the Antelope Valley! On Monday, I was proud to congratulate the Quartz Hill High School girls soccer team and the Antelope Valley High School girls basketball team on their CIF Championship wins this season with special certificates and lunch at Raising Cane's. The Royals and the Antelopes showed that hard work pays off and have represented their community well!
|
|
|
Ms. Annie Bell was a devoted and beloved volunteer at the Antelope Valley Senior Center for 17 years. This week, nearly eight years after her tragic passing, community members and her loved ones gathered at the Senior Center’s library to dedicate it in her honor— a special tribute to her wonderful life in a place where she gave so much of her love and time.
|
|
|
April is Arts Month in Los Angeles County! To celebrate all the amazing arts activities and organizations across our communities, I authored a motion that created an interactive map to make it easy to find arts near you. Head to the link below to explore all the incredible resources and experiences in your neighborhood, or to add one of your favorite arts activities to the map yourself.
|
|
|
Los Angeles County's Department of Economic Opportunity is designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, and thrive. As a part of their Shop Local L.A. County campaign, their new Digital Skills L.A. pilot program is helping small business owners strengthen their digital skillset and reduce technological barriers. This program will provide educational tools to build the visibility of their business' online presence to improve its overall operations and revenue goals. Digital Skills L.A. will select an inaugural cohort of 50 small and microbusinesses for one-on-one coaching to provide ongoing, actionable support for these businesses to improve their presence online. Click the link below to sign up for a virtual workshop, attend an in-person workshop, and apply for the cohort.
|
|
|
At this week's Board of Supervisors meeting, I introduced a motion to recognize a new nonprofit organization, DarkSky L.A. County, for their work to diminish the impact of artificial light. Light pollution is growing and we need to be more deliberate in our effort to preserve natural darkness. Check out the link below for practical tips for protecting the visibility of the night sky and to watch an engaging mini documentary.
|
|
|
Drumming for Your Life Institute is setting out to host the largest drum circle in the history of Los Angeles! In honor of May as Mental Health Month, the organization is hosting the event to promote self-expression, healing, purpose, and personal power. Check out this fun opportunity at Gloria Molina Grand Park, and explore other events happening across the county during May.
|
|
|
Join LADWP and the IBEW Local 18 Women's Council for the second annual Women's Career and Wellness Expo! This fun and family-friendly event allows attendees to learn about skilled craft and professional careers in construction, electrical, engineering, fleet, IT, facilities, security, and water. The expo will feature hands-on activities, workouts, meal prep demos, healthcare information, and free food and goodies. If you're interested, head to Sun Valley on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
|
|
|
|
|
