Miscellaneous
New poll shows Americans overwhelmingly oppose anti-transgender laws
Things will get better, and this legislation is just a momentary setback for trans acceptance
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2020/08/Trans-Flag.jpg)
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2021/04/Trans-folk-not-threat-via-HRC-600x334.jpg)
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2021/04/PBS-News-Hour-Logo-1.jpg)
By Matt Loffman | The rights of transgender Americans has been a growing topic of debate on sports fields, in state capitols and in Congress. The Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy organization, says more than 30 state legislatures have proposed more than 115 bills that would limit transgender rights, from participation on sports teams to access to medical care.
But two-thirds of Americans are against laws that would limit transgender rights, a new PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll found. That opposition includes majorities of every political ideology from liberal to conservative and every age group.
These proposed bills have emerged as a new culture war, with Republican state legislators introducing and voting for them amid Democratic opposition, while a majority of Americans who identify as Republicans are against such laws, according to the poll.
“The parties are speaking to their base people,” said Lee Miringoff, the director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, which conducts the poll. “The Democratic coalition is more diverse. It’s broader. The Republicans are speaking to a much narrower base, and that can put you against the overall public opinion within those jurisdictions.”
About one half of one percent of U.S. adults are transgender, according to a recent Gallup survey. In the PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll, more than half of Americans say they personally know someone who is transgender. That includes 53 percent of Democrats, 39 percent of Republicans and 61 percent of independents.
People under the age of 40 are more than twice as likely as older Americans to personally know someone who is transgender. Sixty-three percent of Gen Z and millennial voters said they do, while just 28 percent of people over 74 years old said the same.
Five years ago, less than a third of Americans said they knew someone who was transgender, according to a Pew Research Center survey.
“It’s really hard once you’re informed or you know a trans person to support one of these bills because it really strikes at the humanity of a trans person,” said Kate Sosin, who reports on LGBTQ+ issues at The 19th. “More than half of people do know transgender people and that number is only going to go up…and if that is the case, this is inevitably going to be a losing issue for lawmakers trying to make this a wedge issue, because even if you don’t support transgender rights, you don’t want to be the lawmaker pushing something that is seen as bigoted.”
Health care and trans youth
The most far-reaching bills introduced this year would limit transgender youth from accessing gender-affirming medical care. Twenty-one state legislatures have considered such bills this year, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA, which also estimates more than 45,000 youth could be affected, including nearly 1,500 kids in Arkansas who will lose medical care after the state became the first in the country to enact such a law just last week.
Fewer than three in ten people support state laws that prohibit gender-affirming care for minors or that criminalize providers of that care. Among Republicans, 26 percent support bills that prohibit this medical care, while 70 percent are opposed. That’s on par with where Democrats landed on the issue, with 26 percent in favor of such bills and 69 percent opposed.
![](https://d3i6fh83elv35t.cloudfront.net/static/2021/04/medical-care-for-minors-1200x900.png)
Republican support for criminalizing providing gender transition-related care for minors was markedly higher, at 38 percent, while only 19 percent of Democrats were in agreement. Forty-two percent of people who supported former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election said they support criminalization.
“People aren’t eager to victimize the individual,” Miringoff said, comparing Republican support on these bills to similar shifts in opinion on abortion services. “Tolerance for the individual and not wanting to discriminate against the individual is different than providers for some of the services.”
Dr. Robert Garofalo, a pediatrician who treats transgender youth at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, said gender-affirming care, which can include puberty blockers and hormones like testosterone for transgender boys and estrogen for transgender girls, is considered best practice by most medical experts.
“Who would want anything less for their child than the ability to live their lives with an element of authenticity? That’s what gender-affirming care is,” Garofalo said. “There’s no evidence to suggest that these treatments are experimental…There’s a common understanding within most mainstream medical organizations that access to gender-affirming care for these young people saves lives.”
Trans athletes
Bills that affect access to medical care might have serious health implications, but the legislation that is getting the most attention seeks to bar transgender people from competing on sports teams that align with their gender identity. More than half of the proposed legislation around transgender rights this year is about limiting sports participation, and governors in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee have all signed bills into law.
But nationally, these proposed laws are unpopular. Only 28 percent of Americans overall support bills to bar transgender youth from competing on teams that align with their gender, while two-thirds oppose the bills. Opposition is consistent across the political spectrum with two-thirds of Democrats, Republicans and independents all in agreement. People who know someone who is transgender are five-points more likely to oppose these efforts than people who do not.
![](https://d3i6fh83elv35t.cloudfront.net/static/2021/04/bill-prohibiting-trans-athletes-1200x900.png)
But while Americans across the political spectrum overwhelmingly agree that states shouldn’t pass laws regulating trans participation in sports, they are more evenly divided on whether transgender athletes should be allowed to compete on teams that match their gender identity. For grade school, 50 percent of people said transgender children should be allowed to play on teams that match their gender identity, while 44 percent said they should not. In middle school, the split was 49 percent for, and 47 percent against. In high school, 47 percent were for and 48 percent against. And in college, 49 percent were in favor and 45 percent opposed.
Support for transgender participation in sports is where American are more sharply divided along party lines. Seventy-five percent of Democrats say transgender high school athletes should be allowed to play on teams where they identify with their team mates, while more than 80 percent of Republicans say they should not. Independents are more closely divided with 44 percent in favor and 50 percent opposed.
The statewide bans were tested last year when Idaho became the first state in the country to enact a ban on transgender women joining women’s teams. A judge temporarily stopped the law from going into effect.
At the center of the lawsuit was Lindsay Hecox, a 20-year-old student at Boise State University and a transgender athlete. She was a track and cross-country runner in high school and hopes to one day join her university team.
“The legislation is basically being used as fear mongering against trans people, and I think trans athletes were an easy target,” Hecox told PBS NewsHour. “They word it so that I’m othered and made different when it doesn’t need to be that way.”
The National Collegiate Athletic Association and state athletic associations don’t track the number of transgender athletes competing, but a recent Associated Press analysis found only a handful of instances where such participation has led to a complaint, out of hundreds of thousands of high school athletes. Some of the lawmakers supporting the bans say they know of no transgender athletes competing in their states, but that they consider the bills to be proactive.
Advocates for the sports bans say transgender girls and women have an unfair competitive advantage, but medical experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, say there’s no evidence to support those claims.
“There is nothing in these pieces of legislation that I think are supported by any element of truth or any element of science,” Dr. Garofalo said. “We’re not legislating sports participation based on the size of your shoe or based upon your height or other sort of immutable characteristics.”
The International Olympic Committee first outlined its guidelines for participation of trans athletes in 2003. The NCAA has allowed transgender athletes to compete for nearly a decade, and in order to play college sports, transgender women must first complete a full year of testosterone suppression treatment, because after that time, medical experts generally agree any advantage in strength or endurance from previous testosterone levels would have disappeared.
Protection from discrimination
The efforts in Republican-controlled state legislatures to limit transgender rights are in sharp contrast with the Democrat-controlled Congress and White House, which are pushing to expand protections for LGBTQ people. On his first day in the Oval Office, President Joe Biden signed an executive order to combat discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. Last month, three Republicans joined House Democrats to pass the Equality Act, which would extend those protections in employment and housing discrimination under the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The Senate has not voted on the measure.
Sixty-three percent of Americans in this latest poll support the Equality Act, but that support is sharply divided along party lines. While 90 percent of Democrats support the bill, just 32 percent of Republicans say the same. Support also drops significantly among older populations. Nearly eight in ten adults under the age of 40 support the Equality Act. Less than half of Americans aged 75 and older agree.
![](https://d3i6fh83elv35t.cloudfront.net/static/2021/04/equality-act-support-1200x900.png)
Hecox said she hopes public opinion will continue to shift in favor of transgender rights as more people hear stories like hers. In the meantime, she said she’ll continue to fight anti-LGBTQ laws in the courts.
“Things will get better, and this legislation is just a momentary setback for trans acceptance,” Hecox said. “I don’t want to just fade from the world and not have any impact on it.”
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2021/04/Matt-Loffman-PBS-NewsHour.jpg)
Matt Loffman is the PBS NewsHour’s Deputy Senior Politics Producer
The preceding article was originally published by PBS NewsHour and is republished by permission.
Community Services - PSA
Youth Baseball & Softball Leagues for the Spring 2023 are back!
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/LAC-PR-Softball.jpg)
LOS ANGELES – As the world gets a little warmer and we settle into the Spring season, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is proud to announce the return of our Youth Baseball and Softball Leagues for the Spring 2023 season.
BASEBALL & SOFTBALL ARE BACK!
Sign up for our Spring Sports Leagues, Coming to an LA County Parks Near You!
REGISTER FOR YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES TODAY!
YOUTH BASEBALL
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/LAC-PR-Dreamteam-2-600x480.jpg)
Baseball season is right around the corner, now’s the perfect time to sign up your young athletes for our Youth Baseball Leagues! Our Baseball Leagues will provide an emphasis on learning fundamentals of Baseball, skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun. League will run for 10 weeks and consist of one weekday practice and one game every Saturday. Game score and league standing will be kept. Rules will be enforced. Registration fee will include uniform, award, and umpire. Qualifying teams will advance and participate in the playoffs.
Divisions & Dates:
D3-D6: April 15 – June 12
AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING PARKS
Divisions 3 – 6
NORTH AGENCY
Castaic Sports Complex: 31230 N. Castaic Rd., Castaic 91384 | (661) 775 8865
George Lane Park: 5520 W. Avenue, L-8, Quartz Hill, 93534 | (661) 722 7780
Jackie Robinson Park: 8773 E. Avenue R, Littlerock, 93543 | (661) 944 2880
Stephen Sorensen Park: 16801 E. Avenue P, Lake Los Angeles, 93591 | (661) 264 1249
El Cariso: 13100 Hubbard Street, Sylmar, 91342 | (818) 367 5043
Loma Alta: 3330 North Lincoln Avenue, Altadena, 91001 | (626) 398 5451
Pearblossom Park: 33922 North 121st St East, Pearblossom, 93553 | (661) 944 2988
Val Verde Park: 30300 Arlington St Castaic, 91384 | (661) 257 4014
EAST AGENCY
Arcadia Park: 405 S. Santa Anita Ave. Arcadia 91006 | (626) 821 4619
Allen Martin Park: 14830 E. Giordano St. La Puente 91744 | (626) 918 5263
Bassett Park: 510 Vineland Ave. Bassett | (626) 333 0959
Charter Oak Park: 20261 E. Covina Blvd. Covina, 91723 | (626) 339 0411
Dalton Park: 18867 E. Armstead St., Azusa, 91702 | (626) 852 1491
Manzanita Park: 1747 S. Kwis Ave., Hacienda Heights, 91745 | (626) 336 6246
Pathfinder Park: 18150 Pathfinder Rd., Rowland Heights, 91748 (562) 690 0933
Pamela Park: 2236 Goodall Ave. Duarte, 91010 | (626) 357 1619
Rimgrove Park: 747 North Rimgrove Dr. La Puente 91744 | (626) 330 8798
Rowland Heights Park: 1500 Banida Ave. Rowland Heights, 91748 | (626) 912 6774
San Angelo Park: 245 S. San Angelo Ave. La Puente 91746 | (626) 333 6162
Sunshine Park: 515 S. Deepmead Ave. La Puente, 91744 | (626) 854 5559
Steinmetz Park: 1545 S. Stimson Ave. Hacienda Heights, 91748 | (626) 855 5383
Valleydale Park: 5225 N. Lark Ellen Ave., Azusa, CA 91702 – (626) 334-8020
SOUTH AGENCY
Amigo Park: 5700 Juarez Ave. Whittier, 90606 | (562) 908-4702
La Mirada Park: 13701 South Adelfa Ave. La Mirada, 90638 | (562) 902-5645
Mayberry Park: 13201 East Meyer Rd, Whittier, 90605 | (562) 944-9727
Sorenson Park: 11419 Rosehedge Dr. Whittier, 90606 | (562) 908-7763
GIRLS SOFTBALL
Girl’s Softball League will provide an emphasis on learning fundamentals of Softball, skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun. League will run for 10 weeks and consist of one weekday practice and one game every Saturday. Game score and league standing will be kept. Softball rules will be enforced. Registration fee will include uniform, award, and umpire. Qualifying teams will be advance and participate in the playoffs.
Divisions & Dates
D3 – D6: April 15 – June 12
AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING PARKS
DIVISIONS 3 – 6
NORTH AGENCY
George Lane Park: 5520 W. Avenue, L-8, Quartz Hill, 93534 | (661) 722 7780
Jackie Robinson Park: 8773 E. Avenue R, Littlerock, 93543 | (661) 944 2880
Stephen Sorensen Park: 16801 E. Avenue P, Lake Los Angeles, 93591 | (661) 264 1249
El Cariso: 13100 Hubbard Street, Sylmar, 91342 | (818) 367 5043
Loma Alta: 3330 North Lincoln Avenue, Altadena, 91001 | (626) 398 5451
Pearblossom Park: 33922 North 121st St East, Pearblossom, 93553 | (661) 944 2988
Val Verde Park: 30300 Arlington St Castaic, 91384 | (661) 257 4014
EAST AGENCY
Arcadia Park: 405 S. Santa Anita Ave. Arcadia 91006 | (626) 821 4619
Allen Martin Park: 14830 E. Giordano St. La Puente 91744 | (626) 918 5263
Bassett Park: 510 Vineland Ave. Bassett | (626) 333 0959
Charter Oak Park: 20261 E. Covina Blvd. Covina, 91723 | (626) 339 0411
Dalton Park: 18867 E. Armstead St., Azusa, 91702 | (626) 852 1491
Manzanita Park: 1747 S. Kwis Ave., Hacienda Heights, 91745 | (626) 336 6246
Pathfinder Park: 18150 Pathfinder Rd., Rowland Heights, 91748 (562) 690 0933
Pamela Park: 2236 Goodall Ave. Duarte, 91010 | (626) 357 1619
Rimgrove Park: 747 North Rimgrove Dr. La Puente 91744 | (626) 330 8798
Rowland Heights Park: 1500 Banida Ave. Rowland Heights, 91748 | (626) 912 6774
San Angelo Park: 245 S. San Angelo Ave. La Puente 91746 | (626) 333 6162
Sunshine Park: 515 S. Deepmead Ave. La Puente, 91744 | (626) 854 5559
Steinmetz Park: 1545 S. Stimson Ave. Hacienda Heights, 91748 | (626) 855 5383
Valleydale Park: 5225 N. Lark Ellen Ave., Azusa, CA 91702 | (626) 334 8020
SOUTH AGENCY
Adventure Park: 10130 Gunn Ave. Whittier, CA – (562) 698 7645
Amigo Park: 5700 Juarez Ave. Whittier, 90606 | (562) 908 4702
Mayberry Park: 13201 East Meyer Rd, Whittier, 90605 | (562) 944 9727
Sorenson Park: 11419 Rosehedge Dr. Whittier, 90606 | (562) 908 7763
DODGERS DREAMTEAM BASEBALL & SOFTBALL
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/LAC-PR-Dreamteam-600x480.jpg)
Through an exciting partnership with the Dodgers Foundation, Dodgers Dreamteam (formerly Dodgers RBI) brings the sport of Baseball and Softball at a lower price! The goal of DDT is to provide an inclusive, barrier-free sports-based youth development program for communities that have historically been left out of consideration.
Divisions & Dates:
April 15 – June 12
Divisions 3 – 6
AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING PARKS
EAST AGENCY
Belvedere Park: 4914 E. Cesar Chavez Ave. Los Angeles, 90022 | (323) 260 2342
Obregon Park: 4021 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90063 | (323) 260 2344
Salazar Park: 3864 Whittier Blvd. Los Angeles, 90023 | (323) 260 2330
Saybrook Park: 6250 E. Northside Dr. Los Angeles, 90022 | (323) 724 8546
SOUTH AGENCY
Alondra Park: 3850 W. Manhattan Beach Blvd. Lawndale, 90260 | (310) 217-8366
Athens Park: 12603 S. Broadway Los Angeles, 90061 | (323) 241 6700
Bethune Park: 1244 E. 61st St. Los Angeles, 90001 | (323) 846 1895
Bodger Park: 14900 S. Yukon Ave. Hawthorne, 90250 | (310) 676 2085
Campanella Park: 14812 S Stanford Ave, Compton, 90220 | (310) 603 3720
Carver Park: 1400 E 118th St, Los Angeles, 90059 | (323) 357 3030
Del Aire Park: 12601 Isis Ave, Hawthorne, 90251 | (310) 643 4976
Helen Keller Park: 12521 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, 90044 | (323) 241-6702
Lennox Park: 10828 Condon Ave, Lennox, 90304 | (310) 419 6712
Mona Park: 2291 E 121st St, Compton, 90222 | (310) 603 3729
Franklin D. Roosevelt Park 7600 Graham Ave. Los Angeles, 90001 | (323) 586 5888
Ted Watkins Park: 1335 E 103rd St Los Angeles, 90002 | (323) 357 3032
Victoria Park: 419 M.L.K. Jr. St, Carson, 90746 | (310) 217 8370
REGISTER NOW!
For questions, contact LA County Parks at [email protected] or (626) 588-5364.
Community Services - PSA
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
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/11/LAC-County-2-Channel-1.jpg)
New on the County Channel
Volunteers fanned out across the region for the 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The point-in-time count enumerates the number of unsheltered people living on the streets and in cars to inform the deployment of resources and services needed to move people indoors.
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
Can the Trash! Clean Beach Poster Contest
SEEKING YOUNG ARTISTS!
Your child’s artwork could win a $100 gift card and be displayed on beach trash barrels this summer!
For a chance to win, 3rd–5th graders in LA County are encouraged to enter the CAN THE TRASH! Clean Beach Poster Contest.
Find details below:
Extended Deadline: Tuesday, February 14, 2023
- Open to 3rd–5th graders in LA County
- 15 winners will be selected
- $100 gift card to all winners!
- More at beaches.lacounty.gov/postercontest
- HURRY! All entries are due February 14, 2023!
Enter Now!
At Your Service
State of Emergency on Homelessness: Our Missions
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/image-6.png)
Los Angeles County is mounting an urgent and strategic response to the declaration of a state of emergency on homelessness, focusing initially on three key missions:
- Reducing encampments to bring unsheltered people indoors
- Increasing interim and permanent housing placements
- Ramping up mental health and substance use disorder services for people experiencing homelessness
To support these missions, the Board of Supervisors yesterday (Feb. 7, 2023) approved a record $609.7 million budget for the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative for fiscal year 2023-24, the largest investment in any given year to date to prevent and address homelessness. They also approved an additional $76.9 million to expand housing and services that the County provides in collaboration with local cities, as well as for innovative new programs.
Creative Recovery LA Application Workshops Available
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/image-7-600x445.png)
Join the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture and Community Partners to learn how to apply to Creative Recovery LA, a new grant program created to address pandemic impacts on the nonprofit arts sector.
Through this new initiative the Department of Arts and Culture will award over $26 million in American Rescue Plan funds to deliver financial relief and recovery to the nonprofit arts and culture sector. Arts and Culture is partnering with LA County Libraries to host in person workshops.
Workshops will include information about the program, guidelines, eligibility requirements, and tips on submitting strong proposals—everything 501c3 nonprofit and Model A fiscally sponsored organizations will need to prepare to apply online when the application is open through February 15, 2023.
#FoodEquityLA
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/image-8-600x600.png)
We’re setting the table for our neighbors struggling with hunger. The Board of Supervisors just adopted an action plan to address food insecurity, which affected more than 2 million County residents in 2022. First step is designing a new Office for Food Equity and identifying how to best implement the plan, from streamlining benefit enrollment to creating food-as-medicine programs.
Out and About
Family Storytime – Decorate a West African mask and Egyptian Collar Necklace
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/image-9-467x600.png)
Celebrate African American and Black History Month with LA County Library! Join us for a story time celebrating African American and Black History Month. Learn about traditions of the African diaspora with stories, songs, and dance. Decorate a West African mask and Egyptian collar necklace. To register for this event, click here.
Find more events hosted by LA County Library here.
A Healing Space
LA County invites you to A Healing Space: Well Being, Creative Expression & Connection as Acts of Resistance on Friday, February 19, 2023. Join us for food, music, social services, mental health support, art, healing circles, dance classes, benefits enrollment, animal emotional support, poetry, expungement, kids activities, pet adoption and much more.
Learn more by visiting jcod.lacounty.gov/event/a-healing-space/.
Photo Finish
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/image-10.png)
(Photo: Los Angeles County / Mayra Vasquez)
Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.
Community Services - PSA
Work where you play! Apply for the Youth @ Work Program today!
Key programs that Youth Workers will be eligible to work this season include Spring Parks After Dark & Every Body Plays after school program
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/LAC-Parks-After-Dark.jpg)
LOS ANGELES – LA County Parks is HIRING! This Spring, we are looking to employ our local LA County Youth with an excellent entry level job that pays more than minimum wage ($16.04) and allows them to work at their local LA County Park.
Our Youth @ Work employees assist in leading recreational activities for persons of all ages, helping support event setup and takedown, and interacting with the public.
Key programs that Youth Workers will be eligible to work this season include Spring Parks After Dark (PAD) and the Every Body Plays after school program. Spring PAD is set to be held this Spring Break season (March 23 – April 8) and will be featured at 34 LA County Parks from 6 – 10pm on Thursdays and Saturdays. Youth @ Work employees are also able to work during the Every Body Plays program, which runs from 2:30 – 5:30pm Monday through Friday at 58 LA County Parks until May 26.
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/youth-work-la.png)
Prospective applicants can apply today at https://bit.ly/40DwWBP.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be ages 14 -24
- Posses a current work PERMIT (for those 17 years old and younger)
- Have the right to work documents
- Be a current resident of LA County
APPLY TODAY!
All those interested are encouraged to apply today! Youth workers will learn how to lead programs and build customer service skills while making a difference in their local communities! For more information, join us at one of our upcoming outreach events this month!
Friday, February 17 (5-7pm)
Saturday, February 18 (12-2pm)
- Adventure Park
- Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park
- Stephen Sorensen Park
- Belvedere Park
- San Angelo Park
- Ted Watkins Park
APPLY TODAY!
Community Services - PSA
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
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/11/LAC-County-2-Channel-1.jpg)
The County of Los Angeles and its partners are making a difference in the lives of people like Eric who has left prison behind and gone from homeless to housed.
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
Deadline Extension: Childcare Providers Recovery Grants
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/image.png)
Are you a childcare provider located in Los Angeles County recovering from the pandemic? Grants starting at $15,000 are available to assist. Visit our lacountycprgrant.submittable.com to see how you can qualify.
At Your Service
Creative Recovery LA Application Workshops Available
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/image-1-600x445.png)
Join the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture and Community Partners to learn how to apply to Creative Recovery LA, a new grant program created to address pandemic impacts on the nonprofit arts sector. Through this new initiative the Department of Arts and Culture will award over $26 million in American Rescue Plan funds to deliver financial relief and recovery to the nonprofit arts and culture sector. Arts and Culture is partnering with LA County Libraries to host in person workshops. Workshops will include information about the program, guidelines, eligibility requirements, and tips on submitting strong proposals—everything 501c3 nonprofit and Model A fiscally sponsored organizations will need to prepare to apply online when the application is open through February 15, 2023.
Mental Health Resources for those Impacted by Recent Mass Shooting Incidents
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/image-2-600x600.png)
If you or your loved ones are experiencing mental health distress related to the mass shooting incidents at Monterey Park, Goshen, Oakland, and Half Moon Bay, do not hesitate to ask for help. 24/7 support and resources are available through our Help Line at (800) 854-7771 and through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Out and About
MVA Honors African-American Military History Month
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/image-3.png)
Join the Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs for an African-American Military History event on Friday, February 3rd, 2023 from 10am-1pm. Register for this event by scanning the QR code on the flyer.
Learn N Make: African American and Black History Month Event
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/image-4-467x600.png)
Celebrate African American and Black History Month with LA County Library! February spotlights African Americans. Learn about how African American and Black History Month is celebrated and what current Black leaders are making waves today.
The first in a series of events honoring Black History Month is today! The Learn N Make African American and Black History Month event is today from 3-4pm at Graham Library. To register for this event, click here.
Find more events hosted by LA County Library here.
Photo Finish
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/02/image-5.png)
Photo: Los Angeles County / Mayra Vasquez
Star Party at Griffith Park Observatory.
Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.
Community Services - PSA
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
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/11/LAC-County-2-Channel.jpg)
It’s been 50 years since Alycia Hernandez, then two years old, fell into a shaft while playing with her brother. For the firefighters who rescued her that day, the passage of time has not erased memories of the heroic struggle to bring her to safety.
Did you know LA County has a weekly news magazine that takes viewers behind the scenes to showcase people and programs making a difference in Los Angeles County and its communities?
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
Volunteer for LAHSA Homeless Count
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/01/image-2-350x600.png)
The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count is the annual census that counts our neighbors experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Through the Count, we’re better able to direct and advocate for vital services to support the needs of our unhoused neighbors. The Count is coming up, taking place January 24-26, 2023. To join, please visit www.theycountwillyou.org/.
At Your Service
Get Vaccinated at Home
If you or a loved one have difficulty leaving the home to get vaccinated against COVID-19, you can request in-home vaccination by calling 2-1-1 or the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Vaccine Call Center at 833-540-0473 (8am-8:30pm; 7 days a week).
Residents can also fill out the online request form (multiple language options available) or visit ph.lacounty.gov/vaxathome for more information. Referrals from caregivers, loved ones, organizations, agencies, providers (among others) are welcome. All doses are available for eligible individuals ages 6 months and older at no cost.
The Fall 2022 booster is also available for eligible individuals. Other family members or caregivers can be vaccinated during the same visit. For resources related to paratransit and free rides for vaccination, call the Public Health Vaccine Call Center or visit the How To Get Vaccinated page.
CalFresh Market Match Program
There are over 30 farmers’ markets in L.A. County where you can shop with CalFresh AND get between $10-$15 worth of market match vouchers to buy even more fresh and healthy produce. To find your local Certified Farmers’ Market, visit Farmers’ Market Finder by the Ecology Center and enter your zip code in the search bar.
Out and About
Lifeguard Ready Training
LA County Beaches and Harbor Lifeguard Ready Training prepares youth and young adults ages 16 to 24 with the skills necessary to become a Los Angeles County Swimming Pool Lifeguard. Swimmers of all abilities welcome. Sign up today at one of our nine training facilities located throughout LA County. The LRT program will provide participants with all the equipment necessary to complete the program.
For more information, visit: parks.lacounty.gov/lrt
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![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/01/image-3.png)
Photo: Los Angeles County / Mayra Vasquez
Los Angeles based fabric artist, London Kay, is installing the one of a kind “yarnbomb” at Westminster Avenue Elementary School.
Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.
Community Services - PSA
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
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/11/LAC-County-2-Channel-1.jpg)
The County of Los Angeles and its partners are making a difference in the lives of people like Amalia who has gone from homeless to housed.
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
Happy Mew and Lunar Year
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/01/image.png)
Adoption fees are waived for cats and rabbits all throughout January 2023. For cats, this also includes microchips and vaccinations. It does not include licenses, pain meds, spay/neuter, or trust deposits. For rabbits, this includes microchips, spay/neuter, and vaccinations. It does not include licenses, pain meds, or trust deposits.
You can visit during public hours (2pm-7pm Wed, 2pm-5pm all other days) or schedule an appointment here.
View all of our amazing animals currently available for adoption here!
At Your Service
Creative Recovery LA
The Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture is launching Creative Recovery LA!
Creative Recovery LA is a new grant initiative to address pandemic impacts on the arts and the creative economy, one of the most economically significant and hardest-hit sectors, while leveraging the unique capacity of arts and culture to catalyze our region’s economic recovery, civic connectivity, and community wellbeing. Through this initiative the Department of Arts and Culture will award over $26 million in American Rescue Plan funds to deliver financial relief and recovery to the LA County nonprofit arts and culture sector.
Creative Recovery LA includes five grant opportunities:
- Arts Relief and Recovery Grant
- Creative Works and Jobs for Artists Grant
- Reopening Culture, Tourism, and Marketing Grant
- Creative Career Pathways for Youth Grant
- Arts for Justice-Involved Youth Grant
Applications open January 18th, 2023. For more information on eligibility click here. For Creative Recovery application guidelines, workshops, and the online application portal, visit Community Partners’ webpage.
Delete the Divide: Youth Internships & Job Training
The Youth Internships & Job Training initiative helps young LA County residents explore opportunities in computer and information technology industries and prepares them with the skills and networks they need to pursue a career in those fields. The initiative provides members direct access to job opportunities, mentorships, and hundreds of training courses offered through our partners.
For more information, visit: deletethedivide.org/youth-internships-job-training.
Out and About
Car Seat Safety Workshop
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Antelope Valley Wellness Community is hosting a NO-COST Car Seat Safety Workshop!
This no-cost class, taught by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician will cover current California laws regarding restraining children in the car. Each type of seat will be reviewed (from infant seats to booster seats) to help parents/caregivers choose the appropriate seat for their child. How to use and correctly install different types of seats using vehicle safety belts and LATCH system will be explained and practiced!
Information:
Friday, January 20th, 2023
2:00pm-3:00pm
Antelope Valley Wellness Community
335-B East Ave K-6, Lancaster CA 93535
Click here for more information.
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Photo: Los Angeles County / Mayra Vasquez
Delete the Divide laptop giveaway event at East Los Angeles Library.
Like this shot? Then you’ll love our photo library! Click here access more beautiful pictures.
Community Services - PSA
LA County Close-Up: New on the County Channel
New on the County Channel, In Case You Missed It, At Your Service; You can watch stories on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/11/LAC-County-2-Channel-1.jpg)
New on the County Channel
![yearinreview](https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/e1u7oFtkSPjGU42JVfJKCTQjW7C8B1MR75A-Ft7AAiBOEoQ575TqC--hoNRpYh77w5OkjFJEImOs8KSmho7KCQKPtRfh35g73RFHx2wZS49Sk-yAdrASCjKTv-Aceclqib9nXXagzwjtTZBHUnfV9Z-3XybFlLaogOzmQIiwan71=s0-d-e1-ft#https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CALACOUNTY/2022/12/6920652/changinglives_original.jpg)
Take a look back at some of this year’s most impactful stories.
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
Celebrate Safely
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/12/image-9-600x600.png)
LA County Department of Public Health reminds you to take precautions as you prepare for holiday festivities. Headed to a Holiday Party? Get tested before the event and stay home if you’re sick.
For more resources, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov.
At Your Service
DPSS District Offices Are Now Safe Youth Zones
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/12/image-10-600x557.png)
If you, or a youth you know, needs help to get away from an abusive situation that involves human trafficking, exploitation, or abuse, just step inside any DPSS office for immediate assistance from trained DPSS Safe Youth Zone Liaisons. Look for the Safe Youth Zone signs outside DPSS offices. Click here for a list of DPSS offices.
Out and About
New Year’s Eve with Marina del Rey
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/12/image-11-463x600.png)
Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2022 in Marina del Rey with a Glow Party & Fireworks Show!
For more information, visit beaches.lacounty.gov/.
Photo Finish
![happynewyear](https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/ZpcdY7DXTAVM0H4sEvIaAVKIFZNjwuSVKE3MsS3VLrmxUSLJMGQxYxhpIYYFLE9YvLfjD0VGq6N9rtO2_Ft6xtRbBkQ4cy40jxrg4DwXrMMHZtePXkRS-Cr9ubLdf2NbGm4HR1IeMuncr8WPhmVTVOC5QMePqI7yheV02bluvHuKxntu3vrJPu9OXirFnq8=s0-d-e1-ft#https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CALACOUNTY/2022/12/6918179/4495171/happy-new-year-animated_crop.gif)
Photo: Los Angeles County
Community Services - PSA
LA County Close-Up: New on the County Channel
New on the County Channel, In Case You Missed It, At Your Service; You can watch stories on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/11/LAC-County-2-Channel-1.jpg)
New on the County Channel
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/12/image-7-600x403.png)
Meet Kipp, who is using the Breathe program to further her business! Breathe is a guaranteed income pilot program 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
Public Health Asks Residents to Mask, Get Boosted
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/12/image-6-600x600.png)
Increased transmission of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County means there is a higher likelihood of catching COVID during routine activities, such as grocery shopping, eating out at restaurants, running errands, or attending a concert or large holiday party. Los Angeles County moved into the CDC High Community Level last week, prompting Public Health officials to ask all residents to layer in sensible health protections including indoor masking and getting vaccinated and boosted.
One of the most effective ways to reduce COVID-19 transmission, along with transmission of other respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV, is to wear well-fitted, high-filtration masks indoors. Everyone ages 2 and older is asked to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, such as transit, retail, event venues, schools, and worksites when around others.
A wide range of data and dashboards on COVID-19 from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health are available on the Public Health website at publichealth.lacounty.gov.
At Your Service
#FoodEquityLA
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/12/image-5-600x600.png)
We’re turning the tables on food insecurity in LA County! More than 70 community-based organizations and 100 food-system experts have just released an ambitious blueprint for fixing LAC’s broken food system: lacountyfoodequityroundtable.org
Out and About
Winter Events with Beaches & Harbor
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/12/image-4-463x600.png)
The Department of Beaches and Harbors has several fun activities lined up through this winter season. Whether it’s a stroll through the Marina Lights, catching the holiday boat parade or ringing in the new year – there’s lots to do!
To learn more about upcoming events, click here.
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Community Services - PSA
Free toy giveaway hosted by Assembly Member Miguel Santiago
Hundreds of families will be invited to receive free toys to help celebrate the holidays. Additionally, there will be a DJ & a Santa on-site
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/12/Toy-Giveaway-Flyer-2-English.jpg)
LOS ANGELES – Assembly Member Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) announced Thursday that he and his staff will be hosting a free toy holiday giveaway at the Boys & Girls club gym at Estrada Courts in Boyle Heights.
Hundreds of families will be invited to receive free toys to help celebrate the holidays. Additionally, there will be a photo booth, a DJ and a Santa on-site. Other organizations coordinating the toy giveaway include the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) and the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). One toy will be given per child and each child must be present to receive each toy.
The Boyle Heights community and the surrounding areas are on the road to recovery after the worst of the economic downturn, many families are still unable to afford toys for their children for the holidays.
The toy giveaway will help bring the holiday spirit to these families which is important because during the last two holiday seasons, Boyle Heights was hit extremely hard by COVID-19.
WHEN:
Saturday, December 17
Event: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
WHERE:
Boys & Girls Club of Estrada Courts
3232 Estrada Street
Los Angeles, CA 90023
Parking:
Parking lot next to the gym.
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/12/Toy-Giveaway-Flyer-Spanish-429x600.jpg)
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/12/Toy-Giveaway-Flyer-English-429x600.jpg)
Community Services - PSA
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
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/11/LAC-County-2-Channel.jpg)
The annual tree lighting ceremony at Jerry Moss Plaza marks the beginning of the Holiday Season.
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/12/image-3-600x403.png)
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
Laptop Giveaway Event
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/12/image-2-468x600.png)
The County of L.A. is hosting special Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) enrollment and FREE laptop giveaway events at seven library locations on Saturday, December 10, 2022. The ACP is a federally funded program offering up to $30 off your monthly internet bill. One hundred laptops will be given away at each location for new enrollments.
To learn more and see a list of locations, visit ACP Enrollment & FREE Laptop Giveaways – Delete The Divide.
At Your Service
Grant Opportunity: Childcare Providers Recovery
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Are you a childcare provider located in Los Angeles County recovering from the pandemic? Grants starting at $15,000 are available to assist. Visit our lacountycprgrant.submittable.com to see how you can qualify.
Out and About
Howly Jolly Adoption Event
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This weekend at the Carson Gardena Animal Care Center, adoption fees will be waived for all adoptable dogs that have been in care for 60 days or longer. The waived fees include adoption, vaccination, spay/neuter and microchips. It does not include medication, licenses or trust deposits.
For more information, visit animalcare.lacounty.gov.
Winter Events with LA County Parks
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/12/image-1.png)
It’s Park Time L.A. County! Parks After Dark returns with an enchanting Winter Wonderland experience that will bring holiday cheer and 40 to 80 tons of snow to 34 L.A. County Parks in the month of December. This holiday action packed celebration is for the entire family and is bigger and better than ever before, with more snow, more toys, more craft activities and more fun! All for free!
For more information on Parks After Dark Winter Wonderland, visit parks.lacounty.gov/winterpad.
Photo Finish
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