September 12, 2023

New Report Finds 1 in 10 of Californians Aged 16 to 24 Not Working or Attending School.Approximately 4.7 million teens and young adults, ages 16-24 were living in California in 2020, and over half a million of them (11.3%) were neither in school nor working. This population of youth and young adults disconnected from school and work (“opportunity youth”) increased 20% between 2019 and 2021, according to the latest U.S. Census American Community Survey data.

The California Opportunity Youth Network has released a report in collaboration with New Ways to Work, that provides an updated analysis of California’s opportunity youth. The report cites racial and ethnic disparities among opportunity youth—Black young adults were disconnected from school and work at a rate of 17%, Hispanic/Latino as well as Native American young adults at 13%, White young adults at 11%, and Asian young adults at 7%.

The 12 most populous counties in California are home to three-quarters of the state’s 16-24-year-olds, and 62% of the opportunity youth population. The report provides the rate of disconnection among youth in these counties, with Kern having the highest rate (19.2% of 16-24-year-olds disconnected), Fresno having the second highest rate (15.8%), and San Bernardino the third (15.5%).

Lastly, the report summarizes data on how opportunity youth are disadvantaged. For example, disconnected teens and young adults are significantly more likely to have kids of their own and to receive government assistance, and less likely to have a computer or health insurance.

September 12, 2023

The Reproductive Health Equity Project for Foster Youth (RHEP) has launched Self-Taught, a podcast for foster youth that addresses sensitive topics such as sexual health, relationships, and identity.

The podcast can be found on YouTube and is hosted by former foster youth. Past episodes have focused on sexual and reproductive health, intersectional identity, consent, and reparenting, amongst other relevant topics. Episodes are meant to spark questions and provide resources, answers, empowerment, and community. Self-Taught is hosted by the RHEP youth advisory board at the National Center for Youth Law.

September 12, 2023

When

Tuesday, September 19

3:00 PM to 5:00 PM PT

Through the SoCalREN Multifamily Program, Participating Contractors can offer their multifamily property owner customers incentives to offset the cost of energy efficiency upgrades. If you work in HVAC, lighting, or water heating, you can work with SoCalREN to grow your business in the multifamily market. Please join us!

For more information, contact:

Shanette Anderson • P: (323) 632-4346 • E: WET@socalren.org

Tessa Charnofsky • P: (562) 841-2496 • E: tcharnofsky@isd.lacounty.gov

September 11, 2023

The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) is issuing an urgent appeal to the public, asking for assistance in locating a concealed location where puppies and other animals are suspected to be enduring unsafe conditions.

Disturbing reports have recently come to our attention, suggesting that an undisclosed group of animals (approximately 100-200 animals) are facing neglect and inhumane conditions within the Lake Los Angeles community in the Antelope Valley. These revelations have evoked deep concern and distress among ardent animal advocates, and the Department is investigating.

DACC can confirm that 14 of puppies from this location came into our care from a third party with no knowledge of the location. Ten puppies had to be humanely euthanized due to advanced parvovirus disease that was beyond treatment. The Department’s medical team tried vigorously to save the four remaining parvovirus-positive puppies by providing supportive treatment of subcutaneous fluids, antibiotics, and extra feedings. However, their condition also deteriorated rapidly and they also had to be euthanized for humane reasons.

DACC wishes to prevent further tragedy, and the safety and well-being of the remaining animals at this unknown location are of paramount importance. Our organization initiates an imperative plea to the public, urging individuals with any pertinent information to step forward and aid us in identifying the location where these animals are being kept so the Department can assess their care and take action to prevent further suffering and death.

Should you have knowledge of this undisclosed location, have witnessed suspicious activities, or possess any information that could be instrumental in DACC’s investigation, we urge the public to contact us without delay.

Please call the DACC North County Communications Center at (661) 940-4191, or after hours (562) 940-6898.

DACC hopes that through collective community efforts, we can put an end to this heart-rending situation and get these animals the medical care, protection, and chance at adoption they so rightfully deserve.

REMINDER: The Los Angeles County Water Plan public comment period will close next week. The deadline to submit comments is Monday, September 18, 2023.

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The Draft Los Angeles County Water Plan was released for public comment on August 3, 2023. To view, download or comment on the draft plan, visit LACountyWaterPlan.org.

The County Water Plan envisions a resilient and reliable water supply for Los Angeles County. As water management agencies in the region strive to solve regional water supply challenges, the County Water Plan will set the stage for interagency partnership and collaboration to best leverage regional resources.

The vision of the County Water Plan can only be achieved through genuine teamwork among water management agencies, local stakeholders, and the public. To that end, LA County Public Works strongly encourages all interested agencies, organizations, and individuals to comment on the plan, sign up to receive updates on potential strategies and learn more about future involvement opportunities during County Water Plan implementation.

September 12, 2023

Los Angeles, CA-- At today’s meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Chair Janice Hahn called for County CEO Fesia Davenport to dedicate an additional $12 million to the Care First Community Investment (CFCI) budget to meet the long-anticipated $300 million goal for the initiative.

In 2020, voters overwhelmingly passed Measure J, which directed the County to invest 10% of unrestricted local funds in community programs ranging from violence prevention, to mental health services, to youth development, to job training. When the Board created the Care First Community Investment Initiative to implement Measure J and carry out the will of the voters, the County’s CEO estimated that the annual CFCI amount would be $300 million, to be phased in over a three year period .

In 2021 and 2022, the County met the first benchmarks, dedicating $100 million each year to CFCI. However, this year’s spending plan presented to the board reflects just $88 million, bringing the total to $288 million.

“I’m frustrated that in our massive $43 billion budget, we could not find another $12 million to invest in this initiative,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “We are talking about funding for programs our communities desperately need -- from mental health services to after school programs to violence prevention. This is our chance to right wrongs in communities that have historically been overlooked. We are just three years into this effort and we shouldn’t slow down now.”

The Board voted unanimously to approve the recommended spending plan for the $88 million this year, while Hahn urged Davenport to identify the additional $12 million in funding in the County’s supplemental budget process later this year.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the FY 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on July 5, 2023. Applications are due by September 28, 2023; LAHSA will submit the LA CoC Consolidated Application on September 26, 2023.

Below is information regarding the LA CoC’s final project Priority Listing for funding consideration by HUD. No projects were reallocated (in part or in full) during the FY 2023 competition.