Downtown Los Angeles — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ regular meeting took place yesterday, May 2, at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration. There were about 77 agenda items, including the supplements, though not all were discussed in detail nor allotted individual public comment.

The Board discussed and voted on several motions, here are a few issues that stood out: Los Angeles hosting the Olympics games and World Cups, departments applying for funds to create arts programs, and making changes to how mandated reporters filing suspicions of child abuse and neglect. There were two presentations made to the Board by county departments: a report back on the different types of beds available for people experiencing homelessness and mental health instability; and actions taken to implement a new state law that will affect local street vendors.

Los Angeles hosting international games

Los Angeles will host the Summer Olympics in 2028 (July 21–Aug. 6) and the Paralympic Games (Aug. 22–Sept. 3) in 2028. The region will also be one of 16 cities in North America to host the Men’s World Cup tournaments (June 8–July 3) in 2026. LA recently bid to host the Women’s World Cup in 2027, along with Mexico.

Hosting four consecutive international games will dramatically impact Angelenos. The motion states that hosting these games may result in economic opportunities but there may also be “consequences of gentrification and displacement.” Historically, residents near Olympic infrastructure have seen displacement and increased policing.

The LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is generally not allowed to apply to certain arts and culture grants — in an effort to facilitate getting these grants the Board passed a motion allowing LA County departments such as Parks and Recreation to apply for grants in support of Metro to develop programs that transform transportation facilities, turn public spaces into temporary art hubs, and other events where local communities can participate in the games.

Report on mental health care beds

The Los Angeles County Departments of Mental Health, Public Health, and Health Services presented on the status of mental health and substance abuse beds. Beds refers to slots in a hospital or clinic where an individual can receive supervised care. They gave an overview of the six levels of care across four county departments. The levels range from short-term care which include urgent care and sobering centers to long-term care such as permanent supportive housing. The exact number of beds was not given, but will be provided at a future meeting.

The county is working on a bed tracking system to facilitate knowing what type of beds are available and where. However, the system might take another year to be up and running.

Mandated reporters

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) receives about 16,000 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect each month. Most reports are made by educators, law enforcement, and medical staff who are required by law to notify DCFS of abuse in their capacity as mandated reporters.

In 2022, mandated reporters made 82.5% of reports, yet only 16% of those reports were determined by DCFS to necessitate an investigation. The “Evolving from Mandated Reporter to Mandated Supporter” motion states that mandated reporting can overburden the system because many of the reports don’t pan out and don’t require intervention.

With the overarching goal to retrain mandated reporters and reduce fraudulent reports, the motion directs staff to look into the mismatch between mandatory reporters filing and actual cases deemed abuse by DCSF. Further, the Board inquired into why mandated reporting disproportionately impacts communities of color. The Board also requested the creation of training guidelines, and establishment of “community pathways” for families that do not need DCFS intervention.

Senate Bill 972

Directors from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPS) and Department of Economic Opportunities (DEO) gave a presentation on Senate Bill 972 (SB 972), a law passed last year that affects street vendors. They briefly explained how the departments are working on educating street vendors about the changes and process to obtain permits.

SB 972, which went into effect on Jan.1, modified the California Retail Food Code and allows a new category of vendors to obtain public health permits. The law established a new type of food facility called a “compact mobile food operation” (CMFO), defined as a non-motorized push-cart, stand, rack, or pedal-driven cart.

“I am here to ask the county to please prioritize education and resources for the street vendors,” said Miriam Zamora, street vendor with the Community Power Collective, an organization that works with tenants and workers.

Food vendors and organizers criticized DPS and DEO for “gatekeeping” information and pleaded they do a better job at informing street vendors about their rights. They also asked for an easier process to obtain a permit and lower permit fees.

Ashley Orona is a journalist and community organizer from South Central Los Angeles. She loves spending time with her family, supporting local businesses, and finding new scenic views around LA.