By, Katie Kurutz | Communications Specialist
September 3, 2026
First 5 LA Happenings offers a snapshot of the events, partnerships, advocacy efforts, publications and other activities advancing our work on behalf of Los Angeles County’s children and families. From community engagement and policy advocacy to new resources and collaborations, Happenings provides a look at how First 5 LA and our partners are working to create lasting change for children prenatal to age 5 and their families.
Play Day Inspires a Vision for Better Parks
In June, more than 3,000 people gathered in the West Adams area of Los Angeles for the LA84 Foundation and Play Equity Fund’s annual Play Day Block Party, a celebration of the National Day of Play filled with sports, performances, art, and community. First 5 LA hosted a “draw your dream park” activation as part of our Parks and Open Spaces work, which aims to increase access to parks and open spaces for children ages 0 to 5 across Los Angeles County. Parks give young children room to play freely, connect with others, and explore new environments, all of which supports healthy development.
Families shared what they most want to see. Shade came up again and again, along with water areas and playground features designed for young children. Including the voices of families with young children in park planning is central to First 5 LA’s developing strategies.
Community Leadership for Healthier Motherhood in South L.A.
Earlier in the summer, Communities Senior Program Officer Alex Wade accepted an award of recognition for his contributions to children and families in the South Los Angeles region. The recognition happened during the ReImagine MotherHood event hosted by Rising Communities, a South Los Angeles–based nonprofit that works to advance community power by engaging residents in advocacy, leadership development and systems change. 
The event marked the launch of the ReImagine MotherHood Coalition which brings together a 21-member Steering Committee and a growing network of partners working to address some of the most pressing maternal and infant health disparities in Los Angeles County. The convening featured a powerful keynote from Linda Villarosa, a panel discussion on Black infant and maternal mortality led by Dr. Kim Narain, and an exploration of ancestral wisdom, highlighting the connections between oral traditions and the work of doulas, Tewa, midwives, and birth workers across cultures.
Zamora Park Reimagined Through Community
In May, popular urban planner publication, L.A. Streetsblog gave kudos to First 5 LA for our part played in the renovation of El Monte’s Zamora Park. “Now, the rebuilt park feels refreshed and full of life, without being over-designed,” said Chris Greenspon in his Streetsblog article, “A job well done by the First 5 L.A. and the city.”
In late 2019, First 5 LA joined with partners at the Resources Legacy Fund, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and The California Wellness Foundation to support the Link initiative – Link, short for Link Advocates, Governments, Families, and Parks initiative – which helped drive engagement of community residents to meaningfully contribute to the planning of parks and other spaces, including Zamora Park. Now, after many years of renovation and dedicated funding, the once decaying park has kids reclaiming the new playground, seniors on the new walking path, and a new splash pad, basketball court, picnic area and workout station open for the community.
ECE Thrive LA Connects Policymakers with Early Educators
In July, First 5 LA participated in ECE Thrive LA’s second lunch and learn event of the year titled “Beyond Babysitting: Understanding and Valuing ECE Educators.” ECE Thrive LA is a coalition of early care and education (ECE) advocates working alongside families and ECE educators to build a sustainable and equitable ECE system that reflects and closes the gap for all children, families, and the ECE workforce. The coalition includes Catalyst CA, Child Care Alliance of LA, Child Care Resource Center, Crystal Stairs, First 5 LA, Options for Learning, Pathways LA, SEIU Local 99/CCPU, and UNITE-LA.
The purpose of the event was to increase the knowledge of federal, state, and county elected official district staff about the early care and education system, as well as build relationships between offices and coalition partners. Event hosts featured overviews about the economic impact of ECE and childcare as well as the significant access gaps for low-income families. They also led a tour of the Pathways LA Child Development Center, which everyone felt was meaningful for understanding how much early educators do for children, contrasted with how little they are compensated. ECE Thrive plans to host another event in the series to continue momentum in the new legislative session.
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