Press Room
The First 5 LA Press Room is a helpful first stop when seeking recent statements and positions on our accomplishments and priorities for L.A. County’s youngest children.
For press inquiries, email First 5 LA’s Communications Department Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Marlene Fitzsimmons at mf**********@******la.org
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SCOTUS Ruling (June 27) on Birthright Citizenship: First 5 LA Public Statement
Los Angeles, CA (July 2, 2025) - First 5 LA is deeply dismayed by the Trump Administration’s Executive Order which undermines the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution—the provision that guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil. This action...
Enacted State Budget for Fiscal Year 25-26: Statement from First 5 LA President & CEO, Karla Pleitéz Howell
Los Angeles, CA (July 1, 2025) - First 5 LA President and CEO, Karla Pleitéz Howell released the following statement in response to the enacted Fiscal Year 2025-2026 California state budget signed by Governor Newsom: “First 5 LA recognizes the complex and constrained...
Statement from First 5 LA President & CEO, Karla Pleitéz Howell : First 5 LA Stands in Solidarity with L.A. County’s Immigrant Community
June 9, 2025 (Los Angeles, CA) – There are moments that call for us to choose – between fear and compassion, division and dignity, silence and courage. This is one of those moments. What we choose now shapes the kind of community and future we are building for our...
First 5 LA Applauds L.A. County Board of Supervisors for Prioritizing the Rebuilding and Recovery Needs of Child Care Providers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 24, 2025 Contact: Marlene Fitzsimmons Phone: 213.482.7807 Connection to Resources and Streamlined Process To Reopen Critical Child Care Services for County Residents Los Angeles, CA (February 24, 2025) — In the wake of the devastating...
First 5 LA Thanks Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for Speeding Rebuilding and Recovery in Wake of LA Fires
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 5, 2025 Contact: Marlene Fitzsimmons Phone: 213.482.7807 Public Agency Applauds Mayor’s Leadership in Supporting L.A. City Youngest Children and Their Families Los Angeles, CA (February 5, 2025) — With many child care facilities facing...
First 5 LA President and CEO Releases Statement on L.A. County Fires
January 15, 2025 Dear, Los Angeles County Community, First and foremost, I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe. Our hearts go out to the members of our community and their loved ones who have been impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles...
First 5 Network Responds to Governor Newsom’s Proposed 2025-2026 Budget
SACRAMENTO, CA (January 10, 2025)—The First 5 Network, which includes First 5 California, the First 5 Association of California, and First 5 LA, issued the following statements regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2025-2026 budget: Governor Newsom’s proposed...
Bringing Vision to Action: Karla Pleitéz Howell Introduces 2024-2029 Strategic Plan Initiatives and Tactics
November 14, 2024 The recent...
FIRST 5 LA ANUNCIA A AUREA MONTES-RODRÍGUEZ COMO NUEVA VICEPRESIDENTA DE PARTICIPACIÓN COMUNITARIA Y POLÍTICAS
Líder de la comunidad de larga trayectoria elegida para ayudar a guiar a la Organización de Abogacía para la Primera Infancia más grande del Condado de Los Ángeles, poniendo al centro la Voz Comunitaria, equidad racial, y la justicia social. LOS ÁNGELES, CA (4 de...
FIRST 5 LA ANNOUNCES AUREA MONTES-RODRIGUEZ AS NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND POLICY
September 4, 2024 Long-time Community Leader Chosen to Help Guide L.A. County’s Largest Early Childhood Advocacy Organization, Centering Community Voice, Racial Equity and Social Justice. LOS ANGELES, CA (September 4, 2024) – First 5 LA, a leading early childhood...
