LA County Board of Supervisors to Vote on Firefighter Pipeline for Formerly Incarcerated and Oil Drilling Phase-Out

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider expanding employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated wildland firefighters and advancing the County’s transition away from urban oil drilling during its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

The meeting will take place at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 500 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, in Board Hearing Room 381B.

Supervisors Solis and Hahn are proposing the creation of a Career Development Intern – Wildland Fire Firefighter specialty position to provide entry-level employment opportunities for individuals with wildland firefighting experience who were previously incarcerated. The proposal would direct several County departments to develop a pipeline program connecting individuals released from custody with workforce opportunities in the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The motion includes provisions for robust training programs with certifications for wildland, structural, hazardous material, and Emergency Medical Technician skills. It also directs the Public Defender and Alternate Public Defender to develop a proposal for expediting expungement assistance for program participants.

“…certain offenses may disqualify an applicant, including arson and Penal Code Section 290 sex offenses, all other applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis,” states the motion by Supervisors Solis and Hahn.

Another significant vote item involves advancing the County’s plans for phasing out urban oil drilling. Supervisor Mitchell’s motion calls for implementing local regulations to strengthen health and safety protections during the transition period, with a focus on gaps in existing regulations.

The proposal also directs County departments to report on recommended policy changes regarding remediation and reuse of former oil sites, ensuring “timely clean up, operator accountability, appropriate health and safety standards, and enforcement mechanisms.” Additionally, it requires annual reporting on Senate Bill 1137 and Assembly Bill 1866 compliance and authorizes up to $300,000 for consultants to support the Just Transition Task Force’s work.

The Board will also vote on a $90.7 million contract with Kedren Community Health Center to construct three mental health facilities within Kedren’s Children’s Community Care Village, which would serve residents in the First, Second, and Fourth Districts. The funding is split between $21 million for FY 2024-25 and $69.7 million for FY 2025-26, fully funded by Mental Health Services Act Innovation and Capital Facilities and Technological Needs funds.

In response to recent disasters, Supervisor Horvath is proposing bill forgiveness for Waterworks District No. 29 ratepayers affected by the Palisades, Franklin, and Broad Fires. The measure would allow forgiveness or refunds of water supply charges for those seeking to rebuild homes and businesses destroyed in the fires.

Supervisor Horvath is also proposing a Board of Supervisors Staff Emergency Communications Plan to establish protocols for Board staff during emergencies, including during widespread cellular and internet outages.

Supervisor Barger is recommending support for Assembly Bill 476, which would strengthen regulations against copper and nonferrous metal theft by requiring junk dealers and recyclers to maintain detailed transaction records and proof of ownership for metal sales.

Other agenda items include:

• Proclaiming June 28, 2025, as “LA Pride – Christopher Street West Day” throughout Los Angeles County
• Proclaiming May 2025 as “Brain Tumor Awareness Month”
• Establishing the third Saturday in May as “Black Elders Appreciation Day” throughout Los Angeles County
• Recognizing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026
• A public hearing on vacating alleys in the unincorporated community of Florence-Firestone

The Board will also review continuing 11 proclaimed local emergencies, including the January 2025 Windstorm and Critical Fire Events and the Winter Storm proclaimed in February 2025.

The Los Angeles County Development Authority will consider funding for affordable housing projects, including $60 million in multifamily housing mortgage revenue bonds for the Century + Restorative Care Village Phase II Project and $80 million for the Esperanza Village Project in El Monte.

The meeting will be televised on KLCS on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. Members of the public can participate by calling (877) 692-8955 and entering Participant Code 4433663 starting at 9:00 a.m. For those who wish to listen only, call (877) 873-8017 and enter access code 111111 for English or 222222 for Spanish.

Written public comments may be submitted through the County’s website at https://publiccomment.bos.lacounty.gov.