Karla Pleitéz Howell | First 5 LA Executive Director

January 23, 2023 

This past weekend should have been a festive Lunar New Year celebration in Monterey Park, bringing together families and communities, but instead a joyous gathering was marred by yet another senseless mass shooting.  

My heart goes out to the victim’s families, and all impacted by the tragic violence in the San Gabriel Valley.  

Creating safe and inclusive spaces in L.A. County for all young children to thrive is at the heart of our work at First 5 LA. Let this be the continued motivation for us all to do the important work we have before us to help prevent another tragedy.  

We mourn for the families who lost loved ones in Monterey Park and grieve for all who have experienced loss and who continue to be impacted by gun violence in our country.  




After the Fires: Rebuilding LA for Young Children

After the Fires: Rebuilding LA for Young Children

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer February 26, 2025 It's a crisp, bright February morning in Robinson Park, where Pasadena's annual Black History Festival is underway. Despite the fires that raged just a mile north of the park 15 days earlier, people are gathered...

Celebrating Black History Month 2025

Celebrating Black History Month 2025

February 2025 This February, First 5 LA joins families and communities across Los Angeles in celebrating Black History Month. Originally conceived in 1926 as a way of preserving and sharing Black life, history, and culture, the event received its federal designation...

First 5 LA Board Discusses Fire Recovery Efforts and Home Visiting Initiative

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...

Translate