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**********@fi******.org
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First 5 LA Applauds L.A. County Board of Supervisors for Prioritizing the Rebuilding and Recovery Needs of Child Care Providers
by Katie Kurutz | Feb 24, 2025 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
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
by Katie Kurutz | Feb 5, 2025 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
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
by Katie Kurutz | Jan 16, 2025 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
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
by Katie Kurutz | Jan 15, 2025 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
SACRAMENTO, CA (January 10, 2024)—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
by Argin Aslanian | Nov 14, 2024 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
November 14, 2024 The recent...

FIRST 5 LA ANUNCIA A AUREA MONTES-RODRÍGUEZ COMO NUEVA VICEPRESIDENTA DE PARTICIPACIÓN COMUNITARIA Y POLÍTICAS
by Katie Kurutz | Sep 3, 2024 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
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
by Katie Kurutz | Sep 3, 2024 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
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...
First 5 Network Responds to State Budget Impacting California’s Youngest Children
by Katie Kurutz | Jul 2, 2024 | Press Room
Worst of proposed cuts to early childhood investments averted. First 5 Network remains cautiously optimistic on delayed program expansions SACRAMENTO, CA (July 1, 2024) – The First 5 Network today expressed a mix of support and caution following the state budget...

First 5 Network Responds to State Budget Cut Proposals Impacting California’s Youngest Children
by Katie Kurutz | May 14, 2024 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
First 5 Network confronts the challenges of state budget cuts on child services and advocates for continued support for children's programs SACRAMENTO, CA (May 14, 2024) - The First 5 Network today expressed disappointment following Governor Newsom’s May Revision in...

California Must Prioritize Young Children, Despite Budget Deficit
by Fraser Hammersly | Jan 11, 2024 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
The First 5 Network Calls for Safeguarding Essential Services to Children SACRAMENTO, CA (January 11, 2024) - The First 5 Network appreciates the Governor and administration for maintaining their commitment to early childhood education, infant and early childhood...