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
To download our logos and style guide visit our branding page here.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Named a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 2023 Culture of Health Prize Winne
by Fraser Hammersly | Nov 17, 2023 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative accepted the award at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation celebration in Albuquerque, NM November 16, 2023 The Los Angeles County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention...

First 5 Joint Statement on the 2023-24 State Budget
by Fraser Hammersly | Jul 11, 2023 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
Contact: Jamiann Collins-Lopez | (916) 316-1924 SACRAMENTO, CA (July 11, 2023) – Yesterday, Governor Newsom signed the 2023-24 State Budget, which demonstrates the Legislature’s and Administration’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing resources for proven intervention...

First 5 Network Responds to May Budget Revision
by Fraser Hammersly | May 16, 2023 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
Contact: Melanie Flood, First 5 Association melanie@first5association.org SACRAMENTO, CA (May 16, 2023) - On Friday, May 12, 2023, Governor Newsom released the May Revision that maintains his consistency and promise from January to minimize the effects of a declining...

Karla Pleitéz Howell Releases Statement on Passing of Gloria Molina
by Fraser Hammersly | May 16, 2023 | News & Resources, Press Room
May 16, 2023 We are deeply saddened by the passing of...

First 5s Across California Rally to Champion Early Childhood Investments
by Fraser Hammersly | Apr 19, 2023 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
SACRAMENTO, CA (April 19, 2023) – Today the statewide network of First 5s will meet with legislators to champion early childhood legislation and investments for California’s youngest children. Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes will join First 5s by...

First 5 LA Commission Names New Board Chair and Vice-Chair
by Fraser Hammersly | Feb 9, 2023 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
For Immediate Release: February 9, 2023 Contact: Marlene Fitzsimmons (213) 482-7807 mfitzsimmons@first5la.org Ushering in a new era for the organization, L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell has been named Chair of First 5 LA’s Board of Commission, and DCFS...

Karla Pleitéz Howell Releases Statement on Monterey Park Mass Shooting
by Fraser Hammersly | Jan 23, 2023 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
January 23, 2023 This past weekend should have...

First 5: Governor Newsom’s 2023–24 Budget Proposal Continues Support of California’s Youngest Children and Families
by Fraser Hammersly | Jan 11, 2023 | News & Resources, Press Room
SACRAMENTO, CA (January 11, 2023) – Governor Newsom released his proposed budget plan Tuesday, which continues to demonstrate his commitment to provide for the needs of young children and their families and continuing to build toward an improved early childhood...

FIRST 5 LA ANNOUNCES KARLA PLEITÉZ HOWELL AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
by Fraser Hammersly | Nov 10, 2022 | News & Resources, Press Room
Former Branch Chief for the Child Care Development Division for California Department of Social Services Selected to Lead L.A. County Early Childhood Advocacy Organization LOS ANGELES, CA (November 10, 2022) – Today, during its final board meeting of the year, First...

Kim Belshé Releases Statement in Reaction to 2022-23 State Budget
by Josh Woolf | Jul 1, 2022 | News & Resources, Press Room
July 1, 2022 Today, the First 5 Network thanks Governor...