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 5s Across California Rally to Champion Early Childhood Investments
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
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
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
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
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
July 1, 2022 Today, the First 5 Network thanks Governor...
The First 5 Network Statement on the 2022-23 State Budget
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Melanie Flood FRSA, First 5 Association of California melanie@first5association.org SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the First 5 Network thanks Governor Newsom and the Legislature for adopting the 2022-23 state budget that provides critical...
KIM BELSHÉ RELEASES STATEMENT RESPONDING TO SUPREME COURT DECISION TO OVERTURN ROE V. WADE
June 24, 2022 Though we anticipated this decision, it’s...
FIRST 5 LA ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LOS ANGELES, CA (June 10, 2022) - Today, First 5 LA’s Executive Director, Kim Belshé announced she will be stepping down from her leadership role at the end of this year. In 2012, Kim Belshé was named Executive Director, leading First 5 LA's mission to improve systems...
First 5 LA Names JR Nino as Chief Operating Officer
LOS ANGELES (May 25, 2022) – First 5 LA, a leading grantmaker and early childhood advocacy organization, today announced JR Nino as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this senior leadership role, JR will oversee First 5 LA’s Center for Operational Excellence to...
