Dear neighbor, 

I hope you had a safe and happy Independence Day. 

On the 4th of July, my wife Betty and I were honored to join Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff to visit Los Angeles Fire Department Station 19 in Brentwood. We thanked our fearless firefighters for all the work they do to keep us safe. Throughout COVID-19, firefighters and other first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect us. They represent the best our country has to offer and it was a pleasure to spend Independence Day with them.

As climate change exacerbates extreme heat and drought conditions, and the risk for wildfires increases, it’s important to take steps to prepare in case disaster strikes. This includes creating defensible space and hardening your home against flying embers, preparing your family and your home for the possibility of having to evacuate, assembling an emergency supply kit, and more. For more information on how you can plan, prepare, and stay aware, please visit fire.ca.gov or readyforwildfire.org. To sign up for emergency alerts, please click here.

As you know, one of the biggest challenges facing California is the homelessness crisis, with over 161,000 people experiencing homelessness in our state on any given night. Last week, Senator Alex Padilla and I led the California delegation in requesting that Governor Newsom support historic investments to tackle the homelessness crisis. As legislators representing communities across California, we are firmly committed to solving this urgent crisis. To read our letter, please click here. 

Get Vaccinated!

Reminder: As the Delta variant circulates in LA County, the LA County Department of Public Health is recommending that everyone wear masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status, as a precaution.

Please get vaccinated if you haven't already. Everyone age 12 and older who lives or works in LA County is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Please check VaccinateLACounty.com for updated information on walk-in vaccinations or to book an appointment ahead of time. To find a vaccination site near you, please visit corona-virus.la/VaxSites. Minors must be accompanied by an adult and bring a signed consent form to receive the Pfizer vaccine. 

If you have a disability or do not have access to the internet and need assistance making your vaccination appointment, you can contact the County’s Call Center –– open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. –– at (833) 540-0473. You can also call this number if you or a family member need to be vaccinated at home. 

Additional Resources

• Please renew your passport at least six months before it is set to expire. The State Department is processing an unprecedented number of passport applications and renewals. If you plan to travel abroad, please ensure your passport is up to date. To renew, please visit travel.state.gov.

• If you require assistance in contacting EDD regarding a pending unemployment claim or the processing of your benefits, you may contact your California state legislators to seek assistance. To find your state legislators, please visit findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov.
  
  
• California and LA County's eviction moratoriums for tenants who’ve been impacted by COVID-19 has been extended through September 30th, 2021. To speak with a rent counselor or to receive more information, please call 833-223-RENT, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  
  
• The West LA VA is offering walk-in vaccinations veterans of ALL ages and their spouses or caregivers. Please call 310-268-4900 for information about walk-in times and locations. 
  

• If you need someone to talk to, please call the LA County Department of Mental Health hotline at 800-854-7771 or text “LA” to 741741.
  
  
• If you are in need of food assistance; housing relief; information about COVID-19; and more, please call 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org.
  
  

For more information, please visit my website at lieu.house.gov and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I look forward to updating you again soon. 

Stay safe. 

Sincerely, 

Ted W. Lieu  
Member of Congress