On Tuesday the L.A. Board of Supervisors voted to commission a study on the status of Latino residents living in L.A. County, including any disparities they may face in areas such as health care, housing, and access to services. Supervisor Hilda Solis introduced the motion with the Westside’s Lindsey Horvath co-sponsoring.

L.A. County is home to over 4.7 million Latinos, representing the largest ethnic group in the region.

Latino students comprise over 70 percent of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) enrollment and experience lower high school graduation rates and college enrollment compared to their peers.

Thirty-five percent of Latino students meet English proficiency standards, compared to 65 percent of white students. In math, 24 percent of Latino students are proficient compared to 54 percent of white students, and according to the Alliance for Better Communities, the educational disparity not only restricts their access to higher-paying jobs but also prevents opportunities for career advancement.

“The need for qualified early childhood educators is critical in addressing these gaps, as early education experiences significantly influence long-term academic success. By investing in early childhood education and supporting educators, the county can better prepare Latino children for future academic challenges,” the motion states.

According to L.A. County’s Department of Public Health (DPH), more than 50 percent of adults have low literacy levels, which limits their ability to access and understand county services, making it harder to navigate their communities safely.

In addition to educational disparities, many of the families in the LAUSD struggle with housing insecurity and insufficient income.

Despite an overall decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness, Latinos still make up 43 percent of the unhoused population in the county, according to the 2022 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count.

Horvath said she has seen firsthand the need for resources for the issues that have disproportionally impacted Latino communities.

Supervisor Holly Mitchell praised the motion.

“I look forward to the work that can be done, not only in identifying the why but in bringing forward solutions, particularly solutions that we in L.A. County can undertake. Solutions to break the systemic racism barriers that prevent Latino communities from excelling,” said Mitchell, whose 2^nd District includes portions of the Westside.

She added, “Now in particular as we face an uncertain federal landscape, I think we have a deep obligation to ensure that our local policies protect and empower our Latino community, and beyond.”

According to a 2019 report by the United States Census Bureau, over 761,000 Latinos in L.A. County lived below the poverty level. Additionally, one in four Latino households in L.A. County earned less than $40,000 per year.

The Board of Supervisors has asked the Los Angeles County Office of Education, Departments of Public Social Services, Economic Opportunity, Consumer and Business Affairs, and Parks and Recreation to present comprehensive reports studying policies to better support the community.

The reports are expected to examine issues faced by the community and develop recommendations for ways to address any disparities they may face, including a review of the Spanish-speaking community’s ability to comprehend street signs and public service announcements.

The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office will also report back in writing in 90 days on recommendations for increasing voter participation in the Latino community.

Image obtained via screen capture.