Council marks fourth annual 'LA Is For Everyone' day; departments expand 'We Belong' outreach

The Los Angeles City Council recognized the fourth annual LA Is For Everyone Day on Sept. 26 and heard presentations from the Los Angeles Civil and Human Rights and Equity Department and the Community Investment for Families Department on an expanded outreach effort under the campaign’s new phrase, “I belong, you belong, we belong.” Councilmember Hugo Soto‑Martinez and Councilmember Adrien Nazarian co-hosted the presentation.

Capri Maddox, executive director of the Civil and Human Rights and Equity Department, and Abigail Marquez, general manager of Community Investment for Families, described a campaign that now reaches thousands of locations and provides multi-language know‑your‑rights information. Maddox said the campaign has been translated into more than 21 languages and is displayed at more than 10,000 locations, from buses and parks to libraries and community centers.

Marquez highlighted the department’s know-your-rights work and emergency assistance: the Family Source system and community partners deployed more than $600,000 in emergency assistance to families during a recent period of income loss, and the city issued nearly $200,000 in emergency food cards to respond to access barriers. The city has produced know‑your‑rights cards in 29 languages, including indigenous languages, Marquez said, and the departments have organized virtual and in-person workshops.

Councilmembers praised the interdepartmental effort and asked the public to participate in this year’s coordinated lighting of 10 city landmarks to symbolize belonging.

Ending: Councilmembers presented certificates recognizing the departments and community partners and encouraged Angelenos to use translated resources and attend local events tied to the campaign.