May 14, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Proposal Backed by LA County Board of Supervisors Seeks to Prevent Discrimination Based on Past Criminal Records

Ordinance that would prevent most businesses in unincorporated areas of the county from excluding job applicants with past criminal records during the hiring process. 

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to draft a Fair Chance ordinance that would prevent most businesses in unincorporated areas of the county from excluding job applicants with past criminal records during the hiring process. 

The proposal was authored by Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis, who noted that many employers already adhere to regulations preventing them from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal history or considering it in the hiring process. However, they emphasized that more needs to be done to make this practice a reality for every job seeker.

“This motion is about dignity,” Solis said. “There is research that supports that when people with lived experience get employment, it reduces their risk for recidivism and they have more drive and loyalty to their employer, which results in staying at companies longer. These are also the same individuals who give back to their communities as engaged taxpayers. Everyone deserves a fair chance. That’s what this ordinance is about.” 

According to Mitchell, over 25% of formerly incarcerated individuals are unemployed on average, which can lead to increased rates of homelessness, poverty, and health issues. While the state’s 2018 Fair Chance Act recognized these issues, there have been shortcomings in its implementation and enforcement. As a result, some jurisdictions including the city of Los Angeles have enacted their own local requirements to provide protections for job-seekers with arrests or convictions on their records.

“For system-impacted job seekers, the promise of a fair chance is a critical opportunity to pursue a better life,” Mitchell. “We have a long way to go to making this real for every Angeleno, and as the largest employer in the region, the County has an obligation to lead by example and ensure our hiring practices are equitable and transparent.”

The proposed ordinance would require employers to make it clear in job solicitations and advertisements that qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered. Employers would also be barred from asking applicants to voluntarily disclose information about their criminal history and from considering various types of offenses when making hiring decisions. The proposal would include penalties for violations and at least half of those fines would be awarded to affected job applicants.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger introduced a “friendly amendment” calling on county staff to consult with local business organizations, nonprofits, and other stakeholder groups when drafting the ordinance while also providing reports every two years on the policy’s impact and its effect on recidivism.

County staff were directed by the board to return with a draft ordinance within 90 days for further consideration. If passed, this new Fair Chance ordinance could provide greater opportunities for those with past criminal records seeking employment in Los Angeles County.

in News
Related Posts

Venice Student Exhibition Honors Incarcerated Japanese Americans Through Photography

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

The exhibition is the result of a yearlong project that involved research, interviews, and site visits A new student-led exhibition...

City to Issue Solicitations for Affordable Housing Development at Bergamot Station Arts Center

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

Proposals for the Bergamot Station Arts Center must prioritize maximizing affordable housing units while also considering potential artist housing and...

Golf Tournament to Raise Funds for Palisades Charter High School Wildfire Recovery

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

The “Raise Pali Golf Tournament” includes a nine-hole game, prize putting contests, and a community reception A community-led golf tournament...

Brentwood Art Center: Creative Art Camps for Kids and Teens this Summer

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

The beloved Brentwood Art Center is hosting summer camps at its new location at Olympic & 17th in Santa Monica. ...

Registration Opens for Second Annual Venice Beach Run

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

Race organizers promise a festive finish line atmosphere, complete with live DJs, a beer garden, a vendor expo, and giveaways...

Collision at Abbot Kinney & Venice Leads to Injuries, Slows Traffic: REPORT

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

The Los Angeles Police Department temporarily closed parts of the intersection  A traffic collision with reported injuries disrupted a major...

Annual Film Awards Show Leaving Santa Monica for Hollywood

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

The move marks a major shift for the iconic awards show, long known for its laid-back, seaside atmosphere that distinguished...

Historic Lloyd Wright-Designed Palisades Home Hits Market at $12.9M

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the estate for an Academy-winning composer A historic estate designed by architect...

Saint Monica Prep: Mariner Sports Camps Focus on Fundamentals

May 11, 2025

May 11, 2025

Coaches that led Saint Monica Preparatory’s Mariner sports teams to win league and division titles are offering opportunities for the...

Venice Shorts: VNC Rules & Elections to Present Election Survey Findings

May 11, 2025

May 11, 2025

The presentation described the voting experience and the overall ease of the election process for residents that participated By Nick...

Santa Monica Pier to Host Final Locals’ Night of the Season on May 15

May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

Highlights include a classic car show, free salsa lessons, and performances by punk bands Cycotic Youth and No Reaction The...

Avril Lavigne Partners with Palisades Skate Shop for Sweatshirt Fundraiser

May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

The sweatshirt, blending Lavigne’s signature style with Paliskates’ skate culture roots, is on sale Three months after its spotlight moment...

Sunshine Beach Volleyball Camps: Register Open for Summer Camps

May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

Summer is coming. For young volleyball athletes, that means registration for the Sunshine Westside Beach Camp and South Bay Beach...

World-Class Brew: Santa Monica’s Own Takes Home Top Beer Honors

May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

Basil, Citrus, and Craftsmanship: See Which Local Brewery Just Won Big Santa Monica Brew Works (SMBW) just took home a...

Group Exhibition “Boulders” Showcases Work by 34 Artists at Arcane Space

May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

The exhibition emphasizes “mutual support, collective strength, and an unflinching engagement with this current moment.” A new group exhibition opening...