Vernon, CA
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The City of Vernon strives to effectively inform members of the community on important news, events, and activities that may be of interest. Please visit this page regularly for updates on happenings in Vernon and in our neighboring cities located in the Southeast region.
For a comprehensive directory of LA County and Community resources, please click here.
Know Your Rights
Information and Resources for Immigrants
Resources on community rights:
- Know Your Rights - Information for Students and Families
- If You Interact with ICE
- What to Do in First 24-Hours if Someone is Detained
- ICE Out of California
- LAUSD We Are One
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
- Know-Your-Rights-Card
- Executive Office for Immigration Review
Message from Vernon Police Chief Sousa Regarding the California Values Act
The California Values Act (SB 54) was enacted to ensure that local law enforcement focuses on community safety rather than federal immigration enforcement. Under this law, Police Officers do not inquire about an individual’s immigration status, nor do they participate in immigration enforcement actions conducted by federal agencies.
Given recent federal actions, Chief Sousa would like to reaffirm the Vernon Police Department's (VPD's) commitment to serving and protecting all members of the community, regardless of immigration status. VPD’s priority is to build trust and ensure that everyone feels safe when seeking assistance or reporting crimes. The core mission of VPD is to uphold public safety, foster strong relationships with the community, and promote fairness and accountability in policing efforts. The Department wants to encourage all community members to work with VPD, knowing that the Department’s role is to protect and serve without discrimination or bias.
If you have any questions about how the California Values Act impacts VPD policies or practices, please feel free to reach out to VPD at 323-826-1481. Please be assured that Vernon PD is here to listen, support, and ensure a safe environment for everyone in the community.
Library Resources
In the absence of traditional brick-and-mortar City-operated libraries, the City of Vernon has sought out creative solutions to encourage literacy, make books available to the community, and inspire a love of reading and learning.
The Vernon Reads! Virtual Library Program provides subscriptions for e-book services to Vernon residents, and Amazon Kindle e-readers with Kids+ Kindle Unlimited e-book subscriptions to TK-12th grade students living in Vernon. For adult readers in the City, the Vernon Reads! Virtual Library Program provides subscriptions to either Amazon Unlimited or Audible which, collectively, offer access to millions of e-books, audiobooks, and magazines.
For more information or to enroll, visit cityofvernon.org/vernonreads.
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)
With the start of the 2024-25 school year, we want to ensure that you have easy access to LAUSD resources. Please visit the LAUSD Program Guide to learn about various program offerings like Beyond the Bell, Tutoring, TK Enrollment, and the Student and Family Wellness Resource Line.
You may also visit the LAUSD website where you will find the latest updates on:
- School Closings
- LAUSD's Grab and Go Lunch Program
- Online Educational Resources
LAUSD school, Vernon City Elementary (VCES), is located in the City of Vernon on the corner of Santa Fe Avenue and Vernon Avenue (2360 E. Vernon Avenue, Vernon, 90058). To learn more about the VCES Eagles and their educational programs, and to gather information on enrollment options, visit the VCES website or call 323-582-3727.
Rooted in Resilience
The LA Unified 2025: We Are One campaign formalizes and amplifies Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) efforts to cultivate a welcoming learning environment for all students. LAUSD embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion within its vast education community.
LAUSD is a “sanctuary district” and safe zone for families regardless of their background or immigration status. The District offers comprehensive resources including information on family preparedness plans, wellness centers, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) guidance, community advocacy, and civil rights. Families may visit lausd.org/weareone to learn more about the We Are One campaign and discover a wide array of resources that are just a click away.
LGBTQ+ Center in Southeast Los Angeles
The Latino Equality Alliance (LEA) has opened Mi SELA, an LGBTQ+ community center in the City of Bell with a goal to increase family and community acceptance. Mi SELA is proud to offer:
- Leadership development
- Academic support
- Parental guidance
- Substance abuse education
- Counseling
- Outreach to local schools
MiSELA is located at 4265 Florence Avenue, Bell, CA 90201. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Their phone number is (323) 286-7224. To find out more, check out Somoslea on Instagram & TIKTOK.
Youth Resources
Congressman Garcia provides the following resources and opportunities to youth and young adults:
- The Congressional Award program recognizes young individuals for their initiative, achievement, and service. Students (13 ½ years +) have the chance to challenge themselves through volunteerism, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration.
- The Congressional App Challenge is for those with a passion for technology and empowers students to design and build their own app, address real-world problems, and leave a lasting impact through technology and innovation.
- Congressman Garcia's 3rd Annual Congressional Art Competition gives students the opportunity to showcase their talents by submitting original artwork. The winning piece is displayed in the US Capitol and the winner will receive a trip to Washington D.C., where they will represent their city and school. All students attending a school within California's 42nd Congressional District, regardless of where they reside are invited to participate. If the student resides within the district but does not attend school within the CA-42, they would be eligible as well.
- Attending a service academy provides an exceptional education and a chance to serve our country. Students can apply for a nomination from Congressman Garcia who will offer support and guidance throughout.
County Resources
LA County's Summer Discovery Program
LA County Library’s Homework Help
Community Education
Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLAVCD)
Mosquitoes pose a public health threat to our communities. The GLAVCD encourages residents to help stop mosquitoes before they start! Learn about how you can take action to limit the number of potential mosquito sources around your property to help keep your community safe from vector-borne diseases. Visit glamosquito.org.
GLAVCD offers several resources on their website that educate and inform the general public. Be aware of the latest news about West Nile virus activity in your community and sign up for e-alerts and notifications from GLAVCD.
Southern California Air Quality Management District Notifications
With the recent windstorm conditions and wildfires throughout the Southern California region, there have been increased concerns about air quality. The Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) provides notifications and advisories when necessary and there is a way in which you may remain updated on the latest information.
To be advised on real-time forecasted air quality in your area, you may download the SCAQMD mobile app. (also available in Spanish) or visit the SCAQMD Air Quality Forecasts webpage.
SCAQMD’s Air Quality Advisories webpage is another source that offers detailed information on Active Advisories.
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) has confirmed the first mosquito sample to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in Vernon this year. This positive sample was detected in mosquito traps in the community on September 5th. District staff will place notices in public spaces within a half-mile radius around trap locations to advise residents to take precautions when mosquitoes are present.
For more information about WNV activity in California, please visit 2024 West Nile Virus Activity In California.
Important WNV Information
- WNV is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.
- 1 in 5 persons infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms.
- Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash.
- Severe cases can lead to paralysis or even death.
- There is no human vaccine for WNV.
Mosquito Prevention and Protection
Mosquito control is a shared responsibility, and residents must take an active role in reducing the threat of WNV in their neighborhoods by taking the following steps:
- Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs, or anything that holds water for more than a week.
- Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained.
- Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths, and other small containers weekly.
- Wear insect repellent when outdoors where mosquitoes may be present.
- Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to GLACVCD.
Heat Emergencies
During heat waves, the State activates its Operations Center to coordinate the State’s response, dispatch mutual aid, and support local communities as they respond to potential threats of heat and fire.
Cooling centers are available throughout LA County when temperatures soar. For information on cooling centers in LA County, visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat.
For more information on how to prepare for emergencies and extreme weather, visit listoscalifornia.org. And, for real-time information on active fires, you may visit fire.ca.gov.
Additional Resources
Metro's Gateway Cities Transit Line
LA Metro’s plan for better transit includes a new light rail transit line to southeast LA County and the Gateway Cities. When completed, it will provide cleaner and faster modes of travel between downtown Los Angeles and Artesia, which will be incredibly important for 1.4 million residents.
At Metro's project website, metro.net/WSAB you can learn more about the details of this particular project and view project documents which involve Vernon!
Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA)
SEAACA is committed to providing programs for the caring of abandoned and unwanted pets, providing sheltering for lost animals. reuniting lost pets with their families, and matching new homes for adoptable pets. SEAACA promotes responsible pet ownership by providing educational information, ensuring access to spay or neuter services at a reasonable cost. Pets are members of the family.
Pet Adoption
If you are considering opening your heart and home to a pet in need, visit SEACCA to meet your new companion. Adding an adopted pet to your family is an exciting time. We look forward to seeing you at our Care Center.
SEAACA's adoption fees for dogs and cats include the first set of vaccinations, a microchip, and flea treatment. Dogs and cats will be spayed or neutered. Visit seaaca.org for more information on their adoption services and hours of operation.
Vernon CommUNITY Fund Scholarships