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.
Immigration Enforcement
Information and Resources
Throughout the region, we are seeing ongoing federal immigration enforcement activities. We recognize the fear and concern this may cause among our community members, and we want to reaffirm the City of Vernon’s unwavering commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals – regardless of immigration status. Vernon does not participate in federal immigration enforcement and has not been notified about enforcement operations.
Together, the City of Vernon and Vernon Police Department (VPD) remain firmly dedicated to the principles of the California Values Act (Senate Bill 54). This law restricts state and local engagement in federal immigration enforcement activities. The California Values Act protects the safety and well-being of all Californians.
The City and VPD do not inquire about immigration status or participate in federal immigration law enforcement actions conducted by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), nor are the City and VPD in communication with federal immigration enforcement agencies and informed of their planned activities. If you see our police, they are there for everyone's safety – not immigration enforcement. The core mission of VPD is to uphold public safety, foster strong relationships with the community, and promote fairness and accountability in policing efforts. We encourage all community members to work with VPD, knowing that the Department’s role is to protect and serve without discrimination or bias.
We have confirmed that several federal agencies are engaging with community members in and around Vernon – these agencies include Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Homeland Security, and Customs and Border Protection. If you have concerns about federal agency activity in and around Vernon and potential visits to your Vernon residence or business location, we advise you to contact a legal representative to understand your rights as an individual or as a business owner/operator.
We urge the lawful and fair treatment of community members. Enforcement activity that destabilizes our families, neighborhoods, or our economy is not good for our community.
Be Informed
Federal immigration enforcement has expanded beyond targeted investigations to also include broad enforcement, with federal agents from various agencies active within our community and across our region.
- Targeted enforcement can take place at homes, in neighborhoods, and at businesses with a judicial warrant or administrative warrant and can involve deportation orders or suspicion of criminal activity.
- Broader enforcement efforts include questioning "collaterals" – those that are at the scene of enforcement who are not the initial focus – or "consensual stops" where an officer asks someone in public setting if they can talk.
It is important to know that federal agencies have the legal right to conduct enforcement operations here and across the country based on actions by Congress, court decisions, and the U.S. Government Code.
If you are faced with federal agents or ICE law enforcement officers at home, on the street, or at your workplace, or if you see ICE in action, suspect ICE activity in progress, or if you or someone you know has been detained by ICE, you can refer to guidance and information provided by trustworthy sources that support immigration legal services.
The City of Vernon has established a partnership with the Coalition for Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA), a non-profit organization that has advocated for immigrant rights for over 30 years. This reputable organization offers numerous resources for immigrants, including an assistance hotline, legal advice and representation, and important documents and tips. Visit their website, www.chirla.org/myrights, or call 888-6-CHIRLA to learn more about how they may assist.
Be Prepared
Always carry with you any valid immigration document you have. For example, if you have a valid work permit or green card, be sure to have it with you in case you need it for identification purposes. Carry proof of pending immigration applications.
If you are worried that ICE will detain you, let the officer know if you have children. If you are the parent or primary caregiver of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is under the age of 18, ICE might exercise discretion and opt not to detain you.
Create a safety plan. Memorize the phone number of a friend, family member, or attorney that you can call if you are detained. If you take care of children or others, make a plan to have them looked after in case you are detained. Keep important documents such as birth certificates and immigration documents (like your alien registration number, if you have one) in a safe place where a friend or family member can access them if necessary. Visit the following link to access Public Counsel’s Family Preparedness Plan: www.publiccounsel.org/publications/a-guide-to-planning-for-your-childs-care-family-preparedness/
Know how to find out if loved ones are detained by ICE. The ICE online detainee locator may be used to find an adult who is in immigration custody, or information may be gathered by calling the local ICE office.
If/when your loved one calls, ask for their A# number. ICE will provide it once they are processed.
- Locate the detained person: www.locator.ice.gov
- Contact legal help
- Contact the detention facility to plan a call or visit or figure out ways to send money to pay for necessities at the detention facility
If your loved one remains in custody at the detention facility:
- If afraid to return to their home country, your loved one should say that loudly and clearly to every immigration agent they see
- If they have lived in the U.S. for at least 2 years, they should tell an officer and show them proof
Know your rights. For advice regarding the specific circumstances of your or a loved one’s status, contact a legal representative that specializes in immigrant support and advocacy. The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA) may be able to assist. Visit www.chirla.org/myrights or call 888-6-CHIRLA for guidance.
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) may be accessed by calling their hotline number at 240-314-1500 or 1-800-898-7180 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get information on case status, or visit their website at www.acis.eoir.justice.gov/en.
Resources on Community Rights
Rapid Response Hotlines
CHIRLA Immigrant Assistance Line
- Hotline: 888-624-4752 (888-6-CHIRLA)
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 9AM-5PM
- After hours message line available
Los Angeles Raids and Rapid Response Network
- Hotline: 888-624-4752
Immigrant Defenders Law Center Rapid Response Legal Resource Hotline (Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial counties)
- Hotline: (213) 833-8283
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 9AM-4PM PST
- Website: www.immdef.org/blog/immdefrrhotline
List of California Rapid Response Networks
- Website: www.ccijustice.org/carrn
- 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.
Employers and Workplaces
Workplaces across the region are also being impacted by federal immigration agencies. Employers in California must balance compliance with federal immigration law and obligations under state law, including California’s Immigrant Worker Protection Act. Under state law, employers are generally prohibited from giving voluntary consent to immigration enforcement agents to enter nonpublic areas of a workplace unless the agent has a judicial warrant. There are two types of warrants:
- Judicial. Signed by a federal, or sometimes state, judge and issued by a federal or state court, either U.S. District Court for federal or Superior Court of California for state. Judicial warrants must be signed by a judge with a correct address and other information.
- Administrative. Issued by federal immigration agencies. Administrative warrants are not from a court and do not allow agents to enter private areas without your permission – these warrants are labeled "Department of Homeland Security".
Offices, warehouses, storage rooms, breakrooms and other areas the public cannot freely go are private areas of workplaces and require permission or a judicial warrant to access.
At a business, there are several types of federal enforcement that can be conducted on site which include the following:
- Form 1-9 Audits. I-9 forms ensure someone is eligible to work in the United States and federal agencies can check an operation’s I-9 compliance.
- Worksite Raids. Federal immigration enforcement agents may investigate worksites suspected of hiring unauthorized workers or those that fail to keep employment verification records.
- Targeting Specific People. An employee with a deportation order or criminal case may be targeted by federal immigration enforcement officers.
- Consensual Encounters. Federal immigration enforcement agents can engage workers in public spaces without prior permission and ask questions.
Employer Preparedness
Comply. Make sure your workplace is complying with I-9 rules.
Plan. Have a plan to deal with immigration enforcement agencies if they arrive at your place of business.
Train. Designate one person who is knowledgeable about compliance and protections to speak to federal immigration agents.
Know your rights as an employer. Secure legal representation that may assist in the event that federal immigration enforcement agents visit your facility. Federal immigration agents may not have a right to access private areas of your business, detain workers, or take documents without a warrant.
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