March 14, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

LA County Pushes for Greater Employment Opportunities for Those With Arrest or Conviction 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

(Video) Baltaire’s Amazing 10th Anniversary Party

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

The Greek Salad prepared table side. Bluefin Toro with Crispy Rice, wasabi, spicy mayo, pickled ginger. Chateaubriand, 16 oz, with...

(Video) Wildfire Attorney. Law Offices of Allen Farshi

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

How The Law Offices of Allen Farshi Can Safeguard You Amid Wildfire Loss. For more information, check out the video...

Baltaire Celebrates 10 Years with a ‘Decade of Decadence’ Anniversary Bash On Saturday

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Brentwood’s Iconic Steakhouse Marked a Milestone With an Unforgettable Night of Fine Dining Last Saturday night was the official party...

(Video) H&H Bagels Now Open in Santa Monica

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

The New York Bagel Spot finally arrived at 710 Montana to crowds and long lines. Here’s that bagel sandwich goodness....

The Ultimate Guide to St. Patrick’s Day 2025 in West Los Angeles, Where to Eat, Drink & Party

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

From Irish-Inspired Brunches to Green Beer Towers & Drag Bingo, We’ve Got You Covered Los Angeles is going all out...

Eat + Drink West Hollywood Returns for a Month-Long Culinary Celebration

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Dine, Drink, and Support Hospitality Workers Affected by Wildfires Eat + Drink West Hollywood is making a grand return this...

Michelin Unveils Newest Additions to Its California Guide, Seven Los Angeles Restaurants Recognized

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Exciting New Dining Destinations Join the Michelin Selection in Los Angeles, Culver City, Santa Monica ​The Michelin Guide has recently...

Flux Screening Series Returns with Daring Short Films and Music Videos at the Hammer Museum

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

Experience Avant Garde Cinema, Live Filmmaker Presentations, and Guest DJ Sonrista The Flux Screening Series is set to bring the...

Brazen Burglars Target Pico Robertson Businesses in Early Morning Heist

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

Smash-and-Grab Crew Ransacks Kosher Pizza Shop and Pharmacy A trio of burglars wearing hooded sweatshirts ransacked a pizza shop and...

Brentwood Weekly Crime Report: February 25, 2025 – March 2, 2025

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

SLO Kirk Publishes Stats for the Last Week of Feb. to Early March By Senior Lead Officer Matthew Kirk Senior...

Menendez Family Blasts DA Hochman’s Decision, Calls for Justice in Resentencing Review

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

The Justice for Lyle and Erik Coalition Condemns District Attorney Hochman The family of Lyle and Erik Menendez has condemned...

Evacuation Warnings Issued for LA Burn Areas, PCH Closure Announced as Storm Approaches

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

Residents in High-Risk Zones Urged to Prepare for Possible Mudslides Officials have issued evacuation warnings for multiple areas in Los...

First Measles Case of 2025 Confirmed in LA County Amid Growing Outbreak in the United States

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

Health Officials Urge Vaccination and Symptom Monitoring for Unvaccinated Residents ​The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has...

Security Guard Shoots Suspect Who Crashed Car Into L.A. Dispensary

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

Masked Suspect Drove Into a Marijuana Dispensary in Sawtelle  Armed security at a marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles’ Sawtelle neighborhood...

More Pacific Palisades Residents Join Lawsuit Against L.A. Over City’s Fire Response

March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025

Residents Expand Legal Action Over City’s Alleged Fire Response Failures Twenty-five additional Pacific Palisades residents have joined a lawsuit against...