Youth isolation brought on by the pandemic and unrest over racial injustice have illuminated the disparities faced by young people of color in the city, Calanche said. “I hope that this is just the beginning,” Calanche told officials and youth activists gathered at City Hall Park. Its formation will enable the city to also pull in funds at the state and federal levels, she said. She said she has called City Council members and attended council meetings to urge them to create the department. “I want to grow up in a city that cares about me and cares about my future,” Starlyne said.

Source: Los Angeles Times April 02, 2021 12:02 UTC