Democracy, Participation, and Our Shared Future

Democracy is not self-sustaining. Progress depends on people choosing to participate — to speak out, organize and vote in defense of the future they want for their communities. In moments of uncertainty and division, democracy is tested by whether people still believe they have a voice and a shared responsibility to one another. As Americans, every election is an opportunity to reaffirm the democratic values that define our nation — participation, representation, freedom of expression and civic responsibility.

That feels especially important today. Just last month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued another significant ruling affecting voting rights and representation, underscoring how consequential civic participation remains in shaping who has a voice in our democracy. Here in Los Angeles, those same questions are reflected in decisions about housing, healthcare, disaster recovery, public safety and economic opportunity — issues that directly shape whether families can remain in their communities and whether young people can build a future in this region.

At CCF, these values are reflected in our commitment to expanding access to a good life for every Angeleno — through housing, healthcare, economic opportunity, resilient communities, civic participation and healing after trauma and displacement.

The Freedom to Give and Be Heard

Those same democratic principles extend beyond elections. In a recent communication about protecting the freedom to give, we reaffirmed that philanthropy is fundamentally an expression of values, civic participation and democratic engagement. The response reinforced how strongly people believe in protecting the freedom to support causes and communities consistent with their values.

That same commitment also means staying grounded in community experience. Recently, CCF hosted a listening session in Pomona where residents spoke candidly about immigration concerns, rising living costs, housing insecurity and the pressures facing working families across the region. The conversation was a reminder that civic participation also means creating spaces where communities feel seen, heard and connected to the decisions shaping their lives.

Measure A, Measure ER, and Civic Participation

As a public charity, CCF does not endorse candidates or political parties, and we do not use donor-advised funds for policy advocacy. Using CCF’s institutional resources, we can support policy efforts aligned with our mission — including Measure A in 2024, which is already helping advance affordable housing and stability across Los Angeles County. As Vice Chair of the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency, I have seen how civic participation shapes policy and investment decisions across our region. In the story below, you’ll read how Measure A is already helping finance more than 1,530 affordable housing units across Los Angeles County while leveraging public financing tools designed to deliver housing at significantly lower per-unit costs than traditional affordable housing models.

On Tuesday, June 2, voters will consider Measure ER, which CCF supports because it would help prevent more than $1 billion in healthcare cuts impacting low-income families, seniors and vulnerable residents across Los Angeles County. Recent coverage in the Los Angeles Times highlighted how the measure comes as Los Angeles County faces significant reductions in federal healthcare funding that threaten hospitals, clinics and essential safety-net services across the region.

That is why participation on Tuesday, June 2 matters. Local elections and ballot measures shape many of the issues that most directly affect our daily lives — from housing and healthcare to public services and community investment. Regardless of your perspective or priorities, I encourage you to make your voice heard and vote.

Find your polling place or vote center here:
locator.lavote.gov

Recovery, Healing, and Community

More than 500 days after the Eaton and Palisades fires, recovery across Los Angeles County remains fragile and deeply emotional. The latest Department of Angels survey of more than 2,000 wildfire survivors found that many families remain displaced, are struggling financially and nearly three-quarters report worsening mental health impacts since the fires — challenges also highlighted in the story below.

Also below, you’ll hear directly from wildfire survivors in our recent “Rebuilding L.A.: Ensuring Recovery for All” conversation and meet Altadena and Pacific Palisades residents continuing to navigate grief, displacement and rebuilding. You’ll also read about Asian American and Pacific Islander community members finding culturally grounded spaces to address mental health needs that too often go unrecognized.

Another story highlights a nonprofit helping Eaton Fire survivors move from grief toward healing and renewal through trauma recovery, emotional support and community connection — a reminder that recovery is not only physical and economic, but deeply emotional and communal as well.