Yearly Archives: 2005

Knabe Backs LAX Settlement Proposal

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe offered his support and cautious optimism today to a tentative settlement reached by parties involved in litigation over the expansion of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Under the settlement, the City agreed to halt so-called yellow-lighted projects until such time as the projects could be reexamined for future benefit to LAX. One such project was a controversial remote passenger check-in facility east of the airport. Other green-lighted projects will move forward, such as the realignment of the south runway complex and construction of the West Terminal and an automated people mover.

The operation of LAX impacts a vast community that extends beyond the borders of the City of Los Angeles, said Knabe. The massive expansion originally envisioned for LAX would have caused an unacceptable encroachment not just in Los Angeles, but also Inglewood and El Segundo and Culver City and other neighborhoods nearby. This settlement represents a balanced approach to the future of LAX, as well as addressing the concerns expressed by the County and the cities surrounding the airport.

Knabe also offered his thanks to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for his desire to explore the need for a stronger regional network of airports.

We cannot put all of our air traffic and air cargo at a single facility. The future success of our region’s ability to move goods and passengers through our airports rests solely on taking a regional approach to our airports, said Knabe. This settlement is a first step to ensure that we have several strong airports regionally, not just a single, overburdened facility.

Knabe Announces Street Improvements in Rowland Heights

Supervisor Don Knabe announced today that numerous street landscaping improvements will soon be made to a busy Rowland Heights roadway. The announcement comes after the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the proposal today.

Under the plan, landscaping improvements will be made to Fairway Drive, between Walnut Drive and Colima Road. The estimated cost of the project is between $195,000 and $225,000. Funding will come from the County’s Fiscal Year 2005-06 Road Fund Budget. The project will include the reconstruction of the center medians, including the construction of colored concrete pavement, installation of an irrigation system and the planting of trees and shrubs.

It is important that we constantly upgrade and improve our streets and roadway infrastructure, said Knabe. This project is a perfect example of this commitment.

With today’s approval, the project now moves to the bid phase. Constructions bids are due back to the Department of Public Works by December 29th.

Boy Scout Zach Ewald of Hacienda Heights is Honored for Risking is Life to Save a Drowning Child

Los Angeles – Supervisor Don Knabe presented a scroll today to Zach Ewald, a Boy Scout from Troop 684, in recognition of his heroic act of rescuing a small child that was drowning.

Last August, while camping with his family in Yellowstone National Park, Zach risked his own life to save a young child from drowning after the child fell into a dangerous section of the Gardner River.

Zach was awarded with the Medal of Merit from the Boy Scouts of America. The Medal of Merit is bestowed upon those who display an outstanding act of service, of exceptional character, that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others. Zach is currently a Life Scout which is one step away from Eagle Scout, the Boy Scout’s highest achievement.

Zach did an incredibly brave thing to save the life of this child, said Supervisor Knabe. Zach is a true life Hero.

Photos of this Board Presentation are available. Any media outlet interested in obtaining copies can call (213) 974-1095.

Stormwater Discharge Improvements Planned for Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach

Supervisor Knabe joins Hermosa Beach city and community leaders at the rededication of the Hermosa Beach Pier and Lifeguard Headquarters.

The previous, outdated lifeguard headquarters stood for over 30 years and the 3-phase pier project, which included the new facility and equipment storage yard, began 6-years ago. Construction on the final phase lasted 13 months. The County of Los Angeles provided $1.9 million in funding for the project.

By uniting together from different agencies and backgrounds we have ensured a bright and safe future for the residents and tourists who will visit Hermosa Beach, said Supervisor Knabe.

Las Brisas Community Housing Development in Signal Hill Receives Approval from the Board of Supervisors

Dozens of affordable housing units for low-income families will be coming to the City of Signal Hill after the Los Angels County Board of Supervisors approved a loan agreement with Las Brisas Community Housing II, L.P.

The Las Brisas housing development is located at 2400-2420 California Avenue in the City of Signal Hill. The project will consist of the creation of 60 units of affordable housing in the complex. The 60 units will be broken down into the following: 21 one-bedroom units, 18 two-bedroom units, 20 three-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom manager’s unit. The units will be reserved for families earning from 30 to 50 percent of the median income for the Los Angeles-Long Beach Metropolitan Area as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In addition to the housing units, the development will also include a community center, management offices, laundry rooms, landscaped courtyards and parking areas with designated senior spaces. The parking will be made up of 71 on-site spaces, including 27 covered carports.

The total development cost of the project is $17,409,499. The term of the loan agreed upon is 30 years and it will provide up to $2,500,000 for the project. The project has no impact on the County’s General Fund, and the loan will be repaid by the rental receipts generated from the operation of the project.

This is a first-class housing development in a community that needs affordable housing, said Supervisor Don Knabe. This wonderful development will not only have an abundance of low-income housing, but it will also include a childcare center, a community room and a multitude of other services to accommodate the families living there.

Cerritos Regional Park to Receive Renovation Overhaul

Supervisor Don Knabe announced today that the Board of Supervisors has accepted a $20,000 gift for the Paramount Public Library from the City of Paramount. County law requires that donations over $10,000 be accepted by the Board.

The Paramount Library will use the funds to expand both the library’s children and adult collections by purchasing more English and Spanish books and materials. In addition, the money will also be used by the library to give extra support to the Children’s Homework Center.

I would like to personally thank the City of Paramount for such a generous donation to the Paramount Public Library, said Supervisor Don Knabe. These funds will be used by the library to purchase needed books and materials, as well as, provide enhanced customer service for the public.

Los Angeles County Extends Invitation to Medical Personnel Displaced by Natural Disasters

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe announced today that the Board of Supervisors approved his motion to extend an employment invitation to medical professionals impacted and displaced by the recent natural disasters to hit the United States.

As part of the motion, the Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) will work with other regional medical groups to determine if there is any interest by these displaced professionals to work in Los Angeles County. LACMA will also identify any steps that must be taken to quickly license these medical professionals to work in California. A report is expected back before the Board of Supervisors in 30 days.

My hope is that we will allow quality doctors and nurses who have been uprooted from their homes to quickly find work within our healthcare system, said Supervisor Knabe. This is a win-win situation. These displaced healthcare professionals will have quick access to a job and we will be getting experienced medical professionals.

Whittier Union High School District Honored by the Board of Supervisors for the Highest Academic Improvement in the County

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe made a presentation today to recognize the Whittier Union High School District for receiving the most improved A.P.I. (Academic Performance Index) Scores in the County.

The A.P.I. was the cornerstone of California’s Public Schools Accountability Act of 1999. It measures the academic performance and growth of schools on a variety of academic measures. The California Department of Education uses it as one of their most useful tools of determining the academic success of a school.

For seven consecutive years, Whittier Union High School District has sustained significant academic achievement gains at all of its high schools, which include: California, La Serna, Pioneer, Santa Fe, and Whittier.

This is an extraordinary accomplishment for Whittier Union, said Supervisor Knabe. I commend the Superintendent, the Board of Trustees, the teachers, the staff, and most of all the students, for their hard work and dedication.

In attendance to receive the scroll was Whittier Union High School District Superintendent Sandra Thorstenson. Along with the superintendent were several members of the School District Board of Trustees including: President Jeff Baird and Clerk Leighton Anderson. Photos of this Board Presentation are available. Any media outlet interested in obtaining copies can call (213) 974-1095.

Upgraded School Crossing Zones Coming to Whittier and Hacienda Heights

Supervisor Don Knabe announced today that advanced solar powered school zone flashers will soon be installed by the County of Los Angeles near several school sites in the Fourth District.

The six sites in Whittier and Hacienda Heights are part of a project by the Department of Public Works to upgrade crossing signals at 31 separate schools across the County. The total cost for the project is $455,700 and will be paid by State transportation grant funding under the Safe Routes to School Program.

The project locations will be along Colima Road near Grazide Elementary in Hacienda Heights and in Whittier at Norwalk Boulevard near Katherine Edwards Middle School, Mills Avenue near McKibben Elementary, Mulberry Drive near Mulberry Elementary, Workman Mill Road at Wallen Andrews Elementary and Norwalk Boulevard at West Whittier Elementary.

All of the upgrades will include solar powered school zone flashers. Construction is expected to begin in early December and be complete within 40 days.

This project is a positive win from two angles, said Supervisor Knabe. Our children will have access to safer routes for crossing busy intersections and we are using renewable energy to make it happen.

Young Anglers Get Ready for the Knabe Katch at La Mirada Regional County Park

Over 1,000 youth ages 5 to 15 will be angling for a prize catch at the 2005 Knabe Katch Fishing Derby at La Mirada Regional Park this Saturday, September 24. This year’s event hosted by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe and the La Mirada Kiwanis Club along with the City of La Mirada and the County Department of Parks and Recreation promises to be a fun-filled day for the entire family.

The fishing derbies are always fun events that children and families look forward to and many return to participate each year, said Knabe. Even if a child has never fished before, there are volunteers on-hand to show them the art of casting a line and the fun of putting a worm on a hook.

The event will begin at 7:00 a.m. with a free pancake breakfast, followed by the derby kickoff at 8:00 a.m. Children may take part in free fishing and angler safety lessons as well as other activities. Each child will also receive a free t-shirt and be eligible for prizes in several categories.

La Mirada Regional Park is located at 13701 South Adelfa Avenue, La Mirada, California. For more information, call (626) 333-1369.