Yearly Archives: 2008

Gale Avenue Improved In Hacienda Heights

The County of Los Angeles has completed the construction of a roadway improvement project on Gale Avenue in the unincorporated community of Hacienda Heights, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.

The $2,467,046 project focused on the resurfacing, reconstructing and slurry sealing of the roadway; the construction of a curb and gutter, sidewalk, curb ramps, cross gutters, alley intersections, storm drain, catch basins, and connector pipes; and the installation of new striping and pavement markings.

It is important that we constantly look for ways to improve the roads in the County, said Supervisor Knabe. By improving Gale Avenue, the residents of Hacienda Heights, along with the residents of nearby cities and unincorporated County areas that travel this route will benefit.

Lakewood And Norwalk Sheriff’s Stations To Receive State Funding For Alcohol Awareness Programs

Supervisor Don Knabe announced today the acceptance of a grant award from the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) that will pay for alcohol abuse and prevention programs that will be run by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The State ABC grant to the Sheriff’s Department is in the amount of $276,154, and will be divided among the Lakewood, Lancaster, Norwalk, and Carson Sheriff’s Stations. The program, now in its fifth year at the Lakewood Station and in its second year at the Norwalk Station, will use trained Sheriff’s Deputies to identify and target problem businesses that are taking part in criminal activity, such as underage sales, and will work with ABC to deliver sanctions, if necessary.

The primary focus of the Alcohol and Beverage Control Program is to decrease the number of alcohol related offenses and DUI arrests made in Lakewood, Norwalk, and their surrounding cities.

Oriental Fruit Flies Detected In Lakewood

Last week several specimens of the exotic pest, the Oriental Fruit Fly (OFF), were found in the City of Lakewood. Three OFF specimens were found on the same property in Lakewood on August 13, and since then, five other OFF specimens have been found in Lakewood.

In response to the recent OFF discoveries in and around Lakewood, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is employing a "male attractant" technique in parts of Lakewood, Bellflower, Long Beach, and along a border of Cerritos. This technique has proven successful in past instances of exotic fruit fly infestations and is designed to prevent the invasive pest from spreading and destroying commercial crops and home-grown fruits and vegetables. This technique presents no inconveniences to residents, and there are currently no aerial treatments planned.

Due to the high number of specimens found in Lakewood, a quarantine will be established. The quarantine puts restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables from or through the Lakewood area. Residents with any questions or concerns about the male attractant technique may contact the CDFA Pest Hotline at (800) 491-1899.

The Oriental Fruit Fly is one of the world’s most destructive insect pests. Mated female flies pierce the skins of hundreds of different fruits and vegetables and deposit eggs. After maggots hatch from the eggs, they feed on the flesh of the fruits and vegetables, rendering them unfit for consumption. Not native to California and not established in the state, the OFF originates from Southeast Asia and is now found in Hawaii and other Pacific Islands. A longstanding, continuous exotic pest exclusion and detection program has helped prevent this and many other pests from becoming established here and threatening California’s $32 billion agricultural industry.

To find out what is prohibited to bring into Los Angeles County, call

(562) 622-0426. Anyone who wants to transport fruits or plants into or out of Los Angeles County should call (562) 940-7803 to obtain additional information.

Newborn Safely Surrendered In South Pasadena

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success again yesterday with the report of another safely surrendered newborn. This most recent report of a safe surrender occurred at a fire station in the City of South Pasadena.

The newborn Hispanic male was surrendered on Thursday, August 14 at South Pasadena Fire Station #81 and was transported to a local hospital. The newborn is reported to be in good health. As is standard practice, the baby boy is in protective custody and will be placed with a family approved for adoption by the Department of Children and Family Services.

This case could have ended in tragedy, but because of the Safe Surrender program, this baby boy has a long life ahead of him, said Supervisor Knabe. I am happy this mother made the right choice for her baby.

This is the sixth Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2008, and the 68th since the program began seven years ago. The program was initiated by Supervisor Knabe and approved unanimously by the Board of Supervisors in 2001. It allows someone to surrender an infant that is no more than three days old, as long as the infant shows no signs of abuse.

Taggers To Pay For Graffiti Damage Under New Plan

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unveiled a plan today to fine graffiti taggers for the damage they cause. The Board will take a final vote on the ordinance next week. If approved, it would take effect in 30 days.

Supervisor Gloria Molina and Supervisor Don Knabe introduced a motion with the idea last year ago after a Pico Rivera grandmother was killed on August 10, 2007, when she tried to stop a graffiti vandal from defacing a wall near her home.

The average taxpayer cost to catch a tagger is $665, and the average cost of removing or painting over graffiti is $552 per incident. Los Angeles County spends over $30 million per year in graffiti cleanup costs in the unincorporated areas.

Graffiti is a huge problem in many of our neighborhoods and communities, and it is reducing the quality of life, property values, business growth and development in these areas, said Supervisor Knabe. It is my hope that this new plan teaches young offenders about accountability, responsibility, and about the consequences of their actions.

Public Health Tips On How To Find A Great Beach

During the summer months, many Los Angeles County residents and visitors enjoy the natural beauty and recreational benefits of our beaches. Before they take that first swim though, they may be wondering if the ocean water is safe, what beach advisories mean, and what they can do to keep our beaches clean.

The vast majority of beach water along the coast of LA County meets State ocean water quality standards, which means it is safe for swimming, surfing, or otherwise playing in the waves, said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. We encourage residents and visitors to keep our beaches healthy and clean by remembering that whatever is discharged into the street or on the ground flows to a storm drain and eventually makes it way into the ocean. People can help prevent ocean pollution by properly disposing of animal waste, pesticides, households paints, chemicals and motor oil, using a broom and dustpan instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks, and by participating in beach clean-up days.

How do you test beach water?

Los Angeles County’s Ocean Water Monitoring Program tests dozens of sampling sites from the Ventura/Los Angeles County border to San Pedro. These sites are tested at least once a week. Samples are also collected at Avalon Beach on Santa Catalina Island from April through October. If beaches are found to have bacteria levels that exceed State health standards, then they are tested more often.

What do warning signs or rain advisories mean?

When bacteria levels exceed State ocean water quality standards, warning signs are posted to let swimmers, surfers, and other beach-goers know that the water in a specific area is unhealthy.

The signs will remain in place until tests indicate that bacteria levels meet State standards. Some areas have permanent signs posted due to historically poor water quality.

A rain advisory is issued anytime there is significant rainfall that may cause bacterial levels to exceed State standards in ocean waters. The advisory stays in effect for 72 hours after rainfall has ended.

On rare occasions, sewage from ruptured sewage lines inland can make its way into the ocean. When this occurs, the affected beach area and water is immediately closed off so swimmers, surfers, and other beach-goers will be protected.

The area will re-open once testing confirms that bacteria levels are again within State standards.

What areas of the beach should I avoid?

It is best to avoid water contact in areas adjacent to or in front of discharging storm drains. Storm drains direct runoff from urban areas to the ocean. While they do not normally contain sewage, water in storm drains can contain disease-causing bacteria. Depending on the amount of flow, the discharging storm drains can affect ocean water quality several hundred yards from the discharge point. Much greater areas may be affected following major rainstorms.

Avoid swimming next to piers. Piers attract birds which may contribute to higher bacterial levels. In addition, plumbing under piers may occasionally be in disrepair and may discharge sewage into the water.

If a beach area is posted with warning signs or is closed, avoid contact with the water in that area. If you have any questions about where it is safe to swim, ask a lifeguard.

How do I find the cleanest beaches in LA County?

Visit our website at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach to see beach grades from A – F. Or call the Public Health Beach Closure and Advisory Hotline at (800) 525-5662 for the latest information on ocean water quality conditions.

A word about sun safety:

Before you take that refreshing dip in the ocean, take a moment to protect your skin, said Dr. Fielding. Skin cancer is still the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States, so it is important for men, women, and children to protect themselves by applying a sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15, avoiding tanning and tanning beds, and staying in the shade as much as possible.

Prevention tips:

Use a beach umbrella or other covering to stay in the shade as much as possible.

Avoid sunburn by applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day may reduce one’s risk if used properly. Make sure to thoroughly reapply sunscreen after water activities, such as swimming, surfing, or otherwise playing in the waves. Sunscreen should also be reapplied often, even if you are not spending time in the water.

Cover up with long sleeves and pants, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to further avoid sunburn.

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths. Try a sunless tanner instead.

Infants under the age of six months should be kept out of the sun. Sunscreen should be used on babies over the age of six months, and their exposure to sun should be limited as much as possible.

For more information on sun safety, check the Skin Cancer Foundation’s website at http://www.skincancer.org

Summer Festival Returning To South Whittier

The 2nd Annual South Whittier Educate & Celebrate Festival is returning to Adventure Park on Saturday, August 16, Supervisor Don Knabe announced recently.

The South Whittier Educate & Celebrate Festival is once again expected to draw thousands from the community. There will be over 90 vendors in attendance that will have booths set up in the park for the event. There will also be a Health Fair between the hours of 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Other activities available at the festival will include:

– Parent Classes

– Free Immunizations

– Free Dental, Vision & Hearing Checks

– Various Health Screenings

– College Town

– Local Youth Entertainment

– Arts & Crafts

– Kids Zone

– Martial Arts Demonstrations

– Many Local Non-Profits

– Mobile Blood Drive

– Bug Zoo, Petting Zoo & Pony Rides

– Rock Climbing Wall

– Bouncers

– County Resources

– Local School Districts & PTA’s

This is going to be a fantastic community festival and I am thrilled to be a part of it, said Supervisor Knabe. The response and excitement that we received for last year’s event was overwhelming, and we expect this year’s festival to be even better.

The festival is sponsored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, and Care 1st Healthplan; other sponsors include: Southern California University of Health Sciences, Rose Hills, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Wal-Mart, Mitsubishi Motors of Whittier, Burrtec Waste Industries, and The Gas Company. For more information on the festival, please call (562) 807-7350.

Return Your Library Materials During Fine-Free Week

The County of Los Angeles Public Library is offering borrowers a chance to return overdue library materials and clear their library accounts during the Public Library’s Fine-Free Week, August 11-17, 2008. The County Library is holding Fine-Free Week to allow patrons to return books, DVDs, magazines and other library materials without paying a fine.

The purpose of fine free days is to encourage borrowers to return library property, and receive a fresh start, said County Librarian, Margaret Donnellan Todd. We want to ensure that children and families can read and use the library.

In addition, library patrons who have already returned their library materials, but still have unpaid fines on record, can visit any of the County Library’s 84 locations to receive a 50% reduction on fines owed if paid in full during this week. Charges for lost or damaged materials will not be waived.

The purpose of Fine-Free Week is to promote the return of needed library materials, heighten awareness of the importance of reading and literacy and encourage families to use the County Library.

The County Library’s Fine Free Week will end 5:00 p.m. on August 17. For County library listings or additional information, please visit the County Library Web site at www.colapublib.org or call (562) 940-8415.

Knabe Supports Governor’s Budget Priority Plan

"This afternoon, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that until the Legislature passes a budget, he will veto every piece of legislation that is unrelated to the budget. The Governor’s decision to make the budget the highest priority has my support.

The fact is we are more than a month into the new fiscal year and California still does not have a budget. I agree with the Governor that this is a tremendous disservice to the people of our State. There is nothing more important in the Capitol right now than passing a state budget.

Even though the Los Angeles County budget is currently balanced, the State’s uncertain fiscal condition could have a dramatic impact on our County coffers. The longer the Legislature waits to take action, the worse shape we could be in locally when a budget is finally passed.

Knabe To Change Vote On Transit Sale Tax Issue

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe has announced that at the next meeting of the Board of Supervisors, he will enter a motion to reconsider the Board’s previous vote on the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA) sales tax measure. Supervisor Knabe has also decided that at the time of the reconsideration he will change his vote from ‘no’ to ‘yes.’

Supervisor Knabe’s planned reconsideration and intention to change his vote effectively means that the MTA sales tax measure now has the three votes it needs to pass the Board of Supervisors and go before the voters as part of the consolidated November 2008 Presidential Election ballot, and not as a totally separate election.

This morning, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk informed the Board of Supervisors that the costs of a concurrent election, with the MTA sales tax appearing as a totally separate ballot in the November election, would cost taxpayers an additional $10.3 million. If the MTA measure were included as part of the main ballot, the cost would be $7.2 million, instead of the $17.5 million estimated for a separate ballot.

Additionally, the MTA measure would have to be setup as a completely separate election that would be conducted on the same day as the November 4, 2008 general election. Polling places would require additional staffing and voters would get separate ballots, sample ballots and voter guides for both elections.

I remain absolutely opposed to the MTA sales tax measure and I plan to spend my time and effort campaigning against it, said Supervisor Knabe. The plan is not equitable for all County residents and this is the wrong time to burden people with even higher taxes.

Although I am against the sales tax plan, I cannot in good conscience burden County residents with over $10 million in higher election costs. The taxpayers will have to pay for these costs, and that is something I will not allow to happen. Additionally, the separate ballots, voter guides, and other resources needed to conduct a separate election on the same day as the Presidential Election could cause unnecessary confusion and challenges for voters. This upcoming election is the most important in many years, and voters deserve better than a potential disaster at their polling place.