Yearly Archives: 2013

Two New Community Centers Break Ground In Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe joined local officials and residents to celebrate the groundbreaking of two new community centers in Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights.

The new community center at Pathfinder Community Regional Park in Rowland Heights will include a 19,500 square foot multi-purpose area, tennis and basketball courts, and splash pad, as well as a computer room. The new 21,000 square foot Hacienda Heights Community and Recreation Center, located at 1234 Valencia Avenue, will include performance areas, walking trails, fitness stations and picnic tables.

“Each of the new community centers was designed with input from the public and are a fine example of how local partnerships can meet the needs of our residents,” said Supervisor Knabe. “I’m proud that even in tough economic times, we have funding for important projects that impact residents’ everyday lives.  These new community centers will boost the overall quality-of-life for residents in the area and provide them with an outstanding place where they can experience a cultural event, exercise, access a computer – there will be something for everyone!”

The total cost of the Rowland Heights Community Center is approximately $18 million and was made possible with funding from the office of Fourth District Supervisor Don Knabe. The total cost of the Hacienda Heights Community and Recreation Center is $21.2 million and will be funded by the Puente Hills Landfill-Community Benefit and Environmental Trust Funds, as well as 4th District Capital Project Construction Funds. Both community centers are slated to open to the public in late 2014.

Knabe Calls for Support of Local Control of Ontario Airport

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today approved a motion to support the transfer of Ontario International Airport (ONT) to local control.  Currently the Ontario Airport is managed by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and the City of Los Angeles; the City of Ontario has requested control

Supervisor Knabe issued the following statement: “I am not at all surprised at the City of Ontario’s desire to get back control of its airport.  We have seen significant reductions in passenger traffic at Ontario, which cannot all be explained away by the economy.  LAWA has not shown a good faith effort to regionalization, which would benefit all of Southern California.

In 2006, LAWA made a commitment to mitigate the impacts on LAX operations on traffic, noise, health risks and quality-of-life in communities surrounding LAX by relieving the pressures for future growth at LAX through a regional effort to meet air transportation demand at other airports in the region.  It’s time they did that by negotiating a solution that would allow for local control of ONT.”

With today’s approval, a letter confirming support for this key action to regionalize air travel will be sent to the Mayors of the Cities of Los Angeles and Ontario, Los Angeles World Airports, and other affected agencies.

A report on airport regionalization from the County’s Chief Executive Office will be discussed at the May 14, 2013 Board of Supervisors meeting.  Knabe, along with fellow Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, requested the CEO report in a motion passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors on February 26, 2013.

Joe A. Gonsalves Elementary Honored as National Blue Ribbon School

Los Angeles County Supervisor Knabe today recognized Joe A. Gonsalves Elementary School for being selected as one of five National Blue Ribbon Schools in Los Angeles County in 2012, one of 24 in California and one of only 314 in the entire United States.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and non-public elementary, middle and high schools where students perform at very high levels or make significant gains in academic achievement.  The program identifies and shares knowledge about effective school leadership and instructional practices.

“As a resident of the ABC Unified School District, I know how hard the schools work to provide an excellent  academic experience through a supportive learning environment for the students,” said Supervisor Knabe.  “This recognition for Joe A. Gonsalves Elementary shows how the active participation of parents, teachers, staff and the community can lead to success for all children.”

Los Angeles Business Journal Names Rancho Los Amigos “Hospital of the Year”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe issued the following statement following Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center being named “Hospital of the Year” by the Los Angeles Business Journal at the 2013 Healthcare Leadership Awards:

“Congratulations to Los Angeles County’s “Hospital of Miracles” on its “Hospital of the Year” award from the Los Angeles Business Journal. Rancho’s success is a true testament to the hardworking doctors, staff and patients who make miracles happen each and every day. Each year, Rancho helps thousands of patients recover from catastrophic injuries and illnesses, and is consistently ranked as one of America’s best hospital’s by U.S. News & World Report. Whether by inspiring a patient’s recovery through physical therapy and helping them stand on their own for the first time or boosting their self-esteem through art, Rancho provides the absolute best care. I am proud of my entire Rancho family for this extraordinary honor.”

Newborn Baby Boy Safely Surrendered in Mission Hills

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the second time this year with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby boy. This most recent safe surrender occurred on April 12, 2013 at a hospital in Mission Hills.

As is standard practice, the newborn is in protective custody and will be placed with families approved for adoption by the Department of Children and Family Services.

“After the horrifying news in December of a baby being found at a recycling center, I am relieved to hear that this newborn is safe and will be part of a loving family,” said Supervisor Knabe. “I’m thankful that this mother decided to surrender her baby, rather than put him in a harmful situation. As word spreads about the Program, mothers in desperate situations can make the right choice for their babies and themselves, because of Safe Surrender.”

This is the second Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2013, and the 105th since the program began over eleven 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.

Fiscal prudency pays off Los Angeles County

This week, Los Angeles County released its draft annual budget, totaling nearly $24.7 billion. Our biggest areas of spending  remain public safety, healthcare and public assistance.  I’m pleased to report that again this year, this budget does not include any cuts to County services or any employee layoffs.

While the County is required to balance its budget, for the first time since the start of the worst economic crisis since the great depression, we will operate on a budget that does not require the use of reserve funds to plug shortfalls.

We would not be in this position without our focus on fiscal prudency, as well as the partnerships we have with our labor unions, who have forgone cost of living increases to avoid furloughs and layoffs.  I want to thank our department heads and hard-working County employees for working with us to make significant, across-the-board budget cuts over the last several years.

While other municipalities deal with layoffs and cuts to critical services, Los Angeles County has remained dedicated to providing important services our residents have come to expect.  In some cities, they can’t even fill the potholes and pave the streets. At the County we continue to invest in our infrastructure, knowing that investments today will pay off tomorrow.

We are in no means out of the woods, but with the significant budget cuts we have made and some uptick in revenues, things appear more stable.  However, I remain concerned about significant future financial obligations, such as the Affordable Care Act and Realignment. We must continue to work with our colleagues at the state and national level to ensure that Los Angeles County receives the funding necessary to continue providing mandated safety net services for our residents.

Our frugality has paid off through the rough economic times.  As we see improvements, however we must remain as disciplined and continue to operate within our means.

 

New, Larger Sunshine Shuttles Launch Into Service

Supervisor Don Knabe joined officials from the Department of Public Works and members of the community to celebrate the dedication of two new Sunshine Shuttle buses. The new, larger shuttles will join the existing fleet to accommodate more riders during the peak morning and afternoon hours and allow more passengers to be transported to and from our regional transit connections.

“The addition of these new shuttles will vastly improve the quality of life for our community,” said Supervisor Knabe. “The residents of unincorporated Whittier will gain greater access to local and regional destinations including libraries, schools, parks, medical and social service providers, youth and senior community centers, and major shopping centers.”

The new Sunshine Shuttles were paid for with a $580,000 grant from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (2009 Call for Projects), a $50,000 a grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District and approximately $250,000 from the Fourth District Proposition A Local Return Transit Program.

For more information about the Sunshine Shuttle buses, please visit LADPW.org.

Local High Schools to Compete in 16th Annual ‘Knabe Cup’

High school golfers from across Los Angeles County’s Fourth District will tee-off on April 10, 2013, at Supervisor Don Knabe’s 16th Annual Knabe Cup Golf Tournament.

Thirty six high school teams, comprised of four players per team, will compete at Lakewood Country Club in an individual and team tournament for individual honors and a chance to dethrone defending team champion Mira Costa High School.

“It constantly amazes me how the competition has gotten better and better as the years have gone on,” said Supervisor Knabe. “I am excited that this tournament is viewed as the precursor to the league and CIF Championships.”

The tournament, sponsored each year by Supervisor Knabe, allows student-athletes to engage in friendly competition, regardless of their high school’s respective league affiliation.  Each player receives a free lunch provided by Piazza McDonald’s, range balls and tee prizes.  Additionally, the first place finishers receive trophies and windbreakers.  Supervisor Knabe will speak with players at 12:45 p.m., followed by the shotgun start at 1 p.m.

Paid Summer Arts Internships Available for College Students

Summer job opportunities for 74 college students are now available through the Los Angeles County Arts Internship Program. Detailed descriptions, including contacts, for the internship positions are available at www.lacountyarts.org, click on “Internships.” Interested students are encouraged to apply immediately for these highly competitive, limited number of internships at arts organizations throughout Los Angeles County. Students apply directly to the organization offering the internship not the Arts Commission. Internships begin June 3, 2013.

Graduating seniors who complete their undergraduate degrees between May 1 – September 1, 2013 are eligible, as well as undergraduates. Applicants must have completed at least one semester of college by June 2013 and be currently enrolled in a community college or a four-year university. Applicants must be a resident of and/or attending school in Los Angeles County. Students who have previously participated in the Los Angeles County Arts Internship Program are not eligible to participate a second time.

The positions are for 10 weeks and pay $350 per week. Interns also take part in educational and arts networking activities generously funded by The Getty Foundation. Through the program, interns gain a deeper understanding of the work involved in nonprofit arts administration and the role of the arts in a community and develop business skills that can be put to use in their future careers. Internship host organizations help mold and shape potential new arts leaders who may go on to hold positions on staffs, boards or as volunteers.

To support the internships, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, on behalf of the County, has given grants totaling $250,000 to 74 arts organizations throughout the region.

Organizations in the County’s Fourth Supervisorial District offering arts internships include:

 

 

As unemployment numbers rise, LA County must become more business friendly

Over the weekend, California’s Employment Development Department released a report showing that the state’s unemployment rate remains stagnant.

Here in Los Angeles County, the numbers tell a similar story.  Though there have been signs of economic improvement, unemployment in Los Angeles County still remains above the national average.

Locally, the unemployment rate crept up to 10.9% as of the beginning of the year.  Some people have been out of work for extended periods of time, with few prospects in sight.  We need to do everything we can to attract new businesses and retain the valuable businesses we have – or they will flee LA County and take precious jobs with them.

As other cities and states develop more and more incentives to bring in business, we must do a better job of supporting our local businesses  and making Los Angeles County more business friendly. That means we must prevent higher taxes and other anti-business measures which keep our local economy from blooming. These new employment numbers continue that cautionary tale and show us that we still have a lot of work to do to make Los Angeles County more enticing for businesses.