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Have a question? Ask Don. Use this feature to send a question to Supervisor Knabe and he will post a response within two business days.
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Supervisor Knabe: How can the residents of Hacienda Heights schedule a Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Waste round-up? I have lived here for 6 years and have never heard or seen of an event for our residents. I have tried to take stuff to waste round-ups in La Habra and La Habra Heights but am turned away as I am not a resident.
Can you help get us an annual schedule for hazardous waste round-ups?
Kate
Hacienda Heights |
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Dear Kate:
Thank you for your efforts to help recycle household hazardous and electronic waste materials and keep our environment clean.
Almost every Saturday the County conducts mobile Household Hazardous/Electronic Waste (HHW/E-Waste) collection events at different locations in the County.
To find a location near Hacienda Heights and obtain an updated schedule of the upcoming HHW/E-Waste events, please visit www.888CLEANLA.com or call our 1(888) CLEAN LA hotline. The website also provides you the option to sign-up for the e¬notify feature where you would receive electronic notifications of upcoming events in the vicinity of your residence.
Our events are advertised through community newspapers, banners, and flyer distributions. We do not ask for proof of residency at our collection events, since these events are open to all residents. Please note that besides our events, many cities coordinate their own collection events where only their residents can participate.
We are planning a HHW/E-Waste collection event in the Rowland Heights area later this year. The following is a list of three upcoming County HHW/E-Waste collection events that may be of convenience to the Hacienda Heights residents:
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The City of La Puente
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
La Puente Park
501 N Glendora Ave.
La Puente, CA 91744
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The City of La Habra Heights
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Hacienda Park (The Park)
Hacienda Blvd and Encanada Drive
La Habra Heights, CA 90241
Saturday, August 9, 2008
The Unincorporated Whittier
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Rio Hondo College, Parking Lot “A”
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Supervisor Knabe: My parents are 89 years old and quite frail. My father recently became confined to a wheelchair and my mother can no longer provide the care he needs (she is very frail and sickly). He cannot even put on his socks and shoes without help.
My mother has been so worried about the situation that she is now in the hospital due to (what we think) was an anxiety attack.
Does the county have any programs where they can send caretakers into the elderly's home once or twice a day to help?
John
Whittier |
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Dear John:
The County havs services that your parents would certainly qualify for. A description of our agency and summary of our services are below:
SASSFA, or the Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority, is a non-profit agency which provides social services at no cost for the elderly, the economically disadvantaged and other area residents with special needs. SASSFA’s Senior Services programs are funded in part by a grant from the Los Angeles County Area Agency on Aging, through the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended. SASSFA’s service area includes: Santa Fe Springs, Whittier, La Mirada, Pico Rivera and adjacent unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. SASSFA provides
1. Care Management Services for the frail elderly and functionally impaired adults 18 years and older to obtain needed services which would enable them to remain at home safely, with a measure of independence and dignity.
2. Home Delivered Meals for older adults age 60 years or older, homebound due to illness, surgery, or otherwise isolated. This includes one hot meal per day Mon. through Fri. served at lunchtime.
3. Home Based Care which matches clients who are in need of a home chore worker (IHSS or private pay) to a qualified individual. SASSFA has limited funds for clients who can’t afford to pay for home chore services and/or personal care. We provide four hours per week assistance with light housekeeping (dusting, vacuuming, laundry, etc.) or personal care needs that include four hours per week assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming to seniors age 60 and over.
4. Respite Care is offered to relieve caregivers who are providing regular care for frail elderly family members age 60 and over. It is available to caregivers on a limited basis once a week.
5. Senior Nutrition Program provides a hot nutritious meal at the sites listed below.
- Adventure Park, 10130 Gunn Avenue, Whittier, 562-318-8124
- La Mirada Activity Center,13810 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, (562) 947-8787
- Los Nietos Neighborhood Center, 11640 E. Slauson, Whittier, (562) 699-9873
- Pico Rivera Senior Center, 9200 Mines Ave., Pico Rivera, (562) 801-4400
- Neighborhood Center, 9255 S. Pioneer Blvd., Santa Fe Springs, (562) 692-0261
- Mayberry Park, 13201 E. Meyer Rd., Whittier,(562) 944-7745
- Whittier Senior Center, 13225 Walnut St., Whittier, (562) 464-3367
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Supervisor Knabe: Our public schools are in need of funds. Cutting on teachers will not benefit children. It will affect children future education. How do you plan to support school education and the budget for our public school continue to provide a quality education. I urge you to consider elementary, middle, and high school as a priority.
Monica
Norwalk |
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Dear Monica:
The Los Angeles County Supervisors do not have the authority over public schools. The funds for public schools come from the State of California. Contacting the Governor's office, your state legislators and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack O'Connell, would be a direct way for you to voice your concerns regarding California public education.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Supervisor Knabe: Your program to support arts education with small grants is so valuable. The Hmong Association Qeej Not Gangs program in Long Beach would like to apply for 2008, but we are not locating information. Please send us information.
Karen
Long Beach |
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Dear Karen:
The Arts Education Partnership Program application period for the 2008 funds was in the Fall of 2007. The application for the 2009 funds will be available in the Fall of 2008. We will notify you when the application will go online at Knabe.com.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Supervisor Knabe: The Admiralty Apts being erected at Palawan Way and Admiralty is exceeding height limits and adding to the traffic chaos in the Marina. Just come down to the Marina and see for yourself with more buildings going up every day. What are the plans for the old Harbor House etc. There are banners up but don't know what they refer to.
Fred
Marina del Rey |
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Dear Fred:
Pertaining to the Admiralty Apartments project: Both the Marina del Rey LUP and LACC (Sec. 22.46.1840) stipulate that improvements on this parcel can be constructed to the maximum legal height of 140 feet. In issuance of Coastal Development Permit & Conditional Use Permit No. 03-029-(4), the California Coastal Commission staff acknowledged the maximum height allowable by law and concluded that the project’s designed height of 72 feet is well within the 140-foot requirement. Regrettably, occasional minor traffic inconveniences at any construction site are unavoidable. The lessee is strictly in compliance with conditions of the Building and Safety Permit, including deployment of flagman to control traffic during major phase of work that may cause any traffic congestion. You may be glad to know that the project should be completed in approximately 7 months and everything will be well.
Pertaining to the Old Harbor House: The County has recently approved a sublease between the lessee and the sublessee, The Organic Panificio, LLC, to remodel the former Harbor House and Edie’s Diner for use as a full-service Italian restaurant. The Organic Panificio will feature a bar, wine lounge, and two dining rooms serving organic meats, pastas, pizza, salads, sandwiches, and coffee. The establishment will also have banquet facilities.
The main facility, where the former Harbor House used to be, will offer fine dining with operating hours between 11:00 am and 2:00 am. The area where Edie’s Diner was located will offer casual dining, including a small deli area to sell pre-packaged food from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm. Panificio is anticipating a grand opening in April or the early spring. Remodeling work is progressing well.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Supervisor Knabe: I have a problem with the LA County Dept. of Public Works - Building and Safety. Due to recent changes in building codes they are unwilling to help get a permit for a simple enclosed patio. What used to take a couple of weeks is now stalled 6-9 months according to the company/contractor I wish to have install the patio. The process used to take only a couple of weeks. It is my understanding that many other cities, including Whittier, have been able to work this out and permits are being issued for patio installations in most or all cities. However, after several meetings with the Dept., I am told by the company I hired that LA County will do nothing to help out. Apparently, it is currently not possible to get simple work done (like a patio) in LA County anymore, unless of course, if I lived 2 blocks north in the city of Whittier. Then all would be fine.
So my question is: who has oversight over this Agency in LA County? Whom might I go to for help?
Scott
Whittier |
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Dear Scott:
Getting a building permit for patio is pretty simple. Once you get an approval from the Regional Planning Department, the Building and Safety normally takes care of it over the counter.
For residential patio two different materials are being used commonly, one is wood and the other one is metal. Wood is very popular construction material and widely used by most of the people. That is the reason we call "conventional framing". But metal structure is somewhat different. There are all sorts of different materials and products by different manufacturers.
In order for us to review the structural safety of metal building, material specifications and engineering have to be submitted to the Building and Safety office for approval. It is very time consuming. Since metal industry knows about this fact, they are getting approval from the recognized agencies such as ICC. Local jurisdiction is normally accepting their approval. In this case there is no issue. We handle the permit over the counter.
You could submit material specifications and structural calculations based on new Building Code to the Building and Safety office for this project only if he wants. All documents and plans shall be stamped and signed by the registered engineer. Allow 3~5 weeks to review.
The South Whittier District Office of Building and Safety is located at 13523 Telegraph Road Whittier CA 90605 562-946-1390.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Supervisor Knabe: The County of Los Angels Board of Supervisors awarded Burrrtec Waste Industries, Inc. the contract for our trash pick up. They do give discounts for Seniors and disabled citizens, BUT by doing so they give us smaller containers. This raises a RED FLAG to those who prey on senior citizens. I hope that you can bring that up at your next meeting or on your own make the companies change their policy.
Thank you for reading my concern.
Rachel
Whittier |
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Dear Rachel:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the new residential trash and recycling services that Burrtec will provide beginning April 1, 2008.
The senior discount is offered under the following scenarios with the different cart sizes.
96 gallon carts for residents who meet the following criteria: head of household, over 62 and qualify for utility rate discounts based on financial need OR
32 gallon carts for residents who meet the following criteria: head of household, over 62 and generate a small amount of waste and uses 32-gallon carts
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Supervisor Knabe:
Congratulations on your appointment to the Senior Advisory level of Homeland Security! As a resident, I am glad to know that our local interests & support will be fed directly to the powers that be at both the State & Federal levels.
As a CERT volunteer, I'd like to know if you or your staff have any advice on assistance to establish a Community Emergency Response Team in an unincorporated area, such as Rowland Heights. LA City has the ability to coordinate volunteers in their local municipality via the CERT-LA website. But who can we go to for help in organizing volunteers in an unincorporated area in an effort to maintain skills & recruit more trained volunteers?
Beth
Rowland Heights |
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Dear Beth:
Since you reside in an unincorporated area, the lead agency responsible for CERT Training is the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The contact person is Captain Jeff Vrooman and he can be reached by calling (323) 881-3064.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Supervisor Knabe:
I've just read your release on the $1 million + money going to improve multiple parks. I live across from the Del Rey Lagoon Park in Playa del Rey, which didn't receive any funds. How was the decision made to fund individual parks? What could/should either we as residents or the city park employees done to qualify for some of those funds?
Thanks,
Mary
Playa del Rey |
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Dear Mary:
These funds were offered to cities via a competitive grant process to improve their communities in a variety of categories, from at-risk youth centers to urban reforestation to senior centers. General park improvements to city parks were not eligible. All cities in the Fourth District were invited to apply but the City of Los Angeles did not apply for any funds for Playa del Rey or any other community.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Dear Mr. Knabe,
According to your press release of July 12, 2007, you presented Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster with $5 Million in Proposition A funds on July 12th, for these very projects in the same allocations, as agenda item 1-P (printed below) proposes to give to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) next Tuesday.
Why are you proposing to give the MRCA a like amount of money for the exact same projects? What does the MRCA have to do with Long Beach, anyway? It is a local government partnership between the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation & Park District of Thousand Oaks; and the Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District up in Simi Valley. Perhaps Mayor Foster returned the money? Or is this how public access to El Sol Beach in Malibu has managed to elude us for 30 years?
Nancy
Marina del Rey |
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Dear Nancy:
Thanks you for your interest in the $5,000,000 that I have awarded to the City of Long Beach for its projects along the Los Angeles River. As you correctly point out the funding was announced in Long Beach on July 12, 2007, when I presented the City with a ceremonial check for the $5,000,000 to be granted with funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District.
The agenda item 1-P set for Board of Supervisors action on September 18, 2007, will make the funding official and instructs the Open Space District to make a grant for the funds for the projects to the City of Long Beach. It may seem that we are awarding the funds to the Mountains Restoration and Conservation Authority (MRCA) but in fact, MRCA will not actually receive the funds. MRCA will immediately assign the right to apply for the $5,000,000 to the City of Long Beach and so there is no duplication of funding.
The funds are coming from the Safe Neighborhood Parks Proposition of 1996 and the Proposition stipulates that funds for projects along the Los Angeles River must be awarded to the MRCA. However, the City of Long Beach and the MRCA agreed that Long Beach and not the MRCA would be the best agency to carry out these important projects.
The Excess Funds used to fund the projects for Long Beach and Paramount come with strict requirements attached to them in the Proposition and can only be used to fund projects along the Los Angeles River. However, several projects in the Marina del Rey area have benefited from Proposition funds. They include
- $235,630 for improvements at Marina Beach
- $5,345,000 for improvements at Dockweiler Beach
- $114,000 for improvements to the Marina del Rey boat launch facility
- $3,345,000 for improvements to Venice Beach
- $200,000 for access to the Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve
- $100,000 for improvements to Ballona Creek Trail \
- As well as several grants for beach projects to the neighboring cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Santa Monica which is in the Third Supervisorial District.
If you have more detailed questions about any of the projects, please feel free to contact the Open Space District directly. Their administrator, Ilona Volkmann, would be glad to discuss this matter with you further. Here is how you can reach her:
Ilona Volkmann
Department of Parks and Recreation
Regional Park and Open Space District
510 South Vermont Avenue, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Office (213) 738-2981 Fax (213) 385-0875
E-Mail: ivolkmann@lacountyparks.org
Website: http://openspacedistrict.lacounty.info
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Dear Supervisor Knabe:
I am a student of the PACE program at Harbor College. We are trying to get a large number of student to various location for off campus credit. For example plays, museums, etc. If there is any information you can give me I would greatly appreciate it.
Erin
Lomita |
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Dear Erin:
In answer to your question, yes, my office often does provide buses for non-profit organizations that serve the Fourth District. Any request for bus services needs to be faxed or mailed to my local field office. Since you’re from Lomita, your local field office is located in Torrance. Here is the contact information for that office:
Fourth District Torrance Field Office
825 Maple Avenue
Torrance, CA 90503
Tel: (310) 222-3015
Fax: (310) 320-4058
Your letter needs to include the following information:
- Name of Organization
- Brief description of organization when requesting for the first time
- Nature or purpose of field trip (seniors, youth, community, etc)
- Date of Trip
- Number of people
- Pick up location and time
- Destination address and time to return to pick up location
- Contact information (including fax number)
If you have additional questions, you can contact the Torrance Field Office for help.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Dear Supervisor Knabe,
I wrote to you a couple of weeks ago about what was happening with the Marina as far as the availability of slips (25') for small boat owners such as myself.
I heard from the Department of Beaches and Harbors and they wound up finding me a slip at a Marina I had talked to just a week before and had no luck.
Just wanted to thank you both for the effort as I doubt if I would have found a slip to go to once the marina I'm in now starts their re-building.
Thanks again,
Larry
Chatsworth
Dear Supervisor Knabe:
I am a small (25') boat owner and have kept it in Marina Del Rey since I got it in 1988. In the last few years my wife and I have been in many different marinas and we have had to move several times as the marinas are rebuilt and small slips are eliminated. This time we are in a slip in Bar Harbor and that is due to be demolished soon.
We have been trying to find another slip to move to, hopefully one that has already been redone so we will not have to continue to look for a new slip every year or two.
I'm still continuing to look for a slip, but it seems it may be impossible.
Larry
Chatsworth |
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Dear Larry:
I am glad to hear the County was able to assist you with finding a Marina and thank you for your note.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Supervisor Knabe:
The last public meeting in regard to the Termino Drain project was in March of 2007.I would also like to know if this project indeed has been funded. A section of this proposed project has been long neglected (years now) and we as a community are working to improve the aesthetics, but there is only so much we can do unless we know how long before the project will begin. Since this area is adjacent to many of our members' properties, the outcome of the situation directly impacts their property values.
Donna
Long Beach |
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Dear Donna:
The Termino Avenue Drain project is funded. At this time, Public Works is completing the environmental document. After the document is approved, Public Works will obtain the necessary permits and finalize the design, and expects to have the project under construction in late-2008.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Dear Mr. Knabe:
Could you please explain why you do not support a dog beach at Dockweiler? I feel very strongly about the subject, I'm familiar with both sides of the issue, and I do not understand why you continue to oppose the dog beach.
James
Manhattan Beach |
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Dear James:
Thank you for your recent email regarding your desire to establish a dog beach at Dockweiler State Beach (Dockweiler). I appreciate the opportunity to clarify my position and the issues surrounding the current prohibition of dogs at Dockweiler, which is based on the opposition of several different groups to establishing a dog beach at Dockweiler at this time.
Dockweiler is a unit of the State park system and is operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors by agreement. Dogs are prohibited either on or off a leash at all beach areas owned or operated by the County, as well as by the City of Los Angeles for those beaches within the City’s boundaries, which includes Dockweiler. Additionally, current State law does not allow dogs at Dockweiler.
I have been opposed to a dog beach at Dockweiler as previously proposed due to the health, safety, and liability concerns raised by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Heal the Bay, Malibu Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, the Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Below is an outline of the concerns raised by some of these groups which have not been adequately addressed to date:
Los Angeles County Fire Department
- The need for lifeguards to regulate dog activity would detract from their primary focus of water safety.
- The potential exists that lifeguards might be drawn into animal control issues for which they are not trained or equipped. This would be especially problematic with aggressive breeds such as bull terriers. Two of our on-duty Lifeguards have been hospitalized due to dog bites. The no leash concept would exacerbate the risk to our lifeguards.
- The overall health and safety of our employees that will have to patrol and respond to this area. Studies have confirmed the potential for toxoplasmosis and other pathogens related to animal waste to negatively impact human health.
- Staffing will have to increase in this area due to the increased volume of beach patrons. Costs to staff, train and equip our employees to regulate a dog beach have been estimated at $54,000 annually with an additional start-up cost of $47,000 (initial training and equipment).
- Dockweiler Beach has become more popular due to a recent upgrade in facilities and amenities. Dockweiler South (DWS), the area that Freeplay would like to locate a dog beach, had 1,506,900 beach visitors in 2006. In addition, in 2006, 310 rescues and 361 first aids were performed by our Lifeguards at DWS. Note: Dockweiler is divided into 3 sub-areas approximately 1 mile each.
- Parking Safety - The area Freeplay has proposed a dog beach has no adjacent public parking lot. Most dog owners will select to park for free along Vista Del Mar, which is a highly trafficked artery to Manhattan Beach/Playa Vista/MDR. Crossing Vista Del Mar is very dangerous. In addition, traffic accidents with parked vehicles are very common along this stretch of highway behind Dockweiler Beach. Human safety is the most critical issue, but responding to traffic accidents also pulls Lifeguard resources off the beach.
- Dockweiler beach is a lease-tern habitat (endangered species). Snowy plovers, another endangered species, also frequent Dockweiler Beach. The Ballona wetlands are being restored to attract and promote the return of wildlife. Migratory birds often stop and recreate on our shorelines. A dog beach in such close proximity to a wetlands restoration project is not pragmatic or practical.
Department of Beaches & Harbors
-The inability of dog owners to control the actions of the their pets.
- The potential for bacterial contamination from the release of waste material in highly trafficked public areas.
- The high probability that a significant amount of dog feces will not and/or cannot be removed (despite the best intentions of dog owners).
- The anticipation that dogs will fight with other dogs, or will bite and/or bark at beach patrons (with children being particularly vulnerable).
- The anticipation that dogs will chase cyclists due to the bike path’s close proximity to Dockweiler State Beach. It can also be anticipated that strollers, joggers, vehicles, wildlife, et al will be chased.
Department of Health Services
- The potential for jeopardizing public health and safety of beach patrons due to the potential of a disease outbreak caused by parasites and diseases that are transferred from dogs to humans.
- The concern that the services of the DHS veterinary office would be needed to determine the source of any outbreak and to control the problem.
- The potential for increased posting of beach warning signs if ocean bacterial levels become unsafe.
County Counsel
- County Counsel has indicated that this proposal would result in significant issues regarding County liability and indemnification.
- County Counsel does not believe that the indemnification language and the signage provisions of past proposals will immunize the County from all liability arising from the County authorized presence of off-leash dogs on a public beach operated by the County.
- There has been no guarantee that the County would be indemnified for all such liability and litigation expense when it incurs.
California Department of Parks and Recreation
- Under existing law and regulation, off-leash dogs are not permitted in parks owned by the California Department of Parks and Recreation because they present a potential threat to visitors, park staff, wildlife and each other.
- Dogs can impact aesthetics and the sense of peace sought by many visitors to State Parks, with many other park visitors complaining that their experience is negatively impacted by dogs.
- Rosario P. Cortes, Assistant Director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation expressed the Department’s opposition to a dog beach at Dockweiler because off-leash dogs would conflict with the mission of the Department to protect rare and valuable natural resources having statewide significance, and that existing law and regulation prohibit dogs off-leash on any State beach, thereby concluding that neither the County of Los Angeles, or any other local entity, could legally establish an off-leash dog area at Dockweiler State Beach, or any other State beach.
Heal the Bay
- This organization contends that people are more likely to become ill after swimming at beaches that allow dogs to run or play in the surfzone or on areas of the beach that are subject to tides.
- Even when dog owners are diligent about removing dog feces and urine, small amounts will remain on the sand and contaminate the water, and may cause illness to exposed humans, especially children (more prone to hand to mouth activities near the shoreline) and those adults with compromised immune systems.
My staff and I have also reviewed the independent study of dog beaches conducted by the California Research Bureau as requested by Assemblymember Ted Lieu. At best the report is inconclusive on health issues, stating on page 31 that: "Dog waste is clearly a part of the pollution mix. However, given the current testing practices and limitations, it is difficult to measure and quantify the amount of contamination that dog waste contributes to the beaches and water." We have experienced some less than stellar grades for the water quality at portions of Dockweiler in the past, and we need to be sure that we won’t be adding to the problem in the future. Moreover
, the report does not address the issue of sand contamination, which can pose a continuing health threat as we learned after the sewage spill in Manhattan Beach last winter. Despite the best efforts of dog owners, there will be some bacterial residue wherever dogs defecate or urinate.
Additionally, while the report shows that there are a number of dog beaches up and down the coast, each is unique to its surroundings and circumstances. For example, contrary to what Freeplay would like, the report shows that the majority of dog beaches require that dogs be leashed in recognition of concerns regarding health, safety, and liability.
Off leash dog beaches are typically located where the beach isn’t used as frequently by the general public. In this instance, Freeplay has proposed to establish an unfenced, off-leash area for a dog beach that would extend for approximately 1 mile along Dockweiler.
However, no other urban area has the same volume of visitors as Los Angeles County beaches, which hosts over 50 million visitors a year. As stated above, the area that Freeplay would like to locate a dog beach had 1,506,900 beach visitors in 2006, with 310 rescues and 361 first aids performed by County Lifeguards. Thus, there is a greater potential of conflict between dogs, dog owners, County personnel, and the beach going public at Dockweiler than there is at other dog beaches.
Let me be clear: I love dogs and I have been a long time supporter of designated dog parks where dogs and their owners can recreate freely. However, the proposed unfenced, off-leash dog beach proposed by Freeplay raises too many unanswered questions and risk to the public for the reasons stated above.
I remain open to the idea of further recreation opportunities for dogs and their owners, but I have yet to receive any proposal from Freeplay that sufficiently addresses these issues of safety, health, and liability. I hope to get such a proposal in the near future.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Supervisor Knabe:
I have four potholes on our street the deepest one is about 5 inches deep. The street is in need a repair or at the least it needs the potholes filled.
Our street address is Hacienda Blvd. However it actually is separate and runs next to Hacienda Blvd.
Jeff
Hacienda Heights |
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Dear Jeff:
Thank you for your note and I am glad to hear the County quickly responded to your request for help.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Dear Don:
I'm not so sure that I should be a subscriber to your e-mail newsletter. I find some things rather disturbing, to say the least.
When you or the State is spending 2.6 million dollar for a sprinkler system for Los Verdes golf course I was amazed. First: WHY? Do you believe that it is good public policy to subsidize the rich and very rich? That is NOT good public policy in my way of thinking, period.
And a sub note to this golf- course policy is what about cost? Is this another deal that the contract goes to the highest bidder, because he knows someone in high places? Hey, we're talking about a new set of plastic pipes and some sprinkler heads. Does 1.5 million go to some's pocket? As said on TV-- Give Me A Break!
Don, you could use some suggestions on good public policies (related).
As you well know, we are in a water shortage. How about a new water plant near PV, such as ocean RO system, or more aggressive reclamation of waste water (not far away)? Or even better, re-routing the wasted water pumped from the Portuguese Bend slide to the golf course? I bet 2.6 million dollars would help these efforts and would indeed be in the real public interest. Reclaiming waste water would help free up fresh water.
Robert
Rancho Palos Verdes |
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Dear Mr. Keefer:
Thank you for your kind comments regarding the Safe Surrender program for abandoned newborns.
As far as the concerns you expressed, I wanted to clarify some of the facts of these projects. Los Verdes Golf Course is far from an enclave for the rich and very rich. It is a County course and at just over $25 a round, it remains just a fraction of the cost to play as compared to private courses in the local area. Affordable access to public golf is something I am firmly committed too and as such, I am also committed to the improvements and upkeep of our public courses, such as a new irrigation system.
The cost of the project will have a minimal impact on the County's bottom line. Only $200,000 of the $2.6 million is coming from the County coffers. The rest is coming from fees the golfers pay to use the course, fees that must be reinvested into that particular golf course, and voter-approved funds for improving open space.
This is not a case where the contract is going to a contractor with good connections. In fact, the County has strict guidelines to ensure that contracts go to the lowest bidder so taxpayer’s monies are not wasted. The current irrigation system is over 30 years old and the new system will include the latest technology that will allow use to only water the course when truly needed, and not after recent rains or damp weather. This project will help save tax dollars in the long run by not wasting water.
Additionally, you'll be happy to know that your thoughts about wastewater usage on the golf course match my own thoughts on the issue. Last year, I advocated for the successful opening of the County's new Office of Recycled Water. One of the first program's that was started was the transfer of watering our parks and golf courses with recycled grey water rather than fresh water.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Supervisor Knabe:
You posted that Los Angeles County tax dollars were being used to upgrade street lighting in "Long Beach". If this area is within the city limits of Long Beach, why isn't the city picking up the entire cost?
Outside of any contracted services I understood that infrastructure issues would be paid for solely by city tax dollars. I am pleased with how county government is caring for my community and I would not want to see resources siphoned off to supplement another tax base.
Jim
Hacienda Heights |
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Dear Jim:
In response to your email, you are quite right, this project is fully within the City of Long Beach, however these streets are also technically considered County highways since they pass through multiple local jurisdictions. Because of that, the County has a vested interest in the upkeep of these streets even though they may be within a City.
The California Streets and Highways Code also says that the Board of Supervisors of any county may, by a resolution adopted by a four-fifths vote of its members, determine that certain types of road improvements on specified streets are of general county interest and that county aid may be extended for this purpose. County aid may be provided in the form of labor, equipment, and materials, or a direct payment to the city.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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Supervisor Knabe:
Vista del Mar should be a scenic coastal drive, but it is a mess and continues to deteriorate! Why do we need parking there have you ever driven along there especially on a hot day??? It is the worst obstacle course I have ever been on! I have to take that street at least 2X's a day. It is horrible! The fences and signs are caving in the graffiti is in the curbs and on the signs, there are rusted old railings! Kids running across the busy street and cars opening doors while people are trying to avoid people in the streets and cars stopping suddenly to find a parking spot. why can't everyone just park in the new spaces?? I hear they need free spots? Well make free spots then in the parking lot!!!!
Cheryl
El Segundo |
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Dear Cheryl:
I agree with you that the conditions along Vista del Mar present both a safety hazard and an eyesore to an area that attracts more than three million visitors each year.
Because the County agrees with you, although Vista del Mar is not the responsibility of the County, we have spent the last few years creating and then generating support for an expansion plan for the park across the street from Dockweiler State Beach. The plan would include a free parking lot for approximately 500 cars, which we hope will be enough to secure agreement from the Coastal Commission that the Vista del Mar curbs may be painted red, something that hasn’t been approved until now because it is believed to reduce public access to the beach. A signalized crossing would enhance public safety for those wanting to cross the street to access the beach. Two ADA ramps are planned from Vista del Mar down the slopes to the beach. Improved landscaping would include rebuilding the bluff along Dockweiler Beach to reduce the current erosion of that site.
Accomplishing these much-needed improvements to a blighted and unsafe area must involve the concerted effort of the two additional public entities with whom we have been working: Los Angeles City and LAX. We are working together to make these improvements a reality. Designs have been prepared and public meetings are being held. This project is vitally important to ensure the safety and stability of one of Southern California’s coastal treasures.
Sincerely,
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles |
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