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Paramount Receives $2.5 Million From County For Dills Park Expansion

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce a grant of $2.5 million to the City of Paramount for use in the development and expansion of Ralph A. Dills Park.

The Dills Park Expansion Project is a multi-phased acquisition and development project adjacent to the Los Angeles River. The County funds will assist the City in developing new open space near the existing park and renovating the preexisting facilities. The expanded area of the park will extend the Dills Park Trail and provide a natural setting with a large meadow, picnic areas, restroom, and playground. The renovation of the existing parkland will convert this area into a nature walk that connects to the expansion area and provides improved accessibility on the Los Angeles River Trail. In addition, the entire park will employ new water management practices and materials that reduce water usage and runoff, and provide filtered water drainage into the Los Angeles River.

The total cost for the Dills Parks Expansion Project is $4 million. The County’s $2.5 million contribution came from the Fourth Supervisorial District’s portion of the Safe Neighborhood Parks Propositions. The Rivers and Mountains Conservancy provided a $1 million grant to the project, and the remaining $500,000 came from State grant funds.

My vision for the Los Angeles River is to make it an asset for all, so that anyone that comes in contact with the River and the neighborhoods around it benefit from the resources that we have invested right here, said Supervisor Knabe. With this $2.5 million contribution to the City of Paramount, we will be making another important commitment to the Los Angeles River in the form of an expansion and renovation of Dills Park.

Knabe Announces His 2007-2008 Arts Education Partnership Program

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce his 2007-2008 Arts Education Partnership Program. This grant program targets non-profit organizations, community organizations, government agencies and schools across the Fourth Supervisorial District, and provides matching funds to support the various arts education programs.

The objective of the Arts Education Partnership Program is to increase and sustain well-rounded education in dance, music, theatre and the visual arts for K-12 students throughout the Supervisor’s District. All of the grant applications that are received will be judged by experts from the various arts disciplines.

To find out more about the program and to submit an application, please click on the links below to access the Guidelines and Instructions and the Application:

Guidelines and Instructions
Application

Please be sure to read the Guidelines and Instructions first before starting the Application. As stated in the Guidelines and Instructions, all applications and supplemental materials must be postmarked no later than October 24, 2007.

L.A. County Child Support Services Receives National Recognition For Community Outreach

The Los Angeles County Child Support Services Department has received two national awards recognizing its community outreach efforts to educate the public about child support services in L.A. County. The recognition came from the National Child Support Enforcement Association (NCSEA) and the National Association of Counties (NACO).

L.A.County CSSD received NCSEA’s ’07 Program Awareness award for the department’s community outreach in L.A. County during August 2006 for Child Support Awareness Month. The award was accepted by Steven Golightly, CSSD Director, at the 2007 NCSEA national convention in Orlando, Florida. NCSEA is the nation’s largest professional organization of child support professionals.

We are pleased to receive this national recognition because we are committed to making a difference for families and children in our County, said Director Golightly. We appreciate the recognition of our efforts to reach out to all communities.

L.A. County’s award-winning outreach in 2006 was organized by the CSSD Communications and Marketing Division and involved CSSD staff volunteers from all the Department’s divisions. It featured 40 outreach events and media appearances with a variety of community organizations, agencies and media outlets. It was part of the statewide observance of Child Support Awareness Month (CSAM) which highlights the importance of child support to families and recognizes the child support professionals dedicated to collecting support.

CSSD’s outreach program included child support workshops for community organizations, churches, the legal community and escrow professionals. The Department’s Torrance division staged a Saturday family fun fair to educate the South Bay community about child support issues. L.A. County’s effort also included appearances on English, Spanish, Cambodian and Chinese language media programs including City News Service, La Opinion, KMEX-TV, KSCI-TV and KTLA-TV.

Meanwhile, NACO honored L.A. County CSSD for its Employer Workshop, a free workshop for employers and payroll professionals that provides information on child support wage withholding and health insurance requirements. Since 2002, the Employer Workshop has reached 2,000 participants representing 1,700 companies with a workforce of over two million employees.

L.A. County Child Support Services collected $494 million in child support last year for families and children. The department provides free child support services to L.A. County residents including opening child support cases, establishing paternity, collecting child support, locating parents and modifying child support orders. For more information call 323-890-9800 or go to http:///www.cssd.lacounty.gov

Oriental Fruit Fly Detected In South Bay

Five Oriental Fruit Flies, significant agricultural pests, were discovered in the South Bay area within the last two weeks in the unincorporated Harbor City area and the City of Rolling Hills Estates.
Click here to download a map of the treatment areas.
The flies were found in traps monitored by the County of Los Angeles Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures (ACWM) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
A potential breeding population is indicated by the very limited time and distance between these detections. In response, CDFA will initiate treatments to eradicate male Oriental Fruit Flies in the area.
The treatments will be conducted throughout an area that includes parts of Torrance, Harbor City, Carson, Wilmington, Lomita, Rolling Hills Estates, and Rolling Hills. The treatment method, known as "male annihilation," consists of squirting a small spot of bait onto utility poles, light poles, and streetside tree trunks at a height of six to eight feet. Male Oriental Fruit Flies feed on the bait and are killed by the small amount of Naled pesticide in the bait. Approximately 600 applications will be made in each square mile and repeated every two weeks for at least six applications. The application process will present no inconveniences to residents. Such treatments have proven highly successful in past instances of exotic fruit fly infestations and are designed to prevent the invasive pest from spreading and destroying commercial crops and home-grown fruits and vegetables. No aerial treatments are planned.
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. Once maggots hatch, they feed on the flesh of the fruits and vegetables, rendering them unfit for consumption. Originating from Southeast Asia, the Oriental Fruit Fly is now found in Hawaii and other Pacific Islands, but is not native to California. Residents with any questions or concerns may contact CDFA at (818) 901-0719.

Sixtieth Newborn Safely Surrendered In Valencia

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce that a baby girl was safely surrendered in Valencia last week.

The newborn Caucasian female was surrendered at Henry Mayo Hospital on Tuesday, September 4 and is reported to be in good health. As is standard practice, the baby girl is in protective custody and will eventually be placed with a family approved for adoption by the Department of Children and Family Services.

I want to thank this newborn’s mother for doing the right thing, said Knabe. We have a law on the books to protect babies from abandonment and give the mother a safe, secure and anonymous way to get her child into safe hands.

This is the thirteenth Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2007 and the sixtieth Safe Surrender since the program began six 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.

2007 L.A. County Fair

The 2007 L.A. County Fair begins Friday, September 7 and runs though September 30, at the Fairplex in Pomona. For more details about the fair please call (909) 623-3111 or visit www.lacountyfair.com

Dates

September 7-30, 2007-closed Mondays and Tuesdays (18 days and nights)

September 7-24, 2007-live thoroughbred horse racing -closed Tuesdays only (16 days)

There’s four weekends nestled within the 18 days to enjoy all the L.A. County Fair has to offer. It’s a Southern California tradition and one of the top entertainment events in the country.

History

The Fair evolved from a commercial-industrial show first held along the Southern Pacific railroad siding in downtown Pomona in 1921. It was so successful, the local businessmen who produced it launched the inaugural L.A. County Fair in October 1922.

Location

Approximately 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and 10 miles west of Ontario International Airport. Two blocks north of San Bernardino Freeway (10). Accessible from Fairplex Drive, White or Garey Avenues from the San Bernardino Freeway (10) and from the Fruit Avenue and Foothill Boulevard exits on the 210 freeway.

HOURS

Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Thursday: 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

Friday: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Admission

Opening Day (11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) $1

Opening Day (5:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.) $10

Ages 5 and younger (Every Day) Free

Ages 6-12 (Weekends) $10

Ages 6-12 (Weekdays) $ 6

Ages 13+ (Weekends) $15

Ages 13+ (Weekdays) $10

Ages 60+ (Weekends) $12

Ages 60+ (Weekdays) $ 8

Group Sales: Ages 6-12 (20 or more) $ 5

Group Sales: Ages 13+ (20 or more) $ 9

Ages 6-12 (Season Pass) $20

Ages 13+ (Season Pass) $45

Parking

General: $10

Preferred: $15

Directions

The Fairplex is located in Pomona and is conveniently located right in the heart of Southern California. Easily identifiable Fairplex signs are located throughout Pomona and neighboring communities to direct motorists. Directional signs are also prominent along nearby freeways.

Manhattan Beach Project Will redirect Urban Runoff And Pollutants Away From Ocean

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today accepted the construction of a new low-flow diversion that was recently completed in the City of Manhattan Beach along 28th Street.

Low-flow diversions are designed to keep non-storm water flows from reaching the ocean by instead diverting the water into a sewage treatment plant. This new diversion joins 17 other similar County-owned and operated diversions in the South Bay designed to redirect urban runoff and improve water quality along the coast. The total cost of the Manhattan Beach project was $895, 808.

With each new diversion project in the South Bay, we are expanding our efforts to improve the quality of water flowing into Santa Monica Bay and decreasing the amount of toxins and pollutants in runoff water from entering the ocean, said Supervisor Don Knabe.

Park Projects Across The Fourth District Receive Grant Funds From The County

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the allocation of $1,784,893.68 in competitive grant funds to 17 Cities and two County departments, which will enhance recreational opportunities at various facilities and natural areas across the Fourth District, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.

A general description of the 19 total projects includes: enhancing recreation facilities, graffiti prevention, natural lands restoration, trails acquisition and development, and urban tree planting. The recommended project grants will be funded from the Fourth Supervisorial District’s allocation of the Safe Neighborhood Parks Propositions of 1992 and 1996. Requests for grant proposals for projects in the competitive categories described in the 1996 Proposition were sent to all eligible public agencies and nonprofit organizations in the Fourth Supervisorial District. Upon submission, grant proposals were screened for completeness and eligibility. Since sufficient funding was available to fund all eligible project proposals submitted, no eligible proposals were left unfunded.

I was very glad to assist in having these funds allocated to our Cities, said Supervisor Knabe. These projects are about making a reinvestment in our communities. These improvements will not only increase the quality of life for those who reside in the cities, but also the residents of the surrounding communities that utilize these areas.

Proposed Fourth Supervisorial District Excess Funds Projects

Project Grantee

Old Firehouse Restoration Project Artesia

Scope: The City of Artesia is converting an old firehouse into a multi-purpose community center. The project consists of renovation of the building’s interior including a new restroom and renovation to the parking lot, fencing, windows, landscaping and painting as well as building improvements for Americans with Disability Act compliance.

Joe Machado Field Restroom Reconstruction: Avalon

Scope: Reconstruction of a restroom facility at Joe Machado Field with graffiti-prevention materials including ceramic tile and stainless steel partitions and fixtures.

West Branch Greenway Multi-modal Transportation Corridor: Bellflower

Scope: Asphalt bicycle and pedestrian trails, trail signage, landscaping, irrigation and a drinking fountain.

Cerritos Forestation Program: Cerritos

Scope: The planting of 900 trees throughout the City’s arterial median, parkways and in several parks.

Development of Sycamore Canyon Park Trail – Phase III: Diamond Bar

Scope: Construction of approximately 1,290 feet of decomposed granite/natural soil to connect two trail heads and the installation of two benches, signs, split-rail safety fences and steps/stairs.

Hermosa Senior Activity Center: Hermosa Beach

Scope: Renovation of approximately 1,800 square feet of existing space including upgraded electrical panels, a commercial kitchen, lighting, counters and cabinetry.

Blue Line Stream Restoration:
La Habra Heights

Scope: Removal of debris, non-native plants and concrete in and adjacent to the City’s environmentally sensitive stream and development of a trail along Hacienda Park.

Therapy Spa for the Splash: La Mirada

Scope: Installation of an 18-person therapy spa at the City’s Splash that will feature a hydrotherapy bench and specialized jets for muscle and joint massage.

Bloomfield Park Teen Resource Center Expansion Project: Lakewood

Scope: Expansion and renovation of an existing craft room to accommodate a new at-risk youth center including new windows, paint, security lighting and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant upgrades to the facilities restrooms.

Lomita Park Senior Walking Path: Lomita

Scope: Improvement of a mile path around Lomita Park to allow for unimpeded travel and installation of fitness stations designed for use by seniors.

Norwalk 2007 Urban Tree Project: Norwalk

Scope: Planting of 500 trees in residential neighborhoods, parkways, arterial medians and along boulevards.

Trail Rehabilitation and Improvement: Rancho Palos Verdes

Scope: Rehabilitation of the Point Vicente Neighborhood Trail including installation of metal hand rails, concrete resting pads and strengthening of existing wooden steps. The project will also include improved trail linkages in the Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve.

North Redondo Beach Bikeway Lighting Project: Redondo Beach

Scope: Purchase and installation of 45 solar-powered bicycle pathway lights for the North Redondo Beach Bikeway to allow night use of the path.

George F. Canyon Nature Preserve Habitat Restoration: Rolling Hills Estates

Scope: Removal of non-native trees and plants and replacement with native plants.

Trail Improvements and Repair Project: Signal Hill

Scope: Repair of decomposed granite trails, installation of steps where grade exceeds 10%, repair of irrigation system, rehabilitation of landscaping and installation of trail signage and pet waste disposal stations.

Madrona Marsh Preserve Restoration Project: Torrance

Scope: Removal of non-native vegetation, installation of an irrigation system and planting of native plants in a “-acre tract of land on the western edge of the facility and five acres on the southeast corner of the marsh.

Whittier Greenway Trail Signage and Enhancement: Whittier

Scope: Installation of interpretive panels and interactive exhibits along the trail and the planting of trees, shrubs and grasses.

South Coast Botanic Garden Graffiti Prevention Project: Dept. of Parks & Recreation

Scope: Installation of new fencing along Rolling Hills Road and the horse trail to prevent access when the garden is closed.

Coyote Creek Bike Trail: Dept. of Public Works

Scope: Construction of 1.04 miles of a Class 1 bike trail along the west side of the Coyote Creek Channel between Carson Street and Wardlow Road.

Total: $1,784,893.68

South Whittier Summer Beach Bus Service Begins May 28

The South Whittier Summer Beach Bus service is starting early this year. Beginning Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, residents of South Whittier and other unincorporated areas in the vicinity will have the opportunity to climb aboard the Summer Beach Bus and go to Long Beach, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.

The Summer Beach Bus program provides the community with an affordable way to travel in air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible buses to the beach and back during the hot summer months. A Summer Beach Bus ride costs children and adults $2.00 per round-trip. For senior citizens (age 60 and older) and people with disabilities, the service is $1.00 per round-trip. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

Passengers traveling from South Whittier can board the Summer Beach Bus on selected days in front of the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic on Amber Valley Drive, in front of the Sherriff’s STAR Center on Colima Road, or at Amelia Mayberry Park at the Sunshine Shuttle bus stop on Meyer Road. Starting May 15, 2007, through September 3, 2007, you may call toll-free (888) 769-1122 or visit www.LAGoBus.info for more information on specific dates, times, and fares.

The South Whittier Summer Beach Bus service is funded by Los Angeles County Supervisors Gloria Molina and Don Knabe.

Latin Sounds Series Arrives at Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Just in time for summer, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is turning up the heat with the second season of the popular Latin Sounds series. These concerts showcase some of the finest Latin musicians and spice up Saturday evenings for the Los Angeles community with an eclectic mix of performers from Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Cuba as well as some of Southern California’s most prominent Latin artists. Concerts are free every Saturday at 5 pm beginning May 5-September 1, 2007.

Latin Sounds features music legends, including Son Mayor, voted Best Salsa Band by the LA Weekly, playing a mixture of vintage Latin and contemporary Cuban styles, as well as a multitude of Grammy-nominated artists like dynamic trumpeter Bobby Rodriguez, world renowned Dori Caymmi, and award-winning musical duo Anthony Wilson and Chico Pinheiro. Latin Sounds continues the tradition of hosting the greatest artists from across Latin America in the unique park setting of the museum’s outdoor amphitheater. So bring your blanket, picnic basket, and enjoy the music with friends and family, says Mitch Glickman, LACMA Music Director.

This summer, LACMA will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to become completely immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Latin America by combining free Saturday evening access to both Grammy award winning Latin music and vibrant Latin art. The Arts in Latin America, 1492-1829 opens on August 5, 2007 and includes more than 200 works of colonial Latin American art. Latin Sounds audiences are invited to explore this exhibition for free after each concert, as it will be open to the public from 5-8 pm.

In addition to The Arts in Latin America, 1492-1829 special exhibition, all Latin Sounds concert-goers can also visit LACMA’s galleries for free after 5 pm. This season features a variety of shows, including: The Modern West: American Landscapes, 1890-1950 (on view now), Dan Flavin: A Retrospective (May 13-August 12, 2007), SoCal: Southern California Arts of the 1960s and 70s from LACMA’s Collection (August 19, 2007-March 30, 2008).