In an effort to better inform you about national, state and local issues, as well as the role of County government in cities and communities, I am hosting a new 30-minute talk show airing on the Charter Cable Network. Dialed-In with Don Knabe airs Monday-Friday at 10:30am and 8:30pm, as well as 8:30am and 6:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays on the California Channel 101.

Dialed-In with Don Knabe will be available for viewing on Knabe.com as well as my YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/DKnabe.

Episode 27: Special Olympics World Games

Episode 26: The Sheriff’s Department and Hall of Justice

Episode 25: Arts and Culture

Episode 24: The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach

Episode 23: Nonprofits

Episode 22: Education

Episode 21: Voting

Episode 20: Ed Royce

Episode 19: Community and Senior Services

Episode 18: Veterans

Episode 17: Transportation

Episode 16: L.A. County Beaches

Episode 15: The Boston Marathon

Episode 14: Natural History Museums

Episode 13: The Sheriff’s Department

Episode 12: Homeboy Industries

Episode 11: Local Non-Profits

Episode 10: Safe Surrender

Episode 9: The California Governors (Part 2)

Episode 8: The California Governors (Part 1)

Episode 7: Public Health

Episode 6: Sex Trafficking

Episode 5: Washington, D.C.

Episode 4: Local Economy and Film Industry

Episode 3: Children and Family Services

Episode 2: Healthcare

Episode 1: Dialed-In to the County

The Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, and ISIS: With so many global issues playing out today, the world can seem like a scary place right now.

Today’s anniversary of the September 11 attacks is an important time to reflect on how our world has changed since that horrific day. We are reminded of the courage of everyday people, some who willingly gave their lives despite knowing the tragic outcome.

Unfortunately, thirteen years after the darkest day in our nation’s history, we’ve lost the sense of unity and solidarity that we discovered in the aftermath. That feeling of togetherness and patriotism decays into bipartisan finger-pointing and political bickering.

Instead, we should take this time to reflect on the positivity that rose from that grim day, and remember how it inspired ordinary people to become heroes and leaders when our country needed them the most.

September 11th is a day that will always be a part of our lives, whether you are a survivor, a family member of a victim, military veteran, first responder or just someone who witnessed the incident in front of a TV screen.

Let us pay tribute to all those we lost on 9/11, and those in our military, who continue to give everything protecting our country and the liberties we enjoy every day.

Never forget.

Recent events in northern California and right here in Los Angeles County remind us that though our weather may be sunny and warm, disaster can strike at any time.

Despite all the training and incredible work by our first responders, the County cannot do it alone. Every single resident needs to take action and have a plan before the next earthquake or strong storm surge.

We always procrastinate when it comes to preparing for an emergency. We let our busy lives get in the way of putting together a first-aid kit or practicing an evacuation drill.

I read recently that right after Labor Day, when we are all getting back to our normal routines, is the perfect time to make a resolution to stick with for the rest of the year. I urge you to make keeping yourself and your family safe during an emergency a top priority.

Take a moment to sign up for Los Angeles County’s Emergency Mass Notification System. If you are living with a disability or have specific difficulties, sign up for SNAP. For disaster preparedness tips, updates on road closures, severe weather updates, and wildfire information, visit Los Angeles County Department of Public Works’ Coordinated Agency Recovery Effort.

Living in an area that is susceptible to earthquakes, fires, and other natural disasters, we need to make a concentrated effort to remain on alert. We are at mother nature’s mercy, and we need to stay prepared for anything.

Rose LaZurs’ car is packed with handbags. A few months ago she was trying to unload 200 pairs of shoes. And every so often she finds her garage filled with cosmetics or clothes or various hygiene products.

At first glance, one might think LaZurs is a shopaholic, but anyone who knows the Hacienda Heights resident recognizes she is simply on a mission to serve women in need.

As the CEO and Founder of Women to Women Fellowship, LaZurs established the interfaith organization a decade ago with the intent to provide love and encouragement to abused and homeless women living in shelters.

Her organization collects donated goods to deliver to the women, and hosts an annual signature Mother’s Day event designed to treat all attendees to a day of beauty and love.

“These are women who fall through the cracks,” said LaZurs, who notes many of the women are victims of domestic violence and verbal and physical abuse. “They need a break. They need our help. They need some love.”

Last spring, Women to Women Fellowship made the trek to Long Beach, bringing their Mother’s Day event to His Nesting Place, a shelter servicing families in need.

Women were treated to massages, manicures and hair styling, courtesy of volunteers from local cosmetology schools. Volunteers additionally cared for children at the facility, hosting arts and crafts for the youngest shelter members, so their moms could enjoy a break.

“The girls had a wonderful time,” said Diana Cattani, administrative director at His Nesting Place. “Anyone who comes out and shows these women some love is appreciated. They are living on food stamps and have no means to afford beauty treatments. Even the most basic care packages can be out of reach for them.”

Beyond the Mother’s Day event, Women to Women Fellowship also works to transport shelter moms and their kids to various fun outings during the year.

“Bowling, the movies or a day at the park – many of us take these adventures for granted in Southern California, “ said LaZurs. “But the women and children living in shelters don’t get to experience these luxuries.”

As word has spread about Women to Women Fellowship, more agencies and companies have contributed goods and services to benefit the shelters.

“We find a use for all of the items we are given,” LaZurs said. “We gather clothing suitable for employment, basic hygiene products and goods for the kids.”

Even doctors have volunteered their time at events, giving basic medical screenings.

“I’m proud of the Women 2 Women Fellowship’s efforts to help women and children, who are suffering from the physical and mental torture of abuse,” said Supervisor Don Knabe. “They have already been through hell together, and giving a woman the opportunity to spend time with her child outside of the cycle of violence can help put them on a path to a better tomorrow.”

Women to Women Fellowship serves shelters throughout LA County. To learn more about how to donate goods, money or services, visit www.w2wfellowship.com.

Eighteen years ago today, Debi Faris established the Garden of Angels, a cemetery for abandoned newborns.

For the last eighteen years, she has been the final caretaker of babies who were thrown away in a desperate attempt to cover up a secret. Debi has blessed each infant with a name and a dignified burial, and she has been the only family these children have had.

Since 1996, the Garden of Angels has become the final resting place to 108 babies, and one adult. “Grandpa Joe” suffered brain damage when he was thrown into a trash can shortly after his birth, but he went on to live 66 years before joining his brothers and sisters in the Garden of Angels. It’s absolutely sickening to think that anyone would do this to an innocent baby.

Debi has been a crusader for our most vulnerable children, and without her help, passion and perseverance, we would not have the Safe Surrender program here in Los Angeles County. Since establishing the program, we’ve saved the lives of 122 babies and created 122 new families.

Today’s anniversary is a somber reminder of how far we’ve come in our efforts to protect newborns from abandonment, and a rallying cry for how much more work we have to do.

I ask you to join me in saying a prayer for all those children buried at the Garden of Angels, and the 122 newborns who were given a second chance at life.

Last week, I proudly joined Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell, Probation Chief Jerry Powers, DCFS Director Philip Browning and local law enforcement, Probation and DCFS staff, and our advocacy partners to launch the next phase in our fight against child sex trafficking here in Los Angeles County.

Our staff has been on the frontlines since the beginning, and for the last two and a half years, we’ve raised the level of awareness of this horrific crime to the public’s consciousness. We’ve changed the understanding that these are girls—maybe a neighbor or maybe even a relative—who are being tortured with physical and emotional abuse, and sexually exploited for money.

Like everyone—I was absolutely floored when I was briefed by our Probation staff over two years ago on the situation occurring in our communities.

I have heard the horror stories of what our girls endure when they are forced into this life. But, I have also met survivors and despite everything they’ve gone through, they still have a fiery spirit and hope for a better life.

We know that the victims come into contact with staff every day across county departments.

We need to have a process in place for how we can get these girls the wraparound services needed to help them escape the streets and walk the path to a bright future.

Thanks to the efforts of Judge Catherine Pratt and our STAR Court, we’ve been able to provide much needed support, mentorship and services to our young survivors.

We are launching a set of protocols that will get more girls these services.

A collaborative effort by Probation, DCFS, law enforcement and others brought us to this point—changing culture, especially in government, can be difficult.

But when we are united by a common goal to protect our County’s must vulnerable children we get these results.

Los Angeles County’s efforts over the last two and half years have turned us into a national leader in the fight to end child sex trafficking. Other municipalities are looking at us for direction and guidance.

Let’s use this position to help change the stigma surrounding sex trafficking. I challenge every single person across the County to be a part of this shift.

Let’s start with the language. Remove the word “Prostitute” from your vocabulary.

Stop referring to these children as “Prostitutes” or “Child Prostitutes.”

Kids who are forced to sell themselves night after night on a street corner are not prostitutes. Kids who are brutally beaten by their pimp for not making a quota are not prostitutes. Kids victimized and sexually exploited by grown men are not prostitutes.

No child grows up dreaming of becoming a prostitute. They are victims—manipulated emotionally and physically into a hellish life.

We need to be there to protect these victims. We need to wrap our arms around them and get them everything they need to get on the road to recovery and the path to a better life. I’m proud of how much we have accomplished as a County so far—but now the real work begins.

The lives of our girls depend on it.