All posts by admin

Knabe Statement on Future of Clean Water, Clean Beaches Initiative

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, in a joint motion with Supervisor Gloria Molina, today put forth a motion to stop the Clean Water, Clean Beaches initiative in its current form and work with stakeholders to develop a new measure that addresses the concerns voiced by the public over the last several months. The Board also asked for quarterly progress reports and a target election date of June or November 2014. He issued the following statement on its approval:

“While I have long supported efforts to ensure clean water and beaches, I have been against this measure from the beginning as it was not fair and transparent in content or process,” said Supervisor Knabe. “We must start over. Unfortunately, our stormwater problem is exacerbated by the expensive, and often unrealistic, demands placed on us by the Regional Water Quality Control Board which increased the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) from two pollutants in the old permit to 33 pollutants, which would cost this region tens of billions of dollars to comply with in the next 20 years alone.

A regional, integrated approach to this issue is absolutely critical to develop an economically feasible solution. However, the current measure did not outline a specific list of projects. Voters have a right to know where their money is going. Also, it was a fee with no end date. I believe more accountability is necessary for voters to support this program. That is why I asked that our Department of Public Works continue its outreach to cities, school districts, non-profits and the business community, our job creators, to address their concerns about rate reductions and double-taxation issues on those already making efforts to capture and clean their storm water under existing State and Federal mandates.

Finally, should this Board in the future decide to move forward with a new Clean Water, Clean Beaches measure, it should be put before the voters in a general election ballot and not through a mail-in ballot, as was originally proposed. I appreciate the public taking the time to attend our board meetings and voice their concerns through the many messages and phone calls to our offices. The approval of today’s motion shows that you were heard.”

Rancho Los Amigos loses a Guardian Angel

I am shocked and saddened by the passing of world-renowned orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist Dr. Jacquelin Perry, MD. Dr. Perry was the “Guardian Angel” for Rancho Los Amigos.  She revolutionized orthopedic medicine and rehab therapy over the course of her incredible medical career, while giving hope and opportunity for recovery to every patient she treated.

Dr. Perry was an expert in Polio and post-Polio recovery, inspiring Rancho patients to overcome this crippling disease and go on to live normal lives. She was also a critical part of the foundation that built Ranch Los Amigos into the hospital of miracles it is today. Dr. Perry left a remarkable legacy on Rancho, including the Jacquelin Perry Neuro-Trauma Institute and Rehabilitation Center, where many patients begin their journey to recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Perry’s family and friends. She will truly be missed.

The Downey Beat has compiled an incredible list of all Dr. Perry’s accomplishments throughout her 50-year career.

Why the Clean Water, Clean Beaches Measure should not move forward

The public hearing on the Clean Water, Clean Beaches Measure is set for tomorrow, Tuesday, March 12 at 11:00am in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room.

Over the past few months, you’ve heard me talk a lot about the Clean Water, Clean Beaches Measure, which imposes a parcel fee on all Los Angeles County property owners to generate funding to complete projects that protect public health, and increase drinking water supplies, by cleaning up our rivers, lakes, bays, beaches and coastal waters.

From the very beginning I have opposed the inconvenient, non-transparent and process by which this measure was being managed in order to get it passed. This was the largest protest hearing process that Los Angeles County has ever undertaken, and originally there was no online option to submit a protest form!

I want clean water, and I think everyone else does too, but this measure has too many flaws. There is no specific project list, no sunset date, and it would be voted on by property owners by mail-in ballot, instead of being voted on by everyone.

That is why, tomorrow, Supervisor Gloria Molina and I will put forth a motion at the Board of Supervisors meeting to not proceed with the Clean Water, Clean Beaches Measure at this time.

Currently the measure does not have the full support of our cities or the public and should not be moved forward at this time. We understand that this issue of water quality cannot be ignored, and we must continue to look for ways to refine and improve this proposal.

If you have not already done so, please download a copy of the official protest form, fill it in with your address and Assessor ID Number and email it to WQFI.Info@dpw.lacounty.gov to have your voice heard.

Coming down to voice your opinion at the last public hearing in January made a huge difference when we voted to extend the hearing process, and we need you to do it again to ensure that our motion goes through.

New Permanent Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection Center Opening in Signal Hill

Los Angeles County Public Works Department will celebrate the opening of its second permanent household hazardous and electronic waste collection center at EDCO Recycling and Transfer Center, 2755 California Ave, Signal Hill CA 90807, tomorrow, Thursday, March 7, 2013. The center will open the 2nd Saturday of every month starting March 9th from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., providing a free, convenient and environmentally safe way for County residents to drop-off their HHW/E-Waste.

WHAT:          

  • EDCO Recycling and Transfer Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

WHEN:         

  • Thursday, March 7, 2013, at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE:       

  • 2755 California Ave, Signal Hill CA 90807

WHO:            

  • Supervisor Don Knabe, Fourth District, LA County
  • Mayor Tina Hansen, Signal Hill
  • Mayor Bob Foster, Long Beach
  • Director Gail Farber, LA County Public Works
  • Chief Engineer and General Manager Grace Chan, Sanitation Districts
  • of Los Angeles County
  • CEO, Steve South,  EDCO

VISUALS:    Ribbon-cutting ceremony, facility tour, and mock drop-off of hazardous waste.

Media Contact:       

Natalia Jimenez, Environmental Affairs Section, Manager

Los Angeles County Public Works Department

Office – 626- 458-3530

Cell 626-759-6465

Board of Supervisors Supports Tougher Penalties for Gang Members Convicted of Human Trafficking

On a motion from Supervisor Don Knabe, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today voted unanimously to support and co-sponsor legislation that would add pimping, pandering, and human trafficking to the list of crimes that are associated with gang activity.

“Untold numbers of children fall victim to predatory adults, many of whom have ties to criminal street gangs,” said Supervisor Knabe. “They are sexually exploited and abused in unspeakably brutal ways, all for commercial gain. Criminal street gangs have embraced human trafficking as a lucrative revenue source; as sex trafficking now rivals narcotic sales as the major source of revenue for many gangs.”

Senate Bill 473, authored by Senator Marty Block and sponsored by San Diego County would create tougher penalties for gang members convicted of human trafficking, including adding a three year prison sentence for anyone convicted of a human trafficking crime that occurs on or within 1,000 feet of a school.

“This legislation would be a major step forward in putting an end to the physical and mental abuse of these young girls,” said Knabe.

To learn more about sex trafficking in Los Angeles County, visit http://youtu.be/tJlkLFSmbb4.

Gangs embracing lucrative human trafficking business

Over the past several years, Los Angeles County has seen a significant increase in the number of sexually trafficked youth and is now recognized as one of the major hubs for sex trafficking in the state and nation.It is sickening that children, some as young as 10 years old, are forcibly coerced and manipulated into selling their bodies.

Untold numbers of these children fall victim to predatory adults, many of whom have ties to criminal street gangs. They are sexually exploited and abused in unspeakably brutal ways, all for commercial gain. Criminal street gangs have embraced human trafficking as a lucrative revenue source; as sex trafficking now rivals narcotic sales as the major source of revenue for many gangs.

As a way to combat the sex trafficking of young girls by gang members, I will ask the Board of Supervisors this week to support and co-sponsor legislation that would add pimping, pandering, and human trafficking to the list of crimes that are associated with gang activity.

Senate Bill 473, authored by Senator Marty Block and sponsored by San Diego County, would create tougher penalties for gang members convicted of human trafficking, such as adding a three year prison sentence for anyone convicted of a human trafficking crime that occurs on or within 1,000 feet of a school.

This legislation would be a major step forward in putting an end to the physical and mental abuse of these young girls.

Gangs embrace lucrative human trafficking business

Over the past several years, Los Angeles County has seen a significant increase in the number of sexually trafficked youth and is now recognized as one of the major hubs for sex trafficking in the state and nation. It is sickening that children, some as young as 10 years old, are forcibly coerced and manipulated into selling their bodies.

Untold numbers of these children fall victim to predatory adults, many of whom have ties to criminal street gangs. They are sexually exploited and abused in unspeakably brutal ways, all for commercial gain. Criminal street gangs have embraced human trafficking as a lucrative revenue source; as sex trafficking now rivals narcotic sales as the major source of revenue for many gangs.

As a way to combat the sex trafficking of young girls by gang members, I will ask the Board of Supervisors this week to support and co-sponsor legislation that would add pimping, pandering, and human trafficking to the list of crimes that are associated with gang activity.

Senate Bill 473, authored by Senator Marty Block and sponsored by San Diego County, would create tougher penalties for gang members convicted of human trafficking, such as adding a three year prison sentence for anyone convicted of a human trafficking crime that occurs on or within 1,000 feet of a school.

This legislation would be a major step forward in putting an end to the physical and mental abuse of these young girls.

Hacienda Heights Community Breaks Ground on New Orange Grove Park

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe joined local officials in the groundbreaking celebration for the future 5.5-acre Orange Grove Park.   The County entered into a 40-year ground lease and joint use agreement with the owner of the property and the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District to develop the park.  Following active community involvement during the three-year planning and design stages, a construction contract award was made to C.S. Legacy Construction to get the project on its way.

The Community Development Commission of the County of Los Angeles (CDC) is overseeing the development of the new $4.029 million park funded by the office of Supervisor Knabe.  Orange Grove Park will include a new graded roadway and pedestrian ramp, parking for 15 vehicles, a unique sundial entry plaza with celestial bodies and orbit patterns depicted in colored concrete with a sandblasted finish, restrooms, shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, walking paths, and an exercise course with fitness equipment.

The park landscape will feature a wide range of drought tolerant plant material containing both native and non-native species such as oak and sycamore trees that will shade the site.  Water usage will be controlled and monitored by a satellite-linked irrigation controller and drainage that has been designed to retain water onsite and direct excess runoff to several bioretention areas.  Construction is scheduled for completion in February 2014.

“It is exciting to break ground on a project developed with input from the residents, and designed by a team of professionals whose goal is to ensure that Hacienda Heights residents have new green space where their children can play, and neighbors can gather to enjoy their community,” said Supervisor Knabe.

Orange Grove Park is made possible with the support of the County’s Fourth Supervisorial District, the CDC, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, community members, and the design team of Katherine Spitz and Associates.

The park is located at 14517 Orange Grove Avenue, in Hacienda Heights.  Once completed, it will be operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.  For more information on park services, please call (310) 965-8602.

County to Break Ground on New Orange Grove Park in Hacienda Heights

WHO:

  • Don Knabe, Chairman Pro-Tem, Supervisor, County of Los Angeles
  • Sean Rogan, Executive Director, CDC
  • Russ Guiney, Director, Department of Parks and Recreation

WHAT: Following active community involvement during the three-year planning and design stages, Los Angeles County officials will join in the groundbreaking celebration for the future 5.5-acre Orange Grove Park.

The Community Development Commission of the County of Los Angeles (CDC) is overseeing the development of the new $4.029 million park funded by the office of Fourth District Supervisor Don Knabe.  Orange Grove Park will include a new graded roadway and pedestrian ramp, parking for 15 vehicles, restrooms, shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, walking paths, and an exercise course with fitness equipment.  The park will feature a unique sundial entry plaza with celestial bodies and orbit patterns depicted in colored concrete with a sandblasted finish, and a wide range of drought tolerant plant material containing both native and non-native species.

Orange Grove Park is made possible with the support of the County’s Fourth Supervisorial District, the CDC, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, community members, and the design team of Katherine Spitz and Associates.

WHEN:          Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 3:30 p.m.

WHERE:        14517 Orange Grove Avenue, Hacienda Heights, CA  91745

MEDIA
CONTACT:   Elisa Vásquez, CDC, (626) 586-1762

Rancho Palos Verdes Students to Communicate with International Space Station

Third grade students at Soleado Elementary School in Rancho Palos Verdes will experience the learning opportunity of a lifetime when they communicate with astronauts aboard the International Space Station on Monday, February 25 at approximately 11:53am PST.

Soleado Elementary School was selected to participate in the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program, which partners with NASA to increase student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through real world applications of classroom learning.

Students will have contact with Commander Chris Hadfield for approximately 8 minutes as the International Space Station passes over Rancho Palos Verdes, allowing for students to interact and ask questions using a Ham radio set.

The event will be live streamed on Afterschoolplayground.com, and will be available for viewing following the event on Knabe.com. The live stream will begin 30 minutes before the communication begins.

For more information, please contact Lara Hanlon at 310-408-7050.