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Metro ExpressLanes arrive on the I-110 freeway this weekend

Starting this Saturday, the I-110 carpool lanes from the Harbor Gateway Transit Center to Adams Blvd., will be converted to Metro ExpressLanes. Commuters will be required to purchase a FasTrak transponder to use the toll lanes. This is a pilot, one-year demonstration program overseen by Metro, Caltrans and several other mobility partners that have joined forces to develop a package of solutions to improve traffic flow and provide enhanced travel options on the I-10 and I-110 Freeways in Los Angeles County.
Here is everything you need to know about Metro ExpressLanes:
Where to get a FasTrak Transponder:

How Congestion Pricing Works:

Carpool Loyalty Program:

Rules of the Road:

Knabe Announces Expansion of Anti-Child Sex Trafficking Campaign

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe announced today that the county’s anti-child sex trafficking awareness campaign will expand to millions more residents, thanks to a donation of billboard space by the Lamar Advertising Company. Billboards carrying the county’s anti-child sex trafficking messaging will be posted on 100 billboards throughout Los Angeles County this week and will remain posted for an entire month.

“A public that is aware and informed of the horrific child sex trafficking industry is our greatest tool in protecting these young victims,” said Supervisor Don Knabe. “We must continue to raise the profile on the sexual exploitation of our young girls and shine a light on a heinous crime that is happening right here in our communities and neighborhoods.”

Los Angeles County is proud to partner with the Lamar Advertising Company to continue its anti-child sex trafficking campaign outreach.

“Child sex trafficking is a grisly and unimaginable act and the Lamar Advertising Company is supportive of this campaign to bring awareness to the public,” said Lamar Advertising Company general manager Ray Baker. “This is a true example of government and the private sector working together and expanding a campaign that could save the lives of young victims.”

The campaign, originally called for by Supervisor Knabe, included messaging at Metro train stations and bus stops, as well as on all rail cars, trains and over 3,000 buses in both English and Spanish. Additionally, anti-child sex trafficking messaging was placed on over 50 digital displays and 15 traditional billboards across Los Angeles County.

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

FEMA Washes Away Mandatory Flood Insurance for Section of Long Beach

Long Beach property owners near Colorado Lagoon will no longer be required to obtain mandatory flood insurance for federally backed mortgages, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.

A recent Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Letter of Map Revision removed 48 parcels from the area in the wake of completion of Los Angeles County’s $25 million Termino Avenue Drain project in 2011. The 2.3-mile project enhanced protection from flood waters that have plagued the community for decades.

“This is exciting and welcome news that will save area homeowners up to $1,600 annually,” Supervisor Knabe said. “After the patience our residents showed during this project, I am thrilled that they have finally been relieved of a financial burden they’ve had to bear for many years.”

The announcement follows FEMA’s removal of the Special Flood Hazard Area north of the Long Beach Greenbelt near the Colorado Lagoon.

“The success of the Termino Ave. drain project was the result of an outstanding partnership between the County, the City of Long Beach, and residents that, combined with the financial savings, will benefit the community for generations to come,” Supervisor Knabe added.

County Waives Park Fees for Veterans, Military Personnel and Their Families

In honor of Veterans Day, admission fees and vehicle entrance fees have been waived to the regional park facilities on November 10-17, 2012, for Veterans and their families.  The motion, introduced by Supervisor Don Knabe, was unanimously approved today by the Board of Supervisors.  Veterans will also receive a fifty percent discount off at County golf courses on November 12.

“On Veterans Day we pay tribute to the sacrifice of the men and women in our military who have courageously served our country and protected the many freedoms we enjoy today,” said Supervisor Knabe.  “We also owe a debt of gratitude to their families, who share in this sacrifice and who truly deserve the honor and respect of their fellow Americans.”

All Veterans, military personnel and their immediate families are invited to visit the following Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation facilities from November 10 through November 17, 2012, free of charge with proper identification:

All veterans with proper military identification will receive a fifty percent discount on green fees (excluding tournament play) all day on Monday, November 12.

 

Newborn Baby Girl Safely Surrendered in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the 10th time this year with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby girl. This most recent safe surrender occurred on October 29, 2012 at a hospital in Los Angeles.

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.

“Thanks to the Safe Surrender program, this baby has a second chance at life and hope for bright a future,” said Supervisor Knabe. “I’m thankful that this mother decided to surrender her baby, rather than put her in a harmful situation. As word spreads about the Program, mothers in desperate situations can make the right choice for their babies, because of Safe Surrender.”

This is the 10th Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2012, and the 99th 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.

Knabe Calls For Accelerated Metro Connection to LAX

At today’s Metro board meeting, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe called for a detailed strategy and plan to complete a transit connection to LAX by 2020.

“Frankly, it’s embarrassing that the second largest city in America with the third busiest airport still does not have a direct transit connection,” said Knabe.  “While Metro talks about accelerating projects, there could not be a higher priority than connecting our airport to all regions of Los Angeles County.  A direct connection will not only benefit  our residents, but also the millions of tourists who visit Los Angeles each year.”

The Green Line extension to LAX/Airport Metro Connector is currently projected for completion in 2028.  Knabe’s motion, approved 7-5, asked for the Metro CEO to report back with a plan, including exploring funding alternatives with Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA); local, state and federal partners, and public-private partnerships.  Knabe also requested a timeline and required actions, including an advocacy approach for coordination with federal agencies like the FAA and FTA.  Metro is scheduled to report back at the January 24, 2013 board meeting.

Making sense of the measures: Measure J

When you look at your ballot on November 6, you will have the option to vote on a measure that promises accelerated transportation projects and decreased traffic congestion throughout Los Angeles County.   Measure J asks voters to extend a half-cent sales tax, originally approved in 2008 for 30 years, for an additional 30 years.

The voters of this region have increased their taxes three times, desperate for congestion relief.   Four years into the last increase, with a responsible and balanced plan that benefited all 88 cities in the County, MTA is asking for an extension.  Proponents suggest that now is the time to get cheaper money and lower construction costs – and most importantly, get people to work on these projects.

However, “accelerated” does not necessarily mean “completed.”  The projects require significant funding from outside sources, especially the federal government already struggling with its own budget.   Taxpayer protections guaranteed in 2008 have been removed and the debt we create now will have to be paid by future generations.

Los Angeles County needs honest, rational traffic relief – that is something we can all agree on.  The question is how we get there in a responsible way.

Two Newborn Babies Safely Surrendered This Week

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the ninth time this year, and the second time this week, with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby girl. This most recent safe surrender occurred on October 17, 2012 at a hospital in Inglewood.

A second newborn was also safely surrendered on October 11 at a hospital in Los Angeles. As is standard practice, the babies are in protective custody and will be placed with families approved for adoption by the Department of Children and Family Services.

“Thanks to the Safe Surrender program, these babies have a second chance at life and hope for bright futures,” said Supervisor Knabe. “I’m thankful that these mothers decided to surrender their babies, rather than put them in a harmful situation. As word spreads about the Program, mothers in desperate situations can make the right choice for their babies, because of Safe Surrender.”

These are the eighth and ninth Safe Surrenders in Los Angeles County in 2012, and the 97th and 98th since the program began over ten 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.

Statement on the arrest of Assessor John Noguez

Today, District Attorney Steve Cooley announced the arrest of Assessor John Noguez and two others, alleging bribery, perjury, conspiracy and misappropriation by a public officer.  While we have a legal system based on innocent until proven guilty, in the court of public trust, Mr. Noguez has violated the confidence and expectations of the voters who elected him.  He should resign his position as Assessor, and allow our dedicated employees to move forward and work diligently to rebuild the trust of the people of Los Angeles County.

Farmer’s Market Sprouting Up in Long Beach

The Certified Growing Experience Farmers Market is officially open for business!  State and local officials gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Long Beach’s only Farmers Market located within an urban farm.  The Farmers Market will be held on the grounds of The Growing Experience (TGE) urban farm located within the County’s Carmelitos Public Housing Development (Carmelitos).  The Farmers Market, which is open to the public, features produce from local growers, cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, as well as local vendors selling prepared foods and locally-made crafts. It will be open every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

TGE is an award-winning 7-acre urban farm operated by the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (Housing Authority).  Carmelitos is home to over 700 low-income families and seniors, over 40% of whom receive some form of government assistance. The Farmers Market at TGE fosters local relationships by inviting the public to see the community pride that exists in the County’s public housing developments.

TGE is proud to offer Long Beach residents the opportunity to access a variety of fresh produce, including specialty items that may not be found in a regular grocery store, and educate them on how to prepare wonderful dishes their families will love.  More importantly, the Farmers Market offers quality produce at cheaper prices because the farmers can set their own prices without paying grocery store overheads, or paying for transportation between the farm and the consumer.

Supervisor Don Knabe said, “Bringing a Farmers Market to Long Beach creates a gathering place where shoppers can socialize with their neighbors, while purchasing healthy foods and products that will help improve the health and wellbeing of the community’s residents.  I am proud of The Growing Experience and its impact on the surrounding community.”

Over the years, TGE has been developed into a resource for environmental sustainability and a source of healthy food options for its public housing residents. As such, in observance of national Housing America Month, during the grand opening celebration, TGE was recognized by the California Association of Housing Authorities for the contributions it has made to improving the lives of the Carmelitos community.

The Farmers Market is a joint venture of the Housing Authority and the Los Angeles Community Development Foundation, and is supported by grants from the California FreshWorks Fund and Rosalinde & Arthur Gilbert Foundation.

For more information on TGE, please call (562) 984-2917, or visit www.growingexperiencelb.org.

Farmer’s market address: 750 Via Carmelitos, Long Beach, CA 90805