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Marina Del Rey/Port of Long Beach Dredging Project Approved by Harbor Commissioners

December 15, 2011: Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe thanked the Long Beach Harbor Commissioners for their approval on Monday of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for placement of sediment within its Middle Harbor Terminal Redevelopment Project:

“I want to thank the Long Beach Harbor Commissioners for their support of this innovative and critical  project,” said Supervisor Don Knabe.  “With this approval, we have secured a disposal site for contaminated dredged materials from Marina del Rey.  We are now one step closer to meeting the safety needs of boaters and first-responders in Marina del Rey, while assisting the Port of Long Beach with an important expansion project.

November 15, 2011: Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe announced an agreement with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Port of Long Beach for an important dredging project in Marina del Rey.  Through the collaboration, the County saves millions of dollars and significantly reduces the project’s carbon footprint, while meeting the urgent needs of two local communities.

The project entails dredging up to 760,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment from the Marina del Rey harbor entrance and transporting it by barge to the Port of Long Beach for a redevelopment project.  This plan will save upwards of $85 million and eliminate the 42,000 truck trips through densely populated communities that would have been required to dispose of the sediment at inland landfill sites. In addition, approximately 140,000 cubic yards of clean sediment will be deposited offshore at Dockweiler State Beach and up to 75,000 cubic yards will be pumped on Redondo Beach to address beach erosion issues.

“This innovative agreement between federal and local agencies is a terrific example of government at all levels working together to solve regional issues,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.  “This partnership was a once in a lifetime opportunity and the timing is perfect – Marina del Rey needs to get rid of sediment and Long Beach needs sediment.  Besides being a win for both of these communities, we are saving millions of dollars through an environmentally sound solution.  I want to thank the Army Corps of Engineers and all parties involved for their willingness to work together for the safety and benefit of the residents of Los Angeles county.”

A severe build-up of sediment around the north and south entrances to Marina del Rey has reduced navigation for recreational boaters. It is also a huge safety risk for first responders in the area, including the United States Coast Guard, Los Angeles County Lifeguard Baywatch and the Marina del Rey Sheriff’s boat patrol.  These agencies respond to emergencies throughout Santa Monica Bay, including LAX and three major plants in the bay:  Hyperion Treatment, Chevron Products and the Redondo Beach Power Plant.

“I am pleased to hear that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved additional funding for our dredging project at Marina del Rey,” said Col. Mark Toy, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District. “This is another example of the quality partnership that exists between the Corps and the County of Los Angeles and the benefits the partnership provides. The next step in the process is for Corps headquarters to review and accept the additional funds approved by the Board of Supervisors. I’m confident that all relevant information and conditions will be considered and that a decision will occur as expeditiously as possible.”

Long Beach Port’s Middle Harbor Redevelopment Project will combine two aging shipping terminals into one modern terminal to improve cargo-movement efficiency and environmental performance.  The project will upgrade wharfs, water access and storage areas, as well expand an on-dock rail, all while cutting air pollution and adding approximately 14,000 jobs in Southern California.

“The Middle Harbor Redevelopment Project provides an opportunity to safely dispose of dredge materials, while creating much-needed land for a cargo terminal expansion that will support thousands of new jobs,” said Richard D. Steinke, executive director of the Port of Long Beach.  “This is a cost-effective reuse of contaminated sediments that otherwise would need to be hauled off by trucks to remote disposal sites. Regulatory and wildlife agencies have helped us to approve this sequestering of contaminated sediments in the most environmentally responsible way possible.”

The project is anticipated to begin in January 2012 with construction expected to be completed by September 2012.

Thank You, Veterans

On Veteran’s Day, it is important that we recognize the many contributions that Veterans have made for our great Country over the years. Let us remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedoms at home and abroad. Let us honor our heroes who are currently fighting overseas and may the light of liberty shine brightly so they may all find their way home safely. God bless our troops and God bless the United States of America.

County Golf Courses to Offer Discount for Veterans

In honor of Veterans Day, all veterans with proper military identification will receive a fifty percent discount on green fees (excluding tournament play) all day on Friday, November 11.

“As Veterans Day approaches, it is important that we recognize the many contributions that Veterans have made for our great County over the years,” said Supervisor Knabe.  “This is a small way that we can honor our veterans on this special day and thank them for the many freedoms we enjoy today.”

For more information on “Veterans Appreciation Day” contact your local County golf course.

 

Los Angeles County Golf Courses

 

Alondra Golf Course: (310) 217-9919

Altadena Golf Course: (626) 797-3821

Diamond Bar Golf Course: (909) 861-8282

Eaton Canyon Golf Course: (626) 794-6773

El Cariso Golf Course: (818) 367-6157

Maggie Hathaway Golf Course: (323) 755-6285

Knollwood Golf Course: (818) 363-1810

Lakewood Golf Course: (562) 429-9711

La Mirada Golf Course: (562) 943-7123

Los Amigos Golf Course: (562) 869-0302

Los Verdes Golf Course: (310) 377-7370

Marshall Canyon Golf Course: (909) 593-8211

Mountain Meadows Golf Course: (909) 623-3704

Santa Anita Golf Course: (626) 447-2331

Victoria Golf Course: (310) 323-4174

Chester Washington Golf Course: (323) 756-6975

Whittier Narrows Golf Course: (626) 288-1044

Building a Better Marina del Rey

The California Coastal Commission approved the Major Amendment to the Marina del Rey certified Local Coastal Plan (LCP), with modifications recommended by the Commission’s staff. The LCP major amendment is in response to the Coastal Commission’s request for a comprehensive look at individual projects requiring LCP amendments. It simplifies the current 14 existing development zones into three, and lays out a plan to improve recreation, boating, traffic congestion, infrastructure and parks.

Following three years of community and stakeholder input, I am thrilled to be moving forward in our plans to update this extraordinary destination for residents, boaters, visitors to Los Angeles County and all those who call it home. Marina del Rey is a unique place with incredible potential. With the Commission’s approval, we now have the opportunity to revitalize an area that hasn’t seen change in over 40 years. I appreciate all the valuable feedback we received in 79 public meetings, Board hearings and community working groups. We made significant changes based on this input which I know will set us on a course to a better integrated urban waterfront with improved access to the water and greater services and amenities for all our residents and visitors.

The Major Amendment will now come before the Board of Supervisors for ratification to consider the changes approved by the Commission.

Click here to read my comments to the Coastal Commission and watch video of the meeting.

Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell Appointed to Citizen’s Commission on Jail Violence

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe announced Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell as his appointee to the “Citizens’ Commission on Jail Violence.” The Commission was established by the Board of Supervisors to investigate use of force by Sheriff’s deputies in the County jail system and report back with recommendations for a corrective action plan.

“Chief McDonnell has had a distinguished career in law enforcement and is a respected leader in policing issues,” said Knabe. “His experience serving in Los Angeles County’s two biggest cities will be vital to formulating new ideas on how to deal with the issues in our jails.  Chief McDonnell’s knowledge as a user of jail systems and his understanding of the incredibly difficult job our deputies face will bring a unique perspective to the Commission.  I appreciate his willingness to serve.”

Chief McDonnell was a 28-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, before taking over as Chief of the Long Beach Police Department in 2010. Chief McDonnell served as one of former LAPD Police Chief William J. Bratton’s top assistants, and was a leader in instituting reforms to the department. While with the LAPD, he was awarded the department’s highest award for bravery, the Medal of Valor.

Knabe Nominates Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell to Citizens’ Commission on Jail Violence

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe announced Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell as his appointee to the “Citizens’ Commission on Jail Violence.” The Commission was established by the Board of Supervisors to investigate use of force by Sheriff’s deputies in the County jail system and report back with recommendations for a corrective action plan.

“Chief McDonnell has had a distinguished career in law enforcement and is a respected leader in policing issues,” said Knabe. “His experience serving in Los Angeles County’s two biggest cities will be vital to formulating new ideas on how to deal with the issues in our jails.  Chief McDonnell’s knowledge as a user of jail systems and his understanding of the incredibly difficult job our deputies face will bring a unique perspective to the Commission.  I appreciate his willingness to serve.”

Chief McDonnell was a 28-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, before taking over as Chief of the Long Beach Police Department in 2010. Chief McDonnell served as one of former LAPD Police Chief William J. Bratton’s top assistants, and was a leader in instituting reforms to the department. While with the LAPD, he was awarded the department’s highest award for bravery, the Medal of Valor.

Newborn Girl Safely Surrendered in Torrance

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the fifth time this year with the report of a safely surrendered newborn. This most recent safe surrender occurred on October 31, 2011 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance.

The mother gave birth to the baby girl at the hospital and informed the hospital social worker that she would like to surrender the infant. As is standard practice, the baby girl is in protective custody and will be placed with a family approved for adoption by the Department of Children and Family Services.

“The Safe Surrender program was created to give a mother, no matter what the situation, a safe, secure and anonymous way to get her child into safe hands and to protect a baby from abandonment,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Thanks to the Safe Surrender program, this baby girl has a second chance at life and hope for a bright future.”

This is the fifth Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2011, and the 88th since the program began 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.

Knabe Welcomes New Residents to the Fourth District

Last month, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted the redistricting map which had been proposed by Supervisor Don Knabe. Changes resulting from that map go into effect today, resulting in some communities being shifted to different Supervisorial districts.

“After the most inclusive and open redistricting process in our history, I was very happy that the Board reached an agreement on the plan that best preserved established communities of interest after months of review, and the testimony and letters of thousands of residents,” said Supervisor Knabe. “While I was sad to see some communities shifted out of our district, my staff and I are thrilled to welcome the unincorporated areas of Whittier and Rowland Heights, and the City of Santa Fe Springs, to the Fourth District! My staff has already begun reaching out to these communities and we look forward to working with them to meet their unique needs.”

Knabe Calls for Reform in Physician Payment Program

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to implement reforms to the Physician Services for Indigent Program (PSIP) on a motion by Supervisor Don Knabe.  Through the PSIP, doctors at private hospitals are compensated when patients cannot pay.

“The County is the ultimate safety net and our doctors are critical to ensuring that the neediest patients in LA County receive basic emergency care,” said Supervisor Knabe.  “We need to stop putting band-aids on a situation that requires real reform or we will be back to this same dilemma again next year.  We cannot continue to freeze payments and reduce rates – it is an insult to the doctors that we all depend on.”

Due to insufficient funding, exacerbated by the State pulling its support, the Department of Health Services froze its payments to doctors.  To address the immediate threat to the program, at its meeting last week, the Board approved a reduction in the rate paid to doctors, reimbursing them at twelve percent of the cost.

Through Knabe’s motion, the Director of Health Services will be authorized to reset interim payment rates going forward.  He has also been directed, with the assistance of the CEO and Auditor-Controller, to implement the remaining recommendations in the Auditor-Controller’s report of March 11, 2011.

“We must take the next step forward in improving our operations and how we manage emergency healthcare so that all residents of LA County who must visit an emergency room can expect the availability of services and quality they deserve,” said Supervisor Knabe.

Knabe Calls for General Relief Reform to Reduce Fraud, Help Those In Need

A motion by Supervisor Don Knabe on the Tuesday, October 18, 2011 agenda for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors calls for specific recommendations for restructuring the County’s General Relief (GR) program to reduce fraud and direct resources to those most in need.  The motion comes as the County has seen its caseload nearly double since January 2007.

General Relief is a state-mandated program that requires counties to provide assistance to indigent adults who do not qualify for other benefits.  Los Angeles County accounts for nearly 70 percent of the total statewide population receiving benefits.

In 2010 and 2011, on motions from Supervisor Knabe, the County began restructuring the GR program, with a focus on strengthening efforts to assist GR participants with accessing one of the two paths off of the program – employment or disability.  During the review process, it was learned that nearly one-third of the assistance payments were being made to individuals who were not pursuing either path, requirements for participation in the program.

“During these tough times, we have seen the caseload for General Relief rise dramatically, with an alarming cost to the County,” said Supervisor Knabe. “On top of these already sizeable demands on our system, the economic crisis has increased the number of people needing our services, due to a foreclosure or job loss.  Many families are using County services for the first time, desperate for help.”

“As a result, we have been more aggressive about ensuring that scarce taxpayer resources are properly used to aid those most in need and the results to date have been very positive,” Knabe continued.  “But we cannot ignore the fact that a huge number of program participants are not playing by the rules.  That simply isn’t fair to those who are actively seeking employment or moving onto disability.”

Earlier this year, the County’s Chief Executive Office and Department of Public Social Services developed a menu of options to reduce costs for administering the GR program, including verification of residency, increased case management and strengthening the sanction policy when GR participants refuse or fail to comply with program requirements.  Knabe called for further assessment of these options and am implementation plan.