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Rancho Los Amigos Named a 2011 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospital”

Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center has been named to the 2011 U.S. News & World Report “America’s Best Hospitals” list. The world-renowned facility ranked 7th out of the 138 hospitals ranked in Los Angeles and Orange Counties and was the only rehabilitation hospital listed.

Rancho, one of five hospitals in the Los Angels County Department of Health Services family, has been ranked one of America’s best hospitals for 21 consecutive years since the inception of the U.S. News & World Report survey in 1990. It is the only County operated hospital to appear in the top ten.

“This ranking is a testament to the incredible and innovative work that Rancho does with their patients,” said Supervisor Don Knabe. “Rancho is at the head of the class in rehabilitative innovation, incorporating technology and art for both physical and emotional rehab. Through art, sports and other creative and active outlets, Rancho helps patients not only overcome their physical challenges, but also gives them the confidence to move into self-sufficiency. The credit goes to each and every Rancho team member for the effort they put forth each day to give patients world-class care. I am so proud of Rancho for this well deserved honor.”

The U.S. News ranking differs from other rankings by looking at how well a hospital handles complex and demanding situations and involves surveys completed by 10,000 physicians worldwide. A total of 4,852 hospitals were considered for this year’s survey, but only 152 hospitals were ranked in one of16 specialties including rehabilitation, cancer, heart and heart surgery, kidney disorders, urology, neurology and neurosurgery.

Scoring criteria included reputation, mortality index, patient safety, and care related factors such as nurse staffing, and available technology, however in the ophthalmology, psychiatry, rehabilitation and rheumatology specialties hospitals were ranked on reputation alone. Of the 152 hospitals ranked in one or more specialties, 14 qualified for Honor Roll by earning high scores in at least six specialties.

Rancho offers a full spectrum of both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. The hospital has been a leader in advancing rehabilitation medicine for more than half a century, including the introduction of the first ever halo, used for neck injuries. Rancho serves an average daily inpatient population of 147 persons and experiences approximately 57,000 outpatient visits annually. The hospital is also renowned for its tradition of research leadership.

County Residents Encouraged to Sign Up For Alert LA County Emergency Notification System

Los Angeles County has an emergency mass notification system used to contact County residents and businesses via recorded phone message, text message, or email  in the event of critical situations. The system, called Alert LA county, allows the County’s Emergency Operations Center to notify residents and businesses during emergencies providing necessary information, such as evacuations.

The system compiles 911 databases, contacting land-line telephone numbers whether listed or unlisted. If the call is picked up by an answering machine, the system will leave a recorded message. If the number dialed is busy or does not answer, the system will redial the umber in an attempt to deliver the message.

The Alert LA County system uses geo-mapping where each telephone number or e-mail address can only be associated with one street address in the system. Each telephone number and e-mail address will be contacted when the street address it is associated with is impacted by a disaster or emergency.

To receive notifications for cellular, Voice over IP numbers and e-mail addresses, residents and businesses can register here.

 

Supervisor Knabe Proclaims March 30 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day”

In an effort to honor the members of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Vietnam War, Supervisor Don Knabe has proclaimed March 30, 2011 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” in Los Angeles County.

For decades, efforts have been made to properly recognize the sacrifices of those who served the United States in Vietnam. In 2009, the State of California officially signed into law AB717, which declared March 30th as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,” in large part due to the tireless advocacy of Jose Ramos on behalf of his fellow Vietnam vets.  Congresswoman Linda T. Sanchez, a long-time supporter, has also introduced HR 184 in hopes that this day will be declared at a national level.

“I am honored to support and be a part of this historic and well-deserved movement, and proud to recognize those who served their Country dutifully and faithfully in Vietnam,” said Knabe. “Recognition of our military should never be about whether we agree or disagree with the war or conflict.  Our Nation asks our military to serve and we must thank those who protect our Country, our Constitution, our lives, and most importantly, our Liberty.  We enjoy the freedom and privileges we often take for granted because of the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families and loved ones.”

In Supervisor Knabe’s Board Motion, he noted that more than 2.7 million Americans served during the Vietnam conflict, with more than 58,000 United States soldiers sacrificing their lives, and more than 300,000 wounded. On March 30, 1973, the United States Armed Forces completed the withdrawal of combat troops. Upon their return home, Vietnam vets were met with mixed emotions and were never adequately honored for their service to our country.

“We owe these men and women our sincere thanks for their Service as well as all of our Veterans,” said Knabe. “We should never forget those that have survived and those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our Country.”

Metro to Hold Fourth District Green Line Extension Project Community Meetings

Metro will hold two community meetings beginning Wednesday, April 6, to update the public on the South Bay Metro Green Line Extension project. The purpose of these meetings is to seek public comments and input as the environmental process continues for extending transit service farther into the South Bay to improve mobility in southwest Los Angeles County.

Metro is currently preparing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (DEIS/DEIR) to identify transit improvements that would provide an alternative to the I-405 corridor by accessing the regional transit network through connections to the proposed Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor, currently under environmental review.

As part of the Draft EIS/EIR, Metro will assess existing conditions in the study area, further refine the project alternatives, assess their potential impacts and identify possible and reasonable mitigation measures as necessary.

The Light Rail ‘Build’ Alterative being considered in the Draft EIS/EIR evaluates extending the Metro Green Line from its current terminus at the Redondo Beach Station to the proposed Torrance Regional Transit Center (RTC). In addition, the Draft EIS/EIR will evaluate the No Build and Transportation Systems Management alternatives.

The public is encouraged to attend the community meetings and provide their input. The meetings will provide a project overview and update on the draft environmental process.

The following is a list of upcoming meetings:

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Nakano Theater.

Monday, April 11, 2011 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at  North Redondo Senior Center, Perry Park.

The study area encompasses approximately 30 square miles and includes the cities of El Segundo, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance as well as the Del Aire and Lennox areas of unincorporated LA County.

For information on the project and the Draft EIS/EIR process the public can call 1-800-266-6883 or visit www.metro.net/southbayextension for additional information.

Supervisors Authorize Reward for Information Related to Torrance Murder

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously authorized a $10,000 reward today, at the request of Supervisor Don Knabe, for information related to the homicide of Joseph Gosinski.

On December 23, 2010 at 11:30 pm, the Torrance Police Department was called to Chicane Motor Sports at 1908 Del Amo Blvd. regarding an injured person in the business. The business is located at the south west corner of Del Amo and Gramercy Place. Upon arrival at the business, officers discovered Joseph Gosinski lying on the floor of the business and non-responsive. Torrance Fire Department was subsequently called in and Mr. Gosinski was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation determined Mr. Gosinski was the owner and well known mechanic who worked on high-end vehicles. The Torrance Police Department is looking for anyone with information or who was in the area of the business on December 24th between 6 and 8 pm. It has been determined Mr. Gosinski was most likely attacked as he closed the shop for the holidays and the perpetrators were possibly waiting for him or were in the area during this time period. Torrance Police Department is also looking for anyone who has information regarding persons of interest that may have had prior conflicts or made threats towards Mr. Gosinski.

Detectives feel it would be beneficial to offer a reward for this case, which may prompt reluctant witnesses to come forward and provide information to identify the individuals responsible for this crime.  They can remain anonymous.

Anyone having any information related to this incident is asked to contact Sergeant J. Hart of the Torrance Police Department at (310) 618-5688.  The identity of all callers will remain confidential.

Knabe Advocates for Protection of County Services in State Budget Crisis

At today’s Board of Supervisors’ meeting, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe brought forth a motion instructing the County CEO to continue working with Governor Brown’s Administration and the State Legislature on issues affecting the County because of the State budget crisis.

A critical component of the Governor’s proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2011-12 State budget is a Realignment Proposal, which shifts responsibility for certain programs and services from the State to counties.   The proposal includes new responsibilities for the Sheriff’s Department and the Probation Department, including housing of some low-level offenders in county jails going forward and overseeing certain adult parolees.  Supervisor Knabe has been advocating for a Constitutional Amendment to guarantee long-term funding for these or any other programs moved to Counties.

“We have been working with the Governor and the Legislature for several weeks to ensure that the State does not balance its budget on the backs of Counties,” said Supervisor Knabe, who also serves as the Board’s executive representative on the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), which has been negotiating with the Governor.  “The stakes are too high and we cannot compromise our ability to provide critical safety net services for our most at-risk residents.  We must be at the table continuing to ensure that we can keep our streets safe, protect vulnerable children, and provide vital mental health services.   While I continue to be concerned about the viability of the State’s proposal, we must continue to push on those issues that are most important to the people of Los Angeles County.”

 

County Deems March 20-26 “Tsunami Awareness and Preparedness Week”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, in a joint motion with Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, announced today the County will support various Federal and State agencies in declaring March 20-26 “Tsunami Awareness and Preparedness Week” and directed the County’s Office of Emergency Management to report back to the Board on an outreach and education campaign.

“Over the past decade, I have worked to ensure that the County has a tsunami emergency plan and that it is continually updated based on new scientific data and the most current technologies,” said Supervisor Don Knabe.  “Given the tragic events in Japan, now is the time to remind our residents, particularly those in our beach communities, about the importance of being prepared and having a plan in place for their homes and families.”

Fraudulent E-Mail With Los Angeles County Fire Department Logo Circulating

A fraudulent e-mail containing the heading “Acid Rain Precautions” and the County of Los Angeles Fire Department logo has surfaced, warning residents that radioactive particles released from the Fukushima Nuclear Plan in Japan could mix with rain and “cause burns, alopecia or even cancer.”

“The County of Los Angeles Fire Department has not issued this statement nor do we believe the statements within the e-mail to be factual,” says Battalion Chief Jon O’Brien. Residents within the County seeking information on the potential impact from the release at the Fukushima Nuclear Plant are advised to obtain their information from a reputable agency. Additionally, individuals are reminded to use caution when viewing e-mails and to always verify the source of information.

For information relating to the potential impact on Los Angeles County, please visit the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health.

Knabe Encourages Donations to American Red Cross

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe encouraged all County residents and employees to consider making a financial contribution to the American Red Cross, in a motion at today’s Board of Supervisors meeting. The donation, on a strictly voluntary basis, is to aid the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan and throughout the Pacific.

“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Japan for their profound loss and suffering from the enormous destruction that has occurred as a result of this devastating earthquake and tsunami,” said Knabe.

County residents and employees who wish to make a monetary contribution to victims of this earthquake and Tsunami are encouraged to do so through the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund, which will provide both immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to those in need.

Financial contributions can be made directly to their website at www.redcross.org, via telephone at 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or by mail to American Red Cross National Headquarters, 2025 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.

Los Angeles County Not At Increased Risk to Radiation Exposure

The damage to nuclear reactors in Japan has understandably lead to concerns about the safety of individuals throughout the world, including here in Los Angeles County. The Department of Public Health, is cautioning residents against ingesting potassium iodide (KI) as a precaution against possible radiation exposure. It is not an effective precautionary measure.

“There is no increased risk of harmful levels of radiation exposure in the United States based on the situation to date at the nuclear power complex in Japan. Residents who ingest potassium iodide out of concern of possible exposure from this situation are doing something which is not only ineffective, but could also cause side effects,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. “If a need should arise for residents to start taking potassium iodide to guard against effects of radiation exposure, the Los Angeles County Public Health Department – along with other local, state and federal agencies – will inform the public. We do not anticipate this need.”

However, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health – along with other local, state and federal agencies – is actively monitoring the situation. These agencies utilize a number of redundant monitoring systems capable of detecting any significant elevation in radiation levels. The public is encouraged to check reliable sources for up-to-date information.

All residents are reminded to prepare a basic, emergency kit to prepare for any kind of disaster. While potassium iodide is not a recommended component of such a kit, there are at least 10 Essential Items, as recommended by the Emergency Survival Program in LA County’s Office of Emergency Management, which should be included:

  • Water
  • Food
  • Cash and Important Documents
  • Clothes
  • Flashlight
  • First Aid Kit
  • Prescription Medication
  • Radio
  • Toiletries
  • Tools

For more information on earthquake and disaster readiness, call (866) 999-5228 or the LA County Information Line at 2-1-1. Additional information can be found on the Public Health website.