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Safe Communities Festival Returns to Rowland Heights

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe announced today that the Safe Communities Week Health & Safety Festival is scheduled for Saturday, March 26, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Rowland Heights County Park, located at 1500 South Banida Avenue in Rowland Heights.

For the 19th consecutive year, the Rowland Unified School District and the communities it serves will be observing Safe Communities Week, March 21-26, promoting a safe, secure and peaceful environment.  The Festival is a time to celebrate the role all facets of the community play in promoting a safe, secure, and peaceful environment for all to enjoy.

“The vitality of the County of Los Angeles depends on how safe we keep our homes, neighborhoods, work places, and communities,” said Supervisor Knabe.  “The major focus of this long-term commitment is to make a positive difference for our communities by educating our youth and adults, providing positive alternatives and role models for children, and unifying the support of the local community.”

Many school, community and public service groups have already committed to providing entertainment and/or informational booths.  Among the groups are Supervisor Knabe’s Office, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Rowland Unified School District and Operation Safe Community.  For more information, please call (626) 854-8359.

Tsunami Advisory for Los Angeles County Coastline Ends

UPDATED: If you would like to make a donation to the American Red Cross, your gift will support the disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami throughout the Pacific.

UPDATED: The Tsunami Advisory that was issued for Los Angeles County coastal areas following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake has ended.

A Tsunami Advisory has been issued by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) West Coast Alaska Warning Center located in Palmer, Alaska, for the Los Angeles County coastal areas following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Japan.

An advisory means that a tsunami is capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is imminent or expected. Significant widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory, but these strong currents could affect possibly local conditions, including swimming, coastal structures and small crafts.

The current intelligence indicates three-foot surge may impact the coastlines of Los Angeles County. The impact of this event has the potential to lasting 10-12 hours beginning at 8 a.m. PST and up till 5-7 p.m. PST. Mariners are advised to use caution and monitor the National Weather Service (NWS) Tsunami Warning website along with news updates. Persons in the tsunami advisory coastal areas should move out of the water, stay off the beach and proceed to higher ground areas. Those in harbors and marinas should follow U.S. Coast Guard and Harbor Master recommendations.

At the present time, there are no closures of Los Angeles County beach areas and no additional emergency actions have been recommended at this time. The Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) with support from the Department of Beaches and Harbors will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA). Los Angeles County Fire Lifeguard Operations in Santa Monica has not closed any beaches, but will be on patrol and advises beach patrons to be safe and to refrain from going into the waters.

To find out more information on tsunamis and how to prepare for them, please visit www.espfocus.org or www.noaawatch.gov.

Fake Health Inspector Targeting LA County Restaurants

Following reports that a man is impersonating a health inspector at restaurants, Supervisor Knabe is urging business owners to verify the identity of health inspectors when in doubt.

“Health inspections are a critical service that the County provides restaurant owners and mobile food vendors, and their patrons,” said Supervisor Knabe. “It is important for the public to be aware of and report any suspicious activity by someone who may be an imposter and threatening the integrity of the County Health Department.”

Three restaurants in Los Angeles County have been targeted by a man claiming to be from the Los Angeles County Health Department who advises restaurant owners to call a telephone number and enter a numeric code.

Los Angeles County Health Inspectors should always present a County-issued photo identification card and present a business card upon request. Inspectors should never accept payment for an inspection or charge money for a County Letter Grade. They will always direct the operator to the local Environmental Health Office, Environmental Health headquarters, or the County Treasurer Tax Collector for payment of any and all fees.

If you come into contact with an imposter, you are encouraged to call your local law enforcement agency or local health department.

 

Taste of the Heights Returns to Pathfinder Park

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Rowland Heights Community Coordinating Council, Hacienda Heights Improvement Association, San Gabriel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce , Friends of Steinmetz Senior Center, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and local community groups and businesses, will celebrate the Eighth Annual Taste of the Heights on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The annual event will be held at Pathfinder Community Regional Park in Rowland Heights, with more than 1,500 participants and more than a dozen restaurants.  The night will feature a live band, The HoDads, with dancing, wine tasting, and great food.

Pathfinder Community Regional Park is a hidden beauty atop the hill overlooking the city lights.  Ticket prices are $10.00 per person in advance and $12.00 at the door.  This includes a taste from each of the sponsored restaurants.  In addition, children’s tickets are available for $5.00 each.  For information and advance tickets please call (626) 333-1369.

Knabe Names Rebekah Kim as Field Deputy

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebekah Kim as Field Deputy in the Fourth District’s San Pedro office, covering San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, La Rambla, Westfield and Academy Hills.  Kim joins the Fourth District staff following the announcement that the current field deputy, Mike Gin, will be running for the 36th Congressional District.

Kim has been a Field Representative for former Congresswoman Jane Harman for the past two years, working on labor, aerospace/defense and transportation issues. Prior to her role with the Congresswoman, she was the Manager of Public Affairs and Community Relations for the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she served as the liaison between the Convention Bureau and local elected leaders.  Previously, she worked as a Press Aide for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

“I am excited to have Rebekah join our staff,” said Knabe. “She brings a wealth of experience and community relationships that will be beneficial to the Fourth District.  Rebekah has done an excellent job representing Congresswoman Harman and I know she will be a great asset to my office.”

Kim holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine and speaks conversational Korean.

Metro to Offer Dodger Stadium Express Bus Service For 2011 Season

Metro will again offer Dodger Stadium Express bus service from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles to Dodger Stadium beginning March 28 with the Dodgers pre-game series and throughout the regular 2011 baseball season under a grant approved by the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC). In support, MetroLink will offer late-night weekday train service from Union Station

A grant of $450,000 awarded to Metro by the MSRC was made in support of clean fuel transit service to link Union Station to Dodger Stadium. The MSRC awards funding within the South Coast Air Basin from a portion of the vehicle registration fee set aside for mobile source projects that result in emission reductions.

“Following last year’s successful launch, Metro is pleased to offer fans the Dodger Stadium Express bus service, which provides a direct link to Dodger Stadium from a vast network of trains and buses coming into Union Station,” said LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Chairman Don Knabe. “We encourage fans to take advantage of public transportation throughout the season to save time and money.”

Last year, the Dodger Stadium Express bus service transported over 122,000 fans with more than 60 percent of those riders using public transportation from their place of origin to get to Union Station to take advantage of the special bus service to the games.

For more information, visit Metro.

Metro Testing Free School Field Trip Program

Testing began today on the innovative new Metro Student Field Trip Pilot Program for grades 1 through 5. The test will allow L.A. Unified school field trips — students, teachers and chaperones — to travel for free on established Metro trains and bus routes during non-peak hours following authorization by both the school district and Metro. The goal is to help teachers continue to offer enriching educational and cultural experiences, even during these tough economic times for education.

For the test, schools will select from one of 10 L.A. Unified-sanctioned field trip destinations in or near downtown Los Angeles. Destinations include the California Science Center, Chinatown, City Hall, Civic Center, Central Library, the Performing Arts Center, Olvera Street, the Los Angeles Times, the Wells Fargo History Museum and the Museum of Natural History. No custom trips will be offered, nor will trips to sporting events.

“We are pleased to support the efforts of our local schools through this field trip program,” said Metro Board Chair and L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe. “It’s essential that teachers continue to offer enriching experiences, even when money is tight. We think this program can help make that possible.”

County Accepts Youth Facilities Grant in Effort to Rehabilitate Youth Offenders

The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors approved a joint motion by Supervisors Don Knabe and Zev Yaroslavsky, creating a path towards a more rehabilitative approach to juvenile justice.

The Board accepted a $28 million grant to construct a new 128-bed camp facility  that will replace a large dormitory-style building with small cottage units, allowing for a more interactive approach between staff, youth, families and treatment providers.  The rehabilitative approach includes providing mental health, therapeutic programming and educational intervention during the period juveniles are detained.  This approach is a nationally recognized model which helps facilitate the successful transition of juveniles back into their community.

“I have long advocated for reform in our juvenile justice system and a move towards a more rehabilitative approach to working with young offenders, rather than the punitive environment we have in most of our facilities,” said Supervisor Knabe.  “We owe it to the nearly 3,000 youth we have incarcerated in our camps to provide an atmosphere and resources that give them a chance to turn their lives around and return to their community with a fresh start.”

County Seeks Constitutional Protection in State Budget Discussions

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a joint motion by Supervisors Don Knabe and Mark Ridley-Thomas to pursue a State Constitutional Amendment to secure adequate and permanent funding for any services the State moves under local control.  As part of the State’s efforts to manage its $26 billion budget shortfall, the Governor has proposed shifting responsibilities for certain programs and services to counties and local jurisdictions.

In response, the Board of Supervisors instructed the County’s Chief Executive Officer to continue working with the Brown Administration and the State Legislature to pursue Constitutional Protection that provides:

  • A guarantee of revenue that covers realigned program costs including current and reasonable growth for the first five years of realignment;
  • A guarantee of revenue for the realignment of programs for the sixth year and beyond that is at least as much as the revenue generated each year if the revenue sources from years 1-5 remained in effect, and continues uninterrupted;
  • A guarantee that the full increase in the cost of delivering a realigned program due to any State or Federal mandate, statewide judicial action, or the imposition of Federal penalties, be paid by the State for as long as counties have the responsibility for those realigned programs; and
  • A guarantee that if the State does not provide counties with revenue for realigned programs for the sixth year and beyond that is consistent with item b above, counties would be authorized to withhold that amount in property tax revenues.

“We want to work with the Governor and Legislature, but we cannot do so at any cost,” said Supervisor Knabe.  “The biggest issue is that the State cannot shift these programs to local government without funding.  Most of the services we provide are mandated by the State or Federal government and are the final safety net for people in despair.  The State doesn’t have a good track record and has historically underfunded the County for programs we deliver on their behalf and already owe us millions of dollars for similar realignment efforts. We must have a long-term guaranteed source of funding and we will seek a constitutional amendment to guarantee that protection now and beyond the five years of the Governor’s proposal.”

Knabe Announces Road Improvements in South Whittier

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe announced today a road improvement project for five miles of work on Hawes Street, Lambert Road and other adjacent streets in South Whittier.  Scheduled to begin this summer, the project will cost about $1 million and is expected to be completed in four months.

The project includes pavement resurfacing; reconstruction of sidewalks; new curbs, gutters, curb ramps and driveways; and new road striping and pavement markings.

“The five miles of work on Hawes Street, Lambert Road and other nearby streets will be welcome improvements to the community,” Supervisor Knabe said. “These investments in our infrastructure are key to a strong economy and a community’s quality of life.”

Access to adjacent properties will be maintained during construction. Work will be conducted between 7a.m. to 3:30p.m., Monday through Friday.

The project is managed by LA County’s Department of Public Works.  Residents seeking more information may contact Area Supervisor, Samir Malki, at (626) 458-4993 or kalqam@dpw.lacounty.gov.