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Metro to Purchase Los Angeles Union Station

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced that it has successfully negotiated the purchase of Los Angeles Union Station from Catellus Operating Limited Partnership for $75 million, a move that sets the stage for future expansion of the “last of the great railway stations” built in North America.

The direct purchase includes 38 acres of land and 5.9 million square-feet of entitlements that provide Metro the right to build on the property and draw lease revenues from both transit operators and businesses. Currently, the station is home to Amtrak, Metrolink, Metro Red and Purple Lines, Metro Gold Line, L.A. FlyAway and numerous Metro and municipal bus lines serving Los Angeles County and beyond. The station is also home to several new retail businesses.

The purchase enables Metro to better meet the station’s current and future transportation needs. Union Station has experienced a boom in the number of transit patrons and others who travel through it on a daily basis. Use of the station is expected to experience strong growth through a combination of factors, including planned construction of the Regional Connector transit project through downtown, the future Metro Silver Line express bus station on Patsaouras Transit Plaza, a growing retail presence and future high speed rail plans for Los Angeles.

“As Southern California’s largest public transportation hub, Los Angeles Union Station is absolutely critical to the current and future mobility of our region,” said  Supervisor Don Knabe, Chairman of the Metro Board of Directors. “Our purchase of this historic station will enable us to make the needed investments to enable this facility to accommodate greater increases in transit ridership resulting from Measure R transit projects and anticipated future arrival of high speed rail. We now have the ability to retain the historic nature of Union Station and prepare it to serve as a world-class 21st century transportation hub.”

Metro’s negotiations with the seller began in November 2010. In the seller’s interest to conduct an expedited sale, Metro will purchase the station independently. The California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has indicated an interest in partial ownership of the station as it continues efforts to bring high speed rail service to the region.

The income generated from the deal supports a substantial portion of the station’s purchase price. Metro already owns Union Station’s East Portal, the adjacent Metro Headquarters building and Patsaouras Transit Plaza. Not included in the purchase agreement are Axis Union Station Apartments, the Metropolitan Water District Headquarters building or the office building in front Union Station on Alameda Street.

Following an expected April 2011 closing, Metro will review the station premises and plan for future transportation and development needs. Metro will evaluate, among others, potential efforts to add and improve pedestrian flow through Union Station, parking, and bus capacity issues on Patsarouas Transit Plaza.

Due to the size of the property and accompanying entitlements, the purchase also presents new opportunities for joint development on the station’s 38 acres, which increases the potential for Metro to generate additional revenues on the developed property.

Built in 1939, Union Station is a nationally registered historic landmark.

For additional information about Metro, visit metro.net

L.A. County Fire Department to Assist in New Zealand Earthquake Search and Rescue

The Los Angeles County Fire Department’s 74-member California Task Force 2 will deploy to New Zealand to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts following yesterday’s reported 6.3 magnitude earthquake, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.

“The Los Angeles County Fire Department is highly prepared and equipped to deal with a natural disasters,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Given the devastating events that have occurred in the New Zealand, I am proud that Los Angeles County has been called upon to share our expertise in assisting with relief efforts and helping to save lives.”

The task force was requested by the US Agency for International Development and the US Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. The task force has already begun staging at the Fire Department’s USAR facility in Pacoima, and will be departing for Christchurch, New Zealand this evening.

Go Metro to NBA All-Star Jam This Weekend

Go Metro to meet and collect autographs of your favorite NBA players and legends at the NBA All-Star Jam Session Feb. 18 – 21 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. You’ll save $3 on admission at the same time you save on gas and parking and avoid the traffic hassle of downtown Los Angeles.

The Metro Blue Line Pico/Chick Hearn Station is just one block away from the L.A. Convention Center.

Metro customers will be able to save $3 only on Friday and Monday. To obtain the discount visit ticketmaster.com until Feb. 16 and use the promotional code METROA to save on adult tickets and METROC to save on children’s tickets. The limit is four tickets per transaction while supplies last.

The jam session will feature more than 450,000 square feet of nonstop basketball action for fans to shoot, slam, dribble and drive all day, to compete against their friends in skills, challenges or score game-changing basketball tips from NBA pros.

For complete information on the Metro system schedules and detours visit metro.net and to plan your trip go the Trip Planner or call 323.GO.METRO (323) 466-3876) and enjoy riding on Metro.

Supervisors Appoint Daryl Osby New L.A. County Fire Chief

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today selected Deputy Fire chief Daryl Osby as the County’s new Fire Chief, succeeding P. Michael Freeman. Chief Osby has moved through the ranks of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, since joining in 1984, most recently serving as Chief Deputy in charge of Business Operations.

Commenting on the appointment, Supervisor Don Knabe said: “Congratulations to Chief Osby on his appointment as the County’s Fire Chief. We have worked together closely for years and I know that he will do an excellent job in his new role. Chief Osby has expertise in all aspects of fire administration and emergency response and his knowledge and professionalism will well serve the over 10 million residents of our County. He is a proven leader who I am confident will build on Los Angeles County’s reputation as the best fire department in the nation.”

County to Explore Public Private Biotechnology Partnerships

Supervisor Don Knabe, in a joint motion with Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, today directed the County’s CEO to conduct a feasibility assessment for developing a countywide public/private biotechnology partnership program.

Through the motion, the County will identify potential biotechnology initiatives that would bring together public and private resources and expertise at each of the five County-owned hospital campuses, similar to the LA BioMed program at the County’s Harbor-UCLA facility.  The Board directed the CEO to identify opportunities, partners  and resources, and to develop a schedule for implementation of partnership programs.

LA County’s Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is the home of LA BioMed, one of the country’s leading nonprofit independent biomedical research institutes.  Through its affiliation with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, it has more than 150 researchers conducting studies into improved treatments and cures for cancer, inherited diseases, infectious diseases, illnesses caused by environmental factors and more. It also educates young scientists and provides community services, including immunization and childhood nutrition programs.

“We’ve had tremendous success with the LA BioMed program at Harbor-UCLA and we want to see if we can replicate that at our other County facilities,” said Supervisor Knabe.  “For several decades, LA BioMed has been an example of the power of the public and private sectors working together to both solve issues and spur the economy.  Even during recessionary times, the biomedical industry enjoys steady and rapid growth.  As the country looks at reforming healthcare, now is the right time for Los Angeles County to take the lead in public/private biomedical partnerships.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists biomedical engineering as one of the fastest growing occupations in the US for the decade ending in 2018, estimating growth of 72 percent between 2008 and 2018.  Funding for biomedical research has grown rapidly, including $10.4 million in new funding for the National Institutes of Health under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Reshuffling Responsibility Will Not Fix the State Budget

Discussions like these are vital during a budget crisis like the one we are all facing now.  I know that my colleagues and I are committed to working with the Governor and the Legislature to manage the short-term impacts of this budget crisis, as well as looking at long-term solutions to how we provide critical services to the people of California and the County of Los Angeles.  We want to be part of that solution.

The centerpiece of the proposed 2011-12 State Budget is a realignment plan that moves more services under local control.  Let me be clear; I believe that services are best provided close to those receiving them.

I must, however, voice my concern that under the current proposal, the State is shifting full responsibility for billions of dollars in programs to counties, with only a short-term commitment of dedicated revenue to pay for them.

We are still gathering data and accessing the potential impact, but we must ensure that the realignment plan be feasible and sustainable.  Many of the services we provide are the final safety net for people in despair.

I am particularly concerned about this as it relates to public safety.  We cannot fund critical public safety programs with fluctuating funding streams.  The Realignment Proposal must include a Constitutional guarantee to provide counties with a permanent, dedicated and stable revenue source to fully support realignment for as long as counties retain these new program responsibilities.  These revenues must be guaranteed beyond the five year period currently being proposed.

As I said, we want to work with the State, but we can’t do so at any cost.  We must all work together to find creative solutions to how services are provided and some of these ideas may require the State making changes and allowing more flexibility at the local level.

For example, it would be very helpful if the Legislature were to look closely at some of the mandates on counties that are already in place, and see what can be relaxed or even eliminated.

Let me give you a few potential solutions: if you were to eliminate the “State-only” Medi-Cal rules governing the Mental Health Managed Care program, counties would be able to access additional federal reimbursement for Medi-Cal outpatient psychiatric services.

Also, if the Drug Medi-Cal program could be reconfigured to allow us to screen clients rather than just push everybody into services, it would relieve the administrative burden significantly and we would still be able to serve those who need treatment for substance abuse.

In another area, if legislative measures could be taken to ensure counties have greater access to SB 81 bond funds for youthful offenders and you could relax the match requirements, the risks in taking on the high-risk juvenile offenders – which I still think is very problematic – could be somewhat mitigated.

A big concern I do have is around foster care.  There is a new mandate imposed by the State under AB 12 that would require us to serve foster youth until the age of 25.  It’s a well-intended vision, but the cost for doing this is still being evaluated and won’t be released until later this year.  I think we should consider holding off on this until we understand the full costs, which could be well beyond what we would receive for foster care under this Realignment proposal.

Those are just a few ideas that we have had – and I hope they illustrate our commitment to working together.  Digging out of this hole won’t happen with the State or the counties digging their heals in the ground.  We all need to share ideas, give and take, and above all, listen.

Supervisors Authorize Rewards For Information Related to Long Beach Crimes

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously authorized two $10,000 rewards today, at the request of Supervisor Don Knabe, for information related to two recent homicides in the City of Long Beach.

Sor Phouam

On Saturday, January 22, 2011, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Long Beach police officers responded to a convenience store in the 1900-block of East 4th Street regarding a call of shots fired.  When officers arrived, they discovered the body of 53-year-old Sor Phouam, who was a well-known and long-time store employee.  Mr. Phouam had sustained a gunshot wound to his upper torso and was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

A preliminary investigation revealed that two male suspects entered the business with the intent to commit a robbery.  Detectives have released a video depicting the suspects and few witnesses have come forward so far.

Heather Broadus

On Monday, August 30, 2010, Heather Broadus, 27, was found lying deceased on the sidewalk in front of the residence at 347 E. 56th Street in Long Beach. The victim had been shot in the upper torso and was discovered a short distance away from her hotel room. Detectives conducted an extensive investigation and were unable to identify the person (s) who killed the victim or determine the motive for the senseless killing.

Detectives feel it would be beneficial to offer a reward for both of these cases, 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 either of these incidents is asked to contact the Long Beach Police Department’s Homicide Division at (562) 570-7244.  The identity of all callers will remain confidential.

County Approves Amendment to Marina del Rey Local Coastal Plan

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today approved a comprehensive major amendment to the Marina del Rey Local Coastal Plan (LCP), following three years of community and stakeholder input.  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.

“Marina del Rey is the crown jewel of the County and I think we can all admit that it needs some polishing,” said Supervisor Don Knabe. “Today’s action allows for a balanced approach to redevelopment of the Marina and will move us forward in creating a special place to be enjoyed by boaters, visitors and all residents of Los Angeles County.”

This comprehensive amendment allows for limited development with a net addition of 759 residential units, 116,000 sq. ft. of visitor-serving commercial, 30,000 sq. ft. of office space and 3,000 sq. ft. of retail, less than half of the development allowed under the 1996 LCP.  The Board also required that 15% of all new residential units be dedicated to affordable housing.  Individual projects must still be reviewed and approved on an individual basis, based on their own merit and community input.

Today’s approval is the second part of the “Road Map” planning approach that was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on September 1, 2009.  Part one of the Road Map was the County’s response to the Coastal Commission’s LCP Periodic Review findings, which was submitted in April, 2010.  The third phase is a future visioning process, to be completed by September 1, 2014, in which community members and other stakeholders will develop a vision for the redevelopment of Marina del Rey, with a focus on leaseholds ending in the next 15 to 20 years.

State of the Union: What It Means for Transportation in Los Angeles County

This week I had the pleasure of joining officials from Metro on a trip to Washington, DC to meet with members of Congress, the Senate, FTA, USDOT, and other transportation authorities to help advocate for new Metro projects in the Los Angeles County region. While on the trip, I had the incredible opportunity to attend President Obama’s State of the Union speech. In it, the President called for increased investment in infrastructure throughout the Country.

President Obama is committed to redoubling efforts to fund important infrastructure transportation projects and rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure. In fact we have our own aggressive plan to accelerate our most important projects through our 30/10 Initiative which has us moving projects to completion in this decade.

Metro remains committed to working with both Congress and the Obama administration in the months ahead as Los Angeles County stands poised to deliver vital transportation improvement projects to this region. We couldn’t agree more that projects selected for funding be projects that are best for the economy and job creation.

The voters of Los Angeles County have voted three times in the last three decades to tax themselves in order to improve mobility in the region. Working together, we can embark upon an aggressive transportation infrastructure improvement program to meet those goals.

View some photos of my trip to Washington, DC to advocate for transportation projects in the Los Angeles region.

Despite Boeing Lay-Offs, We Will Continue to Fight for Jobs

The Boeing Company today announced that it would be reducing its workforce by 1100, with 900 of those jobs being eliminated in Long Beach.  The reductions are due to a cut in production of the company’s C-17 aircraft.

I am very disappointed to hear the news from Boeing that they will be laying off 1100 employees, the majority of whom work in the company’s Long Beach facility. Just as we are starting to see a small bounce in employment, sales tax and property tax, it is discouraging to have one of the region’s premier companies lay-off more employees.  For years, I have been lobbying in Washington to protect the C-17 program, which is critical to our national security and our ability to efficiently carry out important missions around the world, and I will continue that effort as well.  Built right here in Long Beach, the construction of these planes provide good jobs for local workers.  In these troubled economic times, the loss of any jobs is particularly painful.