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Rancho Los Amigos to Undergo $418 Million Renovation

Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, one of the nation’s leading hospitals for rehabilitative medicine, is beginning a $418 million state-of-the-art renovation, known as Rancho Rising 2020, which will significantly enhance the care offered by the jewel of Los Angeles County’s healthcare system. The needed upgrade secures Rancho Los Amigos’ future as a top-ranked rehabilitation hospital with technologically advanced facilities, expansion of clinical and research initiatives and increased accessibility for patients and the community.

“Rancho Los Amigos supports patients in need of rehabilitative services with cutting edge technology and innovative medical practices,” said Supervisor Don Knabe of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “It has consistently been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s best hospitals. Imagine how much more we can accomplish on behalf of our patients after we expand patient facilities, upgrade aging buildings, improve Rancho’s technological readiness and beautify the campus.”

The first phase of construction, scheduled for completion in 2016, will result in a new Wellness & Aquatic Therapy Center, including a new therapy pool, which will increase Rancho Los Amigos’ capacity to provide physical therapy. The second phase includes needed seismic safety and facility renovations, construction of a centralized entrance and refurbishment of the historic Harriman Building. The renovated structures will allow the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services facility to better meet safety, ADA and privacy requirements. Phase two will be completed by 2020.

Supervisor Knabe and Rancho Los Amigos CEO Jorge Orozco, PT invite the media and public to the Rancho Rising 2020 groundbreaking ceremony, which will take place on August 19, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.

Supervisor Knabe, along with the Department of Health Ser vices and Chief Executive Officer, is also advocating federal legislation to expand the partnership between LA County and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide health care to veterans Rancho Los Amigos and other non-VA facilities. H.R. 4810 and H.R. 3230 are currently pending in the U.S. Congress. The bills would provide quicker access to care for veterans who experience long wait-times at VA facilities and would allow veterans to choose non-VA medical facilities and have access to services closer to their homes.

“The demands on Rancho will be increasing as more veterans are referred to this amazing hospital,” said Supervisor Knabe. “We must expand our state-of-the-art facilities so that our clinicians can continue to provide outstanding care for people with a life-altering illness, injury or disability, including our national heroes who have suffered casualties serving their country,” Supervisor Knabe said. “This groundbreaking will throw a spotlight on the pioneering work that has been accomplished at Rancho for more than 125 years. The campus upgrade and enhanced technology will provide the means and infrastructure for Rancho staff to continue changing lives.”

In addition to H.R. 4810 and H.R. 3230, another congressional bill is pending in Congress (Preserving Rehabilitation Innovation Centers Act of 2015, H.R. 2292) that would designate Rancho Los Amigos a Rehabilitation Innovation Center, highlighting the unique role played by Rancho and other facilities in the provision of quality rehabilitative care and advancing the field of rehabilitation medicine. If the bill passes, the new facilities will complement this new status for Rancho Los Amigos, which would qualify it for higher Medicare payments to cover additional costs for complex Medicare patient care, research, and training that currently takes place at the county hospital.

Jacobs Engineering Group is leading the construction project, and Taylor Design/SmithGroup JJR is the architectural firm charged with designing the new buildings. Gensler is the scoping document architect. The hospital will remain open and fully functional during the 5-year construction process, all of which will take place on the 48-acre northern portion of Rancho Los Amigos’ Downey location.

“These necessary updates will advance our mission to restore health, rebuild life and revitalize hope for all of our patients,” said Orozco. “Amazing things happen at Rancho every day and the new campus will be clear evidence that we are leading the rehabilitation field with our remarkable patient care and research.”

Rancho Los Amigos is the only Los Angeles County Department of Health Services hospital that provides specialized care for persons with disabilities, including spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, orthopedic disabilities, strokes, neurological disorders and physical and developmental disorders. Rancho Los Amigos cares for 4,000 inpatients and services 71,000 outpatient visits each year.

The Rancho Rising 2020 telephone hotline will be available for questions and comments in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the duration of the construction, and can be accessed by calling 562-219-4771.

Baby Boy Safely Surrendered at Los Angeles Hospital

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is proud to announce that the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the ninth time this year with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby boy. This most recent Safe Surrender occurred earlier today, August 11, 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.

“A week after a newborn baby boy was found abandoned in a stroller on a street in south Los Angeles, and one day after another baby was abandoned in Santa Clarita, I am thrilled to hear that a mother made the better choice and safely surrendered her baby boy,” said Supervisor Knabe. “The recent abandonments of two newborns in Los Angeles County were near tragedies, but they were also opportunities for us to remind mothers, who may find themselves alone and in a desperate situation, that there are options to hand-over their baby safely and anonymously—No shame. No blame. No names. Thank you to our partners in the media for reminding the public about the Safe Surrender program.”

This is the ninth Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2015, and the 133rd since the program began nearly 14 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.

To learn more about the Safe Surrender Program, visit BabySafeLA.org.

Camp Fire brings nature and teamwork lessons to summer campers

In the midst of Long Beach’s bustling city, hundreds of kids discover nature each summer, sometimes for the first time.

If only for a week or two, they set aside their electronic gadgets, the video games and television shows to focus on gardening, hiking, science and cooking.

Camp Fire Long Beach, hosted at the organization’s five-acre facility near Carson Street, provides local children a nature-based camp experience. Each week, campers focus on a unique theme, but are always exposed to enrichment activities aimed at helping them find a greater appreciation of teamwork and the environment.

“It’s a wholesome atmosphere,” says Shirlee Jackert, executive director of the Long Beach program. “Parents love that their kids have a chance to cook over the campfire, learn silly songs and meet positive role models in our college-aged counselors.”

Camp Fire’s Urban Forest at Camp Shiwaka hosts two separate day camp programs that can often overlap. One includes a Thursday overnight. The second camp is the Backyard Bunch with nine one-week sessions. The resident camp program is Camp Wintaka held in the San Bernardino mountains for second- through eighth-grade students during July, providing kids with a true “home away from home” experience.

“Beyond the exposure to nature, what I really enjoy seeing is kids accepting each other and being campers together,” said Jackert. “Everyone wears the camp T-shirt and is expected to work together; you help in the camp, carry things and partner as a team.”

A new audience to the campsite this year includes adults from the Downey-based Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, which caters to individuals who have endured a life-changing illness, injury or disability.

“We just started partnering with Camp Fire to do programming for our patients and participants to give them different nature and sensory educational experiences, team-building activities and challenge experiences,” said Rebecca Bershtel, recreational therapist from Rancho Los Amigos. “We’ve seen great success already, and it’s healthy to get our patients enjoying the outdoors, seeing they can still enjoy the smells of a campfire and even the obstacles of a challenge course.”

Jackert said the accessibility of the three-quarter mile ADA Discovery Trail is welcoming to all who want to enjoy nature and habitats, campsites and magic circles, cookouts and a challenge by choice on the high and low courses.

“We’re a special place in Long Beach,” said Jackert, who has been associated with Camp Fire for more than 20 years. “Kids and adults leave here with special memories and a new appreciation for the outdoors.”

To learn more about Camp Fire, call 562-0421-2725 or visit www.campfirelb.org. While the summer season is nearly over, parents and children can learn more about the traditional club programs after school and winter and spring day camp programs and challenge course programs outings.

Special Olympics World Games Roundup

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Finland and Kenya #ReachUpLA!

A video posted by Don Knabe (@donknabe) on

Industry ‘Meals on Wheels’ crew serves over 1,000 meals a month

Every Monday, 87-year-old Ken Kim drives to Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina to load up his car with meals for people in need. Depending on the week, he hits anywhere from 12 to 17 homes, providing nourishment for the elderly and sick in neighboring southland cities.

“It keeps me involved in the community,” said Kim, who has been associated with Industry’s Meals on Wheels program for 22 years. “I can cover my route in about three hours, and I’ve formed some great social connections with the other volunteers.”

Kim is among roughly 34 volunteers currently serving the cities of Bassett, City of Industry, Covina, Diamond Bar, Hacienda Heights, La Puente, Rowland Heights, Valinda, Walnut and West Covina. The Industry chapter of Meals on Wheels has been active since 1979, delivering well-balanced meals to people who have difficulty obtaining meals for themselves due to physical, mental, or financial limitations.

“Volunteers are the heart and soul of Meals on Wheels’ success,” said Supervisor Don Knabe. “I’m proud to support an organization that makes such a positive impact on residents and the community.”

The Queen of Valley Hospital sources the food, and drivers meet there to pick up meals for delivery Monday through Friday. Typically, volunteers commit to one day a week, driving the same route on their scheduled day. Together, the small but mighty crew serves approximately 88 recipients, which calculates to almost 1,300 meals a month.

“Many of our drivers are really dedicated to their routes and build a relationship with the people they serve,” said Joe Gardner, president of the Industry organization. “One recipient is 100 years old and really enjoys our visits – it can sometimes be the only human interaction she gets during a week.”

Gardner, who was inspired to become a driver after retiring as a sergeant of the Santa Monica Police Department, said there is a long waiting list of individuals who could benefit from Meals on Wheels. The challenge is to sign up more volunteers.

“The bigger our team, the more we can serve,” said Gardner.

Volunteers must be a licensed driver, have insurance, and of course sport a willingness to help.

“This is a great chance for retired individuals to get involved,” said Kim. “It keeps you moving and involved, which keeps you young.”

To learn more about Industry’s Meal on Wheels chapter visit www.mealsonwheels411.org.

2015 Special Olympics World Games

As you know, the Special Olympics World Games are coming to Los Angeles County. The Opening Ceremonies are set for Saturday, July 25 at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. More than 7,000 athletes from 177 countries will be arriving in town this week, making the World Games the largest event we’ve hosted since the 1984 Olympics.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Special Olympics World Games. All of the athletic competitions are free to attend, so I hope you’ll find some time to come out to an event and support the athletes. Whether it’s beach volleyball or roller skating, I promise you will be inspired by every single athlete who is competing. Stay tuned to Facebook and Twitter for updates from the events.

Have a great week and I will see you at the World Games!

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Baby Boy Safely Surrendered at Fire Station in Tarzana

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is proud to announce that the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the eighth time this year with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby boy last week. This most recent Safe Surrender occurred on July 2, 2015 at a fire station in Tarzana.

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.

“It is incredible to know that this baby’s innocent life was saved because of the Safe Surrender program,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Thanks to the courage of this mother, who found herself in a desperate situation, this baby boy has a second chance at life and the opportunity to grow up in a loving family. If other people, who may be in a similar situation know that there are options, they too can make the better choice for their baby and safely surrender them at any hospital or fire station—No shame. No blame. No names.”

This is the eighth Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2015, and the 132nd since the program began nearly 14 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.

To learn more about the Safe Surrender Program, visit BabySafeLA.org.

“Hire LA’s Youth” Program to Employ 20,000 Youth

Young people were disproportionally impacted during the recession and recovery of youth employment opportunities has been slow.  Gaining work experience and training is critical for young people seeking entrance to the job market.

The Youth Employment Program has been a key component of the Youth Workforce Development System for over 30 years in the County and City of Los Angeles.  Now launching year-round, the HIRE LA’s Youth program is expected to connect over 20,000 youth from across the region to employment.

When:  Wednesday, July 8, 2015, 11a.m.

Where:  County Hall of Administration – West edge of Grand Park, across the street from the Music Center, above the fountain

Speakers:

  • Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti
  • Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe
  • Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl
  • Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis
  • Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas
  • Representatives from supporting companies, including Blair Taylor, Chief Community Officer, Starbucks; and Lisa Deloney, Managing Director and Market President, Citibank
  • Youth participants

Child sex trafficking survivor graduates high school and advocates for victims

Kyeisha has a message for childhood sex trafficking victims: your past does not define your future.

“I’ve been there, been manipulated, been abused,” said Kyeisha, herself a childhood sex trafficking victim in Los Angeles County when she was just 13 years old. “But I survived, and now I’m excited for my future.”

Kyeisha, now 18, has escaped her abusive relationships with the help of intervention from her probation officer, law enforcement, strong mentors and programs designed to remove children from the aggressors and pimps who prey on young kids.  In June, she graduated from high school, and this fall will begin general education work at El Camino College.

Kyeisha was also recently selected to be a part of the Annie E. Casey Juvenile Justice Strategy Group Youth Advisory Council, a group devoted to changing juvenile laws around trafficking, as well as educating government and communities about this heinous crime.

“When I was arrested, I was labeled a prostitute,” said Kyeisha. “I felt judged and hurt – but what I really needed at the time was help.”

Thankfully, at 15, Kyeisha was assigned to LA County Probation Officer Terrika Woolfolk, and together they identified a plan to keep her off the streets and place her on a path to success. The young teen voluntarily entered a treatment program in Iowa, received counseling, and got a healthy dose of ongoing encouragement from Woolfolk.

“I immediately noticed Kyeisha’s leadership capabilities and built on her strengths,” said Woolfolk. “She has such a good heart and I wanted to channel that positive energy to help her, and allow her to help others.”

Woolfolk notes many girls like Kyeisha lack a family support system, so they need individuals in their lives to be open, honest and encouraging – not label.

“We didn’t even realize childhood sex trafficking was happening right here in Los Angeles,” said Michelle Guymon, director of the child trafficking unit within probation for LA County. “I thought it was something that happened in other countries, not here.”

But in 2010, the trafficking issue entered Guymon’s radar. As the director of Camp Scudder, one of the local probation camps within L.A.County, Guymon began to make a link between the stories she was hearing from the girls around sexual abuse and trafficking.

“Girls didn’t even realize what was happening to them when they were arrested for prostitution,” said Guymon. “I saw we needed to change the conversation – these girls were not out on the streets by choice, they were victims.”

Now, with the help of advocates like Guymon and Woolfolk, the County is working to support the girls rather than incarcerate them.

For Kyeisha, the different approach has made all the difference.

“There are still days I feel judged about my past,” said Kyeisha. “But now I want to help victims, show them they are loved and put them on the path to education, building a resume, and finding a job.”

With her advisory work, Kyeisha will continue to tell her story and shape how this nation handles sex trafficking victims today and in the future.

“In all of my years of service, child sex trafficking has truly been one of the most horrific issues I’ve seen,” said LA County Supervisor Don Knabe. “With the help of survivors like Kyeisha, we can learn how to stop the cycle, protect our youth and help them find their own bright futures – we owe them that.”

Fourth of July reflections

This weekend is the Fourth of July-the day we spend surrounded by friends and family celebrating everything that we love about our country: freedom, liberty and democracy. But before you light the grill and watch the fireworks, I hope you will take some time to look back on the events of last week, from the streets of Charleston, to the steps of the Supreme Court, and their implications for the future of our nation.

The senseless and horrific violence at a place of worship shattered our sense of peace, but it did not break us. Instead it made us stronger and a sense of unity, not seen in over a decade, washed over us. At the funeral for one of the victims of the shooting, men and women, blacks and whites, reds and blues, joined together in prayer and song.  I was incredibly humbled by the faith, resiliency and strength shown by the victims’ families and the community. I hope their example of graceful spirit guides our country moving forward.

Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., the Supreme Court ruled in several cases with major implications locally. The Court ruled in favor of the legality of the Affordable Care Act. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: It doesn’t matter if you were for it or against it, the Affordable Care Act is here, and Los Angeles County has to move forward.  The Supreme Court also ruled in favor of same-sex marriage nationwide.  Friends and former staff members have waited a long time for this day.

However, the Supreme Court didn’t rule in favor of the rights of everyone-in an absolutely stunning decision, the court struck down a local ordinance that allowed law enforcement to inspect hotel guest records without a search warrant. This life-saving law was one of our most powerful tools in our war on child sex trafficking. The Supreme Court justices ruled in favor of protecting the rights of those who buy and sell young children, instead of the rights of innocent victims. The individuals who sexually exploit young girls do not deserve a right to privacy. They need to be exposed for what they truly are: child rapists.  Our fight will continue!

On Friday, we were inspired by the immortal words of John Newton sung in Charleston, “Through many dangers, toils and snares … a life of joy and peace.”  Our country is ever on that same path – reflecting on the hardships, struggles and suffering of our past, while always fervently striving to be the beacon of liberty and freedom for all.

May God continue to bless the United States of America.