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Outdoor Adventures 2008 Season Offers Boating And Bird Watching

The Department of Beaches and Harbors is once again offering its popular Outdoor Adventures programs in Burton Chace Park, located at 13650 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey. Bird Watching, Harbor Kayaking, and Surf Kayaking will offer exciting experiences for individuals and families.

Bird Watching will take groups to various sites in the Ballona Wetlands, where they will have the opportunity to observe various bird species compete for resources in the shoreline and vegetation habitat. They will also be taken to areas where they can observe Great Blue Heron and Black Crowned Night Heron nesting sites. 2008 dates and times are: March 27, 4:00 pm; April 24, 9:00 am; May 15, 4:00 pm; and June 26, 9:00 am. Excursions are presented at no cost, but pre-registration is essential. Each outing is approximately two hours long.

Harbor Kayaking offers leisure kayaking outings in the Marina harbor for anyone 10 years and older, including families, for whom double kayaks are available. Class size limited to 15 participants. Outings are from 11:30 am to 1:45 pm. Dates are March 29, April 26, May 17, June 28, September 27, October 25, and November 22. Cost per outing is $25.00 from 10 to 18 years of age, and $30.00 for participants 19 or older.

Surf Kayaking will provide participants with the opportunity to kayak through the Marina del Rey harbor and head out to the North Jetty, where they will surf the waves aboard sit-on-top kayaks. Los Angeles County Lifeguards will instruct the outing. Pre-registration is a must, as class size is limited to 10 participants. All classes held on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Dates are March 29, April 26, May 17, June 28, September 27, October 25, and November 22. Cost per outing is $25.00 ages 10 to 18 years, and $30 ages 19 and older.

For the bird watching program, call (310) 628-2135 and for the kayaking programs call (310) 305-9587 to register or to obtain additional information.

County Approves Project To Prevent Child Abuse And Neglect

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $4.75 million demonstration project that will test innovative approaches to preventing child abuse and neglect. The 12-month Prevention Initiative Demonstration Project is the result of a joint motion by Supervisors Don Knabe and Zev Yaroslavsky.

The goal of the project is to test a broad spectrum of services, resources and activities across diverse communities within the County and evaluate their impact on preventing child abuse and maltreatment. One key element of the project will focus on addressing the broader root causes within communities that weaken families and impede healthy childhood development – such as social isolation, lack of economic opportunities and a little or no access to municipal services.

The results will then be used to consider enhancements to what the County currently does to assist families in crisis, and inform strategies about how to work proactively to keep families out of crisis. A recent study by the Pew Charitable Trust found that only 10 percent of the $7 billion in federal money distributed annually to state child welfare programs can be used for prevention programs. If the County can prove this approach works, it could be the first step in changing that.

This groundbreaking project, which is the first of its kind in the country, is about helping families address problems before a crisis occurs, said Supervisor Knabe. All the research shows that keeping families together, when it can be done safely, is better for the children and more cost-effective than foster care. It is my hope that this project shows, once and for all, that prevention-type activities are a viable and effective way of keeping families from entering, re-entering, or experiencing extended involvement in the child welfare system.

Cross-Over Vote Tallying Moves Forward

Acting Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan detailed plans this week to move forward with counting the maximum number of cross-over votes possible from the February 5th Presidential Primary Election. In a letter to the Secretary of State and in a report before the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Logan outlined the criteria that will be used to determine voter intent and to include votes not previously counted in the certified results of the election.

"This is about restoring public confidence and ensuring that Los Angeles County voters know that their votes are counted," said Logan. "It is an important message to send to the thousands of new voters who were drawn into the electoral process in this historic Presidential election year."

In the weeks since the election, Logan has worked closely with the Secretary of State, the Board of Supervisors and community stakeholders in pursuit of legal options to allow the County to discern voter intent and to count votes cast by non-partisan voters who chose to cross-over and vote in the Democratic and American Independent party Presidential contests, but who missed an instruction to first mark a party selection choice on their ballots.

In addition to presenting a resolution for including votes cast by DTS voters in the certified election results, Logan re-affirmed his commitment to providing an improved ballot layout in future primary elections. "We very clearly understand the need to revise the ballot layout and to offer voters the least confusing method possible for making their selections," Logan said. The new format will be introduced in the June 3rd State Primary Election.

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk staff is completing a 28-day detailed vote canvassing period this week involving a multitude of tasks to process all valid ballots and to account for thousands of election supplies and equipment before certifying the election. Additional activities necessary to add the votes cast by DTS voters will take place this weekend and early next week. The final results will be certified on March 4th.

Logan conveyed appreciation to voters and stakeholders who called upon the County to ensure the votes were counted. "I thank the voters of Los Angeles County for their patience and participation. We will continue in the weeks and months ahead to ensure a voting experience that is efficient and effective in June and November."

Improving Traffic Flow Between The City And County Of Los Angeles

A recently completed traffic signal interface between the City and County of Los Angeles will dramatically improve traffic flow throughout the region.

The new interface links the City’s Advanced Traffic Control System with the County’s Information Exchange Network, and will enable a two-way exchange of traffic signal data, including congestion and incident information. It will significantly enhance the ability for both agencies to work together to ensure their traffic signals remain coordinated across City boundaries. Operators in both agencies will be able to monitor the operation of each agency’s signals and make adjustments to ensure the routes are synchronized.

The total cost of the project was approximately $1.41 million, with funding provided by the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and the City and County of Los Angeles.

Knabe Will Once Again Oppose Legislation That Will Negatively Impact The Safe Surrender Program

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe renewed his opposition for the third time to new legislation by Assemblyman Alberto Torrico (D-Fremont) that will fundamentally alter the rules of the highly-successful Safe Haven Law.

Under the proposed legislation, AB 2262 will extend the newborn surrender period to 7 days. Currently, the program allows mothers of unwanted newborns to surrender their babies at Safe Surrender sites, such as Fire Stations and Hospitals, up to 72 hours after the child’s birth. Access to quality medical care in the first hours of life is a critical component that could be placed in jeopardy if this legislation passes. Many infants who are safely surrendered have received no prenatal care or medical care at all – services that are critical for these newborns to receive in the first hours after birth. Extensive research has shown that the 72 hour window works.

A similar bill was also introduced during the two most recent Legislative sessions. Last year, AB 81 would have extended the window to 7 days. It was later vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. The first attempt, AB 1873, was also vetoed by the Governor in 2006.

This was an unnecessary bill the first two times, and it remains unnecessary, said Supervisor Knabe, who championed the Safe Surrender Program, the Los Angeles County version of the Safe Haven Program, over six years ago. There is no data showing that an extension to the 7 days proposed in Assemblyman Torrico’s legislation would improve this successful program, and we cannot allow an arbitrary number with no scientific basis to compromise the safety of these babies. The only window that has irrefutable evidence is the 72 hours, and changing it is a risk that we simply cannot afford. I vow to fight this bill every step along the way.

Los Angeles County has been at the forefront of implementing the Safe Haven Law. Since its enactment in 2002, 65 babies have been safely surrendered in Los Angeles County – more than one-third of all the newborns saved in California.

New Graffiti Prevention Program To Launch February 23

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe in partnership with Helpline Youth Counseling, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Cities of Downey, La Mirada, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, Whittier, and Unincorporated Whittier will launch the Aware Teens Against Graffiti or A.T.A.G. Program this Saturday, February 23 at 8:00 a.m. at the STAR Center, located at 11515 South Colima Road in Whittier.

A.T.A.G. is an innovative delinquency prevention program that targets first time tagging and vandalism offenders between the ages of 9 to 15 and their parents. The weekend-long program focuses on the parents receiving an intensive two-day skill-building training, and the youth offenders participating in community service projects and group discussions while being supervised by law enforcement. The program is a unique and proactive effort in Los Angeles County as it brings elected officials, law enforcement, the court system, community-based organizations and families together in a collaborative effort to combat tagging and vandalism in the community.

Graffiti is a huge problem in many of our neighborhoods and communities, and it is reducing the quality of life, property values, business growth and development in these areas, said Supervisor Knabe. A.T.A.G. works to prevent and eliminate this growing problem by providing parents with necessary skills, support and resources to help their kids and it teaches young offenders about accountability, responsibility, respect, values and future consequences.

LA County Offers Aquatic Sports Camps For Youth During Spring Break

The Water Awareness, Training, Education and Recreation (W.A.T.E.R.) Program of the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors is offering three of its most popular aquatic sports camps for boys and girls during spring break.

The camps available for the spring program are surfing, ocean-sports, and beginning sailing. To be eligible for the camps, boys and girls must have passed the W.A.T.E.R. Program’s required swim test. The W.A.T.E.R. Program, designed to raise awareness of ocean and beach safety through aquatic-related sports activities, is conducted by Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguards who have received special training in working with young people.

Surf Camps – Ages 11 to 17

Venice Beach Pier: March 17-21 and March 24-28 from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm.

Manhattan Beach Pier: April 7-11 from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm.

Ocean-Sports Camps – Ages 7 to 14

Venice Beach Pier: March 17-21 and March 24-28 from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm.

Manhattan Beach Pier: April 7 -11 from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm.

Beginning Sailing Camps – Ages 11 to 17

Marina del Rey Boathouse: March 17-21, March 24-28, and April 7-11 from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm

All equipment is provided and fees range between $100 and $135 for the week-long sessions. Financial aid is available, based on family income, and free transportation is provided from non-beach areas during camp weeks. For information or to request an application, please call the W.A.T.E.R. Youth Program at (310) 305-9587.

56 Child Care Centers In Long Beach Sign Up For New Rating System

In the City of Long Beach, 56 child care providers have agreed to take part in the County’s Steps to Excellence Program (STEP), an innovative new child care rating system that will help parents make informed child care choices for their children, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.

The STEP program, launched by Supervisor Knabe in July 2007, is the first program of its kind in California. In much the same way as the County’s successful restaurant grading system has empowered consumers with information, the goal of rating child care centers is to educate parents and improve the quality and services of the centers. The program is starting as a pilot in nine communities across the County, including Long Beach. It is supported with funds from the County of Los Angeles, the California Department of Education and the First 5 LA Commission.

In Los Angeles County, it is estimated that more than $1.4 billion is spent on child care services annually and the demand for services and facilities continues to grow every year. But, with this increasing demand for services comes an increasing need for oversight and access to information for parents about the quality of care their children are receiving. The STEP program will assess six key areas that all parents would want to know about a child care setting, including safety, program quality, teacher qualifications, and whether or not they can accommodate kids with special needs.

This is a great opportunity to give parents access to clear, concise information about child care centers that they may not have time or the ability to research on their own, said Supervisor Knabe. I want to congratulate each and every one of the 56 child care providers in Long Beach who chose to take part in this program, and I welcome more providers who want to do their part in helping families make informed choices for their children.

People interested in learning more about STEP should contact Helen Chavez in the County Office of Child Care at (213) 893-0505 or visit
www.childcare.lacounty.gov

Three Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Stations Ranks Among Best Worldwide

Three stations in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have been selected as the best of the best of more than 800 police stations worldwide, according to a recently released report. The following stations, in order by ranking with one being the best, were selected by Altus Global Alliance:

1. San Dimas Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, San Dimas, California

Captain Joseph S. Hartshorne, Station Commander

2. Lakewood Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Lakewood, California

Captain David L. Fender, Station Commander

3. Lancaster Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Lancaster, California

Captain Carl H. Deeley, Station Commander

According to the report, the program worked as follows. During a one-week period beginning October 22, 2007, more than 3,500 people visited over 800 police stations in 22 countries around the globe, according to the report prepared by Altus Global Alliance, a worldwide organization of five justice reform groups based in Brazil, Chile, India, Nigeria, Russia, and the United States. This was the second annual occurrence of this global event, known as Police Station Visitors Week, which was created to assess citizen satisfaction with services delivered by police departments, identify good practices used by police, and strengthen relations between police and their local communities, Altus officials said.

In the United States, the Vera Institute of Justice, a founding member of the Altus Global Alliance, organized visits by 33 local community groups in cooperation with 12 law enforcement agencies. These agencies serve a range of urban, suburban, and rural constituencies, and the groups who made visits represent a diverse mix of local interests and communities.

I am most gratified with these results, said Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca. I thank Altus for this honor and believe it’s another example of how we are trying to be the best law enforcement agency in the country and the world.

Citizens used a special kit to guide their visits, following the same protocol as other civil society groups around the world. Immediately after the visit, participants answered a series of questions about what they had observed. Their answers were collected via Altus’ global Web site. Using the ratings supplied by the visitors, Altus calculated an overall score for each station and separate scores in five categories of service: community orientation, physical condition, equal treatment of the public, transparency and accountability, and detention conditions.

Altus officials also said the most valuable results of this event were that visitors resoundingly reported that their opinions of law enforcement improved considerably after these visits, and many expressed how happy they were for the opportunity to engage in a dialogue about community needs. The report is available online at
www.vera.org

Knabe Responds To Plan To Close Clinics

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe issued the following statement today in response to the County’s Chief Executive Officer’s recommendation to close and/or reduce clinic services throughout the County, as a means to balance the County’s Department of Health Services Fiscal Year 2008-09 Budget:

In the upcoming fiscal year, our Department of Health Services is looking at a budget shortfall of up to $300 million. In an effort to balance the budget, the CEO has brought forward a recommendation that calls on this Board to close or reduce services at most of our health centers and comprehensive health centers throughout the County. And although, this is only a starting point of the conversation, I am shocked by the proposal and deeply concerned by it.

It is true that this plan will generate millions in savings, but what it fails to address is the effect that closing clinics will have on our already overworked emergency rooms. With the recent overcrowding issues at Harbor-UCLA and the closures of the emergency rooms at King-Harbor and Daniel Freeman Hospitals, the system can ill-afford any further strain. The emergency care system at both private and County hospitals is already in a fragile state, and further increasing the workload of our emergency rooms is creating a time-bomb waiting to explode. We need to be opening more clinics in the County, not closing them.

I will be introducing a motion at Tuesday’s Board Meeting that will ask the CEO to come up with a comprehensive list of all possible options to balance the Health Department’s budget. We have some very difficult decisions on the horizon, but this proposal should be viewed as our last resort and not just a quick fix.