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Los Angeles County Waives Park Fees For Veterans, Military Personnel And Their Families

In honor of Veterans Day, admission fees for the County Arboreta and Botanical Gardens are being waived as well as vehicle entrance fees to regional park facilities from November 9 through November 16, 2007. The motion, introduced by Supervisor Don Knabe, was unanimously approved today by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

As Veterans Day approaches, it is important that we recognize the many contributions that Veterans have made for our great County over the years, said Supervisor Knabe. We owe them many freedoms that we have today and they truly deserve the honor and respect of their fellow Americans.

All Veterans, military personnel and their immediate families are invited to visit the following Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation facilities from November 9 through November 16, 2007:

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park

120 Via Verde Drive

San Dimas

(909) 599-8411

Castaic Lake Recreation Area

32132 Castaic Lake Drive

Castaic

(661) 257-4050

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

4100 North La Cienega Boulevard

Los Angeles

(323) 298-3660

Santa Fe Dam Regional Park

15501 East Arrow Highway

Irwindale

(626) 334-1065

Schabarum Park

17250 East Colima Road

Rowland Heights

(626) 854-5560

Whittier Narrows Regional Recreation Area

750 South Santa Anita Avenue

South El Monte

(626) 575-5526

Arboretum of Los Angeles County

301 North Baldwin Avenue

Arcadia

(626) 821-3212

Descanso Gardens

1418 Descanso Drive

La Canada Flintridge

(818) 952-4400

South Coast Botanic Garden

26300 Crenshaw Boulevard

Palos Verdes Peninsula

(310) 544-6815

Virginia Robinson Gardens

(310) 276-5367

By appointment only

Fruit Fly Infestation Detected In Rancho Pales Verdes Area

A Mediterranean fruit fly infestation has recently been discovered in Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills. To date, four wild female Medflies have been detected at two separate locations.

This past weekend, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) began eradication procedures in the area. The CDFA increased aerial releases of sterile male Medflies, at the rate of 250,000 sterile flies per square mile. The release area is 12.86 square miles. CDFA crews also began conducting ground treatments in a 200-meter radius from the locations of the detections.

Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills are already part of the Preventive Release Program, a joint USDA/CDFA project that releases millions of sterile male Medflies each week over the Los Angeles Basin. The program was introduced in 1996 and has been instrumental in redefining Medfly response in California. It has also dramatically reduced the number of infestations. Between 1987 and 1994, an average of 7.5 Medfly infestations was discovered each year in California, but since the Program began in 1996, there have been just seven infestations statewide. Three of the seven have been detected this year.

This is the first Medfly infestation in Los Angeles County since 2001, when flies were found in the Hyde Park area. That infestation was successfully eradicated using the same techniques that were utilized for the current infestation. The Medfly can infest over 260 types of fruits and vegetables, causing severe impacts on California agricultural exports and backyard gardens. A permanent infestation would result in estimated annual losses of $1.3 to $1.8 billion.

Halloween Tips For Pet Owners

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control reminds everyone that Halloween can be a fun holiday, but also it can be potentially dangerous and frightening for pets. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during Halloween:

– Keep pets indoors in a secure comfortable area with a radio or television playing in the background. Many pets fear of the noise from trick-or-treaters.

– Always keep current license and ID tags securely affixed to pet’s collar. A license tag is the only voice a pet has if he or she becomes lost.

– Do not leave pets outside unattended. Loud noises frighten pets and they may panic, become confused, and can go through great lengths to escape their enclosures. This can include chewing leashes or breaking fences.

– Keep pets away from all candy. Chocolate, which contains theobromine, can be poisonous to pets causing nerve damage and even death.

– Properly dispose of all candy wrappers. Tinfoil and cellophane candy wrappers are tempting treats for pets and can cause pets to choke or to have intestinal blocks.

– Keep pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns away from pets. Pets can knock them over which could result in a burn.

– Halloween pet costumes can pose safety hazards for pets. Do not dress them up unless they are used to it and enjoy it. Make sure the costume does not restrict their movement, vision, hearing or the ability to breathe or bark. Halloween pet costumes should not have small or dangling accessories that can be swallowed by your pet.

– Post the numbers of emergency clinics and the animal control agency that services your area on your refrigerator or another location where you can find them in case of an emergency.

If your pet does become lost, it is critical that you visit the animal shelters surrounding your area in person. Shelter staff and volunteers will also provide suggestions for finding lost pets. Be sure to bring a photograph of any missing pets to post at animal shelters.

Air Quality Improves In LA County But Still Remains Unhealthy For Sensitive Individuals

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, much of Los Angeles County will begin experiencing better air quality today. At this time, the County Health Officer is advising sensitive individuals to continue to monitor their conditions and limit outdoor activity.

Schools outside the Santa Clarita Valley and away from areas of visible wildfire smoke can resume outdoor sports and physical activity programs, said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, County Health Officer and Public Health Director. The air quality will continue to be monitored and updates will be issued as conditions improve.

Sensitive individuals including the elderly and those with heart disease or lung disease, including emphysema and asthma, should stay indoors as much as possible. These individuals should monitor their conditions and be vigilant about taking their medicines as prescribed by their healthcare providers. Individuals with asthma and related conditions should keep their as needed medications with them at all times. If symptoms develop, sensitive individuals should contact their healthcare providers. In addition, because the elderly are more susceptible to the effects of smoke, they should be contacted to be sure they are not feeling any ill effects.

Staying indoors can somewhat reduce exposure to smoke, and keeping doors and windows closed while running the air conditioner is a good idea. Residents should check the filters on their air conditioners and replace them regularly. Indoor air filtration devices with HEPA filters can reduce the level of particles that circulate indoors.

For more detailed information about air quality related to the wildfires, visit the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s website at www.aqmd.gov or call 1-800-CUT-SMOG (288-7664).

Nomination Period Open For 55th State Assembly District Special Primary Election

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC), Conny McCormack, announced today that the candidate nomination period is now open for the December 11, 2007, Special Election to fill a vacancy in the 55th State Assembly District. Nomination forms are available at the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office, and the candidate nomination period will continue through Monday, October 29, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.

The special election is being held to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term in the State Assembly ending December 1, 2008. The seat was formerly held by Laura Richardson who resigned after being elected to Congress in the 37th Congressional District.

Candidates wishing to run for office must be a United States citizen, registered and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time that nomination papers are issued. Additionally, the candidate must have been affiliated with the political party listed on his/her nomination papers and shown on his/her affidavit of registration, at least three months prior to filing, or for as long as he/she has been eligible to register to vote in the state. Candidates may not have served three terms or more in the State Assembly since November 6, 1990.

The filing fee is $1,130.98 and a minimum of 40, maximum of 60 nominating signatures from qualified electors in the district is required to be submitted at the time of filing (40 of which must be valid). Signers must be registered voters and affiliated with the same political party as the candidate.

Further information can be obtained from the RR/CC’s Election Planning Section at (562) 462-2317 or Election Information Section at (562) 466-1310. The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office, is located at 12400 Imperial Highway, 2nd Floor, Room 2013 in Norwalk, and is open between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Knabe Applauds The Governor’s Signing Of Lieu Bill To Improve Sewage Spill Reporting Process

Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has recently signed Assembly Bill 800 (AB 800), authored by Torrance Assemblymember Ted Lieu, which will dramatically improve the sewage spill reporting process across California.

AB 800, sponsored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, requires that any entity responsible for a sewage spill now has the duty to report it to the local public health officer and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. In addition, fines will be imposed to any sewage treatment official who fails to promptly report a spill.

The bill is based on an investigation called for by Supervisor Knabe earlier this year. The resulting report released by the Los Angeles County Department of Auditor-Controller revealed numerous failed communication protocols between local wastewater operators and public health crews within the County. As a result of the investigation, Supervisor Knabe unveiled a number of reforms including working with Assemblyman Lieu to amend state law to resolve issues that went beyond the County’s legal authority to correct.

This is great news for beachgoers Statewide, and I would like to thank the Governor for signing the bill and Assemblymember Lieu for taking the lead on critical issue, said Supervisor Knabe. This bill ensures that those who are responsible for a sewage spill now have the duty to immediately notify those responsible for closing the beaches.

This is a big win for the coastline throughout California, said Assemblymember Lieu. Our beaches are one of our greatest natural wonders, and we nee to make sure they’re protected. If beaches are closed right away, then the cleanup can begin immediately.

Hawaiian Gardens Hosts Free Fishing Derby For Kids At Cerritos Regional County Park

The City of Hawaiian Gardens will host a free youth fishing derby at Cerritos Regional Park on Saturday, October 27, 2007. The primary sponsors for the event are the City of Hawaiian Gardens, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation, and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Registration for the event will begin at 7:00 a.m., followed by the derby kickoff at 8:00 a.m. Fishing poles and tackle will be provided via loan for free to kids 15 and under from the California Department of Fish and Game; anyone over 16 must have a valid California Fishing License to participate. In addition, the event also includes a free lunch and a raffle for prizes at 12:00 p.m. for all participants.

Fishing derbies are always fun events that children and families look forward to, said Supervisor Knabe. Even if a child has never fished before, there will be volunteers on-hand to show them the art of casting a line and the fun of putting a worm on a hook.

Cerritos Regional County Park is located at 19700 South Bloomfield Avenue in the City of Cerritos. For more information on the event, contact the City of Hawaiian Gardens at (562) 420-2641, Ext. 229.

October Is Adopt-A-Dog Month

The American Humane Association and Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control are working to help find homes for homeless dogs during Adopt-a-Dog Month this October. The public is encouraged to visit one of the County’s six animal shelters this month to meet some great dogs and puppies of all breeds and sizes that are waiting for a loving family.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care & Control has a lot of great dogs just waiting to find permanent and loving homes, said Deputy Director Michelle Roache. When you adopt a dog from an animal shelter, you are not only saving a life – you are also getting a wonderful companion.

If you love dogs, but are presently unable to adopt one, please consider making a tax-deductible donation or becoming a volunteer instead. As a volunteer, you can spend your free time helping homeless dogs find new loving homes. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please call the Director of Volunteer Services at (562) 256-1367 or visit the Department’s website at http://animalcare.lacounty.gov

County Animal Shelter Locations:

Downey Animal Shelter – 11258 South Garfield Avenue, Downey

Carson Animal Shelter – 216 West Victoria Street, Gardena

Baldwin Park Animal Shelter – 4275 North Elton Street, Baldwin Park

Lancaster Animal Shelter – 5210 West Avenue I, Lancaster

Castaic Animal Shelter – 31044 North Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic

Agoura Animal Shelter – 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills

Knabe Hosts Workshop For Service Providers Seeking County Mental Health Funding

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe and the Department of Mental Health are conducting a workshop on October 31, 2007 to address funding opportunities that are available to community public social service providers through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). The workshop will also serve as a forum to address the MHSA’s progress in Los Angeles County and future funding opportunities.

The workshop will address the following topics: a brief overview of the MHSA including how much funding is available, how local funding priorities will be determined, helpful hints to submitting a successful proposal, and the benefits of forming a collaboration with other service providers present. The workshop also includes an introduction of key players who are available to help you, an opportunity to have each key player respond to any questions you may have, a chance to meet potential partners in an informal environment.

The workshop will take place on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Grand in Long Beach. The Grand is located at 4101 East Willow Street in Long Beach. If you plan on attending you must RSVP by October 22, 2007 with Destiny Walker at (213) 738-4607 or dwalker@dmh.lacounty.gov

Safe Surrender Protected By Governor’s Veto For Second Consecutive Year

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe offered his thanks to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today for vetoing a bill that would have placed the success of the statewide Safe Haven Law in

jeopardy.

Under the proposed legislation, Assembly Bill 81, the Safe Haven window would have been extended to seven days from its current 72 hours. Currently, the program allows mothers of unwanted newborns to surrender their babies at Safe Surrender sites, such as Fire Stations and Hospitals, up to 3 days after the child’s birth. The person who surrenders the newborn is protected from prosecution, No Shame, No Blame and No Names.

This is the second consecutive year the Governor has vetoed similar legislation. A similar version in last year’s legislative session proposed extending the window from 72 hours to 30 days.

"While on the surface it may seem that a longer surrender window is better for newborns, extensive research and statistics show the danger zone for these babies is within the first hours of life. Extending the window from 72 hours to seven days could have created serious medical issues" said Supervisor Knabe, who championed the formation of Safe Surrender, the Los Angeles County version of the Safe Haven Program, over six years ago.

"Access to quality medical care in the first hours of life is an absolutely critical component that could have been placed in jeopardy had this legislation gone through," said Knabe. "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. That is a risk we simply cannot afford and we appreciate the Governor’s veto."

Los Angeles County has been at the forefront of implementing the Safe Haven Law. Since its enactment in 2001, 61 babies have been safely surrendered in Los Angeles County.