As we approach the February 1 deadline officially shutting down all community redevelopment agencies in California, there will be much scuttlebutt this week as some state and city leaders try to find a way to preserve the agencies or to delay their closure.

Redevelopment agencies have been around for decades, created as a tool to address blight, preserve historically-relevant areas, reduce crime and give communities a chance to reinvent themselves. Taxes generated by development in an area designated for redevelopment were used to pay the debt that financed these projects. In addition, updated RDA legislation required a 20 percent set-aside for affordable and senior housing.

In many cities across California, it worked and transformed communities.  In my hometown, Cerritos, and in other areas of the 4th District, this resulted in new jobs, services, and increased property and sales tax revenues for the city.

Some have suggested that redevelopment agencies did not have enough oversight, resulting in bloated staff and mismanagement of funds.  Yes, it’s true that there have been problems with some agencies and those must absolutely be addressed.  Tighter controls, more accountability for taxpayer money and strict oversight are critical.  Unfortunately, the behavior of a few will result in the stoppage of vital projects that are critical to communities in these tough economic times.

So let’s be honest here.  This isn’t an effort by the state and the governor to clean up redevelopment.  As with realignment and the move of state prisoners to county jails, this is one more attempt by the state to balance its budget on the back of local government.  Unraveling the work of organizations that have been in existence for decades needs a thorough impact assessment.  They cannot be simply unwound without serious consequences in those neighborhoods that need them most.

Last week, Governor Jerry Brown gave his annual “State of the State” speech. In it, he said that difficult budget decisions were made last year to cut the state’s budget deficit, but more would be required, and he would also be seeking approval from the voters for tax increases.

Governor Brown spoke at length about the unique character of California and its people. On this point, I could not agree with him more.  While California has suffered more than most states in these troubled economic times, it continues to be a place of opportunity, enterprise and innovation.  However, we must be more diligent in protecting and expanding what makes us distinctive so that we attract the people and businesses which will tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

In the meantime, while I appreciate the Governor’s attempts to balance the state budget, unfortunately the ‘hard decisions’ he referenced in his speech come at a huge cost to counties.  The hits to health and welfare programs impact the most vulnerable in our communities and will further strain the safety net.  He also moved the State out of receivership of its prisons by pushing thousands of inmates to county jails.  These decisions only push the problems down to the local level, where there is no funding to take them on.

I continue to hold out hope that this Governor and the Legislature will defy the disappointing trend of the last several years and come to agreement on a budget that is reasonable and recognizes that their problems should not be solved by just moving them somewhere else.

A few weeks ago, I received a deeply troubling briefing regarding minor girls who are being bought and sold as prostitutes across Los Angeles County.  Some of these girls are as young as 11 and 12.

While we often think of child sex trafficking as a problem in other countries, it’s happening right here in our backyard.  Right now, these young girls are being arrested for prostitution and often being released, as it is a misdemeanor charge.  As such, we think these numbers are representative of a much larger number of girls forced into prostitution who have not yet been arrested, or are not being determined to be sexual victims in screenings when placed in either foster care of the juvenile justice system.

That’s part of the biggest problem on this issue – we don’t know what we don’t know.  This week, I am asking the Probation Department to track and gather more statistics so that we get a real sense of what is happening out there.  Then we can aggressively address prevention tactics, figure out ways to combat the problem and develop aftercare programs.

I would also like to look at the possibility of establishing a special unit in the Probation Department, dedicated to sexually exploited minors and the development of specialized services for the victims of this horrendous crime.

These young girls have often suffered in their own homes and then move to a life on the streets where they are further victimized by local pimps and gangs.  As a grandfather it is horrifying to think of the lives these young girls face.  We must do everything we can to get these girls off the streets and on a path to a better life ahead.

This holiday season many of us are reminded of how fortunate we are to be surrounded by our loved ones.  Sadly, not everyone shares this blessing.  On Wednesday, the County will bury the remains of 1,639 individuals in a mass grave.  These are individuals that, for one reason or another, have no one but the County to provide them with a respectful and dignified burial.  Some are homeless.  Many are poor.  Some have no families to grieve for them.  Regardless of what their status in life was, each one of their lives mattered.  It matters to us, their County family.

The service will be held tomorrow, Wednesday December 7, at 9:00am at the Los Angeles County Crematory and Cemetery.

I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of of the tragic death of Shaun Lumachi. Shaun was a great friend and loyal supporter.  He was a young man devoted to Long Beach, deeply involved in many local organizations.  He believed in the importance of active civil participation as evident by his hard work and commitment to the Long Beach Post and keeping the community informed and engaged.  Julie and I send our thoughts and prayers to his family at this very difficult time.

On Veteran’s Day, it is important that we recognize the many contributions that Veterans have made for our great Country over the years. Let us remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedoms at home and abroad. Let us honor our heroes who are currently fighting overseas and may the light of liberty shine brightly so they may all find their way home safely. God bless our troops and God bless the United States of America.

The California Coastal Commission approved the Major Amendment to the Marina del Rey certified Local Coastal Plan (LCP), with modifications recommended by the Commission’s staff. 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.

Following three years of community and stakeholder input, I am thrilled to be moving forward in our plans to update this extraordinary destination for residents, boaters, visitors to Los Angeles County and all those who call it home. Marina del Rey is a unique place with incredible potential. With the Commission’s approval, we now have the opportunity to revitalize an area that hasn’t seen change in over 40 years. I appreciate all the valuable feedback we received in 79 public meetings, Board hearings and community working groups. We made significant changes based on this input which I know will set us on a course to a better integrated urban waterfront with improved access to the water and greater services and amenities for all our residents and visitors.

The Major Amendment will now come before the Board of Supervisors for ratification to consider the changes approved by the Commission.

Click here to read my comments to the Coastal Commission and watch video of the meeting.

On October 1, Los Angeles County will begin monitoring, tracking and incarcerating low-risk offenders, who were previously the responsibility of the State.  Referred to as “realignment,” the State is shifting responsibility to the local level, following a US Supreme Court decision requiring the State to reduce its prison population.

An initial influx of approximately 1,200 of these individuals will be transferred from State prison to County jails, with up to 1,000 expected each month thereafter.  Their paroles will be supervised jointly by Sheriff’s deputies and Probation officers.  While the State committed funding to the County for the next nine months, there are no guarantees that the Legislature won’t raid the funds, potentially leaving counties with the offenders but no resources to manage them.

The Legislature is essentially balancing its budget and reducing the State prison population on the back of local government.   While they claim to be providing funding, it is only a commitment for nine months.  The fact is there is ‘no room at the inn’ in LA County.  We cannot effectively live up to our new public safety responsibilities without the full partnership of the State.

The Governor recently said he is committed to putting a constitutional protection measure on the November 2012 ballot to ensure counties have the resources to manage these offenders on an ongoing basis.  The Legislature can place a measure on the November 2012 ballot by a two-thirds majority vote.  If that does not  move forward, I will join other county supervisors from across the state to support efforts to place a measure on the ballot by voter signature.  This will allow the voters of California to weigh in and constitutionally protect resources for public safety

By a vote of 4-1, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today adopted an amended Plan A-3. After the most open and inclusive redistricting process in the history of Los Angeles County, I am pleased that the Board of Supervisors was able to reach agreement after months of review.  I want to thank the thousands of people who came to testify, wrote letters, and sent emails.  Today’s vote reflects their voice as we maintain our long established communities and avoid unnecessary shifts of millions of people to new districts. In addition to meeting the letter and spirit of the Voting Rights Act, this plan preserves the relationships,  connections and service levels that have been built over decades.  It’s now time to move forward and address the challenges and issues we face in our County.