Tomorrow morning, the Board of Supervisors will discuss an extremely important issue: the welfare of children in Los Angeles County.

Last year, a Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Protection was established.  I opposed this commission for exactly the reasons I fear we will see tomorrow: a long discussion about a whole lot of recommendations we have heard before.

In fact, also last year, our Department of Children and Family Services underwent a massive strategic planning process to develop a plan to protect our most vulnerable children.  Everyone from case workers to managers, judges and external advocates had their input heard over an 18 month period.  Just when the Department started to execute the strategic plan, with barely an opportunity to implement the changes, along came the call for another commission.

The Commission reported back in April with a list of 55 new recommendations to implement, many of which were already being carried out before the Commission came together. They also recommended creating an Office of Child Protection and an up-to 19-member oversight team.

While no doubt good-intentioned, adding more bureaucracy will not do one bit of good to protect children in Los Angeles County.  We need to focus our attention and efforts on the people on the ground, our social workers, who face incredible challenges each day in trying to keep kids safe.  We need to give our people the tools and training they need to do their job.  And we must support the relatives who stand up and take abused and neglected children in.

As much as we would all like to see it, change does not happen overnight in any organization.  It takes commitment to a path, and the courage and diligence to stay the course. Let’s not add more bureaucracy and administration.  Let’s focus on the children who need us and the people who can truly help them most.

For almost 12 years, Patti Bowman found herself housebound and bedbound, forced to retire from her fulltime nursing career to battle a Lupus disease that made her body ache uncontrollably. She was young – in her 30s – and thankfully had a strong support network of friends and family.

Still, in her darkest hours, Bowman needed more. There were moments she wanted to talk about death, about her potential funeral arrangements, about spirituality and life and what could come. She needed to talk to someone who wasn’t vested in her life like family, and who could simply converse about the things she needed to talk out.

And that was when a connection was made. Bowman discovered Pathways Volunteer Hospice, a Lakewood nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to providing compassionate care to families living with illness and loss.

“It was a huge part of my life during those challenging years,” said Bowman, now in remission and a Pathways volunteer herself. “Every week – like clockwork – they gave me someone to talk to about life and spirituality and the world going on outside my four walls. I just can’t say enough about this organization and what it gave me.”

Today, Bowman serves on the frontlines of Pathways, answering phones three days a week to help individuals in Los Angeles County find the resources they need when it comes to hospice, caregiving and bereavement support.

“We’re a lifeline for people,” said Cindy Skovgard, executive director of Pathways. “There are no strings attached. Anyone who calls us will receive a response. If we aren’t the answer to their problem, we’ll work to find the right resource for that individual.”

The nonprofit, established in 1985 as a community outreach effort by Lakewood Regional Medical Center, touches the lives of nearly 700 individuals annually and thousands more through community outreach. Skovgard credits the extensive reach to the support she and her four-person team receive from the estimated 120-plus Pathways volunteers, all trained by the nonprofit in the art of caring for hospice patients, the elderly and children and families in grief.

“Each client has different needs,” said Skovgard. “In some instances our volunteers provide companionship for a frail or chronically ill person, and in other instances we help kids at schools who have faced the loss of a fellow student or family member.”

Volunteers are matched with cases that are suited to their skillsets and the needs of a client, and all of the services are provided for free – no insurance needed.

“So many families face the heartbreaking challenge of losing a loved one to a prolonged illness, and often times don’t know where to go for help,” said Supervisor Don Knabe. “Pathways’ incredible group of volunteers offer a shoulder of support to lean on for anyone in their time of grief and sadness.”

As the organization has grown, more people in the community have learned about Pathways, often through local hospitals and word-of-mouth, but Skovgard says she is committed to raising more awareness, and perhaps even a satellite office.

In the meantime, she said Pathways welcomes more volunteers and donations. To learn more about Pathways, become a donor or volunteer, or inquire about receiving Pathways support, call 562-531-3031 or visit their website at pathwayshospice.org.

Today’s approval of the next phase of the County’s Jail Plan is a major step forward in improving our custody system and reducing crime in our community.  We have taken a very deliberate path over the last few years to reach today’s decision, analyzing cost implications, service needs and jail population forecasts.

This is not just about constructing a new facility.  We have addressed the safety needs of both our staff and inmates, and developed plans to better manage our jail population by focusing on the need for comprehensive mental health and drug rehabilitation services.  We cannot have a “one size fits all” system for our inmates; rather, we need to work across County departments and with community-based organizations to develop programs that will reduce recidivism and make our neighborhoods safer.  In some cases this may mean diversion programs that help inmates recover from their issues or addictions to become contributing and law-abiding citizens.  We must develop forward-thinking options for improving how we manage our facilities and our inmates.

Today’s approval allows us to further refine design and physical plans, develop a detailed construction and operating budget, and determine a timeline for the replacement of Men’s Central Jail and the development of the Mira Loma Detention Center.

Toyota’s decision to relocate from southern California, where it has operated for over 50 years, to Texas is extremely disappointing and concerning for Los Angeles County. Not only are we directly losing nearly 3,000 individual jobs, but also the small businesses, like dry cleaners and restaurants, that will be impacted.  There is a huge multiplier effect and we just can’t replace jobs like these overnight.

For years, we’ve seen businesses flee California’s high taxes and strict regulations for more business-friendly states like Texas. This mass exodus should have sent a message to our state leaders that something needs to change, and fast.  This is a textbook case and we need to do an ‘exit interview’ with Toyota to learn what we can, as a state, do better, so that we stop being a target for other states.

Our only sell cannot be the great weather! We need to come together, quickly and aggressively, and work across state, county, and city borders to improve the business climate. California has an unmatched entrepreneurial spirit and an historically strong education system.  We must work together across sectors to sell our strong workforce, create business-friendly policies, and make California a place people want to do business again.

Los Angeles County is declaring war on sex buyers.

At tomorrow’s Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board will discuss supporting a package of state legislation that cracks down on those who buy and sell young children for sex.

According to a recent study by the Urban Institute, child sex trafficking is an obscene money maker. Traffickers across the country can make anywhere between $11,000 and $33,000 a week selling young girls. Sadly, the buyers and sellers of this industry are rarely punished for their crimes. Nationally only about 10 percent of all prostitution related arrests were sex buyers. Instead young girls  are being arrested rather than those who exploit them.

This “War on Child Sex Trafficking” legislative package will bring longer jail time for sex buyers, add sex trafficking to a list of gang-related felonies, authorize wiretapping in sex trafficking cases, and allow victims to testify against their traffickers in just one courtroom, rather than facing their exploiter in multiple jurisdictions.

These are small, but necessary steps that must be taken to shut off the demand for young children. We must take a stand and collectively say “No more. Not in our streets. Not to our young girls.”

Last week we celebrated a great example of the public and private sectors coming together for the benefit of a community when we opened new soccer fields in Torrance.

The County owned 30 percent of the land and the State the other 70 percent.  When I was asked if we could turn this fenced-off, weed-infested lot into playing fields for the kids, I couldn’t say YES fast enough!

Once we got the State on board, the City did a fantastic job of getting work done quickly.  Special thanks to Toyota for stepping in when the budget got tight.

While a lot of people made this project happen, in the end, it was government working with the private sector to build something that generations of young people will enjoy for decades to come!

This past weekend, we had yet another reminder of the need to have a plan and be prepared in the event of an emergency. The 5.1 earthquake near La Habra fortunately did not result in major damages. Like many of you, we had items fall from shelves at my house, but luckily no one was hurt.

The County has a detailed plan in place and our emergency responders train frequently. But the reality is that if something major happened, they could not be everywhere. That is why it is so important that families are prepared and neighbors look after each other.

Of course we all KNOW we should be prepared and we talk about having a plan and emergency needs set up, but too often busy lives get in the way and it just doesn’t happen.

I encourage you to set aside some time to prepare. The County has tons of resources to help you, from signing up for notifications, to brief checklists or what to do if you have special needs. Please take the time to learn more here: http://www.espfocus.org/

Last week, a veteran suffering from post traumatic stress disorder climbed the roof of a local bar and called the Veterans Crisis Line threatening to kill himself. The operator who answered the call on the hotline coordinated with our local law enforcement and our deputies were able to intervene before he could harm himself or others. He was taken to a local medical facility where he received a full mental health evaluation and was connected to appropriate resources.

This was a situation that could have turned tragic had it not been for the outstanding work of the national Veteran’s hotline and our deputies. Their quick action saved this man’s life. Our Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is an incredible resource for veterans in need. Through the department, veterans can receive assistance with employment, healthcare and education.

As more and more of our men and women return home from overseas, it’s important that we provide them with these critical services. Veterans can reach the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs by calling 877-4 LA VETS (8387) or by contacting the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255.

Tucked away in a discreet business park in Signal Hill lies a small, 1800 square-foot office, and perhaps one of the county’s best-kept secrets.

Driving by you might not even notice the business, and you certainly wouldn’t guess the non-profit it houses handles the operation of dispersing an average of seven million pounds of food annually in Los Angeles County, and parts of Orange County.

Lucky for Jim Wharton, co-owner of New York Catering, he did see the Food Finders sign plastered on the door just two years ago, and he quickly pulled off to the side of the road to call the number. He has since forged a relationship with what he describes as a “fabulous organization,” which allows his business to avoid tossing out perfectly healthy, delicious meals that go un-eaten at various events he caters.

“I’m not able to do anything with my leftovers – I’m not a restaurant that can turn extra food into soup or something,” said Wharton. “Food Finders made that problem literally go away, and the great news is that this wonderful food is not wasted. It is going to feed people who are hungry.”

Food Finders, established in 1989, is a community-based food rescue organization that serves as a conduit for food, education, and awareness between donors, volunteers, agencies and people in need.

Arlene Mercer, founder of Food Finders, witnessed a banquet manager throwing out good food in an alley trash bin and then noticed a homeless person scavenging for food just blocks away. Her frustration in wanting to help while also being aware of the incredible amount of waste sparked the idea that brought Food Finders into existence. She began by contacting food vendors and restaurants nearby to inquire about donating food overages, and then partnered with local agencies and missions to redistribute the donated food.

Fast forward to present day, and Food Finders recently surpassed the milestone of rescuing 108 million pounds of food since its doors opened, and will celebrate its 25^th anniversary this April.

“What really makes Food Finders so unique is that we focus on perishable foods,” said Patti Larson, executive director of Food Finders since 2012. “Seventy percent of the food we distribute is produce – fruits and vegetables – so this is nutritious food we are able to provide that otherwise would go to waste.”

A steady stream of 150 volunteers cover routes seven days a week, and Food Finder staff drivers transport food five days a week. The non-profit is able to operate in such a small office since they do not warehouse the food. They pick up and deliver on the same day, providing enough food for an estimated 40,000 meals to varying shelters, churches and agencies on that same day.

Carol Ramseyer and her husband Richard, volunteers with Food Finders for 25 years, continue to transport food from local stores, like Sprouts, to shelters twice a week.

“We didn’t realize how much of a need there was in our own community,” said Ramseyer. “People are going hungry, and there is no need if we make the right connections.”

One of the organization’s greatest challenges is building awareness about this service, and educating restaurants and stores that it’s OK to donate perishable food.

“The Good Samaritan Act protects us and them,” said Larson. “We want to ensure the food is safe, and stored properly, so we can use it and provide it to people in need, and at the same time be green and eliminate good food from going into our landfills.”

In addition to restaurants, catering companies and grocery stores, Food Finders also partners with SoCal Harvest, an all-volunteer not-for-profit based in Long Beach that picks backyard fruit and produce to support food banks. SoCal Harvest supplied more than 23,000 pounds of produce to Food Finders last year, and their capacity and contributions continue to grow.

“We have the same basic mission,” said Cindy Goss, director of SoCal Harvest. “We want to feed those in need and keep our food local. No one should go hungry. There is more than enough food for everyone.”

Food Finders accepts donations via phone, mail-in or through support of events, in addition to online. Volunteers are always needed and can apply online at foodfinders.org.

In celebration of Food Finders 25^th anniversary, a special photo retrospective event will be held on March 22 in downtown Long Beach. Details about the event and volunteering can be found at foodfinders.org.

With heavy rain in the forecast for this weekend, we are asking residents and businesses to shut all irrigation systems off.  Two storms expected later this week are anticipated to dump up to several inches of rain, more than enough water for lawns and gardens until at least the middle of next week. On January 17, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency for California, with the state suffering its driest year on record.

We all need to do our part to help conserve water, so the very best and most effective thing any one of us can do to take immediate advantage of the coming rain is to simply shut our sprinkler systems off. Your yard won’t need to be watered until later next week, at the very least.