Issues

County Public Works Teams Up to Promote Recycling, Raise Funds for Toys for Tots

The Los Angeles County Public Works Department has partnered with the County Library in a recycling campaign as part of the 15th Annual America Recycles Day celebrations.

Now through December 7, 2012, residents are encouraged to bring empty California Redemption Value (CRV) beverage containers to libraries in Compton, La Crescenta, South Gate, Malibu or Norwalk. The containers will then be collected and sold, with proceeds aiding the annual Toys for Tots program.

Residents are also encouraged to take a recycling pledge at www.CleanLA.com and enter a sweepstake to win prizes.

Sponsored by Keep America Beautiful,  LA County’s America Recycles Day is designed to raise environmental awareness and promote recycling Countywide while making the holidays a little brighter for kids in need.

Containers can also be dropped off at several Public Works facilities around the County. For a full list of locations and library addresses, visit www.CleanLA.com.

Knabe Announces Expansion of Anti-Child Sex Trafficking Campaign

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe announced today that the county’s anti-child sex trafficking awareness campaign will expand to millions more residents, thanks to a donation of billboard space by the Lamar Advertising Company. Billboards carrying the county’s anti-child sex trafficking messaging will be posted on 100 billboards throughout Los Angeles County this week and will remain posted for an entire month.

“A public that is aware and informed of the horrific child sex trafficking industry is our greatest tool in protecting these young victims,” said Supervisor Don Knabe. “We must continue to raise the profile on the sexual exploitation of our young girls and shine a light on a heinous crime that is happening right here in our communities and neighborhoods.”

Los Angeles County is proud to partner with the Lamar Advertising Company to continue its anti-child sex trafficking campaign outreach.

“Child sex trafficking is a grisly and unimaginable act and the Lamar Advertising Company is supportive of this campaign to bring awareness to the public,” said Lamar Advertising Company general manager Ray Baker. “This is a true example of government and the private sector working together and expanding a campaign that could save the lives of young victims.”

The campaign, originally called for by Supervisor Knabe, included messaging at Metro train stations and bus stops, as well as on all rail cars, trains and over 3,000 buses in both English and Spanish. Additionally, anti-child sex trafficking messaging was placed on over 50 digital displays and 15 traditional billboards across Los Angeles County.

To learn more about child sex trafficking in Los Angeles County, visit http://youtu.be/tJlkLFSmbb4.

County Waives Park Fees for Veterans, Military Personnel and Their Families

In honor of Veterans Day, admission fees and vehicle entrance fees have been waived to the regional park facilities on November 10-17, 2012, for Veterans and their families.  The motion, introduced by Supervisor Don Knabe, was unanimously approved today by the Board of Supervisors.  Veterans will also receive a fifty percent discount off at County golf courses on November 12.

“On Veterans Day we pay tribute to the sacrifice of the men and women in our military who have courageously served our country and protected the many freedoms we enjoy today,” said Supervisor Knabe.  “We also owe a debt of gratitude to their families, who share in this sacrifice and who 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 10 through November 17, 2012, free of charge with proper identification:

All veterans with proper military identification will receive a fifty percent discount on green fees (excluding tournament play) all day on Monday, November 12.

 

Newborn Baby Girl Safely Surrendered in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the 10th time this year with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby girl. This most recent safe surrender occurred on October 29, 2012 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.

“Thanks to the Safe Surrender program, this baby has a second chance at life and hope for bright a future,” said Supervisor Knabe. “I’m thankful that this mother decided to surrender her baby, rather than put her in a harmful situation. As word spreads about the Program, mothers in desperate situations can make the right choice for their babies, because of Safe Surrender.”

This is the 10th Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2012, and the 99th since the program began over eleven 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.

Knabe Calls For Accelerated Metro Connection to LAX

At today’s Metro board meeting, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe called for a detailed strategy and plan to complete a transit connection to LAX by 2020.

“Frankly, it’s embarrassing that the second largest city in America with the third busiest airport still does not have a direct transit connection,” said Knabe.  “While Metro talks about accelerating projects, there could not be a higher priority than connecting our airport to all regions of Los Angeles County.  A direct connection will not only benefit  our residents, but also the millions of tourists who visit Los Angeles each year.”

The Green Line extension to LAX/Airport Metro Connector is currently projected for completion in 2028.  Knabe’s motion, approved 7-5, asked for the Metro CEO to report back with a plan, including exploring funding alternatives with Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA); local, state and federal partners, and public-private partnerships.  Knabe also requested a timeline and required actions, including an advocacy approach for coordination with federal agencies like the FAA and FTA.  Metro is scheduled to report back at the January 24, 2013 board meeting.

Two Newborn Babies Safely Surrendered This Week

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the ninth time this year, and the second time this week, with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby girl. This most recent safe surrender occurred on October 17, 2012 at a hospital in Inglewood.

A second newborn was also safely surrendered on October 11 at a hospital in Los Angeles. As is standard practice, the babies are in protective custody and will be placed with families approved for adoption by the Department of Children and Family Services.

“Thanks to the Safe Surrender program, these babies have a second chance at life and hope for bright futures,” said Supervisor Knabe. “I’m thankful that these mothers decided to surrender their babies, rather than put them in a harmful situation. As word spreads about the Program, mothers in desperate situations can make the right choice for their babies, because of Safe Surrender.”

These are the eighth and ninth Safe Surrenders in Los Angeles County in 2012, and the 97th and 98th since the program began over ten 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.

Newborn Boy Safely Surrendered in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the seventh time this year with the report of a safely surrendered newborn. This most recent safe surrender occurred on October 11, 2012 at a hospital in Los Angeles.

As is standard practice, the baby boy is in protective custody and will be placed with a family approved for adoption by the Department of Children and Family Services.

“It is important that we continue to get word out about the Safe Surrender program so that mothers in desperate situations know there is a better option for their newborn than abandonment,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Thanks to the Safe Surrender program, this baby boy has a second chance at life and hope for a bright future.”

This is the eighth Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2012, and the 97th since the program began over ten 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.

Go Metro to the Space Shuttle Endeavour’s Final Journey

The Space Shuttle Endeavour heads to its new home at the California Science Center this Saturday, Oct. 13. The quickest and easiest way to view the shuttle on its final journey is to hop on the Metro Expo Line to Expo Park, the only mass viewing area where the shuttle will linger for an extended transition period. Those who wish to see Endeavour should gather at about 8 p.m. on Saturday along Bill Robertson Lane. Expo Park is conveniently served by two Metro Rail stations: Expo/Vermont and Expo Park/USC.

Bus service in the areas along the shuttle route will experience disruptions during the Endeavour trip. Service detours are planned along Manchester Boulevard on Friday night and Crenshaw Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on Saturday. For the most up –to-date service alerts visit metro.net and look under Service Advisories, follow @metroLAalerts on Twitter or check Metro’s official blog, The Source.

The Los Angeles Police Department is asking the public not to gather along the shuttle route, due to traffic and safety concerns. No cars will be allowed into Expo Park and road closures surrounding the shuttle route are expected to cause traffic issues. Metro will be running enahanced service on Metro Rail on Saturday, Oct. 13 to accommodate shuttle visitors.

  • Expo Line will run at 6 minute headways from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Red, Purple and Gold Line trains will run with extra train cars at 10 minute headways from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Metro staff will be stationed along the Expo Line, at Union Station and 7th/Metro Station to assist with transfers and fare purchases, provide directions and inform patrons of bus detours
  • To bypass ticket lines, load TAP cards with fares or day passes in advance

‘Carmageddon’ Returning to I-405 Freeway Tonight

The demolition of the north side of Mulholland Dr Bridge has been scheduled for Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30, 2012. As with the demolition of the south side of the 608-foot-long bridge, the I-405 through the Sepulveda Pass will be closed in both directions that weekend to allow for demolition.

As with the south side demolition, Metro and Caltrans are concerned that closing the freeway will result in severe congestion on the I-405 and adjoining freeways, perhaps effecting freeways throughout the region. Motorists throughout the State of California are asked to “Plan Ahead, Avoid the Area, or Eat, Shop and Play Locally.”

To reduce the impacts on local traffic flow, the Mulholland Dr Bridge will be demolished and reconstructed in two separate phases. During July 16 and 17, 2011, the south side of Mulholland Dr Bridge was demolished.

The north side of the bridge is expected to be completed 12 months after demolition. During reconstruction, the Mulholland Dr Bridge will accommodate one lane of traffic in each direction.

The Mulholland Dr Bridge will be the third bridge demolished and reconstructed to accommodate the widening of the I-405 freeway and to add a northbound high-occupancy vehicle lane through the Sepulveda Pass. When completed, the expanded Mulholland Center Dr Bridge will be widened by approximately 10 feet and will be designed to the latest seismic standards.

The I-405 project website will have the latest construction updates.