Issues

County Residents Encouraged to Sign Up For Alert LA County Emergency Notification System

Los Angeles County has an emergency mass notification system used to contact County residents and businesses via recorded phone message, text message, or email  in the event of critical situations. The system, called Alert LA county, allows the County’s Emergency Operations Center to notify residents and businesses during emergencies providing necessary information, such as evacuations.

The system compiles 911 databases, contacting land-line telephone numbers whether listed or unlisted. If the call is picked up by an answering machine, the system will leave a recorded message. If the number dialed is busy or does not answer, the system will redial the umber in an attempt to deliver the message.

The Alert LA County system uses geo-mapping where each telephone number or e-mail address can only be associated with one street address in the system. Each telephone number and e-mail address will be contacted when the street address it is associated with is impacted by a disaster or emergency.

To receive notifications for cellular, Voice over IP numbers and e-mail addresses, residents and businesses can register here.

 

Supervisor Knabe Proclaims March 30 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day”

In an effort to honor the members of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Vietnam War, Supervisor Don Knabe has proclaimed March 30, 2011 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” in Los Angeles County.

For decades, efforts have been made to properly recognize the sacrifices of those who served the United States in Vietnam. In 2009, the State of California officially signed into law AB717, which declared March 30th as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,” in large part due to the tireless advocacy of Jose Ramos on behalf of his fellow Vietnam vets.  Congresswoman Linda T. Sanchez, a long-time supporter, has also introduced HR 184 in hopes that this day will be declared at a national level.

“I am honored to support and be a part of this historic and well-deserved movement, and proud to recognize those who served their Country dutifully and faithfully in Vietnam,” said Knabe. “Recognition of our military should never be about whether we agree or disagree with the war or conflict.  Our Nation asks our military to serve and we must thank those who protect our Country, our Constitution, our lives, and most importantly, our Liberty.  We enjoy the freedom and privileges we often take for granted because of the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families and loved ones.”

In Supervisor Knabe’s Board Motion, he noted that more than 2.7 million Americans served during the Vietnam conflict, with more than 58,000 United States soldiers sacrificing their lives, and more than 300,000 wounded. On March 30, 1973, the United States Armed Forces completed the withdrawal of combat troops. Upon their return home, Vietnam vets were met with mixed emotions and were never adequately honored for their service to our country.

“We owe these men and women our sincere thanks for their Service as well as all of our Veterans,” said Knabe. “We should never forget those that have survived and those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our Country.”

Metro to Hold Fourth District Green Line Extension Project Community Meetings

Metro will hold two community meetings beginning Wednesday, April 6, to update the public on the South Bay Metro Green Line Extension project. The purpose of these meetings is to seek public comments and input as the environmental process continues for extending transit service farther into the South Bay to improve mobility in southwest Los Angeles County.

Metro is currently preparing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (DEIS/DEIR) to identify transit improvements that would provide an alternative to the I-405 corridor by accessing the regional transit network through connections to the proposed Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor, currently under environmental review.

As part of the Draft EIS/EIR, Metro will assess existing conditions in the study area, further refine the project alternatives, assess their potential impacts and identify possible and reasonable mitigation measures as necessary.

The Light Rail ‘Build’ Alterative being considered in the Draft EIS/EIR evaluates extending the Metro Green Line from its current terminus at the Redondo Beach Station to the proposed Torrance Regional Transit Center (RTC). In addition, the Draft EIS/EIR will evaluate the No Build and Transportation Systems Management alternatives.

The public is encouraged to attend the community meetings and provide their input. The meetings will provide a project overview and update on the draft environmental process.

The following is a list of upcoming meetings:

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Nakano Theater.

Monday, April 11, 2011 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at  North Redondo Senior Center, Perry Park.

The study area encompasses approximately 30 square miles and includes the cities of El Segundo, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance as well as the Del Aire and Lennox areas of unincorporated LA County.

For information on the project and the Draft EIS/EIR process the public can call 1-800-266-6883 or visit www.metro.net/southbayextension for additional information.

County Deems March 20-26 “Tsunami Awareness and Preparedness Week”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, in a joint motion with Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, announced today the County will support various Federal and State agencies in declaring March 20-26 “Tsunami Awareness and Preparedness Week” and directed the County’s Office of Emergency Management to report back to the Board on an outreach and education campaign.

“Over the past decade, I have worked to ensure that the County has a tsunami emergency plan and that it is continually updated based on new scientific data and the most current technologies,” said Supervisor Don Knabe.  “Given the tragic events in Japan, now is the time to remind our residents, particularly those in our beach communities, about the importance of being prepared and having a plan in place for their homes and families.”

Fraudulent E-Mail With Los Angeles County Fire Department Logo Circulating

A fraudulent e-mail containing the heading “Acid Rain Precautions” and the County of Los Angeles Fire Department logo has surfaced, warning residents that radioactive particles released from the Fukushima Nuclear Plan in Japan could mix with rain and “cause burns, alopecia or even cancer.”

“The County of Los Angeles Fire Department has not issued this statement nor do we believe the statements within the e-mail to be factual,” says Battalion Chief Jon O’Brien. Residents within the County seeking information on the potential impact from the release at the Fukushima Nuclear Plant are advised to obtain their information from a reputable agency. Additionally, individuals are reminded to use caution when viewing e-mails and to always verify the source of information.

For information relating to the potential impact on Los Angeles County, please visit the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health.

Knabe Encourages Donations to American Red Cross

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe encouraged all County residents and employees to consider making a financial contribution to the American Red Cross, in a motion at today’s Board of Supervisors meeting. The donation, on a strictly voluntary basis, is to aid the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan and throughout the Pacific.

“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Japan for their profound loss and suffering from the enormous destruction that has occurred as a result of this devastating earthquake and tsunami,” said Knabe.

County residents and employees who wish to make a monetary contribution to victims of this earthquake and Tsunami are encouraged to do so through the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund, which will provide both immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to those in need.

Financial contributions can be made directly to their website at www.redcross.org, via telephone at 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or by mail to American Red Cross National Headquarters, 2025 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.

Los Angeles County Not At Increased Risk to Radiation Exposure

The damage to nuclear reactors in Japan has understandably lead to concerns about the safety of individuals throughout the world, including here in Los Angeles County. The Department of Public Health, is cautioning residents against ingesting potassium iodide (KI) as a precaution against possible radiation exposure. It is not an effective precautionary measure.

“There is no increased risk of harmful levels of radiation exposure in the United States based on the situation to date at the nuclear power complex in Japan. Residents who ingest potassium iodide out of concern of possible exposure from this situation are doing something which is not only ineffective, but could also cause side effects,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. “If a need should arise for residents to start taking potassium iodide to guard against effects of radiation exposure, the Los Angeles County Public Health Department – along with other local, state and federal agencies – will inform the public. We do not anticipate this need.”

However, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health – along with other local, state and federal agencies – is actively monitoring the situation. These agencies utilize a number of redundant monitoring systems capable of detecting any significant elevation in radiation levels. The public is encouraged to check reliable sources for up-to-date information.

All residents are reminded to prepare a basic, emergency kit to prepare for any kind of disaster. While potassium iodide is not a recommended component of such a kit, there are at least 10 Essential Items, as recommended by the Emergency Survival Program in LA County’s Office of Emergency Management, which should be included:

  • Water
  • Food
  • Cash and Important Documents
  • Clothes
  • Flashlight
  • First Aid Kit
  • Prescription Medication
  • Radio
  • Toiletries
  • Tools

For more information on earthquake and disaster readiness, call (866) 999-5228 or the LA County Information Line at 2-1-1. Additional information can be found on the Public Health website.

Tsunami Advisory for Los Angeles County Coastline Ends

UPDATED: If you would like to make a donation to the American Red Cross, your gift will support the disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami throughout the Pacific.

UPDATED: The Tsunami Advisory that was issued for Los Angeles County coastal areas following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake has ended.

A Tsunami Advisory has been issued by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) West Coast Alaska Warning Center located in Palmer, Alaska, for the Los Angeles County coastal areas following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Japan.

An advisory means that a tsunami is capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is imminent or expected. Significant widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory, but these strong currents could affect possibly local conditions, including swimming, coastal structures and small crafts.

The current intelligence indicates three-foot surge may impact the coastlines of Los Angeles County. The impact of this event has the potential to lasting 10-12 hours beginning at 8 a.m. PST and up till 5-7 p.m. PST. Mariners are advised to use caution and monitor the National Weather Service (NWS) Tsunami Warning website along with news updates. Persons in the tsunami advisory coastal areas should move out of the water, stay off the beach and proceed to higher ground areas. Those in harbors and marinas should follow U.S. Coast Guard and Harbor Master recommendations.

At the present time, there are no closures of Los Angeles County beach areas and no additional emergency actions have been recommended at this time. The Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) with support from the Department of Beaches and Harbors will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA). Los Angeles County Fire Lifeguard Operations in Santa Monica has not closed any beaches, but will be on patrol and advises beach patrons to be safe and to refrain from going into the waters.

To find out more information on tsunamis and how to prepare for them, please visit www.espfocus.org or www.noaawatch.gov.

Fake Health Inspector Targeting LA County Restaurants

Following reports that a man is impersonating a health inspector at restaurants, Supervisor Knabe is urging business owners to verify the identity of health inspectors when in doubt.

“Health inspections are a critical service that the County provides restaurant owners and mobile food vendors, and their patrons,” said Supervisor Knabe. “It is important for the public to be aware of and report any suspicious activity by someone who may be an imposter and threatening the integrity of the County Health Department.”

Three restaurants in Los Angeles County have been targeted by a man claiming to be from the Los Angeles County Health Department who advises restaurant owners to call a telephone number and enter a numeric code.

Los Angeles County Health Inspectors should always present a County-issued photo identification card and present a business card upon request. Inspectors should never accept payment for an inspection or charge money for a County Letter Grade. They will always direct the operator to the local Environmental Health Office, Environmental Health headquarters, or the County Treasurer Tax Collector for payment of any and all fees.

If you come into contact with an imposter, you are encouraged to call your local law enforcement agency or local health department.

 

Metro to Offer Dodger Stadium Express Bus Service For 2011 Season

Metro will again offer Dodger Stadium Express bus service from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles to Dodger Stadium beginning March 28 with the Dodgers pre-game series and throughout the regular 2011 baseball season under a grant approved by the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC). In support, MetroLink will offer late-night weekday train service from Union Station

A grant of $450,000 awarded to Metro by the MSRC was made in support of clean fuel transit service to link Union Station to Dodger Stadium. The MSRC awards funding within the South Coast Air Basin from a portion of the vehicle registration fee set aside for mobile source projects that result in emission reductions.

“Following last year’s successful launch, Metro is pleased to offer fans the Dodger Stadium Express bus service, which provides a direct link to Dodger Stadium from a vast network of trains and buses coming into Union Station,” said LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Chairman Don Knabe. “We encourage fans to take advantage of public transportation throughout the season to save time and money.”

Last year, the Dodger Stadium Express bus service transported over 122,000 fans with more than 60 percent of those riders using public transportation from their place of origin to get to Union Station to take advantage of the special bus service to the games.

For more information, visit Metro.