Issues

County Residents Encouraged to Receive Flu Shot Vaccination

Beginning today through January 18, 2011, the Department of Public Health will host 147 flu outreach clinics and an additional eleven distribution events  at larger venues around the County. The flu vaccine will also be available throughout the flu season at Department of Public Health clinics. Los Angeles County residents are encouraged to contact their regular healthcare provider to arrange for flu vaccine.

Who should get flu vaccines?

Flu vaccine is recommended to all persons 6 months of age and over, including healthy adults. It is especially important to get a flu vaccine if you are:

  • 6 months through 18 years of age
  • 50 years and older
  • Pregnant or just had a baby
  • Morbidly obese
  • Living in a nursing home or long-term care home
  • Living with a weakened immune system or chronic medical condition (diabetes, heart or lung disease)
  • Living with or caring for someone who is more likely to have flu complications
  • A healthcare provider.

What is the cost to get flu vaccines?

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is offering flu vaccines at no charge to people who don’t have health insurance or whose healthcare provider does not offer flu vaccines. If you have health insurance, please contact your regular health care provider or insurance provider.

Where to go and get a flu vaccine?

Click here for a schedule of flu outreach clinics in the Fourth District

Protecting Children Requires Solutions, Not Finger Pointing

By Supervisor Don Knabe

As a father and grandfather, learning of the death of any child in our foster care system is heart-wrenching and unacceptable.  Over the last few weeks, the media has reported on an increase in fatalities in our County system through a misguided focus on some recently released data.

First and foremost, I want to assure the public that Los Angeles County is strongly committed to its responsibility to protect kids from abuse and neglect.  Our Department of Children and Family Services is one of the largest in the nation.  Our social workers investigate 170,000 allegations of child abuse each year and oversee the safety of 32,000 children on any given day.  The scope and size of the challenges are significant.

To understand the factors that contributed to these tragedies, we need to look beyond the numbers and at the entire child welfare system.  For example, have we considered the fact that the court system frequently orders placement of children back with families that may not be capable of caring for them, often against the recommendation of the Department?  Social workers then have to manage tenuous family situations.  Also, some of the fatalities reported took place long after social workers closed the case.  How does this information inform their practices?  Are we doing enough footwork on the front end of child abuse investigations?  What additional tools and resources can we offer our social workers to best gauge abuse or neglect?

It is more important than ever to focus on solutions.  The Department moved a large number of social workers to the front end of investigations to ensure the most thorough reviews of child abuse allegations in the nation.  Every case, in fact every decision concerning a child, is reviewed at three levels of management.  Social workers are being provided with updated technology to ensure accurate, timely casework and they are held strictly accountable for their actions.  We are also reviewing each and every child fatality that has occurred since 2008, to see what further lessons can be learned and what additional measures can be put in place.  I am confident that these strategies will go even further to protect children from harm.

Unfortunately, most of the reporting on this issue does not tell the full story.  Take for example the news reports on the increase in number of deaths in foster care.  State law requires us to release information on deaths that occurred that the County could clearly attribute to abuse or neglect.  Most of the cases that fall under this distinction are homicides.  The Board of Supervisors – over my objections – recently ordered a more expansive interpretation of the law to also include deaths that occurred that could not definitively be attributed to abuse or neglect.  These include such tragic occurrences as suicides, accidental drownings and babies suffocated by sleeping parents, known as “co-sleeping.”  This is essentially what caused the reported numbers to rise.  I opposed the expanded interpretation of the law because I believe it has created an environment that fuels demagoguery and finger-pointing as opposed to a fair, open discourse on the highly complex, intensely emotional issues surrounding children in crisis.

I am absolutely committed to protecting the most vulnerable children in our community.  In fact, it is my most important responsibility as a County Supervisor.

That is why I continue to fight for measures to keep our children safe throughout all of Los Angeles County.

County Golf Courses to Offer Discount for Veterans

In honor of Veteran’s Day, all veterans with proper military identification will receive a fifty percent discount on green fees (excluding tournament play) all day on Thursday, November 11.

“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.  “This is a small way that we can honor our veterans on this special day and thank them for the many freedoms we enjoy today.”

For more information on “Veterans Appreciation Day” contact your local County golf course.

Los Angeles County Golf Courses

Alondra Golf Course: (310) 217-9919

Altadena Golf Course: (626) 797-3821

Diamond Bar Golf Course: (909) 861-8282

Eaton Canyon Golf Course: (626) 794-6773

El Cariso Golf Course: (818) 367-6157

Maggie Hathaway Golf Course: (323) 755-6285

Knollwood Golf Course: (818) 363-1810

Lakewood Golf Course: (562) 429-9711

La Mirada Golf Course: (562) 943-7123

Los Amigos Golf Course: (562) 869-0302

Los Verdes Golf Course: (310) 377-7370

Marshall Canyon Golf Course: (909) 593-8211

Mountain Meadows Golf Course: (909) 623-3704

Santa Anita Golf Course: (626) 447-2331

Victoria Golf Course: (310) 323-4174

Chester Washington Golf Course: (323) 756-6975

Whittier Narrows Golf Course: (626) 288-1044

Trump National Golf Club: (310) 265-5000

Metro to hold community meetings on the South Bay Metro Green Line Extension Project

Metro will hold four community meetings beginning Wednesday, October 20, 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 rail 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 rail 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.

Two ‘build’ alternatives are being considered in the DEIS/DEIR. The Light Rail Alterative will evaluate extending the Metro Green Line from its current terminus at the Redondo Beach Station to the proposed Torrance Regional Transit Center (RTC).

The freight track alternative will evaluate operating self propelled rail transit vehicles on the Harbor Subdivision right-of-way using upgraded rail tracks from the El Segundo/LAX area to the proposed Torrance 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. Discussed at the meetings will be a project overview and update, a recap of the Scoping Meetings that took place earlier this year and a progress report on the project alternatives and proposed station locations.

The following is a list of upcoming meetings:

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 (6-8 p.m.) Nakano Theater, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance.

Thursday, October 21, 2010 (6-8 p.m.) Lawndale Christian Church, 4234 W. 147th Street, Lawndale.

Monday, October 25, 2010 (6-8 p.m.) North Redondo Senior Center, Perry Park, 2308 Rockefeller Lane, Redondo Beach.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010 (6-8 p.m.) Flight Path Learning Center, 6661 West Imperial Highway, Los Angeles.

Click Here for more information about the South Bay Metro Green Line Extension Project

Residents Warned to Stay Out of Flood Control Channels

Supervisor Knabe joined County officials this week to advise residents to stay out of County flood control channels, rivers and debris basins during storm season. While the County’s vast network of bike trials remain open n to the public on dry days, residents should never enter flood control channels when it rains.

“The message is simple: when it rains, stay out of the water ways,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Do not tempt mother nature by entering these water ways during a storm. You will not win. That’s a guarantee.”

At peak flow, the  Los Angeles River moves close to 183,000 cubic feet of storm water per second out to the ocean equaling the pressure of 40 million garden hoses running at full blast.

Click here to watch a Storm Weather Preparedness video and learn more about the dangers of flood control channels during storms.

The Best Jobs Program in America is About to End

By Supervisor Don Knabe

In less than a week – absent action from Congress – we will have to say farewell to a Federal Stimulus program that employed nearly 27,000 adults and disadvantaged youth since we implemented the program in Spring 2009.  And I cannot understand why this has to happen.

Our 10,000 Jobs Program here in Los Angeles County was funded through the Economic Recovery Act’s new Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Emergency Contingency Fund (TANF ECF). This new fund has proven to be one of the Act’s greatest successes in creating jobs and stimulating the economy.  It created subsidized employment for thousands of people, created opportunities for private businesses and non-profit organizations to conduct business in the middle of a deep recession and reduced both the State and the Federal government’s costs to provide welfare benefits.

Policymakers in Washington have told me that this program has been the most effective use of the Stimulus dollars they have seen.  Business owners have told me that, without this program, they wouldn’t have been able to stay open.  People who have gotten jobs have told me that earning a paycheck and taking care of their family has been much better than collecting a welfare check.   In fact, many adults employed through this program have transitioned to permanent, unsubsidized jobs.  To me, that is proof alone that this program is a success.  We just need Congress to take action and extend this program.

In all, I have not seen any downside to this whatsoever.  That is, until next week, when thousands of people will be once again out of work.  I expect most of them will be seeking welfare benefits again, at a significantly higher cost to state and federal government.  Does this make any sense?

I don’t want to say farewell to a program that has done so much good for so many people.  If Congress does the right thing, we could keep these folks working, and employ more.  And we could save taxpayers money.  The Congressional Budget Office estimates that if TANF-ECF is continued into the next federal fiscal year, it could reduce Food Stamp costs by roughly $170 million due to its positive effect in increasing the income of poor families.

So I respectfully ask my friends in Congress – both Democrats and Republicans – what are you waiting for?  Please take action to reauthorize the Stimulus funding that made the 10,000 Jobs Program such a great success.  You will keep people working, you will create more jobs and you will keep the economy moving closer towards recovery.

Thousands to be Out of Work Next Week as 10,000 Jobs Program Ends

The 10,000 Jobs Program will be shutting down next week, if Congress does not act to reauthorize the federal stimulus program that made it possible.  An estimated 7000 people will lose their jobs as a result.

“This program was made possible by economic stimulus dollars and has created jobs for thousands of people, helped businesses and non-profit organizations and actually reduced both the State and the Federal government’s costs to provide welfare benefits.  It would be a tragedy if Congress let this program come to an end,” said Supervisor Don Knabe.

The Economic Recovery Act created a $5 billion Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF).  A provision in the Fund made it possible to utilize it for subsidized employment.

This enabled Los Angeles County to create the 10,000 Jobs Program, which resulted in nearly 27,000 subsidized jobs for 10,500 adults and another 16,500 disadvantaged youth.

These subsidized jobs have helped private businesses and non-profit organizations in the middle of a deep recession.  Nearly three-fourths of all subsidized employment placements have been with the private sector employers.

Absent action from Congress next week, TANF ECF will expire on September 30, 2010, resulting in the loss of jobs and income for 7,000 adults in Los Angeles County.

“If Congress were to reauthorize this for another year, we could keep these folks working, and employ more, and we could save taxpayers money,” said Knabe. “But they need to act now.”

County Seeks Co-Existence Between Mobile Food Vendors and Restaurant Owners

Los Angeles County will convene a taskforce to report back in 90 days with recommendations of how to facilitate the co-existence of both mobile food vendors and restaurant owners, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.

Restaurants have raised concerns that mobile food trucks and food cart vendors are unfairly competing with them. Some vendors park in front of restaurants and draw customers away from them. Mobile food operators often do not pay for parking, rental space, property tax, and hire fewer employees. With lower overhead costs, they are able to offer cheaper prices as well.

“In this economy, we need to promote a business environment where both restaurant owners and mobile food vendors can work together to serve the public safely and conveniently, and thrive,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Bringing the parties together in a constructive atmosphere is a means to see what can be done to make the situation better for all concerned.”

The taskforce will include representation from the Southern California Mobile Food Vending Truck Association, the Restaurant Association, the Department of Public Health, the Small Business Commission and other interested parties.

Weekend I-710 Closures to Effect Downey

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will conduct four extended weekend closures on the Long Beach Freeway (I-710) in both northbound and southbound directions from just south of Firestone Boulevard to just north of the Glenn Anderson Freeway (I-105).  The construction taking place is part of the I-710 Long Life Pavement Rehabilitation Project to replace 10 to 15 inches of aging pavement from I-405 to I-5.

This weekend’s closure begins Friday, September 10 at 11:45 p.m. and continues through Monday, September 13 at 5 a.m.  FULL FREEWAY CLOSURES will occur twice during the weekend: Friday at 11:45 p.m. until Saturday at 6 a.m., and again on Sunday at 11 p.m. until Monday at 5 a.m.
During the first six-hour FULL FREEWAY CLOSURE, moveable median barriers will be placed that will guide all motorists onto the southbound side when I-710 is re-opened on Saturday at 6 a.m. The number of lanes available to motorists will be reduced:  two lanes for northbound travel and three for southbound.  On Sunday at 11 p.m., another FULL CLOSURE occurs to remove the temporary barriers in time for the Monday morning commute.
CLOSED On-ramps to northbound I-710:

Eastbound & westbound on-ramps from Rosecrans Avenue and Imperial Highway

CLOSED On-ramps to southbound I-710:

Eastbound & westbound on-ramps from Florence Avenue, Firestone Boulevard and Imperial Hwy

CLOSED Freeway Connectors: Eastbound and westbound I-105 to northbound I-710
I-710 Full Freeway Closures are scheduled for these 4 weekends:

September 17-20

September 24-27

October 1-4

October 8-11

RESTRICTIONS: Speed reduced to 45mph. No oversized loads permitted due to narrow lanes.

DELAYS AND DETOURS: Motorists can expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes and marked street detours. Trucks are advised to use Garfield Avenue.

PROJECT DETAILS: This pavement rehabilitation project will apply several layers of a long life asphalt concrete mix that will provide the roadway with several decades of service, improve pavement performance, require less future maintenance and result in a smoother ride for the traveling public. The contractor for the $50 million project is Sully-Miller.  The project is over 50% complete.  The estimated completion date is spring 2011.

BENEFITS OF EXTENDED WEEKEND CLOSURES: Moving all motorists to one side of the freeway allows construction crews to work safely and continuously for 53 hours throughout the weekend.  This schedule is cost effective and reduces the need for weeknight closures when traffic volumes are normally higher.

County to Assist BP With Gulf Oil Spill Clean Up Efforts

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Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors will send one of its existing BeachTech 2000 sanitizer units to the Gulf Coast to assist British Petroleum (BP) with its Gulf Coast clean up efforts, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.

Following the worst oil spill disaster on record, BP placed orders for new sanitizer units, however, orders could take several weeks to fill. Since BP would like to have the units in service right away, it requested the manufacturer of this sanitizer to ask its clients if they would be willing to immediately provide functioning BeachTech 2000 units to BP for the cleanup effort.

In exchange for releasing the equipment to BP, LA County will receive a brand new BeachTech 2000 sanitizer unit, with new warranties, valued at an estimated $50,000. The new BeachTech 2000 unit is currently being manufactured and is expected to be delivered October 2010.

“Given the devastating events that have occurred in the Gulf, it is more important than ever to take action and lend our support,”  said Supervisor Knabe. “This is an incredible opportunity for the County to help with the clean up efforts along the Gulf Coast.”