Issues

L.A. County Continues Aggressive Fight to End Child Sex Trafficking

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Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe announced a busy week ahead in the war on child sex trafficking, including two motions at the Board of Supervisors and a new awareness campaign with Metro:

•Knabe will request $250,000 to increase training for County staff and community partners to build awareness and better identify victims: http://bit.ly/csec-training

•He will ask for additional advocacy to increase state funding dedicated to counties to help serve the victims of child sex trafficking: http://bit.ly/csec-funding

•On Friday, Knabe will lead an event with Metro officials to launch its “Don’t Be Silent” campaign, an updated awareness campaign urging metro riders to be alert to suspicious activity on buses, trains and at stations: http://www.metro.net/riding/rescue/

“Los Angeles County has become a national leader in the fight to end child sex trafficking, but our work has really just begun,” said Knabe. “We will not let up on our efforts and we know that we cannot do it alone. In our own house, we must continue training our employees and community partners who may unknowingly be interacting with victims. I am also thrilled that Metro will be training all 10,000 of its staff. Each person we train is another set of eyes and ears that can spot children in danger.

“Metro has once again committed resources to launching a new awareness campaign, which the private sector has generously stepped up to support. We also need our state and federal partners to not just talk about ending child exploitation, but to provide the funding we need to support the victims of this horrific crime. It will take every segment of our community, public and private, working together to protect our most vulnerable children.”

Baby Girl Safely Surrendered at Hospital in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is proud to announce that the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the sixth time this year and second time this month with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby girl over the weekend. This most recent Safe Surrender occurred on May 8, 2015 at a hospital in Los Angeles. A baby girl was safely surrendered at a hospital in Lynwood on May 2.

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.

“It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to give up a child, but these mothers bravely made the better choice for their baby girls—No shame. No blame. No names,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Though we’ve been able to save the lives of 130 babies so far, we need to continue spreading the word that there is a safe, secure and anonymous way for mothers, who find themselves in a desperate situation, to get their baby into safe hands—at any fire station or hospital, any time—and protect them from abandonment.”

This is the sixth Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2015, and the 130th since the program began nearly 14 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.

To learn more about the Safe Surrender Program, visit BabySafeLA.org.

Baby Girl Safely Surrendered at Lynwood Hospital

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is proud to announce that the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the fifth time this year with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby girl over the weekend. This most recent Safe Surrender occurred on May 2, 2015 at a hospital in Lynwood.

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.

“It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to give up a child, but this mother bravely made the better choice for her baby girl—No shame. No blame. No names,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Though we’ve been able to save the lives of 129 babies so far, we need to continue spreading the word that there is a safe, secure and anonymous way for mothers, who find themselves in a desperate situation, to get their baby into safe hands—at any fire station or hospital, any time—and protect them from abandonment.”

This is the fifth Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2015, and the 129th since the program began nearly 14 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.

To learn more about the Safe Surrender Program, visit BabySafeLA.org.

Baby Girl Safely Surrendered at Los Angeles Hospital

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is proud to announce that the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the second time in less than a month with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby girl early yesterday morning. Yesterday’s safe surrender occurred at a hospital in Los Angeles. On March 11, a baby boy was safely surrendered to a paramedic in Gardena—less than 72 hours after a celebration in Grand Park to honor the lives that have been saved and all the families that have been created by the Safe Surrender program.

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.

“It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to give up a child, but this mother bravely made the better choice for her baby girl—No shame. No blame. No names,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Though we’ve been able to save the lives of 128 babies so far, we need to continue spreading the word that there is a safe, secure and anonymous way for mothers, who find themselves in a desperate situation, to get their baby into safe hands—at any fire station or hospital, any time—and protect them from abandonment.”

This is the fourth Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2015, and the 128th since the program began nearly 14 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.

To learn more about the Safe Surrender Program, visit BabySafeLA.org.

Knabe Calls for Plan to Meet Statewide Water Reduction Mandates

Last week, in the midst of California’s worst drought in recorded history, Governor Jerry Brown took executive action to enact the first-ever statewide mandatory water reductions. He directed the State Water Resources Control Board to impose restrictions to achieve a statewide 25 percent reduction in urban water usage through next February.

This past summer, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a measure instructing all County personnel, departments and facilities to immediately implement statewide emergency water conservation regulations that were adopted by the Statewide Mandatory Water Reduction Board.  These regulations included prohibitions on certain classes of water use and an order for all urban water suppliers to implement mandatory conservation measures.

In his motion, which was unanimously approved, Supervisor Knabe asked that the Board receive a report, in 30 days, on the specific actions taken by each County department; that the Waterworks Districts notify customers of the 25 percent reduction, and that the Department of Public Works report back on additional recommendations to meet the Governor’s Executive Order.

“I know people get tired of hearing about the drought and our residents have, by and large, done a terrific job of cutting back.  Although much has been accomplished, we must do everything we can to reduce our reliance on far-away water sources and minimize the long-term impacts of a prolonged drought,” said Supervisor Knabe.  “The severity of this drought threatens our State and County beyond the control of any single local government entity and will require the combined attention and effort of an entire region to combat.  We must all take accountability and work together to further reduce the amount of water we are using.  As the largest County in the State, we must set the example and we will count on everyone to do their part,” he said.

Supervisor Knabe Statement on Suspension of LA-RICS

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe issued a statement following the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) announcement that it would be halting funding of the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) and giving LA-RICS until April 13 to submit an amended project plan that is acceptable to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Los Angeles City Council and NTIA.

“The news today out of Washington, DC that the NTIA is suspending funding of the LA-RICS is disappointing and frustrating. Living in a region that is susceptible to wildfires, earthquakes and other disasters, residents throughout all 4,000 square miles of Los Angeles County are at risk. Our first responders must have the tools and equipment necessary to protect lives, most importantly, the ability to communicate quickly and reliably in the event of disaster.  Recently, disingenuous rhetoric about the project was put out to scare residents into believing that this communications network could cause more harm than good. There have been two concerns voiced: safety and the locations of the cell towers.  I believe that the scientific evidence is clear: the LA-RICS towers do not pose a health hazard to the public. We now have 10 days to formulate a new plan of action to make this interoperable communication network a reality. Whether we have to reconfigure where we place the towers or refresh our outreach to communities, as the largest county in the nation, it is important that Los Angeles County be the first to make this project operational.”

L.A. County to Study Feasibility of Community Choice Aggregation Energy Program

Los Angeles County will conduct a study to assess the costs, benefits and risks of developing a Community Choice Aggregation program, which would give authority to local municipalities to secure more competitive and cleaner electrical energy, thanks to a motion by Los Angeles County Supervisors Don Knabe and Sheila Kuehl. The study, which would be conducted by the Office of Sustainability, aims to give customers a choice while increasing the level of access to clean and renewable energy sources throughout the state.

“Los Angeles County has been a leader in developing programs that give residents and businesses greater access to clean and renewable energy sources,” said Supervisor Knabe. “This program has the potential to revolutionize the way energy is provided to cities and communities throughout the region, creating competition that drives down costs and helps protect the environment.”

The Office of Sustainability will study similar programs already underway in other municipalities, work with local cities to gauge their interest, meet with local utility companies to assess potential benefits and identify potential funding before reporting back to the Board of Supervisors in 90 days.

 

Knabe, Families Commemorate L.A. County’s 125th Safe Surrender

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe was joined by over 150 people last night in Grand Park to dedicate a “Garden of Life” in recognition of the 125 newborns who have been Safely Surrendered in Los Angeles County. Over 30 families who adopted a Safe Surrender baby helped plant the new garden.

“Safe Surrender is a program that gives life,” said Supervisor Knabe. “This garden is dedicated to all the newborns who have been saved and the families that have been created. The flowers in this ‘Garden of Life’ will grow just as the 125 children have blossomed, and they will continue to bloom, honoring future Safe Surrender babies.”

During the ceremony, Supervisor Knabe also announced the launch of an academic scholarship program for children who have been safely surrendered.

“We’ve given these children life, and now it’s time to give them an opportunity for higher education,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Every single Safe Surrender baby, whether they were surrendered in 2001 or 20 years from now, deserves the opportunity to pursue all of their hopes and dreams.”

Established in 2001, the Safe Surrender program allows a parent or legal guardian to confidentially hand over an infant, three days old or younger, to any hospital emergency room, fire station or other designated Safe Surrender site, as long as the baby has not been abused or neglected.  As of March 2015, 126 newborns have been safely surrendered.

To learn more about the Safe Surrender program, please visit BabySafeLA.org.

Knabe to Commemorate L.A. County’s 125th Safe Surrender

Fourteen years after it was established in Los Angeles County, 125 newborns have been given a second chance for a happy and healthy life, thanks to the Safe Surrender program. Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe will welcome families to a “Garden of Life” dedication honoring the 125 lives saved by the Safe Surrender program.

When:
Monday, March 9, 2015 at 4:00pm

Where:
Grand Park, Olive Court
Located between the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration and the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Downtown Los Angeles

What:

  • Supervisor Knabe will invite families who have adopted Safe Surrender children to honor the 125 lives saved by the program by planting flowers in a newly dedicated “Garden of Life” in Grand Park.
  • Supervisor Knabe will also announce the launch of an academic scholarship program for children of the Safe Surrender program.
  • Families and staff will be invited to enjoy pizza and cupcakes in Grand Park.

Background:
The Safe Surrender Program, based on the statewide Safe Haven Law, was unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2001. The program’s purpose is to protect newborns from being hurt or killed because of abandonment. Safe Surrender allows a parent or legal guardian to confidentially handover an infant, three days old or younger, to any hospital emergency room, fire station or other designated Safe Surrender site. As long as the baby has not been abused or neglected, the person may surrender the baby without fear of arrest or prosecution for child abandonment. For more information about the Safe Surrender program, visit BabySafeLA.org.

L.A. County Seeks Cooperation With Motels to Fight Child Sex Trafficking

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to consider more formal contracts with the motels it has agreements with to house homeless individuals, in order to ensure that they are proactively preventing the trafficking of young victims on their premises.  Included in the contracts, the County will consider a requirement for the motels to sign a statement stating they will not participate in nor allow any form of sex trafficking in their facilities.  The motel operators will also allow law enforcement to check guest registries, take a training session on sex trafficking, and post information with hotline services for reporting this crime.

About the motion, Supervisor Don Knabe said: “The ability for law enforcement to inspect hotel registries without a warrant is a powerful weapon in our fight to end child sex trafficking.  I have heard from both the Sheriff and the District Attorney about how this practice has saved the lives of young girls.  The Fourth Amendment should not be used as an escape clause for sex traffickers; I urge the Supreme Court to overturn the challenge to the LA City ordinance that allows this practice.  I encourage those hotel operators who receive County housing vouchers to join us in the fight against the trafficking of young girl