The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on April 21 will recognize five community groups selected as recipients of the inaugural Green Leadership Awards. The County created the program in 2008 to recognize outstanding energy conservation and environmental efforts made by individuals, public agencies, businesses and nonprofit organizations. The Green Leadership Awards will be presented at 10:00 a.m. during the Board of Supervisors regular meeting at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in Los Angeles. The five recipients are: Interior Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Project, Interior Removal Specialist, Inc., South Gate; Planet Pals, Grand View Elementary School, Manhattan Beach; Citizens for a Cleaner City, Old Torrance Neighborhood Association, Torrance; City of Monrovia Environmental Accords, City of Monrovia; and On-Line Green Training, Planning and Development Department, City of Pasadena.
Supervisor Don Knabe, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, said the projects benefit the residents of Los Angeles County by creating opportunities to inspire other organizations to adopt the best green practices in their communities.
This County program is very important, said Supervisor Knabe. It helps promote environmental awareness and responsibility for the sustainability of communities, and enhances the County’s role as a leader by honoring local outstanding environmental programs.
The five award-winners were selected for the following accomplishments:
Interior Removal Specialist, Inc., South Gate Interior Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Project
Interior Removal Specialist is the leader in Los Angeles County in diverting and recycling materials such as drywall, carpet, ceiling tile and manufactured lumber. Its 80% diversion efforts extend the life of existing landfills and reduce the environmental impact of construction and demolition debris. Additionally, the donations made by recycling furniture and other materials reintroduce nearly 100 tons of materials back to the community.
Grand View Elementary School, Manhattan Beach Planet Pals Project – Trash Free Tuesdays
Students at Grand View Elementary School bring their lunches to school in reusable trash-free lunchboxes each Tuesday. This, as well as composting and recycling measures, enabled the school to generate a record low of one-half bag of trash for more than 700 students, opposed to 40 bags previously. Grand View has diverted more than 1,500 large bags of trash from landfills. This program has been rolled out to seven other elementary schools, reaching 8,500 kids. Old Torrance Neighborhood Association, Torrance Citizens for a Cleaner City Project
Residents of Torrance accepted the mayor’s challenge to contribute to a safe, clean and well-maintained city. Volunteers from age 6 to 85 began a bi-monthly Saturday clean-up day concentrating on the highest payoff areas, such as entrance and exit areas to the city. Since 2006 they have removed more than two tons of trash and debris and recycled items like aluminum cans. The cost benefit to the city is evident by the number of volunteer hours donated, freeing city employees to take on other essential services. This is a model program for other cities. City of Monrovia Environmental Accords
The City of Monrovia created a Green Team responsible for implementing green projects and policies. In less than two years, the city reduced lighting energy consumption by 20% by replacing regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps. The city installed cool roofs at their historic museum and the police department, reducing air pollution and smog formation. Installation of 22 waterless urinals in city facilities led to an annual savings of 888,000 gallons of water. The newly built energy-efficient library provides an improved working environment for library patrons and staff and sets the precedent for future construction trends.
City of Pasadena On-Line Green Training project
Through an interactive, Internet-based design, Pasadena’s 1,880 full-time employees receive training on the Green City Action Plan while receiving inspirational and practical tips for going green at work and at home. The city benefits from having a workforce educated and engaged in environmental stewardship. Visitors who complete the green training gain knowledge about available local resources, services and rebates that will help them reduce their utility bills, eliminate waste, and cut their transportation costs.
Issues
C-17 Critical To Protecting Jobs And Homeland Security
Supervisor Don Knabe, Chairman of the Los Angles County Board of Supervisors, denounced a decision by Defense Secretary Robert Gates to end purchases of the C-17 cargo aircraft after 2010.
Knabe will be calling on his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors in opposing the suspension of the C-17 program by introducing a formal motion of opposition next week.
At a time when the Federal Government is pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into efforts to protect jobs and shore-up the economy, it is counterproductive and foolhardy to cut a program that employs 5,000 people at the C-17 plant in Long Beach and another 30,000 people at supplier facilities across the nation, said Knabe.
Beyond the economic impact from losing these jobs, the C-17 continues to prove that it is needed in the battlefield. Now we need to continue the fight in the political battlefield. This airborne workhorse is critical to U.S. forces and to our homeland security. The C-17 has shown its value many times in Iraq and Afghanistan and its usefulness closer to home during disaster relief missions.
Knabe Will Again Oppose Legislation That Will Negatively Impact The Safe Surrender Program
Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, renewed his opposition for the fourth time to new legislation by Assemblyman Alberto Torrico (D-Fremont) that will fundamentally alter the rules of the highly-successful Safe Haven Law.
Under the proposed legislation, AB 1048 will extend the newborn surrender period to 30 days. Currently, the program allows mothers of unwanted newborns to surrender their babies at Safe Surrender sites, such as Fire Stations and Hospitals, up to 72 hours after the child’s birth. Access to quality medical care in the first hours of life is a critical component that could be placed in jeopardy if this legislation passes. Many infants who are safely surrendered have received no prenatal care or medical care at all – services that are critical for these newborns to receive in the first hours after birth. Extensive research has shown that the 72 hour window works.
Similar bills have been introduced each of the last three years by Assemblyman Torrico. All three attempts, AB 1873, AB 81 and AB 2262 were vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
This was an unnecessary bill the first three times, and it remains unnecessary, said Supervisor Knabe, who championed the Safe Surrender Program, the Los Angeles County version of the Safe Haven Program, over six years ago. There is no data showing that an extension to the 30 days proposed in Assemblyman Torrico’s legislation would improve this successful program, and we cannot allow an arbitrary number with no scientific basis to compromise the safety of these babies. The only window that has irrefutable evidence is the 72 hours, and changing it is a risk that we simply cannot afford. I vow to fight this bill every step along the way.
Los Angeles County has been at the forefront of implementing the Safe Haven Law. Since its enactment in 2002, 70 babies have been safely surrendered in Los Angeles County – more than one-third of all the newborns saved in California.
Three County W.A.T.E.R. Camps Begin Next Week
The Water Awareness, Training, Education and Recreation (W.A.T.E.R.) Program of the Department of Beaches and Harbors is offering its popular aquatic sports camp that young people can take part in during their spring break.
The following three camps are available for the spring program: surf camp, ocean-sports camp, and beginning sailing.
Surf Camp (Ages 11-17)
Dockweiler Bluffs in El Segundo on April 6-10, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Ocean-Sports Camp (Ages 7-14) Dockweiler Bluffs in El Segundo on April 6-10 and at the Venice Pier at Washington Boulevard on April 13-17. Both camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Beginning Sailing Camp (Ages 11-17
Marina del Rey Boathouse in Burton Chace Park on April 6-10, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The W.A.T.E.R. program, designed to raise awareness of ocean and beach safety through aquatic-related sports activities, is conducted by County Ocean Lifeguards who have received special training in working with young people.
Youngsters must pass a swim test in order to qualify for the camps. All equipment is provided and fees range between $115 and $150 for the week-long sessions. Financial aid is available based on family income. Free transportation is also provided from inner city areas for young people whose parents are unable to drive them to the camp locations.
For program registration, swim tests, or to request an application, call the W.A.T.E.R. Youth Program at (310) 305-9587 or visit http://www.beaches.lacounty.gov
Fullerton Road To Be Improved In Rowland Heights
Fullerton Road in the unincorporated community of Rowland Heights will soon undergo improvements, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today. The project is part of the County’s effort to provide improved infrastructure in its unincorporated areas.
The $308,505 project will focus on the resurfacing of the roadway pavement; the reconstruction of curb and gutter, sidewalk, and driveways; and the construction of curb ramps. The project will be financed with State Proposition 1B funds and is included in the Fourth Supervisorial District’s Road Fund Budget. This project is scheduled to start in June and be completed in July.
It is important that we constantly look for ways to improve the roads and increase motorist safety in our County, said Supervisor Knabe. By improving Fullerton Road, not only will the residents of Rowland Heights benefit, but so will the residents of neighboring cities and our other unincorporated communities that travel this route.
653 Firearms Collected During Gifts For Guns
653 guns, including one grenade, were surrendered by local residents during the first weekend of a two-month expansion of the Gifts for Guns program, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.
The Gifts for Guns program allows County residents to anonymously and safely turn in guns and firearms to law enforcement. Since Sheriff Lee Baca began the program in 2005, over 3,000 guns and firearms have been surrendered in exchange for gift cards. A firearm that’s no longer working can be exchanged for a $50 gift card, working firearms are worth a $100 card, and an assault weapon is exchanged for a $200 card. The gift cards can be used at Target, Wal-Mart, Food-4-Less, and Ralphs.
The first three collection events were held on March 28 and 29 and resulted in 653 firearms being surrendered, including:
Norwalk Sheriff Station: 197 firearms, including one grenade
Century Sheriff Station: 143 firearms
Lancaster Sheriff Station: 313 firearms
I was amazed when I stopped by the Norwalk collection site on Saturday. Within 30 minutes, 18 firearms had been collected, said Supervisor Knabe. The men and women of our law enforcement agencies do a tremendous job protecting our communities, but enforcement alone isn’t enough to reduce gun violence on our streets. Reduction requires the support of the public, and successful programs like Gifts for Guns will help get the job done.
Over the next two months, Gifts for Guns collection sites will be held throughout the County and will be open to any residents. Specific details for each collection event are available by contacting the individual Sheriff stations. Locations include:
April 4-5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Palmdale Sheriff Station
Carson Sheriff Station
Walnut Sheriff Station
April 18-19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Santa Clarita Sheriff Station
Lomita Sheriff Station (April 18 only)
Lakewood Sheriff Station
April 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Altadena Sheriff Station
San Dimas Sheriff Station
May 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Crescenta Valley Sheriff Station
Marina del Rey Sheriff Station
May 8-9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
East Los Angeles Sheriff Station
Lennox Sheriff Station
Industry Sheriff Station
May 22-23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lost Hills Sheriff Station (May 23 only)
Avalon Sheriff Station (May 22 only)
May 30-31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Temple Sheriff Station
Compton Sheriff Station
Pico Rivera Sheriff Station
County’s Use Of Hybrids Is On The Rise
Supervisor Don Knabe, Chairman of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, lauded a recent report that shows a dramatic increase in the County’s use of hybrid vehicles.
Earlier this month, the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department released its annual Clean Fuels Report. The report shows that hybrids now make up over 20-percent of the County’s entire passenger car fleet. The County currently has a total of 268 hybrids, which is an increase of over 1,400-percent since the Board of Supervisors made acquiring hybrids a priority four years ago. This number does not include vehicles within the Department of Public Works, the Fire Department, or the Sheriff’s Department, which each maintains their own vehicles and fleet management.
In November 2005, the Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to modify the County Clean Fuels Policy to ensure that hybrid vehicles become the standard for new non-emergency passenger vehicles acquired for routine County business. The Board also directed County Departments to begin purchasing hybrids as they replaced their gasoline powered passenger vehicles, whenever practical and economically feasible.
I am very pleased with the results of this report, said Supervisor Knabe. The County of Los Angeles is one of the largest employers in the region, and it is important that we are at the forefront of reducing energy use. By increasing the use of hybrids, we are not only saving money on fuel costs, but we are also reducing the amount of resources that we consume.
Traffic Congestion Relief For Downey, Norwalk, and La Mirada
Supervisor Don Knabe announced a new traffic reduction effort in the Cities of Downey, La Mirada, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, and South Gate as part of an expansion of the County’s Traffic Synchronization Program.
The $1.27 million project will modify traffic signals, install fiber optic equipment, and closed circuit television cameras on Firestone Boulevard from Stewart & Gray Road to Imperial Highway, Imperial Highway from Firestone Boulevard to Carmenita Road, and Imperial Highway from Paramount Boulevard to Bellflower Boulevard.
The County’s Traffic Synchronization Program began over 20 years ago. It’s now stretched across the South Bay, San Gabriel Valley, and Gateway Cities. The County has completed 122 projects on 81 different routes, synchronizing over 2,300 intersections. Another 434 intersections are currently being synchronized and the County plans to upgrade an additional 313 intersections over the next few years.
On roadways where the County has completed synchronization upgrades, commuter travel times have been reduced by as much as 29%. The result is drivers saving $387 million in vehicle costs annually, saving 26.3 million travel hours in their cars, saving 32.6 million gallons of fuel per year, and eliminating 11,400 tons of pollutants from going into the environment each year.
The expansion approved today will install a wireless communications network, known as an Intelligent Transportation System, along Firestone Boulevard and Imperial Highway. It will allow the County to change traffic lights in real-time, and immediately respond to accidents and congestion from the Countywide Traffic Management Center in Alhambra. Work is scheduled to start in May 2009 and be completed January 2010.
Traffic synchronization works and is a huge benefit to commuters, said Supervisor Don Knabe. As soon as we complete a project, it has an immediate impact on reducing commute times and reducing our impact on the environment."
Nirupa Sejpal-Parmar Named Fourth District Woman Of The Year
Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce that he has chosen Nirupa Sejpal-Parmar as his selection for the 2009 Woman of the Year Award. The coveted award is presented by the Los Angeles County Commission for Women each year to ten women, five from the community-at-large and one from each of the County’s five Supervisorial districts.
Nirupa Sejpal-Parmar is an active Board Member with the South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency, better known as SAHARA. SAHARA, located in the City of Artesia, was founded by a courageous group of women, and provides services to what is regarded as a very private society, where victims of domestic violence suffer silently within the confines of their culture, with literally nowhere to turn. Nirupa develops innovative programs for the families SAHARA works with, actively pursues funding and grants, and provides treatment in her capacity as a licensed child psychologist.
I do not know of a more persistent and passionate advocate not only for SAHARA, but for the women and children they serve, said Supervisor Knabe. Her tireless efforts, along with the outstanding people of SAHARA, to shed light on what many in their community would rather not acknowledge is truly a profile in courage and service that flies in the face of fear.
Statements from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
The Honorable Don Knabe, Chairman of the Board – Supervisor, 4th District:
"The critical services provided by having a well-functioning hospital and emergency room in South Los Angeles are far too important to be lost forever. As private hospitals continue to close and we keep losing inpatient beds, having this public hospital open is critical to the safety net of our entire County Healthcare Network. This partnership with UC is an important first step in ensuring that we get MLK Hospital back on its feet and back open for business."
The Honorable Gloria Molina – Supervisor, 1st District:
"From the moment Martin Luther King, Jr. Hospital closed its doors, my colleagues and I committed ourselves to reopening a hospital withcritically needed inpatient beds and Emergency Services for the community of South Los Angeles. I am pleased and optimistic that our goal for a partnership with the UC Systemis one step closer to making that vision a reality."
The Honorable Mark Ridley-Thomas – Supervisor, 2nd District:
"The matter of health care in LA County is urgent. Therefore, the announcement of this proposal marks a significant step toward restoring quality patient care at the Martin Luther King Medical Center. The public-private partnership approach we are taking is prudent, feasible, scalable and potentially catalytic in ways that improve the health care outcomes in the region. I commend the governor, the UC and County CEO for their hard and diligent work, and the Board of Supervisors for their critical support. I am hopeful that any remaining details can be successfully resolved in a timely manner. Time is of the essence as communities with very deserving patients impatiently await the reopening of this important medical center."
The Honorable Zev Yaroslavsky – Supervisor, 3rd District:
"The reopening of MLK Hospital is the County’s most important health care priority today. The partnership between the University of California and the County of Los Angeles is the best hope for restoring critically needed hospital and emergency room care at the high level of excellence our citizens deserve. I salute Governor Schwarzenegger, the University of California leadership and our own County team for their persistence toward getting this done. Since the UC/L.A. County relationship was first proposed last May [2008], we have come a long way. There is a lot of work yet to be done, but the finish line is now in sight."
The Honorable Michael D. Antonovich – Supervisor, 5th District:
"It is vital that a reestablished hospital serving this community is held to the highest standard of quality medical care. While I have questions about the details of its proposed structure, I wholeheartedly support a cooperative partnership with the University of California and look forward to reviewing the proposed details."