Issues

Knabe Announces New Funding To Improve Juvenile Probation Services

The Los Angeles County Probation Department will soon add dozens of new jobs that will benefit juvenile service programs, thanks to new funding totaling $4.6 million that was successfully sought by Supervisor Don Knabe. The new funding comes after Supervisor Knabe directed County budget staff to fund a reduction in field caseload levels within the Probation Department. The resulting recommendations include the $4.6 million allocation, which will fund 71 new positions.

34 of the positions are for the Juvenile Services Placement Bureau, to reduce the current caseload level down to 25 cases per Deputy Probation Officer. These positions will also improve efforts to properly manage and administer State and Federal regulations that govern case management.

33 of the new positions will be in the Juvenile Special services Bureau, which will reduce the current caseload to 50 cases per officer. This will help the department adopt a home-based service delivery model to increase family participation and decrease risk factors which lead to crime.

The final four positions will be Assistant Probation Directors in the Residential Treatment Bureau. They will support and assist camp managers in the administration of the juvenile camps.

Paramount Receives $2.5 Million From County For Dills Park Expansion

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce a grant of $2.5 million to the City of Paramount for use in the development and expansion of Ralph A. Dills Park.

The Dills Park Expansion Project is a multi-phased acquisition and development project adjacent to the Los Angeles River. The County funds will assist the City in developing new open space near the existing park and renovating the preexisting facilities. The expanded area of the park will extend the Dills Park Trail and provide a natural setting with a large meadow, picnic areas, restroom, and playground. The renovation of the existing parkland will convert this area into a nature walk that connects to the expansion area and provides improved accessibility on the Los Angeles River Trail. In addition, the entire park will employ new water management practices and materials that reduce water usage and runoff, and provide filtered water drainage into the Los Angeles River.

The total cost for the Dills Parks Expansion Project is $4 million. The County’s $2.5 million contribution came from the Fourth Supervisorial District’s portion of the Safe Neighborhood Parks Propositions. The Rivers and Mountains Conservancy provided a $1 million grant to the project, and the remaining $500,000 came from State grant funds.

My vision for the Los Angeles River is to make it an asset for all, so that anyone that comes in contact with the River and the neighborhoods around it benefit from the resources that we have invested right here, said Supervisor Knabe. With this $2.5 million contribution to the City of Paramount, we will be making another important commitment to the Los Angeles River in the form of an expansion and renovation of Dills Park.

Sixtieth Newborn Safely Surrendered In Valencia

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce that a baby girl was safely surrendered in Valencia last week.

The newborn Caucasian female was surrendered at Henry Mayo Hospital on Tuesday, September 4 and is reported to be in good health. As is standard practice, the baby girl is in protective custody and will eventually be placed with a family approved for adoption by the Department of Children and Family Services.

I want to thank this newborn’s mother for doing the right thing, said Knabe. We have a law on the books to protect babies from abandonment and give the mother a safe, secure and anonymous way to get her child into safe hands.

This is the thirteenth Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2007 and the sixtieth Safe Surrender since the program began six 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.

Manhattan Beach Project Will redirect Urban Runoff And Pollutants Away From Ocean

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today accepted the construction of a new low-flow diversion that was recently completed in the City of Manhattan Beach along 28th Street.

Low-flow diversions are designed to keep non-storm water flows from reaching the ocean by instead diverting the water into a sewage treatment plant. This new diversion joins 17 other similar County-owned and operated diversions in the South Bay designed to redirect urban runoff and improve water quality along the coast. The total cost of the Manhattan Beach project was $895, 808.

With each new diversion project in the South Bay, we are expanding our efforts to improve the quality of water flowing into Santa Monica Bay and decreasing the amount of toxins and pollutants in runoff water from entering the ocean, said Supervisor Don Knabe.

Park Projects Across The Fourth District Receive Grant Funds From The County

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the allocation of $1,784,893.68 in competitive grant funds to 17 Cities and two County departments, which will enhance recreational opportunities at various facilities and natural areas across the Fourth District, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.

A general description of the 19 total projects includes: enhancing recreation facilities, graffiti prevention, natural lands restoration, trails acquisition and development, and urban tree planting. The recommended project grants will be funded from the Fourth Supervisorial District’s allocation of the Safe Neighborhood Parks Propositions of 1992 and 1996. Requests for grant proposals for projects in the competitive categories described in the 1996 Proposition were sent to all eligible public agencies and nonprofit organizations in the Fourth Supervisorial District. Upon submission, grant proposals were screened for completeness and eligibility. Since sufficient funding was available to fund all eligible project proposals submitted, no eligible proposals were left unfunded.

I was very glad to assist in having these funds allocated to our Cities, said Supervisor Knabe. These projects are about making a reinvestment in our communities. These improvements will not only increase the quality of life for those who reside in the cities, but also the residents of the surrounding communities that utilize these areas.

Proposed Fourth Supervisorial District Excess Funds Projects

Project Grantee

Old Firehouse Restoration Project Artesia

Scope: The City of Artesia is converting an old firehouse into a multi-purpose community center. The project consists of renovation of the building’s interior including a new restroom and renovation to the parking lot, fencing, windows, landscaping and painting as well as building improvements for Americans with Disability Act compliance.

Joe Machado Field Restroom Reconstruction: Avalon

Scope: Reconstruction of a restroom facility at Joe Machado Field with graffiti-prevention materials including ceramic tile and stainless steel partitions and fixtures.

West Branch Greenway Multi-modal Transportation Corridor: Bellflower

Scope: Asphalt bicycle and pedestrian trails, trail signage, landscaping, irrigation and a drinking fountain.

Cerritos Forestation Program: Cerritos

Scope: The planting of 900 trees throughout the City’s arterial median, parkways and in several parks.

Development of Sycamore Canyon Park Trail – Phase III: Diamond Bar

Scope: Construction of approximately 1,290 feet of decomposed granite/natural soil to connect two trail heads and the installation of two benches, signs, split-rail safety fences and steps/stairs.

Hermosa Senior Activity Center: Hermosa Beach

Scope: Renovation of approximately 1,800 square feet of existing space including upgraded electrical panels, a commercial kitchen, lighting, counters and cabinetry.

Blue Line Stream Restoration:
La Habra Heights

Scope: Removal of debris, non-native plants and concrete in and adjacent to the City’s environmentally sensitive stream and development of a trail along Hacienda Park.

Therapy Spa for the Splash: La Mirada

Scope: Installation of an 18-person therapy spa at the City’s Splash that will feature a hydrotherapy bench and specialized jets for muscle and joint massage.

Bloomfield Park Teen Resource Center Expansion Project: Lakewood

Scope: Expansion and renovation of an existing craft room to accommodate a new at-risk youth center including new windows, paint, security lighting and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant upgrades to the facilities restrooms.

Lomita Park Senior Walking Path: Lomita

Scope: Improvement of a mile path around Lomita Park to allow for unimpeded travel and installation of fitness stations designed for use by seniors.

Norwalk 2007 Urban Tree Project: Norwalk

Scope: Planting of 500 trees in residential neighborhoods, parkways, arterial medians and along boulevards.

Trail Rehabilitation and Improvement: Rancho Palos Verdes

Scope: Rehabilitation of the Point Vicente Neighborhood Trail including installation of metal hand rails, concrete resting pads and strengthening of existing wooden steps. The project will also include improved trail linkages in the Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve.

North Redondo Beach Bikeway Lighting Project: Redondo Beach

Scope: Purchase and installation of 45 solar-powered bicycle pathway lights for the North Redondo Beach Bikeway to allow night use of the path.

George F. Canyon Nature Preserve Habitat Restoration: Rolling Hills Estates

Scope: Removal of non-native trees and plants and replacement with native plants.

Trail Improvements and Repair Project: Signal Hill

Scope: Repair of decomposed granite trails, installation of steps where grade exceeds 10%, repair of irrigation system, rehabilitation of landscaping and installation of trail signage and pet waste disposal stations.

Madrona Marsh Preserve Restoration Project: Torrance

Scope: Removal of non-native vegetation, installation of an irrigation system and planting of native plants in a “-acre tract of land on the western edge of the facility and five acres on the southeast corner of the marsh.

Whittier Greenway Trail Signage and Enhancement: Whittier

Scope: Installation of interpretive panels and interactive exhibits along the trail and the planting of trees, shrubs and grasses.

South Coast Botanic Garden Graffiti Prevention Project: Dept. of Parks & Recreation

Scope: Installation of new fencing along Rolling Hills Road and the horse trail to prevent access when the garden is closed.

Coyote Creek Bike Trail: Dept. of Public Works

Scope: Construction of 1.04 miles of a Class 1 bike trail along the west side of the Coyote Creek Channel between Carson Street and Wardlow Road.

Total: $1,784,893.68

Long Beach To Receive New Funding For Homeless Programs

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe announced today a $500,000 grant to the City of Long Beach to improve and enhance specialized services for homeless veterans in the Long Beach area. The grant includes a specific provision of $140,000 for the establishment of a County-funded mental health coordinator position within the City’s health department to ensure that residents, especially those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, have a greater awareness of mental health resources.

The City of Long Beach has a highly-effective continuum of care in place to address homelessness, but recent census statistics show that up to 14% of the total number of homeless veterans in Los Angeles County can be found in the Long Beach area. The goal of this new funding is to design a service program for homeless veterans and any special needs they may have. The addition of the coordinator position will ensure that individuals have knowledge of and are given access to mental health resources both the City and the County provides.

Supervisor Knabe has been a strong advocate on enhancing services for the homeless in Long Beach, and homeless veterans in particular. Earlier this year, he appropriated $1.2 million in County funding to support the US Veterans Initiative at the Villages at Cabrillo and in 2006, was instrumental in the establishment of the Bethune School for homeless children. He has also identified funding for child care and preschool services for homeless children and has pledged funding for the construction of a new family shelter for Catholic Charities. In addition, the Supervisor played a key role in the establishment of the Project Achieve shelter on Oregon Street, and continues to be the shelter’s primary source of funding.

"There are veterans living on our streets right now who are suffering and we anticipate a new influx of veterans who will be coming into our service systems that will require our help. We have to work proactively and not stand by and wait for solutions to emerge from Washington," Supervisor Knabe said, "The City of Long Beach has a strong program that is admired across the region as a model for addressing homelessness. It is my hope that this funding will enhance it even further."

South Whittier’s Sunshine Shuttle Has Its 100,000th Rider

The Sunshine Shuttle service, which covers unincorporated South Whittier, has reached a milestone mark of 100,000 riders during the month of October, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.

The use of the Sunshine Shuttle by 100,000 riders shows that this is a much-needed and appreciated transportation service in our community, said Supervisor Knabe. It is an inexpensive alternative to using the family car to make local trips to schools, retail centers and doctor appointments.

On December 1, 2006, new 30-foot long buses featuring a bold and distinctive graphic style, reflecting the line’s new identity as the Sunshine Shuttle, were put into service. The larger propane-powered buses are ADA-compliant and hold more riders. In addition to the upgraded buses, new sunshine logo bus stop signs and street pennants were installed throughout the Sunshine Shuttle route, which serves more than 36 bus stops between the Whittwood Town Center to the east and Sorensen Park to the west.

The two-way shuttle service (eastbound and westbound) connects to various other transit lines run by Metro; the Cities of Montebello, Norwalk, and Santa Fe Springs, and the County (Los Nietos Shuttle). Through this regional network, the Sunshine Shuttle has opened the door for local residents to easily access a variety of regional and local destinations, including libraries, schools, parks, medical and social service providers, youth and senior community centers, and major shopping centers.

The Sunshine Shuttle service is operated by the Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. For more information on the Sunshine Shuttle, call (626) 458-5960 or log on to www.lagobus.info and click on the Bus Service (Fixed-route) link in the left hard column.

Traffic Signal Synchronization Project Complete In The South Bay

The County of Los Angeles has completed the construction of a Traffic Signal Synchronization Project in the Fourth District cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Rancho Palos Verdes and Long Beach, Supervisor Don Knabe announced recently.

The $933,524 project focused on coordinating the timing of signals along three major streets in the South Bay. Over 100 total intersections were synchronized on the following three roads: Artesia Boulevard from Sepulveda Boulevard to Vermont Avenue, Carson Street from Hawthorne Boulevard to Santa Fe Avenue, and Western Avenue from 111th Street to Summerland Avenue.

This project is part of the County’s ongoing program to enhance traffic flow and safety for drivers and pedestrians. Prior projects have shown travel times through these synchronized routes are reduced by as much as 24 percent during peak travel hours and as much as 29 percent during other periods of the day.

It is important that we constantly look for ways to reduce congestion and improve the flow of traffic on our roads, said Supervisor Knabe. By synchronizing these traffic signals, both the residents of these cities and the nearby unincorporated County areas that travel these routes will benefit.

Project Will Repair And Improve Intersections Impacted By Heavy Truck Traffic

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe announced the approval of a transportation infrastructure improvement project that is designed to minimize the impact truck traffic has at several congested intersections. The goals of the project are to improve the existing substandard intersections by reinforcing the roadbed with stronger materials that can withstand heavy trucks, and reducing toxic diesel emissions by minimizing the time trucks spend stopped with engines idling at these intersections.

Below are the intersections that will be improved and the estimated contract costs for the work:

City of Artesia
Artesia Blvd/Pioneer Blvd

– Construct concrete pavement on Artesia Blvd from Pioneer to Flallon Ave.

– Construct new median on Artesia Blvd from Flallon Ave to Pioneer Blvd and from Pioneer Blvd to about 325 feet east of Pioneer Blvd.

– Traffic signal improvements.

– Signing and striping.

Estimated Contract Cost: $782,899

City of Downey
Florence Ave/Paramount Blvd

– Increase curb radius at the southeast and northwest corner of the intersection.

– Relocate fire hydrant, catch basin, street lights, and traffic signals.

– Traffic signal upgrade (new mast arm and pedestrian signals)

– Install video detection cameras on all approaches.

Estimated Contract Cost: $384,056

City of Long Beach
Santa Fe Ave/Pacific Coast Highway

– Construct concrete pavement at the intersection and at the approaches (east, west, and south leg of the intersection)

– Increase curb radius at the southwest corner of the intersection

– Signing and striping

Estimated Contract Cost: $544,451

New Project Near Marina del Rey Will Redirect Urban Runoff And Pollutants Away From Ocean

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today accepted the construction of a new low-flow diversion that was recently completed at Washington Boulevard in the vicinity of Marina del Rey.

Low-flow diversions are designed to divert non-storm flows away from the ocean and to a sewage treatment plant. This newest diversion is one of 18 County-owned and operated diversions in the South Bay designed to redirect urban runoff and improve water quality along the coast by preventing pollutants that may be in that runoff from entering the ocean. The total cost of the diversion project was $1,214,588.

These low-flow diversions are an important part of the County’s approach to improving water quality, said Supervisor Knabe. Although these diversions are successful at directing runoff to treatment facilities, any long term solution to improve water quality will require the public’s help to reduce pollution.