Issues

$1.8 Million In Construction Contracts Awarded For Improvement of Long Beach Public Housing

The Los Angeles County Community Development Commission (CDC) – which functions as the County’s Housing Authority – received approval to award over $1.8 million in construction contracts for improvements at public housing developments located in Long Beach.

The Board of Supervisors, which acts as the CDC’s Board of Commissioners, approved contracts with M.L. Construction to replace gas lines at the Carmelitos family housing development and with Continental Flooring Company to replace flooring at the 155-unit Carmelitos senior housing complex. The Carmelitos housing community is comprised of 700 units of family and senior housing, an award-winning nursery and community garden, and on-site educational enrichment and family resource centers.

The improvements will be paid for from Capital Fund Program funds allocated by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Capital Fund Program is an important tool by which the Housing Authority ensures the long-term viability of the housing developments and affirms its commitment to quality of life for residents and their families. The Housing Authority utilizes Capital Funds to focus on modernizing major property systems such as roofing, plumbing, electrical, and the replacement of fixtures and appliances.

New County Public Health Laboratory Dedicated

Supervisor Don Knabe and leaders from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health participated in the ribbon-cutting and dedication of a new laboratory this week. The public health lab is the County’s focal point for testing, observation, and rapid response on hundreds of thousands of human specimens and environmental samples.

Through the testing services at this multi-million dollar, technologically advanced lab, we can quickly test water and food for contamination, identify the sources of disease outbreaks and limit their spread, and test and treat sick patients with serious, communicable diseases as quickly as possible, said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. The lab is a key component in our fight against terrorism through testing for chemical and biological agents in environmental samples and human specimens.

The facility, located in the City of Downey, opened its doors in March. The previous laboratory had been housed in downtown Los Angeles. The new, more spacious location allows for the implementation of advanced technology and equipment that increases the lab’s capabilities. The bigger facility gives approximately 165 staffers room to safely and effectively do their jobs in over 34,000 square feet of laboratory space.

The dedication of this facility is about something very critical in the life of this County and the service we provide to our over 10 million residents, said Supervisor Knabe. This laboratory and its dedicated staff are committed to the singular goal of keeping you and your family safe from disease and biological threats. The work that will be completed in this facility will touch the life of every person in this County in a positive way.

Los Angeles County’s public health lab is unique among other local public health laboratories in California due to the volume of testing it performs. The laboratory conducts more than 700,000 tests on 400,000-plus specimens per year. It serves the needs of more than 10 million residents and tens of thousands of visitors in the County.

The work the laboratory does to support the health and well-being of the public includes the following:

– Specialized monitoring and reference testing for the detection of biological and chemical terrorism agents in environmental samples and human specimens.

– Testing drinking water and recreational water for harmful bacteria.

– Supporting the tuberculosis control program through testing patient specimens to detect and identify active TB cases. The lab also tests for TB strains that may be multi-drug or extremely-drug resistant, in order to guide effective patient treatment and to determine if there is an outbreak.

– Testing foods for the possibility of contamination, which means a faster response on recalls of tainted items.

-Testing specimens during disease outbreaks, such as Hepatitis A, E. Coli O157, botulism, and salmonellosis, to prevent further spread and quickly treat those affected.

– Testing for the presence of West Nile Virus and other viruses transmitted by mosquitoes.

– Blood lead testing to detect elevated levels of lead in children.

– Performing rabies testing on potentially infected animals as part of an on-going rabies control program.

– Supporting HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease programs through patient specimen testing, outreach programs, and demonstration projects to enhance disease control and prevention efforts.

– Training, education, and consultation for laboratory personnel within and outside of Los Angeles County.

– Providing reference and specialized testing to help hospital laboratories and doctors in diagnosing unusual and rare diseases.

– Identifying emerging diseases and new strains of germs that cause disease.

This state-of-the-art facility is necessary for the protection and health of those in Los Angeles County. Through testing and monitoring, public health officials are better able to prevent widespread illness in the community.

$10,000 Reward Reestablished for Information Related to Double Homicide in Cerritos

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously reestablished a $10,000 reward today, at the request of Supervisor Don Knabe, for information related to a double homicide in the City of Cerritos.

On Thursday, October 26, 2006, at 4:00 p.m., Cerritos Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on Rose Street regarding a rescue call. Upon their arrival, the deputies entered the home and learned that two male adults had been shot to death. One victim, Joshua Shin, age 32, lived at the house with his parents, and the other victim, Matthew Morrison, age 23, was a visitor. Homicide investigators have several significant leads and reward monies may help to motivate those with specific knowledge about this case to come forward.

It is important for the County of Los Angeles to display its resolve in protecting innocent citizens from appalling crimes, said Supervisor Knabe. In order to bring this suspect to justice, and demonstrate our intolerance to such deplorable crimes, I believe the reward for this case should be re-established, hoping someone will come forward in order that we can bring this suspect to justice.

Any person having any information related to this crime is asked to contact Detective Richard Green of the Homicide Bureau at the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station at
(562) 860-0044.

Knabe Provides City of Long Beach With $5 Million For Significant Environmental Projects Along L.A. River

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe today presented to Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster $5 million in Proposition A funds to restore dozens of acres of historic wetlands, acquire land to be developed into greenspace linking existing parks, and develop other areas into park space.

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 $5 million contribution we will be making another important commitment to the Los Angeles River in the form of much-needed additional and improved green space throughout this part of Long Beach.

"Today is a big step in restoring our wetlands, preserving our natural open areas and developing community parks on the Westside of Long Beach," said Mayor Bob Foster.

The $5 million will be earmarked for the following four projects in Long Beach:

Drake/Chavez Greenbelt Land Acquisition ($1 million)

Land along the lower Los Angeles River will be acquired to begin to connect Chavez and Drake Parks to 16 acres of recently acquired land to form a 46-acre greenway and parkland area on the east bank of the Los Angeles River. This project will link downtown Long Beach with the LA River. This land will be developed into a greenway with: wetlands, trails, open space, and a wildlife habitat along a biologically significant and unique area of the Los Angeles River where salt water meets freshwater.

DeForest Wetlands Development
($2.5 million)

In the middle of an urban area and running along the Los Angles River next to the 710 Freeway, this project is part of a larger lower Los Angeles River parkway plan that will implement multipurpose wetlands in several Los Angeles County river flood detention basins. The project is a joint project among the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, the City of Long Beach, the California Coastal Conservancy and the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. This development will include: the re-creation of 34 acres of historic wetlands, scrub and woodland habitat; providing water quality improvement; Passive recreational amenities; and retaining flood control properties to create a river parkway along the lower Los Angeles River.

Wrigley Greenbelt Development
($1 million)

Covering nearly eight acres of land, this development is located along the east bank of the lower Los Angeles River, between Willow and 34th Streets. The proposed project will enhance the site and complete the park with: native plants, a multipurpose trail, a drinking fountain, a storm water runoff swale, and a rest area with bike racks for bikers riding along the Los Angeles River bike trail.

Baker Mini-Park Development
($500,000)

This project will develop a 1.34-acre neighborhood mini-park in the Wrigley Heights area of Long Beach near the Los Angeles River and the 405 Freeway. The project consists of installation of: irrigation, playground equipment, turf and trees, and picnic tables.

Construction and Improvements Continue At Cerritos Regional Park

After a significant investment in improvements and new facilities, the renovation of Cerritos Regional County Park is scheduled to be completed later this summer.

When finished, the construction crews will have replaced 35 acres of park grass and planted 200 new trees. The new park turf is a specialized type of grass that will grow well with the elevated levels of salt in the park’s ground. The growth of grass in the park has historically been a unique challenge because of high alkaline and salt levels in the soil of the former dairy lots the park is built on. Due to the park’s size, the turf renovation was separated into two phases. Phase I, along Bloomfield Avenue, was opened to the public last winter and Phase II has been seeded and will open in late-July with project activities being completed by mid-August. The County is also planning on implementing a customized maintenance program, which should keep the new grass healthy for years to come.

In addition to replacing the turf, many other facilities at Cerritos Regional Park are also being improved as part of the project, including renovating the pool, improving the five park restrooms, repaving existing parking lots, constructing a new parking area, and installing new park lighting.

The community swimming pool facility re-opened last week. The adult and children’s pool were replastered; the pool piping was replaced; and handicapped access lift, diving boards, new deck, and other accessories were installed. Additionally, the pool’s mechanical systems were replaced and the bathhouse dressing rooms, showers, and restrooms were completely renovated.

Five restrooms throughout the park are getting a makeover as well. The restroom renovation includes new wall tile, partitions, fixtures, ceiling finishing, floor coating, and exterior paint; the restrooms are scheduled to be done by the end of July.

The park has four primary parking areas that needed renovation. The project replaced the asphalt in these existing parking areas, improving their appearance and added a new parking area. The new parking area created 65 additional parking spaces improving the community’s access to the park.

To improve park lighting and increase public safety, over 150 additional park lights are being installed. The installation of the lights will be completed by mid-August.

Improving our County parks is a top priority for me, said Supervisor Knabe. I am working very closely with our Departments of Public Works and Parks & Recreation, to ensure that this project is not only done as quickly as possible, but that it is also done right. With so many challenges dealing with this old dairy soil, we need to take every precaution to guarantee that this new grass thrives, and opening the park too soon could damage or kill the new grass.

Proposal Will Speed Catalina Island Fire Recovery

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe called today for County agencies to expedite permits needed to begin repairs to critical infrastructure that was damaged or destroyed during the wildfire on Catalina Island in early May.

Although the 4,750 acre fire claimed only a single home and several small outbuildings, the fire still destroyed several miles of fencing, nearly 100 utility poles, and caused extensive damage to roads used to access the unincorporated interior of the Island. Additionally, the fire left significant ecologic damage to the island habitat that could lead to flooding, mudslides and erosion.

Any repairs or rehabilitation to fire-damaged areas will require standard permitting by numerous County agencies. Supervisor Knabe’s proposal will require the County to expedite permit processing and allow for swift approval of repair and recovery projects in the Island’s interior. The proposal will also examine having temporary housing placed on Catalina Island to accommodate repair crews that may otherwise struggle to find housing in Avalon’s limited housing market.

Normally, permitting can be an extended process that involves a number of County agencies, but in the case of Catalina Island recovery, I want a coordinated system so that all departments work together, said Supervisor Knabe. We need to get Catalina on the road to recovery and we need to stabilize it against any further ecological damage as a result of this fire.

Knabe Names New Planning Deputy

Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Moore as the new Planning Deputy for the Fourth District.

Julie Moore has more than 17 years of experience in urban and regional planning with the County of Los Angeles. She spent over 15 years with the Department of Regional Planning leading housing policy and community planning efforts in various urban unincorporated communities and serving as staff to the Regional Planning Commission and the County’s Airport Land Use Commission.

Moore received her Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley, and also has a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is a member of both the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Moore is a native of Los Angeles County. She is a former longtime resident of Hacienda Heights and is a product of the local schools there. She currently resides in the City of Glendale with her family.

I’m excited to have Julie join our staff, said Supervisor Knabe. Her experience in urban and regional planning and her extensive knowledge of the issues across the County will be a wonderful asset to our office and the entire Fourth District.

County Has Eye Towards The Environment With New And Upgraded beach Vehicles

Over $2.2 million in renovations and improvements at Schabarum Regional County Park in Rowland Heights will be underway shortly, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.

This extensive construction at Schabarum includes three distinct projects: the demolition and replacement of seven existing pedestrian/service bridges and the repair of two existing vehicle bridges; the regrading of the existing horse staging area to improve drainage and horse trail alignment; and the replacement of the existing playground equipment with new equipment.

The estimated cost of each project is as follows: $1,294,000 for the Bridges Replacement Project, $646,000 for the Horse Staging Area Project, and $312,000 for the Play Area Replacement Project. The total budget for the entire three-part project is $2,252,000.

The Bridges Replacement and Horse Staging Area Projects are completely funded with Fourth District Capital Project funds and the Play Area Replacement Project is funded in part by State Proposition 40 Grant funds.

This project is about making a reinvestment in our community, said Supervisor Knabe. These improvements will not only increase the safety at and usefulness of Schabarum Park, but will also benefit the many residents of surrounding communities who utilize this Park.

County to Launch Child Rating System

The County of Los Angeles will soon be launching the Steps to Excellence Program (STEP), an innovative new child care rating system to help parents make informed child care choices for their children, Supervisor Don Knabe announced at a press conference recently.

When it starts in July, STEP will be the first program of its kind in California. In much the same way as the County’s successful restaurant grading system has empowered consumers with information, the goal of rating child care centers is to educate parents and improve the quality and services of the centers.

STEP will begin by assessing more than 200 child care centers and more than 400 family child care homes in nine communities across the County, including Inglewood, Long Beach, Palmdale, Pasadena, Pomona, Santa Monica, Wilmington, Florence/Firestone, and Pacoima/Arleta. The program is supported with funds from the County of Los Angeles, the California Department of Education and the First 5 LA Commission.

This is a great opportunity to give parents access to clear, concise information about child care centers that they may not have time or the ability to research on their own, said Supervisor Knabe, who carried the concept of the program through to the Board of Supervisors. The STEP program will assess six key areas that all parents would want to know about a child care setting, including safety, program quality, teacher qualifications, and whether or not they can accommodate kids with special needs.

Child care is big business in Los Angeles County and across California. In Los Angeles County alone, it is estimated that more than $1.4 billion is spent on child care services annually and the demand for services and facilities continues to grow every year. But, with this increasing demand for services comes an increasing need for oversight and access to information for parents about the quality of care their children are receiving in these facilities, Knabe said.

Participation in STEP will be voluntary. Child care providers will first conduct a self-review of their services, and based on the results of that review, providers can either proceed directly to the rating process, or engage in training and support prior to submitting an application. On-site observations will be conducted by a trained field researcher in all STEP programs. Data from the classroom observations as well as administrative records will be considered in determining the STEP rating. A program at Step 1 will be meeting basic licensing standards, whereas a program at Step 5 will have better trained teachers, higher-teacher-to-child ratios, enriched learning environments, and stronger ties to community resources.

Child care licensing standards in the State of California are based solely on health and safety concerns, and do not address program quality, said Supervisor Knabe. The goal of this program is to rate the quality of care being offered, establish a mechanism to distinguish programs that are meeting higher standards, and provide parents a benchmark to go by when selecting a facility for their children.

Los Angeles County Collects Record Child Support Payment

The Los Angeles County Child Support

Services Department on Monday received the highest collection in the history of child support enforcement in the United States, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.

The payment of $311,491 in overdue support payments was collected from a

man seeking reentry into the United States. The payment occurred when the Federal Passport Intercept Program flagged his passport as he was entering the United States from China. The full amount was routed through the Child Support Services Department and paid directly to the man’s ex-wife, who has custody of their 12-year old daughter.

The man had sold his business in Los Angeles County several years ago and fled to China with the assets from the sale. His payment included child and spousal support arrears due on his case and his

outstanding child support obligation of almost $6,000 a month.

"Rigorous enforcement of child support orders works," said Supervisor Knabe, who hailed the efforts of the Department on behalf of this family. Last year, the Department collected over $495 million in child support payments on behalf of over 500,000 families, many of whom are low-income and on public assistance.

On Monday, Supervisor Knabe directed the County to appropriate $500,000 to the Child Support Services Department to initiate a partnership with the District Attorney to increase enforcement of child support orders against parents who are the most delinquent in their child support

payments.

"For every dollar we invest in child support enforcement, we see a return of two dollars in collections that are passed directly onto the families," Knabe added. "These efforts will improve the well-being of children in our communities, and I can’t think of a better return on our investment than that."

Confirmation of this collection being the single largest payment since enforcement began in the United States came from Margot Bean, Commissioner of the Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement.