Issues

Knabe Statement on Retirement of Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca

LOS ANGELES, January 7, 2014 – Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe issued the statement below, following the retirement announcement of Sheriff Lee Baca:

            “Sheriff Baca has dedicated his life to public service, working his way up the department’s ranks to serve as Sheriff for nearly 15 years.  He has been steadfast in his commitment to the department and his focus on keeping the public safe has led to decreasing rates of violent crime in our County. Over the last few years, the department has been challenged by on-going scrutiny and investigations into the actions of a few, which has cast a cloud across the work of thousands of employees who risk their lives every day to protect our communities.  Given these challenges, I think now is an appropriate time for the County to continue its implementation of the recommendations of the Citizens’ Commission on Jail Violence, allow our new Inspector General to get underway and keep the momentum for reform moving forward.”

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Baby Girl Safely Surrendered at Hospital in Culver City

LOS ANGELES, January 6, 2014– Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the first time this year with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby girl. This most recent safe surrender occurred on January 4, 2014 at a hospital in Culver City.

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.

“There is no better way to start the new year then to learn of the healthy and safe surrender of a newborn baby girl,” said Supervisor Knabe. “What could have been a tragic situation is instead a decision that is allowing a child a chance to be part of a loving family.  As word continues to spread about the Program, others in similar situations can make the right choice for their babies and themselves, because of Safe Surrender. What better way to begin a new year than with the gift of life for this baby girl.”

This is the first Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2014, and the 114th since the program began nearly 13 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.

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Baby Boy Safely Surrendered at Hospital in Valencia

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the ninth time this year with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby boy. This most recent safe surrender occurred on December 29, 2013 at a hospital in Valencia.

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.

“Just a few months ago, we launched a new Safe Surrender outreach campaign with a message to desperate mothers that ‘there is a better choice,’” said Supervisor Knabe. “This mother made the better choice by safely surrendering her baby at a hospital, and now her child has a chance to be part of a loving family.  As word continues to spread about the Program, other moms in similar situations can make the right choice for their babies and themselves, because of Safe Surrender. What better way to begin a new year than with the gift of life for this baby boy.”

This is the ninth Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2013, and the 113th since the program began over twelve 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 Reinforces Efforts to Grow Local Economy and Protect Most Vulnerable

Earlier this month, Supervisor Don Knabe became Chairman of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and cited three priorities for his tenure: innovation, customer service and combating child sex trafficking. Today, three motions supporting these goals were approved unanimously by the Board.

Following two years of intense effort, Knabe said he was proud of what the County has accomplished in the fight to end the sexual exploitation of children for money, but more effort is needed. He proclaimed January 2104 to be “National Human Trafficking Awareness Month” in Los Angeles County to reinforce the County’s commitment to ending this horrific crime.

Knabe also asked for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to work with all departments that interact with small businesses to reeningeer the process of how businesses get started in Los Angeles County, citing an often cumbersome and confusing process. A report back in 90 days will investigate the feasibility of establishing a one-stop small business concierge service that would offer guidance on navigating the process to those interested in starting a business.

On Knabe’s motion at last week’s meeting, the Board received a report from the CEO on options available to the County to provide the support and incentive needed for the Boeing Company to select the City of Long Beach as the project site for its Boeing 777x Jetliner.

“We must continue our efforts to support the economic growth of our region, while maintaining our focus on the most vulnerable in our community who need us most,” said Knabe. “By finding new ways to innovate, improving customer service, and always asking, ‘How can we do this better,” we will write a new chapter of County government that will be smarter, more efficient, better serving and easier to work with.”

Visit Board Agendas for more information and www.knabe.com for further updates.

Knabe Keynotes Annual State of L.A. County Event

Supervisor Don Knabe addressed the state of Los Angeles County and the Fourth District at a luncheon at the Long Beach Convention Center yesterday.

In his seventh annual address, hosted by the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Supervisor Knabe spoke about the big challenges facing the County, in particular, the January 1, 2014 roll-out of the Affordable Care Act. He also provided an overview of his “bucket list” – the infrastructure, public/private partnership and safety net services projects he would like to see completed before his term ends in 2016.

Knabe announced significant infrastructure investments, including $25 million for sidewalk repairs and $45 million to upgrade county libraries in the fourth district. He discussed a plan to build two community health clinics and a junior golf academy, and repeated his commitment to direct transit connection to LAX and to keep it a priority at Metro and with transportation officials in Washington, DC. Knabe reinforced his commitment to eradicating child sex trafficking and showed the new, recently-launched Safe Surrender campaign. In a surprise announcement, Knabe revealed that the Long Beach Chamber was increasing its traditional event proceeds donation from $10,000 to $50,000 with the extra funds going to seed scholarships for Safe Surrender children and the victims of child sex trafficking.

Regarding the speech, Supervisor Knabe said, “While polls expose Americans’ on-going frustration with government gridlock, I think these poll numbers are beside the point. I think what people really want is invisible government. You are safe in your home; you put the garbage out and it is collected; you drive to work and the streets have no potholes and the lights work; your kids go to school and they learn; you come home and the playgrounds and parks are well maintained and safe – and if all of this is true, you don’t notice government. It’s invisible. And it works. And that is what our County government is trying to do.”

For those unable to attend the event, text and video of the speech are available at www.knabe.com.

Baby Girl Safely Surrendered at Hospital in Torrance

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the eighth time this year with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby girl. This most recent safe surrender occurred on November 16, 2013 at a hospital in Torrance.

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.

“Just a couple months ago, we launched a new Safe Surrender outreach campaign with a message to desperate mothers that ‘there is a better choice,’” said Supervisor Knabe. “This mother made the better choice by safely surrendering her baby at a hospital, and now her child has a chance to be part of a loving family. As word continues to spread about the Program, other moms in similar situations can make the right choice for their babies and themselves, because of Safe Surrender.”

This is the eighth Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2013, and the 112th since the program began over twelve 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.

Los Angeles County Advances Pay-For-Success Financing

With a goal of improving service results and reducing public spending, Los Angeles County Supervisors Don Knabe and Mark Ridley-Thomas are looking to launch “Pay-for-Success” financing for County programs.

Pay-for Success is a concept where government pays service providers only if results are achieved.  Rather than the traditional look at number of clients served or services provided, results are measured by prevention and outcomes. In some models, private financing is used to fund the program so that program risk is not held by taxpayers; however, if the program is successful, then investors may receive a modest return on their investment.

In a motion presented today by Supervisors Ridley-Thomas and Knabe, they asked for the County’s Chief Executive Officer to convene an advisory group of external Pay-for-Success financing experts to work with county officials to develop guidelines to launch Pay-for-Success programs across county departments.  Within 90 days, they requested a financial and operational blueprint for selecting and executing the Pay-for-Success concept.

Chairman Ridley-Thomas said: “Results matter. Pay for Success is an exciting opportunity to transform government by investing in social programs that work.”

Through the Pay-for-Success model, started in the UK and launched in the US in New York City, private sector innovation is used to improve outcomes for constituents, while also realizing savings for the public.

“The Pay-for-Success model is being tested across the United States and Los Angeles County should be leading the way in finding innovative ways to develop public-private partnerships which require proof of program results,” said Supervisor Knabe.  “The County’s budget will continue to be challenged by federal and state mandates.  We must look at creative ways to fund critical programs, while also improving the services we provide to those most in need.”

Baby Girl Safely Surrendered at Lancaster Hospital

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success for the seventh time this year with the report of a safely surrendered newborn baby girl. This most recent safe surrender occurred on September 30, 2013 at a hospital in Lancaster.

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.

“Last week, we launched a new Safe Surrender outreach campaign with a message to desperate mothers that ‘there is a better choice,’” said Supervisor Knabe. “This mother made the better choice by safely surrendering her baby at a hospital, and now her child has a chance to be part of a loving family.  As word continues to spread about the Program, other moms in similar situations can make the right choice for their babies and themselves, because of Safe Surrender.”

This is the seventh Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2013, and the 110th since the program began over twelve 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.

The new Safe Surrender campaign expands the program’s outreach to communities across Los Angeles County by launching in multiple languages and relying on a mix of traditional and grassroots awareness efforts. The campaign includes billboards, posters, bumper stickers, brochures and a redesigned website.

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

L.A. County Launches New Baby Safe Surrender Outreach Campaign

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe celebrated the success of the County’s Baby Safe Surrender program yesterday with an event highlighting the launch of a new awareness campaign and a birthday celebration for Nicholas, a former Safe Surrender baby. The new Baby Safe Surrender campaign will expand the program’s outreach to communities across Los Angeles County by launching in multiple languages, collaborating with community-based organizations and relying on a mix of traditional and grassroots awareness efforts. The campaign includes billboards, posters, bumper stickers, brochures and a redesigned website.

“A unique aspect of this Safe Surrender outreach campaign will be our partnerships with community-based organizations throughout the County,” said Supervisor Knabe. “We are really reaching out to influential members of the community—promotoras, church leaders, and local health providers—to help us spread the word that there is a better choice: No shame. No blame. No names.”

For more information about the Baby Safe Surrender program, visit BabySafeLA.org