Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe has announced that at the next meeting of the Board of Supervisors, he will enter a motion to reconsider the Board’s previous vote on the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA) sales tax measure. Supervisor Knabe has also decided that at the time of the reconsideration he will change his vote from ‘no’ to ‘yes.’
Supervisor Knabe’s planned reconsideration and intention to change his vote effectively means that the MTA sales tax measure now has the three votes it needs to pass the Board of Supervisors and go before the voters as part of the consolidated November 2008 Presidential Election ballot, and not as a totally separate election.
This morning, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk informed the Board of Supervisors that the costs of a concurrent election, with the MTA sales tax appearing as a totally separate ballot in the November election, would cost taxpayers an additional $10.3 million. If the MTA measure were included as part of the main ballot, the cost would be $7.2 million, instead of the $17.5 million estimated for a separate ballot.
Additionally, the MTA measure would have to be setup as a completely separate election that would be conducted on the same day as the November 4, 2008 general election. Polling places would require additional staffing and voters would get separate ballots, sample ballots and voter guides for both elections.
“I remain absolutely opposed to the MTA sales tax measure and I plan to spend my time and effort campaigning against it,” said Supervisor Knabe. “The plan is not equitable for all County residents and this is the wrong time to burden people with even higher taxes.”
“Although I am against the sales tax plan, I cannot in good conscience burden County residents with over $10 million in higher election costs. The taxpayers will have to pay for these costs, and that is something I will not allow to happen. Additionally, the separate ballots, voter guides, and other resources needed to conduct a separate election on the same day as the Presidential Election could cause unnecessary confusion and challenges for voters. This upcoming election is the most important in many years, and voters deserve better than a potential disaster at their polling place.”
August 15, 2008 - Click on the video above to listen to Supervisor Knabe speak about why he is opposed to the upcoming half-cent MTA sales tax increase proposal, which will go before voters in the November General Election.
The County has completed the construction of a roadway improvement project on Harbor Boulevard in the City of La Habra Heights. The $904,880 project focused on resurfacing and reconstructing the roadway, the reconstruction of the curbs, gutters, sidewalks and curb ramps, the modification of traffic signals, and the installation of new striping and pavement markings.
Funding Fourth District Paratransit Shuttle Services The Board of Supervisors approved $608,000 in funding for the continuation of paratransit shuttle service for eligible patrons in the unincorporated areas of the Fourth District for Fiscal Year 2008-2009. The program will include the following paratransit shuttle services: La Rambla, Marina del Rey, Rancho Los Amigos, Teen Mother, and the Whittier Islands.
Improving Traffic Flow Between the City And County of Los Angeles A recently completed traffic signal interface between the City and County of Los Angeles will dramatically improve traffic flow throughout the region. The new interface links the City’s Advanced Traffic Control System with the County's Information Exchange Network, and will enable a two-way exchange of traffic signal data, including congestion and incident information.
Synchronizing Traffic in Long Beach and Paramount The County has completed the construction of a Traffic Signal Synchronization Project in the Fourth District cities of Long Beach and Paramount. The $1,022,691 project was financed with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Grant Funds and Proposition C Local Return Funds, and focused on coordinating the timing of signals along Eastern Avenue/Garfield Avenue/Cherry Avenue between Pacific Coast Highway and Atlantic Boulevard.
Widening Bridge in South Whittier The County of Los Angeles completed construction on the widening of a bridge on Stamy Road over Leffingwell Creek in the unincorporated community of South Whittier. In addition to widening the bridge on Stamy Road, the $892,554 project also included: the construction of a concrete barrier with picket railing, the construction of an asphalt paved sidewalk, and the installation of traffic signals.
2007
Synchronizing Traffic in the South Bay A new Traffic Signal Synchronization Project has been completed in the cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Rancho Palos Verdes and Long Beach. 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.
South Whittier's Sunshine Shuttle Reaches Milestone
The Sunshine Shuttle service, which covers unincorporated South Whittier, has reached a milestone mark of 100,000 riders during the month of October. The use of the Sunshine Shuttle by 100,000 riders shows that this is a much-needed and appreciated transportation service in our community.
Increasing Funding for Transportation Services on Avalon
Supervisor Knabe worked with Metro, through its Transit Funding Allocations for Transportation Development Funds (TDA) and State Transportation Assistance (STA) program, to allocate a total of $250,000 to the City of Avalon through Sub-Regional Projects for Avalon Transit Services, Jitney & Dial-a-Ride Programs.
Repairing Intersections Impacted by Heavy Truck Traffic The Board of Supervisors approved 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.
Upgrading Traffic Signals in Long Beach Damaged traffic signals and equipment in Long Beach is being replaced with new equipment. The $1.7 million project is located at the intersection of Del Amo Boulevard and Susana Road, and involves the installation and modification of the traffic signals at the intersection.
Upgrading Traffic Signals in Whittier Damaged traffic signals and equipment in Whittier is being replaced with new equipment. The $192,260 project is located at the intersection of Beverly Boulevard and Pioneer Boulevard, and involves the installation of conduits, conductors, pull boxes, retrofit kits and lamps to convert the existing out-dated, poorly functioning street light system to a more modern and reliable system.
Improving Safety at Bus Shelters
Bus riders in Hacienda Heights are benefiting from new, safety-enhanced bus shelters installed by the County. The new shelters include solar-powered lighting and are located at Foothill Transit routes. The old shelters had no illumination.
Improving Traffic Safety in Rowland Heights Traffic regulation orders were approved that are designed to improve traffic safety in areas of Rowland Heights. The approval establishes one-way stop controls for northbound traffic on Abeto Avenue at Fidalgo Street and eastbound traffic on Fidalgo Street and Gallio Avenue.
Synchronizing Traffic in Local Cities A new Traffic Signal Synchronization Project has been approved for the cities of Bellflower, Cerritos, La Mirada, Long Beach, Norwalk and Whittier. The project will synchronize 35 traffic signals on Artesia Boulevard between Alameda Street and Valley View Avenue; 15 traffic signals on Central Avenue between El Segundo Boulevard and Victoria Street; and 36 traffic signals located on Whittier Boulevard between Paramount Boulevard and Valley Home Avenue. This project is part of the County’s ongoing program to enhance traffic flow and safety for drivers and pedestrians.
Expanding Summer Beach Shuttle Service The Beach Shuttle, which is free of charge and open to the public, is funded by a combination of funds from Supervisor Knabe and Playa Vista. The Beach Shuttle which serves Playa Vista, Marina del Rey and the Venice Beach Pier is now offering expanded service to Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey.
Providing South Whittier Residents Access to the Beach
Supervisors Knabe and Molina provided funds for the South Whittier Summer Beach Bus service, which allows the residents of South Whittier and other unincorporated areas in the vicinity to have the opportunity to climb aboard the Summer Beach Bus and go to Long Beach.
Funding New Street Lights in Downtown Long Beach
The County of Los Angeles has funded a major portion of a project designed to improve pedestrian safety through enhanced street lighting in parts of downtown Long Beach. The street lighting replacement project will occur on both Broadway and 3rd Street between Pacific Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard, with the existing City-owned high pressure sodium lights being replaced with brighter metal halide lights.
Expressing Disappointment in Conclusion of LAX Runway Studies
Supervisor Knabe announced his disappointment in the conclusions reached by studies commissioned by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) that called for moving the northernmost runway at LAX at least 340 feet north into the communities of Westchester and Playa del Rey. Each report came to the same conclusion with little, if any, discussion of available alternatives.
Continuing Funding for the PVPTA Shuttle Service
The Board of Supervisors approved the disbursement of $408,200 to the Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority to continue public transit services for the Fiscal Year 2007-2008. The funds for the disbursement come from the Fourth Supervisorial District's allocation of Proposition A Local Return Transit Program funds.
Funding Fourth District Paratransit Shuttle Services
The Board of Supervisors approved $660,000 in funding for the continuation of paratransit shuttle service for eligible patrons in the unincorporated areas of the Fourth District for Fiscal Year 2007-2008. The program will include the following paratransit shuttle services: La Rambla, Marina del Rey, Rancho Los Amigos, Teen Mother, and the Whittier Islands.
2006
Easing Traffic Congestion in Diamond Bar Los Angeles County completed a $700,000 traffic synchronization upgrade throughout the City of Diamond Bar that is designed to reduce traffic congestion at major intersections. The new equipment was installed at key intersections near the 60 and 57 Freeways.
Increasing Motorist Safety with Radar Trailers The County of Los Angeles purchased 10 new radar speed trailers for use by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) exclusively in the County’s unincorporated areas, including the Rowland Heights community.
Marina del Rey Dredging Project
In 2006, Supervisor Knabe successfully lobbied for federal and local funding to dredge the north navigation channel leading into Marina del Rey. This multimillion dollar project is scheduled for completion in spring 2007 and will return the Marina entrance to its design depth of 20 feet. This project will ensure that the 5,000 privately-owned vessels and numerous emergency rescue vessels based there will continue to have full access to the Marina for years to come. The clean sand removed during dredging will be placed on several South Bay beaches for sand replenishment.
Summer Beach Bus Service
Supervisor Knabe funded a direct bus line for the residents of unincorporated Whittier that would connect them to the beaches of Los Angeles County. Hundreds of residents used the service during its inaugural year. The Beach Bus is expected to return in summer 2007.
710 Freeway Improvement Project
As the first elected Chairman of the I-710 Improvement Project Executive Committee, Supervisor Knabe is working with a team of other elected officials on developing goals and securing funding for future improvements and expansion of the 710 Long Beach Freeway.
South Whittier Community Shuttle Service
Funding provided by Supervisor Knabe helped launch the South Whittier Shuttle Service on a seven-mile route exclusively in the South Whittier unincorporated area. The fixed-route system includes stops at Whittwood Mall, California High School, the Department of Motor Vehicles, Santa Fe Springs Mall, Whittier Resource Center and Whittier Presbyterian Hospital.
Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority
As a member of Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA) Governing Board, Supervisor Knabe has taken a leadership role in developing a more effective and innovative program for moving freight from the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles beyond the Southern California region in ways to minimize traffic impacts on regional freeways.
Metro Express Bus Service
Supervisor Knabe and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) teamed up to develop a new Metro Express Bus line to provide a minimal stop service from the Long Beach Veterans Hospital to the Norwalk Metro Green Line Station to the El Monte Bus Station.
Limiting Expansion of LAX
Significant expansion plans for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) were successfully blocked by the County of Los Angeles and other agencies. The successful settlement of this lawsuit will ensure limits on expansion of flights, passengers and vehicle traffic into the airport.
Regionalization of Air Traffic
Supervisor Knabe led the successful effort to reactivate the Southern California Regional Airport Authority (SCRAA) with the goal of addressing future air traffic growth on a regional, multi-county and multi-city approach. The participation of Los Angeles City, Los Angeles County and other counties in SCRAA will ensure air traffic is balanced across many regional airports and not just at a few congested sites.
2005
Dedicated new
Metro Express Bus line to provide minimal
stop service from the Long Beach Veterans
Hospital to Norwalk Metro Green Line Station
to El Monte Bus Station.
Launch of the
Los Angeles County Bus Pass subsidy program
to provide low cost transit passes for
students, low-income and fixed-income
residents of the Fourth District.
2004
As
a member of the Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Supervisor Knabe helped develop a regional plan to address the issue of Goods Movement from a multiple-county approach.
Supervisor Knabe led the effort to increase
capacity on the Blue Line light rail, which
runs through the Fourth District into
downtown Long Beach. Previously, the Blue
Line platforms could accommodate two-car
trains. By expanding the platforms to
accommodate four-car trains, the passenger
capacity was greatly increased.
822 Kenneth Hahn Hall of
Administration | 500 West Temple Street | Los Angeles, CA
90012
