Transportation

Bridge Widening Complete On Stamy Road In South Whittier

The County of Los Angeles has completed construction on the widening of a bridge on Stamy Road over Leffingwell Creek in the unincorporated community of South Whittier, Supervisor Don Knabe announced recently.

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.

By widening this bridge, both the drivers and pedestrians who use the bridge will benefit by crossing a safer bridge.

Hacienda Heights And Rowland Heights Receive New Community Marquee Signs

Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the implementation of the "Community Message Boards", electronic marquee signs recently constructed in the unincorporated communities of Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights. The new message boards will help enhance the dissemination of important County information to passing motorists in these communities.

"It has always been my goal to effectively communicate with our residents in the unincorporated areas of the Fourth District, said Supervisor Knabe. These signs will go a long way towards achieving that goal.

The Hacienda Heights sign is centrally located on Hacienda Boulevard at Halliburton Road. The Rowland Heights sign can be found on Colima Road just west of Nogales Street.

Santa Returns To Whittier Parks

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe will join Mr. and Mrs. Claus and other special passengers on Monday, December 17 when they board the Here Comes Santa Holiday Train – an annual event that brings presents and fun in the snow to three locations in the Whittier area.

Every year this is a great occasion for families to come down and enjoy the spirit of the Holidays, said Supervisor Knabe. The kids have a great time visiting with Santa and playing in thousands of pounds of real snow.

The Holiday Train pulls into its first stop on December 17 at Amigo Park at 3:30 p.m., and then makes a stop at Parnell Park at 5 p.m.; finally it’s off to Adventure Park at 6:30 p.m. At each stop children will receive presents, get a chance to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus play in real snow. Over 3,000 children, parents and community members are expected to attend throughout the night.

Holiday Train Locations:

3:30 p.m. @ Amigo Park
5700 Juarez Avenue, Whittier, 90606

5 p.m. @ Parnell Park
10711 Scott Avenue, Whittier, 90604

6:30 p.m. @ Adventure Park
10130 South Gunn, Whittier, 90605

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

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

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.

Schabarum Regional County Park in Rowland Heights Will soon undergo Three Major Improvement Projects

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.

Fourth District Pools Scheduled to Open to the Public on Saturday, June 23

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation has released its 2007 Summer Pool Schedule, and the pools at California High School, Cerritos Regional Park and La Mirada Regional Park will open to the public on Saturday, June 23, 2007, Supervisor Don Knabe announced today.

Recreational swimming is free of charge and will be open to swimmers of all ages, Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (recreational swim begins at 12:30 p.m.) and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This schedule is effective through, Monday, September 3, 2007.

It is very important to me that we have public pools open during the hot days of summer, said Supervisor Knabe. This is an excellent opportunity for the public to have free access to some great pools for the remainder of the summer.

For additional information about swim lessons, aerobics and other aquatic programs, patrons may contact the parks directly for details.

Opening Pools

California High School Pool

(310) 965-8257

Cerritos Regional Park Pool

(562) 924-5144

La Mirada Regional Park Pool

(562) 902-5645