Tuesday, June 30, 2009

CITY OF LOS ANGELES CONTRACTS WITH SHERIFF TO TRANSPORT PRISONERS

 

 

       

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:  Tony Bell, Communications Deputy

Office:      (213) 974-5555   Cell: (213) 215-5176

E-mail:     tbell@bos.lacounty.gov

 

June 30, 2009

For Immediate Release

 

CITY OF LOS ANGELES CONTRACTS WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT TO TRANSPORT PRISONERS

 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – The Los Angeles Police Department will contract with the Los County’s Sheriff’s Department to transport city prisoners to arraignment courts, announced Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

 

The five year contract will be from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2014. 

 

The program bills the LAPD at adjusted rates established by the County Auditor-Controller for the costs associated with the pickup, transportation, detention, and release of LAPD prisoners. The first year cost will be $3 million.

 

 

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Ridley-Thomas: County Must Move Fast to Get Stimulus Funds for Health Info Technology

 

  NEWS

                               Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas

                                                                L.A. County Board of Supervisors, 2nd District

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

June 30, 2009                                                                                                                 Contact:      Aurelio Rojas   213-974-2222

                                                                                                                                                          James Bolden  213-200-5314

 

RIDLEY-THOMAS CALLS ON COUNTY TO MOVE QUICKLY TO IMPLEMENT HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO COMPETE FOR FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDING

 

Countywide Health Information Technology Demonstration Project could operate as a model for healthcare in the country

 

LOS ANGELES – Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas today called for the County to optimize its chances of successfully competing for federal stimulus funding by quickly formulating a strategy to develop a cost effective and secure electronic exchange of patient medical records between public and private healthcare providers.  

 

The motion, approved by the Board of Supervisors, came three months after the Board approved Supervisor Ridley-Thomas’ request to direct County officials to conduct a feasibility study into creating a Countywide Health Information Technology (HIT) Demonstration Project that could serve as a model for a countywide exchange of patient medical records throughout the County.

 

“All of us should know that this means capturing huge savings and more care for more persons who may be sick or compromised,” the Supervisor said. “In addition to that, it will inspire quite a bit of interest and support from both the pubic and private sectors as we think about collaborations.”

 

The Supervisor said the county’s interest “signals something very, very positive in terms of the management of patients, the care that can be afforded them and the efficiencies that will be captured.”

 

“It can only mean better patient care from the perspective of prevention and management,” he said.

 

The Board instructed the County’s Chief Executive Officer to work with the appropriate County departments to develop a strategy for the Los Angeles Network for Enhanced Services (LANES) Project, which reflects the Board's April 7 decision. 

 

The Supervisor said the strategic feasibility assessment and related work should be completed as quickly as possible to optimize chances of successfully competing for funds provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and other sources.

 

The HIT Demonstration Project will include evidence-based treatment guidelines to assist doctors in integrating latest research data into practice with patients; outcome measurement capacity; and appropriate confidentiality protections.

 

A report is expected back to the Board 60 days or sooner to ensure that the County submits a proposal to successfully compete for ARRA health information technology funds.

 

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FINAL: JUNE 30 2009 AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

                           Board of Supervisors, County of Los Angeles  

                                                           

Contact:  Judy Hammond, Director of Public Affairs, (213) 974-1363

                 Brian Lew, Assistant Director, (213) 974-1652

Live videofeed, English and Spanish, Telco #948075      Audio–(213) 974-4700 or

                                                                                           (877) 873-8017 ext. 111111# English

                                                                                                                 ext. 222222# Spanish

Agenda and supporting documents:  http://bos.co.la.ca.us/Categories/Agenda/AgendaHome.asp

Agenda Highlights: http://ceo.lacounty.gov/press.htm                                                       

        June 30, 2009             

 

Final Actions: June 30 Agenda Highlights

(Unless otherwise indicated, vote was 5-0.) 

 

$10.2 million in stimulus funds proposed for various homeless projects. (Item 3-D) YAROSLAVSKY CONT. TO 7/7

 

Maximum $2.3 million loan recommended for rehabilitation of 35-unit apartment building in Florence area, using City of Industry redevelopment funds.  (Item I-H) APPROVED

 

Approval requested for 2009 plan to spend $9.6 million in Regional Park and Open Space revenues, and to reallocate $56.5 million in prior year funds to each supervisorial district for projects. (Item 1-P)  APPROVED

 

Parks and Recreation Department seeks approval to spend $866,000 in Safe Neighborhood Parks Proposition funds on various projects.   (Items 2-P and 22) APPROVED

 

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich proposes Angeles National Forest canyon be officially named in honor of a Marine captain killed when his jet crashed during a routine test flight.  (Item 2) APPROVED

 

Supervisor Gloria Molina asks $150,000 reward be extended for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for killing 15-year-old East Los Angeles resident Brenda Sierra in 2002.  (Item 4) APPROVED

 

New policy proposed for the receipt and distribution of passes and tickets to, or at the behest of,

County officials to meet new state requirements.  (Item 9, Cont. from 4/21, 5/12, 6/2) APPROVED

 

$23.3 million in Homeland Security grants would fund efforts to respond to terrorism and natural disasters.  (Item 10) APPROVED

 

Policy change would extend criminal history check of County job applicants and employees to include federal crimes. (Item 11) CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE CONT. TO 7/7

 

Ordinance would require persons and businesses receiving County contracts to certify they have no unpaid property tax bills.   (Items 14 and 67) AMENDED BY RIDLEY-THOMAS AND CONT. BY CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO 7/7

 

Sixteen contracts totaling $28 million -- $17.5 million from stimulus funding -- would fund employment and training programs.  (Item 16) APPROVED AS AMENDED BY ANTONOVICH AND MOLINA

 

Board asked to approve spending $11.6 million in stimulus funds for jobs for youth in General Relief welfare program.   (Item 17) APPROVED

 

Marina del Rey lease amendment would extend fuel dock lease by 55 years, change rent structure for fuels sales to flat fee, approve change in ownership structure of lessee, and incorporate revised site and development plans.  (Item 21) APPROVED AS AMENDED BY KNABE

 

Agreement calls for planting 60 oak trees to mitigate road repair projects in Santa Monica Mountains.  (Item 25) APPROVED

 

Supervisors asked to approve revised $3.7 million budget for project to improve septic system and inmate restrooms and showers at fire camp in Santa Clarita area and award $2.2 million construction contract.  (Item 29) APPROVED

 

$30 million requested for Pacoima Dam sediment and Sun Valley watershed projects.  (Item 30) APPROVED

 

Recommendation calls for spending $1.1 million for taxiway improvements at El Monte Airport and $310,000-$360,000 at Bracket Field Airport in La Verne.  (Items 35, 38) APPROVED

 

Agreement would allow Sheriff’s Department to perform release-related duties for Los Angeles Police Department jail prisoners.  (Item 48).  APPROVED WITH AMENDMENT BY ANTONOVICH TO HAVE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MEET WITH SHERIFF TO IDENTIFY FUNDING ALTERNATIVES TO PREVENT THE IMMEDIATE CLOSING OF JAILS 

 

Contract would provide $65.9 million annually to Sheriff’s Department to provide services to MTA.  (Item 50) APPROVED

 

$325,000 settlement proposed in medical malpractice lawsuit filed by Olive View Medical Center patient whose face was burned while having a mole removed when oxygen in her mask caught fire.  (Item 54) APPROVED

 

Settlement would pay $10.5 million, plus $2.122 million in ancillary payments, to 18 mental health providers who were denied reimbursement for services because the County did not file timely or accurately process their claims.  (Item 55) APPROVED

 

Development standards proposed to preserve the rural character and sensitive environmental settings of Elizabeth Lake and Lake Hughes.  (Item 66) APPROVED

 

Report scheduled on law enforcement facility fees for Santa Clarita/North Los Angeles County.  (Item 71, cont. from 3/10, 5/12, 6/9) CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE CONT. TO 7/28

 

Public Health Department reports on how it will handle budget curtailments and whether its escalating costs are attributable to separating from the Department of Health Services.  (Item 72) RECEIVED AND FILED

 

Board asks that use of the Family and Children Index be increased so that departments and agencies share information about clients who are being simultaneously served.  (Item 74-A) APPROVED

 

Board in closed session discusses lawsuit filed by Drew University alleging breach of medical school affiliation agreement.  (Item CS-1).

 

Supervisors in closed session considers appointment of director of health services.  (CS-4)

 

 

--lacounty.gov--

 

Molina Extends $150,000 Reward for Brenda Sierra Kidnapping and Killing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                       

CONTACT:  Roxane Márquez at (213) 974-4111 (office) or (213) 598-5463 (cellular)

 

GLORIA MOLINA EXTENDS $150,000 REWARD
FOR BRENDA SIERRA KIDNAPPING AND KILLING

 

Molina ‘Not Giving Up’ on Catching Culprit in East L.A. Teen’s ’02 Homicide

 

LOS ANGELES (June 30, 2009)—Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina announced today the extension of a $150,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator responsible for the 2002 homicide of 15-year-old Brenda Sierra.

“Until we catch her killer, we’re not giving up,” Molina said.  “Brenda Sierra was an energetic young teenager from the heart of the East Los Angeles community who did nothing to deserve her fate.”

Sierra lived with her family in the Saybrook neighborhood of unincorporated East Los Angeles and was a sophomore at Schurr High School in Montebello at the time of her death.  She was last seen on Friday, October 18, 2002 leaving her home at 1061 Leonard Avenue between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. while on her way to a friend’s house, where she was to receive a ride to school.  She never arrived.  Her body was found on Saturday, October 19, 2002 on Sky View Lane in the Valley of Enchantment mountain area of Crestline, California in San Bernardino County.  She was identified the following Monday.

Despite increasing an initial $5,000 reward to $150,000 on January 27, 2003—and even after a series of annual community vigils near the Sierra home on each anniversary of Brenda’s death—the case went cold.  In the Fall of 2008, Molina successfully petitioned to have the case transferred to the purview of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  Today’s reward extension is good for another six months.

Anyone with information is urged to call Captain Henry Romero of the East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station at (323) 264-4151.

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2500 ENJOY FUN AND GOOD MUSIC AT COUNTY'S 19TH ANNUAL FAMILY MUSIC FESTIVAL

 

      


 

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:  Tony Bell, Communications Deputy

Office:      (213) 974-5555   Cell: (213) 215-5176

E-mail:     tbell@bos.lacounty.gov

 

June 29, 2009

For Immediate Release

 

2500 ENJOY FUN AND GOOD MUSIC
 AT COUNTY’S 19TH ANNUAL FAMILY MUSIC FESTIVAL

 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – Nearly 2500 people attended the 19th Annual Family Music Festival Sunday at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park which featured food, carnival games, warm weather, and great performances by the legendary Charlie Bands Band, Gary U.S. Bonds, and the Georgia Satellites. 

 

Sponsored by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and the Department of Parks and Recreation, proceeds from the event help support the County’s Junior Lifeguard program which trains young people ages 9 to 17 to become future lifeguards.

 

PHOTO _3MZ0610 (from left to right): Christine Hu, wife of Supervisor Antonovich; Supervisor Antonovich; Charlie Daniels; Mary Christine Antonovich; Michael Antonovich Jr.

CUTLINE: Supervisor Antonovich and family visit with the legendary Charlie Daniels.

 

PHOTO _3MZ0674  (from left to right): Mary Christine Antonovich; Supervisor Antonovich; Michael Antonovich Jr.

CUTLINE: Supervisor Antonovich joined by his children Mary Christine and Michael Jr. call out the lucky raffle number.

 

 

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Monday, June 29, 2009

Patt Morrison for Tues 6/30

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

 

1:00 - 1:20

OPEN

 

1:20 - 1:40

What Prompted the Coup in Honduras?

The new military government in Honduras said it ousted elected President Manuel Zelaya in order to defend the country’s democracy instead of subverting it, but that has done nothing to stop strong international condemnation of the coup.  The first military coup in Central America since the end of the Cold War, the overthrow of the Honduran president has created strange bedfellows in Hugo Chavez, Alavaro Uribe and Barack Obama.  What prompted the coup in Honduras?

 

Guests:

Vicki Gass, senior associate for rights & development at the Washington Office on Latin America

 

 

1:40 - 2:00

The Generational Divide: Does Grandma Twitter?

A new, comprehensive study by the Pew Research Center shows the largest generation gap in over 40 years.  Not since the Vietnam War and the women’s rights movement has there been such disagreement among the generations on social values, religion and the use of technology.  Are these issues the cause, or is it just age?

 

Guest:

Paul Taylor, director of the Pew Research Center’s Social and Demographic Trends Project.

CALL HIM:  

 

 

2:00 - 2:30

The Dark Side

Panic, blame, secrets, torture, politics, the politics of torture – Patt sits down with Jane Mayer, author of “The Dark Side,” to discuss the decisions that were made within the walls of the White House after the 9/11 attacks and their impact.

 

Guests:

Jane Mayer, staff writer at the “New Yorker” and author of “The Dark Side”

IN STUDIO

 

2:30 - 3:00

That Menu will go Straight to your Thighs: Restaurants to Reveal Calorie Count

Starting on Wednesday restaurant chains in California—those food retailers with 20 or more locations—will be required to provide a nutritional information and the calorie count for every item on their menus.  California’s Legislature is aiming to provide customers with more details of the food they’re about to eat so they can make more informed choices.  But will full disclosure prevent you from ordering those delicious chilly cheese fries? 

 

Guests:

TBD

 

 

AirQuality Advisory -- All Parts of the County

 

For Immediate Release:                                                       

June 29, 2009                                                 

 

 

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY:

 

Air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive individuals in parts of LA County

 

 

LOS ANGELES - According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, tomorrow’s air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive individuals in the Santa Clarita Valley, Pomona Valley, East San Gabriel Valley and West San Fernando Valley.

 

Los Angeles County Health Officer and Public Health Director, Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, advises people living or working in the Santa Clarita Valley, Pomona Valley, East San Gabriel Valley and West San Fernando Valley with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory disease to minimize outdoor activities. Schools that have children with sensitive conditions, including heart disease, asthma, other chronic respiratory diseases, should not participate in PE or outdoor physical activity and should stay indoors as much as possible. 

 

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do, please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

 

 

 

NEWBORN SAFELY SURRENDERED AT LOS ANGELES HOSPITAL

 

 

 

 

NEWS FROM DON KNABE

Supervisor, Fourth District

County of Los Angeles

822 Hahn Hall of Administration

 

 

 

        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                           Contact:         David A. Sommers

                                                                                                                                        (213) 974-1095

 

                                                                                                                                        (213) 453-6446 (cell)

 

NEWBORN SAFELY SURRENDERED AT LOS ANGELES HOSPITAL

 

LOS ANGELES, June 29, 2009 – Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrated success again last week with the report of another safely surrendered newborn.  This most recent report of a safe surrender occurred at a hospital near downtown Los Angeles.

 

The newborn Hispanic male was surrendered on Thursday, June 25 at hospital in the City of Los Angeles.  The newborn is reported to be in good health.  As is standard practice, the baby boy is in protective custody and will be placed with a family approved for adoption by the Department of Children and Family Services.

 

“This case could have ended in tragedy, but because of the Safe Surrender program, this baby boy has a long life ahead of him,” said Supervisor Knabe.  “I am happy this mother made the right choice for her baby.”

 

This is the fourth Safe Surrender in Los Angeles County in 2009, and the 73rd since the program began eight 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.

 

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Courthouse closes due to air conditioning problems

Los Angeles Superior Court

Los Angeles County

www.lasuperiorcourt.org

Contact: Public Information Office 213-974-5227

Public Information Officer: Allan Parachini

 
        MEDIA        

ADVISORY

 

 

June 29, 2009

 

Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley

Courthouse Closed Due to Air Conditioning System Failure

 

The Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse located at 42011 4th St.

 

West, is currently closed due to the failure of the air conditioning system.  The

 

courthouse will be closed for the remainder of the day. It is anticipated that the

 

courthouse will re-open for business tomorrow morning.

 

Heat Advisory -- Santa Clarita Valley

 


For Immediate Release:                                                       

June 29, 2009                         

Heat Advisory for the Santa Clarita Valley

Heat Indices Forecast to Reach Triple Digits Today and Tomorrow

 

LOS ANGELES – High temperatures are forecasted for today and tomorrow in the Santa Clarita Valley, with the heat index forecast to reach 104 degrees today and 101 degrees tomorrow. Los Angeles County Health Officer and Public Health Director, Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, would like to remind residents of the valley that precautions should be taken, especially by those people sensitive to the heat.

 

“While people don’t need to be told it’s hot outside, they do need to be reminded how to take care of themselves, children, the elderly, and their pets when the weather gets hotter,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. “When temperatures are high, prolonged sun exposure may cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

 

“Never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in closed vehicles, even with the windows ‘cracked,’ because temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels.”

 

If you plan to be outdoors, take precautions to protect yourself from the heat. Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. Individuals with these symptoms should be moved to a cooler, shaded place and given water or sport drinks. More severe symptoms such as diminished judgment, disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing may indicate heat exhaustion or impending heat stroke and requires immediate medical attention.

 

Several tips for beating the heat include:

 

  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Drink water or sports drinks often (do not wait until you are thirsty), and avoid drinking alcohol.
  • Offer help to those in your neighborhood with limited access to air conditioning and transportation, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently or take them to a location with air conditioning.
  • During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area. If you don't have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities such as shopping malls, parks, and libraries to stay cool.
  • Avoid unnecessary exertion, such as vigorous exercise during peak sun hours, if you are outside or in a non-air conditioned building.
  • Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from sun damage.

 

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do, please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

 

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tips for pets on July 4

PRESS RELEASE- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:  June 29, 2009

Contact:  Evelina Villa (562) 728-4644

 

FOURTH OF JULY SAFETY TIPS FOR PETS -
ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL’S EXPANDED HOLIDAY HOURS

“To Enrich Lives Through Effective And Caring Service”

 
AnimalCare

Marcia Mayeda

Director

 

Administrative Office

5898 Cherry Ave.

Long Beach, CA  90805

(562) 728-4882

Fax (562) 422-3408

http://animalcare.lacounty.gov

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Shelter Locations

Downey Shelter
11258 S. Garfield Ave.
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 940-6898

Carson Shelter
216 W. Victoria St.
Gardena, CA 90248
(310) 523-9566

Baldwin Park Shelter
4275 N. Elton St.
Baldwin Park, CA 91706
(626) 962-3577

Lancaster Shelter
5210 W. Avenue I
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 940-4191

Castaic Shelter
31044 N. Charlie Cyn. Road
Castaic, CA 91384
(661) 257-3191

Agoura Shelter
29525 Agoura Rd.
Agoura, CA 91301
(818) 991-0071
            The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times for the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC).  DACC reminds pet owners that extra precautions are necessary in order to protect pets during Fourth of July celebrations.  Dogs and cats can become startled and disoriented by the loud noises of fireworks.  Pets may panic and attempt to escape from your property.  To ensure the safety of your pets, here are a few tips:

·         Make sure your dog’s license is current and tags are securely affixed to your dog’s collar.

·         Keep your pets indoors in a cool, comfortable place.

·         Do not keep your pets in the backyard, even if they are tied up.  Dogs, in particular, can break free of their restraints and jump fences when scared.

·         Do not take your pets to community fireworks events.  Most events do not allow pets and the noises in close proximity are particularly terrifying to your pets.

·         If you are leaving town for the weekend and cannot take your pets with you, make sure you leave them with someone who will be cautious during the Fourth of July celebrations.

 

If your pet becomes lost over the Fourth of July weekend, DACC is expanding its days and hours of operation to ensure pet owners can be reunited with their pets.  All six shelters will be open Friday, July 3rd, Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th.  The shelter locations and hours are as follows:

 

Downey, Carson, Baldwin Park, and Lancaster

Friday, 7/3/09: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Saturday, 7/4/09 and Sunday, 7/5/09: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

 

Castaic and Agoura:

Friday, 7/3/09: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Saturday, 7/4/09 and Sunday, 7/5/09: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

 

If you have any questions, you can visit our website at http://animalcare.lacounty.gov  to contact the animal shelter nearest you.

 

 

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