SUPERVISORS ORDER CITY OF LOS ANGELES TO STOP ILLEGALLY TAXING UNINCORPORATED AREA BUSINESSES

 

 

 

 

       

 

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:  Tony Bell, Communications Deputy Office:     (213) 974-5555  Cell: (213) 215-5176 E-mail:     tbell@bos.lacounty.gov

       September 29, 2009                                                                         For Immediate Release

 

ANTONOVICH & MOLINA ORDER CITY OF LOS ANGELES TO STOP ILLEGALLY TAXING UNINCORPORATED AREA BUSINESSES

 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY -- The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisors Michael D. Antonovich and Gloria Molina to send a 5-signature letter to the City’s Mayor, City Council and the Controller ordering the City to stop taxing businesses located in unincorporated County communities and reimburse those businesses for all revenues previously collected.

 

Investigators with the County’s Treasurer and Tax Collector and Auditor-Controller conducting field inspections and interviews at sample businesses in East Los Angeles found that 15% of the businesses surveyed, all of which are sited wholly outside the City’s jurisdiction, had current City of Los Angeles business tax licenses or other permits.  This practice has also occurred in various unincorporated communities, including Universal City, Sunland/Tujunga, Charter Oak, East Los Angeles, Hacienda Heights, and Quartz Hill which are subject to County zoning and business license requirements.

 

In addition to sending a 5-signature letter to the city, the motion also calls for the CEO to report back in 30 days on actions taken to protect businesses that are not subject to the City’s licensure, taxation or enforcement action.

 

###

 

Supervisors Approve 'No Haters Here' Program at Washington Prep High School

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

September 29, 2009                                                                                                                                  Contact:      Aurelio Rojas 213-280-6579

                                                                                                                                                                                            James Bolden 213-200-5314

 

SUPERVISORS APPROVE RIDLEY-THOMAS’

REQUEST TO FUND ‘NO HATERS HERE’

 PROGRAM AT WASHINGTON PREP HIGH SCHOOL

 

LOS ANGELES – Acting on a motion by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, the Board of Supervisor today authorized an agreement between the County and the Los Angeles Unified School District to implement a program designed to head off intergroup conflicts at   Washington Prep High School.

 

The zerohour.com “No Haters Here” program, designed by the County’s Department of Human Relations to create a campus-wide culture of peace and respect, was previously implemented at Pomona High School and Hart High School.

 

“We should not underestimate the need for dealing with human relations as it relates to tolerance on our school campuses,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said. “The lack of civility on campuses must be confronted. This will require proactive work.”

 

The Board’s approval will enable the County’s Human Relations staff to provide leadership, consultation, technical assistance and programmatic support in implementing the program at Washington Prep and its feeder middle schools.

                                       

                                                       #     #     #

 

BOARD APPROVES REWARD EXTENSIONS IN THE MURDERS OF TWO SECOND DISTRICT EDUCATORS

 

 

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 September 29, 2009                                                                                                                              Contact:          Aurelio Rojas 213-280-6579

                                                                                                                                                                                             James Bolden 213-200-5314

              

BOARD APPROVES SUPERVISOR RIDLEY-THOMAS’ REQUEST FOR REWARD EXTENSIONS IN THE MURDERS OF TWO SECOND DISTRICT EDUCATORS

 

LOS ANGELES – The Board of Supervisors today approved a request by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas to extend the $10,000 rewards offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible to the murders of two Second District educators.

 

On May 13, 28 year-old Robert Rodwell was shot and killed as he pulled out of his driveway in the 1400 block of 105^th Street in the Athens area of Los Angeles County.  Mr. Rodwell was with his wife when an assailant approached their car and shot him several times.  

 

A long time resident of Athens, Mr. Rodwell was a beloved drum instructor at George Washington Preparatory High School. He had just celebrated his daughter’s seventh birthday. 

 

“Mr. Rodwell’s daughter lost a father, and his students lost a teacher and mentor,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said.

 

On May 31, at approximately 12:02 a.m., Crystal Crawford, a pre-school teacher, was fatally shot on the 2900 block of 95^th Street in Inglewood, as she was sitting in her vehicle with friends.  Ms. Crawford was driven by her boyfriend to Centinela Hospital, where she died.

 

No arrests have been made in either case and no witnesses have come forward. 

 

 “These educators of our youth were taken prematurely from their families, friends, students and colleagues,” the Supervisor said.  “The persons responsible for these crimes must be caught and tried.”

 

Anyone with information in the murder of Robert Rodwell should contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.   

 

Those with information in the murder of Crystal Crawford should contact the Inglewood Police Department Homicide Section at (310) 412-5246 or the anonymous hotline at (888) 412-7463, (888) 41-CRIME).

 

#    #    #    #

           

RIDLEY-THOMAS LEADS BOARD IN PROCLAIMING OCTOBER 'URBAN LEAGUE MOVEMENT MONTH' IN LA COUNTY

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

September 29, 2009                                                                                                                                  Contact:      Aurelio Rojas 213-280-6579

                                                                                                                                                                                            James Bolden 213-200-5314

 

RIDLEY-THOMAS LEADS BOARD IN PROCLAIMING OCTOBER ‘URBAN LEAGUE MOVEMENT MONTH’ IN LA COUNTY

 

LOS ANGELES -- Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas today led the Board of Supervisors in proclaiming October “Urban League Movement Month”, celebrating the Los Angeles branch’s efforts over the year to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights for all County residents.

 

The Supervisor praised Branch President Blair H. Taylor, whose organization is one of the largest and most successful affiliates of the National Urban League.

 

The organization works to advance equal opportunities for African Americans and other minority youths and adults through innovative job training, job placement, youth achievement and business development programs

 

Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the National Urban League. The Los Angeles Urban League will sponsor events throughout the month of October to celebrate Urban League Movement Month.

 

“I know that the Los Angeles Urban League will continue to be a valued source of service and commitment for the citizens of Los Angeles,” the Supervisor said. “As cities around the country continue to face major economic and social challenges, the Urban League is still on the frontline providing assistance to those in need.”

 

 

Through its collective programs, services and advocacy activities and its seven offices located in the Crenshaw District, South Los Angeles and Pomona, the Los Angeles Urban League serves more than 100,000 constituents annually.

 

#     #     #     #

 

 

RIDLEY-THOMAS CALLS FOR $10,000 REWARD IN SOUTH L.A. WOMAN'S DISAPPEARANCE

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

September 29, 2009                                                                                                                             Contact:      Aurelio Rojas 213-280-6579

                                                                                                                                                                                       James Bolden 213-200-5314

 

SUPERVISOR RIDLEY-THOMAS CALLS FOR $10,000 REWARD IN SOUTH L.A. WOMAN’S DISAPPEARANCE

 

LOS ANGELES – On a motion by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, the Board of Supervisors today offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the whereabouts of 24-year-old Mitrice Richardson and the criminal prosecution of persons involved in her disappearance.

 

The Cal State Fullerton graduate -- who was living with her great-grandmother in South Los Angeles -- mysteriously disappeared following her September 17 predawn release from a sheriff's substation in Calabasas where she was booked for allegedly failing to pay a restaurant bill.

 

Her vanishing prompted a massive but unsuccessful ground and air search on Saturday by members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Police Department and trained volunteers. 

 

“Every minute counts in our effort to safely reunite Ms. Richardson with her family,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said. He noted the current investigation is being conducted by the LAPD, which welcomes the reward offer.

 

Richardson, who had no transportation, cell phone or purse when she left the station at about 1:25 a.m., was reportedly wearing jeans and a dark T-shirt.

 

With the exception of a couple of probable sightings later that morning in the canyon, Richardson, a slender, 5-foot-5 African American woman, has not been heard from since, her family says.

Richardson had recently passed a test to become a substitute teacher. She was working as an executive assistant for a freight company. 

 

The Supervisor urges anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mitrice Richardson to contact Det. Chuck Knolls or Det. Steven Eguichi at (213) 485-5381 or the LAPD’s Adult Missing Persons or (877) 527-3247.

 

#   #   #   #

                       

 

 

FINAL RESULTS: Sept 29 2009 AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS--BOARD STILL IN SESSION

Board is still in session - taking public comment.  Here are results of items on 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                                                       

        Sept. 29, 2009

               

Final Results:  Sept. 29 Agenda Highlights

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

 

Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center honored for being named one of the top 20 rehabilitation hospitals in the United States by U.S. News and World Report.

 

Proposal would award $2.1 million in grants to acquire natural land for trail projects in Westlake Village, Santa Monica Mountains and Carbon Canyon.   (Item 1-P) APPROVED

 

Supervisors Michael D. Antonovich and Gloria Molina ask for report in 30 days on why some businesses in unincorporated areas are being asked to pay license and police alarm permit fees by the City of Los Angeles, and to take steps to ensure the practice doesn’t continue.  (Item 4) APPROVED

 

Supervisors asked to extend rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible for the murder of:

 

·         Jean Clinton Roeschlaub in Glendale in 2006.  ($20,000)  (Item 6)

• Andrew Lopez in Palmdale in 2008.  ($10,000) (Item 7)
• Lucy Preciado in Quartz Hill in 2008. ($10,000) Jesus Humberto Canales, her boyfriend, is identified as the suspect. (Item 8)

APPROVED

 

Board requests calculation be made as to how much is owed to security guards who worked at County facilities for company that went bankrupt, and issue payment accordingly.  (Item 10, cont. from 9/22) MOLINA CONT. TO 10/6

 

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas requests reestablishment of $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for the murder of Robert Rodwell in Athens on May 13, 2009; and the establishment of $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for the murder of Crystal Crawford in Inglewood on May 31, 2009.  (Items 12, 13) APPROVED

 

Acceptance of $250,000 federal stimulus grant would preserve jobs in the non-profit arts sector.  (Item 15) APPROVED

 

$200,000 proposal would fund demolition of the dilapidated Far East Bank building in downtown Los Angeles.  (Item 16, cont. from 9/8) APPROVED

 

Elimination recommended for seven committees and consolidation for four others.  (Item 17) APPROVED AS AMENDED BY KNABE AND ANTONOVICH

 

Approval sought to construct an equestrian facility and riding academy in Agua Dulce to provide therapeutic programs for disabled and special needs children.  (Item 20, cont. from 7/14, 8/18, 9/8) COUNTY COUNSEL CONT. TO 10/20

 

Board asked to declare official the election returns for the 51^st State Assembly District special primary election held on Sept. 1.  (Item 22) APPROVED

 

$200,000 proposal would fund program at Washington Preparatory High School and its feeder middle schools to more effectively handle racial conflicts and prejudice. (Item 27) APPROVED

 

$3.4 million proposal would fund radiology department renovation project at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.  (Item 29) APPROVED

 

Board asked to amend current contract and accept additional $1.8 million in emergency funding to fight the swine flu, upping total to $27.1 million for pandemic influenza efforts.  (Item 35) APPROVED

 

Approval sought to award four contracts for maximum $1.2 million over five years for urban planning/design consulting services for Marina del Rey and County-operated beaches.  (Item 36) KNABE REFERRED ITEM BACK TO BEACHES AND HARBORS

 

Proposal would allow for the private development of additional commercial aircraft hangar space at Whiteman Airport in Palmdale.  (Item 38) APPROVED

 

Board asked to annul $538,373 contract with T K Engineering Co. for the Gage Avenue Park construction project in the Florence-Firestone area and award it to C.G. Construction for completion.  (Item 43) APPROVED

 

Supervisors asked to approve $825,000 revised budget for the taxiway development project at the El Monte Airport, a $307,500 decrease, and award $574,971 contract to Vellutini Corporation; and $650,000 revised budget for the taxiway upgrade project at the Brackett Field Airport in La Verne, a $150,000 decrease, and award $248,625 contract to Sully-Miller Contracting Company.   (Item 45, 46) APPROVED

 

$305,000 settlement proposed in medical negligence/wrongful death lawsuit arising from treatment received by a patient while hospitalized at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center.  (Item 55) REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION

 

Board to consider recommendations relating to reduction of funding for Proposition 36 alcohol and drug programs services.  (Item 62) APPROVED

 

Report scheduled on the demographics of all children in the Department of Children and Family Services system, fatalities for the past three years and issues/trends that may be contributing to deficiencies in the identifying/monitoring/reporting of cases.  (Item 63) CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE CONT. TO 12/1

 

Report scheduled on proposals made by a state commission to help reduce the state’s dependence on income tax revenue, and potential impact on the County’s revenue.  (Item 64) CONT. TO 10/13

 

Board asked to establish $10,000 reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Mitrice Richardson, who disappeared on Sept. 17 after being released from the Sheriff substation in Calabasas.   (Motion introduced at meeting.)  APPROVED

 

Supervisors meet in closed session to consider lawsuit arising from allegations that the County and Flood Control District violated water quality standards.  (Item CS-1, cont. from 9/22)

 

Supervisors meet in closed session to consider litigation arising from allegations of harassment brought by an employee of the Department of Health Services.  (Item CS-2)

 

 

           

 

                                                          --lacounty.gov--

 

Patt Morrison for Tues 9/29/09

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

 

1:00 – 1:20

OPEN

 

 

1:20 – 1:40

U.K. & U.S. still BFF? Her Majesty hopes so……..

For what has been the most rock-steady diplomatic relationship on the global scene, the past year has proven to be a little difficult for the United States and the United Kingdom.  Public opinion in the U.K. is starting to turn against the war in Afghanistan, and the British national health care system has been a source of ridicule and disdain as part of the American debate over health care reform.  Is the British-American relationship still a special one?  Patt gets the 411 straight from the British Ambassador.

 

Guests:

Sir Nigel Sheinwald, British Ambassador to the United States

ON TAPE

• Sheinwald took up his appointment in October of 2007; for the previous four years he served as Foreign Policy & Defense Adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair & the head of the Cabinet Office Defense & Overseas Secretariat.

 

 

1:40 – 2:00

OPEN

 

2:00 – 2:30

Ask the General: Advice on Afghanistan, Middle East peace & more

To say that America’s foreign policy has been complicated since 2001 is an understatement, but the U.S. has entered a particularly delicate time in its foreign affairs.  As President Obama weighs sending more troops to Afghanistan; on how to restart stalled peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians; and deliberates on military policy in general, we turn to a proven expert for answers.  Retired Gen. Anthony Zinni, himself now directing a military contractor, plays the role of foreign policy maven for us.

 

Guests:

Anthony Zinni, chairman of the board for BAE Systems; former four-star Marine Corps general & Commander in Chief for U.S. Central Command

 

 

2:30 – 3:00

The Year of the Flood

"What is happening to our world?  What can we do to reverse the damage?  How long have we got? And, most importantly - what kind of 'we'?  In other words, what kind of people might undertake the challenge?  Dedicated ones - they'd have to be.  And unless you believe our planet is worth saving, why bother?"  That's Margaret Atwood on the ideas that inspired her new novel, "The Year of the Flood," in which she sends up most every facet of 21st century life - politics, religion, science and more.

 

PATT:  Margaret Atwood is reading from her novel, accompanied by actors and singers, at Royce Hall on Friday, October 9 at 8pm.

 

Guest:

Margaret Atwood

CALL HER: