Yaroslavsky Announces New Projects, Programs – Supervisor Yaroslavsky has announced that as part of its final approval of the FY 1999-2000 County budget on Sept. 14, the Board approved a package of new projects and capital improvements for Los Angeles County facilities serving the Third District.

Serving the San Fernando Valley are the following projects:

• a brand new $6.8 million Family Health Center
• a Self-Help Legal Access Center in the Van Nuys Courthouse to assist self-represented litigants
• additional hearing rooms for Juvenile and Traffic Court in the San Fernando Courthouse
• restroom improvements for El Cariso Park in Sylmar

Improving access to the Santa Monica Mountains:

• a new trailhead with picnic, parking and restroom facilities for the Mission Canyon Trail and "Big Wild" trail system in the Santa Monica Mountains

Serving the Westside are:

• over $4 million in improvements to the Santa Monica Courthouse, including funds to replace three aging modular courtrooms with a new permanent structure
• projects to improve beach access and public facilities at Dan Blocker Beach
• funds to refurbish the roof and restrooms at the Malibu Library

Cultural and recreational facilities to benefit include:

• $5,000,000 to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for various refurbishment and expansion projects
• $2,000,000 for Hollywood Bowl improvements, including entrance and fountain upgrades and expansions, parking lot renovation, and air-conditioning/ventilation system repairs
• $300,000 to the John Anson Ford Amphitheater for parking improvements
• $1,000,000 to the Virginia Robinson Gardens for general facility refurbishment.

In addition, through Supervisor Yaroslavsky’s efforts, the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission will receive $415,000 to combat hate crimes; the Department of Health Services will receive $150,000 to increase its surveillance and tracking efforts for weapons-related injuries; and $300,000 has been allocated to establish a new child-care center at a County facility in either the San Fernando Valley or Hollywood.

Yaroslavsky Hails State PUC Decision to Roll Back Area Code Overlays – Supervisor Yaroslavsky hailed a September 16 decision by the state Public Utilities Commission to roll back the 310 area-code overlay and rescind 11-digit dialing for Westside residents as "a victory for the little guy." The state PUC action, which followed widespread public outcry and formal protests by the Board of Supervisors and many others, swiftly followed a decision two days earlier by the Federal Communications Commission to permit state agencies to allocate phone numbers in blocks of 1,000 rather than the 10,000 which had previously been required. As PUC member Joel Hyatt explained, "This will extend the life of area codes because numbers will be issued more efficiently." Yaroslavsky has advocated for similar relief from overlays or splits in the 818 and 323 area codes. Click here for Yaroslavsky’s previous area-code motions.

Equine Response Team Program Unveiled - Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky has announced the formation of a new volunteer equine response team to assist the County with the evacuation of horses and other livestock during emergency situations in the Santa Monica Mountains region. The team will serve the unincorporated area as well as the cities of Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, and Thousand Oaks in Ventura County, where all told an estimated 5,000-10,000 horses are boarded. Yaroslavsky helped launch the program with a $25,000 contribution from his own office budget to help supply and equip the volunteer group with uniforms, safety equipment and communications gear. "Animal Care and Control will have primary responsibility for responding to emergency situations in the Santa Monica Mountains area involving domestic animals," Yaroslavsky explained, "but this new volunteer team will play an important role in assisting the Department to evacuate livestock safely in the event of natural or man-made disasters." 

Yaroslavsky Announces Commission Appointments in September (+ designates reappointments)

09/21/99 Karleen A. George+, Commission on Judicial Procedures

09/07/99 Eugene C. Aronson+, Assessment Appeals Board

09/07/99 Elizabeth Escobedo+, Commission on HIV Health Services