| August 20007
In This Issue:
Health
West Nile Virus
Diabetes Epidemic
Sun Valley Clinic Update
Public Safety
Helitanker Arrives
Just Be Ready
Topanga Street Signs
At the County
Homeless Plan Approved
Transportation
Traffic Forum
Orange Line New Record
Westside Improvements
Will Rogers Beach
Venice Beach
In the Community
Neighborhood Council
Autry Ridge Dedicated
Olympian Joan Benoit
West Nile Virus Information: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health www.LAPublicHealth.org
1-800-973-4448
Report Dead Birds to:
Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health
1-877-747-2243
California Department of Health Services
1-877-WNV-BIRD
Southern California's Blood Supply Plunges to Dangerously Low Levels, Warns the Red Cross
The American Red Cross reported in July that it has only a four-hour supply of Type O-negative blood, just 17 units for over 150 hospitals, and a ½-day supply of O-positive blood in its own Southern California inventory. Type O-negative, known as the "universal" blood type, is often used in emergencies because it can be transfused into anyone, regardless of the patient's own blood type. Type O-positive is the most frequently transfused blood type in Southern California because it is the most common type in the population and among local hospital patients.
The inventories of Types A-negative and B-negative blood were also critically low, with less than a one day supply of each type available. A five-day supply of each major blood type is generally considered adequate.
"Everyone takes the availability of blood for granted, and that need is often never realized until you or a loved one is involved in a life-threatening emergency," said Jennifer Bayer, director of public affairs for the Hospital Association of Southern California. "Without an ample supply of blood, hospitals in Southern California will be forced to defer all non-emergency surgeries."
Although approximately 60 percent of our population is eligible to donate blood, less than three percent of Southern Californians actually donate.
The American Red Cross imports about 40 percent of the local blood supply from Northern California and other parts of the nation; however, in recent months, national resources have not been able to provide Southern California with blood products at a level that meets Southern California's needs. This reduction in imports, blood shortages in Northern California, and the typical drop in summer donations have reduced the amount of blood available for Southern California hospitals.
"Whether as a result of automobile accidents, falls, fires, or even earthquakes; victims of trauma rely on the ready supply of blood for their survival. Because we cannot manufacture blood, all Californians share a responsibility to donate blood regularly, so that this life-saving product may be available to all in the event of a disaster, large or small," explains Cesar A. Aristeiguieta, M.D., F.A.C.E.P., director of the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.
All healthy persons of ages 17 or older and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible and are urged to donate today.
Businesses, churches, and other groups of 100 people or more are asked to schedule blood drives.
Call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE (1.800.448.3543) or visit www.givelife.org
To organize a blood drive, call 1.800.491-2113
For Spanish, please call: 1.866.POR.VIDA (1.866.767.8432) or visit www.cruzrojaamericana.org
American Red Cross
Southern California Region
100 Red Cross Circle Pomona, CA 91768
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Reminds Residents to Avoid Handling Bats
Recently, several students from Calabasas High School and Agoura High School were found to be caring for sick bats. One of these bats was later shown to have died from rabies.
“Nearly every year, Public Health responds to at least one incident on a school campus where a student or teacher has handled a bat,“ said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer for Los Angeles County. “While not all bats carry rabies, the risk is too great for people to be handling these animals.”
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals and can be fatal. In 2007, to date, 12 rabid bats have been documented locally by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
People get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound. Since bats have small teeth that may leave marks that are not easily seen, the virus may be transmitted even in the absence of an obvious bite wound.
Treatment is very effective in preventing the disease in those exposed. If you or anyone you know has been in contact with a bat please contact your physician immediately or you can contact the Department of Public Health at 213-240-7941 Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 5:00 pm or 213-974-1234 after hours. You can also visit LAC Public Health online here.
COMMUNITY MEETING
The Los Angeles County Community Development Commission (CDC) invites you to talk about your community development needs.
The CDC administers federal funds for limited activities such as community services, public facilities, and housing rehabilitation.
Residents of the 3rd district are encouraged to attend and learn more about the CDC and to share your ideas on how these funds can be used to benefit low and moderate income individuals and families in your community.
Thursday
September 20, 2007
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers of the City of San Fernando
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando, CA 91340
You can also visit the CDC online here.
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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Sepulveda Pass Project
The California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) has completed a Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the proposed construction of a new northbound carpool lane along the I-405 Sepulveda Pass between National Boulevard, south of the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) and Greenleaf Street, south of the Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101). You are invited to attend a Public Haring to learn more about the project and to provide input on the DRAFT EIR/EIS project clarifications.
Wednesday, August 22nd 5:00 p.m.
Skirball Cultural Center - Ahmanson Hall
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049 (project map display and discussion, followed by the public hearing at 6:30 p.m.)
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
CALTRANS has also announced that the public comment period for the Route 405 Sepulveda Pass Draft EIR/EIS has been extended until September 10, 2007. All written comments received to date will be addressed in the Final EIR/EIS. You are invited to send your written comments to:
State of California Department of Transportation(Caltrans) District 7
Division of Environmental Planning
100 Main Street, MS-16A
Los Angeles, CA 90012
LAX FlyAway
Leave the traffic woes behind and help the environment while riding the LAX Flyaway to-and-from LAX from three locations now:
Union Station-LAX
Van Nuys-LAX
Westwood (UCLA)-LAX
1-866-435-9529
Or visit www.lawa.org
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LACMA
Iconic L.A.
Gloria Koenig
August 18th | 2 p.m.
An informal conversation and book signing with Gloria Koenig, the author of Iconic L.A.: Stories of L.A.'s Most Memorable Buildings and Charles & Ray Eames: Pioneers of Mid-Century Modernism whose unique insight of the city's architecture will provide a dynamic and interesting discussion.
The Arts in Latin America, 1442-1820
Through October 28th
Arts of the Americas Building
The Arts in Latin America, 1492-1820 is an ambitious, multimedia, pan-national presentation of approximately 250 works of art created in the Spanish viceroyalties of New Spain (which today comprises Mexico and Central America) and Peru (now the countries of Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru) and in the Portuguese colony of Brazil during the three hundred years between the discovery of the "New World" by the "Old" and the creation of new, independent nation-states.
The Arts in Latin America, 1492-1820 will be the first exhibition to disregard the national boundaries created in the early nineteenth century, instead exploring both the artistic differences and commonalities throughout colonial Latin America in a new, synthetic context. Spectacular examples of painting, sculpture, feather-work, shell-inlaid furniture, objects in gold and silver, ceramics, and textiles will be borrowed from public and private collections throughout the Americas and in Europe.
Artwork above:
Saint Michael Archangel
Melchor Pérez Holguin (Bolivia, c. 1665–1732)
Latin American Cinema: Weekend Celebration
August 24th -26th
Some of the jewels of Latin American cinema will be celebrated at LACMA on the occasion of the exhibition The Arts in Latin America, 1492–1820.
A highlight of the weekend will be guest appearances by three distinguished filmmakers who will discuss their films onstage and engage in a Q&A with the audience: actor Gerardo Taracena (The Violin / El violín), director Fina Torres (Oriana), and the prolific director Arturo Ripstein (The Place Without Limits / El lugar sin limites).
See LACMA for more details.
Concerts in the Park
El Cariso Park
13100 Hubbard Street
Sylmar, CA 91342
5:30 - 7:30
August 19th-
Flight 19
August 26th -
Luis Centeno
"Victory Race"
September 15th
Rose Bowl in Pasadena
The Los Angeles County Commission for Women and the County Board of Supervisors will host the LA County Run for Health - 9th Annual 5k Run/Walk & Wellness Expo. All proceeds for this event will go towards college scholarships to qualifying at-risk girls.
You can read more about the race and the LAC Commission for Women at www.laccw.info.
Thank you for reading our newsletter. If you would like to send a comment or a message to Supervisor Yaroslavsky, please send your message to zev@bos.lacounty.gov.
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Health
County Public Works Removes West Nile Virus
Threat From Pacoima Wash
According to the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District (GLAVCD), we are now entering the height of the season for West Nile Virus (WNV), which is spread by infected mosquitoes that breed in pools of standing water. Earlier this week the GLAVCD reported that WNV had been found in mosquito samples collected from a one-mile stretch of Pacoima Wash near Parthenia Street in Panorama City.
The Pacoima Wash in this area has a soft bottom and is covered with vegetation that may support nesting birds and other wildlife, but can also lead to the creation of stagnant pools. Upon receiving notice from the GLAVCD, the County Public Works Department, which operates Pacoima Wash, requested and received State Fish & Game permission to remove the vegetation, and began to do so on Wednesday, August 15. This work should be completed by Saturday, August 18.
Vegetation and rubble to be removed at the Pacoima Wash
by Public Works crews on Wednesday August 15, 2007
“We cannot prevent WNV from entering LA County; however, reducing the mosquito population reduces the chance of WNV transmission and infection,” said Supervisor Yaroslavsky. Residents are reminded that mosquitoes can breed in extremely small amounts of standing water, can complete the cycle from egg to adult in just 5 days, and that a swimming pool that is not well maintained can breed thousands of mosquitoes each week.
"The Los Angeles County Vector Control District routinely surveys for mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile. Our technicians survey the District regularly for sites where mosquitoes may breed and eliminate or control these as necessary. Please contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Sylmar Branch below to report any standing water that you might detect in your area:
GLACVC - Sylmar Branch
16320 Foothill Boulevard
Sylmar, CA 91342
(818) 364- 9589
Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:00pm
Or visit the Vector Control Districts Online at:
Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District
www.glacvcd.org or call 1-562-944-9656
Los Angeles County West Vector Control District
www.lawestvector.org or call 1-310-915-7370
Diabetes Epidemic Growing in Los Angeles County
Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, joined by the County’s Public Health Director, Dr. Jonathan Fielding, announces the results of the most recent Los Angeles County Public Health Survey, which found a disturbing increase in the rate of diabetes among the County’s adult population. Noting that diabetes can usually be prevented or managed through proper diet and plenty of exercise, Yaroslavsky said “The consequences of neglecting this disease are extremely serious, including blindness, amputation, kidney failure, heart attack, and stroke." For more information, read the Public Health department’s press release and the full copy of the diabetes report. (8/6/07)
Sun Valley Middle School Health Clinic
Construction Update
Pictured here, from left to right: John DiCecco, LAUSD; Margaret Lee, DHS; Dr. Glen Lopez, UCLA Department of Family Medicine; Sharon Swonger, LAUSD; Dr. Ursula Baffigo, NEVHC; Rene Gonzalez, LAUSD; Kimberly Wyard, NEVHC; Supervisor Yaroslavsky; Dr. Elaine Batchlor, L.A. Care Health Plan; Michelle Sangalang, UCLA medical student; Veronica Camacho, community advocate working with UCLA. (7/13/07)
Supervisor Yaroslavsky (fourth from right) pays a visit to the construction site of the Sun Valley Middle School Health Clinic. The first full service school-based health clinic in Los Angeles County, the clinic is a partnership between the County, Los Angeles Unified School District, UCLA and the community-based non-profit Northeast Valley Healthcare Corporation.
Public Safety
Firefighting Helitanker Arrives in Los Angeles
Board of Supervisors Chairman Zev Yaroslavsky, third from left, is joined by County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman (center), Chief of Air Operations Anthony Marrone (second from right) and five helicopter pilots to welcome the arrival of Erickson Air-Crane’s S-64E Helitanker aircraft to Van Nuys Airport. On July 10, 2007, the Board of Supervisors approved a 120-day lease agreement with Oregon-based Erickson for exclusive use of the Helitanker.
Since the 1993 Old Topanga-Malibu wildfire, the County Fire Department has augmented its standing fleet of dual-purpose helicopters with specialized initial attack aircraft dedicated solely to wildland firefighting operations during the high-fire danger months. The Helitanker’s 2600-gallon capacity is nearly double that of the County’s Firehawks, and its self-filling snorkel pump can draw from freshwater bodies as shallow as 18 inches deep. (8/8/07)
“Just Be Ready: Prepare Together”
For Emergency, Disaster
Supervisor Yaroslavsky, joined here by Dr. Jonathan Fielding, Director of Public Health, announces the opening of the “Just Be Ready: Prepare Together” Emergency Preparedness campaign jointly sponsored by the County’s Departments of Health Services and Public Health. One of the nation’s most diverse campaigns to encourage emergency preparedness, instructional materials are available in 12 languages to serve 13 cultural groups, including English-speaking, Latino, Asian, Middle Eastern and residents of countries formerly part of the Soviet Union. Visit Just Be Ready for easy-to-use educational materials and ready-to-use planning tools to help you and your family get prepared. (7/13/07)
Topanga Upgrades Street Name Signs
for Greater Visibility, Safety and Community Identity
It takes quick reflexes and a practiced eye to identify small local streets in many parts of the Santa Monica Mountains, but for Topanga residents it recently got a little easier and a lot safer. In June 2007, County departments working in conjunction with Supervisor Yaroslavsky’s office launched a new project to upgrade street name signs in the unincorporated County segment of Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Woodland Crest Drive and Rodeo Grounds.
Since Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27) is a state-owned highway, the project was done in concurrence with Caltrans. The project is part of a County program mandated by the Federal Government to increase visibility of street name signs along unincorporated area roadways with speed limits of 30 miles per hour or greater. Besides improving general mobility, Yaroslavsky noted that the larger lettering and greater reflectivity in the new signs will also enhance the Topanga Disaster Preparedness Plan by helping emergency responders navigate more easily and safely in the canyon.
In all, 71 signs will be installed along Topanga Canyon Boulevard at 31 intersections as part of this project, which is anticipated for completion in September 2007. The signs will include the community name and the County of Los Angeles seal thus providing a unifying sense of community in this unincorporated area.
At the County
Homeless Plan Approved
On July 24, 2007, the Board of Supervisors took final action to approve a comprehensive homeless services plan co-authored by Supervisors Zev Yaroslavsky and Yvonne Burke to promote supportive housing projects that couple permanent residential placement with health care, substance abuse treatment, counseling, job training and other essential services.
“There will probably be housing to serve several thousand people,” Yaroslavsky commented. “My mantra is we may have 80,000 to 90,000 homeless people – including 30,000 to 40,000 who are chronically homeless – but it’s daunting to look at it that way. Let’s commit to helping one homeless person at a time. This step we’re taking is very significant. The County and our cities need to be on the same page, and through this initiative, we can get there.”
Transportation
Yaroslavsky Calls for
“Courage to Try Simple Solutions” For Traffic Woes
Speaking at a forum sponsored by the Santa Monica-based RAND Corp. titled “Gridlock in Los Angeles: Getting Past the Standstill,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Zev Yaroslavsky called on political leaders to find the “courage to try simple solutions” to the vexing problem of traffic congestion throughout metropolitan Los Angeles. Pictured here with Yaroslavsky is former Assemblymember Richard Katz, who serves with Yaroslavsky as a member of the Metro (formerly MTA) Board of Directors. Read more about the event at the local on-line news sites SurfSantaMonica.com and Santa Monica Mirror. (7/26/07)
Orange Line Sets New Record in June
The Metro Orange Line Busway, “the Valley’s shortcut,” set another new ridership record in June. Average weekdays now see 25,475 boardings, a nearly 7% increase over May; Saturday boardings are up more than 6.5% at 14,523; and Sunday boardings are up 8% at 11,320.
Said Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who championed the project from its inception, “I couldn’t be more thrilled with these results. Every month brings fresh evidence that the people of Los Angeles are desperately seeking viable public transit alternatives, and they’ve clearly found one in our Orange Line.” Yaroslavsky noted that average weekday Orange Line ridership is up more than 55% from its opening days in November 2005, a virtually unmatched success story for public transit.
Westside Improvements
Dedicating Will Rogers Beach Improvements,
Marvin Braude Bike Route
Joining Yaroslavsky, from the left, are Reed Glidden, Braude son-in-law; Claire Rogger, former Braude staff member; Liza Braude-Glidden, Braude daughter; Cindy Miscikowski, former councilmember and Braude chief of staff; Ann Braude Adler and Emma Adler, Braude daughter and granddaughter; Jennifer Rogers, great-granddaughter of legendary humorist and entertainer Will Rogers; Laurie Newman, deputy to State Sen. Sheila Kuehl; and Bill Rosendahl, City Councilmember currently representing the area. (7/23/07)
Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky (center) pays a visit to Will Rogers State Beach to celebrate completion of beach facility improvements. He also officially dedicated the coastal bike path in memory of Los Angeles City Councilmember Marvin Braude, longtime representative of the area and an avid bicyclist who championed establishment of the bike path.
Yaroslavsky Unveils Venice Beach Improvements
From the left, joining Yaroslavsky to celebrate are Chief Deputy Michael Dyer of the Los Angeles County Fire Department; Dede Audet, President of the Venice Neighborhood Council; and Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl.
Pictured here, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky prepares to cut the ribbon to officially dedicate recently completed improvements at Venice Beach, celebrating another milestone in County efforts to upgrade beach facilities. The amenities include reconstruction, relocation and ADA compliant renovations of restrooms, new parking kiosks, refurbished parking lots, a new picnic area at Washington Boulevard, and three permanent bike and skate rental concession buildings at Rose Avenue, Venice Boulevard and Washington Boulevard. (8/2/07)
In the Community
At Neighborhood Councils Meeting,
Yaroslavsky Decries Rampant Development
Board of Supervisors Chairman Zev Yaroslavsky, special guest speaker at a meeting of the Los Angeles Citywide Alliance of Neighborhood Councils held at Los Angeles City College, offered some pointed remarks about recent development decisions made in the Los Angeles area. Commentary and highlights from his talk may be found at CitywatchLA, a local political blog, which also includes a link to video excerpts of his presentation. (7/21/07)
Yaroslavsky Dedicates Autry Ridge
After Legendary “Singing Cowboy”
Pictured here, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky is joined by Jackie Autry, widow of legendary “singing cowboy” Gene Autry, to dedicate Autry Ridge, a viewpoint over Fryman Canyon, where the Autrys lived for many decades. Following approval of Yaroslavsky’s September 5, 2006 Board motion endorsing the idea, the federal Department of the Interior earlier this year officially designated a scenic ridge in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the canyon in honor of Autry, who achieved fame as an actor, recording star, businessman, broadcaster and baseball team owner. (8/8/07)
Olympian Joan Benoit Samuelson Wins Women’s 10k
in 14th Annual “Keep L.A. Running” Charity Race
Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky congratulates his fellow runner, 1984 Olympic marathon champion Joan Benoit Samuelson, on winning the women’s 10k race at the at the 14th annual Keep LA Running Charity 5K Run / Walk, 10K Run and Bike Ride. As Joan Benoit, she triumphed almost exactly 23 years earlier at the Summer Olympic Games held in Los Angeles to capture a gold medal in the Games’ first women’s marathon. She also served as the official spokesperson for this year’s Keep LA Running event, which raised more than $175,000 for various medical charities and the L.A. County/SEIU Local 721 Special Districts Employees Disaster Relief Fund. (7/15/07)
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