PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
PROPOSED COUNTY BUDGET UNVEILED - The County's 2008-09 proposed budget calls for a slight decrease in spending and positions, but no layoffs or major program cuts. Despite the weakened economy, the $21.9 billion budget funds a number of critical programs and continued development of high-priority capital projects, including $1.5 billion for new jails, fire stations, health facilities, animal shelters, libraries and infrastructure.
PARENTS URGED TO GET CHILDREN IMMUNIZED - The recent case of measles reported in Los Angeles County highlights the importance of timely immunizations. The County Public Health Department urges parents to check with their health care provider to ensure that their children are up-to-date on immunizations. click here
PROGRAM OFFERS DISCOUNTS FOR "GREEN" CARS - The County of Los Angeles is encouraging the use of more fuel-efficient cars by approving a program with a local dealer that provides discounts on alternative fuel vehicles purchased by county employees, their families, retirees, contractors and sub-contractors. The County, the largest employer in the five-county region, has more than 100,000 employees and more than 50,000 retirees. Discounts range from $100 to $1,000.
WEBSITE FEATURES 10 MOST WANTED CHILD SUPPORT EVADERS -
The County has launched a new program, modeled after the FBI's successful most wanted list, to track down and capture the County's 10 worst child support offenders. Photos of the individuals are posted on the Child Support Services Department website at: http://childsupport.co.la.ca.us/dlparents.htm
FREE GOLF LESSONS FOR YOUTH - Free golf lessons for youth ages 4-18 are available at 12 County golf courses. Professional instructors provide one week of lessons daily from 3:45 to 5 p.m. For locations and dates, click here
VOLUNTARY PROGRAM BEGINS TO REDUCE TRANS FATS IN RESTAURANTS - County officials have launched a program that will recognize restaurants that are committed to providing healthier dining options by eliminating the use of artificial trans fats. Participants in the program agree not to store, distribute, serve or use in the preparation of any menu item partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, shortening, or margarines with 0.5 grams or more trans fat per serving. The County will issue a window decal to participating restaurants.
RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO REPORT GRAFFITI - The County is committed to removing graffiti within 48-72 hours. Residents may report graffiti by calling the hotline at (800) 675-4357 or going online at dpw.lacounty.gov and clicking on "stop graffiti." Almost 40,000 reports have been received. Those reporting incidents online may upload photos and check the progress of their request. For more information, click here.
PANDEMIC FLU PREPAREDNESS EFFORT IN SCHOOLS - The County Public Health Department will work with the Los Angeles Unified School District in teaching students and staff how to avoid the seasonal flu and to prepare for pandemic flu. The effort includes an instructional DVD on preventative measures that will be shown to students.
COUNTY BUDGET: SOLID - A healthy local economy will allow the County to continue to improve services and build new facilities in 2007-08, particularly for public protection and health care, Chief Administrative Officer David E.Janssen said in releasing the proposed $21.241 billion budget. For information on the budget, including a press release and charts, click here: http://lacounty.gov/prop budget 07-08.htm.
NEW EAST LOS ANGELES "CITY HALL" - County officials have dedicated East Los Angeles' own "city hall," established to provide a central location for making county services accessible to the local community. The facility on East Third Street houses a field office for Supervisor Gloria Molina, and staff from Public Works Building and Safety, Consumer Affairs, Parks and Recreation, Regional Planning, Fire, and Public Health's Environmental Health.
TETHERING OF DOGS LIMITED - The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is alerting dog owners that a new state law prohibits the tethering of a dog to a stationary object for more than three hours. The department is urging compliance, saying continuous confinement by a tether is inhumane. Persons needing help with confinement solutions other than tethering are asked to call their local animal shelter.
LA COUNTY: AMERICA'S BIRDIEST COUNTY - Los Angeles County has been named "America's Birdiest County" after several dozen birders combed the County's various habitats for three days in April and located 265 bird species. This exceeded runner-up San Diego County's total by four species.
WEBSITE PROVIDES EASY ACCESS TO ASSISTANCE INFORMATION - The County has launched a new website to help residents in need get assistance with health care, food, child care and other government services. By logging onto http://www.LACountyHelps.org and answering a set of simple questions about household income and expenses, residents can be screened anonymously for potential eligibility. Click here for information.
COUNTY SPAY/NEUTER ORDINANCE WILL IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY AND REDUCE DOG EUTHANASIA - In an effort to reduce the number of dogs that must be euthanized, the County of Los Angeles has enacted mandatory requirements to spay or neuter adult dogs and implant them with an identifying microchip. The ordinance, effective June 3, applies only to those adult dogs kept in unincorporated areas, but cities are being urged to enact similar requirements. For more information, click here.
NEW WEBSITE FOR REPORTING FRAUD - Fraud reporting is now just a click away. The new LA County Fraud Hotline website at http://www.LACountyFraud.org provides information on fraud and allows easy reporting of potential fraud by County employees, contractors and vendors.
BOARD APPROVES MAJOR FUNDING FOR HOMELESS - Approximately $100 million of new funding will go toward homeless programs in the next year, due to a recent vote of the Board of Supervisors. The effort will connect homeless persons to appropriate supportive services, as well as provide funding to leverage with other resources to provide emergency, transitional and permanent housing throughout the County. To view the description of the program adopted by the Board, click here.
RECOMMENDATIONS PROPOSED FOR DEPUTY TRAINING - The 21st Semi-Annual Report on the Sheriff's Department has been issued by Merrick J. Bobb, special counsel to the Board of Supervisors. Bobb was hired to monitor the Sheriff Department's ongoing efforts to implement reforms and make recommendations for further improvement. The report, which is focused on training of deputies, can be found at http://lacounty.info/mbobb21.pdf
ONLINE SERVICE OFFERED TO JURORS - Jurors who wish to postpone their service or receive reporting information may now do so online. Go to http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/jury and click "postponement" or "reporting instructions." The website also includes other topics of interest to jurors, including what to do if a jury summons is received, dress code, jury laws and rules, security, and one-trial terms. Los Angeles Superior Court requires about 10,000 jurors daily for trials.
NEW ONLINE SERVICE FOR BUSINESSES - The County Department of Public Works has launched a new website that offers local businesses easy access to various online DPW services, including vendor registration, bid opportunities, invoice payment status, permits, and recycling information. The site is at http://ladpw.org/prg/business/
NEW WAY TO PAY PROPERTY TAXES - Property tax bills may now be paid by electronic check using the Treasurer-Tax Collector's website at http://ttax.co.la.ca.us There is no charge for the service and security measures protect the taxpayer. For information, click here.
ONE-STOP SITE FOR TAX QUESTIONS - A new County website -- lacountypropertytax.com -- developed by the Assessor, Auditor-Controller, Treasurer and Tax Collector, and Assessment Appeals Board provides answers to the most common questions about property tax assessment, taxation and appeals. It also features links to assessed property values, recent neighborhood property sales, parcel maps and forms.
NEW 2-1-1 CALLING SYSTEM IMPLEMENTED - A new 2-1-1 calling system implemented in Los Angeles County on July 1 will help residents find the health and social services assistance they need. Residents may call the number and get referrals to the proper agency. The service is intended to make the social service delivery more efficient by connecting people to the services they need the first time they call.
DIVORCE RECORDS MAY BE ORDERED ONLINE - The public may now request certified copies of their divorce records online. No more trips downtown to the County Record Center! Requests and payments may be made on the Superior Court's website at http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/ldos Copies will be delivered through the mail.
LONG-TERM CARE ISSUES FOR SENIORS AND DISABLED - Easy access to information and resources concerning long-term care issues for seniors and the disabled is available on a new website developed by the County Department of Community and Senior Services. Among topics included are health care, housing, transportation, assisted living devices, hotlines for immediate assistance, and legislative issues. Go to: http://ltcconnection.lacounty.info/
PROTECT CHILDREN FROM INTERNET PREDATORS - Do you know how to protect your children from Internet predators and other crime? Are your kids engaging in Internet activities that could get them in trouble? Find out how to safeguard your child by checking out the "Protecting Our Kids" online safety guide.
FILE SMALL CLAIMS ONLINE - The public can now file a small claim case with the Superior Court online. After the filer answers a set of questions, the website prepares the necessary documents, submits them to the Court, and accepts filing fees using a credit card.
ONLINE TRAFFIC SCHOOL AVAILABLE - Persons receiving traffic tickets may now apply to enroll in a home-study traffic school. Superior Court provides a list of the approved schools on its website, www.lasuperiorcourt.org.
MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION AVAILABLE - A new County website provides information about mental health issues and assistance available in local communities. Click here to access the Department of Mental Health's new Community Connection.
HOUSING RATINGS POSTED ON WEBSITE - The Department of Health Services is posting its housing safety-rating information online, including the severity of violations and final scores of inspections. The department inspects all apartments and condominiums with five or more units for health code violations.
CRIMINAL DEFENDANT INDEX ADDED TO WEBSITE - The public now has online access to the index of defendants in criminal cases in Los Angeles County. A name search -- for which there is a fee -- provides case numbers, current charges, and disposition information.
SIGNS WILL ALERT OF OVERCHARGING BY BUSINESSES - The first sign alerting shoppers that a store has been convicted of overcharging has been posted at a Pico Rivera retail store. Inspectors have found substantial overcharging problems, so residents can expect to start seeing the signs.
TRANSCRIPTS AND CORRESPONDING VIDEO OF BOARD MEETINGS ONLINE - A new website has been created to allow you to review actions taken by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. A transcript, corresponding video, and audio (in Spanish and English) will be available within 24-48 hours of Board meetings. The archives include all Board meetings for 2003. Your feedback is welcome.
UNWANTED BABIES MAY BE SURRENDERED TO COUNTY - No shame. No blame. No names. Unwanted infants may be surrendered within three days of birth at any hospital emergency room or designated fire station in Los Angeles County. No names are required, and there will be no arrest or prosecution for abandonment if the baby has not been abused or neglected.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SEX OFFENDER INFORMATION - Obtain information about convicted sex offenders who reside in, work in, or frequent Los Angeles County by community, zip code, or address.
BEE REMOVAL - Service no longer free in some areas.