November 21, 2005 -- Volume I, Issue IV

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, November 22, 2005
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
L.A. County Distinguished Legislative Service Award Reception for Assemblyman Hector De La Torre
500 W. Temple St., Room 383
Los Angeles, CA 9001

Tuesday, November 22, 2005
9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
L.A. County Board of Supervisors meeting
Public Hearing
500 W. Temple St., Room 381B
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Thursday, November 24, 2005
Thanksgiving Holiday

Friday, November 25, 2005
County buildings closed

Tuesday, November 29, 2005
9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
L.A. County Board of Supervisors meeting
500 W. Temple St., Room 381B
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Thursday, December 1, 2005
7 p.m. to 9 p.m
2005 HOPE Awards
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
555 W. Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Tuesday, December 6, 2005
9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
L.A. County Board of Supervisors meeting
500 W. Temple St., Room 381B
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Tuesday, December 13 2005
9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
L.A. County Board of Supervisors meeting
500 W. Temple St., Room 381B
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Tuesday, December 13, 2005
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Arts C.A.R.E. Celebration
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Grand Hall
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Wednesday, December 14, 2005
11 a.m. to Noon
Rose Glen Homes II Dedication
17058 Wing Lane
Valinda, CA 91744

Thursday, December 15, 2005
9:30 a.m. to Noon
MTA Board of Directors meeting
1 Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Monday, December 19, 2005
2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Alameda Corridor East (ACE)
Board of Directors meeting
City of Irwindale Council Chambers
505 Irwindale Ave.
Irwindale, CA 91706

Tuesday, December 20, 2005
9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
L.A. County Board of Supervisors meeting
500 W. Temple St., Rm. 381B
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Sunday, December 25, 2005
Christmas Holiday

Sunday, December 25, 2005
Hanukkah begins

Monday, December 26, 2005
County buildings closed

WELCOME!

Fall is in full swing. The holidays are around the corner and, of course, Thanksgiving Day is just about here. Family is such an important part of all our lives. May you enjoy the feast and family spirit of this cherished American holiday.

'HALT TEAM' SHUTS DOWN MORE ILLEGAL CLINICS

Since 1998, our Sheriff and Health Departments have joined forces with the LAPD to crack down on illegal clinics. We call this unit the Health Authority Law Enforcement Task Force, or "HALT Team." It's a strategy I helped conceive to stop unscrupulous individuals from selling outdated drugs and providing a space for unlicensed doctors to practice.

At our Nov. 8 L.A. County Board of Supervisor's meeting, we directed the HALT Team to add Medicare fraud to its list of illicit activity to look out for. Also, a part-time federal agent just joined the HALT Team specifically to assist in Medicare fraud inquiries. So far the HALT Team has conducted over 1,000 investigations and made 743 arrests. They've closed over 70 businesses and confiscated over $15 million in illegal pharmaceuticals. The HALT Team has identified over $25 million in Medi-Cal fraud and found approximately $3 million in fraudulent Medicare billing. On average, the HALT Team saves the State of California $27 million annually. I'm pleased to report that the HALT Team recently closed two more illegal clinics in L.A. County's First District.

Two individuals were arrested; one suspect allegedly performed minor surgical procedures and the other possessed $150,000 in illegal pharmaceuticals. I'm proud of the HALT Team's diligence and effectiveness. It's important that we stop unlawful people from jeopardizing people's safety under the guise of protecting their health. If you suspect someone you know is operating an illegal clinic, call the HALT Team's 24-hour hotline at (213) 989-7039.

'EL ENCANTO' IN AZUSA SAVED AS PARKLAND

At the latest Rivers & Mountains Conservancy (RMC) meeting, I proudly joined with RMC Director Belinda Faustinos and Brady Moss from the Trust for Public Land to keep the idyllic "El Encanto" property in the public domain. Located at the entrance of

the Azusa Canyon, the lush, 39-acer land faces the San Gabriel River near the Azusa bike trail extension. The City of Azusa originally planned to purchase El Encanto. Their goal was to add the land to the Azusa River Wilderness Park -- 89 acres of adjacent open space acquired a parcel at a time through the city's partnerships with the State of California, RMC, and Trust for Public Land. When the city ran into difficulties, however, it fell on us at the RMC to save El Encanto. The exact price and terms are still under negotiation but El Canto is on its way to becoming a San Gabriel Valley treasure.

STOREFRONT BEAUTIFICATIONS TRANSFORM UNION PACIFIC

Residents of the unincorporated Union Pacific region are enjoying less urban blight. Local entrepreneurs worked together with L.A. County government to beautify 27 storefronts on key boulevards, such as Union Pacific Avenue.

Each proprietor received a $20,000 grant from the Community Development Commission provided they finance an additional $10,000. The result? Revitalized businesses and a dramatic improvement to the aesthetics of this highly industrial neighborhood. If you are interested in participating in the CDC's economic redevelopment initiatives, call their office at (323) 890-7204.

L.A. COUNTY PREPARES FOR BIRD FLU

There's a lot of controversy over just how worried Americans should be about bird flu. Most cases involving people occurred in Asia and each person had direct contact with infected poultry. Still, the L.A. County Public Health Department is preparing a plan for us. They're working with local hospitals, schools, and medical specialists as well as state and federal representatives to arrange for any possibilities. Meanwhile, all that local residents need to do now is get their annual flu shot, use proper hygiene wash their hands regularly, and cover their mouths while coughing or sneezing. For more information on bird flu, access the Internet at any public library and log on to www.lapublichealth.org/acd/flu.htm or www.cdc.gov/flu.

-- Photo of Sup. Molina: Ralph Terrazas, L.A. County Photo Departmen
-- Cornucopia image courtesy of foodandhealth.com
-- HALT Team photos courtesy of HALT Team Health Officer Erick Aguilar
-- Bird flu image from stock photo supply
-- Union Pacific storefront photos courtesy of Susana Oliveros of the Community Development Commission
-- El Encanto photo courtesy of Frank Simpson of the Rivers & Mountains Conservancy