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Hahn Names Huntington Park Vice Mayor Karina Macias Woman of the Year 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Names Huntington Park Vice Mayor Karina Macias Woman of the Year

Macias serves as a full-time in-home caregiver and advocates for supportive services workers

Los Angeles, CA — Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn honored Karina Macias during the 39th Annual “Women of the Year” event hosted by the LA County Commission for Women, naming her Woman of the Year for the Fourth District. Macias serves as Vice Mayor of Huntington Park and is a full-time in-home caregiver and leader with SEIU 2015, the union representing in-home supportive service (IHSS) workers.

Karina Macias was first elected to the Huntington Park City Council in 2013. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Psychology from Mount St. Mary’s University, Master’s Degree in International Studies from Chapman University, and her Management Essentials Certificate from Harvard Business School. Her work on the city council has included developing the local economy, investing in the city’s young people, and building up programs to support seniors and new homebuyers. When her parents needed full-time care, Macias took the necessary training and today serves as their full-time in-home caregiver.

“In every role she has taken on—public servant, labor leader, caring daughter—Karina gives so much to the people she cares about. She is fearless, committed, and brings a lot of heart to her work. Huntington Park is a better place because of her leadership,” said Hahn.

Macias’s parents were present for the ceremony as were two of Macias’s colleagues, Huntington Park Councilmembers Eddie Martinez and Arturo Flores.

“I want to thank Supervisor Janice Hahn for this recognition. I’m truly humbled for this honor,” said Macias upon accepting the recognition. “For women to continue to thrive and continue to break barriers, they need each other’s unique thread to come together and provide equitable opportunities and change for the future.” Macias dedicated her award to her parents and to her fellow in-home caregivers.

In-home healthcare workers across the nation are primarily women of color and are severely underpaid. After becoming a full-time caregiver, Macias took on leadership roles within SEIU 2015. She has attended meetings of the Board of Supervisors along with other IHSS workers, and is on the SEIU 2015 bargaining team. In Huntington Park, Macias worked to create a IHSS home care worker stipend program.

Fourth District Communities Will Receive 20% of California’s Total from USDOT Grant Program 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Fourth District Communities Will Receive 20% of California’s Total from USDOT Grant Program

Transit, pedestrian, and open space improvements coming to Southeast LA, Long Beach, and Norwalk, among other communities

Los Angeles CA – This week, the United States Department of Transportation announced $237 million in grants for transportation and open space projects in California through its Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Program. At least $47,200,000–about 20% of California’s total award–will go to transportation improvement projects in Los Angeles County’s Fourth District, including:

  • $5,000,000 for a pedestrian bridge in Wilmington
  • $1,200,000 for the Hamilton Loop project in Long Beach
  • Approx. $41,000,000 for:
    • Major improvements to Florence Ave bus service through Southeast Los Angeles
    • Mobility hubs in Norwalk (C Line Norwalk Station) and Long Beach (A Line Willow Street Station)
    • Safety improvements at C Line Norwalk Station

LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn released the following statement:

“For too long, communities in my district have felt like an afterthought when big infrastructure projects were built. These $47 million in federal grants represent a long overdue investment in the future of our communities. They are going to reconnect Wilmington to its waterfront, provide critical more open space in North Long Beach, improve bus service along one of our most-used bus corridors in Southeast LA, and provide mobility hubs in Norwalk and Long Beach ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

I’m thankful to Senators Padilla and Butler and to President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg for bringing these historic investments to our communities.”

Senator Alex Padilla released the full list of California projects receiving funding from the program. The goals of the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program include improving “access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, and recreation” and “fostering equitable development and restoration.”

Hahn Calls on State to Close Noncompliant Waste Management Facility Posing Threat to Residents 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Calls on State to Close Noncompliant Waste Management Facility Posing Threat to Residents

Hahn sends letter to Department of Toxic Substances Control

Los Angeles, CA – This morning, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn sent a letter to Meredith Williams, Director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) expressing concerns about the Phibro-Tech waste management facility in Santa Fe Springs and calling on the state agency to shutter the facility until it complies with state toxic substance regulations. Later this month, DTSC will render a final decision on whether to grant the company a permit to continue operating.

“This facility is toxic and its owners know it, as does DTSC and the neighbors. Less than 400 yards from thousands of homes, this known violator of state health and safety laws has been allowed to continue operating. It has to stop immediately,” said Hahn.

The Phibro-Tech facility, located at 8851 Dice Road in Santa Fe Springs, generates, handles, treats, and stores hazardous waste including wastewater from local industries with high concentrations of copper, lead, chromium, nickel, sulfates and chlorides. Residents of the neighboring unincorporated community of Los Nietos, sandwiched between this facility and the 605 freeway, have expressed concerns and frustration with the facility’s past violations, including 23 issued by DTSC itself.
Hahn’s letter to Williams reads in part: “Not only do I urge the DTSC not to approve a new permit for this facility, I believe that this facility needs to be shut down entirely until it can come into compliance with the law.”

Read the letter here or the text below:

March 13, 2024

Ms. Meredith Williams
Director of Department of Toxic Substances Control
5701 South Eastern Avenue
Suite 630
Commerce, CA 90040

Re: Final Permit Decision for PhiBro Tech Incorporated

Dear Ms. Williams,

I am writing to share my concerns about DTSC rendering a final permit decision for Phibro-Tech Incorporated, a hazardous waste management facility located in my district at 8851 Dice Road, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670.

Phibro-Tech generates, handles, treats, and stores hazardous waste. This includes handling wastewater from local industries with high concentrations of copper, lead, chromium, nickel, sulfates and chlorides – chemicals that pose serious risks to the health of local residents especially if handled improperly.

This facility has a long record of violating health and safety laws. In recent years, your departments inspectors have cited Phibro-Tech with 19 class one violations and 4 class two violations for leaking containers and cracked containment barriers, and fined the facility $495,000 for illegal storage and treatment of hazardous waste. The SCAQMD cited the facility for releasing ammonia gas. CalOSHA cited Phibro-Tech for unsafe working conditions that left one worker with acid burns and another with breathing problems after being sprayed in the face with hydrochloric acid.

Unfortunately, this problematic facility is located only 352 yards from my constituents living in the residential unincorporated Los Nietos community. Los Nietos is one of the most environmentally vulnerable communities in the state, and several schools including, Los Nietos Middle School, are located within a one-mile radius from the Phibro-Tech site.

I share the concerns of Los Nietos residents who are frustrated with Phibro-Tech’s repeated violations and do not want to see the facility rewarded with a final permit decision.

Not only do I urge the DTSC not to approve a new permit for this facility, I believe that this facility needs to be shut down entirely until it can come into compliance with the law. Phibro-Tech poses too great of a threat to the health and safety of its workers and the local community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and your commitment to protecting California’s public health and environment.

Sincerely,
JANICE HAHN
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles

Cc: Ms. Katie Butler, Hazardous Waste Management Program Deputy Director, DTSC
Mr. Rao Akula, Project Manager, Permitting Division, DTSC
Mr. Phillip Blum, Supervisor, Chatsworth Permitting Division, DTSC

Major $8 Million Renovation to Begin for Lynwood Library 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Major $8 Million Renovation to Begin for Lynwood Library

Lynwood is first of several Southeast LA libraries that Hahn’s office will help renovate

Lynwood, CA – Today, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn announced the launch of major refurbishment work on the Lynwood Library, a branch of the Los Angeles County Public Library. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved the $8,000,000 project which will be carried out by LA County Public Works. The Lynwood Library, a 12,000-square-foot building at 11320 Bullis Road was built in 1977 and has received no significant upgrades or improvements since it opened. Work is expected to begin April 1.

“It’s time to show some love to our Lynwood Library. Our County libraries are for more than just books—they help parents navigate early learning, students work toward high school diplomas, future Americans study for citizenship tests, and so much more. Residents deserve the most up-to-date facilities, and I’m proud to bring that to our Lynwood residents very soon,” said Hahn.

The refurbished library will include a customer service desk, an adult reading area, a teen area, a children’s area, an enlarged community room, two group study rooms, express-service self-checkout machines, public access computers, and Wi-Fi internet access. The project also includes aesthetic upgrades on the site, including two large skylights for increased natural light indoors and drought-tolerant landscaping outside.

“We are committed to creating welcoming and robust 21st century libraries for our communities,” said LA County Library Director Skye Patrick. “Thanks to this generous funding from Supervisor Hahn, we’ll be able to make substantial updates and improvements to Lynwood Library and provide new resources to local residents.”

The building has not received major renovation work since opening in 1977.

The library site is located near the city’s civic center and Lynwood Park. An “express” temporary library location nearby will open next month where residents will have access to immediate library services. The renovation work is expected to conclude in November of next year. The other four libraries to be refurbished are Huntington Park, Bell, Leland Weaver (South Gate), and Maywood.

“Our Lynwood community depends on our library for so many resources and this refurbishment is long overdue. I’m so thankful to Supervisor Hahn for putting Lynwood at the top of her list,” said Lynwood Mayor and LA County Library Commissioner José Luis Solache.

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Board of Supervisors Greenlights Expansion of Shared Use of LAUSD Campus 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Board of Supervisors Greenlights Expansion of Shared Use of LAUSD Campus

The agreement revives innovative “School by day, park on nights and weekends” model in dense Southeast LA community

Hahn’s motion opens the door to Parks programming in the school’s playground and multi-use field (in yellow)

Walnut Park, CA – Yesterday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn that opens the door to continued and expanded shared use by the County of a Los Angeles Unified School District campus in Southeast LA. The Walnut Park Elementary School campus already hosts a nature park operated by the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation on evenings and weekends. Yesterday’s motion authorizes the Department to initiate a new agreement with LAUSD that would extend the agreement for use of the nature park for ten years and also expand it to include the school’s playground and multi-use field.

“Like so many of our other dense urban communities, Walnut Park has nowhere else to build a space for sports and recreation, so we have to get creative. On evenings and weekends, this huge site in the heart of Walnut Park is locked up out of reach for families who have few other open spaces to turn to,” said Hahn. “We are ready to deliver sports and events to our residents here as soon as this agreement is finalized.”

Once the agreement is approved by LAUSD, the County plans to establish sports programs on the site within the coming months. The community, among the ten most densely-populated in LA County, currently has no sports facilities. In December, Hahn inaugurated the community’s first full-time County park, Nogales Park, a half-acre site a few blocks away.

Despite the community’s name, its park space is significantly lower than the countywide average.

“Thanks to Supervisor Hahn’s leadership, the Walnut Park community will continue to enjoy Walnut Nature Park for years to come,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. “Walnut Nature Park provides critical greenspace and access to nature in one of the most park-poor communities in the County of Los Angeles. Walnut Nature Park will offer free after-school programming, community special events and cultural celebrations, youth and adult fitness and sports programming that includes basketball and soccer. Parks do make life better in Walnut Park.”

Los Angeles County and LAUSD first entered into an agreement to share the school site in the late 1990s, when a first-of-its-kind Joint Use Agreement (JUA) was signed. This JUA was the first for LAUSD and has been a model and template for future JUAs. In 2001, then-Supervisor Gloria Molina inaugurated the new park. The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education must now also vote to approve the new agreement.

Hahn Appoints Long Beach Public Affairs Leader Cory Allen to Capital Asset Leasing Corporation 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Appoints Long Beach Public Affairs Leader Cory Allen to Capital Asset Leasing Corporation

Los Angeles, CA — Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn appointed Long Beach political and public affairs leader Cory Allen to the Los Angeles County Capital Asset Leasing Corporation (LAC-CAL). LAC-CAL is a not-for-profit public benefit corporation that acquires and maintains equipment and vehicles needed by the County and acquires, purchases and provides for construction of facilities and other improvements for use by the County.

“Cory has proven himself throughout his many roles serving the public at almost every level of government, and that commitment to public service and good stewardship of resources will be a great asset to this group,” said Hahn. “I’m thankful for the expertise and time he’ll bring to the table for the good of the County family.”

Allen brings nearly 20 years of legislative, political, and public affairs experience to this role. He currently serves as the Senior Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Presidio Public Affairs and has previously served as legislative staff to members of the Long Beach City Council, California State Senate, California State Assembly, and Mayor of Irvine. Allen also serves as Vice President on the Board of the International City Theatre located at the Beverly O’Neill Theatre in Downtown Long Beach.

“I am grateful to Supervisor Janice Hahn for her confidence in me and the incredible opportunity to contribute my skills and expertise to support the corporation’s mission and goals,” said Allen. “I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and the County to ensure that we continue to acquire and maintain the equipment necessary to serve the people of Los Angeles County.”

Hahn Requests Extension for $10,000 Reward in Murder of Eric Gregory Brown III 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Requests Extension for $10,000 Reward in Murder of Eric Gregory Brown III

12-year-old was killed last year in Long Beach drive-by shooting

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn to extend the County’s $10,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of 12-year-old Eric Gregory Brown III. Brown was fatally shot while walking with friends along Lewis Avenue in Long Beach on the night of May 9, 2023.

“Eric was just a kid enjoying some time with friends when he was brutally and senselessly killed on the street. Those responsible belong behind bars and we’re going to continue pursuing this case until that happens,” said Hahn. “If you know something, I’m asking for your help in delivering justice for Eric’s family.”

The reward was first approved by the Board in June and extended in August. Anyone with information is urged to contact Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau Detective John Carlin at (323) 890-5500.

Hahn Reappoints Wilmington Resident to Los Angeles Harbor Area Cemetery District 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Reappoints Wilmington Resident to Los Angeles Harbor Area Cemetery District

Los Angeles, CA — Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn reappointed Loraine “Lorie” Geluz to the Los Angeles Harbor Area Cemetery District. The District is entrusted with operating and preserving the Historic Wilmington Cemetery, which was built by Phineas Banning in 1857. Geluz was first made a trustee in 2017.

“I know that maintaining this special site is a job that Lorie takes very seriously. This is a sacred place for families and a part of Wilmington’s heritage. I’m thankful for her deep commitment to protecting and promoting it,” said Hahn.

Geluz is a lifelong native of Wilmington, and has several relatives buried at the Historic Wilmington Cemetery. During her time as trustee, she has helped bring community awareness to the cemetery through public events held on site.

“My favorite saying is ‘Sí Se Puede’ which means Yes We Can,” said Geluz. “I hope to be able to continue to serve as a Trustee with the cemetery to continue to bring awareness on the beautiful cemetery we have in our community.”

Hahn Appoints Long Beach Community Leader to County’s Consumer Affairs Advisory Commission 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Appoints Long Beach Community Leader to County’s Consumer Affairs Advisory Commission

Los Angeles, CA — Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn appointed Long Beach resident Bob Gill to the Los Angeles County Consumer Affairs Advisory Commission (CAAC), which advises the Director of Consumer Affairs regarding the need for changes in procedures, programs or legislation to protect consumers and methods for more effective consumer education.

“Our County commissions help us look after the best interests of residents, and we need people who are committed to the public good in these roles. Bob has shown that commitment time and time again for Long Beach, and now we’re fortunate to have his help in promoting and defending the interests of consumers throughout the County,” said Hahn.

Gill has led large information dissemination meetings and moderated political debates for Long Beach elected offices, and also serves on the Long Beach Police Department Community Advisory Committee that assists the LBPD in improving policies & procedures. He is also president of the Los Cerritos Neighborhood Association. Professionally, Gill has used his information technology and cybersecurity experiences to help inform and protect consumers, and to make consumer processes safer and easier to use.

“I appreciate Supervisor Hahn’s confidence in appointing me to the Consumer Affairs Advisory Commission and want thank the entire Board of Supervisors for this opportunity to help protect and promote the interests of consumers throughout Los Angeles County,” said Gill.

Hahn Stands with Armenians on 36th Anniversary of Massacre in Sumgait 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Stands with Armenians on 36th Anniversary of Massacre in Sumgait

Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn released the following statement to mark the 36th anniversary of the pogrom against the Armenian residents of Sumgait, Azerbaijan:

“I stand with the Armenian victims and descendants of the Sumgait pogroms on this 36th anniversary and with the 120,000 Armenians of Artsakh who fled from their homelands after a 280-day blockade ended in a brutal military invasion by Azerbaijan last year.

I call on the Biden Administration to sanction Azerbaijan under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and to provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the 150,000 Armenians forcibly displaced from Artsakh since September 2020. As Azerbaijan continues its unprovoked attacks on the Republic of Armenia itself, I urge Congress to revoke the Presidential Waiver of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act to stop U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan.”

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