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Hayley Munguia

Hahn Urges Businesses to Offer Space to those Displaced from Workplaces 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Urges Businesses to Offer Space to those Displaced from Workplaces

Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is urging businesses who are able to offer temporary workspaces to those displaced by wildfires. Today, as part of its ongoing efforts to support small businesses impacted by recent windstorms and wildfires, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced the launch of Business-to-Business Space Share. This free exchange platform connects displaced businesses, including nonprofits, to temporary workspaces generously donated by other businesses throughout LA County.

The idea for the business space share website came to Supervisor Hahn after she spoke to Whittier Councilwoman Cathy Warner who has a periodontal practice in East Whittier with her husband. While they see patients in their office three days a week, Warner told Supervisor Hahn she wanted to offer the space for the other four days a week to periodontists who were displaced in the wildfires. This gave Hahn the idea of having a LA County website to facilitate this kind of generosity and connect businesses countywide.

“This new website is inspired by the generosity of small business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals across the county who are looking for ways to step up and help,” said Supervisor Hahn. “If you have space, this is how you can help. Whether you can offer a space where a dentist can treat their patients, a hair stylist can keep their appointments, a lawyer can see their clients, or any other space, you will be helping someone in need maintain their livelihood and helping our economy through this crisis.”

This platform is a critical resource to help displaced businesses maintain operations, safeguard livelihoods, and drive economic resiliency. Powered by the County’s Internal Services Department (ISD), the platform will be available for a limited time, as part of a coordinated County effort to support the economic ecosystem affected by the disasters.

Through the user-friendly Space Share portal, businesses with available space can post listings, providing details such as location, capacity, and availability. Displaced businesses can browse these listings to find spaces that best meet their needs. While the platform facilitates the connections, the County does not participate in or oversee the terms of any agreements made as a result. It ensures businesses retain full autonomy in negotiations.

“Business-to-Business Space Share is a direct result of our County government hearing local business’ concerns and showcasing our own entrepreneurial spirit with solutions for today while we rebuild for tomorrow,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of DEO. “Together we are fostering a more resilient and adaptable economic ecosystem where businesses can open their doors to other businesses as we recover together.”

“The Internal Services Department (ISD) recognizes the devastating impact that recent wildfires have had on many local businesses, leading to displacement and significant losses,” said Michael Owh, Director of the County of Los Angeles Internal Services Department. “We hope that this tool will help businesses assist each other and provide support in this time of need.”

How It Works:
• For Businesses or Individuals Offering Space: Those with available space can create listings with relevant information, including size, amenities, and availability dates. Multiple listings are allowed, provided the spaces are available for at least one day.
• For Displaced Businesses: Those in need of workspace can search for suitable options and connect with donors directly.

Businesses interested in donating or finding space can visit the Business-to-Business Space Share portal at: https://sharespace.lacounty.gov/

Board Approves Free Metro Rides for Residents Displaced by Wildfires 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Board Approves Free Metro Rides for Residents Displaced by Wildfires

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Metro Board of Directors unanimously approved a motion authored by Chair Janice Hahn and coauthored by Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Mayor Karen Bass, Supervisor Hilda Solis, and Whittier Councilmember Fernando Dutra aimed at using Metro resources to support displaced wildfire victims as well as recovery efforts. Among other initiatives, residents displaced by wildfires can now qualify for Metro’s reduced fare program known as LIFE.

“This is an all hands on deck moment for Los Angeles County and we are putting Metro resources to work as we respond to these wildfires, support survivors, and plan for recovery,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “As residents who lost their homes try to rebuild their lives over the next few months, the last thing they should have to worry about is whether they can afford to take the train or bus. Every displaced resident now qualifies for free fares and we will have Metro staff at wildfire resource centers to help people register.”

The proposal authorizes Metro’s CEO Stephanie Wiggins to modify the eligibility of the LIFE reduced fare program for at least six months to include individuals displaced by wildfires as well as mobilize outreach teams to evacuation centers and resource centers to assist wildfire survivors in registering for these programs. Residents enrolled in LIFE can enjoy unlimited rides for 90 days, followed by 20 free rides every month on Metro or a discounted pass on another participating transit agency.

Residents can register at https://www.metro.net/fireresponse/.

“As we work to bring every resource to our residents impacted by the wildfires—including Metro employees—it’s important that our Metro Board is also at the table,” said Metro Board Member and LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “Thousands of residents are now without a reliable means of transportation and our Metro system may play a crucial role as an option for residents to get to work and to our Disaster Recovery Centers to access support. It’s our duty to uplift our residents and employees when they need it most.”

“The devastation caused by the Eaton and Palisades fires has left lives lost, homes destroyed, and thousands displaced,” said Third District Supervisor and Metro Board Member Lindsey P. Horvath. “This motion ensures we are leveraging every resource available to provide impacted residents and Metro employees access to reduced fare programs, disaster assistance, and direct outreach and support. These recovery efforts are vital to helping our communities rebuild with the urgency and care they deserve.”

The motion also authorizes the CEO to identify and provide financial or other forms of assistance that are eligible for cost recovery from disaster assistance programs to Metro employees who have lost their homes in the wildfires or have been displaced as a result of the wildfires. As of today, at least 19 Metro employees have reported losing their homes in the wildfires and at least 46 have been displaced.

Lastly, the motion authorizes Metro to work with impacted jurisdictions to identify ways that Metro may aid in recovery efforts– including, but not limited to its fleet, services, expertise, and properties.

Hahn Celebrates Federal Support for Southeast Gateway Line 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Celebrates Federal Support for Southeast Gateway Line

“Letter of No Prejudice” could mean $985 million toward new rail line

Los Angeles, CA – Chair of the Metro Board and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is celebrating news that last week the Federal Transit Authority approved a Letter of No Prejudice for the Southeast Gateway Line. This means that Los Angeles Metro could be eligible for up to $985 million in federal reimbursement for funds spent on construction of early critical activities.

“This is a huge vote of confidence in the Southeast Gateway Line and could mean nearly $1 Billion toward its construction,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I could not be more grateful for the support we received for this project from the Biden Administration and our Congressional champions like Congressman Robert Garcia and Senator Alex Padilla. The Southeast Gateway Line is going to be transformative for the communities up and down this line, from Artesia to Union Station – many of whom don’t own cars and rely on transit.”

The Letter of No Prejudice was approved in a letter to Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins from FTA Regional Administrator Ray Tellis dated January 17, 2025. Early critical construction activities eligible for possible federal reimbursement with this approval includes hazardous materials abatement, railroad relocation, and grade crossings for the Southeast Gateway Line project among other early construction work.

In October 2024, Hahn, Metro officials, and local, state, and federal supporters broke ground on utility relocation for the Southeast Gateway Line. The Southeast Gateway Line will connect southeast LA County to Downtown Los Angeles from Artesia through Cerritos, Bellflower, Paramount, Downey, South Gate, Cudahy, Bell, Huntington Park, and Vernon to Union Station. Nearly half the residents in the neighborhoods that will be served by this line live below the poverty level, including one-in-five residents who are transit dependent and don’t have access to their own car. The Southeast Gateway Line was included in both voter-approved sales tax measures Measure R and Measure M with nearly $2 billion in local sales tax going toward its construction.

New Agreement Allows for Donations to LA County Fire Department 150 150 Hayley Munguia

New Agreement Allows for Donations to LA County Fire Department

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn and Chair Kathryn Barger to enable members of the public to easily donate to the LA County Fire Department through the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation.

“Since these unprecedented wildfires began there has been an outpouring of support for our first responders and people asking how they donate to our fire department and those risking their lives on the frontlines of these fires,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I am grateful to the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation for stepping up so that this generosity can reach our brave, selfless firefighters.”

Since the wildfires began on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, countless residents, organizations, and businesses have reached out interested in providing financial assistance to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. However, the Fire Department is currently only able to accept in-kind donations and monetary donations made via mail-in check. The Fire Department does not have a mechanism in place to accept online donations via credit card or debit card. Additionally, the Fire Department does not have an established Foundation to accept donations on its behalf.

“Countless residents have reached out in the last two weeks with generous offers to support our first responders who’ve been on the front lines battling these wildfires,” Chair Kathryn Barger said. “My heartfelt thanks to the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation for bridging the gap to allow funds from so many kind supporters to make their way to our incredible Los Angeles County Fire Department.”

Hahn and Barger’s motion, which passed unanimously, allows the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation to manage the receipt and disbursement of donor funds on behalf of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The LAEPF is a 501(c)(3) organization and is in good standing with the Department of Justice’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, has no LA County Fire Department employees on its board, and currently works with the Fire Department on other initiatives.

Those interested in making donations to the LA County Fire Department can do so at https://laepf.org/lacofd. Contributions support tools and equipment for emergency response operations, community risk reduction efforts, vital youth and public education programs, and more.

LA County Conducts Pathway Home Operation Along San Gabriel River in Cities of Bellflower, Downey, and Norwalk 150 150 Hayley Munguia

LA County Conducts Pathway Home Operation Along San Gabriel River in Cities of Bellflower, Downey, and Norwalk

More than 60 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness are indoors and on a pathway to permanent housing

Supervisor Hahn meets Maria, a woman who previously lived along the San Gabriel Riverbed in Downey and agreed to come inside this week as part of a Pathway Home encampment resolution effort.

Downey, CA — This week, Los Angeles County’s Pathway Home program brought more than 60 people experiencing homelessness who had been living along the San Gabriel River in the cities of Bellflower, Downey, and Norwalk and into safe interim housing, where they are receiving supportive services and other resources to help them transition out of homelessness and into permanent housing. This latest Pathway Home operation continues the County’s emergency response to resolve encampments, return community areas to their intended use and ensure people experiencing homelessness are not in dangerous areas, such as flood channels.

“In the wake of unprecedented wildfires, we have mobilized an enormous amount of staff and resources to ensure everyone who has been displaced or lost their home has shelter — and frankly we need to bring that same sense of urgency to our longstanding homelessness crisis,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “This Pathway Home Operation along the riverbed in Downey, Bellflower, and Norwalk is one of the largest encampment resolutions we have conducted yet and it wouldn’t be possible without the partnership and cooperation of leaders in each of these cities.”

At a time when devastating wildfires continue to threaten entire communities in Los Angeles and people experiencing homelessness are facing exceptional challenges, Los Angeles County remains committed to bringing people off the streets and into safe interim housing. This latest Pathway Home operation was planned for several weeks and did not affect county resources committed to the fire emergency.

The Downey, Norwalk, and Bellflower operation is LA County’s 30th Pathway Home encampment resolution since the inception of the program in August 2023. The program is an LA County Homeless Initiative-led effort that aims to bring entire encampments inside together using local motels as interim housing. More than 1,000 Los Angeles County residents have been brought indoors through Pathway Home, and more than 200 of whom are now permanently housed and no longer experiencing homelessness. Meanwhile, 624 RVs have been taken off the streets.

The LA County Homeless Initiative collaborated with the Office of Supervisor Hahn, the City of Bellflower, the City of Downey, and the City of Norwalk to conduct the Pathway Home operation on January 15 and 16, 2025.

On Wednesday morning, Hahn, Downey Mayor Hector Sosa, and Bellflower City Councilmember Victor Sanchez joined county outreach workers, LASD HOST team members, PATH, and LAHSA teams in Downey’s Rio San Gabriel Park which became home base for the Pathway Home operation.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and the nonprofit service provider PATH were essential to bringing unsheltered residents indoors as they had built trusting relationships with them by providing engagement and support during their unhoused experience. Whittier First Day and the Department of Health Services – Housing for Health will continue to work with them at the motel operating as their interim housing location with comprehensive supportive services and, ultimately, safe permanent homes.

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Department of Health Services, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach Services Team, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works and Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control were also critical partners in the operation, along with Caltrans.

Maria and her dog in their new room at a local motel for interim housing while Whittier First Day service providers work to connect her with a safe permanent home.

Pathway Home has been funded primarily through Measure H, a ¼-cent sales tax approved by County voters in 2017 to prevent and address homelessness. Starting July 1, 2025, Pathway Home will receive funds from Measure A, a ½-cent sales tax approved by voters in November 2024 to replace Measure H. With Measure H funds to date, the County has placed more than 115,000 people into permanent housing, ending their homelessness. It has connected 151,000 people with safe interim housing, prevented 37,000 people from becoming homeless, and provided many more people with a diverse array of supportive services.

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Hahn Leads Metro Board Move to Rename Long Beach Blvd. Station “Lynwood Station” 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Leads Metro Board Move to Rename Long Beach Blvd. Station “Lynwood Station”

Executive Management Committee approves renaming; full Board of Directors will vote next week

The Long Beach Blvd. Station serves the City of Lynwood.

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Executive Management Committee of the Metro Board of Directors voted to move forward with a proposed renaming of the Long Beach Blvd. Station on the C (Green) Line to “Lynwood Station,” a motion authored by Chair of the Board Janice Hahn along with Directors Hilda L. Solis, Fernando Dutra, and Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker. The motion now moves on to a vote by the full Metro Board of Directors during its meeting next Thursday, January 23.

“This change is long overdue. Our Metro stations are critical infrastructure for the communities they serve, and actually help shape the neighborhoods around them,” said Hahn, who represents Lynwood on the LA County Board of Supervisors. “As we prepare to welcome the world for the World Cup and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, we want to put Lynwood on the map.”

The push to rename the station has been championed by Lynwood Councilmember Juan Muñoz-Guevara, who serves as chair of Metro’s Gateway Cities Service Council. The move comes as Metro is working to create new signage, maps, and timetables to accommodate the opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station expected to open this year.

“The station cuts right through the center of our community. Many of our residents rely on this station to get to their jobs at LAX, Inglewood, and other job centers,” said Muñoz-Guevara in his public comment during today’s committee meeting. “Part of creating more ridership, is creating an identity for our station. The current station name no longer accurately represents Lynwood.”

The “Long Beach Blvd.” name has led to confusion among riders, some of whom assume the station is located in the City of Long Beach. If the motion is approved by the Board next week, Metro personnel will update station signs, platform displays, and digital information systems to reflect the new name.

Hahn, Horvath, and Barger put forward Metro motion to support fire survivors and recovery 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn, Horvath, and Barger put forward Metro motion to support fire survivors and recovery

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn in partnership with Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath introduced a proposal aimed at using Metro resources to support displaced wildfire victims as well as recovery efforts. If approved next week, residents displaced by the wildfires would qualify for Metro’s reduced fare program.

“Metro has resources we should put to work as we respond to these wildfires, get help to victims, and plan for recovery,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “That will mean not only supporting our employees who have been displaced, but also expanding the LIFE program so fire victims can ride Metro for free. When recovery efforts get underway, Metro has resources that can help – whether that is our fleet, our personnel’s expertise, or Metro’s dozens of properties and vacant lots.”

The proposal put forward today by Hahn, Horvath, and Barger authorizes Metro’s CEO Stephanie Wiggins to modify the eligibility of the LIFE reduced fare program for at least six months to include individuals displaced by wildfires as well as mobilize outreach teams to evacuation centers and resource centers to assist wildfire survivors in registering for these programs. Learn more about the Metro LIFE program here.

“As we work to bring every resource to our residents impacted by the wildfires—including Metro employees—it’s important that our Metro Board is also at the table,” said Metro Board Member and LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “Thousands of residents are now without a reliable means of transportation and our Metro system may play a crucial role as an option for residents to get to work and to our Disaster Recovery Centers to access support. It’s our duty to uplift our residents and employees when they need it most.”

“The devastation caused by the Eaton and Palisades fires has left lives lost, homes destroyed, and thousands displaced,” said Third District Supervisor and Metro Board Member Lindsey P. Horvath. “This motion ensures we are leveraging every resource available to provide impacted residents and Metro employees access to reduced fare programs, disaster assistance, and direct outreach and support. These recovery efforts are vital to helping our communities rebuild with the urgency and care they deserve.”

The motion also would authorize the CEO to identify and provide financial or other forms of assistance that are eligible for cost recovery from disaster assistance programs to Metro employees who have lost their homes in the wildfires or have been displaced as a result of the wildfires. As of today, at least 19 Metro employees have reported losing their homes in the wildfires and at least 46 have been displaced.

Lastly, the motion would authorize Metro to work with impacted jurisdictions to identify ways that Metro may aid in recovery efforts– including, but not limited to its fleet, services, expertise, and properties.

During today’s Executive Management Committee Meeting Supervisor Hilda Solis and Metro Board Member Whittier Councilmember Fernando Dutra joined the motion as co-authors and supporters.

This motion will be considered next Thursday at the full Metro Board meeting.

Hahn Reestablishes $10,000 Reward in 2022 Death of Child and her Father in North Long Beach Crash 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Reestablishes $10,000 Reward in 2022 Death of Child and her Father in North Long Beach Crash

Octavio Montano Islas is suspected of crashing into apartment building killing Jose Palacios-Gonzalez and three year-old Samantha Palacios

Octavio Montano Islas. Courtesy: LBPD

Los Angeles, CA – This week the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn to reestablish the County’s $10,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of 24 year-old Octavio Montano Islas, who was identified as the drunk driver responsible for the deaths of 42-year-old Jose Palacios-Gonzalez and his three-year-old daughter Samantha Palacios as they slept in their North Long Beach apartment.

Around 10pm on March 1, 2022, Long Beach Police Department officers responded to a collision of a vehicle into an apartment building near the intersection of Artesia Boulevard and Rose Avenue. Jose Palacios-Gonzalez was declared deceased at the scene, while Samantha was rushed to a local hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. LBPD detectives identified the driver, who fled the scene, as Montano Islas.

“Samantha had an entire life ahead of her until Octavio Montano Islas viciously cut it short. I can’t imagine the pain and anguish that Samantha and Jose’s family have felt since this loss, but we’re committed to bringing the man responsible for it to justice,” said Hahn. “If you know where Octavio is or where he might have gone, please share that information with detectives.”
The vehicle that Montano Islas was driving was a 2014 Dodge Ram. Detectives believe Montano Islas was drunk at the time of the crash. An arrest warrant was issued for him on two counts of felony manslaughter, one count of felony driving under the influence, and one count of felony hit and run.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Scott Jenson of the Long Beach Police Department Detective Division at (562) 570-7218.

Full-size image of Montano Islas available here

Supervisors Declare Downey’s City of STEM as Official Science Festival of LA County 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Supervisors Declare Downey’s City of STEM as Official Science Festival of LA County

Hahn welcomed City of STEM and Downey leaders to Board of Supervisors meeting on the occasion of the declaration. L to R: Roger Bradley (Downey City Manager); Benjamin Dickow (Columbia Memorial Space Center); Supervisor Hahn; Daphne Bradford (founder, Mother of Many); Hector Sosa (Mayor of Downey).

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn and co-authored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell to officially declare the City of STEM + Los Angeles Maker Faire as the Official Science Festival of Los Angeles County. The annual event is co-hosted by the Columbia Memorial Space Center, located in the City of Downey, and the Los Angeles Public Library. This year’s event takes place on April 12th and will be held in Exposition Park for the first time.

“Some of the greatest accomplishments in the fields of science, math, and engineering in our nation’s history happened right here in Los Angeles County. City of STEM is helping us ensure that we remain the home of its bright future too,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Thousands of future scientists, engineers, creators, and innovators from across LA County are going to find the inspiration and guidance they need at our new Official Science Festival.”

City of STEM brings together over 200 organizations and vendors and over 20,000 attendees from across Los Angeles County for expert panel discussions, workshops, mainstage entertainment, VIPs, special guests, and live music. The event, launched in 2015, was previously held at the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey. In 2023, City of STEM was combined with the Los Angeles Maker Faire, where inventors and creators gather to showcase their projects and gadgets.

“We are excited to welcome The City of STEM + Los Angeles Maker Faire to the 2nd District’s Exposition Park for the first time. Exposition Park is a central location easily accessible by public transit and at the nexus of science, culture, and the arts. I look forward to more young people from diverse communities accessing STEM education and resources at the Official Science Fair of Los Angeles County” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

“We want to thank the County of Los Angeles for recognizing City of STEM as the official celebration of science and innovation in the County. LA County has a long legacy of leading the county in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), from building the spaceships that went to the moon to the early development the internet at UCLA,” said Benjamin Dickow, President and Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Center. “That leadership continues and City of STEM, with its month of events and programs and its huge festival City of STEM + LA Maker Faire on April 12, brings awareness of this regional leadership to tens of thousands of Southern Californians.”

The Columbia Memorial Space Center, opened in 2009, is owned and operated by the City of Downey and was built on the site of the former NASA Downey facility where the Apollo modules were built.

Hahn Urges Fix for Critical Emergency Alert System 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Urges Fix for Critical Emergency Alert System

Residents in areas not under evacuation orders have received multiple erroneous alerts

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn issued the following statement regarding the ongoing issues with erroneous emergency alerts received by residents in areas of Los Angeles County not under evacuation orders related to the ongoing fires:

“Now more than ever we need to know that we can depend on our public information systems to keep people safe. That hasn’t been the case last night and this morning, and I’m frustrated too.

I believe we need to disable the emergency alert system until we get to the bottom of this issue. We need people to be able to trust us, and at this time of extraordinary fear and devastation, anything less than a fully operational, dependable alert system is unacceptable. I urge our Office of Emergency Management to find a solution to this by the end of today.”