News

Hahn Holds Pride Flag Raising Ceremony in Downey 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Holds Pride Flag Raising Ceremony in Downey

Event organized in wake of Downey Council vote for “Neutral” Flag Policy

Downey, CA—Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn held a Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at the LA County Office of Education in Downey, weeks after the Downey City Council narrowly voted to stop flying the Pride Flag on city property.

“There IS pride in Downey,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I know the city council’s vote was painful for many LGBTQ residents, but I want all of you to know that your county government sees you, celebrates you, and supports you. We will continue to work until you feel you can live your truth loudly and proudly.”

The LA County Office of Education is one of eight Los Angeles County facilities in Downey that will fly the Pride Flag for Pride Month, following a policy authored by Hahn and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath passed by the Board last year to fly the Progress Pride Flag at county facilities every June. Other county facilities in Downey are Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, the Los Angeles County Probation Department, the LA County Internal Services Department Headquarters, LA County Downey Animal Care Center, Los Padrinos, Los Amigos Golf Course, and the Los Angeles County Library Headquarters.

“We may have lost this battle, but we will win the war for fairness, equality and acceptance for ALL,” said Downey Mayor Mario Trujillo, who voted against the flag ban and spoke at the event, sharing his own coming out story. “This vote was a setback, but I appreciate Supervisor Hahn for her support of the LGBTQ+ community and for making sure the Pride flag will rise in Downey in 2024.”

“The Pride Flag is a powerful symbol of our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. It signals to our entire community that we value and celebrate the rich diversity of identities and experiences that make us who we are,” said Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools. “This flag represents our dedication to creating a safe and affirming environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and well-being. By fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, we ensure that our schools are places where all individuals can thrive and be their authentic selves.”

The program ahead of the flag raising included remarks by Supervisor Hahn, Downey Mayor Mario Trujillo, Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang, LA County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo, Equality California President Juan Camacho, West Hollywood Mayor John Erickson, and Valentina, a drag performer and contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race, with entertainer Jewels serving as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Last June, Hahn hosted a ceremony to raise the Progress Pride Flag at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, celebrating the first time the Pride Flag was flown over a Los Angeles County building.

Photo Files:

Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4

Hahn Applauds Cancellation of Plans to Shoot Catalina Deer from Helicopters 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Applauds Cancellation of Plans to Shoot Catalina Deer from Helicopters

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is applauding an announcement by the Catalina Island Conservancy that they will cancel and rework plans to eradicate the island’s deer population by shooting them from helicopters, instead prioritizing other methodologies.

The Conservancy has argued that the mule deer pose a threat to the island’s ecosystem by overgrazing and destroying native plants and habitats. However, their plan to eliminate the estimated 1,770 deer on the island through aerial shooting garnered strong opposition, including from Hahn. Last month, Hahn led the Board of Supervisors in a unanimous vote to oppose the aerial shooting plan and asked the Conservancy to reconsider several alternative proposals they had previously dismissed– including relocating the deer, extending the deer hunting season to thin the herd, and sterilization.

This morning, at a special meeting of the Los Angeles County Fish and Wildlife Commission, Dr. Lauren Dennhardt, the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Senior Director of Conservation, announced the decision. She stated, “We have heard the concerns expressed by residents and by Supervisor Hahn, and per her request, we are working on revising our plan to prioritize other methodologies.” In a separate phone call, the Conservancy told Hahn’s office that they have taken the aerial shooting proposal off the table.

“I appreciate the Conservancy for listening to the serious concerns people had about this plan, especially from people living on the island,” said Supervisor Hahn. “I heard from residents who were terrified at the thought of bullets raining down from helicopters over their beloved island and others who couldn’t stand the thought of the deer carcasses that would be left in their wake. I am hopeful that the next plan that the Conservancy puts forward can earn more widespread support from residents and everyone who loves Catalina Island.”

Hahn has represented Catalina Island since being elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2016. Besides the small city of Avalon, the majority of Catalina Island—located about 22 miles off the coast—is unincorporated, and thus directly governed by the County of Los Angeles. The Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, manages 88% of the island’s 48,000 acres.

Hahn Applauds Vote for Metro’s Eastside Extension to Whittier 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Applauds Vote for Metro’s Eastside Extension to Whittier

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who also serves as the Vice Chair of the Metro Board of Directors, is applauding a vote today to approve the Environmental Impact Report and move forward with plans to extend the Metro E Line to Whittier. In the wake of the unanimous vote, she issued the following statement:

“People are already commuting every day between the Westside and Downtown LA and the eastern communities I represent like Commerce, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, and Whittier. But what they haven’t had is a fast, affordable single-seat ride to get where they’re going. With the Board’s support for this project today we are on the path to making the Eastside Extension to Whittier a reality and transforming how so many people in these communities move.”

Hahn to Hold Pride Flag Raising Ceremony in Downey 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn to Hold Pride Flag Raising Ceremony in Downey

Event organized after Downey Council vote to ban Pride Flag on city property

Downey, CA—Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn has announced that she will hold a Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at the LA County Office of Education in Downey, weeks after the Downey City Council narrowly voted to stop flying the Pride Flag on city property.

“There will be pride in Downey this June,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Despite the recent vote by the Downey City Council, I want our LGBTQ+ Downey residents to know they belong and that they are not only accepted but celebrated.”

The Pride Flag Raising Ceremony will take place June 3rd at 10 am at the Los Angeles County Office of Education located in Downey. The office is one of eight Los Angeles County properties in Downey that will fly the Pride Flag for Pride Month, following a policy authored by Hahn and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath passed by the Board last year to fly the Progress Pride Flag at county facilities every June.

“We may have lost this battle, but we will win the war for fairness, equality and acceptance for ALL,” said Downey Mayor Mario Trujillo, who voted against the flag ban and serves on the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Elected Officials Association. “This vote was a setback, but I appreciate Supervisor Hahn for her support of the LGBTQ+ community and for making sure the Pride flag will rise in Downey in 2024.”

“The Pride Flag is a powerful symbol of our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. It signals to our entire community that we value and celebrate the rich diversity of identities and experiences that make us who we are,” said Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools. “This flag represents our dedication to creating a safe and affirming environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and well-being. By fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, we ensure that our schools are places where all individuals can thrive and be their authentic selves.”

Members of the public are invited to join the event to take part in the pride flag raising in a celebration of equality. Speakers will include Supervisor Hahn, Downey Mayor Mario Trujillo, Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang, LA County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo, and Equality California President Juan Camacho, with entertainer Jewels serving as Mistress of Ceremonies.
Last June, Hahn hosted a ceremony to raise the Progress Pride Flag at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, celebrating the first time the Pride Flag was flown over a Los Angeles County building.

Supervisors Proclaim “Croatian Culture Week” in Los Angeles County 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Supervisors Proclaim “Croatian Culture Week” in Los Angeles County

Hahn Presents Proclamation of Croatian Culture Week to Consul General of Croatia in Los Angeles in 2023

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn to proclaim this week, May 20 through May 26, 2024, as “Croatian Culture Week” throughout Los Angeles County.

Supervisor Hahn lives in and represents the community of San Pedro, which is home to one of the largest Croatian American populations in the United States. Croatian immigrants—largely from the Dalmatian Coast—began to arrive in the area at the turn of the 20th century to work in the harbor’s fishing and canning industries. A second wave of Croatian immigrants arrived after the second world war as refugees from Yugoslavia. Today, there are over 30,000 residents of Croatian descent in the San Pedro area and is home to Croatian American hubs like Croatian American Hall and the Dalmatian American Club.

“San Pedro would not be San Pedro without the Croatian community and the Croatian culture and traditions that have shaped our town,” said Hahn. “There are few other places in the United States where the community rallies behind the Croatian team in the World Cup, or where the average person has even heard of ćevapčići. Croatian Culture Week is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the Croatian community in San Pedro and across LA County.”

This marks the second year that Hahn has proclaimed Croatian Culture Week in Los Angeles County, following last year’s inaugural declaration in partnership with Los Angeles City Councilman Tim McOsker. This weekend is the 34th Annual Croatian Independence Day Street Party Celebration at Croatian American Hall on Sunday, May 26 from 11:30 am-10:00 pm, featuring traditional Croatian music, dancing and food.

Hahn Aims to Decrease Wait Times at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Aims to Decrease Wait Times at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn and co-authored by Chair Lindsey Horvath which aims to decrease the amount of time that lawyers, social workers, doctors, and other professionals wait to see young people detained at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall.

Reporting by the Southern California News Group’s Jason Henry detailed the challenges that attorneys, social workers, and other professionals have experienced getting timely access to their clients at Los Padrinos. Multiple attorneys and social workers experienced wait times of two to three hours. In some instances, other professional experts, like doctors, began refusing to evaluate clients at Los Padrinos because of the excessive wait times.

“Lawyers, doctors, and social workers need to be able to visit their young clients at Los Padrinos, and they shouldn’t have to wait two or three hours to see them,” said Supervisor Hahn, who represents the City of Downey where Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall is located. “This is unacceptable. The Probation Department needs to make immediate changes to allow people to see their clients faster and has to be transparent with our Board moving forward about the wait times at our juvenile facilities.”

Long wait times seem to be driven by staffing challenges the Probation Department is experiencing. As a response, the Probation Department recently added four privacy booths to the chapel, where juvenile clients meet with their attorneys at Los Padrinos, to accommodate and speed up visits.

“Long wait times are a barrier to the legal counsel and support our young people deserve,” said Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath. “Social workers and public defenders are already stretched thin. Waiting two or three hours in a waiting room to meet with clients is unacceptable. Decreasing wait times and increasing predictability for professional services at Los Padrinos is among the actions the Probation Department must take to better serve the youth entrusted to its care.”

Today’s motion directed the Los Angeles County Probation Department to report back to the Board of Supervisors in four weeks with data on the professional visitor wait ties at Los Padrinos in the past three months as well as an analysis of any factors contributing to long wait times and strategies being implemented to reduce wait times and ensure timely access to visits from counsel, social workers, and other experts (e.g. adding more pods to the visitation area, increasing staff on busy days to bring youth to the visitation area, creating an electronic sign up system, etc.). The motion also directs the department to include data on wait times in its regular quarterly reports to the Board of Supervisors.

Lastly, the motion directs the Probation Department, in consultation with the Executive Director of the Probation Oversight Commission, County Counsel, the Public Defender, and the Alternate Public Defender, to update their existing policy or create a new procedure to include expected maximum wait times for visitation with legal counsel that are consistent with industry standards and a process for documenting extenuating circumstances when a wait time exceeds the expectation.

Hahn Issues Statement After Stabbing on Metro Bus in Lynwood 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Issues Statement After Stabbing on Metro Bus in Lynwood

Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles County Supervisor and Vice Chair of the Metro Board of Directors Janice Hahn has issued the following statement after a man was stabbed by another passenger on a Metro bus in Lynwood today:

“This attack today on a Metro bus in Lynwood is horrific and yet another grim reason that we need a surge of law enforcement on our transit system. People who rely on Metro every day need to know they can take our buses and trains safely. I appreciate our Sheriff’s deputies who responded to the scene quickly and have detained a person of interest. Thankfully, I am told that the victim’s injuries are not life threatening. I am praying for their quick recovery, and I am so sorry that they had to endure this.”

Supervisor Hahn Issues Statement on Commerce Bus Incident 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Supervisor Hahn Issues Statement on Commerce Bus Incident

Los Angeles, CA — Today around 4:50 pm, a passenger on a Metro bus in the City of Commerce was shot and killed. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has detained a person of interest in the case.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn released the following statement:

“Just this morning we announced a law enforcement surge across our entire Metro system.

However, I still believe we need to find a way to keep weapons off our system. You can’t get into a Dodger game, a concert or on an airplane without going through security.

We can and must do better. I am committed to making our transit system safer for all, no matter the cost.”

Hahn Applauds Reduction in Homelessness in Long Beach 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Applauds Reduction in Homelessness in Long Beach

Hahn joined Mayor Rex Richardson and volunteers for the 2024 Homeless Count in January

Sacramento, CA—Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is applauding news that for the first time in nearly a decade, homelessness in the City of Long Beach has decreased according to Homeless Count results released this morning. The 2024 count shows 3,376 people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, a 2.1% decrease from last year—the first time the City has reported an overall decrease in homelessness since 2017.

Supervisor Hahn released the following statement:

“Time and time again, Long Beach has been willing to embrace solutions to homelessness and it is paying off. They stepped up during the pandemic to transform motels into shelter, they have welcomed permanent supportive housing, and they were one of the first cities I partnered with when we launched the Pathway Home encampment resolution program last year. Under the leadership of Mayor Rex Richardson, the City has treated this crisis with the urgency it demands.

“This decrease is great news, not only for Long Beach, but for the County as we work to turn the tide of the homelessness crisis with compassionate, effective solutions. We’re going to keep going.”

Download full-size images below
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3

Board Supports Legislation to Close Plastic Bag Ban Loophole 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Board Supports Legislation to Close Plastic Bag Ban Loophole

Los Angeles, CA—Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn and co-authored by Chair Lindsey Horvath to throw the board’s support behind efforts in Sacramento to close an existing loophole in the statewide plastic bag ban.

A loophole in the 2014 California plastic bag ban exempted thicker plastic bags considered “reusable.” However, the vast majority of the thicker bags are used only once and are no longer considered recyclable, and the widespread use of them has led to Californians throwing away more pounds of plastic bags since the ban – not less. In 2014, when the ban was passed, Californians threw out roughly 315 million pounds of plastic bags. By 2022, Californians were throwing out 462 million pounds of plastic bags, a 47% increase.

“These thicker plastic bags may be called reusable, but most of us are only using them once,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “This loophole has undermined the state’s effort to reduce our use of single-use plastics and ironically made the problem worse. I appreciate Senator Ben Allen and his colleagues for taking this on and taking a stand against the plastics industry.”

The two pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 1053, authored by State Senators Ben Allen and Catherine Blakespear, and Assembly Bill 2236, authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, would require stores statewide to provide recycled paper bags or reusable bags that are non-film plastic.

Read full motion here: https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/bos/supdocs/191185.pdf