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Hahn wants experienced local labor included in post-fire ocean clean-up effort 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn wants experienced local labor included in post-fire ocean clean-up effort

Los Angeles, CA — Today, as the Board discussed immediate action to remove toxic fire debris and contaminant runoff from LA County beaches and coastal waters, Hahn asked that local labor with experience in ocean clean-ups be included.

“ILWU Local 56 members are experts in responding to hazmat situations and spills in our harbor,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “They have the experience, they have the know-how, and we should tap them as we respond to this crisis.”

In the wake of the devastating wildfires, stormwater runoff washed ash and debris onto local beaches and into the ocean. The Department of Public Health ordered an Ocean Water Closure for Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach on January 27. Beach users have been cautioned to avoid water and sand contact where fire debris and heavy ash are observed until further notice as fire debris runoff and pollutants in the water and on the sand may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals.

Today, the Board unanimously approved a motion aimed at taking immediate action to address the fire debris and contaminant runoff on county beaches and in the ocean including requesting state and federal assistance and identifying best practices for removing carcinogenic chemicals and debris. Hahn requested that the Department of Public Works work directly with ILWU Local 56 on identifying best practices for this work using their experience.

The Department of Public Works will report back to the board in 15 days.

Hahn Leads Effort to Preserve and Expand Incentives to Recruit Mental Health Field Teams 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Leads Effort to Preserve and Expand Incentives to Recruit Mental Health Field Teams

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn which aims to preserve and expand the hiring incentives that have helped the County to more than double the number of mental health field teams responding directly to people in mental health crisis.

Championed by Supervisor Hahn, LA County has set out to expand its alternative crisis response system where mental health professionals can be reached through 9-8-8 or the County Help Line and sent to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, de-escalate the situation, and connect a person in crisis with immediate treatment and long-term care.

Historically, these mental health field team positions have been difficult to fill. In 2023, the Board unanimously approved a proposal by Supervisor Hahn to incentivize hiring including increased pay for field positions, signing bonuses, retention bonuses, and loan forgiveness. The incentives worked and the County was able to more than double the number of mental health field teams from 33 to 71 teams. At the same time, the County was also able to cut the average response time from six hours to two hours.

Now, one-time-funding for the hiring incentives is set to run out this year. If the incentives expire, the County Department of Mental Health will have a difficult time filling the 40 new field team positions currently vacant and further cutting response times.

“We are building up a system in LA County so that when someone has a serious mental health crisis, anyone can pick up the phone, dial 9-8-8 and expect help at their door,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “These incentives have already helped us hire a record number of mental health professionals, but we have more work to do and we should keep them in place until our response times are down to 30 minutes or less.”

Today’s motion directs the Department of Mental Health to report back in 60 days with funding options to continue and build on existing hiring incentives after the current funding runs out this June. Read full motion here.

Supervisor Hahn Honors 500+ Students of 605 All Star Band 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Supervisor Hahn Honors 500+ Students of 605 All Star Band

The 8-school “super band” made history in this year’s Rose Parade

Supervisor Janice Hahn and 605 All Star Band outside of the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration.

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn honored the more than 500 students and eight band directors of the 605 All Star Band which made history performing in this year’s Rose Parade in a loud and lively ceremony at the Board of Supervisors meeting at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in Downtown Los Angeles.

The 605 All Star Band is comprised of over 500 students (both marching band and color guard) representing eight high schools (Mayfair High School, Artesia High School, Bellflower High School, Cerritos High School, Gahr High School, John Glenn High School, La Mirada High School, and Norwalk High School), across three school districts, and spans over seven cities along the 605 freeway. It is the brainchild of Mayfair High School’s band director, Tom Philips, who came up with the idea of bringing high schools from the area together to form one “super band”, with the goal of making it to the Rose Parade.

This year, they succeeded. The 605 All Star Band became the first composite band to perform in the Rose Parade, the largest band to perform this year, and ranks among the largest bands in the parade’s history.

“These young people and their band directors poured their hearts into this performance and, not only did they make it to the Rose Parade, they made history there,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “They worked hard, they spent their weekends rehearsing and even did a four-mile practice parade from Bellflower to Lakewood. Every one of them should be proud and they deserve the recognition and celebration of the County of Los Angeles.”

Students cheer on their band director as Hahn presents scrolls in Board Room.

Nearly 500 605 All Star Band members packed the Board Room at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration this morning. Each student was presented a personalized certificate honoring their participation in the Rose Parade as part of the 605 All Star Band signed by the entire Board of Supervisors. On the dais, alongside ABC Unified Superintendent Dr. Gina Zietlow and Board member Ernie Nishii, Supervisor Hahn presented official Los Angeles County scrolls for each band to the eight band directors, Tom Philips of Mayfair High School, Juan Perez of Artesia High School, Omar Vidana of Bellflower High School, Bobby Westphal of Cerritos High School, Darren Loney of Gahr High School, Frank Hinojos of John Glenn High School, Robert Stearns of La Mirada High School, and Ramiro Castaneda of Norwalk High School.

Hahn presents all 8 605 All Star Band directors with county scrolls and student band members fill board room.

“We appreciate Supervisor Hahn taking the time to honor us,” said Tom Philips, the Director of Instrumental Music at Mayfair High School in Lakewood. “She has partnered with us and helped in obtaining the things we needed so we could have our practice parade in Norwalk. Supervisor Hahn’s office helped make that happen, and now you have 528 students that have endured grueling hours putting something together out of nothing—creating something and seeing a dream come true.”

During the ceremony, students cheered loudly for their band directors and presented Supervisor Hahn with a 605 All Star Band t-shirt, a framed photo of their performance, a pin, and a large banner thanking her for her support.

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Metro Board Renames Long Beach Blvd. Station “Lynwood Station” 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Metro Board Renames Long Beach Blvd. Station “Lynwood Station”

Chair Hahn led move at Metro after renaming effort championed by Lynwood leaders

Chair Janice Hahn at today’s Metro Board meeting

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Metro Board of Directors unanimously approved a motion authored by Chair Janice Hahn along with Directors Hilda L. Solis, Fernando Dutra, and Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker to officially rename the Long Beach Blvd. Station on the C (Green) Line to “Lynwood Station.” 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. Metro will soon work to update station signs, platform displays, and digital information systems to reflect the new name.

“Lynwood is finally claiming its place on our Metro map. This station has served and brought visitors to Lynwood for three decades. It’s finally time to recognize the community that it’s such a critical part of,” said Hahn, who represents Lynwood on the LA County Board of Supervisors.

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 renaming 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. “Part of creating more ridership, is creating an identity for our station. The current station name no longer accurately represents Lynwood.”

Full-size photo available here.

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.