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Hahn Asks for Fixes to Dangerous 105 Freeway Intersection 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Asks for Fixes to Dangerous 105 Freeway Intersection
Intersection saw 12 crashes and 2 fatalities in 2023 alone

Screenshot from CBS LA news coverage

Norwalk, CA – Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is asking the State of California to make immediate safety improvements to the dangerous intersection where the I-105 abruptly ends in Norwalk at Studebaker Road. The intersection had 12 severe crashes in 2023 alone, including two fatalities.

“The way the 105 freeway ends is dangerous and the intersection has become a crash-magnet,” said Supervisor Hahn. “Too many people have been injured or killed because of this badly designed freeway. I am asking the State to put in place safety improvements as soon as possible to safe lives and protect drivers and the Norwalk community.”

Crashes at the intersection have become so common that the medical facility which operated at the intersection was forced to close due to the number of cars that have crashed into it. Last year, Hahn’s office convened representatives from the City of Norwalk, Caltrans, and other agencies to find ways to work together to deliver safety improvements, and since then Norwalk and Caltrans have been discussing what can be done.

Today, Hahn sent a letter to California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin asking the State Transportation Agency to work immediately to install more lighting, signage, and rumble strips along the I-105 freeway leading up to this intersection as a means of preventing future accidents.

Read full letter to Secretary Omishakin here.

A medical facility located at the intersection was forced to close after numerous collisions.

Hahn Applauds FCC Announcement on 9-8-8 Georouting 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Applauds FCC Announcement on 9-8-8 Georouting

Los Angeles, CA — Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn has released the following statement applauding an announcement by FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of a proposal to fix how calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed:

“9-8-8 has been a game changer for how we respond to mental health crises in Los Angeles County, but the way calls are routed has caused problems,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “While I am grateful to Senator Padilla and Congressman Cardenas for taking up this issue and putting forward a legislative fix, I appreciate that the FCC recognized the problem and didn’t wait for Congress to act. With this announcement, we are one step closer to making sure all LA County residents can get the professional mental health response they need when they need it.”

Background:

Since the 9-8-8 national mental health crisis hotline launched in 2022 it has been accessed by millions of Americans in their moments of need. But the federal legislation that created 9-8-8 designed the number to be routed to call centers based on the area code of the caller’s phone number, rather than the caller’s location. This has presented a problem in Los Angeles County because it is one of the few counties that has set 9-8-8 up to be able to connect to mobile crisis response teams when callers need an in-person response. If someone calls 9-8-8 from their cell phone with an out of county area code, they will not reach the Los Angeles County call center and cannot connect to mobile crisis response teams.

This past year, Supervisor Janice Hahn raised this issue with her former colleagues in Congress both in discussions in Los Angeles and meetings in Washington, D.C., seeking a fix. Both Congressman Tony Cardenas and Senator Alex Padilla have introduced legislation to fix the issue and require 9-8-8 calls to be georouted rather than routed based on a callers area code.

Today, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that the FCC would pursue new rulemaking to put in place georouting without the need for Congress to pass a legislative fix.

Read more on FCC proposal here.

Hahn Establishes $20,000 Reward in South Gate Murder of Hector Ascencio Sr. 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Establishes $20,000 Reward in South Gate Murder of Hector Ascencio Sr.
57-year-old was killed last year at his home

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn to establish the County’s $20,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of 57 year-old Hector Ascencio Sr. Ascencio was shot after returning to his residence on the 2500 block of Glenwood Place in the City of South Gate on the night of September 16, 2023.

“Hector was in his own home with his family when someone savagely took his life. His granddaughter watched Hector die. We need to bring his killers to justice as soon as possible, and I ask for the public’s help,” said Hahn.

A dark-colored 4-door vehicle was seen fleeing from the immediate area after the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau Detectives Esteban Soliz and Mike Rivas at (323) 890-5500.

Hahn Declares April Autism Awareness Month 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Declares April Autism Awareness Month

In March 2023, Hahn, her staff, individuals with autism and their families, and community advocates painted an LA County Lifeguard tower on Torrance Beach in honor of Autism Awareness Month.

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn to declare April “Autism Awareness Month” in LA County. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 22 children in California is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

“Individuals with autism sometimes need extra care and I want our LA County family to meet that need with the right resources and sensitivity,” said Hahn. “I’m thankful to our Fire Department for modeling that behavior by creating the Sirens of Silence program.”

In 2021, the Los Angeles County Fire Department launched Sirens of Silence program to better prepare lifeguards and firefighters to interact with people with autism. It includes better training, better tools in the field, and events where local children with autism can interact with first responders.

Among the other County resources that have helped people with autism and other disabilities is LA Found, a program that provides Hahn led the launch of the program in 2018. LA Found has given out 1,418 bracelets since the program launched, and has helped find 28 individuals.

Both the White House and the United Nations recognize April 2 as Autism Awareness Day.

Hahn Re-Appoints Long Beach Environmental Leader Dan Knapp to the Watershed Area Steering Committee – Lower San Gabriel River 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Re-Appoints Long Beach Environmental Leader Dan Knapp to the Watershed Area Steering Committee – Lower San Gabriel River

Los Angeles, CA — Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn appointed Long Beach environmental leader Dan Knapp to the Los Angeles County Watershed Area Steering Committee for the Lower San Gabriel River. The Watershed Area Steering Committees are area-based committees that review proposed projects and develop investment plans for their watershed.

“Dan has proven himself throughout his many years of experience in the environmental field. He is committed to responsible stewardship and brings an impressive level of knowledge,” said Hahn. “I’m very thankful for the work he has done in this role and the strong expertise that he continues to bring to the table for our County.”

Dan brings more than two decades of environmental work and experience to this role. He currently serves as the Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Conservation Corps of Long Beach. He is an appointed member of the Los Angeles River Steering Committee, a member of LA Metro’s Urban Greening Technical Advisory Committee, and the Lower LA River Revitalization (AB 530) Plan Team.

“I’m honored and excited to continue to serve the Lower San Gabriel River watershed,” said Dan. “I’m committed to empowering our communities to develop programs and projects that serve all and I look forward to working with my fellow committee members to bring worthy projects forward.”

LA County to Explore Creating “Senior Safe Home” for Survivors of Elder Abuse 150 150 Hayley Munguia

LA County to Explore Creating “Senior Safe Home” for Survivors of Elder Abuse

Los Angeles, CA—Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a proposal by Supervisor Janice Hahn to explore creating a Senior Safe Home to protect victims of elder abuse.

One in ten seniors have experienced some form of elder abuse which can range from financial, emotional, physical, sexual, or psychological. On average, a tenth of these victims face homelessness due to the abuse. However, no facilities in LA County are dedicated to providing refuge to these survivors, with only one such facility existing west of the Mississippi.

“Victims of elder abuse without any safe place to go will continue to be abused or will fall into homelessness,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “By creating a Senior Safe Home, we can protect survivors of elder abuse from their abusers and get them the help and support they need to enjoy their golden years with dignity and in peace.”

With Supervisor Hahn’s proposal, the LA County Department of Aging and Disabilities will take the lead on developing a roadmap to creating a Senior Safe Home. The model would be similar to a domestic violence shelter, providing a secure location where survivors would be protected from abusers and would have their own rooms with wraparound supportive services.

The Aging & Disabilities Department will work with the Departments of Public Health, Health Services, Mental Health, Public Social Services, CEO Real Estate, Homeless Initiative and community stakeholders to provide a 180-day feasibility report back to the Board of Supervisors. This report back will include substantiated elder abused data from the last 5 years, the development of site-specific criteria, and a pilot project funding model to help establish sustainability.

The idea of an LA County Senior Safe Home would build on the concept brought to Hahn’s office by the Long Beach Senior Citizen Advisory Commission. While the City of Long Beach recently explored how to create a senior safe home, they were unable to provide this resource, showing the need for collaboration and locking arms with the County.

Read full motion here.

Hahn Honors Cesar Chavez Ally Margie Rodriguez for Women’s History Month 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Honors Cesar Chavez Ally Margie Rodriguez for Women’s History Month
Rodriguez and Hahn joined by Paul Chavez, son of the late Labor Leader

Los Angeles, CA — This morning, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn presented farmworker advocate and community leader Margie Rodriguez with a recognition for the support she provided to the farmworker labor movement led by Cesar Chavez and her continued work to champion his legacy.

“From standing shoulder to shoulder with Cesar Chavez to standing up for her community here in LA County, Margie Rodriguez has dedicated her life to the pursuit of justice,” said Hahn. “Margie has such a passion to helping those in her community and she has truly made history.”

Rodriguez lives in South Whittier and has continued to work with local school districts, state legislators and the Chavez foundation to educate students on the life and works of Cesar and the United Farm Workers Movement. She is the founder of South Whittier’s annual Cesar E Chavez Remembrance Event and Community Service Project.

“There isn’t anything that I won’t ask Hahn to do for the people of South Whittier, which are very needy people. And she’s always there for me. So I’d like to thank you, Janice, from the bottom of my heart,” said Rodriguez during the ceremony.

Hahn was joined in her presentation by Paul Chavez, son of Cesar Chavez. Paul Chavez served as president of the Cesar Chavez Foundation until retiring late last year. In introducing Rodriguez this morning, he spoke about the support she provided for his father’s work on behalf of farmworkers.

“He understood that his work didn’t happen by him doing the work alone, that it was a result of the sacrifice and hard work of many good, decent people from all walks of life whose names a lot of times are not known to the greater public. At the head of that list is Margie Rodriguez who’s been there since day one,” said Chavez.

Footage of the presentation is available here.

Download full-size images below.
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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

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