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LA County Library and Supervisor Janice Hahn Celebrate Paramount Library Reopening After $4.8 Million Transformation 150 150 Hayley Munguia

LA County Library and Supervisor Janice Hahn Celebrate Paramount Library Reopening After $4.8 Million Transformation

Event Was Widely Supported by Community Members and Paramount City Officials

Paramount, CA — LA County Library celebrated the grand reopening of the Paramount Library on July 17, following a $4.8 million renovation. The event, held from 12 to 2 pm, featured LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, LA County Library CEO Skye Patrick, LA County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella, Paramount Mayor Annette C. Delgadillo, and Paramount Vice-Mayor Peggy Lemons, who joined in celebrating the library’s transformation into a modern facility. The event was free and open to the public, providing the community an opportunity to explore the new facilities, enjoy refreshments, and participate in giveaways and family-friendly activities.

“When it comes to our public libraries, there is no cutting corners. Paramount families will now have the top-notch, state-of-the-art space for learning, growth, and entertainment that they deserve,” said Supervisor Hahn.

“We are excited to welcome our neighbors back to the newly renovated Paramount Library,” said Skye Patrick, LA County Library CEO. “This transformation reflects our commitment to providing modern facilities that cater to the diverse needs of our community. Customers will enjoy some of the unique elements we incorporated that bring nature into an indoor setting. We can’t wait for everyone to experience the new space.”

Renovation Highlights: Everyone can enjoy new seating options, increased access to technology, and modern amenities throughout the library. Highlights of the renovation include a community meeting room, group study rooms, and various eco-friendly upgrades. Renovation highlights include the following:

Seating:
• 36 reader seats and 10 lounge seats

Technology:
• Desktop computers: 7 for adults, 4 for teens, 4 for children, 2 for early learning
• 2 iPads for accessing the library’s online catalog of resources and materials

Meeting and Study Spaces:
• Community meeting room with kitchenette, 85” TV, 9 tables, and 30 chairs
• Two group study rooms with Polycom TV, media inputs, and new seating

Convenience:
• Two self-checkout machines
• Reader tables with power and USB charging
• Digital information board in the lobby

Lighting and Accessibility:
• New ceiling light fixtures replicating skylights
• ADA-accessible restrooms with water-efficient fixtures
• High windows for enhanced natural lighting

Design and Eco-Friendly Features:
• Vertical garden in the lobby entrance
• Drought-tolerant landscaping

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About LA County Library

Founded in 1912, LA County Library is one of the largest and most innovative library systems in the US. It provides culturally responsive and dynamic collections, programs, and services to meet the literacy, information, personal enrichment, and entertainment needs of all residents across Los Angeles County. Dedicated to reducing barriers and increasing equitable access for all, LA County Library serves 3.4 million residents across 3,000 square miles through its 86 libraries, and mobile fleet of 15 vehicles, including 4 Bookmobiles, 6 MākMō (maker mobiles), 3 early literacy vehicles, and 2 mobile outreach vehicles. To learn more, visit LACountyLibrary.org and follow @LACountyLibrary on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
Contact: pio@library.lacounty.gov

Hahn assumes Chairship of Metro with focus on Safety, Rider Experience 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn assumes Chairship of Metro with focus on Safety, Rider Experience

Los Angeles, CA– Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn assumed the Chair of the Metro Board of Directors and delivered a speech outlining her priorities for her year-long term with a focus on safety.

“We know that new lines and stations will ultimately fail if riders’ top concern isn’t whether the Metro system goes where they need it to — but whether they will reach their destination safely,” said Chair Hahn, to an audience of elected leaders and Metro employees.

Hahn spoke about the importance of law enforcement visibility on buses, trains and at Metro stations and praised the recent surge of police and Sheriff’s deputy presence on the system in response to violent crimes.

On top of safety, Hahn laid out additional priorities: helping unhoused people find shelter and assistance off the Metro system, focusing on the rider experience, and supporting Metro’s workforce.
She also spoke about her plan to ride Metro more often as Chair.

“When my father was a Supervisor, he would take a different route to the office through his district every day. And every time he came across a pothole, he would report it to his staff and tell them that, the next time he drove that road, he expected it to be fixed,” said Hahn. “So, I am going to take a page out of my dad’s book. I haven’t ridden Metro as much as I should have in the past, but I am going to make it a point to ride more while I am Chair. And at our Board meetings, I am going to talk about what I experience as a Metro rider. That will mean calling out problems I see — as well as praising the things that go right.”

At the event, the former chair Mayor Karen Bass formally passed the gavel to Hahn. The chair of Metro rotates annually between the Mayor of Los Angeles, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and one of the City Selection Committee Members.

Hahn has served on the Metro Board of Directors since her election to the Board of Supervisors in 2016 and has championed building the Southeast Gateway Line from Artesia to Downtown, the preservation of the Dodger Stadium Express, and providing better mental health outreach to people in need on the Metro system.

Watch full speech: https://fb.watch/teJylJr1Db/ (Starts at 57:15)
Read full transcript of Hahn’s speech here.

Supervisors Ban County Firearm Purchases from Vendors in Violation of Safety Laws 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Supervisors Ban County Firearm Purchases from Vendors in Violation of Safety Laws

Though not the case in LA County, millions of taxpayer dollars across California used to buy from vendors failing to comply with regulations, report says

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn and coauthored by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis to ensure that Los Angeles County only purchases firearms from vendors in full compliance with the law. A recent report from Brady revealed that government agencies across California spend millions of taxpayer dollars on guns and ammunition procured from vendors that are in violation of firearms laws and regulations. No Los Angeles County department has purchased from bad actors in the past, and today’s motion ensures none will in the future.

“Not one cent of LA County taxpayer money should go into the pockets of firearms sellers who violate the law,” said Hahn. “When guns fall into the wrong hands, families and communities are torn apart. We cannot support businesses that contribute to that.”

With today’s motion, firearms vendors will have to certify under penalty of perjury that they are in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and that they have not been cited for repeated or serious violations, before selling any firearms to any LA County department. Among the most concerning violations of firearms regulations is selling firearms to individuals who are prohibited from purchasing them. Research shows a correlation between a vendor’s violation of firearms laws and the likelihood that a gun purchased from that vendor is recovered in a crime.

“We need to take every action possible to protect our residents from gun violence, and this motion will ensure that Los Angeles County holds accountable every firearm vendor seeking to sell firearms to the County, makes sure we have in place a standardized vetting and procurement process, and aligns us with federal and state compliance laws,” said Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, who represents the First District.

Last year, Solis and Hahn also led the Board in prohibiting all County departments from auctioning or selling excess firearms or ammunition altogether. The move came after it was discovered that the County’s Probation Department planned to auction hundreds of guns to firearm dealers. Firearms no longer needed by LA County departments are now destroyed.

Hahn Appoints Wilmington Native and ILWU Leader to Harbor Area Cemetery District 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Appoints Wilmington Native and ILWU Leader to Harbor Area Cemetery District

Los Angeles, CA — Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn appointed Wilmington native and longshoreman Jesse “Nacho” Enriquez to the Los Angeles Harbor Area Cemetery District Board of Trustees. The trustees are entrusted with operating and preserving the Historic Wilmington Cemetery, which was built by Phineas Banning in 1857.

“Jesse’s own story represents the history of Wilmington. Caring for this community’s treasures like the Historic Wilmington Cemetery is personal, and it’s a job I know Jesse will take very seriously. This is a sacred place for families, so I’m thankful for his deep commitment to protecting and promoting it,” said Hahn

Enriquez has deep roots in Wilmington; his family settled in Wilmington over a century ago, and he attended Fries Ave. Elementary, Wilmington Jr. High School and Banning High School. Enriquez has been a member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) for 28 years, and has served on its executive board for 15 of those years. He has also performed volunteer work abroad, building homes for the people in need in Mexico.

“I’m very honored to be a part of the Historic Wilmington Cemetery in this capacity, I have generations of my family interned there and countless friends,” said Enriquez. “Honoring all of them is an honor never planned in life but at this point I’m humbled to be part of this, I can’t think of a better way to serve the community and their loved ones.”

The Historic Wilmington Cemetery is the final resting place for many important figures in local history including Nathaniel Narbonne and Juan Antonio Machado, the namesake for Machado Lake. There are also 37 veterans of the Civil War buried at the cemetery.

Hahn Reappoints Long Beach Resident to Access Services Board of Directors 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Reappoints Long Beach Resident to Access Services Board of Directors

Dolores Nason with Supervisor Janice Hahn and another Fourth District Commissioner Richard Hernandez

Los Angeles, CA — Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn reappointed Long Beach resident Dolores Nason to the Board of Directors of Access Services which provides safe paratransit services for residents with disabilities in LA County. Access Paratransit is a shared ride service that provides curb-to-curb transportation using a fleet of small buses, min-vans, and taxis. It operates seven days a week, 24 hours of the day in most areas of Los Angeles County.

“LA County could not accomplish everything we do without residents who volunteer their time and expertise, and Dolores has been there for LA County in more ways than one. She has dedicated so much of her life to improving the lives of some of the most vulnerable, and I’m grateful that she is once again stepping up to serve on the Access Services board and ensure residents of all abilities can access the transit services they need,” said Hahn.

Nason currently serves as Executive Director of Disabled Resources Center, Inc. (DRC), a nonprofit Independent Living Center (ILC) affiliated with the California Department of Rehabilitation. Nason is also a current member of the Long Beach Mental Health Advisory Committee and has served on the Scholarship Committees of Long Beach City College and Cal State Long Beach. She holds life membership in the Assistance League of Long Beach and founding membership in Footlighters, Musical Theatre West.

“I am a longtime, dedicated advocate on behalf of people with all disabilities in assuring that they get equal access to all forms of transportation. Additionally, I genuinely enjoy my Access Board service, working with such amazing colleagues, and I look forward to our monthly meetings,” said Nason. “I am well-prepared, ready, and truly honored to be considered for this reappointment by Supervisor Janice Hahn.”

Nason is also the longtime chair of the Long Beach Transit Paratransit Advisory Committee and continues her longtime service on the ADA Subcommittee of the American Public Transportation Association.

LA County will Launch Pilot Program to Eliminate Low-Income Residents’ Medical Debt 150 150 Hayley Munguia

LA County will Launch Pilot Program to Eliminate Low-Income Residents’ Medical Debt

A $5 million investment will eliminate an estimated $500 million of debt for 150,000 people

Los Angeles, CA—Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal by Supervisor Janice Hahn and co-authored by Supervisor Holly Mitchell which identifies funding to launch a pilot program to eliminate medical debt for some struggling LA County residents. The pilot program will use $5 million to eliminate hundreds of millions of dollars of debt.

“No one should be driven into poverty because they got sick. But medical debt remains a huge problem in this country, and it can be devastating for families and their financial well-being,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn who has championed efforts to address medical debt for LA County residents. “Luckily for us, we have an opportunity to make a difference. We can purchase medical debt for cents on the dollar and eliminate this burden for tens of thousands of people for a small fraction of what they collectively owe. I think we have a moral obligation to seize this opportunity to help these LA County families.”

Medical debt is often bundled and sold at steep discounts to companies who profit off of collecting on that debt. Since 2014, the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt has leveraged donations to purchase medical debts much like a collection company would, but instead of trying to collect on the debt, they cancel the debt entirely. On average, $1 can purchase and eliminate $100 of medical debt.

Under Hahn and Mitchell’s proposal, LA County will partner with Undue Medical Debt to launch a medical debt elimination pilot program specifically targeting lower income LA County residents. The Department of Public Health estimates that with the up to $5 million identified today for the pilot program, LA County could eliminate $500 million of medical debt for 150,000 lower-income residents.

“I’m proud that the County is taking steps to help remove the weight of medical debt that strains countless families’ finances, stability, and health. This initial investment of $5 million towards eliminating crippling medical debt will significantly help our most vulnerable residents, many of whom have chronic illnesses and are struggling to pay huge out-of-pocket expenses,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, representing the Second District. “I want to thank the Department of Public Health for collaborating with community and hospital partners to implement this pilot program. I look forward to its transformative impact on our communities.”

In addition to identifying funding, the approved motion allows the Department of Public Health to enter into an agreement with Undue Medical Debt to design and execute the pilot program. Details regarding the pilot program, partnerships with the hospital association and other key stakeholders, and the timeline will be worked out and announced in the coming months. Once the medical debt pilot program is completed, the Department of Public Health will report back to the Board on its effectiveness and potential scalability.

“I want to express my gratitude to the Board of Supervisors for their commitment to this important initiative,” Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “By launching this pilot program to eliminate medical debt for an estimated 150,000 residents and working in partnership with community organizations, health care providers, and health plans to prevent continued accumulation of debt, Los Angeles County is seeking to advance equity and compassion for those who are in need of care. This effort is about more than alleviating financial stress—it is about removing barriers to health that disproportionately affect residents in many communities.”

Medical debt exceeds $2.9 billion for LA County residents, impacting one in ten adults in 2022 and disproportionately affecting families with children, lower-income, Latino, Black, American Indian, and Pacific Islander residents, and people with chronic health conditions. Medical debt has been shown to impede patients’ ability to access necessary healthcare and treatment, creating a cycle of health and financial hardship which affects employment stability, housing security, and overall quality of life.

This pilot program is part of a larger strategy being developed by Los Angeles County to reduce the burden of medical debt. Last October, the Board approved a motion by Hahn and Mitchell directing County Departments to take initial action, research existing strategies, and report back with recommendations for further policies that can reduce medical debt in Los Angeles County. In response to this motion, County Departments began working with the Medical Debt Coalition on potential strategies to prevent and reduce medical debt for LA County residents culminating in the LA County Medical Debt Summit held in April.

At this summit, stakeholders and experts came together to outline a collective approach to eliminate the burden of medical debt, which includes County interventions, provider engagement, community action, legislative advocacy, data collection, operational improvements, and expanding consumer resources. One key strategy pushed at the summit and in the Department of Public Health’s subsequent report back was a targeted pilot program for medical debt relief. In a letter to the attendees of the Medical Debt Summit, Vice President Kamala Harris also highlighted the Biden Administration’s support of the cities and states that relieved billions in medical debt for millions of Americans.

Read the full motion here: https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/bos/supdocs/192686.pdf

Read the Department of Public Health’s Medical Debt in LA County 2023 report: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/chie/reports/Medical_Debt_Report_English.pdf

Read the Department of Public Health’s Medical Debt in LA County 2024 update:
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/hccp/docs/Medical_Debt_Update_Jan24_English.pdf

Hahn Launches New Longer Swim Season for LA County Pools 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Launches New Longer Swim Season for LA County Pools

Season extended from ten weeks to five months, six days a week

Cerritos, CA – This afternoon, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn welcomed residents to the Don Knabe Regional Park Pool for a press conference and pool party to kick-off the County’s pool season. Hahn pushed to extend the traditional ten-week pool season, and this year, LA County public pools will be open six days a week for five months from June through October 31.

“Some of our hottest days come in September and October, but under our old ten-week swim season, our pools were locked up and out of reach of residents by then. That made no sense,” said Hahn, who led the Board of Supervisors in extending the swim season. “Now everyone from kids to seniors will be able to make the most of their local pool and everything they offer.”

Today’s pool party included music, giveaways, and free refreshments. After a brief program to open the event, Hahn blew a lifeguard’s whistle and opened the pool to families in attendance.

“This summer, we are thrilled to reopen all our pools for the first time in 5 years and present an exciting lineup of aquatic programs for everyone,” said Norma E. García-Gonzalez, Director of LA County Parks. “Our team has grown with over 580 new lifeguards, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. We aim to make swimming accessible and fun, promote essential water safety skills, and provide a vibrant, cool space for the community to stay active. Join us for a unforgettable aquatic season at LA County Parks!”

To make this new swim season possible, LA County Parks and Recreation, which manages a total of 41 pools across 30 locations countywide, pushed to recruit more pool lifeguards than ever before and Hahn wore an LA County Lifeguard uniform to highlight their success. Hahn led an effort to increase the starting pay for pool lifeguards by 20% to $23.86 hourly and the department worked to streamline the hiring process. This year, the department hired 356 new pool lifeguards and rehired 224 returning lifeguards — totaling close to 600 pool lifeguards.

The County also invested in new lighting at pools to ensure swimmers can enjoy the pools even as the sun rises later and sets earlier in the fall. Activities available at LA County pools include low-cost swim team programs, senior aquatic exercise, and a first-ever Summer Parks After Dark pool events series, among others.

A complete list of Los Angeles County pool facilities can be found at: parks.lacounty.gov/aquatics

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Board of Supervisors Proclaims Philippine Independence Day in Los Angeles County 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Board of Supervisors Proclaims Philippine Independence Day in Los Angeles County

Hahn: Filipino heritage is part of LA County’s DNA

Los Angeles, CA – Today the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed June 12, 2024 as “Philippine Independence Day” in Los Angeles County. The motion, authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn and coauthored by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, reads in part “The Board of Supervisors recognizes the importance of this day to Filipino residents in Los Angeles County and the contributions made by Filipino employees who are a vital part of our County workforce and continually dedicate themselves to serving our communities.”

“Filipino heritage is part of LA County’s DNA. I’m proud to lead our Board in honoring our historical ties with the Philippines and in celebrating the Filipino culture that has enriched us,” said Hahn. “I also want to recognize the Filipino employees who have made invaluable contributions to our County family.”

Los Angeles County has the largest Asian American population of any county in the nation and is home to more than 340,000 Filipino Americans. On July 13th, Hahn will host her 3rd Annual Philippine-American Friendship Day Festival at Don Knabe Park in Cerritos. The celebration hosts music, performances, food, and vendors from across the Filipino American community.

For the 2nd Annual Philippine American Friendship Day in 2023, Hahn was joined by Filipino-American media pioneer Jannelle So and Noel Omega, president of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations of Greater LA.

“As the Supervisor who represents the largest concentration of AAPI residents in Los Angeles, including Historic Filipinotown, as well as the San Gabriel Valley I’m proud to join Supervisor Hahn today to lead a motion to proclaim June 12 as “Philippine Independence Day” to celebrate the day the Philippines gained its independence from Spain after 300 years of Spanish rule,” said Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, who represents the First District. “We need to both honor the historical struggle and sacrifice required to secure that freedom and celebrate the incredible economic and cultural contributions our Filipino brothers and sisters are making right now every day that are strengthening the diverse fabric of our County.”

After 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, Filipino rebels declared independence on June 12, 1898. After its defeat of Spain in the Spanish-American War, the United States subsequently annexed the Philippines, and governed the archipelago until full independence was granted on July 4, 1946.

More photos of last year’s event available for download here.

Hahn Issues Statement on Rent Stabilization Ordinance Vote 150 150 Hayley Munguia

Hahn Issues Statement on Rent Stabilization Ordinance Vote

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn voted against a motion to change the County’s existing rent stabilization ordinance. Instead, Hahn favored moving forward with the previously announced plan to limit rent increases to 4.275% this coming year. The motion passed 3-2.

Hahn issued the following statement regarding her vote:

“LA County has a strong rent control policy in place—and I think it’s important for renters and landlords alike to be able to count on consistency in that policy. That is why I voted to keep our current policy in place and limit rent increases to 4.275% this coming year in unincorporated LA County. Not only do I believe that protects renters and allows landlords to cope with rising costs, it was also the recommendation of our Director of Consumer and Business Affairs.”

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.

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