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252 Firearms collected at Gun Buy-Back with Supervisor Hahn and LBPD 1024 748 Emily Lintner

252 Firearms collected at Gun Buy-Back with Supervisor Hahn and LBPD

Long Beach, CA – On Saturday, September 10th, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and the Long Beach Police Department were joined by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assemblyman Mike Gipson, and Long Beach Vice Mayor Rex Richardson at a gun buy-back hosted by Hahn and the LBPD in Ramona Park in North Long Beach. The event ran from 8am to 4pm and collected a total of 252 firearms.

“We know that there is a direct correlation between the number of guns in a community and gun violence,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I appreciate Attorney General Bonta’s efforts to address gun violence statewide and in the meantime, I am going to continue to hold gun buy-back events like this one across my district to get as many guns as I can off the streets to make our communities safer.”

The drive-thru event provided residents an opportunity to turn guns in, no questions asked, in exchange for gift cards. All firearms surrendered at the event will be destroyed, eliminating a significant threat to public safety in the community.

“At the California Department of Justice, we are fighting to keep weapons of war off our streets, defending our gun laws in court, confiscating illegally held firearms, and cracking down on untraceable ghost guns,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We know we can’t do it alone — we need to fight the gun violence epidemic at every level. This is important work, because a fundamental reality of gun violence is that where there are more guns, there are more gun deaths. Community-based efforts, including today’s gun buy-back event led by Supervisor Hahn, are part of the solution.”

“As part of our priority to reduce violent crime, I am pleased that the Long Beach Police Department have been able to partner with Supervisor Janice Hahn on this Gun Buy-Back operation”, said LBPD Chief Wally Hebeish. “The Gun Buy Back operation provides a safe environment for individuals to turn in firearms and contribute to improving public safety in our community.”
In May, Supervisor Hahn sponsored a similar event with the LA County Sheriff’s Department in the city of Lynwood that took 365 guns off the streets. The Long Beach event is the product of collaboration between the Office of Supervisor Hahn, which purchased the gift cards, and the Long Beach Police Department, whose officers are responsible for accepting and destroying the firearms.

At the event, residents received gift cards of varying value depending on the weapon surrendered:

  • Non-functioning firearms: $50 in gift cards
  • Functioning Handguns/Rifles/Shotguns: $100 in gift cards
  • Functioning Assault Weapons: $200 in gift cards
Hahn Releases Statement on 2022 Homeless Count Results 150 150 Emily Lintner

Hahn Releases Statement on 2022 Homeless Count Results

San Pedro, CA – Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn released the following statement after the release of the 2022 Homeless Count results:

“These results are disheartening. They are frustrating to the many people across this county who have dedicated years of their lives to addressing this crisis and they are frustrating to the taxpayers who have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in solutions. This isn’t just about a number. It is about 69,000 people who are suffering, many in dangerous conditions, without adequate shelter, during a heatwave no less. This count may contain signs of progress, but no one is going to celebrate when there are this many people sleeping on our streets. More cities need to step up and build tiny homes. It is a model that works.”

Vacant Library Transformed into Apartments for Formerly Unhoused Young People 1024 683 Emily Lintner

Vacant Library Transformed into Apartments for Formerly Unhoused Young People

South Whittier, CA— Yesterday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn joined Linc Housing, Jovenes, and County officials for a ribbon cutting for The Nook, a new supportive housing development with 26 apartments for young adults ages 18-24 who have struggled with homelessness. The project is located on the site of the County’s formerly vacant South Whittier Library at 14433 Leffingwell Road.

“When I came into office, I set out to find pieces of vacant County property that we could transform into housing,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn, who spearheaded the project. “This site used to be the South Whittier Library but stood vacant after we opened the beautiful new library nearby on Colima road. Now, with the help of Linc Housing and Jovenes, the County has taken this site and turned it into 26 apartments for young people who really need them.”

In 2020, there were 4,600 young adults who were homeless in Los Angeles County. The Nook is one of the few supportive housing communities in Los Angeles County specifically for this population.

The new community has 26 one-bedroom homes and one two-bedroom manager’s unit. The modern building design blends well into the community. The complex features a computer lab, community room, patio, second floor roof deck, a dog run for residents’ pets, a community kitchen, and easy access to the new library.

“Homelessness is devastating for a young person and too often prevents them from pursuing an education or working to build the future they want and deserve,” said Supervisor Hahn. “Every young person who moves into these apartments isn’t just getting a roof over their head, they are getting a support system, access to mental healthcare, and a community of peers that understands what they have gone through. Everyone who moves in here will be able to finally take a breath, focus less on where they will find to sleep tonight, and more on what they need to do to build the future they want for themselves.”

So far, over half of the 26 units are already filled. Residents at The Nook receive personalized case management from Jovenes. Jovenes is also providing referrals and support for issues related to mental and physical health as well as substance abuse and legal needs. The services aim to help them find jobs, further their education, manage their finances, develop personal relationships, and boost their self-esteem.

After Vanessa Bryant Verdict, Board Approves Hahn Motion on First Responder Policies 150 150 Emily Lintner

After Vanessa Bryant Verdict, Board Approves Hahn Motion on First Responder Policies

San Pedro, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn regarding County policies to prevent the taking and sharing of photos of human remains by first responders.

Hahn’s motion comes days after a federal jury ordered Los Angeles County to pay $30 million to Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, and Chris Chester for the failure of the County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department to have adequate policies and practices in place to prevent the taking and sharing of photos of the remains of their spouses and daughters who were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in January, 2020.

“In the aftermath of this public trial and massive verdict, it is important that the County strengthen Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department policies and training and take any steps necessary to prevent this type of conduct from ever occurring again,” said Supervisor Hahn.

The motion passed today directs County Counsel, in consultation with the Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Department, to provide a confidential report back in 45 days with an analysis of, and any recommendations for, policies and training procedures that address the proper conduct of first responders regarding photographs of human remains in the course of their duties as first responders.

Supervisor Hahn to host Gun Buy-Back Event in North Long Beach 150 150 Emily Lintner

Supervisor Hahn to host Gun Buy-Back Event in North Long Beach

Long Beach, CA – On Saturday, September 10th, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and the Long Beach Police Department will hold a gun-buyback event from 8AM to 4PM at Ramona Park, 3301 E. 65th St. in North Long Beach. The event gives residents an opportunity to turn guns in, no questions asked, in exchange for gift cards. The firearms are destroyed, eliminating a significant threat to the area.

“This is an opportunity to turn in firearms, anonymously, with no questions asked,” said Supervisor Hahn. “Fewer guns mean safer neighborhoods. Our Long Beach Police Department partners and I look forward to welcoming community members who are ready to help make their communities safer places to live.”

In May, Supervisor Hahn sponsored a similar event in neighboring Lynwood that took 365 guns off the streets. Next month’s event is the product of collaboration between the office of Supervisor Hahn, which purchased the gift cards, and the Long Beach Police Department, which will be responsible for accepting and destroying the firearms.

“As part of our priority to reduce violent crime, I am pleased to announce that the Long Beach Police Department will be partnering with Supervisor Janice Hahn on this upcoming Gun Buy-Back operation”, said LBPD Chief Wally Hebeish. “The Gun Buy Back operation will provide a safe environment for individuals to turn in firearms and contribute to improving public safety in our community.”

As with the Lynwood event, there are important guidelines to participating in the buy-back that ensure the safety of the public and LBPD officers. Firearms must be brought unloaded in the trunk of a vehicle and are not permitted on any Metro or Long Beach Transit vehicle. Pedestrian walk-ups will not be accepted. Participants can choose from an assortment of gift cards, including gift cards that can be redeemed on Amazon.

Non-functioning firearms: $50 in gift cards
Functioning Handguns/Rifles/Shotguns: $100 in gift cards
Functioning Assault Weapons: $200 in gift cards

Hahn Renews Call for SCAQMD to Shut Down Sterigenics Ahead of Hearing 560 420 Emily Lintner

Hahn Renews Call for SCAQMD to Shut Down Sterigenics Ahead of Hearing

Vernon, CA – Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is renewing her call for the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to temporarily shut down the Sterigenics facility in the City of Vernon. The medical equipment sterilization plant has been emitting elevated and dangerous levels of Ethelyne Oxide, a known human carcinogen, threatening the lives of workers and local residents. Tomorrow, Tuesday April 9, the SCAQMD will hold a hearing regarding Sterigenics’ emissions and determine next steps.

“For months now, the SCAQMD has had proof that Sterigenics is emitting dangerously elevated levels of Ethylene Oxide, poisoning their workers here in Vernon and putting at risk the health of residents just a few hundred feet away in Maywood,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “The SCAQMD needs to enforce their own rules and immediately shut this facility down until it comes into compliance. There can be no compromise when it comes to the health of our communities and protecting the air they breathe.”
Background:

Ethylene oxide is a toxic chemical used in the sterilization process. Short-term exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Long-term exposure can cause damage to the brain, nervous system and cancer. It has been linked to breast cancer and blood cancers.
The SCAQMD first identified elevated emissions from Sterigenics in April. Sterigenics continues to operate and emit elevated levels of ethylene oxide. Between April and July, ethylene oxide levels outside of the facility averaged 18.3 ppb. These emissions are 6X higher than the AQMD off-site worker standard.

Homes in the City of Maywood are only 500 feet away from the Sterigenics facility and the closest school is less than 1,000 feet away.

Supervisors Want Students Empowered to Call School Threat Response Teams 880 495 Emily Lintner

Supervisors Want Students Empowered to Call School Threat Response Teams

Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles County Supervisors Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger have proposed a new education campaign that would inform local students about how to report potential threats of school violence.

The School Threat Assessment Response Teams (START) program was created in 2009 as a way to prevent school violence. In 2019, Supervisors Hahn and Barger championed expanding the START team members from 10 to 42. The teams consist of mental health professionals who respond to reports about students who may be a threat to themselves or others.

“The START program has become an important resource for schools across the County, and I believe it has helped us prevent tragedies,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “But up until now, this program has mostly responded to calls from teachers and school administrators – not the students themselves. Students are often the first to notice concerning behavior by one of their classmates and we need to make sure they know what START is and how to contact them.”

Anyone can contact START and make a referral when they see warning signs byemailing START@dmh.lacounty.gov or calling (213) 739-5565.

Today, the Board of Supervisor unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Hahn and coauthored by Supervisor Barger instructing the Department of Mental Health to implement an education campaign aimed at informing students about what START does, how to make a referral to START if they see concerning behavior from a peer, and examples of warning signs and behavior to report.
“We need to do everything in our power to stop school violence in its tracks as early as possible,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “I am a proud co-author of this motion because that’s exactly what it’s about – decreasing the odds that an active shooter or another act of violence will impact our county’s youth by being proactive about providing mental health services. Our youth deserve to be in a safe, secure environment that fully supports their learning and healthy development.”

The education campaign should be launched during the 2022-2023 school year. Read the full motion here.




Hahn Names Public Health Expert and Long Beach Resident Jennifer Ponce to Serve on LA County Community Prevention & Population Health Task Force 150 150 Emily Lintner

Hahn Names Public Health Expert and Long Beach Resident Jennifer Ponce to Serve on LA County Community Prevention & Population Health Task Force

b LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn has named public health expert and Long Beach resident Jennifer Ponce, MPH, to serve on the County’s Community Prevention and Population Health Task Force.

“There has never been a more important time for us as a County to focus on our approach to health equity for all of our residents,” said Supervisor Hahn. “Our Community Prevention and Population Health Task Force is key to helping us workshop that approach – and with more than two decades of experience addressing health disparities and serving underserved communities here in LA County, I couldn’t think of anyone that would be a better asset to this Task Force than Jennifer Ponce. I am proud to appoint her today.”

Ponce currently serves as the Chief Health Education and Promotion Officer at TCC Family Health, a health care agency known as a leader in the Long Beach area for providing top-notch care to underserved individuals and families. Prior to that, she served as their Director of Special Projects. During her time at TCC, she established the Health Education and Outreach Department, which oversees TCC’s development of health education materials, education classes, and health coverage outreach and enrollment efforts. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Public Health at Cal State University Fullerton, where she teaches Promoting Health in Diverse Populations and Community Health Education.

“Please accept my sincere appreciation for this appointment to serve on the County of Los Angeles Community Prevention and Population Health Task Force,” said Ponce. “In partnership with community and task force members, I will work diligently towards contributing to the movement towards systems and policy change that builds an environment in which everyone can reach their full health and wellness potential.”

The Los Angeles County Community Prevention & Population Health Task Force is a 21-member body dedicated to improving health equity in LA County. It counsels the Department of Public Health on critical policy decisions ranging from improving access to local parks to implementing public health protections for communities living near oil drilling sites. It also serves as an advisory body to the Department of Public Health’s Center for Health Equity. Members are appointed for two-year terms either through selection by the Board of Supervisors or by a nominating committee. The fourth cohort of the Task Force began their term in June 2022, representing a wide array of experience and expertise. Ponce is its newest member.

Supervisor Hahn and Downey Mayor Pacheco Inaugurate New 5-acre Sports Complex in Downey 150 150 Emily Lintner

Supervisor Hahn and Downey Mayor Pacheco Inaugurate New 5-acre Sports Complex in Downey

Downey, CA – This morning, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn offered remarks and cut the ribbon on the Rancho Los Amigos Sports Complex, a new $12.5 million sports field complex in southwest Downey brought about through a collaboration between Supervisor Hahn’s office and the City of Downey. Downey Mayor Blanca Pacheco, Downey City Councilmembers, and Director of the LA County Department of Public Works Mark Pestrella joined Supervisor Hahn. American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) teams from across Downey were also in attendance for the event.

“Together, we have turned an empty lot into something great that the community can actually use and enjoy,” said Supervisor Hahn. “For decades to come, this new sports complex is going to be such a special place for kids, parents, friends, and teammates to play and enjoy time together.”

The Sports Complex includes three multi-use, lighted sports fields of varying sizes and a 3,000 sq. ft. support building with offices, restrooms, storage, and concession stand. The sports fields will consist of a football/soccer sized, an AYSO 12 sized, and an AYSO 8 sized. The sports fields are of synthetic turf that allows for greater usage than natural grass and requires minimal maintenance with low irrigation requirements.

Rancho Los Amigos Sports Center in Downey. Photo by Steven Georges/LACBOS

“This complex is going to be a great new resource for the residents of this neighborhood and of our entire city, and was made possible by our great partnership with Supervisor Hahn and the County’s Department of Public Works,” said Downey Mayor Blanca Pacheco. “I look forward to welcoming Downey’s families here.”

Supervisor Hahn’s office contributed $10 million to the project, with the City of Downey contributing the remaining $2.5 million. The construction was managed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. The City of Downey will lease the site—which occupies five acres of a previously unused portion of the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus—from the County for one dollar per year and assume its operating costs.

Hahn Releases Statement on SCAQMD Action Against Sterigenics 150 150 Emily Lintner

Hahn Releases Statement on SCAQMD Action Against Sterigenics

Vernon, CA—Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn released the following statement after learning that the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has issued an order of abatement against Sterigenics, a medical equipment sterilization facility in Vernon which is emitting elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen:

“Finally, we have some action from the SCAQMD on the ongoing health threat posed by the Sterigenics plant in Vernon,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “This is a step in the right direction, but I know the abatement process can be long so shutting down this facility until they can lower their emissions and come into compliance would be safer for the workers and residents alike.”

Hahn has previously called for the SCAQMD to temporarily shut down the facility until they can lower their ethylene oxide emissions and no longer pose a threat to the health of their workers and workers at nearby facilities.