[0:07] Chair: good morning, welcome everyone to our regularly scheduled
[0:10] meeting of the los angeles county board of supervisors.
[0:14] today is tuesday september 1, 2026. We take note that a are
[0:19] quorum have the board is present, chief executive officer, county counsel,
[0:23] executive officer and sergent at arms are here to assist.
[0:26] before we begin today I wanted to highlight that we are introduce moog a
[0:31] pilot public comment registration system. Which creates a more
[0:37] consistent and accessible experience. I would like to have our
[0:42] executive officer, mr. Yen, provide information on how it can
[0:45] be utilized. >> executive officer: good morning.
[0:58] [int [interpreter] a little bit of
[0:59] translation. We have new public comment system.
[1:08] whether someone is participating by phone or in person they will be
[1:11] able to register for the items they want to speak on and have a clearer
[1:15] understanding of where they are in the process. Including registration
[1:19] confirmation and text message reminders. Members of the public can
[1:23] call in directly but now there is a registration option that expedites the
[1:26] process. Individuals participating in public comment either
[1:30] by phone or in person will have the opportunity to register for their desired
[1:35] items prior to the agenda item being heard. We encourage all members
[1:38] of the public to register to speak during today's meeting on the website at
[1:47] www.publiccomment.lacounty .gov. Registering online allows
[2:03] you to identify the items you are interested in addressing.
[2:06] you will receive a confirmation e-mail with instructions.
[2:09] to receive text message on your phone when the item you wish to address is
[2:13] next enter your phone number on the website. If you do not have a
[2:16] computer or wish to make a comment at any time when the agenda item is active
[2:20] you may call 213-444-2600 and press star. Then follow the
[2:27] instructions to register. An operator will be on the phone to assist.
[2:31] you can find more information on our website at bos.lacu --
[2:45] bos.lacounty.gov. This will help everyone connect and share comments
[2:50] more easily. You will have the opportunity to address the
[2:54] board during the meeting. You will rove one minute for one item and two
[2:59] minutes for two or more minutes. Items held by supervisor
[3:02] you will have one minute to address the board and one minute on general
[3:04] comment. State your name and indicate the agenda item
[3:07] numbers you will be addressing. Please neat once your time
[3:11] has expired we will immediately move to the next speaker.
[3:14] when it is your turn to speak your name or the last four digits of the
[3:17] phone number will be called. To ensure we hear from in
[3:21] person and remote speakers we will alternate between the two speaking queues.
[3:24] members of the public in attendance when you hear or see your name displayed
[3:28] on the screen come down to the front of the room and staff will assist you.
[3:32] do not approach the podium until directed to do so. Also for members of the
[3:36] public in attendance note that we have a constituent assistance team that
[3:41] includes representatives from department of public health, public social
[3:45] services, children and family services, homeless services and housing and
[3:48] parks and recreation in the audience should you need assistance from them.
[3:55] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: thank you very much.
[3:56] I hope everyone will utilize this new system, it has been a great
[4:00] investment and we have heard many concerns from constituents and the
[4:03] community when they come forward either to call in, telephonically, or come in
[4:08] in person. I hope this will help to expedite all of those
[4:11] concerns w that, members, we will now start the county's land
[4:14] acknowledgement. >> sup. Hilda solis, >> sup. Hilda solis,
[4:26] chair: the county of los angeles recognizes
[4:36] that we occupy land originally and still inhabited and
[4:37] cared for by the tongva, tataviam,
[4:39] serrano, kizh, and chumash peoples. We honor and pay respect
[4:40] to their elders and descendants
[4:41] past, present, and emerging as they continue their
[4:42] stewardship of these lands and waters we
[4:43] acknowledge that settler colonization resulted in land
[4:45] seizure, disease, subjugation, slavery, relocation,
[4:47] broken promises, genocide, and multigenerational trauma.
[4:52] this acknowledgment demonstrates our responsibility and
[4:55] commitment to truth, healing, and reconciliation and to
[4:58] elevating the stories, culture, and community of the
[5:02] original inhabitants of los angeles county.
[5:07] we are grateful to have the opportunity to live and
[5:09] work on these ancestral lands. We are dedicated to
[5:12] growing and sustaining relationships with
[5:14] native peoples and local tribal governments, including (in
[5:17] no particular order) the fernandeño
[5:20] tataviam band of mission indians gabrielino tongva indians
[5:26] of california tribal council gabrieleno/tongva san
[5:30] gabriel band of mission indians gabrieleño band of mission
[5:34] indians kizh nation san manuel band of mission indians
[5:41] san fernando band of mission indians.
[5:48] coastal band of chumash nation. Gab
[5:55] gabrieno tongue tonva tribe. To learn more about the
[5:59] first peoples of los angeles county
[6:03] please visit our website. At lanaic.lacounty.gov. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[6:10] chair: with that this morning the invocation will be led by lead pastor
[6:15] will vakuvirich, representing grace long beach from the fourth
[6:22] district. Followed by the pledge of allegiance led today by
[6:28] leo hernandez, former specialist united states army representing the
[6:31] fifth district. If you are all able please stand and join us.
[6:41] >> in-person speaker: county supervisors, the burden of leadership is
[6:43] heavy, lonely, and costly. As a representative of the faith community, we thank
[6:49] you for your service and leadership. We imagine and work toward
[6:58] an l.a. County as it ought to be. L.a. County all families
[7:04] are fed, housed and flourishing. L.a. County where access
[7:08] to resources reduces the need to self medicate the brokenness away.
[7:12] l.a. County where folks have enough margin to enjoy the beauty of our
[7:16] beaches, neighborhoods, our parks and museums. The instagramable coffee
[7:21] shops and roses that despite all odds continue to sprout from our
[7:26] concrete streets. L.a. County where all our neighbors are friends,
[7:32] families and our children are welcomed and actually feel welcomed.
[7:38] l.a. County whose streets are safe enough to be filled with the laughter
[7:41] of the young and the wisdom of the elders. L.a. County that
[7:45] experiences peace, wholeness, flourishing, and plenty.
[7:49] where justice flows like mighty rivers, dreams are no longer deferred but
[7:54] realized and life feels better for all. From lancaster to lang
[7:58] beach, from malibu tomow in a, this is our home, desire and prayer.
[8:04] this is the work you have been entrusted with and we stand with you in it.
[8:09] god almighty, this is why we need your help. Bless these leaders with
[8:15] wisdom, courage, humility and compassion and make us all people who seek the
[8:20] common good of this place not merely for ourselves but for the flourishing of
[8:24] all of our neighbors. May this distant dream continue to materialize
[8:30] amongst us, amen. >> amen. >> in-person speaker: good
[8:39] morning. Please face the flag, place your right hand over
[8:41] your heart. If you are a veteran you may render a hand salute
[8:47] and join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the
[8:50] flag of the united states of america,
[8:52] and to the republic for which it stands,
[8:54] one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice
[8:59] for all. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[9:06] chair: supervisor hahn you are recognized. >> sup. Janice hahn: thank
[9:08] you. Thank you madam chair. Thank you so much, where
[9:14] are you -- there you are. Thank you so much we welcome pastor will
[9:26] vucericich. The only reason I know how to pronounce it, I
[9:30] struggle with it and he gave a voice memo that I listened to on how to
[9:36] pronounce it, don't feel bad. Pastor will, thank you so
[9:38] much for leading us. I feel like that was more than an invocation.
[9:44] that was a vision of I think what we all l.a. County should be like and
[9:52] should repave like and look like for everyone. Thank you for setting that
[9:56] forth to us. And reminding us that that is what we have been
[10:05] entrusted to doing in each and everyone of our districts.
[10:07] pastor will, we'll call you that for the rest of this.
[10:12] pastor will is the co-lead pastor at grace long beach where he serves as pastor
[10:18] of ministry mobilization and focuses on local community engagement.
[10:22] in his role pastor will as guided the church in using an asset based approach to
[10:28] learn and understand long beach's wrigley neighborhood, its history,
[10:33] its strength, its resources and needs. I spent about 10 years in
[10:38] wrigley at one point of my life. And by actively listening
[10:43] to residents of the community grace long beach has been able to focus on
[10:47] servetion underresourced children, youth, and families.
[10:51] one of grace long beach's work is child welfare system, youth
[11:04] transitioning out of foster care. Grace long beach works
[11:07] with l.a. County department of children and family services.
[11:09] they also have a thriving foster care ministry and supports groups for
[11:16] resource, I know kathryn barger will love this, this is a focus for her,
[11:19] support groups for resource parents that provide care for children
[11:23] in the child we will fair system and together grace long beach and dcfs are
[11:29] able to meet tangible needs for countless of our families in the county.
[11:33] their commitment to the community was recognized in 2025 when they received
[11:38] the inaugural faith in action award from the dcfs office.
[11:43] I didn't know we gave that award. Will's vision for grace
[11:52] long beach is simple and powerful. To lead a church that
[11:56] loves long beach well. They are committed to supporting their neighbors
[12:00] and finding new ways to collaborate with leaders throughout the city and
[12:04] the county to ensure that their community is cared for.
[12:09] pastor will and his wife, aaron, have three boys, 15, 12, and 3.
[12:13] thank you pastor will for your dedication to long beach, your commitment to
[12:17] children and families and your continued work to strengthen our community
[12:23] and thank you all, particularly jeanette christian, my long beach
[12:27] deputy. We had a time getting here this morning.
[12:37] the 710 freeway way closed down, all of the corn trainer trucks were on the
[12:42] 110, we had a difficult time getting here. Universe was conspireing
[12:46] this morning but we're all here and that was a beautiful invocation.
[12:50] as a token much our appreciation, the five county supervisors would
[12:54] like to present this certificate of appreciation for what you
[12:57] did for us today. [applause] >> sup. Hilda solis,
[13:12] chair: supervisor barger. >> sup. Kathryn barger: thank you madam chair.
[13:17] please join me in thanking behavioral health specialist leo hernandez
[13:21] for leading us in the pledge of allegiance this morning.
[13:26] leo served in the united states army from 2014 to 2019 in kuwait and jordan.
[13:32] during his service he received numerous accommodations including
[13:36] army achievement medal, army good conduct medal, defense -- national
[13:42] defense service medal, global war on terrorism service medal, global war
[13:48] on terrorism expep denshly medal, army service ribbon and overseas service
[13:56] ribbon. Talk about an overachiever.
[13:57] he earned his bachelor of arts in sociology from cal state northridge.
[14:03] leo is a proud resident of palmdale. He came across the angeles
[14:08] crest highway to get here, I take my hat off to you for that.
[14:14] where he works for jvs so-cal connecting veterans to the community resources
[14:21] that they have earned and that they deserve. In his free time he enjoys
[14:28] working on cars and spending time with leo and luciano, his children.
[14:32] thank you for your service to our nation, your ongoing service to our
[14:37] communities, and for joining us here this morning.
[14:39] let's give him a round of applause. [applause]
[15:02] now I would like to introduce our dog of the week.
[15:07] we're back and we have a very sweet and special pup for you to meet.
[15:11] this is eggy, a 4-month-old german shepherd, absolutely the
[15:16] sweetest dog. He's been through a lot. He was rescued from a
[15:27] hoarding situation and eagerly looking for a home.
[15:30] he was temporarily adopted burt returned because the owners other dog wasn't
[15:34] ready for a sibling. Eggy is ready to be a best friend, sibling and
[15:41] someone to cuddle with. Eggy endured so much change and transition and
[15:48] we're hoping to find him a loving home that he can settle down and make his
[15:51] own. If you'd like to make eggy yours, call the aguerra
[15:56] care center at 818-991-0071. Again this is eggy.
[16:03] given all that he's been through he is very, very, very well adjusted.
[16:15] now our pet from palmdale, hank, a 1-year-old german shepherd surrendered by
[16:21] his owner because they didn't have the too imto give him the attention
[16:24] that he deserves and needs. Hank is a happy, kind dog
[16:28] who loves attention. He is still gaining his confidence in the play
[16:32] yard. While he may be slow to warm up, he is a very
[16:37] friendly dog once he's comfortable. If you would like to adopt
[16:42] hank, come out of his hell and adopt him, call the palm cale care center,
[16:49] 661-575-2888. Animal care centers are open monday through
[16:55] saturday 11:00a.m. To 5 p.m. For walk-ins. I encourage you to go and
[17:01] bring home someone to be your forever best friend. Visit animal care.l.a.
[17:07] county.gov to see all of the pets who can be yours. Thank you for bringing
[17:10] eggy down. Thank you. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[17:19] chair: executive officer please call the agenda. >> executive officer: good
[17:22] morning members of the board, today's agenda begins on page 2, consent
[17:26] calendar, board of supervisors items 1 through 20.
[17:29] item 19, supervisor barger requests that this item be held.
[17:32] also this include as revision as indicated on the supplemental agenda.
[17:37] item 20, supervisor mitchell requests this be held, also including a
[17:40] revision as indicated on the supplemental agenda. Page 12, administrative
[17:45] matters, 21 through 92, item 21 supervisor mitchell requests that
[17:48] this item be held. Item 22, this item will be held for report.
[17:52] item 23, supervisor horvath is recusing herself pursuant to
[17:57] government code section 8408 because he received a contribution of more than
[18:02] $500 within the past 12 months from a party or participant in the
[18:07] proceeding. Item 37, supervisor solis is recusing herself
[18:12] pursuant to code section 84308 because she received a contribution of more
[18:16] than $500 within the past 12 froms from a party or participant or agent of a
[18:23] party or participant in the proceeding. Also supervisor horvath
[18:27] recuses herself from the vote because she received a contribution or
[18:30] contributions of more than $500 within the past 12 months from anthony mills
[18:35] a party or participant or agent in the proceeding. Item 38, supervisor barger
[18:39] requests that item be continued to september 29, 2026 as indicated on the
[18:43] supplemental agenda. Item 39, this is a recommendation to adopt
[18:47] and instruct the chair to sign a resolution to undertake bond financing.
[18:57] for development of the mercy clamplt project located in clamplt.
[19:02] item 44, this includes a revision as indicated on the supplemental agenda.
[19:07] item 48 include as revision as indicated on the supplemental agenda.
[19:10] item 56 this include as revision as indicated on the supplemental agenda.
[19:15] item 62 supervisor mitchell requests this continued to september 15,
[19:19] 2026. Page 50, this includes mace lanious additions to
[19:23] the agenda posted more than 72 hours in advance of the meeting as
[19:27] indicated on the supplemental agenda. Items 90a through 90f.
[19:32] on page 51, separate matters, items 93 through 94, items 93 and 94, the
[19:38] board will take a separate vote on these matters, 93 include as correction as
[19:43] indicated on the supplemental agenda. Page 52, special district
[19:47] agendas, these are the agendas for the meeting of sanitation district number
[19:52] 27 and newhalleran much sanitation district sd1. Development authority 1d
[19:59] and regional park and open space district 1p. Item 1p this is an
[20:03] addition as indicated on the supplemental agenda. Page 54, notices of closed
[20:08] session cs1 through cs10, item cs2 through 5, cs7 one case and cs9 the thief
[20:15] probation officer requests these items be continued two weeks to september 15,
[20:19] 2026. Also item cs7 include as correction as indicated on
[20:24] the supplemental agenda. Item cs7, county counsel requests one case be
[20:29] continued to september 15, 2026 as indicated on the posted agenda.
[20:33] the request for continuances through cs10 are before you.
[20:36] that completes the reading of the agenda. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[20:39] chair: thank you. Moved by supervir mitchell, seconded by
[20:41] supervisor barger to approve the items. That will be the order.
[20:46] executive officer, please play the code of conduct. Executive officer: ladies
[20:53] and gentlemen, may I please have
[21:00] your attention. The meeting of the los angeles
[21:01] county board of supervisors is about to commence.
[21:02] a code of conduct will now be read and we request that
[21:04] you comply with it to ensure the
[21:04] efficient administration of the meeting.
[21:07] members of the public, it is your right to participate
[21:08] in today's board hearing and the
[21:10] board encourages such participation. However, the right of the
[21:13] public to address the board must be
[21:15] balanced with the need to ensure that public comment does
[21:18] not interfere with the orderly course of the board's
[21:24] business. All are reminded to abide by the
[21:26] following rules. Speakers must cease speaking
[21:31] immediately when their time has ended.
[21:35] public comment on agenda items must relate to the subject
[21:37] matter of that item. General public comment is limited to subjects within
[21:40] the jurisdiction of the board. Public comment does not
[21:43] include the right to engage in a dialogue with board
[21:49] members or staff. Staff.
[22:01] please remain respectful of the forum and refrain from
[22:02] uttering, writing, or displaying profane,
[22:04] personal, threatening, derogatory, demeaning, or other
[22:07] abusive statements toward the board, any member thereof,
[22:09] staff, or any other person. Members of the audience
[22:12] should be respectful of the views expressed by speakers,
[22:16] staff, and board members, and may not
[22:20] clap, cheer, whistle, or otherwise disrupt the orderly
[22:24] conduct of the meeting. Any person engaging in conduct
[22:28] that disrupts the meeting is subject to being removed
[22:31] from the board meeting. And finally, if you
[22:34] witness conduct or behavior by other
[22:37] members of the public that disrupts your ability to remain
[22:40] engaged or participate in this meeting, please notify the
[22:43] sergeant at arms or other county staff.
[22:48] thank you for your cooperation. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[22:58] chair: including the closed session matters, followed by items 20 and
[23:02] 22 then items 19 and 21 followed by general public comment and finishing up
[23:07] with closed session. Executive officer. >> executive officer: at
[23:12] this time we will hear from members of the public wishing to address the
[23:16] board on all items not held for discussion by supervisors including
[23:19] closed session matters. The consent items will be acted upon with one
[23:22] motion. Members of the public already on the phone, if
[23:25] you have signed up to speak for these items you do not need to do anything
[23:28] further. If you are on the phone have not signed up to
[23:32] speak and would like to comment on these items press star now and follow
[23:36] the prompts to be placed into the speaking coup. If you are -- please call
[23:46] 213-444-2600 on the telephone, press star and follow the prompts.
[23:50] an operator will be on the phone to assist. Be prepared to indicate
[23:53] the agenda item numbers that you wish to address. >> we will all in person
[24:00] speakers while they come forward we will call remote speakers.
[24:03] all items not held by the board and discussion matters.
[24:07] staff will assist you. Greg crumb. [reading names]
[24:21] aaron garcia your line is open, please begin. >> telephone speaker: I'm
[24:27] aaron garcia, l.a. County of advocacy for streets are for everyone.
[24:32] I'm here in support of agenda item, hollywood bowl.
[24:39] my favorite movie is the princess bride, it is a movie full of adventure,
[24:45] romance, revenge. Low budget film at the time, they couldn't get a
[24:49] live composer to record the soundtrack, it was done digitally.
[24:54] fast forward 20 years, the hollywood hosts a screening with a live, on
[25:01] strer, the first time it was played live and is that the beauty of the
[25:04] bowl. It is a place where history is made and done
[25:09] by angelinos showing up. You see the old chaps with their fedoras, women with
[25:17] flamboyant dresses, and they bring a new life to the artist's work.
[25:21] that's why I'm talking in support of this agenda item.
[25:26] because -- >> asst. Executive officer: thank you, maya
[25:31] coleman, please begin. >> telephone speaker: good morning supervisors, I'm
[25:38] maya coleman, reimagine l.a. Co-tips and member of district 3.
[25:42] I'm calling in opposition to agenda item 62. We urge the county not to
[25:47] confuse this with community care and ankle monitor is not housing,
[25:52] mental health care, doesn't handle treatment or the job people need.
[25:57] it extends the reach of the illegal system into the communities.
[26:00] at a time when the county continues to acknowledge overcrowded jails and
[26:05] inadequate healthcare, unsafe conditions and preventedable hark,
[26:09] expanding electronic monitoring is moving in the wrong direction.
[26:12] we can't monitor out of a broken system. If l.a. County is
[26:17] committed to jails last, we should invest in employment and reentry
[26:25] support not expanding profiting from surveilling.
[26:28] real public safety comes from civility, opportunity and community investment,
[26:32] thank you. >> asst. Executive officer: thank you.
[26:38] >> sup. Lindsey horvath: item 26 was continued, I believe.
[26:43] >> asst. Executive officer: maru your line is open, please begin.
[26:57] matu, your line is open, please begin. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[27:06] chair: can't hear her. >> asst. Executive officer: maru, your line
[27:10] is open. We'll go to the next caller.
[27:16] dr. Lawrence your line is open, please begin. >> telephone speaker: yes,
[27:25] dr. Lawrence winston, founder of wise up ministries.
[27:28] I'm speaking on behalf of item number 41, the hollywood bowl.
[27:37] in our experience, the tickets for the chance the rapper event on
[27:45] juneteenth, the tickets were $19 and it was very affordable, then they
[27:49] moved down to $16. That way we were able to buy tickets for 30 of our
[27:55] community members and we were able to get there. However parking was quite
[28:00] expensive. But the discounted ticket rate allowed us to cover
[28:06] the parking for everyone that attended. We carpooled.
[28:11] we also attended previously I attended little wayne versus drake
[28:17] concert at the hollywood bowl. It was an experience that,
[28:23] the tickets were pricey -- >> asst. Executive officer: thank you,
[28:26] allison mcdowell your line is open, please begin. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[28:36] chair: go ahead. >> telephone speaker: allison?
[28:41] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: allison? >> telephone speaker:
[28:49] hello, I'm allison, I work for preventing events at hollywood bowl.
[28:58] supporting item 41. I really want to ask the board of supervisors to
[29:02] establish this countywide price programming for all angelinos for our cultural
[29:07] institutions. An opportunity to close the socioeconomic and
[29:11] educational gaps. Studies show that these trips to cultural events
[29:17] moves students to empathy and educational breakthroughs are
[29:23] important from low income families who lack opportunities.
[29:29] we would love to see these lowering of entry barriers at these county venues.
[29:33] I feel like especially what's been done, we're thinking about
[29:40] entertainment not as a luxury but entertainment for students and families.
[29:44] >> asst. Executive officer: thank you. Caller ending in 7127 your
[29:49] line is now open, please state your name and begin. >> telephone speaker: good
[29:54] morning, board of supervisors, I'm lydia scott, item 41 on your
[29:57] agenda. I'd like to thank l.a. Field for creating a
[30:02] reduced price for ticketing for those with low income to experience
[30:07] performances at the hollywood bowl and asking for the board to build on
[30:11] that idea by establishing a countywide reduced pricing program for
[30:17] angelinos with low incomes and at county cultural institutions including
[30:22] museums and event venues. Too often public cultural assets have ceased and
[30:28] admission goes unused. Empty seat generates no revenue and no benefit to
[30:33] anyone. Why not use the vacant spaces to expand access
[30:38] offering discounted admission to residents with low incomes, when
[30:42] capability is available, creates opportunities for people who might otherwise
[30:46] be excluded. Our cultural institutions belong to all angelinos.
[30:52] I respectfully ask the board to establish -- >> asst. Executive
[30:55] officer: thank you. Madam chair there are no other remote speakers on
[30:59] these items. We will go to in person speakers.
[31:01] please begin. >> in-person speaker: greg crumb, number 56.
[31:05] good morning supervisors. I'm here on behalf of the los angeles county
[31:11] lifeguard association and the more than 900 lifeguards who protect 72
[31:15] miles of coastline. Supervisormism em, here rath, hahn, our beaches
[31:22] and coast lines are within your districts. Supervisor solis, barger,
[31:25] thousands of your constituents visit our beaches on a rogue basis.
[31:29] I want to thank you for your continued commitment to the safety of our
[31:33] beaches, our beach communities, and the public program supported
[31:36] by our county lifeguard system. Supervisor hahn, thank you
[31:39] for your work in keeping l.a. County lifeguards atca xwril a beach.
[31:44] our coastline is a resource in protecting it is our responsibility.
[31:50] l.a. Lifeguards built a system with staffing, training, equipment and
[31:53] experience to protect millions of beach guyers. We are in the middle of
[31:59] one of the biggest summers we have had, we hope that the work at cabrillo shows
[32:05] that we can keep all of the contract cities. >> asst. Executive
[32:07] officer: next speaker. 's.
[32:17] >> in-person speaker: family visitation, medical upgrade 36, and 38 for
[32:20] local health emergency. We were wondering mlk if we can do a demo of these
[32:32] aye models for martin luther king, malcolm x to protect african-american
[32:37] cultures. That ever been systematically beaten
[32:40] down. If you read the u.s. Constitution and
[32:45] declaration of indep independence, you see.
[32:49] the budget is $238 billion, federal budget on but joint partnership f we
[32:58] can use it for dcsf,age gentleman we a from charlottesville, virginia,
[33:06] native american. At the beginning of our speeches every day with
[33:11] l.a. Board of supervisors you want to honor native americans.
[33:14] so this should honor native americans, protect their culture.
[33:21] sacajawea was sold as a sex slave into marriage at age of 13.
[33:27] this would protect children for dcfs. For the fire emergency
[33:33] right now, I've been to altadena, pasadena, this is critical
[33:38] infrastructure, it is new tech nothing, also a fusion reactor is what we
[33:42] want to do but we want to start with police, fire, ems and eventually roll it
[33:47] on it to citizens. One was geronimo, named after the apache medicine
[33:59] man, basically geronimo is medical diagnostics to understand people
[34:04] holistically and how to help them. If you are interested, we
[34:06] would love to do it. I'm in south pasadena in kathryn barger's district.
[34:10] thank you. >> asst. Executive officer: thank you, next
[34:13] speaker. >> in-person speaker: I'm michael mecca pacific
[34:17] water quality association, opposing the newhalleran much sanitation ban on
[34:23] water sopher ins. What I have found, newhalleran much is a
[34:28] proposed development. It is in the middle of the santa clarita ban, I was
[34:46] involved in the santa clarita ban and renewal with the senator.
[34:51] we're realists, things need to change, chlorides are an issue to deal with.
[34:57] however it needs to be done properly. In the case of santa
[35:02] clarita a lot of things came out that should not have been done.
[35:08] lost my train there. I was shoved on the removal of sophers in to
[35:17] set a value -- >> asst. Executive officer: next speaker
[35:19] please. >> in-person speaker: hello, I'm here speaking
[35:23] as part of the public thank you to holly mitchell, supervisor holly
[35:28] mitchell and l.a. Fill for leading the way for different angelinos to
[35:35] experience cultural landmarks. When cultural landmarks --
[35:38] I'm speaking on item 41, sorry, number 41. When cultural landmarks
[35:44] like the hollywood bowl are made affordable to everyone, it
[35:50] re-establishes important community hubs for people to connect.
[35:55] shoutouts to the ford theater for leading the way to this.
[35:59] thank you to the hollywood bowl for recently implementing a program for
[36:02] ebt users. More needs to be done and I personally hope that the
[36:09] tickets are going into the right hands and not people who would take advantage
[36:13] of this good intention. Thank you very much to everyone and enjoy the
[36:17] rest of your day. >> asst. Executive officer: thank you, next
[36:19] speaker. >> in-person speaker: hello members of the
[36:24] board, andrew garcia, speaking from -- I wanted to say that if you are
[36:36] going to do anything about the commission -- to go do anything.
[37:03] so it needs to be accessible for everybody. Thank you very much and I
[37:13] appreciate the ability to come here. Thank you.
[37:18] >> asst. Executive officer: thank you. Next speaker please.
[37:21] >> in-person speaker: hi, good morning, I'm tara taylor, I will be speaking
[37:25] on item number 41. Good morning supervisors I'd like to begin by
[37:34] thanking the l.a. Phil and supervisor mitchell for leading the way and
[37:40] helping to reduce prices for angelinos to participate in our
[37:46] cultural institutions and in particular in visiting the hollywood bowl.
[37:51] the e about. Ebt program is a trail blazing effort to get more
[37:57] of our population to our major cultural institutions, and I
[38:01] believe this is only the beginning. Given the complexity of
[38:07] living in los angeles and the various economic positions of many of our
[38:13] residents here, I would encourage the supervisors here that this body would
[38:20] consider a comprehensive program for all of our cultural institutions.
[38:23] >> asst. Executive officer: thank you. That concludes the time
[38:26] for public comment on these items. >> executive officer:
[38:30] madam chair and members of the board the following items are before you.
[38:34] 1 through 18, 23 with supervisor horvath reducing from the vote, 24
[38:39] through 36, 37 with supervisor solis and horvath recusing from the
[38:43] vote, 39 through 61, 63 through 89, 90a through f, sd1, 1d, 1p and separate
[38:52] vote on items 93 and 94, these items are before you.
[38:56] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: moved by supervisor horvath, seconded by
[38:58] supervisor hahn to approve these items with the exceptions noted by the
[39:02] executive officer. Executive officer call the roll.
[39:07] >> executive officer: supervisor mitchell. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell:
[39:08] aye. >> executive officer: supervisor horvath.
[39:10] htses aye. >> executive officer: supervisor hahn.
[39:12] >> sup. Janice hahn: aye. >> executive officer: supervisor barger.
[39:15] >> sup. Kathryn barger: aye. >> executive officer:
[39:16] supervisor solis. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: aye.
[39:18] >> executive officer: motion carries. Madam chair we will now
[39:23] vote on a separate matter items, 93 is before you. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[39:29] chair: moved by supervisor barger, seconded by supervisor mitchell do
[39:34] approve the items. Executive officer call the roll.
[39:38] >>> supervisor mitchell. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: aye.
[39:39] >> executive officer: supervisor horvath. >> sup. Lindsey horvath:
[39:42] aye. >> executive officer: supervisor hahn.
[39:44] >> sup. Janice hahn: aye. >> executive officer: supervisor barger.
[39:46] >> sup. Kathryn barger: aye. >> executive officer:
[39:48] supervisor solis. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: aye.
[39:49] >> executive officer: motion carries 5-0. Number 94 which is before
[39:51] you. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: I will move that
[39:55] item, seconded by supervisor horvath to approve the item,
[39:58] executive officer call the roll. >> executive officer:
[40:00] supervisor mitchell. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: aye.
[40:01] >> executive officer: supervisor horvath. >> sup. Lindsey horvath:
[40:02] aye. >> executive officer: supervisor hahn.
[40:03] >> sup. Janice hahn: aye. >> executive officer: supervisor barger.
[40:07] >> sup. Kathryn barger: aye. >> executive officer:
[40:08] supervisor solis. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: aye.
[40:09] >> executive officer: motion carries 5-on. We will move to item 20,
[40:14] implementing commercial tenant protections to prevent small business
[40:18] displacement and deliver on thriving commercial corridors, held by
[40:21] supervisor mitchell. For members of the public already on the phone if
[40:24] you have signed up to speak for these items you do not need to do anything
[40:28] if you they are. If you are on the phone and have not signed up to
[40:33] speak, press star now and follow the prompts f are you watching the meeting
[40:37] and would like to address the meeting, call 213-444-26 -- we have many
[40:49] speakers who have requested to speak on this item.
[40:51] in order to finish today's meeting efficiently and address all agenda items
[40:55] we are requesting if you are with a group identify one person to speak on
[40:59] behalf of your group. If you do not have any additional comments other
[41:03] than what has already been stated by other speakers please indicate only your
[41:06] name and support or opposition to this item. Kelly lobianco director of
[41:12] economic opportunity is available for questions. Departmental speaker
[41:17] please staurnl and position when you address the board.
[41:21] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: we will recognize supervisor mitchell, this
[41:22] is her item, thank you. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: thank you.
[41:27] good morning to all of my colleagues. Small businesses are the
[41:31] backbone of l.a. County's economy. They are where jobs are
[41:36] created, where our hyper local community diversity is reflected and
[41:39] celebrated. But they're disappearing. They're seeing rent
[41:46] increases as high as 400%. One of my own second district small businesses
[41:52] saw his month think rent jump from 2500 dollars to $10,000 per month.
[41:57] leases can be terminated with no resource and no relocation help even when
[42:02] a land lord's harassment is confirmed. Redevelopment can displace
[42:07] long time businesses even as our communities desperately need more
[42:11] housing and rerightlization projects. Last year, the state took
[42:14] a first step with senate bill 1103 which requires advance notice for rent
[42:20] increases over 10%. Notice prior to lease termination and
[42:24] translation of leases into language that tenants can understand.
[42:28] I think this is the opportunity for the county to do its part to
[42:33] implement this law locally and keep small businesses in place.
[42:39] this board has a significant track record of supporting both small
[42:43] business and commercial landlords through grants, rent relief, and technical
[42:47] and legal assistance. Since the county's department of economic
[42:51] opportunity was created back in 2022, the county has delivered over $83
[42:58] million in direct cash relief to 9700 businesses hit by a variety of
[43:03] disruptions like covid, labor strikes, and natural disasters.
[43:08] we've now funded a term in any event business interruption fund with an
[43:12] additional $2 million. And through the economic mobility initiative we
[43:17] have invested over $33 million in technical assistance and business
[43:23] formation grants reaching more than 4,000 businesses.
[43:26] we've also invested in $11 million to refresh store fronts for over 120
[43:32] businesses and after the 2025 palisades and eaton fires, deo matched
[43:37] displaced businesses with available commercial space.
[43:41] our vision is that deo is the chamber of commerce for all businesses
[43:45] countywide. As a result, deo has funded free legal
[43:51] representation for small businesses since 2021. They have put on business
[43:55] forums, touching over 1,200 businesses. The list goes on.
[44:02] despite these investments, commercial tenants face exorbitant rent hikes,
[44:08] terminated leases, redevelopment displacement and coercive eviction
[44:13] tactics. A commercial rental property license, a crpl
[44:19] since government loves acronyms, commercial rental property license
[44:23] would allow the county to clearly identify where pressures are occurring.
[44:30] it would show which corridors are facing chronic vacancies and
[44:34] which businesses need direct outreach and support rather than
[44:37] guessing or basing it on here say. Or anecdotal stories.
[44:49] some were par,ly damaged and had to rely on door to door outreach for relief.
[44:55] a licensing system would help us reach affected businesses more quickly.
[45:02] the crpl is as much about outreach as it is about enforcement against
[45:08] landlords who violate the anti-harassment ordinance. I'd like to acknowledge
[45:13] the community members who have correctly said that a remedy after displacement
[45:17] is no the enough. A small business can lose its customers, workers,
[45:22] inventory and neighborhood presence long before a court case reaches a final
[45:26] resolution. So that's why the county's reportback should evaluate
[45:32] accessible administrative options for reporting commercial tenant
[45:37] harassment, including complaint intake, investigation, emergency
[45:42] review, anti-retaliation safeguards and referral pathways.
[45:49] so let me just be clear about what this motion does and does not do.
[45:55] this motion closes the gaps in state law, helps us deliver relief to
[46:01] businesses more quickly and holds bad actors accountable.
[46:05] it asks our business licensing work group to design a commercial
[46:11] landlord license similar to models in major cities across the country
[46:15] including chicago, taco ma, new york and santa monica.
[46:19] for the first time the county would have reliable information about who owns
[46:25] commercial buildings and which store fronts are sitting empty.
[46:30] if a landlord is found by the courts to have harassed a tenant out of
[46:35] their space, the tenant receives financial assistance to relocate.
[46:40] it asks deo to study what fair rent looks like around the county.
[46:45] and when redevelopment pushes a small business out, it asks county
[46:50] counsel to return with real options for relocation assistance and
[46:54] incentives rather than allowing our community anchors to be displaced
[46:57] without support. Again, let me be clear about what the motion does
[47:02] not do. As I've heard there has been some perhaps
[47:07] confusion. It does not cap commercial rent.
[47:13] it does not make landlords share any copies of their leases.
[47:18] and it does not slow down or block any redevelopment project.
[47:24] the motion is a result of pretty significant stakeholder feedback.
[47:29] I'd like to tank my team who met with organizations who expressed opposition
[47:33] why we took it to cluster to create an opportunity for full and transparent
[47:38] discussion. And as a result, what we're considering today is
[47:44] different than what we first introduced. As a result of feedback we
[47:49] added a cap on the amount of relocation expenses that could be awarded.
[47:55] we spelled out exactly what counts as redevelopment project so
[47:59] landlords know where they stand. We asked for departments
[48:02] to come back with more incentives for landlords who choose the special
[48:06] status license. I appreciate the commercial property
[48:10] stakeholders for raising serious implementation questions, and their point
[48:14] at the rural and other incorporated communities have distinct communities
[48:18] is well taken. That's why this is a reportback motion.
[48:24] we're not setting a commercial rent cap or adopting a final
[48:27] relocation program today. We are directing our departments to conduct the
[48:34] analysis, engage stakeholders across the county, and bring the
[48:38] board options. We shouldn't have to choose between attracting
[48:43] investment and protecting the small businesses that create jobs, provide
[48:47] essential services, and give commercial corridors their character.
[48:53] not to mention giving commercial landlords rent through their tenancy.
[48:58] I believe we have to do all of the above. I look forward to the
[49:03] reportback with options to promote a fair and vibrant marketplace for all of our
[49:08] businesses across l.a. County. Thank you madam chair.
[49:10] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: thank you. And I also want to join
[49:14] you and thank you for adding me supervisor mitchell as a co-author.
[49:17] on this particular issue. It is a challenge for small businesses and I
[49:25] thank you kelly lobianco and your department for helping us in the east
[49:29] los angeles corridors and san gabriel valley, to renovate store fronts and
[49:34] revitalizing areas that are dilapidated, particularly in corridors
[49:39] that I represent in the unincorporated area, not just east l.a. But the
[49:44] san gabriel valley near unincorporated west puente valley, closer to areas
[49:52] that, for many, is home. Small businesses thrive there.
[49:55] they do make up the backbone of our economy. It's disgraceful what is
[49:59] happening to them right now. Having to deal with
[50:05] tariffs, uncertainty because of eyes raids, it has -- ice raids,
[50:11] depressed peep from coming into their shops and stores and people trying
[50:15] to maintain their economic stability. If there isn't a business
[50:20] open they don't have a job. Likewise, I want to
[50:23] reference the recent tragedy that we went through in east l.a. And
[50:27] boyle heights, the lineage crisis that we just faced. Many small business there
[50:32] is, and I know that kelly your department has dealt with this.
[50:40] people, commercial owners of buildings and what have you, also their tenants
[50:43] have been impacted. What we have heard anecdotally, is that it is
[50:50] win above close to millions. That doesn't include the
[50:54] oil spill that happened in east l.a. As well. A lots of things impact
[51:02] many that are affected currently. I ask you to be patient
[51:06] with us and understand this is a reportback. I think some of us here
[51:10] are very responsive and want to be more responsible and I have
[51:13] even put in my own discretionary funding to build in to business
[51:19] relief interruption fund for those that have been interrupted because of
[51:23] disasters or because of man made intrusions like the recent ice raids that
[51:30] have hurt our corridors in downtown los angeles in the garment district.
[51:33] all of these places have not recovered. This is multiplied on tap
[51:38] of what happened during covid. Many of those individuals
[51:43] happen to be people that we represent, people of color.
[51:46] but it's no accident. They're striving, many of them are hard working
[51:51] immigrants that came here with the hope and desire of not depending on
[51:55] federal government or state government or county.
[51:57] but also being able to thrive. Fake row enterprises
[52:09] people who -- microenterprises, starting from maybe selling tamales
[52:18] on the street to getting a vendor cart that we provide and establishing
[52:24] safeguards so they can become permitted, and later maybe brick and
[52:27] mortar. There's a plan here, it isn't just throwing things
[52:32] out there. I can't wait to hear back from the reportback and
[52:42] also to thank you, kelly, for the work that you have done.
[52:46] we don't need to see more people displaced. Unemployment is high in
[52:51] this area. We know that we are going to be heading for some
[52:57] more heavier challenges for the time being. Thatted not going to be
[53:01] forever. Now is the time to stagelize our community.
[53:06] I wholeheartedly support the -- stabilize our community.
[53:10] I wholeheartedly support this issue, thank you for your hard work on this
[53:13] issue. Councilmember barger. >> sup. Kathryn barger:
[53:18] thank you for bringing this forward and supervisor mitchell thank
[53:20] you for the transparency in how this has been handled going to cluster,
[53:24] why we have this process and getting input from stakeholders and people
[53:28] impacted. I want to thank you for that.
[53:34] I have a couple of questions for kelly. I understand there are
[53:36] examples of small businesses who claim they have been displaced due to
[53:41] landlord harassment or because the landlord increased the rent with
[53:44] the intent of forcing the tenant to move out. Under the proposed
[53:48] ordinance the tenant needs to take this to court under the existing county
[53:55] anti-harassment ordinance to get relocation costs like rent covered so they
[53:58] can move. Since the county anti-harassment ordinance
[54:07] was instituted in 2022, how many have filed complaints and what was
[54:11] the result of those complaints? >> kelly lobianco clan
[54:17] k4r0 than as you heard from the supervisors that smoke before, we're going
[54:21] to hear from folks today, issues of affordability, and displacement and
[54:33] harassment are important here. We are a county of small
[54:35] businesses. We have been providing education and technical
[54:45] assistance and support since our beginnings four years ago.
[54:49] that's included engaging with l.a. Region small business legal aid
[54:54] program. We have been engaging with hundreds if not thousands
[55:00] of individuals who brought a variety of legal challenges to us, we have
[55:05] worked with public counsel to work there. Under the ungd the
[55:11] anti-harassment ordinance there's no single custodian of that case
[55:14] data. Ordinance offers a private right of a, to those
[55:23] individuals experiencing harassment or retaliation under the scope of the
[55:26] ordinance. So they can pursue that action directly.
[55:31] while they might engage with our office of small business and partners to
[55:34] better understand their issues, the actual civil rights are handled
[55:39] privately. We don't have a sense of the numbers.
[55:49] but the city of l.a. Has set up, they have received about a dozen in supported
[55:59] tracking of those into court. I lift up what supervisor
[56:08] mitchell said, the licensing program here and proactive approach to
[56:13] receive complaints helped triage to legal support will enable us to track
[56:17] what is a private right of action over time and better understand the full
[56:22] scale and scope. >> sup. Kathryn barger: the ordinance passed in
[56:25] 2022 has done nothing. Wee no data to support the efficacy of that
[56:31] ordinance. >> kelly low bee ank owe: I would say --
[56:37] >> sup. Kathryn barger: I would say yes or no. I heard a lot of what you
[56:40] said, but I want to know, we have things on the books, I look to county
[56:47] counsel, is there not enough teeth in the ordinance?
[56:51] we band-aid, but the goal, we all support this goal, there are batted
[56:58] landlords, that make it difficult for those up in altadena, the galloways
[57:07] are the gold standard for what you want in a landlord.
[57:12] they lost a building but they recognize the importance of keeping
[57:16] businesses in the community. What in the
[57:21] anti-harassment ordinance that we voted on at this board was sold as
[57:27] something that would pro protect.
[57:31] >> in-person speaker: I hear today, I'm glad the city of l.a. Is pro
[57:35] active, maybe we need to look at. That proactive versus
[57:37] reactive. County counsel, what in the ordinance, and I don't
[57:44] know if you have it in front of you, that is not working or that we need to
[57:48] do. Why are we not collecting data, working with
[57:54] organizations such as the ones in the audience. To capitalize on what is
[58:01] in the books. >> dawyn harrison: I don't have the ordinance in
[58:06] fronted of me and I will go back and look at it. I don't know in terms of
[58:11] the data collection, certainly not something that we have.
[58:16] the goal of the ordinance is self enforced. I would defense back to
[58:24] director lobianco, when they are reached on it to with persons with
[58:28] complaints and working with public counsel in terms of how that can be
[58:31] tracked going forward. >> kelly lobianco: structure and support for
[58:45] businesses, tracking long term, that requires the involvement of
[58:49] infrastructure and resources to even age us to better track that.
[58:54] >> sup. Kathryn barger: do you need the board to tell you to do that or is that
[58:57] something that should be done. I talk about proactive
[59:00] versus reaktive. This is reactive to a problem.
[59:05] we talked about the anti-harassment, now you say what we need to do.
[59:09] do we need to write a motion or is that something that should be
[59:13] an obvious, based on common sense. >> kelly lobianco: it's
[59:25] not necessary for a motion. When we engage with small
[59:29] businesses that have a challenge, there are many that require a variety of
[59:33] resources and potentially including legal aid we refer folks to our legal
[59:38] aid program with support from many folks in the room including public
[59:43] counsel. To actually implement to receive complaints, triage
[59:50] complaints, you need to build an infrastructure that builds resources that
[59:53] expand the opportunity for education and compliance. I believe having a license
[59:59] and program would enable us to better do that in the county.
[1:00:07] not that we don't want to do it, we need the infrastructure to make it
[1:00:12] happen. >> sup. Kathryn barger: that's fine, I don't buy
[1:00:15] it but that's fine. I quasi-disagree with you, I believe we should be
[1:00:27] proactive, it shouldn't be the board directing that, it should be in response
[1:00:31] to the needs of the consumers. This is businesses
[1:00:33] acrossted board. Brings me to my next question, an evening dough
[1:00:42] dough tall, I understand that businesses claim that the landlord increased
[1:00:46] their rent in order to have them move out. So that the landlords are
[1:00:50] eligible for state financial incentives. Can you explain a little
[1:00:55] bit more about this, and has this had an effect on any small businesses in
[1:01:00] the county. >> kelly lobianco: say that again.
[1:01:07] >> sup. Kathryn barger: I'm told that landlords are intentionally pushing
[1:01:11] tenants out because there is some state financial incentive if businesses
[1:01:16] are left empty for the landlord. >> kelly lobianco: what I
[1:01:22] know is that rents are increasing. We have had, in our review
[1:01:26] we did a study and there are increases that we're seeing across the board.
[1:01:31] we know that sometimes those costs are passed on to the commercial tenants.
[1:01:39] makes it unaffordable. >> sup. Kathryn barger: my question, is there a
[1:01:42] state-run policy. >> kelly low bee ank owe: I would have to come back
[1:01:47] to you. >> sup. Kathryn barger: are businesses
[1:01:50] intentionally left empty. >> kelly lobianco lon I want to getter understand
[1:01:56] the policies that you reference. >> sup. Kathryn barger:
[1:01:59] that is what is being presented as a way for landlords to price out.
[1:02:08] >> dawyn harrison: I likewise will look into it further.
[1:02:12] my again is it is a tax incentive and they claim it as a loss.
[1:02:16] we will look into that. >> sup. Kathryn barger: these are important things
[1:02:19] to take into consideration. We can put together a
[1:02:23] registry, and my concern is the cost that will be put into play to create a
[1:02:27] registry that's going to be passed on to the tenants as well.
[1:02:31] it's like a domino effect. From the standpoint of the state and local the motion
[1:02:46] focuses on the experience of the small business tenants in directive 1,
[1:02:50] proposed definition of a commercial landlord and tenant are requested.
[1:02:57] what is your understanding of who aer in rnl landlord is.
[1:03:07] I need a clarification. >> kelly lobianco: the clarification will come
[1:03:13] back in the reportback. There's a variety used. Definition under the an
[1:03:19] tie harassment is broad. The definition at the department is more focused
[1:03:24] on 100 employees, $13 million or less in align with the state and federal
[1:03:33] standards. We are going to come back with a clear definition of
[1:03:37] commercial landlord and business. That is necessary for us
[1:03:39] to engage in a commercial rent study, part of operationalizetion this.
[1:03:44] I just want to share supervisor barger, I hear you and I think that
[1:03:48] making sure that when we have a law on the books that we have a way to make
[1:03:53] sure that it is shared with the public and they can activate it.
[1:03:59] we have supported no cost legal aid where we can. Department of consumer
[1:04:08] affairs will be needed to restore that we fully reach the hundreds of
[1:04:13] thousands of businesses that are here. Education, practical
[1:04:21] assistance can reach everyone. Fully realize the
[1:04:24] compliance intentions of the law is necessary. We look forward to
[1:04:29] building the capacity and doing that in this reportback, what is needed
[1:04:35] to meet the anti-harassment law and the intent of this.
[1:04:39] >> sup. Kathryn barger: the reportback is in how many days?
[1:04:41] 180? >> kelly lobianco: I would have to check.
[1:04:50] >> sup. Kathryn barger: are you confident can you do this in 180 days?
[1:04:53] >> kelly lobianco: I believe we can come back with a report.
[1:04:58] we're working with department of business affairs and the county
[1:05:00] counsel. >> sup. Kathryn barger: as well as industries that
[1:05:04] have submitted interest, the l.a. Chamber of commerce who normally
[1:05:08] stays under the radar expresses concerns. Are you going to bring
[1:05:11] them all in to discuss? >> kelly lobianco: we will engage the business
[1:05:19] community for sure, a lot of that has happened up to this point.
[1:05:22] like anything, a proper infrastructure for implementation is going to
[1:05:25] be important. So we look forward to thoughtfully bringing back
[1:05:30] a proposal to this board. >> sup. Kathryn barger: is this going under business
[1:05:33] license? Is that the goal to have it under the business
[1:05:37] license commission? >> kelly lobianco those are things reported in the
[1:05:42] reportback. There's a separate reportback from dcba and
[1:05:47] dcbo on the business program. >> sup. Kathryn barger: I
[1:05:49] look to the authors out of curiosity, I know business license commission
[1:05:54] oversees unincorporated area for massage parlors and things like that.
[1:05:59] is the vision, the thought that there be something similar to that so that
[1:06:03] the commission oversees and has a hearing based on people submitting requests
[1:06:08] for business license? Do you follow me? >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell:
[1:06:12] I did not -- >> sup. Kathryn barger: there is a business
[1:06:15] license commission that right now hears requests for -- I think of massage
[1:06:19] parlors seems to be the bulk of what they act on. And award business
[1:06:25] licenses to unincorporated areas. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell:
[1:06:26] yes. >> sup. Kathryn barger: this is going to be a
[1:06:29] registry. And my question is, is it going to go before the
[1:06:34] business license board. That allows the public to come and be a part of --
[1:06:44] if there's a problematic landlord. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell:
[1:06:47] it would absolutely include, it is my expectation it allows for
[1:06:51] the public to be involved and bring forward. I understand that the ceo
[1:06:55] was looking at moving that from one department to another.
[1:06:57] so I don't know that I can say it will go before -- before that entity.
[1:07:02] it is my expectation that the public have the opportunity and reviewed
[1:07:06] by an even ty. -- entity. >> sup. Kathryn barger:
[1:07:10] joe? >> joe nicchita: what we look at in report on
[1:07:15] business license commission is the appropriate place for
[1:07:19] that. There is analysis to see whether it belongs in
[1:07:23] another department, dcb, dbo, who that process looks like.
[1:07:28] this motion would ask us to come back, ask dcba to come back 60 days after
[1:07:32] our report. So in that follow-on report I think that's an
[1:07:37] important question they should be answering, do we create a new entity, does
[1:07:41] this align with the business license commission, does it aline
[1:07:44] with the current rent protection program that we have existing at dcba.
[1:07:50] I expect in the report that's filed they will to have to say where this is
[1:07:55] best administered. >> sup. Kathryn barger: thank you.
[1:07:57] I guess I have a lot of questions. I am concerned, because
[1:08:02] you have got organizations like biz fed saying l.a. County is the most
[1:08:08] unfriendly to businesses. I want to make sure we're not creating another layer
[1:08:14] of bureaucracy similar to the ordinance that makes promises and delivers very
[1:08:22] little at a cost. I will abstain because this is a reportback and
[1:08:30] it is important to get that information f we do enact something,
[1:08:35] transparency begins at this board. I will literally be
[1:08:38] questioning the data to make sure that our bureaucracy is doing what
[1:08:45] they promise to both the tenants and also the landlords.
[1:08:48] I think that is important. When I hear that the anti-harassment ordinance
[1:08:53] is just that, something on paper but we have no data to really support the
[1:08:59] effectiveness, the efficacy of this program, it raises a lot of
[1:09:03] concerns with me. Because I think that we have an obligation, if we
[1:09:08] act on something and make promises when we vote on an ordinance we think is
[1:09:12] going to make a difference and we find out that out of sight out of mind.
[1:09:19] that disappoints me and concerns me. I will be abstaining out
[1:09:24] of respect this is a reportback and I would encourage both the tenants
[1:09:31] but also the landlords but also the business organizations to play a
[1:09:36] part in providing information. Recogn
[1:09:41] recognizing that we need to focus on those that are being irresponsible and
[1:09:47] being bad landlords. And people like the galloways I work with in
[1:09:53] altadena, I know you have too, kelly. That are barely making it
[1:09:56] because they are giving breaks to their tenants. Do not have an unfair
[1:10:02] burden placed on their shoulders. Thank you madam chair.
[1:10:07] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: I would like to add something.
[1:10:08] couple of months ago I introduced a motion to look at create ing a way to
[1:10:18] get the departments to look at fairness and equity in the business
[1:10:20] licensing. I have heard there are many tenants who will not
[1:10:27] even come forward. Admit their rents have been raised for fear of
[1:10:35] being kicked out after 20, 30 years. There's a lot here.
[1:10:39] the reportback should address that. We look at the landlord
[1:10:44] needs and we need to think about the economic impacts this will have in terms of
[1:10:47] displacement. Put it in numbers. I'd like to see that.
[1:10:55] given the different challenges that we have gone through and last
[1:10:59] year, the fires, everything, it is all very important for us to have
[1:11:04] this data. I don't see that as your burden.
[1:11:11] it is our departments. We're trying to go in the right direction.
[1:11:15] these discussions will help us get there. Thank you.
[1:11:18] with that supervisor horvath are you in the queue.
[1:11:20] >> sup. Lindsey horvath: thank you. Small businesses are the
[1:11:23] life blood of our commercial corridors and heart of the
[1:11:26] neighborhoods. They are more than just commerce, they are small
[1:11:31] businesses and gathering places for the community and they help define a
[1:11:35] sense of place and of culture. Many of our commercial
[1:11:39] tenants, especially our legacy small businesses face displacement from
[1:11:44] growing economic ineq inequality, competition
[1:11:47] from online retailers and harassment. Not to mention the january
[1:11:55] wildfires as well as immigration actions and tariffs.
[1:11:59] while this proposal will seek to create policy to serve the unincorporated
[1:12:05] communities I did hear from incorporated cities like -- businesses like
[1:12:13] malibu, into the always known for being a rent control city, but we heard
[1:12:17] from some of those busi businesses that though
[1:12:23] needed more protection. And what they do to explore indepth what this
[1:12:33] motion proposes. I'm glad we are doing the work, I know it will not
[1:12:39] only benefit us and the county and whatever policies we decide to move
[1:12:44] forward with but benefits other incorporated communities looking to the
[1:12:47] county as an example. Proud that our county has established initiatives
[1:12:53] like business interruption funds, the commercial acquisition fund, the
[1:12:58] facade improvement program, shop l.a. Local and other programs to help
[1:13:03] small businesses remain and thrive in their communities.
[1:13:07] this is more that we can do. I appreciate that this
[1:13:10] motion gives us an opportunity to carefully and thoughtfully evaluate
[1:13:15] additional tools. As these recommendations are developed, the
[1:13:19] commercial rent study legal analysis and stakeholder feedback
[1:13:24] ensures that any new requirements, are appropriately targeted to
[1:13:28] the businesses most at risk of displacement. We should be thoughtful
[1:13:32] about the information that the county collects through any potential
[1:13:35] licensing program. The reportback shd consider strong privacy
[1:13:40] and data minimization standards that protect sensitive information
[1:13:44] belonging to small businesses and property owners while still giving
[1:13:47] the county the information it needs to understand displacement trends and
[1:13:51] connect businesses with resources, most importantly the
[1:13:56] stakeholder engagement process should be broad and include ing commercial
[1:14:03] tenants, independently owned small businesses, landlords and property
[1:14:07] owners, business organizations, community based organizations, and
[1:14:10] other affected stakeholders. I know we have heard from
[1:14:14] many of these organizations to help to today's conversation and I
[1:14:18] hope that we will continue to actively engage many organ
[1:14:24] organizations and agencies that will represent those who will be impacted by
[1:14:28] any potential policies. I also wanted to highlight that biz-fed, building
[1:14:35] owners and managers association and l.a. Chamber submitted
[1:14:38] information. That will help how we craft policy and meet the
[1:14:48] stated intention of protecting businesses that are signature to what
[1:14:51] los angeles county is and what it means to so many different people.
[1:14:54] I look forward to the recommendations, the proposed program design
[1:14:59] and the analysis resulting from this motion and to developing policies that
[1:15:03] protect small businesses in our unincorporated communities, setting an
[1:15:07] example for incorporated communities to consider, and keeping our commercial
[1:15:12] corridors thriving. Thank you. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[1:15:15] chair: thank you very much. Next in the queue we have
[1:15:19] supervisor hahn. >> sup. Janice hahn: thank you.
[1:15:24] obviously I think we can all agree that our small businesses are the
[1:15:28] backbone of our economy. Everybody says that, all chambers of commerce say
[1:15:34] that, they create jobs. In fact they create more jobs than the big business
[1:15:41] s in our region, in our neighborhoods. Anything we can do, I was
[1:15:48] talking to supervisor barger, and we did see true landlord character
[1:15:56] come forward during covid. Particularly for our commercial tenants.
[1:15:59] there were some landlords of commercial property that understood that it
[1:16:05] was through no fault of their own that it was the county that was declaring
[1:16:10] some of these businesses could not operate legally and hellfully during
[1:16:24] covid. Healthfully during covid. We saw other landlords,
[1:16:32] they didn't give a break to those, some of those. And some of those small
[1:16:35] businesses did not survive. Some of them never came
[1:16:38] back. Some of the restaurants, small businesses.
[1:16:45] so we know that there are -- we know that there is an opportunity to
[1:16:50] protect small businesses where we can. Supervisor barger brought
[1:16:54] up a lot of concerns, many of the concerns that I think our office has been
[1:16:58] hearing. So I think for me will be -- I'm going to vote
[1:17:01] for this. Because I'm curious about the reportback.
[1:17:05] I really want to urge you, kelly, to have a very thorough reportback and
[1:17:12] really lean in to a lot of the concerns that you have heard today.
[1:17:18] and I would agree with supervisor barger, make sure you are talking to
[1:17:23] the stakeholders who are going to be impacted both the landlords, tenants.
[1:17:28] because I think the more people that are involved in this the better the
[1:17:32] product will be at the end. I have always believed
[1:17:35] that. I think that is cluster process sometimes by the
[1:17:41] time it goats out on the other end. It is better.
[1:17:47] I think we're going to urge you, reportback that's one-sided.
[1:17:55] if we do something we need to get the buy-in of everybody.
[1:18:04] it will be the cost, what is it going to cost us. In a county where the
[1:18:10] budget is always tight. We have priority amount there are certain things
[1:18:14] that are priorities for this board. Or the cost of this, the
[1:18:34] cost of tenant protections is there going to be another funding source
[1:18:39] that will help. We're going to drag in a lot of our departments on
[1:18:42] this. Anything we do, really speaks to the ordinance
[1:18:48] that's on the books. Anything we do is not worth the paper it's
[1:18:50] written on unless the enforcement is robust. Do we have the money, the
[1:19:06] staffing to really carry out a priority like this. That will be interesting
[1:19:11] to me in the reportback. But maybe you can speak to it, what is the thinking
[1:19:15] right now, how do we pay for this, are there different funding sources,
[1:19:19] not only for the tenant protections but for our extra department staff
[1:19:23] work. >> kelly lobianco: we will consider the scope of
[1:19:30] something like this in the reportback and do our best across county counsel and
[1:19:36] department of consumer business affairs and deo to estimate costs for an
[1:19:42] infrastructure and implementation plan that helps us fully achieve the
[1:19:46] intention of the motion in the program. I hear what the board is
[1:19:51] saying and I agree, a policy is great, the anti-harassment created a
[1:19:57] right and that is something that whether we have a robust technical
[1:20:00] assistance apparatus or not is important for the public to be able to have
[1:20:04] access to. They didn't before. I don't want to minimize
[1:20:06] that. I also recognize that a smart and thoughtful cross
[1:20:12] departmental and right-sized implementation strategy is important.
[1:20:15] I look forward to bringing that back. >> sup. Janice hahn: we
[1:20:20] know that every budget process, we have our departments lining up,
[1:20:23] speaking to our priorities like kind of quoting us, things that we have asked
[1:20:27] for. But then saying we don't have enough staff.
[1:20:30] and they ask for more staff at every budget. Sometimes they get it and
[1:20:34] sometimes they don't. Just really want to make sure up front if we're
[1:20:40] going to build this infrastructure that we really understand the cost
[1:20:43] and we really are given a clear pathway to a funding strategy.
[1:20:52] thank you madam chair. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: thank you.
[1:20:54] supervisor mitchell? >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: thank you very much.
[1:20:57] I just wanted to responds to some of the issues raised by my colleagues.
[1:21:01] supervisor hahn I couldn't agree more. I couldn't agree with you
[1:21:05] more! I would suggest that we as a board exercise a similar
[1:21:11] discipline for every motion or ordinance or ballot initiative that
[1:21:14] comes before us. >> sup. Janice hahn: I hate it when you use my
[1:21:16] words against me. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: in terms of asking
[1:21:20] ourselves the question how are we going to pay for it.
[1:21:23] I agree with you. And like I said, I think that should be for this
[1:21:25] motion and everything else that we consider, how are we going to pay for it.
[1:21:29] it is important. Specifically as you talked about in terms of staffing
[1:21:34] and I agree with you, in terms of the proposed commercial license program
[1:21:39] and how it will be funded, as we heard from the ce. Other ain the process of
[1:21:45] figuring out -- they're in the process of figuring out, studying if they
[1:21:50] should move the existing small business licensing program from ttc to either
[1:21:55] dcb or deo. It would be my expectations that the 18
[1:22:03] positions for that existing program that are in ttc would have to move
[1:22:06] wherever the program moves. So that would be one issue
[1:22:10] with regard to the staffing. The work moves, the staff,
[1:22:14] the 18 staff need to move along with a it. -- move with it.
[1:22:18] I appreciate you raising that. To supervisor barger's
[1:22:23] question around the anti-harassment policy, and whether or not it is
[1:22:31] enough and why we haven't seen any action there. It is my understanding
[1:22:35] that the anti-harassment is only private right of action, requires a citizen
[1:22:43] to hire a private attorney to enforce the law. Because it is a private
[1:22:48] right of action, there is no governmental administrative oversight
[1:22:54] to pursue it. So public counsel have come to us because of the
[1:23:00] limitations around the anti-harassment ordinance to pursue what we are
[1:23:05] considering with this. That's what we're considering.
[1:23:08] I think that is the challenge. I appreciate your line of
[1:23:10] questioning. But if it only can be done through private attorneys,
[1:23:16] that may not be enough. The state program I look forward to hear back from county counsel
[1:23:27] or ms. Lobianco, if there is a state program and people are talking about and municipalities
[1:23:36] I don't know if the state address a vacancy tax. It's something that we hear a
[1:23:41] lot in public discourse and how a vacancy tax could be helpful. That certainly is not what this
[1:23:48] motion is attempting to do. We are attempting to address the issues from a very different
[1:23:55] perspective. I wanted to respond to issues raised my colleagues and hope to
[1:24:03] move forward. Lastly supervisor barger, when you said the report back, there
[1:24:08] is various time frames and it is 180 days to prepare with regard to the anti--ordinance amending
[1:24:20] the antiharassment ordinance 180 days. 120 days for conduct the
[1:24:31] commercial rent study. Varying times in it but the meat of the motion and report back is
[1:24:39] 180 days. Thank you madam chair. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair:
[1:24:46] thank you and with no further questions, go to public comment. Executive officer.
[1:24:54] >> executive officer: chair because of the number of items to speak is item 20, the time is
[1:25:03] up to 50 minutes or until all registered. If you are with a group,
[1:25:09] identify one person, and additionally if you don't have additional comments stated by
[1:25:14] other speakers, indicate your name or support or opposition of this item to allow others the
[1:25:21] opportunity to speak. If you would like to provide more details comments do so with
[1:25:29] our staff with badges. And you can provide online. By clicking the link submit
[1:25:37] public comment online. All comments submitted online will be filed in the official
[1:25:42] record. Thank you for your participation in today's meeting, it is now
[1:25:49] 11:02 a.m. And public comment end at 11:52. >> moderator: would the
[1:25:57] following individuals come forward and staff assist you [calling names]
[1:26:39] we will hear from in-person speakers first. Please begin.
[1:26:48] >> in-person speaker: honor chair and supervisors we respectfully oppose the motions
[1:26:55] under agenda item 20 and current form and submitted a letter for the public record, we represent
[1:27:05] real estate owners in the ecosystem, our tenants make sure that they are not vacant.
[1:27:17] and to have displacement by bad actors who should be the ones targeted.
[1:27:24] focus my comment on the proposed commercial rent study component and the revised motion shortens
[1:27:30] the study, and including a survey of small business owners and given the climate and that
[1:27:42] strengthen the competition alongside commercial tenants. And the differences--
[1:27:48] >> moderator: thank you, next speaker please. >> in-person speaker: good
[1:27:55] morning I am francisco and I am a los angeles county resident and supporter of small
[1:28:03] businesses and here to ask supervisors to vote yes on item 20 and move the property license
[1:28:10] forward. Small businesses are not just places that we shop and receive
[1:28:14] services, they are part of the fabric of our communities. And I want to recognize carlos
[1:28:22] tires and auto repair a business that provided to the community. C
[1:28:33] c carlos tires is for people to feel supported.
[1:28:36] but businesses like this face a real challenge, their future can depend on a commercial lease and
[1:28:44] when the lease expires and the business has little certainly what comes next.
[1:28:50] why transparency matters. Small business owners deserve who owns a property.
[1:28:56] >> moderator: thank you, next speaker please. >> in-person speaker: good
[1:29:00] morning madam chair and supervisors, carlos singer and speaking on item 20, I am chief
[1:29:07] policy officer at l.a. Chamber of commerce and I submitted details responses to this motion
[1:29:14] already. So I will cede my time to the other folks making time to
[1:29:18] address the board. I would like to say the reason in-person to clarify we
[1:29:24] were no way involved in a stakeholder process and absolutely welcome the
[1:29:29] opportunity to do so going forward. Thank you.
[1:29:34] >> moderator: thank you next speaker. >> in-person speaker: good
[1:29:41] morning I am alexandria, I am here in support of item 20, to ask the board of supervisors to
[1:29:50] vote yes and move the property rental license forward, as a business owner I understand how
[1:29:56] important business and transparency is to small businesses.
[1:30:00] carlos tires has served the community for more than 20 years it is not only a successful
[1:30:06] business and trusted community resource and a place that residents connect with
[1:30:11] information, resources and support. Its lease expires in may, 2027
[1:30:19] creating uncertainty that this long-serving business can remain.
[1:30:28] we need transparency. This is about more than one business, it's about protecting
[1:30:33] the small businesses jobs-- >> moderator: thank you next speaker.
[1:30:40] >> in-person speaker: diana brown, to esteemed supervisors I am a resident of los angeles
[1:30:47] county and member of flores community and I have worked in middle school and spent most of
[1:30:58] my life with the families. And a member and customer of carlettos tires and this is a
[1:31:10] place where community members come and gather. The possibility of losing this
[1:31:14] small business has troubled this community and myself. I respectfully and humbly ask
[1:31:21] the board to vote yes on this agenda item 20, thank you. And please remember that when we
[1:31:29] protect long-time small businesses we protect more than jobs, we protect community
[1:31:34] services and relationships. Thank you. >> moderator: thank you, next
[1:31:39] speaker please. >> in-person speaker: I am carina, I am a florence fire
[1:31:47] stone resident and supporter of small businesses and here to ask for the board of supervisors to
[1:31:52] vote yes on item 20 and move the commercial rental license forward.
[1:31:58] and want to speak about carllettos tires have been serving florence firestone not
[1:32:07] only as a small business but a place where people can find help, information and support
[1:32:12] and someone they can trust. If forced to move, we will lose more than a business, we could
[1:32:19] lose a great community leader and mentor and someone that dedicated years to help others.
[1:32:24] steve has used his business as a place to connect residents, resources and bring people
[1:32:30] together and encourages to be involved in the community. His lease expires in may, 2027
[1:32:40] and that uncertainty should matter to all of us-- >> moderator: thank you.
[1:32:46] next speaker. >> in-person speaker: good morning I am rafael, I have been
[1:32:52] a resident of the los angeles county for more than 55 years, I am asking the board of
[1:32:59] supervisors to vote yes on the item 20 and move the commercial rental property license forward.
[1:33:05] small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhood. They create jobs, provide
[1:33:13] essential services, and build relationships with the residents they serve.
[1:33:22] but long-time small businesses can face serious uncertainty with dealing with commercial
[1:33:31] property owners. In the case of carlittos tires, his lease will expire in may,
[1:33:44] 2027, after 27 years-- >> moderator: thank you, next speaker.
[1:33:49] >> in-person speaker: hi, roslyn, with the los angeles conservancy, here to speak in
[1:33:55] support of item 20. The l.a. Conservancy supports legacy businesses connecting
[1:34:03] long-time business owners across l.a. County with resources to help safeguard, strengthen and
[1:34:11] grow their businesses. We support expanding for commercial rental property
[1:34:18] license, guaranteed relocation pay after harassment. A county wide commercial study
[1:34:25] tenants displaced by redevelopment and funding to bring on legal and community
[1:34:30] partners to help design and carry out these protections. Relocating a business is very
[1:34:37] expensive and mom and pop shops rarely have large cash reserves. Landlord funded relocation
[1:34:47] services give legacy businesses a lifeline to prevent closure. >> moderator: next speaker.
[1:34:54] >> in-person speaker: hello, I am rebecca helm, and thank you for what you do for the county.
[1:35:02] northeast resident and here to date in enthusiastic support of item 20.
[1:35:08] I know the shopkeepers up and down my neighborhood, they are my friends, their kids go to
[1:35:15] school with my friends and outline of ideal community. I heard from some people being
[1:35:21] displaced their rent has gone up seven times and no money, very difficult to get the money to
[1:35:27] relocate. I know we have a chance today to be able to--although it's not
[1:35:33] rent cap yet, we have a chance to protect and spread these types of ideal situations in our
[1:35:41] county. And know that you all--seems like you all are behind it and
[1:35:48] thank you for even putting this forward and making this a reality in this beautiful
[1:35:52] county. Thank you. >> moderator: thank you, next
[1:35:56] speaker please. >> in-person speaker: attorney on small business development
[1:36:01] team here in strong support of item 20. Every day I speak with hard
[1:36:06] working small business owners who are struggling to stay afloat the.
[1:36:10] as their attorney I can advocate for them to be treat with respect, only so many I can do
[1:36:16] when legal protections are not there and landlord to leave and often no remedy I can pursue on
[1:36:27] their behalf. That is the gap that this motion seeks to fill.
[1:36:31] the cost of uprooting and reestablishing an is enormous. When landlords are held
[1:36:43] accountable for relocation costs displaced business owners have an opportunity to reopen, retain
[1:36:49] jobs and serve the communities that depend on them. Why I urge the board to pass
[1:36:55] this motion and adopt these protections for small business tenants.
[1:37:00] >> moderator: thank you, now remote callers. Ace harris, your line is open.
[1:37:07] please begin. Ace harris, your line is open. Go to the next caller.
[1:37:16] mona hartin, your line is open, please begin. >> telephone speaker: yes good
[1:37:21] morning, I am mona, I am a small business owner as well as a landlord in l.a. County
[1:37:31] firestone district. I understand there is a lot of protections already in place for
[1:37:36] tenants, especially the harassment clause that needs to be enforced if that's what the
[1:37:41] problem is. The problem with doing something like this as you are scaring
[1:37:45] people away from the county. To invest in your county and owning buildings.
[1:37:52] which is only going to cost more unemployment. And it's already a very hard
[1:37:59] business climate in the county. I urge you to delay this vote, we were not asked to be part of
[1:38:07] this. We were part of stop the [inaudible] when they tried to
[1:38:12] lower our zone from industrial to jewelry shops a couple of years ago.
[1:38:17] and they promised us, the county, that they include us in anything they would be doing, I
[1:38:22] haven't received one call-- >> moderator: thank you, christopher bowen, your line is
[1:38:29] open, please begin. Christopher bowen. >> telephone speaker: good
[1:38:36] morning chair and supervisors, christopher bowen with greater los angeles and representing
[1:38:45] 2,000 business professionals. Since august 20 when we submitted an opposition letter,
[1:38:54] working with supervisor mitchell and horvath, and we appreciate the study and extension of cap,
[1:39:08] however the motion still prescribes broad licensing and sensitive reporting and rent and
[1:39:15] termination restriction. Far beyond targeted protection of vulnerable small businesses.
[1:39:22] please limit any program to qualified small and legacy businesses that was clearly
[1:39:30] outlined in the preamble and require another board vote-- >> moderator: thank you, ane,
[1:39:40] your line is open, please begin. >> telephone speaker: good morning speaking on behalf of
[1:39:47] central city association and respectly oppose this item. We contribute to the vitablt of
[1:39:54] our communities and not displaced. However we are concerned that
[1:39:59] the motion is too broad and could extend protections beyond the mom and pop that need them
[1:40:05] the most. Mandatory licensing and annual reviewses and relocation
[1:40:11] mandates would add costs and uncertainty for property owners. These could discourage
[1:40:18] investment and increase the cost of doing business. We encourage the county to
[1:40:23] pursue targeted productions that provide meaningful support to the small businesses most in
[1:40:30] need than discourage investment and limit opportunities for growth.
[1:40:36] thank you. >> moderator: thank you, natalie allen your line is open.
[1:40:42] >> telephone speaker: hi, this is natalie, responsible property owners are not the enemy of
[1:40:47] small business. We invest our own capital and pay taxes and improve buildings
[1:40:54] and absorb vacancies and take financial risk to create the current spaces that these
[1:41:00] businesses occupy. If l.a. County makes owning property more expensive and
[1:41:08] consequences for us. Property owners will be less willing to invest, and
[1:41:14] redevelopment more difficult and some owners resist the higher businesses and work their way
[1:41:20] back into the commercial rents. That would hurt the small businesses that this motion is
[1:41:27] intended to help. And I am particularly worried about the landlord that has not
[1:41:34] done anything wrong and one that wants to change the property. Those are different situations
[1:41:41] and not-- >> moderator: thank you, matthew lyons your line is open, please
[1:41:48] begin. >> telephone speaker: good morning I am matthew, I am
[1:41:52] calling in on behalf of partnership, protecting the goal of small businesses from
[1:42:00] unlawful harassment and displacement. This proposal unfortunately goes
[1:42:05] far beyond protecting tenants from unlawful conduct. It contemplates a significant
[1:42:12] new regulatory framework for property owners. All has a cost, who will pay?
[1:42:19] will this be another unfunded government mandate that falls on the back of small businesses and
[1:42:24] commercial property owners? We look forward to be part of the stakeholder engagement and
[1:42:30] to county staff conducting a thorough analysis and distinguish between unlawful
[1:42:40] displacement, we are concerned with the consequences of investment throughout the
[1:42:43] county. And we believe that we can protect small businesses and
[1:42:48] preserving property rights-- >> moderator: thank you. Caller ending in 0716, your line
[1:42:56] is open, state your name and begin. >> telephone speaker: roy
[1:43:03] humphreys, did you say that you are spending millions to combat labor union strikes as you watch
[1:43:15] the palisades [inaudible]. Practices are the nature of human beast.
[1:43:23] yes, scapegoat I.c.e. Law enforcement democratic spends millions aiding and abetting
[1:43:33] illegal alience. And supervisor horvath causing [inaudible] hence failure.
[1:43:39] you must contact the state officials undermining your efforts.
[1:43:48] ai computer is essential, god bless president trump. >> moderator: caller your line
[1:43:58] is open, state your name and begin. Caller ending in 1550, your line
[1:44:06] is open, please begin. >> telephone speaker: this is mark granger, commercial real
[1:44:15] estate broker, small property owner. I have two concerns regarding
[1:44:19] this ordinance, the first is directed specifically to supervisor mitchell, I have
[1:44:29] repeatedly attended the advant gardens community center and we were assured that you would
[1:44:35] reach out to the business community. I have never heard anything
[1:44:40] about this ordinance, until recently, meaning yesterday. And I am currently going through
[1:44:47] the green zone that you enacted without comments from the business community.
[1:44:53] that process has taken up to two years and up to spending 60,000 on that process and I ended up
[1:44:59] having to put in a five-foot setback on the back of my property.
[1:45:04] you need to start communicating with the business community. Ordinances of this nature are
[1:45:10] extremely expensive-- >> moderator: thank you, caller ending in number 5618, your line
[1:45:18] is open, state your name is begin. >> telephone speaker: hello, I
[1:45:23] am diane foster, a small business owner in highland park. I wanted to be sure they was on
[1:45:29] the record saying I was in favor of this motion. It's been really hard as a small
[1:45:34] business owner to see all of my neighbors be pushed out by larger private equity firms and
[1:45:43] corporate landlords coming in and pushing them out. And these spaces are still
[1:45:49] vacant and aren't helping the other small businesses thrive. So I wanted to be on the record
[1:45:54] in support of this motion. Thank you. >> moderator: thank you, now
[1:45:58] back to in-person speakers. Will the following individuals come forward and staff will
[1:46:05] assist you [calling names]... Next speaker. >> in-person speaker: good
[1:46:52] morning I am a small business owner and president of the firestone organization and owner
[1:46:59] of carlettos auto repair and here to support item 20 and ask the board of supervisors to move
[1:47:09] this forward. My business is an auto repair shop for 27 years and a trusted
[1:47:17] resource where residents connect with community programs. And today I am speaking as a
[1:47:23] tenant, my commercial lease expired in may, 2027. After investing 27 years in my
[1:47:29] life and livelihood and the location, I have serious questions.
[1:47:36] what happens if the landlord decides not to renew my lease? Where do I go?
[1:47:43] what options available? I am not asking for the county to take away property owner
[1:47:49] rights but transparency and level playing field. >> moderator: thank you, next
[1:47:55] speaker. >> in-person speaker: good morning I am with public counsel
[1:47:59] but speaking on behalf of our partner, in strong support of item 20.
[1:48:05] ltsc builds and manages affordable housing in little tokyo and throughout l.a., we
[1:48:13] support this standard for tenants specifically those that are mom and pop businesses with
[1:48:18] fairness and respect. We have tried to help with legacy owned businesses in
[1:48:24] little tokyo, and because rent protections are not existent and unable to protect from
[1:48:32] displacement. When these places close not only impact the workers but those
[1:48:39] they serve. While this motion will not directly impact ltsc tenants and
[1:48:48] set this as a precedent for mom and pop small businesses that make up the backbone of our
[1:48:56] neighborhood-- >>>> moderator: thank you next speaker.
[1:49:01] >> in-person speaker: carrie martin speaking in favor of item 20.
[1:49:06] I am a staff counsel member, commercial protections that foster transparency and
[1:49:15] accountability are common sense. For far too long corporate conglomerates have regulated
[1:49:24] without regulations. And we are seeing the effects. While the business diversity
[1:49:32] that once defined los angeles county disappears before our eyes.
[1:49:37] nothing proposed today radically tips the balance in favor of tenants or impact the property
[1:49:45] owners to set rents or redevelop. Instead sets standards for those
[1:49:51] that own a piece of our county, please vote yes on 20. >> moderator: thank you, next
[1:49:59] speaker please. >> in-person speaker: good morning, I am rosario, I am a
[1:50:05] business owner in highland park, I've had rock rose gallery for the last 27 years, came out of
[1:50:12] my work more as an incubator to bring arts to the community. I have learned a lot in this 27
[1:50:20] year process. I was recently evicted. I have been--I moved two months
[1:50:27] ago. I am still looking for a place, not leaving highland park.
[1:50:40] it's a community that I love highland park is a special community and I want to support
[1:50:49] this motion, please. You mentioned that it would take time to put information
[1:50:54] together. I'm a resource, I know what it means to be evicted.
[1:50:57] I would love to share that with you. >> moderator: thank you.
[1:51:03] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: if you ask someone on my staff to talk to you, coming, ma'am.
[1:51:11] >> moderator: next speaker. >> in-person speaker: good morning I am a small business
[1:51:16] owner for the city of los angeles. I own a small store named
[1:51:27] healthy nutrition for last years and here to support item 20. It's the right way to do.
[1:51:33] I was recently displaced by the property owner using harassment t
[1:51:43] tactics and bad for the business and customers. And didn't want to renew my
[1:51:47] lease after so many years. I lost a lot of money, time and most of all my customers and I
[1:51:56] can't find an afford place to continue my business and livelihood for my family,
[1:52:04] especially my two children. I want to continue running a protected business and continue
[1:52:09] paying my taxes-- >> moderator: thank you, next speaker.
[1:52:14] >> in-person speaker: good morning, I own a barber shop in firestone neighborhood and my
[1:52:24] business employs people in the neighborhood. Speaking on item 20 and it has
[1:52:32] been tough. We have had landlords refuse to make needed repairs and threaten
[1:52:39] to triple our rent. How can small business owners be expected to keep your business
[1:52:47] afloat when landlord won't make needed repairs. And to give in to box retail and
[1:52:54] high rise condos. We need protection to stop small business displacement and for
[1:53:00] those that feed and care for our community. >> moderator: thank you, next
[1:53:05] speaker please. >> in-person speaker: jesse sames with the los angeles
[1:53:11] tenant union and as tenant organizers we hear is familiar, regulation is called and
[1:53:17] attacked and as landlords have the right to extract rent from someone's work.
[1:53:22] and we see the same forces in tenants and neighborhoods. Rent hikes and holding for
[1:53:29] higher rents. We need infrastructure that puts obstacles in the way of
[1:53:35] displacement and shifts power to the people that sustain these communities.
[1:53:39] being business friendly cannot mean friendly to distraction. Our neighborhoods are homes and
[1:53:47] livelihoods, and not just investment opportunities. Support item 20.
[1:53:51] >> moderator: thank you, next speaker. >> in-person speaker: good
[1:53:54] morning board of prof supervisom here to represent l.a. County. We have taken steps to include
[1:54:07] commercial tenants. And here to ask for more transpapers as we apply the
[1:54:13] property, don't just protect the property but the businesses inside the property.
[1:54:18] let's create that commercial rental license so that the county can understand what is
[1:54:23] happening and whether a history of violations. And from these licenses we can
[1:54:27] create good incents for the landlords keeping those operating in the community.
[1:54:34] and for small businesses displaced because of confirmed landlord harassment.
[1:54:40] and is against a legacy business that is thriving. And last protect from
[1:54:48] redevelopment displacement. Development should not require displacement and ask the board
[1:54:53] of supervisors-- >>>> moderator: thank you next speaker.
[1:55:02] >> in-person speaker: my wife and I own the bookstore in los angeles, until systems real
[1:55:08] estate purchased our building and raised our rent 330%, and gave 30 days notice.
[1:55:16] no acknowledgment of sb1103, unfortunately it's happening all over los angeles, it's
[1:55:24] existential crisis where corporate landlords are buying every piece of property and
[1:55:32] doubling and quadrupling rents. No guardrails and making more by writing off properties than by
[1:55:41] leasing them at reasonable rates. I believe in the los angeles of
[1:55:44] jonathan gold, where vibrant community and corridors served literature and art.
[1:55:53] no one comes to los angeles to see vacancies created by greedy people.
[1:56:01] >> moderator: thank you, next speaker. Translator--I am ms. Hernandez
[1:56:13] and a vendor for 25 years. I am here to ask for support for laws.
[1:56:21] for the unincorporated areas. For my personal experience not having protections in these
[1:56:36] areas that has been a barrier that prevents us from growing and strengthening businesses in
[1:56:48] our own communities. At this time I would would like to open a business but when I
[1:57:00] found out there is no rent control in the area where I live that's just the door to these
[1:57:14] projects. And to the dreams of bringing small businesses to our areas.
[1:57:25] I think all of the people supporting these laws and I ask for those of you not in support
[1:57:37] that you consider supporting us. Because having a business is not easy at all.
[1:57:47] we go through a lot of challenges. So I invite you to walk in our
[1:58:02] businesses and get to know our problems. >> moderator: thank you next
[1:58:07] speaker please. >> in-person speaker: hello I am alberto, I have owned a vintage
[1:58:14] shop in boyle heights since 2022. My business is more than a place
[1:58:18] to shop, I used my space to host for spanish speakers and screen lgbtq+ movies.
[1:58:26] and represents boyle heights and no place like it and in danger of closing.
[1:58:35] for the last five months I have no electricity and for a box that exploded.
[1:58:46] and asking the landlord to fix and refused to do so, I believe they have no incentive and to
[1:58:57] now landlord has filed an eviction lawsuits against me. If I am forced to move out I am
[1:59:04] not entitleed to financial assistance from landlord and need to shutdown.
[1:59:09] this harassment has to stop-- >> moderator: thank you, next speaker.
[1:59:16] [speaking spanish]>> interpreter: good morning I am lena.
[1:59:23] for 25 years I have had businesses in florence compton. I support the proposition for
[1:59:35] code 20. My business has been used to give employment to a lot of
[1:59:58] people, barber shops that are surrounding where I am. 80% of them are my ex-employees.
[2:00:09] all of us go through challenges in our businesses. With unexpected raises of rent.
[2:00:26] and one of my businesses where I renewed the contract they raised it by 500 last month.
[2:00:45] I have gone through so many challenges, during the pandemic my husband passed away.
[2:00:51] and so many other things between the fire, immigration, heat. We want to move forward and we
[2:01:01] ask for your support. I'm the mother of two children. And I provide for them by
[2:01:12] myself. We want the laws to be changed for us as business owners.
[2:01:22] >> moderator: thank you, next speaker please. >> in-person speaker: good
[2:01:26] morning my name is carlos, and I am the training director of live los angeles, to help angelenos
[2:01:38] to break the cycle of poverty. I am here in support of the motion before the board and the
[2:01:46] protections provide to small businesses and commercial tenants across los angeles
[2:01:50] county. Small businesses are essential to the economic and social fac
[2:01:53] r rick--fabric of our communities. But facing rising rents and
[2:02:07] limited information about landlords and leases. Playing a big role in the city
[2:02:17] and government and pay thousands of taxes to the government. This motion will help will them
[2:02:21] stay in business and we appreciate you approving this motion.
[2:02:28] >> moderator: thank you next speaker. >> interpreter: hi, I am elva.
[2:02:35] and I'm here in support of article 20. Because I am already tired of
[2:02:46] going against the current. I have five years with my business.
[2:02:58] and every since the second year the roof was not in working condition.
[2:03:10] and the owner of the property said that all of the maintenance and anything that needed to be
[2:03:15] repaired in the building, that was my responsibility. So I had to do that.
[2:03:22] and then months after that, the plumbing and the floor burst. 1950 that was the cost the
[2:03:35] plumbing. I had to close down the business for six days.
[2:03:44] to be able to fix it. It was $15,000 to fix the electrical which was not
[2:03:57] working. I spoke with the property owner and he said the same thing, it
[2:04:06] was my responsibility to do it. And I have 1-1/2 years left on the contract, I have not
[2:04:21] received the investment that corresponds to me with the property.
[2:04:31] and so last year I found out that they transferred the ownership to might be a family
[2:04:38] member and I can go outside, we need the support of this motion. >> moderator: thank you, next
[2:04:44] speaker. >> in-person speaker: hi, I am amy chong, and sb5 resident and
[2:04:51] proud owner of small business owners. And I work to build an economy
[2:04:56] that works for everybody. We are in a state of emergency, community serving small
[2:05:05] businesses are closing left and right. Let me be clear, we are asking
[2:05:15] landlords to be transparent about their properties to understand what fair market
[2:05:20] rents are and to provide relocation assistance when businesses are displaced.
[2:05:27] responsible landlords have nothing to fear, but we know that landlords have caused real
[2:05:33] harm to the small businesses and communities they are supposed to be serving.
[2:05:37] and this motion creates transparency and stability to keep small businesses in our
[2:05:45] neighborhoods, please support the motion. >> moderator: thank you, next
[2:05:49] speaker. >> in-person speaker: I am a los angeles county resident and
[2:05:51] support item 20. I work for an organization that supports over 500 entrepreneurs
[2:05:59] and everyone week observe harassments for the last five years.
[2:06:08] current protection is not enough, they need relocation assistance and registry.
[2:06:15] small businesses provide one-third of jobs in los angeles county.
[2:06:20] small businesses need more certainty, not only help business owners and the
[2:06:25] employees keep employment. Increase wages and improve outcomes for hundreds of
[2:06:32] thousands of angeleno families. Creating a sustainable economic and tax base.
[2:06:40] we urge the board of supervisors to pass the motion and the protections of item 20.
[2:06:46] >> moderator: thank you, next speaker. >> in-person speaker: hi, I am a
[2:06:52] small business advocate, here in favor of item 20. First thank you to supervisor
[2:06:59] holly mitchell to take bold leadership to protect the fabric of our community.
[2:07:04] small businesses need strong protections against displacement.
[2:07:09] the county has great protections but does not control the rent, they are sky rocketing.
[2:07:18] and without the protections we will continue to lose small businesses and businesses close.
[2:07:26] the report will bring back both sides of the story, I agree when supervisors say that it's
[2:07:33] important to make policies with solutions. Many have interpretation and
[2:07:40] I.c.e. Raised and leaving our communities, keep them thriving and protected.
[2:07:47] thank you. >> moderator: thank you, next speaker please.
[2:07:54] >> in-person speaker: current resident of sb3, this is a topic near and dear to my heart.
[2:08:02] supervisor hanh brought up the idea of cost, as I middle taxpayer I couldn't agree more.
[2:08:13] the cost of an action causes a far greater toll. When a neighborhood grocery
[2:08:19] store closes the impact doesn't stop at the storefront. And to lose access to essential
[2:08:25] food and services and what does that do? Place a greater burden on the
[2:08:32] system. And a small business with indoor seating and pushed out by
[2:08:42] unsympathetic landlord, they lose a place to shop and escape the heat.
[2:08:47] please invest and not reactive. >> moderator: thank you next speaker.
[2:08:53] >> in-person speaker: good morning supervisors I want to thank supervisor mitchell for
[2:08:58] taking the leadership on this motion. I am francisco with sage, over
[2:09:05] the last three years working, with small businesses and echo the comments colleagues have
[2:09:14] made. Voting yes on los angeles county commercial rental property
[2:09:19] license and voting yes on the protections to include relocation assistance.
[2:09:25] and voting yes on the rent study, and voting yes on rental assistance for tenants
[2:09:34] displacement is a win/win situation. Protecting small businesses is a
[2:09:39] win/win situation for small businesses. Protecting small businesses is a
[2:09:45] win/win situation for commercial landlords. Protecting small businesses is a
[2:09:54] win/win situation for local governments. >> moderator: thank you next
[2:09:58] speaker. >> in-person speaker: good morning the landscape of our
[2:10:03] communities means that the changing landscape of our community means that we are
[2:10:09] either evolving or in need of a necessary change to keep exis
[2:10:17] existing. In a way that we keep our standards and the spark that we
[2:10:21] have in l.a. Is maintained in l.a. County. Implementation of this tenant
[2:10:28] protection is necessary. We must evolve and with it comes change.
[2:10:35] I support all hispanic businesses and I support them, my father was a businessman such
[2:10:41] as those businesses. We went to the swap meets and he had a christian library at the
[2:10:49] corner of my house. I understand. And I do support hispanic
[2:10:55] businesses and I support hispanic people in the community.
[2:10:59] >> moderator: thank you, next speaker. >> in-person speaker: good
[2:11:04] morning, founder of juice bar, I am speaking in support of item 20.
[2:11:10] I ask that you cannot legally sell someone a lemon car, why allowed to lease a lemon
[2:11:17] building? Tenants like me suffering when landlords force tenants to spend
[2:11:28] business capital correcting the problems I did not correct. Spent my money on the business
[2:11:38] and landlord forced me out. I am now trying to relocate without any resources,
[2:11:44] assistance or leads. We need landlord accountability, meaningful relocation assistance
[2:11:50] and protection against harassment and replacement, and pathways for small businesses
[2:11:57] that are interested to get to ownership themselves. >> moderator: thank you, madam
[2:12:03] chair, all members of the public that registered to speak on item 20.
[2:12:12] >> executive officer: madam chair item 20 is before you. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair:
[2:12:20] thank you call the roll. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: aye. >> sup. Kathryn barger: abstain
[2:12:33] on this one. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: aye. Motion passes three ayes and one
[2:12:45] abstention. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: please raise your hand in
[2:12:49] agreement, thank you. Thank you. Now move on to item 22.
[2:13:16] supervisor hahn register an aye vote. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: four
[2:13:22] aye votes. Next item. [gavel] can people please settle
[2:13:30] down. Very much. >> executive officer: item 22,
[2:13:32] verbal presentation on summary of potential impacts and panned strategies to mitigate el niño
[2:13:38] during the 2026-27 storm season, for members of the public on the phone, if you signed up to
[2:13:48] speak, no action is needed. If you are watching the meeting and want to address the board,
[2:13:56] call 213-444-2600, press star and follow the prompts. Kevin mcgowan, dr. Ariel cohen,
[2:14:11] andrew veis. Mark pestrella, director of public works.
[2:14:18] supervisor luna, fire chief anthony marrone. Carter hewgly.
[2:14:28] gary jones. Michael sylvester, director of public social services will give
[2:14:39] a presentation. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: thank you and thank you to the
[2:14:42] panel for being here. I know that supervisor horvath wants to begin.
[2:14:48] >> sup. Lindsey horvath: thank you madam chair and for the county departments to be here
[2:14:51] and prepare our county and residents for this winter and el niño emergency events.
[2:14:57] we all heard that a very strong el niño is threatening our community and county
[2:15:04] infrastructure this storm season that begins october 14, and alerts as early as this weekend.
[2:15:11] this is particularly concerning for communities near wildfire burn scars and why we brought
[2:15:18] forward the motion asking for this panel to come together. And communities can experience
[2:15:27] intense flooding and land slides due to the heavy rainfall and notable concern after a large
[2:15:37] storm surge cut off western beach malibu, proper planning and reduce the impact the
[2:15:48] communities particularly our most vulnerable populations. And imperative to work with
[2:15:54] nonprofits and residents to coordinate a strong unified response and awareness of el
[2:16:01] niño impacts. It's my goal that all county departments and cities and
[2:16:06] community groups and residents understand their risks and how best to prepare and where to
[2:16:14] return when they need help. And looking forward to the county drill happening later
[2:16:21] this month that we are coordinateed and my office is holding an el niño town hall on
[2:16:28] september 28 to answer questions. We welcome everyone to attend
[2:16:32] and learn more about how our county is supporting you and details on that event on our
[2:16:41] website lindsey horvath events and look forward to today's presentation and questions for
[2:16:49] respective departments. Thank you for being here and my colleagues wow, looks like
[2:16:55] everyone is here. And whether we show up in force we mean it to keep our community
[2:17:00] safe. Thank you for being here. Turn to you for the
[2:17:03] presentation. >> department speaker: good morning chair solis and members
[2:17:09] of the board, thank you for the opportunity to present on this important topic.
[2:17:14] for the record, kevin mcgowan, direct overt office of emergency management and this morning
[2:17:23] explain el niño and the effects on california. And how preparing the county for
[2:17:31] more frequent winter storms. And following to hear from colleagues from ceo, and
[2:17:41] national weather service and county wide communications, and each to discuss their methods
[2:17:50] and my privilege to introduce dr. Ariel cohen, who will be providing overview of el niño
[2:17:58] and potential weather impacts. And please advance the slide. >> department speaker: good day,
[2:18:06] my name is dr. Ariel cohen and the meteorologist in charge of weather service in oxnard, thank
[2:18:15] you for having me. And understanding el niño and true influence, defined by ocean
[2:18:25] warmth. But for dangerous to be affected and atmosphere with that heat
[2:18:32] and steer towards california. That is uncertain, and this winter this is tilting the
[2:18:38] regional odds to a wetter than normal winter and potential for severe storms and coastal
[2:18:50] impacts. However el niño is not a single storm and does not determine a
[2:18:56] wet season or dictate storm tracks. Analogy, facing a top-ranked
[2:19:02] sports team increases the chance of a difficult game but did not guarantee an automatic loss.
[2:19:10] and similarly el niño does stack the deck to a stormy season and does not determine disaster,
[2:19:20] with play by play as individual storms develop. High impact threats such as peak
[2:19:34] wind and water rates cannot be forecasted months in advance. Requiring current observations
[2:19:46] and high modeling and few to several days of predictability allows.
[2:19:54] while long-range research models explore worse case theoretical scenarios and many of
[2:20:05] significance. And focusing on real-world forecast and message only when
[2:20:15] sufficient scientific evidence exists near a storm's arrival. Very importantly is preventing
[2:20:20] public warning fatigue. Framing seasonal climate signals as confidence shifts and we're
[2:20:31] concerned that overstating long-range risks now can lead to warning fatigue.
[2:20:38] and reducing public compliance when life-safety alerts like flash flood warnings are issued
[2:20:49] later in the winter. And to conclude the weather service our cadence for core
[2:20:56] partners and maintaining consistent communications with los angeles county emergency
[2:21:02] management and los angeles city emergency management and core partners as the conditions
[2:21:07] evolve. And hosting two times a week, every single week, a briefing
[2:21:14] throughout the season. To core partners and highly technical tuesday sessions
[2:21:18] tailored for core partners such as the office of emergency management and public works.
[2:21:25] and broad friday messaging including the media. Thank you for having me and
[2:21:31] happy to address any items at any time. >> department speaker: thank you
[2:21:38] dr. Cohen. Our collective objective with the county is not just to
[2:21:42] prepare for el niño as a climate pattern. To strengthen for consequence
[2:21:48] that is may have severe storms including flooding, debris flows and damaging wind, power outages
[2:21:58] and impact to critical infrastructure. The office of emergency
[2:22:04] management is coordinating an effort. First working with county
[2:22:10] departments and our county wide partners to conduct hazard and operational assessments.
[2:22:17] that helps identify communities and facilities and infrastructure and services that
[2:22:22] may be vulnerable. And resources and capability gaps we use to address winter
[2:22:29] storm seasons. On october 18, oem brought together county departments and
[2:22:37] cities and utilities and the national weather service, disaster management coordinators
[2:22:44] and other partners. And in that meeting we had you understanding of the threat and
[2:22:52] the preparedness actions to follow. Oem will be continuously working
[2:22:58] directly with our cities, our council of governments, and disaster management areas to
[2:23:02] ensure there is detailed coordination and planning across the entire los angeles county.
[2:23:08] and second developing plans of how the county coordinates storm response.
[2:23:20] of emergency notifications and emergency support and transition from response to recovery.
[2:23:28] of importance is evacuation plan for areas of increased risk following wildfires.
[2:23:35] including the eaton and palisades burning scars. And this is coordinating with
[2:23:41] local jurisdictions and clearly defines agency roles and responsibilities.
[2:23:47] and for example, public works to identify areas at risk and emergency evacuations.
[2:23:55] and the sheriff's department implements those evacuations in its jurisdiction and other law
[2:24:02] enforcement agencies do the same for theirs. And the fire department
[2:24:09] coordinates rescue operations. This planning also places particular emphasis on ensuring
[2:24:13] that the needs of vulnerable communities and the vtdz with access and functional needs are
[2:24:20] incorporated into our evagz--evacuation and notification.
[2:24:26] third the county departments are assessing county-owned properties and critical
[2:24:32] facilities and identifying measures to protect from rain, flooding and wind damage and
[2:24:40] disruptions. And with planning and guidance that jurisdictions can use to
[2:24:45] conduct similar assessments. On september 30, oem will host an exercise by post-graduate
[2:24:56] school for homeland security. And county partners and select jurisdictions and disaster
[2:25:04] coordinators and agencies responsible for communities will participate in this.
[2:25:09] most importantly the exercise will allow us to identify gaps and response to actions that we
[2:25:16] can continue to work on throughout the storm season. Clear and coordinated public
[2:25:23] information is essential. Andrew will provide a more detailed update from county wide
[2:25:31] communications and oem is an integral part of all county's emergency communications.
[2:25:37] with that we provide emergency management expertise to ensure that public messaging is timely
[2:25:42] and accurate and coordinated with the actions of emergency responders.
[2:25:53] and more importantly to extend beyond government and every resident to know where they are
[2:26:00] live and to have flood insurance. Home policies generally don't
[2:26:08] cover flood insurance, with a waiting period. Residents should act now and not
[2:26:15] wait for the storm. To address roof problems and prepare for possible power
[2:26:24] ou outages. We urge every resident to sign
[2:26:32] up with emergency sign ups and alerts may be issued by a city, the county, a state agency, the
[2:26:41] national weather service or other authorized public agencies.
[2:26:44] in closing, we can't predict precisely how much rain that el niño will bring, but we must use
[2:26:53] this time to strenlen our plans and help our communities prepare.
[2:26:58] preparedness now will reduce our risk, improve our responses and help protect lives when the next
[2:27:06] storm arises. Thank you for your time and with this my pleasure to introduce
[2:27:12] andrew veis, acting director of countywide communications. >> department speaker: good
[2:27:31] morning madam chair, I am andrew veis. L.a. County is working to
[2:27:37] prepare ourselves and the public before the first of any potential el niño driven storm
[2:27:45] arrives. And in july we host the first joint training exercise for
[2:27:51] county communicators. More than 100 provided hands on valuable emergency experience.
[2:28:03] and since early july the departments seated with me today have met weekly to have one
[2:28:11] voice messages and how l.a. County is preparing for storm season and the public can too.
[2:28:17] we have three main communication objectives. First prepare all communities
[2:28:21] across l.a. County for severe weather, multilingual relative resources.
[2:28:31] and second, to explain what el niño season means and people prepare with things such as
[2:28:42] flood insurance. And third to have weather forecast early and proactively
[2:28:47] and driving residents to lacounty.gov/rain. Yesterday in l.a. Times there
[2:29:00] was a three part series on el niño and with univision and cbs and cbs story has been viewed
[2:29:17] 300,000 times on youtube channel. This topic has been very
[2:29:23] effective. And look for opportunities for pro bono advertising as the
[2:29:31] season continues. And target people experiencing homelessness, and older adults
[2:29:37] and those with specific needs. This outreach will include presentations of preparedness to
[2:29:45] cities and town councils and other municipalities. And launch a newsletter to
[2:29:54] provide tips from these departments. Residents can sign up for that
[2:29:59] today at ready.lacounty.gov/rain. Hand over to public director
[2:30:11] mark pestrella. >> department speaker: thank you for inviting and the role of
[2:30:20] l.a. County. I am mark pestrella, and chief engineer of los angeles flood
[2:30:27] district. Public works approaches the flood risks the same way as
[2:30:32] other infrastructure risks. We start with the science and evaluate the consequences and
[2:30:38] reduce the greatest risk. Our regional flood system is ready for the upcoming flootd
[2:30:46] season. We prepare every year for the worse case scenario.
[2:30:53] but preparedness means understanding where flooding is most likely to occur, which
[2:30:58] communities are most exposed and where the consequences of flooding can be greatest.
[2:31:03] that is particularly important this year as we prepare for impacts of a strong el niño.
[2:31:10] what is the science telling us and partners from noaa, did a great job.
[2:31:16] and one thing to put in context, we don't see this as the super bowl, but see the season as a
[2:31:28] potential super bowl and many storms to reach the highest capacity we have seen in
[2:31:33] flooding and damage. However we are treating this condition as if could produce
[2:31:39] those conditions and prepare the community as if we are going to have our super bowl.
[2:31:47] noaa is reporting greater than 90% that el niño is strong. And does not guarantee that l.a.
[2:31:56] county will experience above average rainfall or damaging storms.
[2:32:00] last strong el niño that I recall, we had no rain. But you should know that we were
[2:32:06] prepared and learned from the event because we found that partners weren't prepared and
[2:32:11] taking the risk that we couldn't have rain. And this year we are reaching
[2:32:15] out to all partners including our great partner, army corp of engineers and for us this means
[2:32:28] range of possible conditions. We evaluate storm intent and duration and soil moisture and
[2:32:36] the possibility of storms arriving in succession. These factors matter because
[2:32:41] flood risk is cumulative. When the soils are saturated and reservoirs have reached run off
[2:32:51] from earlier storms and another storm cause major problems. And we lose what is called flood
[2:32:57] control. This looks like the dam is spilling over and did occur in
[2:33:05] 2 2004-05 event. And lost no lives.
[2:33:10] even though they did spill over. We have the capacity to handle significant events.
[2:33:14] and of course our job is to continually evaluate these and adjust as risks changes.
[2:33:22] it's a risk base approach. And think of hazard itself, who and what is expecteds are
[2:33:32] --exposed to that hazard. And how vulnerable. And we use fema modeling and
[2:33:40] burn conditions and field observations and our friends at noaa to draw a picture.
[2:33:47] and use that information to prioritize the work and areas with the greatest probability of
[2:33:52] flooding become the most important. But probability alone does not
[2:34:00] consider probability. And we consider threat to life, homes and infrastructure and
[2:34:10] evacuation routes and areas with fewer resources to recover from a flood.
[2:34:16] prioritizing vulnerable communities is the highest priority.
[2:34:22] we deploy resources to the risk. That means giving communities with more resources that have
[2:34:31] greater vulnerability. This can include communities with limited evacuation routes
[2:34:39] or older drain structure and with no flood structure, malibu and north county.
[2:34:46] and we look for data for skeletons and repeated flooding and look at residents and their
[2:34:54] ability to deal with and prepare for a significant flood event. This year we placing attention
[2:35:08] to areas that had wildfires with significant potential loss of life and property.
[2:35:21] wild fire changes and cause rainfall to move off and clog and affect our homes and
[2:35:32] businesses and transportation system in significant ways. The pch is one area of
[2:35:37] transportation that we are most significantly watching this year.
[2:35:40] because of its potential impact to be lost to high sea conditions as well as the
[2:35:45] rainfall conditions that exist there. Because the area continues to be
[2:35:50] highly vulnerable to erosion. As you know supervisor horvath, we managed through that with
[2:35:57] construction and continue. And the north county is an area of transportation that we
[2:36:02] continue to learn lessons what is going on with climate. We have seen significant changes
[2:36:09] to the north county than any area of transportation damage. And due to sheet flow and the
[2:36:16] flows in the grand canyon, that type of flow and it's a debris flow that destroys everything in
[2:36:26] its path. The purpose again--the next slide--the purpose of our flood
[2:36:30] risk assessment is not just to produce a map but drive operational precisions.
[2:36:38] as storm data is more precise and use that to where crews and inspections and emergency
[2:36:49] resources positioned and these folks will be on 24-7 stand by, 600 department employees that
[2:36:58] operate the flood system for l.a. County. And move from regional assess
[2:37:03] and community action. I mention this as mentioned by the previous speakers, those
[2:37:10] calculations are made in real time. So it's not easy for us to tell
[2:37:13] you when it's going to rain and where it's going to rain today. But as we get closer and closer
[2:37:19] to the storm event we get better and better information. There is this balancing act of
[2:37:26] when we pull the trigger and know we can move and issue of evacuation is technical and
[2:37:37] myself and public works are the entities that are making the calls on evacuations.
[2:37:44] I will take that responsibility formally and previously have done that and play that
[2:37:56] evacuation awareness. And board of supervisors should be proud, including 14 dams and
[2:38:02] reservoirs and 483 miles of storm channels and 82 catch basins and 27 spreading grounds
[2:38:13] and huge investment that this board has made. You spend 80-90% of money for
[2:38:20] flood control of maintaining the system at world-class level. Our crews and spec maintain
[2:38:29] throughout the year and we use risk assessment and identify what vegetation to be removed
[2:38:34] and generally prepare the system to catch the debris and rain. Prioritizing the response.
[2:38:41] before and during major storms we do not treat every part of the county the same.
[2:38:48] remind everyone, when we see rain and get concerned and residents and the board too.
[2:38:52] that doesn't mean it's raining the same level everywhere. That's the nature of rain, very
[2:38:59] intense in one neighborhood and sunny in the other. We don't generally get rain over
[2:39:03] the l.a. County at the same time and could have a cell of rain and occur for 30 minutes and
[2:39:13] localized flooding. And this requires the ability to be flexible and so we don't
[2:39:23] overresource or thin out our resources and not able to respond properly to the right
[2:39:29] locations. Working is one regional system and flood protection in l.a.
[2:39:36] county is important, you can't public works to provide for everyone.
[2:39:42] and it's a joint effort from u.s. Army corp engineers and to cities and neighborhood level of
[2:39:53] property owners taking care of business on the property. I want to guarantee you this
[2:39:58] year the corp of engineers is engaged and I met directly with general butch graham.
[2:40:14] and colonel yost that we are aligned and preparing the community together for this
[2:40:19] event. And I am happy to tell you that the corp is all on board and
[2:40:22] taking care of routines that we normally don't see them take care of.
[2:40:27] and happy to report this isn't a year that we find deficiencies that could be a problem.
[2:40:34] again stormwater doesn't recognize jurisdictional boundaries and for that reason
[2:40:40] preparation cross those boundaries and throughout the year working to share
[2:40:47] information about conditions. And storm approach and with that team of regional flood fighters
[2:40:54] and weather forecasters are working together around the clock to we meet our kpi of no
[2:41:03] lives lost and limited property damage. And long-term investments we
[2:41:10] expect where there is flooding and I can tell you where I expect and my staff can tell you
[2:41:16] what we expect will happen with any rain event of. To that end property owners can
[2:41:23] call my staff and have a number to give out 800-933-0900. If you want to be aware of your
[2:41:35] property's flood hazard and if you are concerned about this weather coming we have engineers
[2:41:40] that answer the question. And real-time data right down to property level on any property
[2:41:47] in l.a. County. That's our preparedness, how to prepare?
[2:41:52] this is the next slide and last slide. Preparedness is local,
[2:42:00] government has a responsibility to reduce risk and not hyping flood or creating fear for
[2:42:05] people. Some of the biggest hazards are people that get scared and leave
[2:42:11] their property and drive improperly in the rain system and underestimating the rain.
[2:42:16] taking it seriously but not to the point of having fear drive us.
[2:42:21] the final level of preparation is at the neighborhood level and asking residents to take four
[2:42:27] actions. Know your risk. Not the conditions around your
[2:42:30] home. Are you in and near a map floodplain, you can look this up
[2:42:34] on our website. Are you below a burn site. You are near a channel?
[2:42:41] creek? Debris basin or low riding roadway and on that the most
[2:42:55] tragic is children crossing creeks at any level of flow. Important to educate the
[2:43:05] children to stay out of water in rain. Have an emergency plan.
[2:43:10] know when you leave your neighborhood if conditions are deteriorating.
[2:43:17] consider family members and older adults and people with disabilities and pets and
[2:43:24] transportation needs. And early preparation is more important.
[2:43:28] prepare your property. The basic thing of clearing gutters and make sure you have a
[2:43:33] flow path on your property to run off the property. Know where the water comes in
[2:43:39] your property and know where the heaviest indunation, stay in touch with l.a. County.
[2:43:52] listen to the news and be prepared. So we are helping communities
[2:43:56] prepare. That's the objective as kevin said, recognize that every
[2:44:01] household has the same ability to prepare. Some do and some don't.
[2:44:06] and some have more resources and transportation options and ability to protect property.
[2:44:12] why l.a. County preparedness must focus on communities where vulnerability is greatest.
[2:44:17] public works to work with cities and organizations and emergency managers.
[2:44:28] residents who are concerned about flooding or mud, can contact public works at
[2:44:40] 800-933-0930. Or go to readylacounty.gov about this el niño event.
[2:44:51] and thank you supervisors for this start for the community. >> sup. Lindsey horvath: mr.
[2:45:03] sheriff you are next. >> department speaker: good morning, madam chair and members
[2:45:09] of the board the sheriff department focus for el niño science is protecting life and
[2:45:17] property through early coordination and evagz--evacuations.
[2:45:27] prestorm planning and positioning our department maintains severe weather and
[2:45:36] post-fire mud and debris flows. Before significant storms and bureaus and affected stations
[2:45:49] with the office of emergency management and public works and county fire and other public
[2:45:55] safety partners. We monitor forecast and anticipated impacts.
[2:46:00] brief personnel and inspect equipment, identify vulnerable locations.
[2:46:06] and prepare roadway closures based on anticipated threat. In other words to evacuation and
[2:46:12] life safety operations these are among our most important responsibility during
[2:46:18] significant storms. The department of public works continuously monitors conditions
[2:46:23] and provide an assessment of potential flooding and debris flow impacts and debris forecast
[2:46:36] and properties at elevated risk. When an evacuation order is issued our station personnel to
[2:46:46] notify residents in the affected areas and law enforcement evacuation operation.
[2:46:51] we use our new citizen evacuation tracker that we started back in april of '25 to
[2:47:03] document. So in a sense gives us a live picture of evacuation status.
[2:47:10] the department of public works identifies the hazard county partners coordinate.
[2:47:17] los angeles sheriff department coordinates evacuation operation.
[2:47:25] and stations contact evacuations and document residents notification.
[2:47:32] burn scar areas will provide particular attention. Our planning identifies
[2:47:40] vulnerable properties and communities before the storm arrives and our personnel know
[2:47:49] the greatest risk. Control stations located near burn scars will conduct regular
[2:47:56] storm checks and conditions as storms develop and timely changing conditions and take
[2:48:03] appropriate action. Several days before the storm our community partnership
[2:48:08] bureaus and home resource team better known as host, and station personnel will provide
[2:48:19] for unhoused river beds. And personnel provide warnings and welfare checks and aconsist
[2:48:26] with aevacuations and to relocation to safer locations, shelters.
[2:48:37] protect vulnerable individuals and public safety resources including swift water rescue
[2:48:45] operations during severe storms. And during evashgiations--evacuations
[2:48:54] remain mindful for additional assi assistance.
[2:49:05] in roads and intersections susceptible to flooding and debris flows as part of local
[2:49:14] planning. And stations to research flood sections and those to have water
[2:49:24] arkansas --accumulations in storms. And to provide traffic
[2:49:35] assistance and evacuation operations and establish detours around hazardous areas.
[2:49:41] I do like to remind people at this time. If you see a sign that says
[2:49:48] flooded or do not enter, do not enter. We have to end up rescue a lot
[2:49:58] of folks and high risk for a lot of folks. These activities will be
[2:50:05] koor koorinated with public works and caltrans and fire and other
[2:50:10] agencies so that emergency access can be maintained and resources adjusted as conditions
[2:50:19] change. In regards to emergency coordination, if an individual
[2:50:24] seeks the need of a control station, we can be accelerated for resources.
[2:50:38] commanders maintain department wide assistance awareness and partner agents.
[2:50:48] and the partners have incident command teams and commands support in large scale incidents
[2:50:56] and help in planning lo psychgistics and resources.
[2:51:05] and to maintain swift water response capabilities deployed when the conditions warrant.
[2:51:12] in regards to public information and department readiness. Timely and consistent public
[2:51:19] information is critical to keep our communities informed and prepared.
[2:51:24] our emergency operations bureau, sheriff's information bureau, 24-hour operation center and
[2:51:34] stations enact public safety information regarding evacuation warnings and orders and road
[2:51:41] closures and flooding hazards and areas that residents should avoid.
[2:51:46] we will work with the office of emergency management and county partners to ensure coordthated
[2:51:57] emergency--coordinated emergency messaging. And emphasize but get directions
[2:52:01] to evacuate. Especially a mandatory evacuation that you comply.
[2:52:06] that has gotten our folks in grave danger in the past. Our focus into in el niño season
[2:52:12] is making sure that our personnel is prepared and resources are strategically
[2:52:22] positioned and coordination established before the storms arrive.
[2:52:27] I wanted to mention with the urging of county ceo, on the eighth of september, '26, we
[2:52:36] have a meeting with all of our contract city partners to make sure they are looped into what
[2:52:41] the county family is doing. So that we can help each other, keep each other informed and so
[2:52:51] on. And want to make sure and we've mentioned it but going to
[2:52:56] reinforce it. Have your family prepared for any and all emergencies
[2:53:01] including an earthquake. Make sure you have food and water and remember six p's,
[2:53:08] people, pets, prescriptions and papers, important documents, personnel needs and priceless
[2:53:15] items and a communication plan with all of your family members because the first thing that is
[2:53:22] going to happen is that don't depend that your cell phone service is going to work.
[2:53:27] prepare your communication plan with your cell phones going down.
[2:53:31] that is very, very critical and just as important take care of your at-risk neighbors.
[2:53:37] and with that, I want to introduce my partner, chief of the
[2:53:51] >> in rashd to fire preparedness efforts this begins with preparedness
[2:53:55] before storm related events. We monitor forecasts and
[2:54:06] inputs and implement augmented staffing, and the predeployment of
[2:54:12] specialized resources in identified areas. We also participate in
[2:54:17] active patrol during the storm. When an incident occurs we
[2:54:25] participate in a coordinated emergency response.
[2:54:36] in addition the fire department has amplify the public one-voice messages.
[2:54:42] and we participate in education and safety awareness before our storm
[2:54:48] season starts. I'd like to pass it on to our partners at homeless
[2:54:52] services and housing for their report. >> department speaker:
[2:54:59] good afternoon, director mahan was unable to be here, I'm carter, chief of
[2:55:04] strategy and partnerships at the department of hemless services and
[2:55:07] housing. Shs has initiated operational readiness,
[2:55:12] reviewing areas of greatest need and identifying accessible
[2:55:16] interim housing sites connected to those areas and to the outreach teams
[2:55:19] that serve unsheltered residents. As you know in l.a. County
[2:55:23] two-thirds of the homeless neighbors are already surviving outside, we will
[2:55:28] be don't have a housing solution for everyone. We work to get vulnerable
[2:55:34] people out of vulnerable areas. Folks unable to come
[2:55:37] inside due to shelter and housing capacity constraints we're working
[2:55:41] with them to educate them about the risk, empower them about information
[2:55:46] about options and protect them. In coordination with
[2:55:54] sister departments we're finalizing emergency ak cityvation operating
[2:55:57] procedures for unsheltered response and taking steps to train our staff on the
[2:56:02] protocols related to severe weather events. We are creating pathways
[2:56:06] for additional interim housing capacities which will include identifying
[2:56:10] existing vacancies in our interim housing portfolio, using emergency motel
[2:56:16] vouchers and augmenting emergency shelters at alternative and existing
[2:56:20] interim housing facilities. Next slide.
[2:56:23] in addition to participating in the table top exercises and being
[2:56:26] part of the communications working group that andrew mentioned, hsh is
[2:56:31] undertaking additional efforts to to partners and the public about climate
[2:56:35] related events and responses. Our goal is to ensure the
[2:56:38] right people have the right information at the right time which includes
[2:56:42] those surviving unsheltered in highest risk areas and the
[2:56:45] partners that serve them. Our emergency centralized emergency response center
[2:56:50] pushes notifications to hsh administered and partner outreach teams for
[2:56:54] targeted communications to people featuring unshelterted homelessness.
[2:57:00] hsh maintains digital context on the website, social media chance and
[2:57:06] communications team distributes relevant information in multiple
[2:57:09] languages to the public via these chance. Regularly updated digital
[2:57:13] content includes county weather alerts, resources to connect folks
[2:57:18] experiencing homelessness to emergency services, information about l.a.'s
[2:57:21] 211 and other key updates and community resources as they become available.
[2:57:26] we continue to remain committed to this important work alongside
[2:57:29] partners with equity, accountability and transparency at the
[2:57:32] forefront of our decision making. I'll turn it over to my
[2:57:36] colleague gary jones with the department of beaches and harbors.
[2:57:39] >> department speaker: good afternoon chair solis, members of the
[2:57:42] board, gary jones with the department of beaches and harbors.
[2:57:46] our department is responsible for 23 miles of l.a. County coastline
[2:57:50] including world famous surf rider venice and manhattan beaches.
[2:57:55] we manage marina dell ray the largest constructed small craft harbor in the
[2:58:01] united states. This extends beyond a single weather pattern.
[2:58:06] our seasonal preparations reduce risk and allow us to respond quickly when
[2:58:10] conditions change. While investment in the long term resilience of
[2:58:15] coastline is a year-round commitment. Preparations for this
[2:58:18] year's el nino and the predicted combination of strong storms, sea level
[2:58:23] rise and super king tides are the same as they are every year.
[2:58:27] that's because we proactively prepare our beaches and marina dell
[2:58:31] rey for the worst winter conditions. Our reasonable berms are
[2:58:36] the most visible coastal protection. Long piles of sand about
[2:58:40] 15 feet high, without them waves during high tides and storm surges could
[2:58:46] quickly rush over the flat beach and flood parking lots and other facilities.
[2:58:52] the at all berm makes it difficult for waves to cross the teach into
[2:58:55] facilities. Our crews monitor, maintain and rebuild the
[2:59:00] berms as needed. We also deploy sandbags in flood
[2:59:05] [areas to protect the county facilities but please remember sandbags
[2:59:09] should never be filled with beach sand or emptied on to the beach after use.
[2:59:12] other praep praises include lifeguard tower relocations and routine
[2:59:18] inspections to reduce impacts before storms arrive.
[2:59:21] preparedness also means making sure people have information they need.
[2:59:25] we amplify safety and preparedness messaging from the l.a. County
[2:59:30] lifeguards and marina del ray harbor master to lessees, the boating
[2:59:35] community and the public as conditions change. We also amplify beach
[2:59:41] safety messaging from life guards and other agencies. We respond quickly to
[2:59:46] protect public safety infrastructure and beach access.
[2:59:50] this requires a coordinated emergency response.
[2:59:52] our response to the recent erosion of the point simplifies the ability to
[2:59:59] rapidly implement emergency mitigation mess nurse partnership with
[3:00:01] other agencies. Seasonal repaired paz addresses today's risk.
[3:00:07] coastal resilience initiative focuses on tomorrow.
[3:00:10] through the initiative we invest in long term strategies that help
[3:00:14] protect beaches, public access, and coastal infrastructure from
[3:00:18] evolving coastal hazards. These strategies include living shoreline and beach
[3:00:23] nourishment projects. We're working with cities and other stake holders to
[3:00:28] create comprehensive adaption plans that ben first entire -- benefit
[3:00:33] the coastline. These reflect the department's comprehensive
[3:00:37] approach to coastal preparedness. Preparing for the season,
[3:00:41] protecting during emergencies and preserving los angeles coastline for
[3:00:44] the future. With that I'd like to turn it over to michael
[3:00:49] sylvester with the department of public social services.
[3:00:51] >> department speaker: thank you. Madam chair, board
[3:00:56] members, I'd like to update you on dpss efforts, I'm likele
[3:01:01] sylvester, chief deputy of administration, here on behalf of dr. Jackie
[3:01:04] contreras. We have two roles. Obviously as many partners
[3:01:10] have during emergencies. One is to take good care of the over 4 million
[3:01:16] clients that we serve and a million of them children.
[3:01:19] and making sure that they can still obtain and maintain their benefits
[3:01:23] throughout an emergency. Making sure alerts and all of the information shared
[3:01:29] on the emergency is distributed out to clientele.
[3:01:32] we do use the get ready l.a. Website to make sure it is consistent
[3:01:37] information provided to them. We check during
[3:01:45] emergencies to make sure that they have the resources needed.
[3:01:48] our social workers do that on behalf of their clients.
[3:01:52] then in addition we have our lead role for the county that's in the mass
[3:01:57] care and shelter role n that role, we are sending out noefgs noefgss as well
[3:02:05] but using the county distribution network. We preidentify potential
[3:02:10] shelter sites in doing that we work with our partners at american red
[3:02:13] cross, at los angeles county parks and rec, to preidentify shelter sites,
[3:02:20] prestage equipment that would be in locality where we think the shelter sites
[3:02:23] might be needed, obviously use the zip code and impact zones distributeded
[3:02:28] by our emergency partners. We look for alternative locations.
[3:02:33] because as you know during emergencies we have to make swift changes and
[3:02:38] plans because the fires or floods in this case pop up in different areas.
[3:02:44] when those change we have to change where we might have shelter sites.
[3:02:48] we compile a list of locations where vendors can provide us with ada
[3:02:53] showers. And also locations where showers can be
[3:02:58] alternatively provided by ymca, community centers and the like.
[3:03:03] we participate in shelter exercises, we're the ones that work with american
[3:03:08] red cross and shelter exercises. We plan to do that in
[3:03:12] accordance of preparation for these emergencies. We have approximately
[3:03:20] 1,000 county employees who are trained in shelter services.
[3:03:24] and many of them are dpss employees. We have some in other
[3:03:28] departments. We would like, I'll make a plea, we'd like to expand
[3:03:33] that to become a countywide staffing resource.
[3:03:35] in fact one of our recommendations would be to look at that as part of
[3:03:39] the dsw program so that dsws can be shelter ready. We have over 1,000 in dpss
[3:03:47] alone. We have to take them off the line just like
[3:03:49] everyone else. To man the shelters. We also work with american
[3:03:59] red cross on messaging. On preparedness we direct them to the same messaging
[3:04:06] that's put in -- up on the readiness l.a. Website. Red cross is actually
[3:04:13] here, they were here in case there were any questions for red cross.
[3:04:17] red cross is a major partner for l.a. County. They have helped us with
[3:04:20] the shelters quite a bit throughout the last emergencies.
[3:04:25] we also, I just want to remind the board, we will be pursuing disaster cal
[3:04:31] fresh if it is appropriate during, depends on the disaster impact.
[3:04:36] but we did do that during the fires. It was helpful to the
[3:04:41] public and that is another thing we are the lead on. So that's -- that
[3:04:48] concludes dpss portion of the presentation. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[3:04:50] chair: okay. Supervisor horvath did you have any questions?
[3:04:54] then we'll start with other board members. >> sup. Lindsey horvath:
[3:04:57] thank you. I really appreciate that. And the purpose of today's
[3:05:01] presentation is not to alarm anyone but to alert everyone to make sure they
[3:05:05] are ready, checked in and have the information that they need.
[3:05:09] to that end, I know many of us woke up to reports that potentially this
[3:05:14] weekend there would be a hurricane coming in this direction.
[3:05:16] is that real? What should people be prepared for?
[3:05:24] >> department speaker: it is extremely unlikely that we have direct impact from
[3:05:29] the lower latitude tropical systems that have been occurring.
[3:05:33] very, very far away from the area. In fact we're talking
[3:05:39] about extreme ly -- the swells that will be impacting coastal areas.
[3:05:47] it is certainly possible that a lot of people will be outdoors around the
[3:05:50] holiday weekend at the beaches. And the rip currents are
[3:05:53] going to be extremely strong. The amount of energy from
[3:05:59] that swell, the long period swell, is going to be of particular concern
[3:06:03] to folks headed towards the beaches. Especially when if it is
[3:06:09] sunny outside. Not to mention significant coastal erosion from the
[3:06:18] storm systems as well as coastal flooding. Those are the main
[3:06:21] concerns. Even if it's completely sunny outside.
[3:06:24] >> sup. Lindsey horvath: thank you. Many people have had that
[3:06:28] question, sounds like from your answer we don't want to put our lifeguards to
[3:06:34] the test any more than we have. We want to be sure we're
[3:06:36] keeping people safe. It would be helpful to know what we prepare for.
[3:06:41] if people walk away with one piece of information to stay on top of
[3:06:45] information throughout the season, I will ask where should they be going to
[3:06:48] reiterate that. >> department speaker: for preparedness resources go
[3:06:55] to ready.lacounty.gov/rain. If there's a significant
[3:07:01] enough event we will activate lacounty.gov/emergency.
[3:07:05] >> sup. Lindsey horvath: thank you. Each of you have touched
[3:07:07] on this. But obviously residents impacted in the burn star
[3:07:13] areas are paying particular attention to the weather conditions.
[3:07:16] what should they be on the lookout for, what specific information should they
[3:07:23] check into? >> department speaker: we, as I believe you know s,
[3:07:33] recent burn scars and less than five years in rec recovery public works
[3:07:38] identifies the most vulnerable locations. It was touched on with
[3:07:44] sheriff tuna, what announced that we have a list of properties that we
[3:07:48] consider most vulnerable, we will reach out to those property owners
[3:07:52] specifically at the beginning of the season october 15.
[3:07:59] they themselves, could bementers and properties like that.
[3:08:02] what we want them to do is if they know there's a recent fire in their
[3:08:06] neighborhood to go to the backyard or the front yard and look for hillside
[3:08:10] slopes that come down on to the property. If the vegetation is
[3:08:15] burned and still scarred we want them to contact us so that we can talk to
[3:08:19] them about a plan for their specific property. >> sup. Lindsey horvath:
[3:08:23] individual homeowners can contact you directly. >> department speaker:
[3:08:25] yes. >> sup. Lindsey horvath: and we hear from people
[3:08:30] there are routine areas that experience flooding, people are frustrated,
[3:08:36] every dime there's a rain, it feels like nobody is responding.
[3:08:39] what sort of preventive measures have we been taking in those areas
[3:08:44] impacted? >> department speaker: so we finally call those
[3:08:48] places skeletons, department of public works, better known as
[3:08:53] deep efficiencies in the system. Places that do not drain
[3:08:57] like 100 year protection. They drain less than that. I can see venice area,
[3:09:05] potentially happening. Predeploy bumps and other devices to drain those
[3:09:12] areas that are a problem. We will predeploy facilities to make sure
[3:09:25] they get taken care of. There's a number of things that can come out.
[3:09:35] known one weiss are preparing for that. >> sup. Lindsey horvath:
[3:09:39] is that countywide in theible corporated area or county?
[3:09:48] >> department speaker: the flood control district boundaries, 85 of the.
[3:09:51] 8 cities, everything south of avenue s and we don't cover the island.
[3:10:00] >> sup. Lindsey horvath: property owners is that only unincorporated
[3:10:03] residents? >> department speaker: no, that's countywide.
[3:10:10] htdz another thing we hear in our district and I'm sure supervisor warringer
[3:10:15] does as well, the landfills get particularly impacted with this wet
[3:10:18] weather season. What are we doing to prepare to prepare,
[3:10:24] address what we know are impacts, the awful odors and things that take
[3:10:29] months to recover from. >> in-person speaker: l. >> department speaker: all
[3:10:37] of the landfills, the county agencies are coordinating with the
[3:10:40] operators themselves. Mandated to have a wet weather plan.
[3:10:59] we had owners and facilities that took off in an unusual way,
[3:11:02] underground fires and things. Regulatory agencies
[3:11:14] providing oversight and public works provides coordination.
[3:11:18] sunshine canyon, preparations start earlier and incorporating lessons
[3:11:22] from the recent storms including improvements to drainage, erosion control.
[3:11:28] public works reviews wet weather plans and partner agency identify poe
[3:11:33] tension issues. Maintain readiness throughout the storm
[3:11:38] season. We are in contact with them already.
[3:11:45] making sure any open construction site has wet weather plans.
[3:11:55] >> sup. Lindsey horvath: and how have we prepared for stormwater capture,
[3:11:58] this will be an unusual season, it is opportunity to capture water?
[3:12:04] >> department speaker: that is one of our dual operations, dual mission
[3:12:07] at flood control, capture as much of the precious rain water as possible.
[3:12:11] safely to do. The spreading grounds, 27 of them prepared and
[3:12:21] cleaned and ready to take inflows. All of the investments you
[3:12:27] make through measure w making sure those systems are ready.
[3:12:30] operable for the season. To capture safely the flows.
[3:12:35] gives me an opportunity to remind the media we can't capture every drop.
[3:12:40] water is dangerous to capture. We prioritize people's
[3:12:46] safety and water conservation will be the second priority.
[3:12:51] >> sup. Lindsey horvath: and related to the impacts on our unhoused
[3:12:54] population. I know we touched on that there will be
[3:12:59] preidentified locations for shelters, there will be a unique role for ecrc
[3:13:06] to play and also people, we know will be calling in to 211.
[3:13:15] how do we make sure 211 has the capacity to take the calls and what should
[3:13:20] people expect out of the ecrc? >> department speaker:
[3:13:25] thank you. Ecrc, there's several r several roles they play,
[3:13:29] first is training providing training to outreach teams.
[3:13:37] during case offensing. To constitute services. They do situational
[3:13:48] awareness, pushing out reports to our teams and partners about what is
[3:13:51] happening in the emerging threats they are seeing. Monitoring how unsheltered
[3:13:59] locations and shelters might be involved with events.
[3:14:04] timely, just really serving as the central referral point, they're
[3:14:10] working with outreach teams to receive connections to emergency
[3:14:13] couchers. A lot of different roles. To the question about
[3:14:22] passesity, primary strategy is to reduce demand on 211.
[3:14:29] instead of thinking staff up to meet the demand, we want to prevent it from
[3:14:34] happening as much as possible by working to get vulnerable people out of
[3:14:40] vulnerable areas. Using existing interim housing capacity near the
[3:14:46] watersheds and river basins. How can we add cots and
[3:14:51] beds. Winter shelter capacity. Looking across the system
[3:14:57] to make the most of what we have, add capacity to what we don't have.
[3:15:02] then when it adds motel vouchers, working with 211 and outreach teams.
[3:15:15] >> sup. Lindsey horvath: dpss? >> department speaker:
[3:15:17] general population shelters, we do work very closely with red cross as
[3:15:20] I indicated before. There's approximately 75 county could be urmented
[3:15:25] shelters. But there's several hundred.
[3:15:28] >> sup. Lindsey horvath: are those throughout the county including our
[3:15:32] incorporated cities? Or only unincorporated? >> department speaker:
[3:15:37] throughout the county, unincorporated and incorporated.
[3:15:40] the cities take the lead in inked areas. But if the city can't, if
[3:15:46] they have a capacity issue we step in to assist. They're -- red cross has
[3:15:55] several hundred. Going through the listing, updating them, making sure
[3:16:02] that we have master facility use agreements. Pull all of the impact
[3:16:13] areas and overlay that. That can force you further and further out.
[3:16:28] how we handle that. In terms of we work closely with hs hh to make
[3:16:38] sure that we get them to shelters where they may have better services for
[3:16:41] them. Case manage 211 hotel vouchers and other
[3:16:50] options. >> sup. Lindsey horvath: thank you, this was
[3:16:54] incredibly comprehensive and useful for everyone paying attention and
[3:16:58] concerned about what the season might mean. Thank you.
[3:17:00] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: thank you. Supervisor barger.
[3:17:09] >> sup. Kathryn barger: thank you for making it understandable.
[3:17:11] supervisor hahn before you talked about the fact that we used that word, we
[3:17:16] think all about rain. I don't know if this is a question or statement or
[3:17:20] both. When I was growing up it rained.
[3:17:23] it rained. The thing that changed is we didn't walk to school.
[3:17:34] now the news covers as though it is the -- do you know what has changed in
[3:17:46] terms of is it perception? We haven't had rain? What has changed that's
[3:17:53] created this -- for lack of a better term hysteria as it relates to rain.
[3:17:59] >> department speaker: I appreciate your comments sincerely.
[3:18:00] this is on my mind a lot. Public safety is the core mission.
[3:18:07] we want to make sure that our alerts are taken seriously.
[3:18:13] the difference between saving lives and otherwise.
[3:18:16] I think about the question that you asked. I don't have a single
[3:18:19] answer. Social media may play a role.
[3:18:27] imagine over time perceptions change overall.
[3:18:32] we have hatted an el nino, significant el nino that was completely dry, strong
[3:18:38] el nino that was completely dry. We have strong el ninos
[3:18:42] that have significant weather. When people are expecting
[3:18:46] there to be significant weather and it doesn't happen there's the concern
[3:18:50] about desensitization of alerts subsequent to those seasons.
[3:18:56] I'm not sure what has driven what you mention. From the national weather
[3:19:03] service we're doing proactively, having these twice a week meetings
[3:19:08] every single week with our core partners. To lead the messaging.
[3:19:17] that messaging, I can give a completely factual statement, it can be
[3:19:21] perceived completely different. The goal is to work
[3:19:25] collaboratively together with our partners at los angeles county office
[3:19:29] of emergency management. Across the board to really unify the messaging.
[3:19:37] when catastrophe strikes people are ready, prepared.
[3:19:44] also listening. A community effort. I appreciate all of the
[3:19:46] work we do collaboratively. This is a great question,
[3:19:51] I always think how can we do better. That's why we do these
[3:19:54] meetings twice a week to get everyone on the same page.
[3:19:56] thank you for that question. >> sup. Kathryn barger:
[3:19:58] thank you. Things like what happened in tibet, nepal, grand
[3:20:05] canyon, I think further put fear in people's minds.
[3:20:14] we talk about the burn scars, even last year when it rained, I had concerns,
[3:20:25] on the foothills in altadena. My biggest fear is
[3:20:36] mudslides. I feel that is a valid concern.
[3:20:43] then you have the high desert. Last year flash floods
[3:20:46] washed out roads and people couldn't get to and from.
[3:21:02] maybe they are a norm, down in riverside town any in the deserts.
[3:21:08] u. A lot of rain coming down fast it has to have a place to go.
[3:21:14] how prepared do you feel this year? >> department speaker: we
[3:21:19] are prepared as we are in every year. We have a great track
[3:21:23] record because you made the investment in a great system, including the road
[3:21:28] system. Including the area of the north county.
[3:21:39] I want to communicate and double down on what chief said, if you see a sign
[3:21:46] that says don't enter, don't enter. I want to address one
[3:21:51] thing, you said what has changed. There is a change in our
[3:21:55] climate happening that has caused us to have more severe events at a higher
[3:21:59] frequency. Our rainfall has changed in its nature.
[3:22:06] less frequent but higher intensity. >> sup. Kathryn barger: I
[3:22:13] remember that. Every time there is a rain coming it is all hands on
[3:22:17] deck. I think back when I was in my teens, they asked is it
[3:22:29] appropriate to panic during an earthquake. Lucy jones said it is
[3:22:33] never appropriate to panic. What we are doing is
[3:22:41] education. Preparedness. Personal responsibility.
[3:22:46] is government ready to respond. That is an important way
[3:22:53] of letting people know to prepare for the worst with the chances of that
[3:22:59] happening probably not likely but always prepare for the worst.
[3:23:06] gs we prepare for the worst conditions, supervisor.
[3:23:09] we maximize the capacity of the system that is built to take those
[3:23:13] storms. I said fear is the enemy for us, that's usually
[3:23:18] where people make mistakes. We don't pull out the word
[3:23:34] safely or unsafely every time. It is a natural
[3:23:39] phenomenon, critical, rainfall is a critical component of water system.
[3:23:51] we captured about a third of the drinking water and had a good storm system.
[3:23:55] we need to prepare as if it is the super bowl. >> sup. Kathryn barger: we
[3:23:59] should be preparing right now expecting the worst. Why we cleaned out devils
[3:24:06] gate, got a lot of heat but we did it not because it happened that year but
[3:24:10] we need to be prepared in case it did. I believe the preparedness
[3:24:18] even not talking about el nino is common sense. >> department speaker: if
[3:24:23] I can add on one of my first years here, 2022-23 was la nina year.
[3:24:31] we had some of the most catastrophic floods along the central coast.
[3:24:38] los angeles was a little south we had the montebello tornado.
[3:24:44] that's during a la meania period. Pretty significant.
[3:24:52] the correlation is much greater, well east of here.
[3:24:59] where the correlation is stronger. We can get storms, neutral
[3:25:09] years, la nina and el nino. You hit it spot on.
[3:25:13] >> sup. Kathryn barger: I like you. >> department speaker: I
[3:25:16] like you too. >> sup. Kathryn barger: chief march reason and
[3:25:23] sheriff luna, the cert team, who does it fall under, both of you?
[3:25:29] in terms of training, similar to what you have supervisor horvath, the
[3:25:35] brigade. Are we going to yee it a --
[3:25:44] >> department speaker: we're both engaged in it. >> sup. Kathryn barger:
[3:25:47] are we pushing that out? That is a program where you empower the public to
[3:25:55] be the emergency preparedness. >> department speaker:
[3:26:01] both departments push it out but we can always do better.
[3:26:04] >> sup. Kathryn barger: I should be doing it and you haven't recruited me yet.
[3:26:08] >> department speaker: we should all be doing it. >> department speaker: I
[3:26:10] know. Don't put baby in the corner, chief march
[3:26:14] reason. Swift water rescue, are you all doing like with
[3:26:20] lafd training on that? >> chief march reason: we're waiting in training
[3:26:26] with mutual aid partners. We did have a significant swift water rescues in
[3:26:32] antelope valley, rescued. People with our department helicopters.
[3:26:48] we will be ready to not only augment resources but predeploy.
[3:26:54] we monitor the mud flow and debris flow plan that comes out from dpw.
[3:27:08] that plan is really key to how we prepare to respond to any incidents along
[3:27:13] with our sheriff partners. >> sup. Kathryn barger: I'll say and janice is
[3:27:20] prodding me, when we talk about the unhoused, I worry about flood control,
[3:27:25] how many of us turn on the tv when there's a lot of rain coming they're
[3:27:28] rescuing people. In anticipation -- shouldn't be in there
[3:27:38] anyway. In anticipation of any amount of water that comes
[3:27:43] down from the foothills. Then jennifer anniston -- listen to me.
[3:27:53] janice hahn -- >> sup. Janice hahn: I like you too.
[3:27:56] >> sup. Kathryn barger: janice and I were talk ing you ever the shelters
[3:28:03] ready to set up? >> department speaker: we have shelters already.
[3:28:06] >> sup. Kathryn barger: let's do it for the unhoused on the street.
[3:28:09] I'd love to talk about that. The public will say if you
[3:28:14] can do it during an emergency, why can't you do it in what some argue
[3:28:19] is an emergency on the street. That's not -- as a
[3:28:24] meteorologist although you probably have an opinion. That makes us think if we
[3:28:38] can do it for an emergency this is an emergency. We need to be cognizant
[3:28:45] standtion up an emergency shelter should not be just for el nino, it should be
[3:28:49] across the board. Highlighting the perception that that
[3:28:55] leaves with people. >> department speaker: our use of voucherses is not
[3:29:04] reserved for el nino. We do it for extreme weather all the time.
[3:29:11] kk and thank you supervisor horvath, I look forward to the discussion
[3:29:15] as it relates to earthquakes. It is important to empower
[3:29:20] the public with knowledge. And thank you for the work that you do.
[3:29:26] if you can get insurance companies to honor their policies, even on fire let
[3:29:32] alone flood, are you a better person ng the regulators.
[3:29:38] >> department speaker: earthquake insurance, too. >> sup. Kathryn barger:
[3:29:41] yes, thank you. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: supervisor hahn.
[3:29:42] >> sup. Janice hahn: yes, thank you. This is very important.
[3:29:49] listening to everything I come back to what a lot of the public, dr. Cohen
[3:29:55] feels, is it going to be a wet one or dry one. When do you think we will
[3:30:01] know? When is this event happening?
[3:30:13] >> department speaker: that's a great question. As we look at the storm
[3:30:18] horizons, probably a week, week and a half out. >> sup. Janice hahn: with
[3:30:29] all of the technology, meteorologists, doppler 7,000, it is shocking that
[3:30:38] a week and a half out is all we have. >> department speaker: we
[3:30:45] can say over the seasonal cycle, we're looking at large chances of above
[3:30:50] normal precipitation. In the specificity, granularity of a forecast
[3:30:56] down to point scale, we could be looking at an hour or less.
[3:31:05] that public education access, we want to know what it is going to be
[3:31:09] like but that's beyond the bounds of 9 scientific present ticketbility.
[3:31:15] we want to make sure precision is matched with the accuracy, based on the
[3:31:19] science. Good chances of above normal precipitation.
[3:31:36] >> sup. Janice hahn: are you talking about october? >> department speaker:
[3:31:43] this is why we have updates twice a week. With the media on fridays.
[3:31:50] >> sup. Janice hahn: so much I'm leaning into a lot of what supervisor
[3:31:58] barger talked about. We don't have much weather to speak of in l.a.
[3:32:03] all of our meteorologists, no offense meant, we're like sunny and clear all
[3:32:15] the time. When there is even a chance of precipitation
[3:32:21] you get storm watch 20-27 news at 11:00, it becomes, you know, a major event.
[3:32:30] I do rib the last time we had a potential hurricane, I was the chair of the
[3:32:35] board, you know we all have our own disasters. It was hurricane hillary.
[3:32:41] kevin, we were down there in the eoc, preparing, superintendent, cancelling
[3:32:49] classes. Trying to evacuate catalina, last boat
[3:32:52] leaving at 1:00. Then there was nothing. There was a few drizzles
[3:32:59] that hit our windshields. The public is a little bit in this, the boy who cried
[3:33:05] wolf syndrome. I think our biggest challenge and I think you
[3:33:09] said that, dr. Cohen, our ability to communicate to get them to take us
[3:33:15] seriously. One of the things I was thinking about sheriff,
[3:33:21] and kevin maybe you can answer -- sheriff you were talking about working on
[3:33:25] the communication system that sometimes we get over -- I think about the
[3:33:29] cable tv. All aware of the regular screeching noise.
[3:33:38] most people are just annoyed that it interrupts their program.
[3:33:43] it is a very archaic box letter message. In my opinion they're too
[3:33:51] vague and too broad. The last time we had a flash flood warning, it
[3:33:58] said for the following counties and listed like 7 counties.
[3:34:08] the average person sitting in the living room, is there a way, kevin, to
[3:34:13] work with this emergency messaging system to change the lettering, change the
[3:34:22] music, change the message so that it becomes if we need it to be more
[3:34:29] specific about what we're asking the public to do. >> department speaker:
[3:34:38] I'll tackle the premise of both topics together. I think it is important
[3:34:46] for communities, it is important for the board, our public servants to
[3:34:50] know that as we approach a storm forecast, when we get into that 5 to 3 day
[3:34:58] window, if the storm impacts us on friday that's the forecast, the
[3:35:04] closer we get the accuracy of that storm increases. We went into a more
[3:35:14] intense posture in the 3 day to 48 hour window. These storm impacts cause
[3:35:26] debris flows, when we did our press conferences. That's when we have
[3:35:35] specific actions. That is going to be the model that we use this
[3:35:39] year. In relationship to the emergency alert system,
[3:35:44] eas, it is more than just the county system. That is a federal system,
[3:35:54] the sheriff's department and oem jointly can access that system following the
[3:35:59] january fires. Oem and the sheriff we test that system --
[3:36:03] >> sup. Janice hahn: it's not good. >> department speaker:
[3:36:06] correct and the system limitations. We maximize to the highest
[3:36:10] level it can be used. In addition to the one you reference when it is a
[3:36:15] flash flood that is the national weather service that accesses that system.
[3:36:19] it is a system that -- >> sup. Janice hahn: I don't know if you are
[3:36:22] familiar with the one that comes across cable. But they're so broad and
[3:36:27] so vague. Even the lettering is a turnoff.
[3:36:32] maybe we work with our own county channel, channel 36 -- is that our channel?
[3:36:41] if we're really serious about this, even that emergency message ing people
[3:36:49] become numb. It is so rote and so, most people feel it isser.
[3:36:57] they're not paying attention. >> I remember during the
[3:37:18] fires there were concerns. What you're asking completely legitimate.
[3:37:32] we have to figure it out. As we make it better it means better technology.
[3:37:41] in our world of emergency response the more techie you get the more it
[3:37:49] probably is going to fail at the time you need it the most.
[3:37:54] some have the most archaic systems that we have may be the best mechanism to
[3:38:01] communicate when that huge earthquake hits. When communication goes
[3:38:03] down. When your cell phone isn't working.
[3:38:12] something for you or all of us to consider. >> department speaker: we
[3:38:25] have the capacity to do that. Following the fires our
[3:38:28] partners at isd built an alert banner that we can activate from l.a.
[3:38:34] county.gov that will actually put a message on to every county website
[3:38:39] that has the plug-in including your websites. Extreme heat, big
[3:38:43] rainstorm, we will activate that and that will display across the
[3:38:46] county system. >> sup. Janice hahn: that lose moo to the department
[3:38:59] of aging and disabilities. Those are two populations that we have got great
[3:39:03] concerns for. We heard of the difficulty of evacuating people who
[3:39:11] had mobility challenges, hearing, see ing challenges.
[3:39:23] one ding what you are thinking, how do we make sure they are going to be
[3:39:26] safe. I wonder about the website, www.gov or/, they
[3:39:42] can't do it. Nor do they want -- they don't.
[3:39:48] I feel like during covid we had issues of insisting people signed up for
[3:39:55] vaccines online and it was difficult. What is a better way to
[3:40:05] communicate to those who aren't literate when it comes to websites.
[3:40:09] >> department speaker: absolutely. I'll answer the second
[3:40:12] question first, it was an added bonus to the presentation.
[3:40:18] I think it is important to focus on community based approach.
[3:40:23] this is where board offices play an integral organization.
[3:40:31] county departments have been here almost a year, which has flown by, we
[3:40:34] aren't so good at that. In the midst of hiring my team.
[3:40:46] credible messengers is like how do we get people who are clear with the
[3:40:51] messaging on where to redirect. Talking to neighbors.
[3:40:55] I think we have lost that. I think government, this is going to sound
[3:41:02] controversial, but government puts the messages out but how are
[3:41:04] we communicating that. We have two distinct populations.
[3:41:15] access to public needs, emergency preparedness is one we prioritize.
[3:41:19] I need the proper expertise. We will get there.
[3:41:26] >> sup. Janice hahn: I look forward to your office working with our
[3:41:28] office. Putting together something for direct communication
[3:41:34] with our seniors. For a lot of issues. We could use the help too
[3:41:40] as well. >> department speaker: absolutely.
[3:41:43] wee over 200 senior and community centers countywide.
[3:41:53] we have 13 of them but over 200 in the region. Anchoring emergency
[3:42:03] management, train the trainer type situation. I'm looking forward to
[3:42:09] building that. >> sup. Janice hahn: thank you.
[3:42:11] and mark you said it in all sorts of ways but I want to hear it one more
[3:42:13] time. Talk about maintaining our systems.
[3:42:19] I want to hear it and I think the public wants to hear it, have all major
[3:42:25] storm drains, chance, catch basins and flood control systems been
[3:42:31] inspected and cleared. >> department speaker: yes.
[3:42:34] >> sup. Janice hahn: we can have the best system but even your own gutter
[3:42:38] system if you haven't cleared it is not going to work.
[3:42:44] >> department speaker: our mant tan regimes will be finished october 14, the
[3:42:48] week before, 95%, 98% of them are complete and ready to go.
[3:42:59] we have a few basins. All systems completely 100% go and ready for any
[3:43:04] rain event. >> sup. Janice hahn: thank you.
[3:43:07] I wanted to hear it. >> department speaker: I wouldn't mind if you let
[3:43:11] me give a practical answer. Being in the rain business
[3:43:14] for so many years, part of my entire career -- >> sup. Janice hahn: being
[3:43:18] in the rain business? >> department speaker: yes, it's a tough
[3:43:21] business, meteorologists tell you 50-50 it might happen.
[3:43:24] but one thing we know about the shape and size of the way the water flows
[3:43:28] ore l.a. County. These are known places where water goes.
[3:43:34] this is mapped, well known, documented, as I said we can provide
[3:43:38] information. >> sup. Janice hahn: you know where the sites are.
[3:43:45] >> department speaker: I know where to tell you not to drive.
[3:43:47] one of the messaging we want to do better if it rains, this area should be
[3:43:52] avoided or that area should be avoided. Very precise in letting
[3:43:57] homeowners that are vulnerable, we go to them, we door knock, tell them
[3:44:01] to be aware. With the vulnerable communities, maybe some of
[3:44:05] these locations of the county residents are located in, we know where
[3:44:14] the cell tan are, where the drainages are. You have staff at public
[3:44:22] works that knows the entire high drawlics of l.a. County.
[3:44:29] >> department speaker: I would tell you we don't want to overhype it.
[3:44:36] if you don't have to drive on a day that's raining hard that is easy to say.
[3:44:40] we have to go to work. The road systems safe and going, but there are areas
[3:44:51] where the roads are vulnerable, too. We always say it should
[3:45:01] rain. We'll tell people did you know there is a dam behind
[3:45:05] your house. They don't know there's a dam.
[3:45:14] one thing we can do, doubling down, instead of getting everyone scared is
[3:45:20] sa saying. >> sup. Janice hahn: I was
[3:45:31] a huge proponent of work at home, disagreements with some department
[3:45:37] heads. >> department speaker: my flood control people
[3:45:38] needed to be at work. >> sup. Janice hahn: this is a message to all
[3:45:41] department heads. There was infrastructure in place, people had
[3:45:53] systems to work from home. When we get a weekendhalf away from the storm
[3:46:09] event -- >> department speaker: a tool.
[3:46:11] >> sup. Janice hahn: allow your employees to work from home.
[3:46:14] >> sup. Kathryn barger: how many inches triggers that?
[3:46:16] >> sup. Janice hahn: a few drizzles and I'd like to work from home.
[3:46:19] >> department speaker: we would have to come up with some parameters.
[3:46:27] that is a board policy but I'm putting this out. You know that well.
[3:46:41] the sheriff noteses it well. How, and we know the land
[3:46:47] movement was directly con connected to rain.
[3:47:02] last major rain event caused to it move in an incredible way.
[3:47:12] to support the palos verdes facilities. >> I've been meeting with
[3:47:25] the cities, we've been going over the plan to pump the ground water,
[3:47:26] continue to do that as you know, their surface drainage is a problem.
[3:47:32] surface drainage is infiltrating into -- there is no practical way to
[3:47:36] conduct that surface trainage. Nature have the beast
[3:47:44] there. One of the things they continue to place
[3:47:48] temporary systems in place, supported them last year with technical advice
[3:47:51] on how to do that, they are going to prepare this el nino season as if it's
[3:47:56] going to rain. You probably see your visqueen cover up there.
[3:48:02] >> sup. Janice hahn: right. Giant slip and slide.
[3:48:04] >> department speaker: right. >> department speaker:
[3:48:17] making sure our utilities aren't part of the problem.
[3:48:20] >> sup. Janice hahn: one more. Keep your eye on them,
[3:48:23] please. Kevin, the chair is like reigning me in.
[3:48:29] >> department speaker: they're also hosting a peninsula prepared expo in
[3:48:32] october that the county is a participant in. That's for all of the
[3:48:36] peninsula cities. >> sup. Janice hahn: and the last thing that I just
[3:48:38] want to throw out there, is cass tina. Certainly unincorporated
[3:48:44] area and just want to make sure we are working with them to make sure that we
[3:48:51] can protect their residents, wildlife if there's any left.
[3:49:00] the whole evacuation issue for an island is extremely tenuous.
[3:49:06] >> department speaker: the camps on catalina are the most vulnerable locations,
[3:49:10] they don't occupy the camps during rain events. City of avalon is in
[3:49:18] contact with us on rain events. >> department speaker:
[3:49:36] some of the pam pacts to so-cal edison infrastructure, and we've
[3:49:40] been meeting with sce ever since then. They have made
[3:49:45] investments, already deployed backup power. So there's more
[3:49:49] capabilities out there for edison that age changed decision around making
[3:49:54] evacuations. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: there's issues with
[3:50:01] the hate, right? >> sup. Janice hahn: reclaiming my time.
[3:50:04] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: supervisor mitchell.
[3:50:05] >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: thank you. And thanking you for
[3:50:07] bringing the issue to the table. When I think about faith
[3:50:23] based organizations they know the seniors in their membership.
[3:50:26] as you do outreach, we have had a virginia right of motions.
[3:50:29] the chair has carried some, bringing faith based, ones into the
[3:50:33] county infrastructure. Reaching out to them. I had this bright idea
[3:50:38] when I with a us in the legislature to have churches, months, and
[3:50:43] synagogues to get generators. That would be a great
[3:50:47] place if you know that your place of worship had a generator, can you plug
[3:50:51] in your phone. Individual residents can't afford them.
[3:50:54] if they had them in every community it would be great.
[3:51:03] we talked about burn scar areas as well make previous slide areas too.
[3:51:10] it occurred to me the one department I don't see here is park and rec, you
[3:51:16] think about the regional parks that's my experience smment of the properties,
[3:51:23] neighboring properties that abuts residential areas.
[3:51:29] I hope there's coordination, we still have tarps in the second
[3:51:33] district from previous. Want to make sure that's on the radar.
[3:51:39] in communication, park and rec. >> department speaker: it
[3:51:43] is. The area you speak about is one of the quote
[3:51:46] unquote skeletons, vulnerable locations, inspecting it.
[3:51:50] I'll work with norma to make sure the county property isn't
[3:51:53] contributing to the problem. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell:
[3:51:55] two quick questions. We have heard, thank you for the powerpoint that
[3:51:59] was helpful. I was over there cheering mr. Sheriff when you said
[3:52:04] there's a sign that says don't cross, don't cross. Say it louder for the
[3:52:07] people in the back. It amazes me there will be a new segment where the
[3:52:13] sign said don't enter, danger, and someone drove through it.
[3:52:17] thank you for repeating that directive. Are there areas where any
[3:52:24] of you feel we remain most vulnerable still even with the communications plan
[3:52:30] and all of the plans that you shared with us today? Is it something that we
[3:52:34] should know as a board where you feel vulnerable. >> department speaker:
[3:52:40] it's human behavior. It is individual responsibility that we
[3:52:46] are -- always be vulnerable and we will never educate enough.
[3:52:51] there will always somebody one who didn't hear, didn't know.
[3:52:55] make way for the flood. Don't cross the stream. Don't drive if you don't
[3:52:59] have to. Heed the warnings. We ask you to evacuate you
[3:53:03] evacuate. Again we can't spend enough money on education.
[3:53:09] we have found as our experience that everyone will need to be
[3:53:14] reeducated, given the mediterranean climate. You go to other
[3:53:18] communities and it rains all the time. This is high hazard.
[3:53:27] low frequency, high hazard event. Education.
[3:53:30] >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: I appreciate that. How is oem engaging with
[3:53:36] utility companies to ensure services are maintained for our shared
[3:53:41] con cities went during the upcoming storms. We have all looked at the
[3:53:45] travesty of gary, indiana. So wondering if there's communication with utility
[3:53:51] companies. >> department speaker: there has been.
[3:53:54] it's two-pronged. From us in emergency management there's
[3:53:59] engagement with all of the you oh tilts so that they have awareness of the
[3:54:04] potential storms and the impacts. The other side of it is
[3:54:09] our utilities have been hosting their own internal -- it's not
[3:54:13] internal but utility led processes. This spans the major
[3:54:29] investor owned utilities to even some of our municipal utilities.
[3:54:40] power, water, gas, sewage. It is a broad effort. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell:
[3:54:43] thank you. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: thank you.
[3:54:47] I appreciate the panel and my questions we my colleagues.
[3:54:50] I wanted to thank you mr. Cohen for coming and spending time with us and
[3:54:54] humoring us. Can you explain when this was taken, the picture of
[3:54:59] the proposed el nino? >> department speaker: that is a conceptual
[3:55:05] model that applies to what we have. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[3:55:08] chair: it is conceptual. >> department speaker: yes, that's why we have as
[3:55:12] many touch points as possible to give the latest expectations going
[3:55:17] forward. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: what draws my
[3:55:20] attention, on the upper portion here in this corner, it's warm, that's
[3:55:25] northern continent there. Below where we are at, in los angeles, it says wet.
[3:55:33] wet and cool around mexico and below. What does that mean, it's
[3:55:37] more of a lighter green or lighter shade. Is it going to be less?
[3:55:46] >> department speaker: the odds are tilted toward above normal rainfall over
[3:55:51] the course of the wintertime. It doesn't guarantee
[3:55:56] flooding, it tilts the odds, but far from guaranteed at this
[3:55:59] juncture. The overall what we call jet atmosphere, has the
[3:56:07] potential regionally speaking to bring more storm systems through.
[3:56:14] el nino is a state of the water temperatures that atmospheric coupling is
[3:56:20] not perfect 1 to 1. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: this isn't a quiz
[3:56:26] for our staffs? When I saw it, I thought okay, what is the real
[3:56:30] message here. I'm glad are you able to add to the discussion and
[3:56:44] the lively discussion we have and everybody here. Everyone has gone through
[3:56:53] a weather disaster, I know I have speaking about montebello, we had that
[3:56:58] freak tornado. Displaced one warehouse, two or three blocks.
[3:57:15] that makes me think how well are we prepared for anything similar to that.
[3:57:28] >> department speaker: if I can elaborate. When we issue warnings, we
[3:57:39] have detection versus false alarm. There will be many people
[3:57:43] not directly impacted by life-threatening conditions.
[3:57:50] we are respectful. But those impacted by the catastrophic weather need
[3:57:55] time. A warning doesn't mean you will experience those
[3:58:08] conditions. But those conditions are aligning for destruction.
[3:58:18] even without a warning if you talk about those conditions possibly coming
[3:58:22] together might be worth mile to take the steps. Dynamic.
[3:58:31] there is no yes/no. Which folks want to have. What are the points every
[3:58:41] pounds of predictability is really ability to be prepared.
[3:58:46] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: let's hope people aren't betting.
[3:58:53] unfortunate that people bet oh these things. Something else.
[3:59:05] mark we've been working together on a lot of different issues.
[3:59:12] I am concerned about an immense amount of rain, city terrace, east
[3:59:18] los angeles, we have cliffs, we have city terrace, high hills, water
[3:59:24] comes straight down, nowhere to go. I'm not sure that our
[3:59:30] community is prepared. And with the recent oil spill that can be
[3:59:37] impacted. The timeframe doesn't allow for that to be
[3:59:43] cleaned up by october. >> department speaker: on the oil spill I'm
[3:59:51] confident we will be set by the time we have the rain.
[3:59:54] we have to keep pressureizing them. They have to have any
[3:59:58] constriction to remediate is controlled. May not have to do -- may
[4:00:02] have to shut them down. We have well known areas with ponding, hillside
[4:00:15] movement. Every time we go on an investigation they're kept
[4:00:22] and dock rumented. We prepare and pull them out, has anything been
[4:00:30] done to conduct mitigation season in the summer. If there hasn't been
[4:00:35] mitigation, we have them on the list. Then we're visiting those
[4:00:39] locations to remind them. Yes, you mentioned a few there.
[4:00:48] drainage can become a be proper lem when it rains. Of course landsliding is a
[4:00:55] phenomenon giving our geology and topography that we look to trigger
[4:01:01] after multiple storms. Debris flows, we map them as previously mentioned.
[4:01:17] preparedness, planning, preplanning and warning. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[4:01:26] chair: when iter in narrows and laro park. I know in the past we have
[4:01:30] had assistance by host committee, sheriff host committee.
[4:01:34] they do a lot of work. Are they going to be going out, I'm certain, before
[4:01:40] october and all of that to help us begin to identify the homeless.
[4:01:46] >> department speaker: our host team is a significant part of the preparedness
[4:01:50] plan with county partners. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: that will be
[4:01:53] ongoing? >> department speaker: that is year-round, the
[4:01:55] host teams. Our department is a part of it as well as folks
[4:02:00] from the homeless. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: I am concerned.
[4:02:03] the last time there was a significant rain that we thought was coming,
[4:02:06] hillary and what have you, a lot of folks were cleared from the
[4:02:09] encampment. And they were taken to cities that were kind of
[4:02:14] far removed from where they were placed. I would like to ask for us
[4:02:21] to start looking at how we can get the cities from the cogs, that surround
[4:02:27] these areas to also provide incentives so they put aside vouchers, they
[4:02:33] put aside -- they have to put some skin in the game here in my opinion.
[4:02:37] they have not. Some cities have taken that on and helped in my
[4:02:42] region. City of el monty and baldwin park.
[4:02:47] I want to say, it's not fair. There has to be some
[4:02:51] fairness when we talk about disasters. We're talking about
[4:02:55] people's lives impacted. I don't see that discussion going on.
[4:03:00] you say you want partnerships with cities but how willing are we to
[4:03:07] make that demand if they need to put up vouchers. To our housing, homeless
[4:03:15] oem as well as our sheriffs can play a role here.
[4:03:20] because it is life, we're talking about taking care of people who are in
[4:03:25] distress, finding them places when there isn't sufficient shelter.
[4:03:33] the fact that we need vouchers. >> department speaker: I
[4:03:37] can speak to that. We have strong and growing relationships with our
[4:03:47] cogs and cities, funded for interim housing and voucher capacity.
[4:03:54] we increase what they are funding, how successful the resources are.
[4:03:58] we have called on our cogs to pitch in at situations where we have something,
[4:04:02] where we don't have a resource and need help. Hurricane hillary helped
[4:04:16] get people out of those areas, getting them in things like pathway home.
[4:04:20] we know how to do it. We agree partnering with cities and cogs to make
[4:04:25] the resources on the table is what we need to do. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[4:04:29] chair: I would like to make a recommendation that the next report we have,
[4:04:32] if we can ask for a report on that, on that issue. I can't wait for october
[4:04:41] to find out cities are calling me and saying well supervisor we have people
[4:04:44] out here. We don't have any vouchers.
[4:05:00] why can't we identify a ratio or percentage. It may be impactful in
[4:05:10] other areas as well. I want to see something more granular.
[4:05:15] real metric. >> department speaker: if you have cities that you
[4:05:21] want us to contact directly, we can make sure they understand what is at
[4:05:24] the cogs that they can tap in to. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[4:05:28] chair: it is disappointing, we have gone through this with
[4:05:31] some of them. They don't seem to take us serious.
[4:05:34] they put the blame, the onus on the county. That's not what this is
[4:05:39] about. If it is about partnership and coordinated nation
[4:05:44] then I would say that's not a one-way street. It has to be two-way.
[4:05:49] I would ask for that to come back to us if you can.
[4:05:53] I don't mean to be rude with anybody but I'm just saying this is a fact
[4:05:56] that's happening in the county. We're responsible for a
[4:06:04] broader population than many of our cities are. There's many people that
[4:06:09] are very scared. They don't want to accept public assistance.
[4:06:16] they think it impedes getting anything else or might even hurt their
[4:06:22] ability to establish citizenship. I want to be careful how
[4:06:31] we address our community, articulate, message them. Not just microethnic.
[4:06:37] 50% of this l.a. Population speaks different languages.
[4:06:43] while english is the dominant language, I understand that.
[4:06:55] I would implore our departments to do a better job.
[4:06:58] help each other. Some are doing really well and some can do better.
[4:07:07] I think with that I would just say let's hope there is things happening in dc.
[4:07:20] the ones here at least we can work together and say we're going to work on it
[4:07:23] as a team. I want to thank oem staff, thank your staff, kevin,
[4:07:30] for their help on lineage. Those are disasters that impact our communities.
[4:07:44] with this bad weather, almost a month or more of weather degree over 90.
[4:07:50] if you don't have air conditioning it's like 100.
[4:07:54] pretty miserable for people in l.a. County. Some in my district don't
[4:08:01] have a lot of faith in anything we say. That to me is very
[4:08:05] important that we do the very best that we can. There's no further
[4:08:12] questions? Okay, we have beaten el nino to death.
[4:08:18] all right we'll go to public comment, thank you. >> asst. Executive
[4:08:21] officer: will the following lids come forward and staff will
[4:08:22] assist you. [reading names] paloma bustos, please
[4:08:36] begin your line is open. >> telephone speaker: yes, I'm paloma bustos with
[4:08:48] initiative of l.a. Law school. I encourage the county to
[4:08:53] include high man trafficking for the storm season.
[4:08:57] last year the board focused on human trafficking over natural
[4:09:02] disas tearing, they increase conditions with displacement, lost income,
[4:09:07] unsafe work and urgent need for housing. We ask the county to
[4:09:18] include trafficking planning and future reports to the board.
[4:09:22] this will help make sure trafficking prevention is part of the county
[4:09:27] response before the next emergency happens. >> asst. Executive
[4:09:28] officer: thank you. Caller 0761 -- 0716, please continue.
[4:09:39] >> telephone speaker: I'm row manned heights. Efforts to maintain
[4:09:43] readiness as to establish a risk to environment both natural and man made as
[4:09:50] evidenced by the city of los angeles. Others who fail us.
[4:09:56] roland heights sewage flow. They pose new set of risk.
[4:10:07] especially when the -- I have suggested the county develop a homeless --
[4:10:14] countywide homeless and transient camp sites. On what is signed there is
[4:10:23] a possibility that historic drought status will be mid gated.
[4:10:28] >> asst. Executive officer: thank you. Caller 5957, your line is
[4:10:36] open, please state your name and begin. >> telephone speaker: this
[4:10:40] is mel baile. I wanted to add I appreciate, I wanted to
[4:10:44] tag on to one of the latter things that the supervisor says, relates
[4:10:48] to the language barrier. I want to know if the county is doing anything
[4:10:54] to assist our multiling age citizens, constituents to learn english.
[4:11:06] we won't be able to control everything. The board can control
[4:11:09] departmental approaches. I think it is a safer situation.
[4:11:28] hopefully something we can look into. >> asst. Executive
[4:11:30] officer: we will go to the in person speakers, please begin.
[4:11:33] >> in-person speaker: shawn patrick patterson, program director of the
[4:11:35] next 5,000. Emergency plan was submitted, it is on public
[4:11:42] comment. The proposal will establish a major
[4:11:48] emergency distribution and temporary shelter center capable much l.a. County
[4:11:53] joining the natural disasters. That is the skid row
[4:11:57] district. The skid row district already serves as a
[4:12:04] distribution center for the homeless. If all the homeless people
[4:12:12] are sent to the skid row district, we can consolidate the tents, the
[4:12:19] food, the medical supplies. It will serve not only the
[4:12:25] residents of l.a. County but also the homeless. I'm asking the board to
[4:12:32] consider the proposal by the next -- >> asst. Executive
[4:12:35] officer: thank you, next speaker please. >> in-person speaker:
[4:12:41] collin campbell, district 5, kathryn barger out of south pasadena.
[4:12:45] trying to do a pilot and I volunteered to share, elected to share my
[4:12:49] information with all federal, state, and local systems.
[4:12:54] this is for star gate. One of the things they talk about is
[4:12:57] communication issues. This uses all the communication networks
[4:13:04] that we have but we have quantum internet. Quantum internet allows
[4:13:11] you to communicate. You could alert people if telephone network is down
[4:13:16] to evacuate. I'm trying to get them to do the pilot out of south
[4:13:21] pasadena. U.s. Cyber command best capabilities.
[4:13:33] this is new technology and a.I., south pasadena is concerned because of
[4:13:38] privacy issues. >> asst. Executive officer: thank you.
[4:13:40] next speaker please. >> in-person speaker: I'm a firefighter with
[4:13:49] southern california wildfire response. We're a community fire
[4:13:53] department based at the santa monica mountains. I'd like to say thank you
[4:13:58] for your leadership in times of emergency prep prigs and items like this.
[4:14:06] listening I have identified problems that have the greatest
[4:14:09] solution. We are initial attack tactically capable and I
[4:14:21] believe old fashioned retail politics. I have gone door to door
[4:14:25] with 19 hoas in the san fernando valley. Most of the sconce offices
[4:14:30] in person. That is something we strive to do.
[4:14:34] I would love the opportunity to make you aware that we are capable,
[4:14:39] we are mobile and ready to assist. >> in-person speaker: I
[4:14:55] appreciate all of your wonderful participation in making sure that the
[4:15:08] pe people, fully -- [inaudible]
[4:15:22] the question is more the issue, that has not been discussed.
[4:15:33] how much is avail able how many are -- the homeless people are going to be --
[4:15:51] clek thank you, next speaker please. >> in-person speaker: I
[4:16:02] can say on that map I can tell you, I can recognize the verbiage of that map,
[4:16:07] that wet and cool and wet. I think we can advance to something greater, the wet
[4:16:16] and cool. To hit in the month of september is an out of
[4:16:38] normal condition. A special circumstance for all of us.
[4:16:42] the input of destruction requires all hands on deck approach.
[4:16:48] el nino, la nina, this represents an analysis due to the extreme nature of
[4:16:54] the capacity for destruction. >> asst. Executive
[4:17:02] officer: that concludes public comment. >> executive officer: this
[4:17:05] report is receive and file. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[4:17:09] chair: that will be the order. >> executive officer: we
[4:17:11] will move to item 19, protecting eaton and pal I said fire victims from
[4:17:20] contractor scams held by supervisor barger. On the phone if you have
[4:17:23] signed up to speak no further action is needed f are you on the phone and
[4:17:27] wish to comment but haven't signed up press star and follow the
[4:17:30] prompts to join the speaking queue. If you have not registered
[4:17:35] or watching the meeting please call 213-444-26 on 00 press star and follow
[4:17:40] the prompts. Rafael carbajal director of consumer affairs and
[4:17:51] mark pep strel a for public public works. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[4:17:55] chair: supervisor barger. >> sup. Kathryn barger: thank you, and I thank
[4:18:01] supervisor horvath for supporting this with me. As more and more people
[4:18:06] work forward for rebuilding, my office hears about contractor
[4:18:12] fraud and bad actors targeting people for vulnerable.
[4:18:17] as the region looks at more home building than anticipated, new companies
[4:18:22] emerge to rebuild the communities. With that comes the need
[4:18:30] to help against contractors f it's too good to be true it is too
[4:18:34] good. There are predatory and fraudulent actors some
[4:18:42] builders find themselves completely beyond capacity and unwittingly harming
[4:18:45] survivors. Howe at the end of the day our residents lost far too
[4:18:50] much and need support to make individual decisions that help them rebuild and
[4:18:55] come home. They should not have to worry about being
[4:19:01] victimized again and again by unscrupulous contractors or scammers.
[4:19:10] that is why we bring in this motion today. We need to work together.
[4:19:21] it puts a strong emphasis on prevention. We started off with the
[4:19:25] rebuild process to educate, the d.a. Did a press conference.
[4:19:29] in trying to educate people to make sure that your contractor has a
[4:19:32] license. A liability will fall on you.
[4:19:43] if something happens on your property. This directs county
[4:19:46] departments to develop and execute a coordinated plan of action to address
[4:19:51] contractor fraud and other scams that are contracting -- that are
[4:19:54] impacting the survivors. This includes establishing a specialized task force
[4:20:00] made up of county departments and law enforcement to ensure that
[4:20:04] all the tools and resources necessary are being deployed.
[4:20:09] these are already in existence, just not in a coordinated effort.
[4:20:14] survivors need clear trusted information, before they sign a
[4:20:18] contract or spend the recovery dollars. Including how to verify a
[4:20:24] contractor's license, understand the contracts they are signing,
[4:20:29] recognize the warning signs of a scam, report suspected fraud.
[4:20:36] by interested greating into the one stop centers and working with trusted's
[4:20:41] community partners we can reach survivors where they are in the rebuilding
[4:20:44] process. Washington done previous outreach, it is clear that
[4:20:52] we must do more to educate survivors on ways to protect thoses.
[4:20:59] our goal is to protect survivors and make sure people rebuilding in the
[4:21:04] communities are legitimate licensed and accountable. I understand the dcba
[4:21:13] needs to enter into agreements for paid media including billboards and
[4:21:16] other advertising in the fire impacted areas. As well as outreach.
[4:21:24] so to expedite those efforts, I would like to read in a minor amendment
[4:21:28] to directive 3. It would be as follows. The board shall wave the
[4:21:33] requirements of board policy number 5.100 for these agreements.
[4:21:39] these agreements and any amendments shall be approved as to form by
[4:21:43] county council to keep the check and balance. Thank you, rafael, for
[4:21:47] pointing that out. This is a sense of urgency.
[4:21:52] I have talked to someone whose family member handed over 50% down payment and
[4:21:58] never saw the contractor again. And took off with the
[4:22:01] money. Even with those that are contracted -- that are
[4:22:11] licensed, we also have businesses, and there was one prefab business where
[4:22:18] the gentleman thought when he paid the amount of money that it was
[4:22:24] everything, that's the way it is advertised then he found out it wasn't and he
[4:22:28] took his life. Did the company do anything illegal?
[4:22:31] no. But if he had known what he was signing and that
[4:22:38] the little footnotes were byts way you have to pay for a slab, moving the
[4:22:45] building on, hooking up to sewer, hooking up to water.
[4:22:50] he may have thought twice about paying $450,000 for what he thought was ready
[4:22:55] to go. These are lessons learned but things that are
[4:23:02] happening today. I ask you, thank you and your team, you're in the
[4:23:10] community. Conditions that you are seeing inial a ta dina and
[4:23:22] palisades burn area. What happens after a complaint is filed.
[4:23:26] >> department speaker: thank you, supervisor, rafael carbajal, director
[4:23:30] of the department of consumer and business affairs.
[4:23:33] thank you supervisor barger and supervisor horvath for bringing this
[4:23:35] motion. We have misrepresentation, qualifications, we see a
[4:23:46] lot of that. Programmatic contracts, people not understanding
[4:23:50] what is in the contract or how they're written. Work abandoned or
[4:23:56] significantly different. Tremendous stress and putting high pressure
[4:24:03] tactics on them. We do recognize when people come and recognizes
[4:24:10] the inutes, they're frustrated and scared and turn to for help.
[4:24:19] we sit down and triage them, do they fall in the jurisdiction and review
[4:24:24] the facts, triage, review document and provide counseling.
[4:24:35] work with our partners, dea, attorney general and county counsel.
[4:24:41] ultimately what we like to do is collect the data to start forecasting
[4:24:46] potential issues in the region and address them before people fall victim.
[4:24:55] prevention is important. One of the things we want to do is scale up.
[4:25:00] any time you drive through altadena, palisades, first thick you see is
[4:25:05] billboards on attorneys and how to sue and how to find assistance.
[4:25:10] we need folks to understand what the rights are and resources
[4:25:13] available to them. Our team supports folks going through the
[4:25:20] situation. Understanding rights and responsibilities
[4:25:29] responsibilities and they can call us and we'll walk them through the process.
[4:25:42] we want to execute agreements, leveraging the dollars county counsel has
[4:25:48] helped us with work to get advertisement out both on the radio, billboards,
[4:25:54] print ads, bus benches. And bring in support from the legal service
[4:25:59] community to help folks stuck in these situations. >> sup. Kathryn barger: I
[4:26:08] have more, but to both you and mark, obviously what you are hearing in terms
[4:26:13] of the fraud. Are you all coordinating to best leverage both
[4:26:19] communication to the public? Not everyone comes to the
[4:26:26] meeting. Are you all leveraging communication chance to
[4:26:30] make sure that we are touching at every touch point possible?
[4:26:38] >> department speaker: we work with multiple departments, d.a.,
[4:26:43] partners, even some of the city staff. I appreciate this motion,
[4:26:55] it pushes us forward. >> department speaker: there is a presence in the
[4:26:59] one stop center of the dcba and also the contractor state licensing
[4:27:04] board is present in the one stop centers. There's multiple touch
[4:27:12] points. Homeowners, survivors, will find a contractor
[4:27:19] first. Sometimes it's too late they are convinced to go
[4:27:22] with that person. We're educating the public when they come in.
[4:27:32] one thing that came to our attention there's an interesting thing, we
[4:27:37] noticed an uptick in people applying to be their own builder,
[4:27:41] builder/owner. Homeowners can build their own home but it is a very
[4:27:46] significant effort to do so. You still have to hire the
[4:27:52] subs and subcontractors. There is another twist to that that I know about, if
[4:27:57] you go owner/builder and you have a mortgage and you are paying -- taking
[4:28:02] insurance money to pay that down the mortgage company will be very, very
[4:28:06] anti-owner/builder. They want a licensed contractor to give that
[4:28:10] money, to send the money to. I am aware of several on
[4:28:24] folks who don't have the right licensure, but they're going
[4:28:28] owner/builder. We push them away from that, given the insurance
[4:28:32] requirements and what I describe to you in terms of rein burrment from the
[4:28:35] mortgage companies. >> sup. Kathryn barger: when I hear someone say
[4:28:53] they paid $200 a square foot, they're excited, that is a red flag.
[4:28:58] the average is $350 to $400 a square foot. They are desperate, thank
[4:29:12] you. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: supervisor horvath.
[4:29:16] >> sup. Lindsey horvath: thank you, I appreciate you bringing this forward,
[4:29:19] to better protect wild fire survivors from fraud, scams and other predatory
[4:29:24] business practices. As families continue the process of rebuilding
[4:29:32] homes and communities the last thing they need is to be taken advantage of.
[4:29:39] my team has heard from constituents who have lost thousands of dollars.
[4:29:49] those are vulnerable households need clear consistent and frequent
[4:29:54] communication to understand their rights. This should include how to
[4:30:00] file complaints and how to report fraud. In addition to directing
[4:30:09] fraud in 30 days this directs an expanded awareness campaign and
[4:30:13] expanded communications will utilize online methods in altadena and
[4:30:22] calabasas and community partner organizations like the long term recovery
[4:30:24] groups. Awareness campaign should include materials in
[4:30:28] multiple languages. Our wildfire survivors every been through far too
[4:30:32] much. I look forward to the plan of action to increase for
[4:30:39] residents. We increased dcba for price gouging protections
[4:30:51] earlier this year. Certainly last year. Are there additional
[4:30:57] enforcement tools or authority you need to deter bad actors and
[4:31:01] provide more remedies for victims of fraud. >> department speaker:
[4:31:07] that is a great question and I'd like to sit down with our colleagues in
[4:31:11] county counsel. They have the authority to pursue unfair business
[4:31:15] practices. Why we coordinate with them on that.
[4:31:29] when the price gouging protections were in place there were rebuilding
[4:31:33] protections in place. But they expired along with the protections.
[4:31:43] >> sup. Lindsey horvath: now that we know people are being preed upon, and
[4:31:46] they just want to get home. Making sure you have the
[4:31:53] tools that you need f there are additional tools to achieve that end,
[4:31:56] please let us know. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: I just want to add,
[4:32:03] I support the motion supervisor barger and horvath.
[4:32:13] this is a problem for the county. For me it was the lineage
[4:32:15] fire. Wee people asking for funds for purifiers.
[4:32:28] charging like $300 for 100 or $75 purifier. We're seeing attorneys
[4:32:38] similar to attorneys that are taking full advantage of some of the folks that
[4:32:43] have been involved, alleged involvement in things with the county,
[4:32:48] children and family services. These attorneys are
[4:32:56] corralling residents, paging their dinner, saying if you have a claim
[4:32:59] there's 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 things. And you fit this.
[4:33:10] I don't know what the standards are for the law firms doing this.
[4:33:19] think are advertising and leaving leaflets at people's homes.
[4:33:26] think about it in a broad sense. So we can defend what
[4:33:32] we're doing. But I support the item. Seeing no more questions
[4:33:42] from the board, let's go to public comment. >> asst. Executive
[4:33:45] officer: will the following individuals come forward and staff bill
[4:33:48] assist you. [reading names] remote participants you
[4:34:00] must call 213-444-2600 whether you are registered or not.
[4:34:08] there are no remote callers to address the board.
[4:34:11] we will go to in person speakers. Please begin.
[4:34:15] >> in-person speaker: good afternoon, I'm kathryn peoples I'm the executive
[4:34:21] director of hp cares, rebuild center for the eaton as well as pal I
[4:34:27] said long term recovery center as well as support to all of the survivors.
[4:34:32] we have seen unbelievable predatory activities up to the tune of a million
[4:34:37] dollars. I have a survivor lose a million dollars to an
[4:34:43] unlicensed contractor. I'm thankful that you brought this motion.
[4:34:47] we must agree to this motion. Our survivors need this.
[4:34:53] I can't stress it enough. Countless days after day we see numerous survivors,
[4:35:00] 300,000, 700,000 they have paid individuals that are not licensed.
[4:35:10] if you made that one change for me it would make my day amazing.
[4:35:25] >> in-person speaker: I'm lush I can't be owe, southern california
[4:35:27] wildfire response. This wasn't something I was planning to speak on
[4:35:32] but I wanted to, as we spoke to victims, I just wanted to personally say
[4:35:39] thank you for addressing this. There have been a lot of
[4:35:43] problems and attention on the illegal contracting side, fraudulent
[4:35:48] practices, and just general fraud. We have spoken to three
[4:35:52] families in the palisades who were convinced to donate to supposed causes
[4:35:58] for wildfire prevention and emergency response. They made a significant
[4:36:07] donation one in $35,000 range. That went completely out
[4:36:12] the window. Thank you for taking the initiative, thank you.
[4:36:18] >> asst. Executive officer: next speaker. >> in-person speaker:
[4:36:22] roxanne, director of policy and advocacy. I want to thank supervisor
[4:36:27] horvath and barger for bringing this forward. As my boss was sharing
[4:36:32] we're eyes on the ground. We are at the efc, rebuilding.
[4:36:44] we are the place to go to when they have nowhere else to go.
[4:36:50] trying to give them hope, trying to give them a path back to home.
[4:37:01] you were already putting this together which we appreciate.
[4:37:10] a lot of contractors even if they're licensed, they may not have the
[4:37:13] experience of working in burn zones. We need to keep the
[4:37:18] education up. >> asst. Executive officer: next speaker
[4:37:21] please. >> in-person speaker: claudia per her rez.
[4:37:30] hundred awareness, we must go back to the oeld make sure the practices do not
[4:37:39] occur. It takes a village to raise a child.
[4:37:43] it takes a village to maintain that child. Our environment,
[4:37:50] atmosphere, our homes. Its takes a village. This is a village here.
[4:37:56] we are in a way together going through this. Grief is important when
[4:38:04] the fires are happening. They need support for that, emotional support,
[4:38:12] people understand how to move forward with the grief losing your home,
[4:38:16] losing everything. Everything having in destruction.
[4:38:20] that people have to understand that people do need support.
[4:38:22] thank you. >> asst. Executive officer: that concludes
[4:38:27] the time for public comment. >> executive officer: item
[4:38:29] 19 as revised is before you. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[4:38:33] chair: moved by supervisor barger, seconded by supervisor horvath as
[4:38:37] amended to approve the item, executive officer call the roll.
[4:38:40] >> executive officer: supervisor mitchell. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell:
[4:38:42] aye. >> executive officer: supervisor horvath.
[4:38:44] >> sup. Lindsey horvath: aye. >> executive officer:
[4:38:46] supervisor hahn. >> sup. Janice hahn: aye. >> executive officer:
[4:38:49] super >> sup. Kathryn barger: aye.
[4:38:51] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: >> executive officer: supervisor solis.
[4:38:53] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: aye. >> executive officer:
[4:38:54] motion carries 5- 0. We will move to item 21, report on the strategic
[4:38:59] plan to curtail street racing in los angeles county which was held by
[4:39:02] supervisor mitchell. Members of the public on the phone if you have
[4:39:06] signed up to speak no further action is needed. If you are on the phone
[4:39:10] and wish to comment but haven't signed up press star and follow the
[4:39:13] prompts to join the speaking queue. If you have not registered
[4:39:16] or registered but are watching the meeting to address the board, please
[4:39:20] call 213-444-2600 press star and follow the prompts.
[4:39:27] an operator will assist you. David carroll, director of
[4:39:31] youth development, steve berger deputy director and julian garcia engineer,
[4:39:37] commander terence bell sheriff's department, victor puebla captain
[4:39:42] sheriff's department, and carrie miller policy implementation and
[4:39:46] alignment chief executive office will give a presentation.
[4:39:50] departmental speakers please state your name and title for the record.
[4:39:54] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: supervisor mitchell.
[4:39:55] >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: thank you. I continue to hold this
[4:40:06] item because I think it is important we make it a priority.
[4:40:22] I will come back and have questions. >> department speaker:
[4:40:26] jeremy gray, chief operating officer for the ceo.
[4:40:32] we submitted our 7th report on this matter last week.
[4:40:39] if you recall we presented during the period of 2024 to 2025 we saw a decrease
[4:40:48] of around 30% in activity. Wee seen a spike. I will have dr. Kerry
[4:41:03] mi miller, what we plan to execute to address those
[4:41:13] fwluk situations in the numbers. Dr. Miller.
[4:41:14] >> department speaker: thank you. It eye kerry miller,
[4:41:21] policy implementation and alignment branch and I'll walk through the
[4:41:25] presentation and open it up for questions. We have a full group of
[4:41:34] private partners, public partners, community based organizations and
[4:41:39] advocates to try to get a handle on this problem moving forward.
[4:41:45] so what we saw is jeremy mentioned, we saw a 33% drop since, for the year,
[4:41:52] after we implemented our original action plan. That number and that drop
[4:41:58] held for five straight quarters. Then we saw a spike.
[4:42:02] if you see the spike it is dramatic and disturbing. We went up 41% from the
[4:42:08] same time period over the last two years. Next slide.
[4:42:13] with that there's a lot of activity that we did to implement the action plan
[4:42:18] that our partners worked hard on. Over 3,000 students and
[4:42:24] community residents participated in prevention and education workshops.
[4:42:29] 84% of participants did say that they would be less likely to participate
[4:42:33] in any type of this activity after participating in those
[4:42:36] workshops. If you look at the infrastructure that dpw
[4:42:44] has been working hard to put in place over the last quarter they installed
[4:42:49] through installations in east gardena, two in walnut park, rancho
[4:42:56] dominguez and florence firestone. This represents the most
[4:42:59] significant installations of any quarter we have had since we started doing
[4:43:02] this work. Next slide. This is the work of dpw
[4:43:18] installing these. Looking at enforcement operations for lasd they
[4:43:24] conducted 8 solo agency operations in the last quarter.
[4:43:30] combination of lsd and chp issued 134 citations, 46 attests and toed 47
[4:43:38] vehicles. The d.a. Divert ed 31 people using the street
[4:43:46] racing kills diversion program. Still prosecuting two
[4:43:52] felony cases of organizers of street takeovers. We are continuing with our
[4:44:00] communication strategies. As you know, the department of youth and
[4:44:05] development services last quarter put out a psa on the dangers of these
[4:44:08] events. This was informed by youth and largely constructed
[4:44:13] with youth input. Where they have posted this psa.
[4:44:29] wave our first event september 19 at santa fe dam.
[4:44:33] we are looking at targeting youth using go carts so that they can
[4:44:39] learn how to safely participate in these activities.
[4:44:44] we can use that as a way to stress that legal drifting is better than
[4:44:52] the illegal options. Both have expressed interest in legal events.
[4:45:00] next slide. Almost doubling the last quarter.
[4:45:13] looking at lasd jurisdiction we saw a 200% spike over the previous
[4:45:19] quarter. This was largely in supervisorial district 2.
[4:45:28] we did a breakdown between unincorporated areas and contract cities.
[4:45:32] when we did that, what we found is there actually is zero e haven't happening
[4:45:38] in the unincorporated areas except for sd2. Big jump in contract
[4:45:48] cities, much higher than the past. So we further dug into
[4:45:52] this data to see what is happening here. Comparing this last
[4:46:00] quarter to one year prior, so that we're looking at apples to apples, there
[4:46:08] was a 200% spike in contracted cities. When we looked's at
[4:46:16] uninpresidentcaked, we only saw a 16% spike which could be what we would
[4:46:20] expect from, like, regional differences. However, what was really
[4:46:24] important is if you look at the central division, there was a drop of 28.
[4:46:29] in the middle of this incredible spike that we saw there was a drop in
[4:46:36] this central division. We wanted to understand. When we broke down what
[4:46:44] might be different in other areas we know that lasd had considerable
[4:46:48] enforcement efforts in that area. That was certainly
[4:46:51] something that happened. But we looked at dpw installations to better
[4:46:57] understand what that picture looked like. What you will see here is
[4:47:00] that in the last year through last quarter, they installed 14 intersection
[4:47:04] installations. All of them in central division boundaries.
[4:47:15] it is in the same area that we saw the drop. Looking forward dpw has
[4:47:25] additional installations plnd. Now we'll look at the
[4:47:28] south division. Where the spike happened. Dpw reported a $410,000
[4:47:43] cost for last quarter not only because of the installations that they
[4:47:47] were doing but because there was significant damage to the
[4:47:50] installations they did do and required a number of repairs to those
[4:47:55] installations. The group spent time trying to understand and
[4:48:02] figure out what has been going on and what can we do to remedy the
[4:48:05] situation. This is a complex problem, we know there are a lot of
[4:48:08] factors driving it, and it'll take a lot of different types of
[4:48:12] interventions to get a handle on this spike and get it back down to where
[4:48:15] we were. Across the partners they will speak more about this
[4:48:20] but just at a high level. They have committed to expanding school and
[4:48:23] community prevention programming. Planning installations in
[4:48:26] the south division intersections which is where the spike occurred.
[4:48:34] dough employing different portions, and trying to remove as many posts as we
[4:48:40] can which drive the activity. With that we open it up
[4:48:48] for questions. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: thank you.
[4:48:52] and thank you do the pa panel. The 200% increase is
[4:48:57] alarming. I want to start acknowledging the
[4:49:02] collective work you all have done. Who's to say it wouldn't
[4:49:05] have been larger. We were optimistic about the trend that we had seen
[4:49:10] over the last several quarters. And we knew summer was
[4:49:13] coming and what the trends showed us for the summer. So I certainly wasn't
[4:49:19] nowhere near anticipating a 200% increase particularly when you give
[4:49:24] the disproportionate number of those in the second district.
[4:49:30] both contract cities and unincorporated communities.
[4:49:34] we recently, my team, did a work group community walk in east gardena and
[4:49:41] will owe brook, the 18th of -- willow brook. And I want to thank public
[4:49:47] works, sheriff department and our other partners for participating for hearing
[4:49:52] directly from residents and beginning to identify concrete next steps.
[4:49:56] this is an interesting issue where people have all kinds of ideas.
[4:50:03] and I do believe? -- I believe this multi prong strategy around
[4:50:11] enforcement barriers really makes sense. It is just a matter of how
[4:50:16] we continue to identify resources. Prioritize based on the
[4:50:22] data you bring to us. Equitiable influence based on the data.
[4:50:28] I understand the sheriff's department conducted an operation at 157th and
[4:50:36] broadway. There was a great rye ducks and we got video
[4:50:42] from constituents that showed that the crowds returned this past
[4:50:46] weekend. I hope that, the question is, what are next steps.
[4:51:06] I appreciate seeing the data by contract cities. Identifying the area where
[4:51:12] there was a slight reduction. Acknowledging the fact
[4:51:18] it's public works interventions that are helpful.
[4:51:28] what mitigation strategies are going to do use for sd2 as well as county as a
[4:51:35] whole. >> department speaker: I can take a stab at that.
[4:51:38] steve berger, deputy director for transportation, l.a.
[4:51:44] county public works. As I think you heard from kerry, we are seeing data
[4:51:51] that to physical interventions are working. I love solid data and
[4:51:59] using that to focus on where we want to do the next installation.
[4:52:09] we've reached out to cities to offer expertise, collaboration.
[4:52:16] this is one county. They have to be the one to put in the installations
[4:52:19] in their jurisdiction. Wife the desire to work with them to share
[4:52:25] expertise or experience. Hop this many if they decide that the physical
[4:52:32] interventions are meaningful and helpful to help with that as well.
[4:52:44] >> department speaker: good afternoon board happy to see you, david carroll,
[4:52:47] department of youth development. You saw 3336 folks that
[4:52:54] were served through about 127 workshops. We are fortunate to
[4:52:58] continue that work with street racing kills. Expand and focus it.
[4:53:02] so we're moving from one offwork workshops to sustained engagement where
[4:53:06] we work with the same group of young people over an extended period of
[4:53:10] time. Soy they understand the dangers.
[4:53:17] multiple school districts including in compton, montebello and pomona but
[4:53:23] we have specific relationships set up. We're expanding our reach
[4:53:27] across the dyd school based programming. We have about 10 schools
[4:53:31] that are served through the bloom initiative and another 10 served through
[4:53:35] the dyd rooted initiative. All of those schools receive the workshops
[4:53:40] through srk on a regular basis. We continue to participate
[4:53:45] in community based prevention and outreach. Going to the community
[4:53:49] events. Partnering with parks and recreation, our spot teen
[4:53:54] program as well as jcod to offer the workshops in those facilities.
[4:54:00] as well as 42 youth development providers spread across every spa
[4:54:05] across all 5 supervisorial districts. We will ask young people what
[4:54:12] to engage, what we need to do to hammer the message home. So they understand why we are
[4:54:18] providing the workshops and what the goal is. And continuing to work with our
[4:54:22] provider to strengthen their workshop delivery model so it is having the impact that we
[4:54:29] expect. >> I wanted my partners to go first because obviously for the
[4:54:35] robert luna, the sheriff of la county, I want to make sure that everybody understands that we do
[4:54:42] support the multi prong approach, education is critical.
[4:54:47] engineering is critical. Our partners at public works just talked about that.
[4:54:53] I'm not going to talk about the enforcement portion of this. Our department was doing very
[4:55:00] well. You saw the statistics. Up until this year.
[4:55:04] we actually had a significant reduction. Again, it was shown on the
[4:55:11] chart. This last summer, things went into completely opposite
[4:55:15] direction. I find it to be unacceptable. Obviously when we are talking
[4:55:21] about street takeovers, it is something that our community is becoming less tolerant of.
[4:55:27] we are getting a lot of complaints. But I want to spend a couple of
[4:55:35] minutes talking about is in the last month or so, we have seen a very disturbing trend where
[4:55:45] there are individuals that are coming in to do these street takeovers, and there are
[4:55:51] burglaries or, what people call looting attached to it. These videos are extremely
[4:55:58] disturbing. You have dozens and dozens of young men and women running into
[4:56:07] whether it be auto stores, markets -- and I just want to bring specific attention to an
[4:56:14] incident that happened in bell flower. We just had another one in bell
[4:56:20] flower early last -- this morning. But you had a very hard working
[4:56:26] family, immigrant family who worked their whole lives to put this market together.
[4:56:30] they had a street takeover at intersection and bell flower, and parts of this group went in
[4:56:38] there and caused what is estimated at about $30,000 in damage.
[4:56:47] I've seen enough of this to where I'm just making a public statement that if you are
[4:56:55] involved in this street takeovers, and you choose to go out and impact our businesses
[4:57:05] and community, there is going to be some significant accountability.
[4:57:11] we are trying the engineer, continue to do that, continue to do our education which I fully
[4:57:16] support but if you are spec specifically burglaring our businesses here in los angeles
[4:57:23] county, we are not going to tolerate it. One I have asked our department
[4:57:30] leadership to put more focus on issuing more citations and seizing more vehicles.
[4:57:39] so in a way, when we are talking about education, I am warning our community that if your kids
[4:57:45] are out there partaking in this type of activity, there is a high probability that there is
[4:57:53] going to be a citation and arrest or your vehicle being impounded as a result of the
[4:58:02] activity that is occurring out there. Please know that as I have given
[4:58:11] that direction, we have more of our specialized units in investigations and other parts
[4:58:16] of the department that will be assisting our patrol stations that are heavily impacted by
[4:58:23] this activity. I have personally called the chp commissioner shawn, and asked
[4:58:29] him for help. He has been, him and I have an extraordinary relationship.
[4:58:35] he is already sending additional units. I also want people to know that
[4:58:43] the u.s. Attorney here has called me and he has asked to be involved in the enforcement of
[4:58:53] this. People may say, well, how does a u.s. Attorney's office get
[4:58:58] involved? This type of activity? We will be working with the
[4:59:02] d.a.'s office because there will be conspiracy charges filed specifically on individuals who
[4:59:07] are doing the burglaries or looting as people call it. This is very serious.
[4:59:13] I'm putting out this warning to our community -- please we need to stop this nonsense.
[4:59:19] it is illegal. It is very serious. We had violent crimes at these
[4:59:24] incidences. This cannot continue. I have authorized the use of
[4:59:32] drones over some of these more problematic intersections. I'm just going to give an
[4:59:38] example because I don't want to give too much detail, that as a result of the drone footage, we
[4:59:44] were able to capture vehicles that may not have been directly involved in doing the donuts
[4:59:51] around the intersections but they were blocking the intersections so other cars
[4:59:55] couldn't get in. Our detectives on follow-up investigations went out, got
[5:00:09] judge's, got a warrant to seize these individual cars and we impounded seven additional cars
[5:00:14] on top of what we are doing already. We are going to continue to do
[5:00:18] that kind of work. So again, this is not without warning.
[5:00:24] I'm tired of it. Our community is tired of it. This behavior is unacceptable.
[5:00:33] so I would like as much help as I can get. I know one thing, that we are
[5:00:39] looking at, and I think that it may just need a little bit more data research is that some of
[5:00:46] the cities that are being very successful in impacting this problem, I'm going to use the
[5:00:53] city of pico rivera, for example, they are now issuing administrative sites for
[5:01:02] spectators. It is $2,000. That sounds like a lot of money.
[5:01:06] it is a lot of money. But until we start doing this, I believe in our unincorporated
[5:01:13] areas, that will further give us an additional tool to impact this and hopefully keep these
[5:01:21] individuals who are involved in this a way from this. The last th thing I will say, I
[5:01:31] want to go to attorney's office and conspiracy, if you are involved in arranging these,
[5:01:38] setting these up, and somehow profiting from this, I am going to use every tool at my disposal
[5:01:46] to come after you. Whether it is through the la district attorney's office or
[5:01:50] the u.s. Attorney's office, you cannot impact our communities in this fashion anymore.
[5:01:59] so that is the end of my report. I stand ready for any questions any of you may have.
[5:02:07] p. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: I appreciate you sheriff.
[5:02:09] I appreciate you coming today to participate in the panel. I agree with you, it is horrible
[5:02:14] that small businesses have been impacted. I want to add, there are
[5:02:20] communitys that have been terrorized for years and so I appreciate us highlighting
[5:02:26] businesses that are being looted. But I don't want it to be lost
[5:02:30] that there are family, friends and neighbors who have had loss of life and have been held
[5:02:38] captive in their houses week after week after week. So I appreciate you bringing the
[5:02:46] fire today. I hope that sustained not only for our small businesses but for
[5:02:51] our residents who have been held captive in their homes. They are the people that brought
[5:02:56] this attention to us. Who have come here, quarter after quarter to testify.
[5:03:02] who reach out to you all. Who talk about not being able to leave their homes on the
[5:03:07] weekends. Because out of fear of not being able to get back into their
[5:03:12] homes. I appreciate that. I don't want their lived
[5:03:17] experiences minimized at all given kind of the new heightened attention whether I want to
[5:03:22] appreciate the media's attention on this. It gets, it takes it to another
[5:03:27] level when people see businesses impacted. I don't want the community
[5:03:36] members lived experience for years now lost in that. .>>department speaker: yes,
[5:03:44] ma'am. My head was shaking up and down acknowledging.
[5:03:51] please know, our residents have not been ignored. I know how frustrating it is.
[5:03:55] but if you look at the statistics, it actually showed that our different stations were
[5:03:59] starting to impact this up until this coming year. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell:
[5:04:04] absolutely. Te>>department speaker: we were listening to our residents.
[5:04:09] a lot of frustrating residents. As you stated, there has been violence at some of these
[5:04:15] incidences that we take very serious and that is why we were responding the way we are.
[5:04:21] or have been. I wanted to make that clear. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: I
[5:04:26] appreciate that. This is also tragic. As we talk about our budgets and
[5:04:29] all that we are trying to do. And all that you are trying to do.
[5:04:32] the fact that this is completely avoidable, you know, we just spent hours talking about el
[5:04:39] nino. And things that we don't have any control over.
[5:04:42] and how we have to devote resources to keep people safe. This is completely preventible.
[5:04:48] I think that it is also important to acknowledge out loud, the specific communities
[5:04:52] continue to be targeted. Period. The question for me is, in, as a
[5:05:01] resultful your arrests, if there is a sense that there are people coming into these
[5:05:09] communities to engage in this illicit behavior or is it local residents who are tearing up the
[5:05:18] streets in their own neighborhood? >>department speaker: we can
[5:05:22] definitely dig in to get more specific information and the commander can correct me if I'm
[5:05:27] inaccurate. It is a combination of both unfortunately.
[5:05:31] >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: that is not lost on me. That particular communities are
[5:05:35] being targeted for this beh behavior. I would like, if possible, the
[5:05:43] new data today in terms of how you are able to borough down, specifically helpful.
[5:05:49] if we can, if prosecutions are increasing and arrests are increasing, I think that it
[5:05:56] would be helpful to have a sense of, if people are coming into the community or not.
[5:05:59] particularly as we begin to target or continue to target the multi prong strategy.
[5:06:07] you know, if we are targeting schools, in districts where it is happening but that is not who
[5:06:13] is committing the crimes, then we need to figure out how to partner with neighboring
[5:06:19] municipalities, to make sure that the public education is going to, where the people are
[5:06:24] who engage in the activity. That is why I think that it is important to actually know.
[5:06:31] depth I acknowledge that. Thank you. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: thank
[5:06:36] you. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: supervisor hahn.
[5:06:43] >> sup. Janice hahn: thank you madam chair. I was really frustrated at the
[5:06:47] increase both my district but certainly in the second district which was the largest.
[5:06:52] in my district, they went up by almost 50. In supervisor mitchell's
[5:07:01] district, they had 96 last quarter and 323 this quarter. I was frustrated, especially
[5:07:08] listening to everything you are doing and all of the statistics about of the workshops and the
[5:07:12] education and the outreach and the intersection barriers. I mean, we have done a lot since
[5:07:18] this first started. So it was extremely frustrating to me.
[5:07:24] supervisor mitchell is calmer about this than I was when I saw these numbers.
[5:07:31] but I, I know there are lots of theories about why. World cup celebrations, sporting
[5:07:38] events, media promotions around, attractions for racing, new trend video game driving, that
[5:07:45] promotes reckless driving, the fact sheet says, recent decent ral 12k3w4r5eurbgs of theland
[5:07:53] street takeover task force or disruption to intelligence sharing among law enforcement
[5:08:00] agencies. I know you are going to address all of those trends.
[5:08:04] you don't have to tell us now how you are doing that. I think that, you know, all of
[5:08:13] those contributing factors are not necessarily going away. It is not the world cup but it
[5:08:18] will be something else. I wonder listening to the el nino preparation, I am wondering
[5:08:31] how much this task force is really preparing for at least one of those factors which would
[5:08:35] be of course, you know, the olympics. Sheriff, I'm really glad you
[5:08:42] said what you said. Because you know, what happened in bell flower was just
[5:08:51] shocking. Shocking. It was almost like this street
[5:08:56] takeover, almost looked like a distraction to what they were actually there to do.
[5:09:01] they were actually there to loot and rob that liquor store. But the street takeover and the,
[5:09:09] you know, the spinning and the sparks and I think there were some fireworks, seemed like a
[5:09:15] big distraction. Thank you for being sensitive sheriff to that family that was
[5:09:24] devastated. Now they reached out to our office.
[5:09:27] because I represent bell flower. The family felt they have not felt comfortable walking around
[5:09:37] at night since that incident occurred. They also felt like what they
[5:09:42] reached out to us, was that our bell flower substation, which is just a substation was under
[5:09:51] staffed. I appreciate sheriff and commander bell your work on
[5:09:59] maybe increasing some penetration there in that area. But you know, sometimes when we
[5:10:04] just have a substation it is, it is not highly staffed, you know. There is not as many personnel
[5:10:11] as a regular station. What would you say sheriff to the community and particularly
[5:10:18] to this family that owned this store? How do we get them to feel safe?
[5:10:26] >>department speaker: first of all, I just spoke about the sensitivity towards the family.
[5:10:37] I'll make sure that they connect with our captain at the lakewood station which also covers bell
[5:10:46] flower to make sure that we do everything that we can to make sure that they know that we are
[5:10:52] there. We respond, we investigate and our deputies do an amazing job
[5:10:59] of doing that 24/7. Obviously, I will never use any excuse like staffing or anything
[5:11:12] else but we are a department that is understaffed. We talked about that on many
[5:11:18] occasions here. But when I go out and communicate consistencely with
[5:11:25] our community, one, I want them to know that I have the author 12k3w4r5eurbgs with to hire
[5:11:32] between 800-1,000 deputies per year. You guys have given us that
[5:11:38] authorization. That is misnomer out there based on past history.
[5:11:44] and our staffing is actually, I'm sorry, our hiring, recruiting and hiring is
[5:11:52] actually up, our applications are up about 50%. Any time that we talk about
[5:11:57] recruiting, I remind everybody that we are hiring. So if anybody knows anybody who
[5:12:04] wants to be a deputy sheriff, please come on out. But there is, you know, we are
[5:12:14] still at negotiating table. I think that all of you know that.
[5:12:17] that impacts staffing. We are talking about this star program that impacts this
[5:12:22] retention. That all impacts everything that we are talking about.
[5:12:25] but if you are talking about nightly deployments, whether it is in the city of lakewood, bell
[5:12:32] flower or any of the unincorporated areas that impact all of your districts, our
[5:12:38] deputies are out there. We have the staffing. We have out there.
[5:12:43] that is usually not falling below the minimum staffing standards.
[5:12:48] so I get it when somebody, there is a crime in progress, people are going to say, hey, they
[5:12:54] didn't get here quick enough. Or there wasn't enough of them. I respect that.
[5:12:58] understand that. But we are responding -- >> I
[5:13:04] >> sup. Janice hahn: I mean, I get that. You can't be at every
[5:13:07] intersection everywhere. This whole problem is whack-a-mole.
[5:13:12] we solve at one intersection and put up barriers or, you know, deterrents and then they move to
[5:13:18] another section. Sheriff in norwalk, last week, the norwalk public safety
[5:13:24] officials noticed a lot of cars and people beginning to congregate and so they called
[5:13:29] the sheriff's department. The sheriff's department was able to arrive on the scene
[5:13:33] quickly and prevent the overtaking of the entire intersection.
[5:13:37] maybe either you or commander bell can talk about what worked there.
[5:13:42] why did that one work to prevent? It was trying to happen.
[5:13:48] clearly they had all gathered to make it happen. But something interrupted it.
[5:13:55] >> I will try to address it. If commander bell has anything to add.
[5:13:59] .. >> sup. Janice hahn: what can we learn --
[5:14:05] >>department speaker: key there, someone saw the activity and called us immediately.
[5:14:09] the quicker we become aware of it, reminding the community you are our eyes and ears, get a
[5:14:17] hold of us immediately. Either we put assets up through hellhelicopter, and put up, givs
[5:14:28] information about how many cars and people. We start bringing in black and
[5:14:33] whites. Other type of resources. If we can do that, we would
[5:14:38] definitely impact this before it becomes a significant problem for us.
[5:14:43] that is a big help to us. >> sup. Janice hahn: right. That is a good message.
[5:14:49] if you see something, say something. Yeah, you know, commander, did
[5:14:53] you want to say something? >>department speaker: yes, commander bell, I wanted to echo
[5:14:59] the sheriff, as you know, in los angeles, in east la, there was a similar situation where we had
[5:15:05] where it was a street takeover about to occur. We were able to prevent that.
[5:15:10] but what we seen now with the technological aspect to it, putting up cameras, surveillance
[5:15:17] camera, this will help us to respond faster. With these cameras live feed to
[5:15:22] sheriff station will give us a live feed. We can see some of the cars
[5:15:26] start to build up and that will help us respond in addition to what the community called.
[5:15:32] if they give us a call, they will respond. We will reassure the community
[5:15:36] if they call, we will respond. We are going to use all resources and technology to
[5:15:41] address this problem. Cameras will be, one key component helping us resolve
[5:15:48] that. >> sup. Janice hahn: thank you. Sheriff, I appreciate the air
[5:15:52] assets, because I think that also can relay important information on the ground but as
[5:15:56] you said, could capture license plates, and vehicles to then hold accountable if in fact it
[5:16:04] turns into a full blown intersection. >>department speaker: that is
[5:16:10] for drones. If somebody calls, our helicopters are in the air.
[5:16:13] they have minutes of response time and get there quickly to start coordinating our units
[5:16:20] coming in to be more effective. >> sup. Janice hahn: yeah. Thank you.
[5:16:24] I appreciate all of the education, the outreach. I think that is important.
[5:16:28] to me, when I read the incident reports of these most recent, you know, these are not, your
[5:16:35] honor, the kids that could have been in school listening to outreach about why street racing
[5:16:42] is bad, this seems to be an elevated level of folks who have criminal intent to harm innocent
[5:16:52] people. So thank you. Madam chair.
[5:16:57] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: yes, I wanted to say thank you for providing update on the report.
[5:17:02] it is troubling. I know for my district it hasn't grown increasingly.
[5:17:07] there is, there is still activity. As you said sheriff, there is
[5:17:12] already been two retail theft occurrences that happened at the auto zone there in east l.a.
[5:17:20] it really is troubling because I too am concerned, if we are addressing students in high
[5:17:27] school and what have you, that is one population. That preventive.
[5:17:32] if we are talking about people of 21 is and older, whatever, then we are looking at a
[5:17:38] different population. I would love to see that information provided to us.
[5:17:43] I agree with supervisor mitchell, if these folks are actually from our area, from the
[5:17:47] immediate zip code or precincts? So to speak. Then have that information.
[5:17:53] because I think that is probably another way of doing more investigation into really
[5:17:58] deterring who those folks are and who they are connected to. I do think that our businesses
[5:18:05] need to be made aware in our communities that they have some rights and that they should also
[5:18:10] be vigilant. I, I want you to reaffirm what you said.
[5:18:15] if they see something, say something, to call and not to be afraid.
[5:18:20] I get it. Some of our businesses are intimidated right now because
[5:18:23] they are afraid of everything especially in east l.a. If it is ice, anyone wearing a
[5:18:31] uniform, even if it is dpw or public health, they don't want to have anything to do with the
[5:18:37] government. That is really bad. So we have a lot of things to
[5:18:42] overcome. I think that the best way is to get to them in their community,
[5:18:47] speaking their language, culturally competent and making sure that those relationships
[5:18:52] are lasting and not just a one-off. Otherwise, it will continue and
[5:18:56] my sense is, things aren't going to get, I hope that they get better.
[5:19:00] I really do. But I know that there is always, there is always opportunity for
[5:19:03] someone to do something negative. I, I really want our business
[5:19:08] people to know that we support them. That is really dangerous and for
[5:19:14] our young people too to continue to understand that there are consequences to their actions.
[5:19:19] so I would just say that. Thank you super supervisor mitc. >> thank you madam chair.
[5:19:26] I want to clarify something with county counsel, because we brought forward motions to
[5:19:32] increase penalties. We were going to bring forward a motion with regard to admin
[5:19:38] citations. It was my understanding that federal court brought them
[5:19:47] unconstitutional. If it happened in rivera, not in federal court?
[5:19:55] but make sure that I am following the comments made. Is that correct or not?
[5:19:59] >>department speaker: supervisor mitchell, deputy county counsel, they haven't changed the law
[5:20:04] yet. It wasn't happened. Pico rivera hasn't changed it.
[5:20:08] that is my understanding. The case that you cited is correct.
[5:20:11] still on point with respect to sspectators being penalized. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: when
[5:20:19] you say that pico rivera has not changed the law yet, you mean they have not come into
[5:20:24] compliance with the federal ruling? >>department speaker: correct.
[5:20:28] >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: what does it mean for pico rivera? If they are still issuing admin
[5:20:34] citations, what does that main? >>department speaker: they are not in compliance with federal
[5:20:38] law. At this point, those type of spectator citations are a
[5:20:43] violation of the constitution in terms of right of assembly and free speech.
[5:20:48] >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: I wanted to clarify. We were going to put that in one
[5:20:51] of the past motions and understood about that ruling. I am open.
[5:20:55] we should continue to collaborate on ways from your perspective sheriff, additional
[5:21:00] tools you think you need, so let's continue to have conversations about ways in
[5:21:05] which we can empower you based on your experience about what we need to try to turn this corner.
[5:21:12] I thought admin citations were not correct. So I wanted to get that clear on
[5:21:17] the record. Thank you. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: very
[5:21:20] good. Seeing no other questions from the board, let's go to public
[5:21:25] comment. >> moderator: following individuals come forward and
[5:21:27] staff will assist you. Claudia, david, as a final reminder of remote participants
[5:21:33] in order to address the board remotely, you must call in by phone to 213-444-2600 whether
[5:21:40] you are registered or not. Caller with phone number ending in 7204 your line is open.
[5:21:48] please begin. >>telephone speaker: yes I live in the fifth district and I ask
[5:21:52] you to please don't forget about us in the antelope valley. South county gets attention.
[5:21:59] here, street race something a big danger. Just today, in lancaster, over
[5:22:03] 29 fatal traffic collisions with 50% of that attributed to speed. While the folks on youth
[5:22:10] outreach appreciated, we have grown adults that mid life crises driving around in cars
[5:22:15] for racing, stoplight to stoplight. This creates noise pollution.
[5:22:21] law enforcement is spread thin, maybe with partnership with local police department, maybe
[5:22:26] target those with public hazard to those on the roads and those a nuisance, to those in the
[5:22:31] homes. The fairgrounds opening up, double edge sword, we are close
[5:22:35] to willow springs and open track days. That doesn't help.
[5:22:38] this might be a double edge sword and opportunity for people to gather and race illegally on
[5:22:43] their own after prior legal events. Thank you.
[5:22:45] >> moderator: thank you. We will now go to in-person speakers.
[5:22:51] >>in-person speaker: , claudia, dpss, dwc. I can say that I see youth all
[5:22:57] of the time when they come out of school, backpacks and everything.
[5:23:00] I think, wow, they are really learning. When I see this violations,
[5:23:06] don't think that it is all of them. I can say, that kw youth can ane
[5:23:15] manipulated easily, or instructed easily. It is important that these
[5:23:21] street takeovers are representation of the youth being derailed from normal
[5:23:26] standards. We must bring them back and teach them youthful techniques.
[5:23:30] forms of expression that are useful and constructive. Also we have to give them good
[5:23:37] examples and good instruction and make sure that they understand the consequences but
[5:23:42] we have to provide them good example. We have to also help them
[5:23:47] grieve. They are also grieving with us. In all of this.
[5:23:52] >> moderator: that concludes public comment on this item. >> executive officer: receive
[5:23:59] and filed. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: no objection.
[5:24:01] >> executive officer: move on to general public comment. This time, hear from members of
[5:24:05] the public wishing to address the board on general public comment.
[5:24:08] this is opportunity for the public to address the board on subject matters within the
[5:24:12] board's jurisdiction but not on items on meeting agenda. For members of the public
[5:24:16] already on the phone, if you have signed up to speak, on this item, please stay on the item.
[5:24:21] if you are on the phone, have not signed up to speak and would like to comment on this item,
[5:24:26] please press star now and follow the prompts to be placed into the speaking queue.
[5:24:30] if you are watching the meeting and have registered, or you have not register and would like to
[5:24:35] address the board on this item, you must call 213-444-2600. Press star and follow the
[5:24:43] prompts. An operator will be on the phone to assist.
[5:24:45] please be prepared to address the board on subject matters within the board's jurisdiction.
[5:24:51] >> moderator: in-person speakers call. While coming forward, remote
[5:24:55] speakers. Following individuals come forward and staff will assist
[5:24:58] you. Daniel, claudia, luse luciana and daniel.
[5:25:11] jocelyn your line is open. Please begin. >>telephone speaker: good
[5:25:19] afternoon. Board of supervisors. My name is jocelyn tucker.
[5:25:24] I am calling because I am disappointed regarding the status of the skilled nushessing
[5:25:36] facility. It has been a horrible experience for my family.
[5:25:42] trying to deal with those facilities. The lack of care and concern and
[5:25:53] empathy and supervision, it would be nice to have a hearing to allow for other families to
[5:26:00] speak. If you could do that, I would really appreciate it.
[5:26:05] >> moderator: thank you. Caller ending in 0716 your line is open.
[5:26:11] please state your name and begin. >>telephone speaker: this is roy
[5:26:16] humphreys, rowland heights. Supervisor mitchell at all, racism in yesterday, today and
[5:26:23] it ain't going away. As ignorance of this board meets to only visit my youtube channel
[5:26:29] for black history education enlightenment and abandon the blm in which 25 blacks were
[5:26:37] murdered by blacks. Billions in burning and looting of black businesses by blacks.
[5:26:44] hilda solis has been a master in slave of latino los angeles county, legal and illegal [
[5:26:51] indiscernible ] forever. Why are there 53 mexico consulates in the united states
[5:26:58] of america? Now we all are faced with the islamic insurrection.
[5:27:03] again go to my channel. Eye opening experience. Iman says, death to the infidels
[5:27:12] and martyr them. You will never be the same. Invisible --
[5:27:17] >> moderator: cash your line is open. Please begin.
[5:27:19] >>telephone speaker: okay. Yeah, so I'm live right now? >> moderator: yes, go ahead.
[5:27:30] >>telephone speaker: I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I have noticed a very disturbing
[5:27:34] pattern with the board of supervisors that you keep announcing these decisions and
[5:27:41] legislations that you are making that are supposed to help la county citizens.
[5:27:45] then it will say in the kind of the fine print, that it is only for people living in
[5:27:53] unincorporated parts of the county. I looked it up.
[5:27:56] on google. Only 10% of the whole population of la county lives in
[5:28:03] unincorporated areas. I don't know, I don't know what kind of hoax you guys think you
[5:28:10] are pulling here but you know the citizens of la county we need, we need to be making
[5:28:16] decisions that affect, you know, if not 100% of us -- >> moderator: thank you.
[5:28:22] we will go to in-person speakers. Please begin.
[5:28:25] >>in-person speaker: [ >>in-person speaker: >> interpreter: powerful new
[5:28:40] play by daniel garcia. The chilling history of the program.
[5:28:47] this deeply historical and urgent work examines the third right euthanasia initiative.
[5:28:54] precursor to holocaust that served as testing ground for mass murder and systemically
[5:28:58] targeted individuals with physical, mental and psychiatric disabilities.
[5:29:02] it starts tomorrow wednesday september 2. It will be on september 2, 3, 9
[5:29:09] and 10 at 7:30 p.m. This is at the arts shirley dunn studio 5484 santa monica
[5:29:16] boulevard in l.a. It is also on sunday september 6 and sunday 13 at 3 p.m.
[5:29:22] doors open at 2:30 for that. At 7 for the evening one. General admission $20.
[5:29:28] students $15. Ada and companions $12. The instagram is ask the
[5:29:34] collective truth and also -- >> moderator: thank you next speaker please.
[5:29:48] next speaker please begin. >>in-person speaker: lushano, I know spoken today so far, I know
[5:29:59] the topic of wild land fires is especially sensitive to supervisor barger and supervisor
[5:30:08] horvath. Now I would like to take a moment why it is personal to me.
[5:30:13] last year in march, I had the unfortunate responsibility of making a call to the next of kin
[5:30:21] to a friend of mine who was wildfire fighter out east. From that call, I made a promise
[5:30:28] that I would do everything in my power where I live, in my home, to fight the crisis of wild land
[5:30:35] fires. Unfortunately, southern california wildfire response is
[5:30:38] ready to take up that mantle. So I ask of you, board, two things.
[5:30:44] help us engage the community and open the doors to the agencies that we can work with.
[5:30:51] thank you. >> moderator: thank you. Next speaker please.
[5:30:53] >>in-person speaker: jamison, hilda solis on august 25, last tuesday, a second gas leak of
[5:31:00] the hilda solis rose court that you ponied up $7.5 million, first occurred on april 22.
[5:31:08] april 22, la fire department, I don't know why you are filming us.
[5:31:11] did not evacuate us. Violation of safety protocol. You need to do investigation why
[5:31:17] the first evaccation did not occur. Instruct steve fowler, to meet
[5:31:20] with the residents as to any financial, medical and other hardships they suffererred.
[5:31:25] and also direct city council worm who do the same. I filed a report with your
[5:31:31] office on friday. I heard nothing back from you. I will just conclude by
[5:31:36] reminding you, three years into israel's genocide and none of you condemned it.
[5:31:40] all of you stood steadfast with israel, so all five of you againside psychopaths can rot in
[5:31:49] hell. Thank you very much. >> moderator: next.
[5:31:53] >>in-person speaker: I'm here in strong support of restoring $24 million cut in transition age
[5:31:58] due to homeless services. Services are critical for young people experiencing
[5:32:03] homelessness. Including lgbtq youth rely on housing and supportive services
[5:32:08] and consistent network of care to build stable futures. Pushing vulnerable young people
[5:32:16] back into homelessness and instability. We urge the county to back fill
[5:32:20] the full $24 million providing greater transformation around funding and work closely with
[5:32:25] the city to make sure that no gaps in services. We ask that you make the
[5:32:29] services a priority and protect young people that depend on them.
[5:32:32] thank you. >> moderator: next speaker please.
[5:32:39] >>in-person speaker: hello, I'm colin, from district 5. Kathryn barger.
[5:32:43] I contacted la board of supervisors melissa at the front desk and my emails are blocked
[5:32:49] to go to measure g, la gov. La county.gov. I wonder if you could help me
[5:32:56] send in the information. They are requesting us to have meetings with local churches so
[5:33:02] south pasadena, st. James, essex commission for measure g. We wanted to discuss ethics.
[5:33:08] as well as also I'm promoting the star gate ai, so we want to make certain that our ai for
[5:33:15] healthcare is ethical which would be really nice. And that is basically it.
[5:33:21] thank you. >> moderator: thank you. Next speaker please.
[5:33:25] >>in-person speaker: claudia, dwc, fires youth takeovers, el nino, fraud, all of those
[5:33:34] things, these are all representations of issues we must tackle.
[5:33:39] we must come together and ascertain with a sound mind of, we are the, if we are the
[5:33:48] leaders of this county, we must confront them with firmness and conviction and maintain our
[5:33:57] wholeness. These are events that are tragic to all of us.
[5:34:06] and cause very serious emot emotional, you know, upheaval on us.
[5:34:14] we must, you know, confront them with standards. The issues are volatile,
[5:34:20] difficult but we must meet them with a sound mind. That is something that I want to
[5:34:24] share. Thank you. >> moderator: thank you.
[5:34:27] madam chair and members of the board that concludes our time for general public comment.
[5:34:31] >> executive officer: we will proceed with adjournments. Madam chair, we will proceed
[5:34:46] with adjournments. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: I'm sorry.
[5:34:55] okay. We are going to start with the first district.
[5:35:00] colleagues today, I would like to adjourn in the memory of good friend of mine that I had known
[5:35:07] for over 30 years. Who is a pine kwr50er in environmental justice, and so
[5:35:14] many good things. David algood was a good friend of mine.
[5:35:19] helped me in my career when I started in 1992. He was born in california in
[5:35:25] 1947. He served in the air force from 1966-1972 as a russian language
[5:35:32] intercepter. He spent his early years as an artist and was responsible for
[5:35:37] the development of fine art embossed print making. Back in 1980, he opened an art
[5:35:47] publishing company, mind eye studio in los angeles where he promoted his work along with
[5:35:52] many other artists he thought needed support by creating and marketing limited edition works.
[5:35:57] he was an advocate for artist rights, david was always helping someone or organizing people to
[5:36:04] stand up against injustice. After ten years, he closed mind's eye and devoted his time
[5:36:11] to politics which was always a thread in the fabric of the man he was.
[5:36:16] he served as executive director of the california league of conservation voters known today
[5:36:22] as the california environmental voters. He continued to organize
[5:36:26] progressive groups to fight for clean air, clean water and against corporate domination and
[5:36:31] state politics. David was a true renaissance man with an ability to connect
[5:36:37] people in order to innovate and solve problems. He loved history, art, music,
[5:36:43] making pies and spending time with his family, friends and his dogs.
[5:36:48] I remember him fondly because he worked so tirelessly with me on crafting many pieces of
[5:36:54] environmental justice legislation. My community and I give him and
[5:37:00] his family blessings and thanks. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: I would like to be in on that.
[5:37:05] sol ol yes. Absolutely. I think all members.
[5:37:10] next members, I would like to move when we adjourn today in the memory of samuel vase, who
[5:37:18] passed away august 14, 2026 at the age of 83. Born on february 28, 1943, mr.
[5:37:25] pause lived a life defined by service, advocacy and unwavering commitment to civil
[5:37:32] rights. Mr. Paz higher education from 1969-1971ucla.
[5:37:44] later earning law degree from usc where deeply involved in student activism.
[5:37:50] ging legal career in 1975, he quickly emerged as pioneering force in police accountability
[5:37:55] winning one of the first major legal victories involving police surveillance.
[5:38:03] dedicated practice to serving people in need. Spanish speaking clients and
[5:38:09] widely recognized as one of the leading civil rights litigators. Mr. Paz's influence extended
[5:38:15] nationally. He joined the aclu of southern california board in 1978 and
[5:38:21] later the aclu national board in 1988, serving for more than 30 years until his retirement in
[5:38:28] 2018. His leadership contributed to landmark victories including
[5:38:33] multiple million dollar settlements against the lapd, pivotal role in opposing
[5:38:40] proposition 187. Protecting vital services for undocumented immigrants.
[5:38:45] he was widely honored for contributions, receiving the aclu certificate of honor and
[5:38:50] the aclu lifetime achievement award in 2019. As an educator who served as an
[5:38:57] adjunct professor at loyola law school, the national institute of trial advocacy and the
[5:39:02] people's college of law, shaping generations of civil rights attorneys.
[5:39:07] mr. Paz was a brilliant litigator. A generous mentor and a
[5:39:12] visionary leader whose guidance and examples strengthened the national movement for police
[5:39:18] accountability. His humility, kindness and willingness to advise others
[5:39:22] made him be loved across the legal community. Mr. Paz leaves behind a
[5:39:27] profound legacy marked by courage, integrity and decades of service to justice.
[5:39:32] his life work continues to guide the efforts of countless advocates and institutions
[5:39:37] committed to civil rights. Lastly, members, finally we move that we adjourn today in the
[5:39:45] memory of former west mayor, dro passed away august 14. Mr. Tenant remarkable physician,
[5:39:58] historian, whose lifetime of service touched countless people.
[5:40:02] he dedicated much of the distinguished medical career to the understanding and treatment
[5:40:07] of chronic pain. He became a pioneering voice in the treatment of arch -- I can't
[5:40:12] proi pronounce this. Bringing hope to patients mtion understood, overlooked and told
[5:40:20] that little could be done for them. Through research clinical work
[5:40:23] teaching and writing, he tirelessly advanced medical understanding of the devastating
[5:40:29] condition while helping pairvets relieve. Sharing knowledge with
[5:40:39] physicians and patients around the world. His compassion for those who
[5:40:43] suffered remained at sent e of f life's work. He was a member of the city of
[5:40:51] cost vena mayor and city councilmember. He understood that a community
[5:40:57] strength comes not only from institution, but people, stories and history.
[5:41:00] that vision led him to help establish the west coveena historical society, creating
[5:41:07] lasting home for the city's heritage. Dr. Tenant's generosity extended
[5:41:12] through the tenant foundation which more than two decades provided grants to nonprofit
[5:41:17] organizations in san gabriel valley. His belief in giving back became
[5:41:22] a powerful force for good, and organizations and supporting communities in need.
[5:41:28] dr. Tenant leaves behind a legacy that is founded in the lives that he touched.
[5:41:32] the patients he helped, the history he preserved and organizations and the hope he
[5:41:38] gave others. That concludes my adjournments. Second district.
[5:41:44] >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: thank you very much madam chair. Colleagues I ask that when we
[5:41:49] adjourn today, in the memory of chcharlenea d. Price. Passed away august 10 at
[5:41:56] extraordinary age of 100. Born on january 8, 1926 in hammond, louisiana.
[5:42:01] she was the eldest of six children and raised in a faith centered home that shaped her
[5:42:08] lifelong dedication to service, leadership and compassion. In 1941, her family made a
[5:42:15] pivotal decision that forever changed her life. By joining the historic
[5:42:20] migration of millions of african-americans who left the south in search of greater
[5:42:24] social and economic opportunity. At the age of 14, she moved to los angeles to live with her
[5:42:31] aunt and graduated from jefferson high school in 19 45. She later completed a dental
[5:42:39] assistant program. During her daily commute, she met kerrin d. Price sr. Whom she
[5:42:46] married in 1947. Together they welcomed two sons, qur'an, jr. And charles and
[5:42:54] built a loving and supporting home. In february of 1965, mrs. Price
[5:42:58] became an economic pioneer when she purchased a single family home in what was then the all
[5:43:04] white morning side neighborhood of inglewood. Determined to create
[5:43:08] opportunities for her sons, she worked tirelessly to ensure that they both graduated from
[5:43:14] college. She believed in stability and community residing in inglewood
[5:43:19] for 51 years and remaining active in her block club throughout that time.
[5:43:25] professionally, mrs. Price served over 15 years at los angeles county assessors office.
[5:43:29] she later worked at a law firm and spent more than a decade teaching office management at
[5:43:36] inglewood adult school. Her most gratifying post-retirement endeavor.
[5:43:41] she had a gift for helping students understand not only the material but its purpose.
[5:43:47] encouraging them to pursue their interest and build their careers.
[5:43:52] a lifelong advocate for civic engagement, youth and education, mrs. Price strengthened
[5:43:59] neighborhoods that inspired generations across south los angeles.
[5:44:02] her community work earned recognition from the city of inglewood, the california state
[5:44:08] legislature, the city and county of los angeles, and numerous nonprofit and philanthropic
[5:44:14] organizations. In honor of her impact, the intersection of 38th street and
[5:44:20] griffith avenue proudly carries the name charlenea d. Price square.
[5:44:25] in her free time, mrs. Price cherished moments with loved ones and enjoyed gardening,
[5:44:32] baking rolls and solving sud yukeo and word puzzles. Also a passion for travel.
[5:44:38] exploring destinations throughout california, the u.s., as well as europe, asia, mexico,
[5:44:44] 1kwjamaica and cuba. Faith central throughout her life guiding her with resilience
[5:44:53] and grace. She will be remembered for kindness, strength and lifelong
[5:44:56] devotion for service. Mrs. Price is survived by her sons, council member kerrin d.
[5:45:03] price, jr. And charles price. Her sister gloria and host of extended family and friends who
[5:45:09] will forever cherish her memory. Thank you madam chair. >> sup. Hilda sol.
[5:45:17] >> sup. Janice hahn: may I join you on that. >> sup. Hilda solis, chair:
[5:45:22] horvath. >> sup. Lindsey horvath: we adjourn today in joan, a devoted
[5:45:27] champion for arts education and long time city resident. Joan voyet, passed away I at age
[5:45:37] 90. Third generation angeleno. Joan dedicated career making the
[5:45:41] art accessible to young people across los angeles. After a decade with the los
[5:45:45] angeles fill harmonic, joan established education division in 1979.
[5:45:52] over the next two decades she helped grow it into one of the nation's largest arts education
[5:46:00] programs reaching millions of people. And instrumental for the
[5:46:08] county of the arts. Joan believed deep don'tly in opening doors for others.
[5:46:12] whether young person for the arts orp a colleague finding path in the field.
[5:46:16] even after retiring, she continued serving ltion through arts and cultural organizations
[5:46:21] leaving an influence that can be still felt in classrooms, theaters and creative
[5:46:27] communities throughout our county. She is survived by her children,
[5:46:31] kevin and susie. Her granddaughters brook and jordan and great grandson henry.
[5:46:37] we adjourn today in honor of joan, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to
[5:46:43] arts education, the opportunities she created for generations of young people and
[5:46:47] the lasting legacy she leaves across los angeles county. Supervisor barger, I know you
[5:46:52] wanted to join is me in that. >> sup. Kathryn barger: thank you.
[5:46:55] susie is actually the executive director for the blue ribbon music center.
[5:47:01] someone, her mom, as you said, supervisor horvath was just a remarkable woman who really did
[5:47:08] leave an incredible legacy. >> sup. Lindsey horvath: thank you for joining me in that.
[5:47:13] I move that when we adjourn today, we adjourn in memory of tim curry, a beloved actor,
[5:47:18] singer and performer, who made los angeles his home for nearly four decades.
[5:47:23] tim curry passed away on august 25 at the age of 80. Born in england, tim grew up
[5:47:29] singing in church and discovered that imlaiter at a -- theater at a young age.
[5:47:36] a career that spans more than five decades. Became known as creative risks
[5:47:42] and embracing characters outside the expected. In doing so, the work helped
[5:47:45] generations of people feel more comfortable embracing what made them different.
[5:47:49] tim was an avid reader, painter and gardner who found great meaning in beautiful spaces.
[5:47:58] after suffering a major stroke in 2012 he continued to work and engage with audiences and
[5:48:03] participate in the artistic community that had surrounded him for much of his life.
[5:48:09] in later years, reflected on the messages that he received from people who told him his work
[5:48:15] helped them feel seen, understood and less alone. He is survived by nieces kate
[5:48:21] lewis and julia bowman. His nephew mark lewis and great nieces josephine and george
[5:48:31] georgina. We recognize the courage he brought to his art.
[5:48:35] I had the privilege of getting to know him during my time serving in west hollywood when
[5:48:39] we had a commemmorration of the rocky horror picture show as part of our halloween
[5:48:47] celebration. He was incredibly kind and supportive of the community.
[5:48:52] always inspiring and daring. He is certainly treasured by the community and certainly missed
[5:48:58] as well. I move that when we adjourn today, we adjourn in memory of
[5:49:04] dolly rebecca bart part parton. Born into a family of 12 children in the mountains of
[5:49:19] east tennessee, dolly grew up with very little and went on to build an extraordinary life.
[5:49:25] yet no matter how far her career took her, she remained deeply connected to the stories of
[5:49:31] working people. Strong women, family, heartbreak, hope and home.
[5:49:37] dolly also made an enduring mark on hollywood and los angeles. Her film debut in 9 to 5 help
[5:49:45] tell a story about working women standing together against harassment, inequality and being
[5:49:51] underestimated. Certainly a message resonat with this board.
[5:49:55] dolly showed generations of women that there was no inc. Isle way to be strong or
[5:50:01] successful. Some of dolly's most meaningful work however was dedicated to
[5:50:05] children. Her father never had the opportunity to learn to read or
[5:50:10] write. In his honor, she created the imagination library so children
[5:50:14] could experience the joy of having books of their very own. What began in the community
[5:50:20] where she grew up, became international literacy movement that given hundreds of millions
[5:50:26] of books to children. Dolly spent her life telling stories.
[5:50:29] then used her success to make sure that millions of children would have the opportunity to
[5:50:35] discover stories and dreams of their own. Dolly's music made people feel
[5:50:40] seen. Her humor brought people together.
[5:50:43] the story of a girl from a family of 12 children, who never forgot where she came from,
[5:50:48] reminded people that where you begin, does not have to determine how far you can go.
[5:50:54] or how much you can give back along the way. Dolly was proceeded in death by
[5:50:59] her husband of nearly 60 years, carl dean, and leaves behind a large and deeply cherished
[5:51:04] family. As well as generations who found joy, comfort, courage and
[5:51:11] possibility in her life and work. We adjourn today in honor of
[5:51:15] dolly rebecca parton, recognizing the joy she brought to our lives, doors she opened
[5:51:21] for women, the dreams she nurtured in children and the extraordinary generosity with
[5:51:26] which she shared her gifts with the world. Thank you madam chair.
[5:51:29] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: thank you supervisor barger. >> sup. Kathryn barger:
[5:51:35] supervisor hahn is jumping up like -- okay. I move that when we adjourn
[5:51:39] today, we do so in memory of kevorkian, who passed away on july 21.
[5:51:47] born on april 5, 1946 in armenia. She later immigrated to the
[5:51:51] united states and raised her daughter, in b burbank filling every room she entered any way,
[5:52:00] the loudest voice at any gathering, always ready with a laugh, a word of encouragement
[5:52:05] for anyone who needed one. She poured everything into her family, her friends, and her
[5:52:11] armenian heritage. Even as alzheimer's took her, so much from her, her grandchildren
[5:52:18] remain one of the few things that she could still joy to her. She survived by her daughter and
[5:52:27] her granddaughters chloe and ella. On behalf of the board, we
[5:52:33] extend deepest condolences to her and her family. Her husband cardel, work as mark
[5:52:39] pestrella's assistant. So, yeah. Then also, I move that we
[5:52:46] adjourn today, in memory of following individuals who were identified as indigent veterans
[5:52:52] by the medical examiner and subsequently buried with dignity and honor the a riverside
[5:52:58] national cemetery in the last month. Michael claire goodman.
[5:53:04] albert huff. William michael. Charles lee logson sr., navy.
[5:53:10] gregory anthony powell, navy. Willie frank drummond, army umplet herbie real curtis,
[5:53:17] marines. Willie james townsend, army. Bruce george, navy.
[5:53:22] raymond douglas, marines. Louie rios, army. Donald, army.
[5:53:30] may their contribution and sacrifices and service to our country never be forgotten.
[5:53:35] thank you madam chair. Yeah. >> sup. Janice hahn: thank you
[5:53:39] madam chair. I didn't have adjournments today.
[5:53:42] I wanted to join supervisor horvath in adjourning for dolly parton.
[5:53:48] I wanted to join that. She, all members it sounds like. Yeah.
[5:53:53] she was such a star and I think she maybe fooled a lot of people, just with her outward
[5:54:04] appearance because under all of that, she was an incredible businesswoman.
[5:54:07] she was a fierce advocate for children, as shown in her library foundation.
[5:54:16] and she was a feminist. I mean, when you read the words to 9 to 5, it really was a
[5:54:22] shout-out to all working women and the ideals of equal pay for equal work and, your honor,
[5:54:30] being obeing oppressed in the workplace. Even described as a human barbie
[5:54:36] doll, she really was a keen businesswoman and a very sharp person whose many, many, many
[5:54:44] songs that she wrote will live on forever. Yeah, so she, we will miss her.
[5:54:50] this world is much brighter and lighter and sparkly because of dolly parton.
[5:55:01] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: yes, supervisor --. >> sup. Holly j. Mitchell: in
[5:55:12] following her national model, the state of california passed a bill tony atkins was pro tem at
[5:55:21] the time and authored it. Funded state of california to participate in the imagination
[5:55:28] library. I know that they are looking at partners at the local level.
[5:55:34] I'm hoping that they will reach out to the five female members of the la county board of
[5:55:39] supervisors. I think that a profound way to support dolly would be to make
[5:55:45] sure that the imagination library is made available to young people in our own county.
[5:55:54] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: thank you all. We'll take all motions and
[5:55:57] seconded. No objection to unanimous vote, that will be the order.
[5:56:01] let us now executive officer, read us into closed session. >> executive officer: members of
[5:56:06] the public, the board will now be going into closed session. In accordance with brown act
[5:56:11] requirements, notice is given that the board of supervisors will convene in closed session
[5:56:14] to discuss item number cs1 audit by california state auditors office.
[5:56:21] cs6, office with legal council. Cs8, public employee performance evaluation and item number cs10,
[5:56:29] conference with labor negotiators, joseph nicchitta and staff, as indicated on the
[5:56:34] posted and supplemental agendas.
[5:56:43] [ closed session ]
[6:23:43] [closed session]
[7:28:13] [closed session] . .
[7:28:13] . . .
[7:28:14] . . [closed session]
[7:28:14] . . .
[7:28:15] . . .
[7:28:15] .
[7:45:33] >> sup. Hilda solis, chair: executive officer read us -- we're now back,
[7:45:36] I'm sorry. In open session. >> executive officer: in
[7:45:45] closed session on september 1, 2026, item number cs1, cs6, cs8 and
[7:45:50] cs10, no reportable action taken. >> sup. Hilda solis,
[7:45:54] chair: thank you that, concludes today's meeting. The board will be meeting
[7:45:58] again on september 8 -- wait a minute, what am I saying, we are cancelling
[7:46:04] that day, right after labor day. The next regular meeting
[7:46:08] will be september 15, 2026 at 9:30a.m. We are adjourned.