Earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors approved a balanced $23.3 billion 2011/2012 County budget, down $905 million from last fiscal year. We were able to balance the budget without any lay-offs or furloughs by implementing $35 million in spending cuts, tapping the County rainy day fund, deferring employee raises and eliminating thousands of vacant positions.
Despite departmental spending cuts, County services and major programs will be maintained this fiscal year. But many of the state and federal programs the County administers hinge on state and federal dollars. In a desperate and reckless move to balance their budget on the backs of County taxpayers, state leaders passed a realignment plan that shifts much of their financial responsibility to local government- refusing to address the institutional and structural issues at the core of their ongoing budget crisis. The most dangerous move was their choice to shift tens of thousands of “low level” criminal offenders to County jails and probation departments.
This realignment takes effect October 1and puts the burden of the state’s fiscal failures on County taxpayers already over-burdened by unfunded state mandates, and will inevitably lead to an early release of convicts onto our streets jeopardizing public safety. We are working closely with Sheriff Baca and Probation Chief Donald Blevins to address this coming tsunami.
As Mayor of the County, I am committed to public safety and the D.I.S.A.R.M. program continues to play a key role. This year, the joint agency task force has performed over 4,300 unannounced searches of probationers’ residences, persons, vehicles, and businesses across the County resulting in the confiscation of more than 200 guns, over $7 million in illegal drugs and drug money, and the arrest of more than 550 probation violators.
To protect the public from vicious dogs, an amended County ordinance expands the definition of a severe injury caused by a dog and sets up administrative hearings on dogs determined to be vicious. The expanded ordinance will target dogs that are trained to fight or have a history of exhibiting dangerous behavior in public.
With fire season approaching, we have secured the tools needed to be fully prepared including a contract to lease two CL-415 SuperScoopers from Quebec. They are expected to arrive on Thursday, September 1st and will be in service through the end of November. On my motion, the Board also sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service, Secretary of Agriculture, and California congressional delegation asking for a review and further investigation into the forest service’s intention to reduce aerial application of fire retardant during wildfires. To protect life and property, we need to utilize all fire fighting weapons to control fires- not less.
More than 1,800 young people transition from County care to adulthood every year and face enormous challenges, representing some of our County’s most vulnerable citizens. To provide them support, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved my 55-point action plan to provide comprehensive integrated services for foster youth based on recommendations by a working group of County departments, commissions, advocates, non-profits, philanthropy and former foster youths. This cutting edge plan ensures the most effective allocation of federal and state funding for services and that all County departments have a clear mission of the role each plays in the life of that child. In addition, the County’s Metropolitan Transit Authority passed my motion developing a one year pilot program that will provide no-cost EZ transit passes for the new self-sufficiency program, helping our County’s most vulnerable youth achieve stability and autonomy.
To provide expanded services to Santa Clarita Valley residents, the local Department of Mental Health office is hiring three new mental health professionals specializing in intervention programs. We also cut the ribbon on a $10 million Mental Health Outpatient Clinic at Olive View Hospital to help provide vital services to our communities.
On August 1, in keeping with our commitment to a high quality of life, the Board approved a new ordinance prohibiting cars with “for sale” signs from parking on hundreds of major streets and intersections in unincorporated communities — which have become a blight, occupying valuable parking spaces, interrupting businesses and local communities.
In June, County Library staff, held a public outreach meeting focusing on the viability of bringing a new library to serve residents on the west side of the Santa Clarita Valley. In light of this successful meeting, the County is partnering with the West Ranch Town Council and calling on residents to participate in one of several demographic focus groups and to fill out the online survey for a proposed West Ranch library. If you are interested in participating in a focus group, please contact library planning consultant Linda Demmers at [email protected]. To fill out the survey, visit www.vision91381.org.
The next library community meeting will be held in conjunction with West Ranch Town Council on Wednesday September 7th, 6:30 pm at Stevenson Ranch Elementary School, 25820 Carroll Lane in Stevenson Ranch.
For more information on all County-related services, resources and community events, please visit my website at www.antonovich.com or my Facebook page, “FRIENDS OF MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH” and click “Like.” You can also follow me on Twitter under the username, mikeantonovich or call my Santa Clarita Valley field office for assistance at (661) 287-3657.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH
Mayor, County of Los Angeles