May 7, 2012                                                                                                                         

For Immediate Release

ANTONOVICH ON THE RESIGNATION OF METROLINK CEO JOHN FENTON

LOSANGELESCOUNTY— Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, a member of the Metrolink Board of Directors, issued the following statement on the announced resignation of Metrolink CEO John Fenton:

“John Fenton’s resignation is a major loss for Metrolink’s riders, our taxpayers and the Board.  He was the right leader to guide Metrolink through the most critical time in its history following the Chatsworth crash.  His hands-on leadership style, vast railroad industry knowledge, private-sector approach and laser focus on safety was a breath of fresh air.  He introduced the first Metrolink express train service, shaving hours off the weekly commute to and from Los Angeles for residents of the Antelope, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel Valleys, and San Bernardino County.  He established innovative concepts including the train to Del Mar Race Track, connected with our business community to increase ridership, and helped secure $1 billion from the High Speed Rail Authority to develop a seamless regional Metrolink transit system connecting Southern California commuters from theAntelopeValleytoSan DiegoCounty. 

With a bold vision of accomplishment, he was successful — despite the parochial interests throughout Southern California determined to keep the status quo.   More importantly, he restored the public’s faith in Metrolink as a safe and convenient alternative to freeway traffic congestion throughoutSouthern California.  Best wishes to John and his family.”    

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Newsletter 04-24-12

May 1, 2012                                                                                                                         

For Immediate Release

COUNTY HALTS LICENSING AND NOTICES FOR NON-COMMERCIAL LIVESTOCK AND ANIMAL KEEPERS

LOS ANGELES COUNTY — Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced that the Department of Public Health has stopped licensing inspections of non-commercial animal keepers including 4-H Clubs, livestock hobbyists and private horse properties.

This action is the result of concerns expressed by numerous members of the community during recent outreach meetings with both the Los Angeles County Farm Bureau and the Association of Rural Town Councils.

The Department will immediately review policies and ordinances and recommend necessary changes to better reflect the purpose of the ordinance.

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Service is by reservation only. To reserve a trip, please visit www.LAGoBus.info  up to one week in advance, but no later than 24 hours prior to your trip departure time. If you have questions, please call us Monday through Thursday, 8am – 5pm, at (626) 458-3909

ALTADENA SUMMER BEACH BUS SERVICE BEGINS JUNE 19

Passengers can board the Summer Beach Bus every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from June 19 through September 1, 2012, and on Labor Day, Monday, September 3, 2012.  The stop locations are as follows: at the Metro bus stop at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Ventura Street; at Loma Alta Park; on Mariposa Street, in front of the Altadena Senior Center; and at the Metro bus stop at the intersection of Allen Avenue and Oakwood Street.

The fare is $3.00 per round-trip for children and adults.  For senior citizens (age 60 and older) and people with disabilities, the fare is $1.50 per round-trip.  A fare-paying parent or guardian must accompany children under 12 years of age.

ALTADENA SCHEDULE

CASTAIC/WEST RANCH SUMMER BEACH BUS SERVICE BEGINS JUNE 13

Passengers can board the Summer Beach Bus every Wednesday and Friday beginning on June 13 through August 31, 2012 and on Labor Day, Monday, September 3, 2012, at the Castaic Sports Complex located at 31230 N. Castaic Road in Castaic, or at Richard Rioux Memorial Park on Faulkner Drive in Stevenson Ranch.

The fare is $4 per round-trip for children and adults.  For senior citizens (age 60 and older) and people with disabilities, the fare is $2.00 per round-trip.  A fare-paying parent or guardian must accompany children under 12 years of age.

CASTAIC SCHEDULE

CHARTER OAK/DUARTE SUMMER BEACH BUS SERVICE BEGINS JUNE 20

Passengers can board the Summer Beach Bus every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from June 20 through September 1, 2012, and on Labor Day, Monday, September 3, 2012.  The stop locations are as follows: at the intersection of Cienega Avenue and Sunflower Avenue; at Charter Oak Park across from Charter Oak High School; and at Pamela Park in Duarte.

The fare is $3.00 per round-trip for children and adults.  For senior citizens (age 60 and older) and people with disabilities, the fare is $1.50 per round-trip.  A fare-paying parent or guardian must accompany children under 12 years of age. 

CHARTER OAK SCHEDULE

LA CRESCENTA/LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE SUMMER BEACH BUS SERVICE BEGINS JUNE 19

Passengers can board the Summer Beach Bus on every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from June 19 through August 31, 2012, and on Labor Day, Monday, September 3, 2012. The stop locations are as follows: at Two Strike Park at 5107 Rosemont Avenue; at the County Library at 4521 La Crescenta Avenue; at the Metro bus stop at the intersection of Montrose Avenue and Ocean View Boulevard; and at Memorial Park on Foothill Boulevard, west of La Cañada Boulevard

The fare is $3.00 per round-trip for children and adults.  For senior citizens (age 60 and older) and people with disabilities, the fare is $1.50 per round-trip.  A fare-paying parent or guardian must accompany children under 12 years of age.

This service is sponsored by the Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and the City of La Cañada Flintridge Mayor Stephen Del Guercio.

LA CANADA SCHEDULE

LANCASTER SUMMER BEACH BUS SERVICE BEGINS MAY 28

Passengers can board the Summer Beach Bus every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from May 28 through September 1, 2012, and on Labor Day, Monday, September 3, 2012. The pickup location is Lancaster City Park on 10th Street West, at the park entrance on Walt Troth Drive.

The fare is $6.00 per round-trip for children and adults.  For senior citizens (age 60 and older) and people with disabilities, the fare is $2.00 per round-trip.   A fare-paying parent or guardian must accompany children under 12 years of age.

LANCASTER SCHEDULE

PALMDALE SUMMER BEACH BUS SERVICE BEGINS MAY 28

Passengers can board the Summer Beach Bus every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from May 28 through September 1, 2012, and on Labor Day, Monday, September 3, 2012. The stop location is at the Palmdale Transportation Center at Technology Drive and Sierra Highway.

The fare is $6.00 per round-trip for children and adults.  For senior citizens (age 60 and older) and people with disabilities, the fare is $2.00 per round-trip.   A fare-paying parent or guardian must accompany children under 12 years of age.

PALMDALE SCHEDULE

For more information about the services listed above, you may call toll free (888) 769-1122 or visit www.LAGoBus.info to make your reservations.

April 25, 2012                                                                                                                      

For Immediate Release

SUPERVISOR ANTONOVICH CALLS FOR THOROUGH INVESTIGATION, SPEEDY RESOLUTION IN ASSESSOR PROBE

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – As the District Attorney’s office continues its investigation into alleged influence-peddling by L.A. County Assessor, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich issued the following statement:

“It is vital that the many important functions and duties of the County Assessor’s office be performed with the highest standard of integrity and impartiality.  I encourage the District Attorney’s office to act expeditiously to expose and extinguish any undue influence or unethical dealings — to restore the public’s trust in the office as swiftly as possible.”   

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April 24, 2012                                                                                                                      

For Immediate Release

SUPERVISOR ANTONOVICH CALLS FOR REPORT ON MISLABELED SEAFOOD SOLD IN RESTAURANTS AND GROCERY STORES

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – Approved unanimously by the Board of Supervisors, a motion by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich directed the Department of Public Health to work with Federal and State agencies to address seafood mislabeling in Los Angeles County.

“Consumers must have confidence that the fish they are buying at restaurants and grocery stores is safe and labeled correctly,” Antonovich said. 

Recently, Oceana, a non-profit organization, ran tests on seafood sold at sushi venues and grocery stores in Los Angeles County and found that more than 50% was not labeled correctly. 

Every single fish labeled as “snapper,” was a different fish, and 9 out of 10 sushi samples were mislabeled.  In fact, 8 of 9 sushi samples labeled as “white tuna” were actually “escolar” – a species that carries a health warning for its laxative effects. 

The types of fish most frequently mislabeled were more expensive varieties including red snapper, white tuna, yellowtail, flounder, and sea bass.  While less expensive fish such as, albacore, blue fin tuna, flounder and sockeye salmon were all labeled properly.

Antonovich’s motion also calls for an assessment of the feasibility of Los Angeles County Public Health’s use of the FDA’s specialized laboratories for testing local samples of imported fish and a report back to the Board in 15 days on actions that are being taken.

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