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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Councilwoman Hahn's Statement Regarding Channel Deepening Project at the Port of Los Angeles
“There has been a lot of misinformation about my actions related to the channel deepening project, and I want to set the record straight. From day one, I have always been supportive of deepening the channel to accommodate the next generation of ships, which will keep us competitive and keep good paying jobs on the docks. Delaying this project was never my intention, and it was never an option.
As the Councilwoman who represents all of the Harbor area, it’s my job to ask questions on behalf of the people I represent. These questions have now led us to explore the possibility of bringing a shipyard back to the Port of Los Angeles. There is wide support for this from the business community, the building trades, the historical society and former Port engineers. Everyone agrees that it’s time to look at bringing back a state-of-the-art shipyard to America’s port and creating even more good jobs—something we desperately need in these tough economic times.
At my urging the City Council today moved the channel deepening project forward—without delay—while positioning ourselves to one day reopen a shipyard at the Port.”
Posted at 12:00 AM
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Councilwoman Hahn Observes National Maritime Day
by Janice Hahn posted on 26 May 2009
On Friday, I celebrated National Maritime Day at a ceremony honoring our American Merchant Mariners, who have bravely served our nation in times of peace and in times of war.
This year's celebration has a special significance, for two reasons: One, it marks the 20th anniversary of the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial Wall in San Pedro.
Two, this year might finally be the year that our World War II Merchant Mariners will be given their much-deserved GI Rights.
World War II Merchant Mariners suffered some 9500 casualties -- the highest casualty rate of any of the branches of service -- while delivering troops, tanks, food, airplanes, fuel and other needed supplies. And while the number of Merchant Mariners serving in WWII might have been small compared to other armed services, their contribution to the war effort was incredibly significant.
However, despite their dedication to this county, Merchant Mariners were denied their rights under the GI Bill of Rights, which Congress enacted in 1945.
For years, I have been urging Congress to right this wrong. I have personally introduced motions in City Council and sent many a letter to members of Congress urging them to fix this omission. Finally, just last week, the House of Representatives passed a bill, H.R. 23, that would give Merchant Mariners their due, and similar legislation has just been introduced in the Senate by Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska. I will be writing to Senator Nelson and I urge you to do the same.
While we can never make up for the years lost, we can still right this injustice so that our veteran Merchant Mariners will receive their benefits, and so that we can offer up a symbol of our nation’s appreciation for these brave and honorable men.
Contributions of our Merchant Mariners are too often forgotten and that is why National Maritime Day is so important.
Posted at 12:00 AM
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Councilwoman Hahn Celebrates the Election of Carmen "Nuch" Trutanich as City Attorney
"I'm excited that Carmen “Nuch” Trutanich has been elected Los Angeles City Attorney. It’s great news for the city as a whole, but it’s an especially proud moment for his hometown of San Pedro and his current home, Harbor City. For sixteen years, San Pedro was home to City Attorney Jim Hahn, and now, once again, our town can claim the new City Attorney as one of our own."
"I look forward to working with Nuch, not only to continue improving the Harbor Area, but also in our shared fight to end gang violence in Los Angeles. Together, I think we can make a real difference."
Check out my interview with NBC News RAW on election night.
Posted at 12:00 AM
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Councilwoman Hahn Reminds Voters to Get to the Polls on May 19th
by Janice Hahn posted on 18 May 2009
I would like to remind everyone to please get out and vote on Tuesday, May 19th. All 6 ballot measures will have an effect on all Californians in one way or another, so please get out there and make your voices heard!
Posted at 12:00 AM
Friday, May 15, 2009
Councilwoman Hahn Provides Permit Parking, Reduced Hours of Enforcement in Downtown San Pedro
by Janice Hahn posted on 15 May 2009
I am pleased to announce a new permit parking program in Downtown San Pedro. Aimed toward area employees, the permit program, which is set to begin June 1st, will offer 30-day parking permits for use in designated ten-hour metered lots. The cost of the permits will be $30 dollars.
In addition to the new permit program, I have arranged for reduced hours of enforcement at all parking meters in Downtown San Pedro. New enforcement hours will be from 8am-6pm, Monday through Saturday, while Sundays will be free. All hours of enforcement at off-street metered parking lots and at on-street meters will be uniform. Updated signs detailing the new hours of enforcement will be posted sometime in June.
At a dollar a day, these permits are not only convenient, they’re a real bargain. Also, relaxing enforcement on Sundays and at 6pm on all other days should enable people to spend less on parking and more on dining, shopping, and theatergoing.
The following are the lots and number of spaces for which the permit program will be offered:
1. Lot# 641 - 462 W 9th Street: 50 monthly day parking permits and 50 monthly overnight permits
2. Lot# 647 - 474 W. 8th Street: 15 monthly day parking permits
3. Lot# 683 - 445 W 5th Street: 12 monthly day parking permit
4. Lot# 684 - 460 W. 7th Street: 25 monthly day parking permit
Applications will be available in my Harbor District office beginning today. Applications can be mailed to DOT with a one week turn around. Forms will also be available through the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce.
The monthly parking permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and will only be honored at the 10-hour parking spaces located in the lot for which the permit is designated. Space availability at assigned lots will also be first-come first-served.
Posted at 12:00 AM
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Councilwoman Hahn Fights for Healthcare for LAX Workers
posted by Janice Hahn 14 May 2009
Yesterday, I led my colleagues in City Council on a path toward ensuring that Living Wage workers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) be provided with health insurance.
It is never acceptable to deprive our workers of the health care they need and deserve. But particularly in this tough economy, where people are struggling more than ever to make ends meet, this is exactly the wrong time to be withholding health benefits for low wage workers.
As part of the terms of the Living Wage Ordinance, employers at LAX were given the choice between providing health insurance to their workers, or paying them an extra $1.25 per hour. The ordinance was intended to provide financial incentives to provide health benefits to workers. Instead, employers opted to pay the higher wage, rather than provide health insurance.
At a time when health care costs are skyrocketing, the mandated $1.25 per hour wage increase in lieu of health insurance has never been increased. It is estimated that it would cost the airlines approximately 25 cents per airline ticket to buy family health care for the workers at LAX who fall under the Living Wage Ordinance.
We’re investing billions in modernizing our airport, we also need to invest in our workers. If we are willing to pay $25 dollars to check a bag, what’s another 25 cents to provide these hard working men and women with basic benefits that they are entitled to.
Posted at 12:00 AM
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Councilwoman Hahn Wants You To Make A Splash This Summer!
posted by Janice Hahn 13 May 2009
I am very excited about the opening of the City's 2009 Summer Swim Season . The season will begin on Saturday, June 20th, and go all the way up until September 7th.
This year, we will once again be offering FREE recreational swimming for kids ages 17 and under, along with programs such as aquatic team sports and junior lifeguard training. Adults can take advantage of the Library Card Discount Program, which discounts the adult admission rate to $2.00 from $2.50. Seniors and disabled individuals qualify for free admission. Most summer season pools will be open from 11am-6pm, while most year-round pools will stay open until 9pm!
Here is a list of pools in the 15th Council District that will be open for Summer Swim:
Banning High School Pool
Harbor Park Pool
109th Street Pool
Peck Park Pool
Cabrillo Beach
For more information and a full, printable schedule, click here
.
Enjoy, have fun, and as always, be safe!
Posted at 12:00 AM
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Councilwoman Hahn Leads Council in Approving Peck Park Project
posted by Janice Hahn 12 May 2009
Today we approved a Prop O project in the 15th District that will help to improve the quality of our storm water and continue our efforts to protect public health by cleaning up pollution, including bacteria and trash, in the City's watercourses, beaches and ocean.
Posted at 12:00 AM
Friday, May 08, 2009
Councilwoman Hahn Leads Council in Rejecting New Port Position
By Janice Hahn - Posted on 08 May 2009
On Wednesday, I led City Council in rejecting a newly-created post at the Port of Los Angeles. The Mayor requested that the post, entitled Deputy Executive Director of External Relations, be created. The new position would carry an annual salary of $205,000. At a time when the City is facing major upcoming layoffs and a $500 million-plus shortfall, I do not feel that we can in good conscience add this new, highly-paid position.
Furthermore, I feel that the Port has cut projects and services -- more limited hours of operation at the fountain and delays in revitilizing the waterfront, just to name a couple examples -- that they could reinstate with the money they would save by not creating the new position at this time.
Read more in the LA Times and the Daily Breeze.
Posted at 12:00 AM
Friday, May 08, 2009
Councilwoman Hahn Champions Moving the LA Marathon Back to March
By Janice Hahn - Posted on 08 May 2009
During Wednesday's Trade, Commerce, and Tourism Committee meeting, I reaffirmed my staunch support for moving the LA Marathon back to a Sunday in March for next year and going forward. I strongly believe that the March date -- which the marathon has had for many years -- is better on several fronts, including cooler weather, which is much healthier for the runners. The March date is also a day that does not compete with a major national holiday like Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a solemn holiday for many, and it is also a time when many people travel out of the City.
Our marathon has risen to the status of a world class athletic event, and I want to make sure that it continues to draw visitors from around the world to Los Angeles, and that the marathon itself (and its participants) are the star of the show on the day on which it is held.
Listen to my interview on the subject with KPCC.
Posted at 12:00 AM
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Councilwoman Hahn Participates in Day of Service
By Janice Hahn - Posted on 05 May 2009
This weekend, I participated in the Mayor's Day of Service in the Harbor area. This is me at an ocean clean up in Wilmington. I joined community members in removing trash from the water. Though sometimes it seems like a daunting task to clean up our vast oceans, every little bit helps.
Though cleaning up trash from our waters is extremely important, preventing trash from ever going in to the water is priority one. The passage of Prop O has gone a long way toward preventing stormdrain runoff, but there is more we can do. For more information on stormwater runoff and to find out how you can help, click here.
Posted at 12:00 AM
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Councilwoman Hahn Honors West Side Story Star in City Council
By Janice Hahn - Posted on 02 May 2009
On April 17, I had the pleasure of honoring Russ Tamblyn, who starred as "Riff" in the Academy Award Winning classic West Side Story, in City Council. The occasion was the launch of the 6th Annual LA Harbor International Film Festival. The festival's new "See the Movie Stop the Violence" program is aimed at helping kids to see the consequences of -- and choose alternatives to -- violent behavior. West Side Story was screened for Harbor area kids during the festival, and Russ Tamblyn and WSS costar George Chakiris (who played Bernardo) were on hand to talk to the kids.
Posted at 12:00 AM