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VOL. 10,
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LA County Public Health report reveals inequities in health, education By City News Service
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isproportionate inequities in access to health care, housing, nutrition and education in Los Angeles County communities impacts health outcomes for residents depending largely on where they live, according to a new report released Wednesday from the L.A. County Department of Public Health. The data collected in DPH’s Community Health Profiles provides information on over 100 indicators affecting health and well-being for 179 communities within L.A. County. The profiles emphasize the role local environments play in influencing health outcomes. The data is intended to fuel improvements in community conditions and resident health. “Where you live has a huge impact on your access to healthy environments and health-affirming resources,” Dr. Anish Mahajan, chief deputy director of DPH, said at a press conference Wednesday. “This is often due to long-standing patterns of disinvestments and discriminatory and racist policies and practices that have disproportionately impacted Black and brown communities.” DPH said the interactive
Photo by Josh Miller on Unsplash
index is the most geographically expansive to date. It covers the majority of the county, including incorporated and unincorporated areas, supervisorial districts, and Los Angeles City neighborhoods and council districts with populations over 20,000 residents. The report is categorized into 11 areas, including demographics, social determinants of health, physical activity and nutrition, housing and health. The survey shows
substantial geographic inequities throughout the county. For example, in eight communities, life expectancy is less than 75 years. Yet, in five communities, it is greater or equal to 85 years. As for such chronic health conditions as obesity, in 11 communities fewer than 15% of adults are obese, whereas in 26 communities, more than 40% of adults are dangerously overweight -- more than double the amount elsewhere. A look at the region’s
recreational space shows that 17 communities boast more than 30 acres of healthy space per 1,000 residents. But for 15 communities, less than a quarter of an acre of recreational space is available per 1,000 residents, the report found. Further, nutritional disparity is evident in a comparison of 10 communities where less than 30% percent of the population lives near a supermarket or grocery store, and 19 communities where more
than 90% of residents live near such stores. The profiles offer an even closer look at access to nutrition. For example, in Athens/ Westmont, the report finds 44% of adults live in households that are food insecure -- meaning unable to reliably afford or access enough food. Those residents have worse access to fresh fruits and vegetables, compared with L.A. County overall, according to the survey, and less than half of Athens/ Westmont residents live in
close proximity to a supermarket or grocery store. DPH also determined that educational opportunities were dependent on location. In eight communities, more than 75% of children age three to four years old are enrolled in preschool, whereas in a dozen communities, less than half that number are enrolled. Housing costs largely remain a region-wide issue. In 29 communities, more than 30% of households are severely burdoned by housing costs, where in just five communities, fewer than 15% report being severely impacted by the cost of housing. Such data can be used to furnish residents, policymakers, and health advocates with the information needed to understand and address the health needs of their communities, said DPH Director Barbara Ferrer. “The Community Health Profiles are a practical and powerful tool, designed to guide our work towards a more equitable Los Angeles County,” she said in a statement. “By providing clear, localized data, these profiles inform efforts and system changes needed to address inequities.”
Assistant district attorney charged with felony counts By City News Service
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elony charges have been filed against a Los Angeles County assistant district attorney, who is accused of repeated and unauthorized use of data from confidential, statutorily protected peace officer files, the California Attorney General’s Office announced Wednesday. After an extensive investigation, Diana Teran was
charged by the California Department of Justice with 11 felony counts prohibiting the use of data from a government computer system without permission, according to a statement released by the Attorney General’s Office. Teran allegedly accessed computer data including numerous confidential peace officer files in 2018 while
working as a constitutional policing adviser at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and allegedly impermissibly used that data at the District Attorney’s Office after going to work there in January 2021, according to the Attorney General’s Office. “No one is above the law,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said in the statement.
“Public officials are called to serve the people and the state of California with integrity and honesty.” Teran’s current employment status with the District Attorney’s Office was not immediately available. “When I took office, we developed a protocol that ensured we complied with our constitutional obligations under Brady -- which
requires us to turn over potentially exculpatory evidence to the defense, a category that includes law enforcement’s prior misconduct -- while simultaneously complying with state and federal law around privacy. I stand by that protocol,” L.A. County DA George Gascón said in a statement. “While we cannot comment on specific
personnel matters, we will comply with any investigation from the Attorney General’s Office. I remain committed to upholding transparency and ensuring police accountability within Los Angeles County. These principles are paramount to the integrity of our work See Felony counts Page 27