X. PRESENTATION (a)

Dr. Lakshmanan Sathyavagiswaran,Chief Medical Examiner/Coroner
Los Angeles County
Topic: The Role of the Coroner/Medical Examiner of Los Angeles County

Dr. Sathyavagiswaran discussed the role of the Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office in Los Angeles County. As part of his presentation he discussed several recent cases that were examined by his office and the role that technology has played in determining the circumstances of the events. In addition he noted that, as a result of the efforts of his office, the Consumer Products Safety Commission has been able to remove a number of unsafe products from the marketplace.

Since there was an absence of a quorum no new business was discussed.

VIII. LIAISON REPORTS

Local Government Services Commission

Commissioner Selditz reported that Local Government Services Commission is working on their Sunset Review Report. In addition, the Commission is working with the Sheriff’s Department, Highway Patrol and local police departments on the operations of the 911 emergency communications system. They are looking into whether the system can utilize GPS technology so that individuals calling 911 on cell phones are directed to the appropriate local police for response rather than the Highway Patrol, as is currently the case.

Quality and Productivity Commission

Commissioner Hill reminded everyone of the upcoming Commissioner’s Leadership Conference to be held on the morning of May 26th. The conference includes a luncheon.

IX. OLD BUSINESS - TASK FORCE REPORTS

Grand Jury Task Force

Commissioner Sullivan was not present and thus, a task force report was not made. Commissioner Hill did note that a tighter jury summons response system is necessary because Los Angeles County needs 10,000 jurors daily to adequately staff the courts.

Organization and Accountability Task Force

Commissioner Oakes was not present and thus, a task force report was not made. Mr. Staniforth reported that the Commission had received a copy of the CAO’s response to Board of Supervisor’s request for additional information that resulted from the Commission’s Worker’s Compensation Report. Supervisor Molina requested the report from the CAO because of her concern at the high percentage of fire and safety personnel retiring with workers’ compensation claims.

Economic Development Task Force

Commissioner Silva reported that the Executive Director of the Small Business Commission, Ms. Edna Bruce, had retired. In part, because of her retirement the Commission has yet to adopt the economic development mission proposed by the Economic Development Commission. She hopes that at the Commission’s March meeting they will put the mission statement on the agenda. The CAO is circulating the mission statement to all the department heads for their input.

Video Arraignment Task Force

Commissioner Anderson stated that the task force was waiting to see if the Board of Supervisors would be taking any action on the report.

Succession Planning

Commissioner Petak was not present and thus, a task force report was not made. Mr. Staniforth commented that the report was being worked on and that it is anticipated that an initial draft would be ready within the next few days. Commissioner Barcelona added that the task force had met with representatives of the Department of Human Resources and they discussed both the various programs that are currently in place and what additional actions need to be taken.

V. INTRODUCTIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were no introductions or announcements

VI. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Return to March 3, 2005 Agenda