“Whether people are biking to work, to school or just to have fun, these latest bicycle counts demonstrate that San Francisco is a national leader in bicycle ridership,” said Mayor Lee. “We are using innovative strategies such as bike sharing and installing sharrows, dedicated bike lanes and bike boxes, to make sure that our road network is safe and convenient.”

“The SFMTA is committed to growing bicycle ridership and improving the safety of bicycling in San Francisco. The annual count provides a critical analysis of how we are doing,” said SFMTA Director of Transportation Edward D. Reiskin. “The SFMTA is proud to work with our local, state and federal partners to implement innovative and sustainable solutions that improve bicycling in San Francisco.”

Since 2006 when 4,862 bicycle riders were counted, San Francisco’s bike counts have increased an impressive 71 percent to 8,314 riders, and have increased 7 percent since 2010. Bike trips accounted for 3.5 percent of all trips in the City compared to two percent in 2000.

“These counts back up what is apparent on our streets everyday — that San Franciscans love bicycling, and that bicycling has never been more popular,” said San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Leah Shahum. “We look forward to continuing to work with city leaders, neighbors and local businesses to help even more people bicycle by connecting the city with safe and inviting crosstown bikeways, helping the city reach its goal of 20 percent of trips by bicycle by 2020.”

The SFMTA’s automated and manual counts reached the same conclusion as the national American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau; that there is a steady and measurable increase in bicycle trips in San Francisco.

The 2011 Bicycle Count Report relied on a new methodology and more comprehensive approach which included American Community Survey findings, manual intersection counts, loop-detector automated corridor counts and Metropolitan Transportation Commission manual counts. The purpose of changing the methodology was to bring San Francisco’s data in line with national reporting standards.

Since 2006, the SFMTA Sustainable Streets staff has been conducting annual citywide manual bike counts that are used to track bicycling at key intersections and corridors throughout the city, as well as to determine helmet use and if riders are using bicycling facilities.

“In tough economic times we need to make sure hardworking Angelenos are getting all the help they need,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “We want to ensure that all qualifying low and moderate-income households reap the benefits of the Earned Income Tax Credit and gain access to free tax assistance.”

The EITC is a vastly underutilized benefit. The IRS estimates that 21% of all eligible families who qualify for EITC do not file a federal tax return to claim the credit. That means residents are leaving behind at least $300 million in EITC in Los Angeles County each year.

Led by United Way of Greater Los Angeles, the EITC partnership contributes to a national effort to increase public awareness about the tax credit and other services provided by participating organizations.

“The EITC program is one of the largest programs in the country that can make an impact on poverty. Costs for basic needs like housing and food are on the rise, and the credit can help Los Angeles County residents,” said Elise Buik, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. “We hope to help even more qualified people obtain credits this year.”

FamilySource Centers, the City’s anti-poverty system, provide a comprehensive array of social services to city residents that need them the most. Each center offers a variety of educational, family, child and youth services including counseling, cultural, recreational and after school activities onsite or nearby through referrals.

During tax season, each of the 21 FamilySource centers throughout the City are designated Volunteer Income Tax Assistance—or VITA—sites. Supported by the EITC partnership, VITA sites provide families with free tax assistance and help them apply for tax credits. These sites also offer asset-building programs that include financial education and resources to help families open low-cost bank accounts.

Juan Diego, a hardworking single parent, joined Villaraigosa today to explain how FamilySource and VITA sites helped his family. Diego began going to the Central City Neighborhood Partners FamilySource Center in 2010 with his children for tutoring classes and to take ESL and computer classes. Because of the VITA site at his FamilySource Center, Diego walked out with $4,584 of in tax credits last year that he didn’t know he could receive.

“I began going to the FamilySource Center to learn English and take my children to tutoring, but the Center also informed me about the EITC,” said Diego. “With EITC money, I was able to pay debts I had after my wife passed away and buy needed clothing for my children.”

Last year, the partnership aided 39,573 people like Diego throughout the Greater LA claim over $43.8 million in total tax refunds. Individuals and families also saved approximately $6 million in tax preparation fees by having volunteers file their taxes for them.

For 2012 (the 2011 tax year), the EITC can translate to a refund of up to $5,751 for low and moderate-income families with three or more children – a figure equal to nearly two months of income for many hardworking but needy households.

EITC provides the following benefits for qualified working families:
Families with two parents and three or more qualifying children who earn less than $49,078 ($43,998 for families with a single parent) are eligible for up to $5,751
Families with two parents and two qualifying children who earn less than $46,044 (or $40,964 for families with a single parent) are eligible for up to $5,112
Families with two parents and one qualifying child who earn less than $41,132 (or $36,052 for families with a single parent) are eligible for up to $3,094
Couples with no qualifying children who earn less than $18,740 (or $13,660 for a single person) are eligible for up to $464

To qualify for EITC services and tax credits, claimants must be qualified working U.S. citizens and legal residents with Social Security number who have lived in the US for more than half the year.

For more information and to find one of over 100 free tax preparation sites, individuals and working families can call 2-1-1 or visit the EITC Partnership’s web site at www.FreeTaxHelpLA.com

About the EITC Campaign Partnership

The EITC Campaign Partnership is a broad-based coalition of government agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and financial institutions who have come together to improve the economic status of L.A.’s working families by increasing the number of EITC filings and providing VITA sites.

Partners include:
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Center for Asset Building Opportunities
Internal Revenue Service
Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)
Los Angeles Community Development Department
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
California State Controller’s Office
Bank of America
Citibank
Neighborhood Legal Services
KoreanYouth & Community Center (KYCC)
Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF)
Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND)
PACE Business Development Center
Chinatown Service Center
Magnolia Place (Children’s Bureau)
Saint Helen’s Church
Children’s Defense Fund-California
Employment Development Department
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
AARP.

PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
From his humble Midwestern origins, through a successful career in Hollywood, and on to the highest offices in his state and country, Ronald Reagan lived the California dream.

On this 101st anniversary of his birth, we remember not only his most celebrated achievements–his successful diplomacy with Mikhail Gorbachev and the economic recovery that occurred under his presidency. We also remember the turbulent years of his governorship, during which he proved his ability to manage the affairs of the state, and earlier, the talent and the skill he brought to his work in one of our state’s most renowned and beloved industries.

Above all, we remember the man: his irresistible optimism, faith, and good humor. As a way to honor his memory, I recommend that Californians give as generously as they can to the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute.

NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim February 6th, 2012 as “Ronald Reagan Day.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 6th day of February 2012.

EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California

ATTEST:

DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State.

The heritage month themed “Stepping Back Into The Future,” began with a ceremony inside Council Chambers and also recognized the 20th Anniversary of the Pan African Film Festival and the work of Our Authors Study Club.

“The City of Los Angeles is proud to recognize three uniquely talented individuals whose lasting contributions have left a mark on both the African-American community and our broader society,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “We recognize those whose spirit and accomplishments embody this heritage month and inspire the next generation to achieve greatness.”

The Spirit of Los Angeles was awarded to Sheryl Lee Ralph – the original DREAMGIRL, a role which earned her a Tony Award Nomination and a Drama Desk Award Nomination for Best Actress. Her career includes an award-winning body of work in film, television and the Broadway stage. Walter Mosley, a critically acclaimed and award-winning New York Times-bestselling author was honored with the Dream of Los Angeles award. Mosley’s books have been published around the world and translated into twenty-three languages. The Hope of Los Angeles honoree, Dr. Keith Black, is an internationally renowned neurosurgeon and scientist. Dr. Black is Chairman and Professor of the Department of Neurosurgery, Director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, and Director of the Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Brain Tumor Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

During the event, Mayor Villaraigosa unveiled the 2012 African American Heritage Month Calendar and Cultural Guide produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs. The ceremony was followed by food and live entertainment at the Triforium, a public sculpture in the Los Angeles Mall Civic Center Complex adjacent to City Hall in Downtown Los Angeles.

African American Heritage Month launches a month-long calendar of cultural events and a Poster Contest open to all Los Angeles County students (grades K-12) that encourages the creation of original artwork based on their interpretation of the 2012 African American Heritage Month’s theme. Poster competition winners will be announced February 29, 2012 (tentative).

A list of all activities and events is available at www.culturela.org. For more information, call (213) 922-9762, or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HeritageLA.

Michael Bradbury, 69, of Ojai, has been appointed to the 31st District Agricultural Association, Ventura County Fair Board, where he has served as a member since 2004. He was a partner at Alston and Bird LLC from 2002 to 2010. Bradbury served as district attorney for the County of Ventura from 1979 to 2002. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Bradbury is a Republican.

Leta Ciavaglia, 58, of Sanger, has been appointed to the 21st District Agricultural Association, Big Fresno Fair Board. Ciavaglia has held multiple positions at Penstar Group since 1984, including president since 2011. She is a member of the Clovis High School Scholarship Committee. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Ciavaglia is a Republican.

Leslie Cornejo, 56, of Oxnard, has been appointed to the 31st District Agricultural Association, Ventura County Fair Board, where she has served as a member since 2008. She has been owner and manager of Santa Paula Travel Service since 1988. Cornejo is a founding director of the Santa Clara Valley Bank. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Cornejo is a Republican.

M. Cecilia Cuevas, 48, of Fillmore, has been appointed to the 31st District Agricultural Association, Ventura County Fair Board. Cuevas has been a senior financial advisor for Merrill Lynch since 2004. She was director of development and communications for the American Red Cross of Ventura County from 2002 to 2004 and development director for the Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence from 1997 to 2002. She has served as mayor pro-tem for the City of Fillmore from 2006 to 2008 and city councilmember from 2000 to 2006. Cuevas is the immediate past president of the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Cuevas is a Democrat.

John Dunbar, 48, of Yountville, has been appointed to the 25th District Agricultural Association, Napa Town and Country Fair. Dunbar has served as mayor for the City of Yountville since 2010 and city councilmember since 2004. Additionally, he has been a senior graphic designer for the University of California, Berkeley since 1990. Dunbar is currently the president of the League of California Cities, North Bay Division, where he has been a member since 2004. Dunbar is a member of Native Sons of the Golden West. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Dunbar is registered decline-to-state.

Kenneth Flower, 80, of Atherton, has been appointed to the District Agricultural Association 01A, Grand National Rodeo, Horse and Stock Show. Flower was director of business development for the Golden Gate Bank from 1989 to 1999 and was west coast manager for Westinghouse Broadcasting from 1987 to 1989. He served as vice president of marketing, advertising, politics and community affairs for the San Francisco 49ers from 1977 to 1986, was owner of Ken Flower Comms in 1976 and was vice president of sales and marketing for National Football League Films from 1969 to 1976. He served as an officer for the United States Air Force Reserve from 1954 to 1957. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Flower is a Democrat.

Leah Lacayo, 70, of Newbury Park, has been appointed to the 31st District Agricultural Association, Ventura County Fair Board, where she served from 2001 to 2008. Lacayo served as an account clerk for the Conejo Valley Unified School District from 1990 to 2001. She is a member of the California State University, Channel Islands Alumni and Friends Association and Oxnard Downtown Center for the Arts. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Lacayo is a Democrat.

Daniel Long, 54, of Ventura, has been appointed to the 31st District Agricultural Association, Ventura County Fair Board. Long has been a commercial painting contractor since 1978 and owner of Daniel Long Painting since 1991. He has also been an art instructor with the Ventura County Superintendent of School’s Artist-in-the-Classroom Program since 1992. Long is vice chair of the City of Ventura Planning Commission, where he has been a member since 2007. He has been a volunteer for the Ventura County Fair since 1989. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Long is a Democrat.

Armando Lopez, 56, of Oxnard, has been appointed to the 31st District Agricultural Association, Ventura County Fair Board, where he has been a member since 2003. Lopez has been owner of the Armando Lopez Company since 1984. He is a member of El Concillo Family Services, the Carnegie Art Museum and St. John’s Regional Medical Center Foundation. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Lopez is registered decline-to-state.

Mara Sikaters Kopp, 68, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the District Agricultural Association 01A, Grand National Rodeo, Horse and Stock Show, where she has been a member since 2005. She held multiple positions at the City of San Francisco, Department of Public and Mental Health from 1968 to 1992, including clinical director. She is a member of the board of directors for the Salesian Boys and Girls Club and Good Government Alliance. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Kopp is a Democrat.

Mark Salvaggio, 62, of Bakersfield, has been appointed to the 15th District Agricultural Association, Kern County Fair Board. Salvaggio was a field representative for County Supervisor Michael Rubio of Kern County from 2005 to 2010 and was a teacher for the Arvin Union School District from 1972 to 2004. He served as councilmember for the City of Bakersfield from 1985 to 2004. Salvaggio also served as a board member on the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board from 2000 to 2003. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Salvaggio is registered decline-to-state.

Jim Salzer, 69, of Camarillo, has been appointed to the 31st District Agricultural Association, Ventura County Fair Board. Salzer has owned and operated Salzer Record and Video since 1996. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Salzer is a Democrat.

Bonnie Weigel, 44, of Ventura, has been appointed to the 31st District Agricultural Association, Ventura County Fair Board. Weigel has served as president and chief executive officer of FOOD Share, Inc. since 2008. She was executive director for the California Strawberry Festival from 2005 to 2008. Weigel was a consultant for Weigel Enterprises LLC from 2000 to 2005. She is a member of the Center for Community Engagement Advisory Board and the Ventura County Community Foundation. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Weigel is a Republican.

He was president of the district academic senate for the Peralta Community College District from 2004 to 2009 and president of the academic senate for Berkeley City College from 2005 to 2009, after serving as co-president from 2003 to 2005. He was an articulation officer at Vista Community College from 2000 to 2004. Bielanski received his doctorate in education from Saint Mary’s College. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Bielanski is a Democrat.

Lisa Davidson, 47, of Redondo Beach, has been appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Area Board 10. Davidson is a team manager at State Farm Insurance and has worked there since 1987. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Davidson is a Republican.

Brian Leahy, 55, of Sacramento, has been appointed director at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Leahy has served as assistant director for the California Department of Conservation since 2006. He was a partner at EcoFacilitation in the Netherlands in 2006, and served as executive director for the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts from 2004 to 2006. He was executive director at the California Certified Organic Farmers from 2000 to 2004. Leahy was owner and operator of Cherokee Ranch Inc. from 1980 to 2003 and also a farm operator for Ackerlund Farm Incorporated from 1992 to 1993. Leahy earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Creighton University School of Law. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $142,965. Leahy is a Democrat.

April Lopez, 45, of Yorba Linda, has been appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Lopez has been the owner of Stadium Chiropractic and Sports Medicine Rehabilitation since 1998. She received her doctorate of chiropractic from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Lopez is registered decline-to-state.

Tom Quinn, 67, of Marina del Rey, has been appointed to the Milton Marks “Little Hoover” Commission on California State Government and Economy. Quinn has served as president of Americom Broadcasting since 1982, chairman of the Reno Media Group since 1998 and chairman of City News Service, Inc. since 1981. He was a California representative on the bi-state Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Board of Governors from 1992 to 1995 and served as chairman of the California Air Resources Board from 1975 to 1979. Quinn was the campaign manager for Brown for Governor in 1974. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Quinn is a Democrat.

Donald Saylor, 58, of Davis, has been appointed to the California Commission on State Mandates. Saylor has served as a supervisor for Yolo County since 2011. Saylor was mayor of the City of Davis from 2010 to 2011 and he served on the City Council in the City of Davis from 2004 to 2010, where he was mayor pro tempore from 2008 to 2010. He was a trustee on the Davis Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees from 1995 to 2003. Saylor is chair of the Yolo County First 5 Commission and has served as chair of the Yolo County Children’s Alliance. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Saylor is a Democrat.

Chad Skopp, 42, of Oak Park, has been appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Area Board 9. Skopp has been a composer at Sound Approach Music Publishing since 1998. Skopp is a member of the advisory board of directors at PAUSE4kids. He received his doctorate in music composition from the University of California, Santa Barbara. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Skopp is a Democrat.

Sandra Smith, 57, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Area Board 3. Smith has been the office manager at Visiting Angels since 2007. She was a consultant for California Services for Technical Assistance and Training from 2000 to 2011. She served on the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities from 2004 to 2011. In 2004, Smith was an executive assistant for former Sacramento City Councilmember Lauren Hammond and she was district director for Sacramento City Councilmember Bonnie Pannell from 1998 to 1999. She was a teacher at Merryhill School from 1996 to 1998 and a special education teacher for Grant Joint Union School District from 1992 to 1996. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Smith is a Democrat.

He was vice president of Witt and Associates from 2003 to 2011, deputy director for the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services from 2000 to 2003, a federal coordinating officer for the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency from 1997 to 2000 and deputy fire chief for the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services from 1988 to 1997. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $175,000. Ghilarducci is a Democrat.

Michael Dayton, 41, of Sacramento, has been appointed undersecretary of the California Emergency Management Agency. Dayton has been acting secretary for the California Emergency Management Agency since 2009. He was chief of staff for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security from 2003 to 2008. He worked for Congressmen Gary Condit from 1990 to 2003 in multiple positions including chief of staff for the Washington DC office. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $136,368. Dayton is a Democrat.

Eddie Cuevas, 40, of Los Angeles, has been reappointed to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, where he has served since 2011. Cuevas has taught government and economics at West Adams Preparatory High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District since 2007. He has served as a Western Association of Schools and Colleges co-coordinator at West Adams Preparatory High School since 2010 and was the social studies department chair from 2008 to 2010. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Cuevas is a Democrat.

Fred Dickinson, 56, of Hughson, has been appointed to the Rehabilitation Appeals Board. Dickinson worked in multiple positions at the Disability Resource Agency for Independent Living in Modesto from 1989 to 2008, including director of services and interim executive director. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Dickinson is a Democrat.

Fred Dominguez, 73, of West Covina, has been appointed chair of the Rehabilitation Appeals Board. Dominguez has been a consultant for Administrative Solutions and Resources since 2004. He was interim executive director at Southern California Rehabilitation Services from 2010 to 2011. Dominguez worked at the Department of Rehabilitation in multiple positions from 1977 to 2004. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Dominguez is a Republican.

Lawrence Yee, 63, of Ojai, has been appointed to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. Yee held a variety of positions at the University of California Cooperative Extension from 1975 to 2008, including director of the University of California Cooperative Extension in Ventura County from 1986 to 2008. He was director of the University of California Hansen Trust,established to sustain Ventura County agriculture through research and education, from 1993 to 2008. Yee received a Master of Business Administration degree from the Santa Clara University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Yee is registered decline-to-state.

Mockler, 54, of Martinez, has served as an assistant public defender in the Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office since 2009 and was a deputy public defender in the office from 1985 to 2009. Previously, she was a deputy public defender in the Solano County Public Defender’s Office from 1984 to 1985 and a deputy public defender in the Tulare County Public Defender’s Office from 1983 to 1984.

She earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Peter A. Berger. Mockler is a Democrat.

The compensation for this position is $178,789.

Smiley, 44, of Oakland, has been a court commissioner for the Alameda County Superior Court since 2007. He served as a deputy public defender in the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office from 1997 to 2007 and was an associate adjunct professor at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law from 2004 to 2007.

He has been on the board of directors for the Wiley Manuel Law Foundation since 2005. Smiley earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley. He fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Paul D. Fogel. Smiley is registered decline-to-state.

The compensation for this position is $178,789.