Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich’s motion requesting a report on the availability of services provided to crime victims was approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, along with a grant to preserve habitat near Vasquez Rocks, officials announced Thursday.

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Crime Victims Services Report

Antonovich’s motion requests the District Attorney’s Office provide a report on the availability of services provided to crime victims, according to a news release by Antonovich’s office.

“Victims of crime suffer financial, physical and mental hardships– the effects of crime can last a lifetime,” said Antonovich. “While victims rarely appear at our board meetings to advocate for county policies, they are important stakeholders in the criminal justice system and we have a solemn duty to ensure vital programs are available to protect and serve them.”

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the motion, which would ask the District Attorney to identify gaps in the victims assistance programs and provide recommendations to enhance services to them, officials said.

The District Attorney’s Office currently provides numerous services for victims in Los Angeles County through the Victim-Witness Assistance Program under the California Victim Compensation program.

Related Article: Supervisor Antonovich Shares State Of County At 6th Annual Luncheon

“Supervisor Antonovich’s motion is asking the District Attorney to review the programs and services that the county provides to ensure that (victims’) needs are, in fact, being met… and that if there are gaps in that care and service, that we identify those so that we may rectify any shortcomings in the services,” said Tony Bell, a spokesman from Antonovich’s office.

Current services include crisis intervention, counseling, creditor intervention, temporary restraining order information and assistance with child care, funeral arrangement, getting property returned, witness protection and transportation, according to the news release.

Habitat Preservation Grant

Approximately $280,000 in grant funds has also been approved to preserve wildlife habitats in Agua Dulce near Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, according to a second news release by Antonovich’s office.

“The area has a flora and fauna that is unique to L.A. County,” Bell said. “We want to assure that any impact on those are minimized and that’s what this funding will accomplish– so that county residents can enjoy the area and can learn more about our natural resources, but at the same time minimize any negative impacts on the natural area.”

In addition to habitat preservation, the grant would also develop a wildlife corridor under State Route 14 to provide trail connections and enable animals to pass safely under the freeway, officials said.

In addition to the funding approved by the Board of Supervisors, additional funding is expected to come from several other sources.

State of California Prop. 12 funds are expected to provide $175,000, Santa Clarita Watershed Recreation and Conservation Authority funds are expected to provide $205,000 and Parks In-Lieu Fee funds are expected to provide $57,000, officials said.

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