Antonovich Urges County to Hasten Search for New Welfare Office

In the wake of protests by San Fernando residents about a crowded county welfare office, Supervisor Mike Antonovich has asked the county Department of Public Social Services to intensify its search for a new facility.

Residents have complained about loitering, drug sales, prostitution and other problems that they said are caused by overcrowding at the Maclay Avenue office. The San Fernando City Council voted unanimously Monday to move to close the facility if the county does not act in good faith to improve conditions within two weeks.

The county’s lease on the Maclay Avenue building expires Aug. 31, 1990, said Colleen Moskal, a spokeswoman for the social services department. Moskal said Wednesday that the county began searching for alternative sites earlier this year in response to overcrowding at the office and the pending expiration of the lease.

“The problem had been recognized, and we knew we would have to explore the possibility of new sites,” Moskal said. She added that alternative locations for the office have not yet been identified.

At the City Council meeting Monday, some residents said the overcrowding was caused by a department decision to direct more welfare recipients to the San Fernando office. Department spokesmen denied the charges. They said the problems were caused partly by a Los Angeles City Fire Department order in April limiting occupancy in the building to 35 people.

Discussing Problems

Antonovich asked the department to expedite the search for a new office, said Debra Jasgur, an aide to Antonovich. The supervisor is scheduled to meet with San Fernando Mayor Daniel Acuna to discuss the problems Aug. 17.

Acuna said Wednesday that closing the office is only one of several options available to the council. The mayor suggested that the county provide those waiting outside the office with chairs, benches and portable toilets.

“Realistically, what we want is that the department provide a facility that will accommodate the needs of those seeking assistance,” Acuna said. “They are treated with no dignity and respect as human beings. That’s a real tragedy.”

San Fernando City Atty. Rob Bower said he was studying whether the city has the authority to close the county-run office and will report to the council at its next meeting Aug. 21.

Any move to close the facility would likely invoke public health and safety laws, Bower said.

The county leases the office from the Pasadena-based Fuller Theological Seminary, Moskal said.

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