Los Angeles County launches Access to Technology program for older adults and disabled

The Ventura County Transportation Commission (TTC) held an online meeting on April 17, 2024, addressing critical community issues, including technology access for older adults and road maintenance updates following severe weather impacts.

The meeting commenced with a presentation from the Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department, which announced the launch of its Access to Technology program. This initiative aims to provide 3,000 older adults and individuals with disabilities with tablets, cybersecurity training, and access to 5G internet services. Interested parties were encouraged to reach out for application details.

Following this, Lucas Bradley, the district engineer for road maintenance, provided an update on the ongoing challenges faced by the Santa Monica Mountains due to recent storms. He reported that 23 emergency projects had been initiated in response to the winter storms, with 18 already completed. However, a subsequent round of storms in March introduced an additional 18 emergency projects, complicating the recovery efforts. Bradley emphasized the importance of a data-driven approach to prioritize repairs based on factors such as traffic volume and safety concerns.

Bradley also detailed specific road repairs, including slope failures and pothole issues, and highlighted the use of the Works app for residents to report road conditions efficiently. He reassured attendees that the county is actively addressing these issues, with plans to increase staffing and utilize additional contractor crews.

Community members raised concerns about specific road conditions, including a sinkhole on Fernwood and the safety of driving routes for local teens. Bradley confirmed that inspections are ongoing and that safety remains a priority.

The meeting concluded with discussions on potential state and federal assistance for local businesses affected by the recent landslides. Representatives from Assemblymember Irwin's office and Senator Allen's office provided updates on available grants and the status of emergency declarations, emphasizing ongoing communication with state agencies to expedite support for the community.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to addressing both technological access for vulnerable populations and the pressing infrastructure challenges posed by recent weather events. Further updates and follow-up actions are expected as the county continues to navigate these issues.