Janice Hahn Reflects on Legacy as LA County Supervisor Sworn In for Final Term
Supervisor Janice Hahn is set to be sworn in for her third and final term as a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Monday. The ceremony marks a potential culmination to nearly three decades in public service for the 72-year-old Democrat, whose lineage in local politics runs deep.
Hahn’s brother, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James Hahn, will administer the oath of office. The ceremony will be held at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, named in honor of the supervisor’s late father, Kenneth Hahn. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is also scheduled to deliver welcoming remarks.
“I’m feeling good about it,” Hahn recently told CNS. “It’s an opportunity to do both things — look back on my long career in public service, not just as a supervisor, and also a chance to look forward for the next four years.” While she feels pride in her accomplishments and is eager to tackle new challenges in her final term, Hahn admitted that retirement is on her mind. “While four years is a long way off, I don’t think the worst thing in the world is to think about retiring.”
Her dedication to public service stemmed from her father, a fixture in Los Angeles politics. Kenneth Hahn served on the L.A. City Council from 1947-52, before going on to represent the county as a supervisor from 1952-92. Janice Hahn followed in his footsteps, first being elected to the Los Angeles City Charter Reform Commission in 1997.
She later served on the City Council from 2000 until 2011, when she won a special election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Hahn was elected to the Fourth District seat on the Board of Supervisors in 2016. Her district encompasses a diverse range, including most of the Gateway Cities, Avalon, portions of the South Bay area and the San Gabriel Valley.
Tackling Homelessness and Supporting Mental Health Initiatives
As she embarks on her final term, Hahn is already setting her sights on key issues, including addressing the county’s pervasive homelessness crisis. The Board of Supervisors recently voted to explore the creation of a dedicated county homelessness department, a move that could shift certain responsibilities away from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, which operates jointly between the city and county.
“I know they do good work, but I think we’re all feeling a little frustrated and that the status quo is not working,” Hahn confided.
She expressed gratitude to voters for their support of Measure A, a half-cent sales tax increase that will permanently fund homeless prevention initiatives. Hip Hahn proudly highlighted Signal Hill, a city within her district that recently achieved “functional zero” homelessness.
“:I’m challenging all my cities, all my 32 cities, to try to do the same thing. I will be there with the Measure A dollars,” Hahn said. “I need my cities to all say yes to solutions, and then I’m going to be there, certainly partner with them and help.”
Additionally, the supervisor has plans to transform six vacant buildings at Metropolitan State Hospital in Norwalk into a village dedicated to treating individuals with mental illness. The county anticipates leasing the property from the state.
Transit Expansion and Olympic Vision for Los Angeles
Hahn is a staunch advocate for public transportation and remains a champion of the future Metro Southeast Gateway Line, a project that will
How has Janice Hahn’s family legacy, particularly her father Kenneth Hahn, influenced her approach to public service?
## Janice Hahn Reflects on Her Legacy
**Intro Music**
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re joined by a woman who has dedicated nearly her entire adult life to serving the people of Los Angeles: Supervisor Janice Hahn. Supervisor Hahn, welcome to the program.
**Hahn:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** So, Monday marks a very special occasion for you. You’re being sworn in for your third and final term on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. How does it feel to be approaching this milestone?
**Hahn:** It’s a mixture of emotions, really. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished over the years, and excited to tackle the challenges that lie ahead in my final term. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t also thinking about retirement.
**Host:** Right. The article mentions that you see this as an opportunity to both look back and look forward. Can you elaborate on some of the accomplishments you’re most proud of?
**Hahn:** Well, I’m particularly proud of my work on affordable housing, homelessness, and combating climate change. These are issues that deeply affect our community, and I’m committed to making a lasting impact.
**Host:** You have a remarkable family legacy in L.A. politics. Your father, Kenneth Hahn, was a beloved figure who served as a county supervisor for decades. What did you learn from his example?
**Hahn:** My father taught me the importance of public service, of always putting the needs of the people first. He showed me that you can make a real difference in people’s lives through dedication and hard work.
**Host:** And now, your brother, Judge James Hahn, will be administering the oath of office. What does it mean to have him play such a significant role in this ceremony?
**Hahn:** It’s incredibly special. It’s a testament to the bond we share as a family, and the values we hold dear.
**Host:** Supervisor Hahn, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. We wish you all the best in your final term.
**Hahn:** Thank you. It’s been my honor to serve the people of Los Angeles.
**Outro Music**
