City Manager's Update

City Manager’s Update

By John Nachbar

City Manager

• 2nd Annual Culver City 5K/10K Run - The 2nd Annual Culver City 5K/10K Run, will take place on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15, 2014. The event will benefit both Train 4 Autism and the Culver City Education Foundation to support students with special needs and is a City-sponsored event. The Culver City Run starts at Media Park with a free Fitness Expo and Family Fun Zone at 7:00 AM. The run takes place on Culver and Washington Boulevards from Main Street to Center Street (just before Sepulveda Boulevard.)

Please note that the following streets will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM to ensure the safety of all race participants:

o Culver Boulevard, from Venice Boulevard to Watseka Avenue: All streets perpendicular to Culver within this segment will be closed at Culver.

o Washington Boulevard, from Watseka Avenue to Sepulveda: All streets perpendicular to Washington within this segment will be closed at Washington.

For more information, please go to http://www.culvercityrun.org, send an email to info@culvercityrun.org, or call (310) 496-3170.

• Summer Concert Series - The City’s free Summer Concert Series will take place on Thursday nights, from July 10th - August 14th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the City Hall Courtyard. The following artists are scheduled to perform:

July 10th - Andre Thierry: The Grammy nominated artist, with a mix of traditional Creole Music and new, modern sounds.

July 17th - Jessica Fichot: World music with an emphasis on music from France and Los Pinguos-Argentinian folk/rock, guitars/percussion with outstanding vocals.

July 24th - Surf City: Beach Boy, Jan and Dean, and other surf music celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Beach Boys. Featuring Matt Jardine, son of the Beach Boys’ Al Jardine, on vocals.

July 31st - The John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band: The multi-Grammy winning artist John Jorgenson and his all-star bluegrass band with superb vocals, featuring Herb Pedersen on banjo.

August 7th - Katia Moraes and Brazilian Heart: Sambas and high energy Brazilian music plus Orquestra Charangoa: L.A.'s premiere Charanga band, with sounds of Cuba.

August 14th - The Dust Bowl Revival: Venice, California's folk, roots, jazz collective band.

The concert series is produced by Gary Mandell of Boulevard Music. For sponsorship opportunities, reserved seating information, and additional information, please call Boulevard Music at (310) 398-2583.

Community Development

• L.A. PIE, INC – Plans have been approved for a tenant improvement for a new pizzeria, "Pieology", located at 3850 Main Street

• Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) – City staff met with staff at SCAG (the State mandated metropolitan planning organization for southern California) to discuss updates to the Regional Transportation Plan which includes the SCAG regional Sustainable Communities Strategy. This plan is normally referred as the RTP/SCS. The primary goal of the RTP/SCS is to plan and strategize for increasing mobility for the SCAG region’s residents and visitors while emphasizing sustainable and integrated planning for the region. The last RTP/SCS was approved in 2012 for the period of 2012 to 2035. The next RTP/SCS will be adopted in 2016 for the period of 2016 to 2040. Currently, Planning Division staff is reviewing SCAG housing, population, and employment projections for Culver City as part of the 2016 RTP/SCS development. Final comments are due to SCAG by June 16 and the anticipated adoption date is April 2016.

• Parcel B – A License Agreement was executed with Remote Broadcasting for use of Parcel B as a base camp for a Showtime production.

• Former Fire Station No. 3 – A tentative Agreement between Thomas James Capital and the City has been reached for the sale of City property to construct three single family homes. The terms and conditions of the sale will be considered by the City Council during the June 9, 2014 City Council meeting.

• Washington/Centinela Market Hall – Staff is reviewing Regency Center’s recent submittal of updated conceptual plans, a development program and pro forma for the Market Hall project.

• Media Park Coffee – Staff is reviewing LAMILL Coffee’s submitted comments and proposed changes to a draft lease agreement to operate a coffee concession business at Media Park.

• Fiber Optic Outreach – Staff conducted its third fiber optics outreach meeting on May 28th in the Hayden Tract. The meeting was attended by property owners in the area and is the third of four outreach meetings that have been scheduled. The remaining meeting will convene owners in the Transit Oriented Development District and Smiley/Blackwelder areas.

Fire Department

• Free Sidewalk CPR Training – The Culver City Fire Department, along with Southern California Hospital and Westfield Culver City, held another successful Sidewalk CPR event on June 5th. Culver City Fire Department members, Southern California Hospital nurses, and CERT volunteers provided free Hands-Only™ CPR training to over 100 people at Westfield Culver City (pictured below) and in front of Fire Station #1.

The American Heart Association’s Hands-Only™ CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths and is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse. Immediately providing Hands-Only™ CPR to a cardiac arrest victim can double or even triple chance of survival. To learn more about Hands-Only™ CPR, go to http://www.handsonlycpr.org. For more information on conventional CPR, or to find a CPR class near you, visit the American Heart Association at http://www.heart.org or the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org.

• Fire Chief Chris Sellers Retires – After over 35 years in the fire service and over 30 years of distinguished, dedicated and honorable service to the Culver City community, Culver City Fire Chief Chris Sellers retired on June 2nd. He was recognized with a commendation and standing ovation at the May 27th City Council meeting. Special thanks and best wishes to you, Chief Sellers!

• Dave White Named Interim Fire Chief – Assistant Chief Dave White assumed duties of Interim Fire Chief on June 2nd. Battalion Chief Chris Syverson was also elevated to Acting Assistant Fire Chief. Congratulations, Chief White and Chief Syverson!

Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department

• Culver City Senior Center Summer Patio Concert Series – The summer patio concert series, featuring live music and a BBQ, begins at the Culver City Senior Center on Friday, June 20th, from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM. Tickets for these events are $4 each and are available at the Center until sold out.

• Culver City Senior & Social Services Division – In partnership with AAA and AARP, the Center will hold its annual CarFit event on Saturday, July 26th from 8:30 AM – Noon. Pre-registration is required for this event; registration may be made by calling (310) 253-6700. CarFit is a program designed for drivers 55+ to give you a quick check of how well you and your vehicle work together. This 20-minute check-up helps ensure that you “Fit” your car properly for maximum comfort and safety on the road. CarFit is NOT a driving test. This year’s event is for those who are new to CarFit, intended for those who have NOT had their car checked within the last three years.

• Culver City Senior Center Workout – Zumba Gold is at the Senior Center! Get your feet moving and your heart pumping at this popular dance/exercise class, now offered three times a week. Culver City Senior Citizens Association members can take the class for a $3 fee. It is offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. The Monday and Wednesday classes are held on the outdoor patio and the Friday class is held indoors.

• Culver City Senior Center Health Seminar – The Senior Center will offer a health seminar on neuropathy on Tuesday, June 10th at 10:30 AM. If you suffer from numbness in your feet, painful tingling feet, night-time discomfort or pin-like sensations when you walk, come and learn more about this condition. All of our educational programs are open to the public 50+.

• Performing Arts Grants Recipients –

o Jazz Bakery presents Alan Broadbent – solo piano at the Kirk Douglas Theatre on June 12th at 8:00 PM. Ticket information is available by visiting http://www.jazzbakery.org.

o No Limits presents Silent No More at the Kirk Douglas Theatre on June 13th at 8:00 PM. Ticket information is available by visiting http://www.silent-no-more.eventbrite.com or by calling (310) 380-0878.

o Culver City Symphony Orchestra presents Sounds of Downtown at the Kirk Douglas Theatre on June 14th at 7:30 PM. Ticket information is available by visiting http://www.culvercitysymphony.org or by calling (310) 717-5550.

Police Department

• Supervisor Leadership Institute - On May 30th, Sergeant Aubrey Kellum graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute. This is a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified class to develop the skills necessary to become a more effective leader at the Police Department and in the law enforcement profession. Chief Scott Bixby attended this special event to recognize Sergeant Kellum’s accomplishment.

• Neighborhood Watch Meeting - On June 4th, Lieutenant Emery Eccles attended a Neighborhood Watch meeting at 5950 Buckingham Park Way. Lieutenant Eccles discussed recent crime trends.

• New Police Employees - On June 2nd, the Police Department welcomed two new employees. Rosanne Ybarra was hired as a Safety Services Communications Operator and Ivonne Artero was hired as a Community Services Officer. Please help welcome them to the City.

Public Works

• Plastic Bag Ban Outreach Compliance: June 27, 2014 - The Culver City Reusable Bag Ordinance 2013-006 will affect smaller grocery stores on June 27, 2014. The Ordinance is aimed at reducing the amount of single use plastic bags in the environment; bans the use of them at stores meeting certain criteria; and requires a 10¢ charge for each paper carryout bag sold to a customer at such stores. Supermarkets and large retail stores with a pharmacy have been required to comply since December 28, 2013. Smaller grocery stores and convenience stores have until June 27, 2014 to comply. This is one of many single use plastic carryout bag bans adopted in California with many more jurisdictions following suit.

For more information on the types of stores with a compliance date on December 28, 2013 or June 27, 2014, visit our webpage at http://www.culvercity.org/Government/PublicWorks/EnvironmentalPrograms/Single-Use%20Carryout%20Bag%20Ordinance%20FAQ.aspx.

• Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Roundup: June 28, 2014 - Culver City residents will have the opportunity to safely dispose of household hazardous waste and electronic waste free of charge at a Countywide Household Hazardous and E-Waste Roundup. The Roundup will take place in Culver City at the Wende Museum Front Parking Lot, located at 10808 Culver Boulevard (enter on Culver Boulevard at Elenda Street).

Participants should leave the products in their original containers, place them in a cardboard box and drive to the Roundup site. The entire process only takes a few minutes, and you never have to leave your car. Do not mix products together. No explosive or radioactive materials, tires or waste from business will be accepted.

The free Countywide Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Roundup is brought to you by the County of Los Angeles and presented by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works and Sanitation Districts in cooperation with Culver City’s Public Works Environmental Programs and Operations Division.

For more information on household hazardous waste or upcoming Roundups, call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works at 1 (888) Clean LA, the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County at 1 (800) 238-0172 or visit http://www.lacsd.org.

• Public Works Conducts Pedestrian Safety Assessment (PSA) Study – Through collaboration with UC Berkeley, the Public Works Department was selected to receive the assistance of a PSA through the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). On Friday, May 30 a comprehensive walk audit took place led by Transportation Planning Consultants from Fehr and Peers, a transportation planning and engineering firm contracted by OTS. Several members of the Public Works Department and community stakeholders participated in the assessment. The assessment included observation of four sites in the City based on information gathered over the past few months. The sites that received a field observation were:

o Washington Boulevard (between Sepulveda Boulevard and Elenda Street)

o Fox Hills Area (at Buckingham Parkway and Sumner Way)

o Tri-School Area (at Farragut Drive and Elenda Street)

o Culver Boulevard (Downtown Culver City)

Based upon the observations throughout the day and the preparation meetings before the site visit, the consultants will compile their recommendations into a final report for the City. The recommendations will provide suggestions for pedestrian access enhancements at each of the locations.

• Traffic Impacts Due to Reconstruction of Venice Boulevard Median - As part of the construction of Phase 2 of the Expo Light Rail Line, work crews will begin the median reconstruction along Venice Boulevard. The work is being managed and performed by the Expo Phase 2 design-build contractor Skanska-Rados, Joint Venture (SRJV) and its subcontractors.

Where: Median along Venice Boulevard

(between Culver Boulevard and National Boulevard)

When: June 2014 through Mid-July 2014

Hours: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday

9:00 PM – 6:00 AM, Sunday – Thursday

Work Description:

The widening of Venice Boulevard will include the reconstruction of the center median, along with some street light work. Median reconstruction will entail saw cutting and removal of the existing asphalt and concrete median, followed by the construction of a new median to accommodate the future reconfiguration of traffic lanes on Westbound Venice Boulevard. Additional street improvements will follow the median reconstruction and will include sidewalk/roadway work, and installation of storm drains, catch basins, fire hydrants, traffic signals and street lighting. Supplemental notices will be issued as needed.

Traffic Impacts:

• On June 4, 2014, temporary lane closures will be implemented on Eastbound and Westbound Venice Boulevard during nighttime hours for the installation of additional K-Rail to delineate the median work area.

• Due to the new K-Rail placement:

• Eastbound Venice Boulevard will be temporarily reduced to two lanes of traffic between Robertson and National Boulevards during the median reconstruction period.

• The crosswalk on the west side of National Boulevard at Venice Boulevard will be temporarily closed during the median reconstruction. The crosswalk on the east side of the street will remain open.

• Additional lane closures may be implemented during nighttime hours for street light work.

• Traffic lanes will remain open to through traffic during daytime hours, with most work occurring in the median behind the concrete barriers.

• Directional signage and/or flaggers will be used to safely direct vehicles and pedestrians around the construction zone.

• Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Advisories:

• Parking restrictions will be strictly enforced at all times and signage with specific restrictions will be in place in all construction areas.

• Local access to businesses and residences will be maintained throughout all construction activities.

• Noise levels will be monitored to ensure work performed is within the necessary compliance levels.

• Please obey all posted construction signs and do not enter the construction work zone.

Contact Information:

Hotline (213) 922-EXPO

Exposition Construction Authority (213) 243-5534

Skanska-Rados Joint Venture (310) 500-1485

(Construction schedules are subject to change for various reasons including but not limited to: weather conditions, unforeseen emergencies and other acts of nature.)

• The Energy Network Offers Cool Comforting Financing for Homeowners - Summer is officially here. Cities throughout California already have experienced heat waves; downtown Los Angeles recently broke a 124-year heat record, and air conditioners are on high demand.

This is the perfect time to remind homeowners that a new air conditioner can be both affordable and energy efficient with Cool Comfort Financing. The Energy Network will be promoting this low-interest financing program to homeowners throughout the region.

Cool Comfort Financing offers interest rates as low as 2% for energy efficient central air conditioners and furnace replacement projects. To date, 66 homeowners have participated in the program, thanks to the support of the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission. Traditional financing options like credit cards and distributor loans can't offer such low interest rates.

For homeowners to qualify for the program, contractors working on the installations must ensure that the ductwork is in good working order, with proper insulation and sealing. This is to ensure that the new system performs at its optimal level maximizing, energy savings and on-bill savings for homeowners.

Contact The Energy Network with any questions at coolcomfort@theenergynetwork.com or (877) 785-2237.