Report To The People

City Manager’s Office

Interagency Communication Interoperability (ICI) System

On February 2 Mayor Jim B. Clarke, Fire Chief Dave White and staff participated the ICI System Strategic Planning Session and Annual State of the Network Meeting in Glendale. The ICI system is shared radio system with components purchased and constructed by individual cities and linked together through a microwave network in order to provide regional coverage. Each city maintains its own network components. The ICI System is approaching several significant milestones in its regional build-out. With the addition of its 11th and 12th System Cells in Santa Monica and the Torrance/South Bay Region and the enhancement of existing cells in strategic locations, the ICI System Network blankets the entire region with resilient radio communications coverage and capacity.

(L-R) Chief Dave White and Mayor Clarke

Earthquake Preparedness Initiative Workshop

On February 6 Councilmember Meghan Sahli-Wells, Building and Safety Director Craig Johnson, Assistant to the City Manager Shelly Wolfberg, and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Christine Parra attended an Earthquake Preparedness Initiative Workshop offered by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and presented by the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society. SCAG launched the new initiative to help cities and counties protect Southern California communities and economies from the disruption of a major earthquake. The workshop reviewed the risks of a major regional earthquake and the most effective approaches for preparation (e.g., strengthening infrastructure and reviewing building safety codes). Staff is looking forward to brainstorming opportunities to strengthen infrastructure and create a more resilient Culver City.

(L-R) Dr. Lucy Jones, Founder of the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society; Christine Parra; and Council Member Sahli-Wells

Office of Assembly Member Sebastian Ridley-Thomas Meeting with Mayor & Staff

On February 7 Assembly Member Ridley-Thomas’s District Director Steve Kang and Communications Director Jade Stevens met with Mayor Jim B. Clarke and staff to discuss the City Council’s Legislative and Policy Platform and recent Strategic Planning efforts. The Assembly Member’s staff also shared information about legislation pertaining to the Utility Users Tax; single gender education; and homelessness.

(L-R) Steve Kang, Mayor Clarke, and Jade Stevens

Community Conversation on Affordable Housing

On January 28 from 9 am to 12 pm, 76 community members along with Mayor Clarke, Council Member Thomas Small, and Council Member Meghan Sahli-Wells (pictured below), and the Committee on Homelessness participated in a “World Café” style discussion on affordable housing. Judy Scott, former Landlord Tenant Mediation Board Chairperson, Booker Pearson, Founding Board Member of Upward Bound House and Craig Knight, Guild GC, served as panelists. The following topics were discussed: local mechanisms to create affordable housing opportunities, addressing homelessness, and expansion of the role of the Landlord Tenant Mediation Board.

Screenland 5K

The City is cosponsoring the Screenland 5K, which will take place the morning of Sunday, February 26 throughout downtown Culver City. This Centennial related event is open to the public. Please visit http://www.screenland5K.com for more information.

Community Development

Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams

Economic Development announces the opening of Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams in the Washington West Business District. Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams is located at 12550 W. Washington Boulevard and features made-on-premise cream and pops.

Symantec Corporation

Building plans were submitted on January 18 for a 55,000 square foot tenant improvement with new load bearing partitions, finishes, and millwork at 900 Corporate Pointe.

Culver City Transfer Station

A building permit was issued on January 13 to demolish the existing restrooms and a locker room, and reconfigure the layout to create a new men’s restroom and locker room at 9275 Jefferson Boulevard.

Woodshop

A final building inspection was completed on January 10 for a 6,221 square foot tenant improvement to existing offices and warehouse/storage at 10567 Jefferson Boulevard.

Co-Opportunity Market and Deli

A building permit was issued on January 17 for a 19,020 square foot tenant improvement for a new supermarket with kitchen/prep and seating area at 8770 Washington Boulevard.

West Washington Investors, LLP

Building plans were submitted on for a 7,575 square foot tenant improvement 12211 W. Washington Boulevard, Suites 102 and 200.

Ralphs

Building plans were approved on January 20 for a 16,000 square foot tenant improvement including new décor, accent lighting, prep sinks, market cases and gondolas at 10772 Jefferson Boulevard.

Big Lots

Building plans were approved on January 23 for a 3,998 square foot tenant improvement, new 975 square foot truck well, and new addition to existing store at 5587 Sepulveda Boulevard.

Building Safety Division Revenues

Revenues generated for the first half of the Fiscal Year 2016/17 have exceeded $3M, with technology surcharge fees collecting over $85k.

Cedars Sinai

Building plans was approved for a 5,419 square foot tenant improvement at 10458 Culver Boulevard.

Habitat for Humanity

On January 28, Habitat for Humanity concluded a series of 4 information meetings for households interested in applying for the Globe Project. The information meetings were held in both English and Spanish on January 12, 19, 21 and 28. A total of 350 households attended these meetings. Habitat will start review of the applications. A preference will be given to households that live or work in Culver City. The Globe project is 10 units and is the first affordable ownership project in the City. Construction is estimated at 18 months. Building plans were submitted for new construction of 4 of the 10 new single family dwellings at 4044 - 4064 Globe Avenue.

2017 Homeless Count

On January 25 from 8 pm to 2 am the Housing Division in collaboration with the Committee on Homelessness conducted the Greater Los Angeles 2017 Homeless Count (Count). The Count takes places throughout the Los Angeles County region from January 24 to January 26. A total of 72 volunteer enumerators were recruited to take a census of the homeless. Members from the Committee on Homelessness solicited and secured donations from Sorrento Italian Market, Starbucks, Tito’s Tacos and Copenhagen Bakery to provide dinner to the volunteers. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority does not allow preliminary numbers to be released until after all information from each jurisdiction is reviewed. Official numbers will be released in the summer. Culver City did witnessed a substantial increase in the number of homeless individuals, homeless in cars, campers and RVs. Certificates of Appreciation will be presented to the volunteers and businesses who donated refreshments at the February 13th Council meeting.

Ivy Station Project

The wells at 8801 Washington Boulevard have been capped and decommissioned. In order to make way for project construction, Metro’s Culver City Expo Station parking lot (between Washington, National, and Venice Boulevards) will close on February 14. Construction will run through 2019. The last day to park at the lot will be February 13. You can find more information on the closure and alternative parking options on the City’s website.

Community Development Block Grant Program

The City is currently performing the Sidewalk Barrier Removal and Repair project, which will be completed by March 31.

Farmers’ Market

The City is preparing a Request for Proposals for farmers’ market management services. It is anticipated that the RFP will be released in early 2017. The City is implementing a plan to relocate parking of the vendor vehicles to accommodate the pending construction on Parcel B. The City is exploring means of providing a suitable electric power source to Main Street for use in lighting the vendors’ areas during fall and winter months.

Department of Finance Long Range Property Management Plan

The City is executing an Assignment and Assumption Agreement to transfer the K-Zo lease from the Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency to the City.

Washington-Centinela Project

The City anticipates the Project’s Developer will submit plans for review and application fees during February 2017. The City expects the entitlements process to be completed within the coming months and for construction to commence in spring 2017.

Photos of Current Projects in the City

8454 Stellar Drive, existing building remodel and addition:

3601 Hayden Avenue, a modern tower construction:

10000 Washington Boulevard, former Sony building, extensive renovation:

11197 Washington Place, existing service station with new food mart and new car wash:

11198 Washington Place, new commercial building, near completion:

13463 Washington Boulevard, Costco renovation and addition, near completion

4545 Sepulveda Boulevard: New Harbor Freight, exterior and interior views:

11445 Jefferson Boulevard, new Orchard Hardware store:

10814 Culver Boulevard, Wende Museum:

700 Corporate Pointe: New office building and parking structure:

View of the new garage from the top of the office building:

Fire Department

Enhanced Truck Operations Academy

On February 3, two Culver City Firefighters completed intensive truck operations training at Rio Hondo Fire Academy. Captain Seth Miller and Firefighter Fernando Benitez are the first Department members to attend this advanced 88-hour training academy, which allowed them to enhance valuable skills in firefighter survival, ventilation, forcible entry, elevator and rope rescue, and auto extrication. Along with 46 other firefighters from around the country, they trained on how to identify and resolve incidents involving the most recent types of building construction and the latest automobile hazards. Miller and Benitez bring back with them a wealth of knowledge to share with the Department and apply on the job. Last year, CCFD firefighters completed over 16,000 hours of training.

Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department

California Association of Parks and Recreation Award

Commissioners and Board Members has awarded the Culver City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department their 2017 Outstanding Program Award for Fiesta La Ballona. This is the first time our City has been recognized by this organization. The citation cited “the rebuilding of the Fiesta and the number of volunteers and staff working together in this community event.” The presentation of the award will be made at its Awards and Installation Banquet on March 2 in Sacramento during the annual California Parks and Recreation Society Conference.

Culver City Municipal Plunge

New signs at the Culver City Municipal Plunge were officially unveiled on January 30. Staff added informational sings at the entrance, signs clarifying and listing locker room rules and “City Staff Only” signs for limited access areas. These updates help make the Plunge more user-friendly and easier to navigate.

Culver City After School Recreation Program (CCARP)

Throughout February, all CCARP sites will celebrate Black History Month. This is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The students learn about the accomplishments of African Americans by creating drawing and crafts in observance of Black History Month.

Veterans Memorial Complex Rental Operation

The Rental Office, located in Veterans Memorial Building, is open on Tuesday nights once again. Rental Office hours are 10 am to 6 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 10 am to 7:30 pm on Tuesday; and 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday. Room reservations are made by appointment. Please contact rental staff at vmc.booking@culvercity.org or by calling the rental office at 310-253-6625.

Veterans Memorial Auditorium

The renovation of the Auditorium stage is ongoing. New stage rigging, emergency lighting, a power panel, and emergency exit doors have been installed. The theatrical lighting project starts on February 13. New emergency signage, lighting and door hardware have also been installed throughout Veterans Memorial Building.

Police Department

On February 2 Chief Scott Bixby, Assistant Chief Ron Iizuka along with other members of the Police Department attended the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Academy Graduation Ceremony for Class # 418. The class included former community service officer, Lucille Wallace and classmate Travis Amerian. The new officers attended 22 weeks of academy training that included courses on search and seizure, firearms training, defensive tactics, mental health awareness, and emergency vehicle operations. The City congratulates and welcomes Officers Wallace and Amerian to the Culver City Police Department family.

Public Works Department

6,000 Pounds of Paper Shredded, an Equivalent of 114 Trees Saved, at Free Paper Shredding Event

On February 4 Public Works Environmental Programs and Operations Division provided Culver City residents and businesses an opportunity to clean out their files and destroy old records safely and confidentially. More than 50 residents drove to West Los Angeles College to shred their confidential documents. West Los Angeles College was a great partner in providing a convenient location to host the event. City staff set up two disposal units and offered to unload the boxes and bags the residents used to carry their records to the event.

Public Works Environmental Programs and Operations was proud to offer this service to the Culver City community, in an effort to divert waste from landfill. Events will be scheduled in the coming months to give residents a safe and convenient way to dispose of electronic and hazardous household waste.

Transportation Department

Culver City Station Parking Lot Closure and Alternative Parking

Metro’s Culver City Station parking lot (between Washington, National, and Venice Boulevards) will officially close on Tuesday, February 14 to make way for scheduled project construction on a new development, Ivy Station. The construction for the development is scheduled to last 30 months, with anticipated completion in 2019. During the construction period, parking will be available for Metro riders at the nearby Ince Parking Garage (9099 Washington Boulevard) as an alternative parking option. Parking fees at the Ince Parking Garage will be $3/day for patrons with a recently used TAP card. In response to the parking lot closure, Culver CityBus will establish two temporary bus stops near the Ince Parking Garage for Lines 1 and 7. Service for these new stops will begin 5 am on Tuesday, February 14. Existing bus stops at Culver/Main will not be affected. Please call 310-253-6500 for more information or visit http://www.culvercitybus.com.

Culver City Screenland 5K – Culver CityBus Special Service

On February 26 Culver CityBus Line 1 servicing Culver Boulevard will run a special detour to provide service for the Culver City Screenland 5K. The detour, which will remain in effect from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. will affect both Westbound and Eastbound buses. The detour will accommodate the 5K route. Please find below the affected stops, the bus detour and the 5K route. Please call 310-253-6500 for more information or visit http://www.culvercitybus.com.

Westbound Bus Route Westbound Stops

• Continue on Washington Boulevard

• Right on National Boulevard

• Left on Venice Boulevard

• Left on Motor Avenue

• Right on Washington Boulevard

• Resume regular route • Washington Boulevard / Expo Light Rail Station

• Washington Boulevard / Robertson Boulevard

• Culver Boulevard / Main Street

• Washington Boulevard / Hughes Avenue

• Washington Boulevard / Clarington Avenue

• Washington Boulevard / Jasmine Avenue

Eastbound Bus Route Eastbound Stops

• Continue on Washington Boulevard

• Right on Motor Ave.

• Right on Venice Boulevard

• Right on National Boulevard

• Left on Washington Blvd

• Resume regular route • Washington Boulevard / Jasmine Avenue

• Washington Boulevard / Madison Avenue

• Washington Boulevard / Duquesne Avenue

• Culver Boulevard / Lafayette Place

• Culver Boulevard / Main Street

• Washington Boulevard / Higuera Street

• Washington Boulevard / Landmark Street

Route:

Transportation Department’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal Presentation

On February 13 the Culver City Transportation Department was scheduled to present its Revised Overall Goal for DBE participation for Federal Fiscal Years 2017 – 2019 for Department of Transportation-assisted contracts through the Federal Transportation Administration. As a direct recipient of federal funds the Transportation Department has developed a race-neutral DBE Goal of 6.97%.

At this time the City would like to invite the public to provide feedback and/or comment, relative to the proposed goal calculation and accompanied rationale for review and consideration. A description of the goal methodology and information regarding the DBE program are also available for review at the Culver City Transportation Department, 4343 Duquesne Avenue, Culver City, CA 90232 through March 1, 2017. Written comments will be accepted until March 17, 2017 and should be addressed to: Jane Leonard, Senior Management Analyst, Culver City Transportation Department, 4343 Duquesne Avenue, Culver City.

Culver City Adult School Jobs Session

On February 9 Culver CityBus partnered with Culver City Adult School to provide a session on jobs in transit. Samantha Blackshire, Transit Operations Manager, Frank Landeros, Fleet Services Supervisor, Jane Leonard, Senior Management Analyst and Dia Turner, Management Analyst shared their duties and background. The 25 students in attendance learned about what it is like to run a transit agency, jobs in the transportation department, Careers in government and were provided general information about putting themselves on the road to a fulfilling career. Students in attendance were provided with Culver City gifts and information about Culver CityBus routes and services.

Transit Safety Program at CCHS

On January 30 and January 31 Culver CityBus partnered with Metro to promote transit safety and education at Culver City High. The 700 students and teachers in attendance at the presentations learned about safe ridership through the informative and site specific safety program which highlighted the way, Culver CityBus works with Metro and other transit agencies to provide safe, reliable, convenient and friendly public transportation service. The presentation, which integrated photos to illustrate important safety rules, focused on local Expo Line and Culver CityBus service. The Team introduced and reviewed safety concepts, important transit safety “do’s and don’ts” when walking, biking, or driving, safety signs and signals, trip planning, TAP cards, fares, destinations, Transportation careers and internships, followed by a question and answer period.

CCUSD, Culver CityBus and Metro are committed to provide transit safety information to students each school year and hope to build and maintain a partnership for years to come. Teachers who signed up to participate in the program receive the added benefit of being eligible for Rail Safety Orientation Tours. Through this program, teachers are allowed free transportation on Culver CityBus and Metro light rail to provide students hands on experience in riding transit as well as access to field trips to supplement the classroom curriculum.

100 Best Fleets in North America Visit

On January 11 Tom Johnson, the principal author and program Chief Executive Officer of the 100 Best Fleets in North America, visited the Culver City Equipment Maintenance & Fleet Services Facility. He was joined by a group from the Public Utility Company, CPO Energy from San Antonio Texas.

The group wanted to see the Culver City operation, learn about natural gas technology in the fleet and observe fueling station operations. The Culver City team discussed Division programs and best practices in fleet management. They visitors were extremely impressed with the Transportation Facility and especially our fleet operation.

Limited Edition Centennial TAP Cards – While Supplies last!

Centennial TAP (Transit Access Pass) cards now available for $2 at either of our two physical sales locations. Come Visit us in person at our City Hall or Transportation offices. Cards only available while supplies last. Get yours today!