Community Development Dept.
Kippy’s Ice Cream – Building plans were submitted for a new ice cream shop at 11953 Washington Blvd., No. B.
Velvet Inc. – Building plans were submitted for a new retail space at 8810 Washington Blvd. (The PLATFORM).
Costco Wholesale – Building plans were submitted for a remodel and addition of 31,023 square feet to the existing Costco store including a new tire center, exterior food service, seating area, and entry canopy at 13463 Washington Blvd.
Sony Pictures Entertainment – The Building Safety Division issued a Building Permit for a tenant improvement at the new eight-story building at 10202 Washington Blvd.
Lady M Confections – The Building Safety Division issued a building permit for a baking facility at 5887 Blackwelder St.
The Shop – The Building Safety Division issued a building permit for a new retail and café at 8820 Washington Blvd. (The PLATFORM)
18/8 – The Building Safety Division issued a building permit for a new hair salon at 11955 Washington Blvd.
Washep, Inc. – The Building Safety Division issued a building permit to demolish 511 square feet of an existing 2,173-square foot commercial structure and construct a new carwash tunnel and new convenience store at 11197 Washington Pl.
Sprouts Farmer’s Market – A final building inspection was completed by the Building Safety Division for the relocation of existing equipment and the renovation of salad bar at the store at 5660 Sepulveda Blvd.
Fire Dept.
Thanksgiving Fire Safety – Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Assn., Thanksgiving day cooking long has been the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries.
Tips to keep in mind:
- Leading cause of fire in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop. If you leave the kitchen for even a short time, turn off the stove.
- Stay in the home when cooking turkey and check on it frequently.
- Make sure children stay away from hot food and liquids. Steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns. Have a kid-free zone of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip while carrying hot food items.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from appliances do not dangle off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test by pushing the test button.
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Dept.
Renting Vets Auditorium – The complex will be closed on Thursday, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day. Call 310.253.6625 or email vmc.booking@culvercity.org for booking information.
Holiday Food Certificate Program – Consider a tax-deductible contribution to the Culver City Senior Citizens Assn. annual Holiday Food Certificate Program. Each donated dollar goes directly toward buying supermarket food certificates for less fortunate Culver City friends. Donation check should be payable to the Culver City Senior Citizens Assn., Attn: Holiday Certificate Program, 4095 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90232. The program is administered by Darren Uhl, Disability and Social Services Specialist, at 310.253.6729 or darren.uhl@culvercity.org.
Senior Prom – Vegas Style – On Saturday, Oct. 24, 140 seniors arrived to find the Senior Center had been transformed into a Las Vegas night club. Seniors were greeted by handsome young men in tuxedoes and entered on a red carpet. Ladies were given orchid corsages. A caterer prepared a feast, a photographer was present and attendees enjoyed casino-style games. Entertainment was provided by “The Rat Pack,” a group performing a tribute to the music of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Frank Sinatra.
Volunteer Opportunities – As the holiday season begins, several organizations need volunteers. Check out the Big Sunday Holiday List at http://theholidaylist.bigsunday.org/ and search “Culver City” to fund local giving opportunities. Toy drives, sing-alongs, and Thanksgiving meals are on the list. Jill Thomsen can answer questions at 310.253.6722 or jill.thomsen@culvercity.org.
Culver City After School Recreation Program and Teen Center – Both will be closed Wednesday through Friday.
Police Dept.
Awards and Retirement Dinner — Chief Scott Bixby and the department held a retirement and awards dinner at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles -Westside in Culver City on Nov. 14. Officer Jim Raetz, Officer Marc Young and Reserve Captain David Oberg retired this year and were recognized with City Council commendations for their 30 years of service.
The department honored the following:
- Sustained Superiority Award — Records technician Kori Williams, property technician Butch Turner, and Det. Edward Baskaron.
- Special Recognition Award — Communications operator Danielle Bell, management analyst Tasha Horn, reserve Police Officer Brad Fine, Police Officer Jason Davis, and Sgt. Allen Shepherd.
- Distinguished Service Medal – Det. Chris Horii and Sgt. Eden Palacio.
- Police Officer of the Year — Officer Jason Martin.
- Professional Staff Employee of the Year – Management analyst Jeanine Plute.
- David Shaby Award — Officer Cris Ferrier.
- City Council commendations – Jailer Pete Nunez and Police Officer Tommy Irwin.
All five Council members and Human Resources Director Serena Wright-Black attended.
Public Works Dept.
Free Rain Barrels – Catch the rain and water savings by helping to conserve water in this drought year with a free rain barrel. Collecting and reusing rainwater ensures that water is being used efficiently by reducing the amount of water flowing into storm drains and local waterways. The department thanks West Basin Municipal Water District, Golden State Water Co., the Rotary Club, and The Culver Studios.
To register to receive a free rain barrel, call the South Bay Environmental Services Center at 310.371.4633. Rain barrels will be distributed at West Basin Municipal Water District-sponsored events.
Turf Removal Rebate – Until June 30, the city is offering a rebate to the first 50 residents who remove their turf and replace it with drought tolerant plants. The rebate covers the cost to rent one bin to dispose of the turf. It is valued at $167.23.
To inquire about the availability of the rebate program, contact the Public Works Environmental Programs and Operations Refuse and Recycling Customer Service Office, 310.253.6400, Monday through Friday. 6:30 to 3, or email turfremoval@culvercity.org.
Kiwanis Tree Donation – It’s looking greener in Culver City as a result of a donation by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica — 16 male Ginkgo Biloba trees to add to the city’s urban forest. The donation was facilitated by incoming Kiwanis President Tony Antich and Vice President Phil Brock in cooperation with Santa Monica’s Urban Forester, Matthew Wells. The trees, which have been identified in the city’s Tree Master Plan, will be planted at vacant tree sites. The Kiwanis Club also donated trees to the cities of Santa Monica and Burbank.
Visioning Symposium – As part of the city’s Safe Routes to School initiative, a Visioning Symposium was held last Tuesday. In 2012, the city received a four-year Safe Routes to School grant, which focuses on encouraging and educating students in Culver City about the benefits of walking, biking, and scooting to school.
In coordination with the city’s consultant, Jim Shanman of Culver City Walk ‘n Rollers, members of the community participated in this interactive forum. The focus was to evaluate the success and current impact of the grant initiative, in its third year, and to develop goals. The group discussed goals that would guide the sustainability of the Safe Routes to School efforts beyond the four-year grant.
Participants included City Councilperson Meghan Sahli-Wells and city staff from Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and the Police departments. Representatives from the School District were present as well as students from Middle School Associated Student Body. Parents, residents and community members participated.
100 Healthy Homes Campaign – If you ride Metro’s Expo Line, you may have seen the new Culver City’s 100 Healthy Homes diorama at the Culver City station. In collaboration with the Energy Network, the city is continuing efforts to help homeowners make energy efficient home upgrades with its Culver City’s 100 Healthy Homes campaign. The campaign encourages Culver City homeowners to participate in the Energy Upgrade California® Home Upgrade program, a statewide rebate and incentive program supported by utility customers. Home Upgrade rebates are available for windows, insulation, high-efficiency water heaters, and green heating and cooling improvements. These upgrades result in improved indoor air quality, increased comfort, greater efficiency, financial savings, and greater property values for residents.
The Energy Network connects interested homeowners with a local participating contractor who helps choose the right options and checks homeowners’ eligibility for rebates and incentives. Special financing options are also available. Residents can get healthy rebates of $6,500 or more when making energy-saving home improvements. 877.785.2237 or www.tenres.com.
Mr. Nachbar, the city manager, may be contacted at john.nachbar@culvercity.org
