Cultural Affairs Dept.
Permanent Public Art – The Cultural Affairs Commission unanimously has approved an art concept by Refik Anadol for a new development project by the IDS Real Estate Group. The artwork, titled Cirrostratus, will be installed on two facades of the multi-story parking structure at the site. It is scheduled to be completed in September 2017.
Lifetime Achievement – Cultural Affairs Commissioner John B. Williams was recognized last Friday as a Lifetime Achievement Honoree at the African American Heritage Month Celebration presented by Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price and the Living Legend Jazzabration Series in the L.A. Council Chambers. Mr. Williams has served as a Cultural Affairs Commissioner since November 2012.
Fire Dept.
Project Shadow – The department hosted three Culver City High School students as part of the Project Shadow program, which allows students to witness first-hand the challenges, work environment and skills necessary for a career in the fire service. The 30-year-old program hosted Ivan Delgado (12th grade), Jake Rios (12th grade) and Ryuho Tago (11th grade).
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Dept.
New Leaders – The Parks and Playgrounds program has added four senior recreation leaders, and the Teen Center has added one. These new staffers arrive in time to gear up for spring programs and activities that the new season brings.
Spring Day Camp – Just 4 Kids Spring Day Camp registration is under way. The two-week camp is March 28-April 8. Spring Camp will feature field trips to Discover Cube and John’s Incredible Pizza Company. Registration will remain open until Camper spaces are at capacity.
Vets Auditorium – A new recreation specialist joins the Vets Auditorium team, working closely with both the Rental Office staff and the event staff to ensure communication flows efficiently for the rental operation. Several new directional signs have been installed.
Police Dept.
Donations — Local Animal Hospital Access Specialty and Just Food for Dogs presented the Culver City K9 Team a check to help fund the canine’s training and equipment for next year.
Four New Officers — Chief Scott Bixby and the Command Staff attended the graduation of our newest police officers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. program after completing the grueling 20-week training course. They are James Gladden, Michael Kutylo, Mason McCormick and Andrew Gazdik.
Public Works Dept.
Reduces Consumption – City Hall’s use of electricity in January was down 16 percent from January 2015.
Urban Forest Master Plan – Through a series of community meetings and working with the consultant, Artecho, Culver City has developed an Urban Forest Master Plan, setting forth a comprehensive vision for a robust and resilient urban forest. The plan establishes a long-term strategic framework for tree planting and species diversification over 50 years.
The plan will be presented at the March 28 City Council meeting for adoption. The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the plan at the meeting. The draft Urban Forest Master Plan is available for the public to view at the city website (www.culvercity.org) or by clicking the link below:
https://www.hightail.com/download/ZWJVTkZ0bTgyWGZIRHRVag Comments may be emailed to eric.mirzaian@culvercity.org.
Sustainability Survey – The city is conducting a community survey to collect the importance of specific sustainability topics for consideration by the Sustainability Subcommittee.
The survey is available online here. Paper copies will be available at the City Hall second floor Engineering Counter and Senior Center until March 28. Participants of the survey will be entered into a raffle for a free rain barrel.
Clean Bay Certified – When not handled properly, waste generated at restaurants, like food scraps, fats, oils, grease, and other waste can end up in our storm drain system. The proper management of food waste can make a huge difference in the health of the Santa Monica Bay.
The Clean Bay Restaurant Certification Program recognizes restaurants that integrate sustainability and ocean-mindedness into their business practices. This program recognizes improvements in water quality by reducing stormwater runoff pollution generated by restaurant activities. A combination of inspections, collaborations with local cities, and direct outreach to the public results in a positive outcome.
Restaurants can become Clean Bay Certified by complying with 100 percent of the program’s requirements: Locked dumpster lids, labeled storm drains, use of non-toxic cleaning products, avoiding plastic bags, and conserving water. To learn more about the process for restaurants to sign up and become Clean Bay Certified, see www.santamonicabay.org/learn/our-work/clean-bay-restaurants
Free Workshop – The city will host a Water Quality and Conservation Workshop & Rain Barrel Distribution on Saturday, April 9, from 3 o’clock to 7, in the Rotunda Room at the Vets Auditorium. Participants must be residents of Culver City, West Hollywood, or Beverly Hills.
Even though El Niño weather is predicted through the spring, strong rains will not end the California drought. With state-mandated potable water reduction set at 16 percent for Culver City, rain barrels are an excellent way for residents to help meet that reduction goal. Reducing household water use saves residents money on their water bill.
Rain barrels divert water from the City’s storm drain system, relieving street and sidewalk flooding while protecting local waterways from runoff pollution. The oxygenated, un-chlorinated water collected by rain barrels is perfect for irrigating lawns, gardens, and house plants.
Each barrel is made of food grade recycled plastic and measures 39 inches tall, 23 inches in diameter and has a 55-gallon capacity. There is a brass three-quarter-inch spigot for attaching garden hoses and a side brass overflow with a cap. A 4-foot tight steel mesh screen prevents mosquitos and other bugs from accessing the water. Barrels come in black or terra cotta color and cost $85 each. Rain barrel rebates vary between $75 and $100 per barrel, depending on the water provider. www.SoCalWaterSmart.com
Pre-registration is required. Residents may purchase their rain barrel in advance to pick up at the event. Pre-orders of rain barrels are required by the April 7 deadline.
Pre-register at www.CulverCityBarrels.EventBrite.com. Call 562.944.4766 for more information.
Construction Updates: Golden State Water yesterday began replacing the water main on Washington Place between the 405 Freeway and Sepulveda Boulevard. Work schedule: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Transportation Dept.
SmartBus System Project – The department has released a request for proposals for the SmartBus System Project. It will implement a SmartBus System that uses intelligent transportation system technology to provide a bus fleet operations management tool, disseminate real-time bus arrival information to travelers, and provide on-board bus signal priority functionality.
Bus Stop Improvement – The department has released a request for proposals for a project to replace a portion of existing bus stop furniture with new bus stop furniture.
Mr. Nachbar, the city manager, may be contacted at john.nachbar@culvercityorg
