Fire Dept.
Children at the Library – Firefighters read stories to children and their parents at the Julian Dixon Library last Tuesday evening. Outside, the children were able to see Engine 1 up close and learn more about the Fire Dept.
Vaccination Recommendation — There has been a recent increase in cases of invasive meningococcal disease among men living in Southern California, most of whom are men who have sex with men. The County Dept. of Public Health recommends meningococcal vaccine for groups who are at increased risk for the disease. Visit the Los Angeles County Public Health website for information.
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Dept.
After School – Registration for the Culver City After School Recreation Program for the new school year is under way. The program serves Linwood Howe Elementary, El Rincon Elementary, Farragut Elementary, El Marino Elementary and Culver City Middle School students. Registration will continue until all spaces are filled. After school staff provides a fun, caring and structured program that features quiet time for homework, timed daily activity rotations, fresh healthy snacks, arts and crafts, community projects and special events. To register, call 310.253.6650.
CarFit – The Senior Center and Social Services Division will host a CarFit event on Saturday, from 8:30 to noon at the Senior Center. CarFit offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles fit them. A team of trained technicians and/or health professionals works with each participant to ensure each fits his vehicle for maximum comfort and safety. A CarFit check takes 20 minutes. Open to drivers 55 and older, appointments must be made at 310.253.6700 to make a reservation.
Older American Award – For the past 50 years, May has been proclaimed Older Americans Month, honoring older residents’ volunteer work. The national theme this year was “Blaze a Trail,” reflecting how older residents reinvest their resources in their communities through sharing their wisdom, talents and time with others. This year’s honoree is Thais Magrane, celebrating 20 years of active volunteer service at the Senior Center. She has contributed her energy and expertise to the Nutrition Program for more than six hours daily since 2003. She served on the Nutrition Advisory Council, helps at the reception desk, and has received two Golden Apples Nutrition Awards from the County Community and Senior Services. Thais was among those honored at the 51st annual Older Americans Recognition Day Awards, conducted by the County Supervisors and the County Community and Senior Services Dept. Her other community involvement includes volunteering with the Historical Society, Friends of the Library and St. Augustine Church. Thais continues to “blaze a trail” and plans on adding many more years volunteering in the community.
Senior Citizens Grant – In June, Myrna Weber, president of the Culver City Senior Citizens Assn., on behalf of the Board, received a $1,000 check from the Wells Fargo Community Connections Grant Program. In this annual program, each of its retail banking stores explores the needs of their communities and selects a non-profit organization or school to receive the $1,000 grant.
Wells Fargo makes grants in three primary areas: Community Development, Education and Human Services. The Senior Citizens Assn. understands the importance of partnering with corporate sponsors and local businesses to make a difference in Culver City.
Senior Center Zumba – The Senior Center continues to offer its popular zumba classes every day in a variety of forms, such as Zumba Gold, Zumba Chair and Zumba toning – all taught by licensed instructor Yvonne Beraldi. Zumba is a group exercise based on dancing to music from different cultures. Zumba exercise has 14 million practitioners in 150 countries. They focus on all elements of fitness: cardiovascular, muscle conditioning, flexibility and balance. A new Zumba Toning class features resistance training with the use of bands while toning target areas such as arms, core and lower body. Zumba classes are open to Senior Citizens Assn. members and are offered for a fee of $3.
Affordable Living for the Aging – Affordable Living for the Aging staff is available at the Senior Center every Thursday afternoon by appointment. One-third of Los Angeles’ 1.2 million older adults are facing housing instability today and that number is expected to double in 10 years. The program is for seniors seeking affordable and shared housing and for adults of any age who have a room in their house and are seeking a housemate. For an appointment, call 213.261.3862.
Rental Operation – Upcoming events in Vets Auditorium include Jon Lindsay’s Muscle Contest on Saturday.
Culver City Historical Society — Members and the public are invited to a special presentation highlighting the story of Culver City Flowers on Wednesday at 7. Earl and Virgie (Tinger) Eskridge’s family has a long history of flower shops in Culver City, dating back to 1934.
The Historical Society’s Vice President of Programs, Hope Parrish, will explore the history of a family woven into the fabric of this city, including the formation of Culver City Little League, Culver City Bank, and their connection to the Douglas Aircraft Co. All are welcome to enjoy this free program in the Multipurpose Room of the Vets Auditorium. Information is available on the Historical Society’s website.
Fiesta La Ballona – Fiesta returns the weekend of Aug. 26-28. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. 310.253.6667 or at fiesta.laballona@culvercity.org.
Summer Hours – The staff of the Plunge invites families for Recreation Swimming every day from 12:30 to 3 through Labor Day.
Park Pride Day – The annual Fox Hills Park Pride Day takes place on Saturday, July 30, 9:30 to noon. Participants will be planting Junipers and generally cleaning the park. gloves, tools and lunch will be provided. See the website.
Transportation Dept.
Elite Fleet – At the Government Fleet Expo and Conference, the Culver City Equipment Maintenance and Fleet Services were honored as an Elite Fleet. The Elite Fleets are former No. 1 fleets that continue to perform at a high level of efficiency and have the same leadership. This award recognizes public sector fleet organizations for their leadership, efficiency, and vision for the future in the Government Fleet’s awards program. These fleets continually work on improvements at their own operations. This is not the first time the Culver City team has been honored. In 2010, the Equipment Maintenance & Fleet Services Division was named the No. 1 Best Green Fleet in North America, and in 2013, the Division was named as the No. 1 Best Fleet in North America. In 2014, 2015 and now again, they are honored to be a Government Fleet, Elite Fleet. This year’s honorees are working on fleet greening technologies, employee training, benchmarking projects, updating old or outdated infrastructure, and staying economically efficient. There are 38,000 Public Fleets in North America. There are only four Elite Fleets in North America. Culver City joins Boise, Portland and Mesa.
You can read about the award which will be published in the August edition of Government Fleet.
Hall of Fame Inductee – Also at the Government Fleet Expo, Paul Condran, Fleet Services Manager, was inducted into the Public Fleet Hall of Fame. He joins a group of fleet professionals who have made a significant impact to the industry. Specifically, he was recognized for showing leadership by continuing to enhance the Culver City benchmarking program to include more frequent analysis, productivity, and preventive maintenance compliance. He was also recognized for adding more measurements into the program to better ensure goal compliance. Measuring the results in each category allows the fleet to make fluid decisions on any changes necessary to meet expectations or improve goals. Honorees are industry leaders and pioneers who have significantly contributed to the public fleet profession. The award is sponsored by the National Joint Powers Alliance. Inductees are chosen by a combination of industry professionals via an online ballot and Government Fleet staff. To be eligible, they must have at least 20 years of experience in the industry, 10 of which must have been spent working for a public fleet or a private company contracted to manage a public fleet.
Mr. Nachbar, the city manager, may be contacted at john.nachbar@culvercity.org
