Culver City’s biggest party of the year, the 61st Fiesta La Ballona, begins three spectacular days of entertainment fireworks and family funHere at 4:30 this afternoon in Vets Park, corner of Culver Boulevard and Overland Avenue (www.FiestaLaBallona.org)
Meeting Mayor Andy Weissman may be a low priority for six-year-old Holly MacGaffey, who is excited to go on the strawberry ride, decorate her bike in the Cycle City attraction and participate in the Wizard of Oz obstacle course.
But she will have the opportunity, along with the expected 20,000 Fiesta La Ballona guests, to meet the City Council, Police Chief Don Pedersen, Fire Chief Chris Sellers and statewide elected officials. State Assemblymember Holly J. Mitchell (D-Culver City) and state Sen. Curren D. Price Jr. (D-Culver City) will greet guests at Fiesta La Ballona at their booth and throughout the grounds.
“I know Holly has many speaking engagements that weekend, and we're excited that she will be able to visit with her constituents at Vets Park,” said Fiesta La Ballona committee member Christopher Patrick King, who sits on Ms. Mitchell’s Small Business Advisory Committee.
City department heads and staff members from the fire, police, transportation, parks, recreation, public works and administrative departments will answer questions of the public.
They also will come armed with equipment, pamphlets, prizes for display and presentation at their booths.
As for young Ms. McGaffey, “I will give the mayor a snow cone,” she said with a grin.
Stars in the Park
Among the dignitaries who will grace Vets Parks:
At Saturday morning’s Opening Ceremony, 11:45, on the Main Stage, visitors may glimpse or visit with:
Chief Pedersen, Chief Sellers, City Manager John Nachbar, Transportation Director Art Ida, Parks, and Recreation Director Dan Hernandez, Assemblymember Mitchell, Sen. Price, City Council members Jim Clarke, Meghan Sahli-Wells, Mehaul O’Leary, Mayor Weissman, Vice Mayor Jeff Cooper and City Atty. Carol Schwab.
Community Development Director Sol Blumenfeld, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Muir, Asst. City Manager Martin Cole, Public Works Director Charles Herbertson, the School Board – Laura Chardiet, Kathy Paspalis, President Karlo Silbiger, Nancy Goldberg and Pat Prof. Pat Siever, Miss Culver City 2012 Marina Inserra, Miss Culver City 2011/Miss California 2011, Grand Marshal Dave Sanchez and Culver City Historical Society Honoree Cathy Zermeno.
