City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Update to the Community

City Clerk’s Office

Car Show – The 13th annual Cruisin’ Back to Culver City Car Show, returns to Downtown on Saturday, May 7, from 9 to 3. Hundreds of classic cars and hot rods will be on display along Culver and Washington boulevards, from Ince Boulevard to Duquesne Avenue. www.culvercitycarshow.com

Community Development Dept.

GoPro – The Building Safety Division issued a building permit for a 5,280- square foot tenant improvement at 3526 Hayden Ave.

Anonymous Content – The Building Safety Division issued a building permit for a minor alteration of an existing 10,145-square foot one-story and mezzanine commercial space, at 3532 Hayden Ave.

Morsco/Morrison Supply – A final building inspection was completed on for a 2,716-square foot buildout of a Kohler Signature Store and design center, 3250 Helms Ave.

Bank of the West – Building plans were approved for a 3,199-square foot tenant improvement for a new bank, lobby, offices, staff rooms, restrooms, and ATM room at 8770 Washington Blvd.

Hayden Tract Spur Project — Building plans were submitted for site improvements to include grading, new striping, electrical, and irrigation improvements at 3598 Hayden Ave. This project is anticipated to be completed by June 30.

VCP CP CULVER CITY LLC – Building plans were submitted for exterior meeting and social gathering amenity space on the top floor of the parking garage at 800 Corporate Pointe.

Discount Dance Supply – Building plans were submitted for a 4,700- square foot tenant improvement at 2890 La Cienega Blvd.

Costco – The Building Safety Division issued a building permit for the renovation and addition of 31,023 square feet to the existing Costco Warehouse including a new tire center, exterior food service, seating area and entry canopy at 13463 Washington Blvd.

Baldwin Site/Axis-Mundi – The City Council has approved an 11th Implementation Agreement for the Baldwin project, which is scheduled for three community meetings.

Block Grants – The city is in the process of utilizing different funds for the Senior Center Hearing Loop project and the ADA curb cut project. The funding for these projects will be rolled into available funds for other projects in future years. The hearing loop project will be included in a separate, larger audio-video improvement project, and the curb cuts will now be included in a citywide ADA compliance program.

Fire Dept.

Fire Service Day –It will be on May 7, one week from Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 at Fire Station 1, 9600 Culver Blvd. It coincides each year with the Car Show, and it is an opportunity to get to know firefighters as well as seeing up close the station, apparatus and equipment.

Between 8 and 11 o’clock, Station 1 will serve the firefighters’ Pancake Breakfast–$5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children. New this year: Firefighters will serve chili between 11:30 and 3 at $8 per bowl.

International Training – The department hosted a 16-hour Prehospital Trauma Life Support provider course. It is recognized around the world as the leading continuing education program for prehospital emergency trauma care. The international course was instructed by Monica Bradley, the department’s nurse educator with the assistance of instructors from three local agencies. Paramedics and nurses from out-of-state and throughout California attended the two-day course. Four department paramedics were certified.

Water First Program – Everyone should have emergency water. Residents may purchase a 55- gallon water storage system at a discounted price with free delivery to the drill yard for pickup. The system allows you to fill a 55-gallon drum with water, good for five years. More Prepared has created a special landing page on its website for Culver City residents to place their orders before May 15. All orders placed before May 15 must be picked up on May 22 between 2 o’clock and 5 at the Drill Yard, 9275 Jefferson Blvd. http://ow.ly/4mV9r9. To place an order, see http://www.moreprepared.com/culver-city-residents.html

Parks, Recreation and Community Services Dept.

Registration – Registration forms for Just 4 Kids and Teen Camp are available beginning April 23rd. Registration for residents begins on Saturday, and for non-residents on the following Saturday. May 7. Initial enrollment for camps must be completed at the Vets Park Registration Office. Summer camps begin on Monday, June 13 and end on Friday, Aug. 19. Summer camps will feature field trips to Pirate’s Adventure, Raging Waters, Magic Mountain, Soak City and Knott’s Berry Farm.

DEEP Workshops – The Diabetes Empowerment Education program, known as DEEP, is offering a series of six two-hour weekly interactive workshops. They will focus on nutrition, physical activity, risk factors and potential complications related to diabetes. DEEP workshops are hands-on, providing participants with a strong understanding of how diabetes affects the body, all while meeting and interacting with other individuals living with diabetes. The program is facilitated by a certified DEEP educator. This six-week program will take place at the Senior Center, from 1 to 3 on the first four Mondays in May, the first two Mondays in June.

Aging in America Conference – Culver City Social Services Specialist Jill S. Thomsen spoke at the National Aging in America Conference last month in Washington, D.C. Three thousand persons participated.

Older Americans Month – May is Older Americans Month with special activities all month long at the Senior Center. Among them: The Ukulele Spring Fling, May 10, at 1, an art show the week of May 23, and a special boutique on Friday, May 6. Check out the Senior Center newsletter online at the beginning of May for details.

Vets Auditorium Rental Operation – Turner North Productions rented last week to shoot an episode of The Last Ship for the TNT. The La Ballona Valley Bromeliad Society (323.294.9839) and the Sunset Succulent Society (310.822.1783) present a Bromeliad, Cactus & Succulent Show at the Vets on Saturday and Sunday.

Police Dept.

Prescription Drug Takeback — On Saturday from 10 to 2, residents may dispose of old, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs safely and for free at the Police Station.

Magnet School — Serena Wright, director of Human Resources for the city, coordinated a special event that invited students from the King Drew Magnet School, an alternative high school primarily serving disadvantaged children. Students were given the opportunity to participate in an open discussion with key members of the city’s management team. The students were provided with information about all city departments. Lt. Sam Agaiby discussed the department’s structure, operations and the various career and mentorship opportunities.

Recognition Luncheon — The Rotary and Exchange Clubs hosted a luncheon at the DoubleTree Hotel to recognize members of the department for outstanding service to the community.

Honorees — Community Service Officer Gustavo Pena, Parking Enforcement Officer Bradley Witt, Records Technician Alice Tomas, Police Officer Michael Dooley, Police Officer Jevgenija Misevicius, and Police Explorers Mason Cogan, Tyler Latona, and Gabriel Robles recently were honored by the department.

Additionally, the department honored citizen Fredrick James. His heroic actions prevented a bank robbery and potentially saved lives on Jan. 21 at the One West Bank,10784 Jefferson Boulevard, where he was working as a security guard. His actions also led to the arrest and the eventual prosecution of criminals.

Public Works Dept.

Emergency Response – As a result of gusty wind conditions on a recent Friday, Public Works crews, in conjunction with the city’s tree maintenance contractor, West Coast Arborists, responded to numerous incidents of trees that had fallen and branches that had broken off. In all, a total of four trees had completely been blown over, blocking streets and sidewalks, as well as, numerous trees that sustained considerable limb breakages. Several cars and properties saw damage as a result. West Coast Arborists was able to clear away the down trees and allow obstructed streets to be reopen by the end of the day Friday. Public Works crews spent the first part of last week cleaning up smaller branches and palm fronds. The department will continue to be pro-active about maintenance and pruning of the city’s urban forest.

Compost Giveaway – International Composting Awareness Week with Public Works Environmental Programs and Operations will be marked from Monday through Sunday, May 8. The department, along with American Organics, is holding a free compost giveaway pm Saturday, May 7, from 8 a.m. until noon, in the parking lot adjacent to the Bone Yard (Dog Park).

This is a self-haul event. Residents should bring a shovel and containers. They are responsible for shoveling and bagging their own compost in garbage bags, yard waste bags, and reusable containers. Compost is ready to go, but recommended to be mixed together with topsoil or another gardening fill. For best growing results, a 60/40 split (60 percent topsoil and 40 percent compost) is recommended. This free compost comes from American Organics. Compost material is OMRIListed® (Organic Materials Review Institute) and licensed by the state Dept. of Food and Agriculture). It is approved to be used in agricultural operations that are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program.

Drought-tolerant Landscaping – Water-efficient landscaping doesn’t have to look dull and lifeless. Many beautiful, colorful plants can withstand low-water and high-heat conditions. Consult a nearby nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.

Fast facts:

Drought-tolerant plants have waxy leaves that help them hold in moisture.
They require less watering and maintenance for the home gardener than a traditional landscaping plan.
One can save even more water by grouping plants together that have the same watering needs.
Learn more about water conservation tips and rebates at http://www.culvercity.org/live/home-property/water-convervation

Transportation Dept.

Walk and Roll Festival – Culver CityBus participated in the School District’s Walk and Roll Festival. In a collaborative effort to expand the event to focus on alternative transportation, as opposed to just walking and bike riding, Culver CityBus staff brought a bus to the event, allowing participants to get on board. Attendees (including Council members Jim B. Clarke and Meghan Sahli-Wells) were allowed to picture themselves in the driver’s seat with commemorative Polaroids. Staff was on hand to answer questions and pass out information to those curious about Culver CityBus routes and services.

Mr. Nachbar, the city manager, may be contacted at john.nachbar@culvercity.org