Culver City Observer -

May 24, 2013

Community Development Department

· Culver City Chamber of Commerce – Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) and the City, the Chamber will be hosting a free event on June 6 at the Veterans Auditorium that educates small business owners as to how online market strategies can be utilized. The event is being produced in partnership with Constant Contact, Hootsuite, Microsoft and others. Additional events include the Culver City Chamber's Business EXPO on June 26 and a monthly series that focuses on how businesses can utilize social media. Economic Development staff will be in attendance at these events.

• Parcel B – On Monday, May 20, Netflix rented a portion of Parcel B, 9300 Culver Boulevard, to promote the new season of Arrested Development by distributing free frozen bananas to the public. The promotion was a great success.

• 4043 Irving Place – The mixed-use project is approximately 60% complete and on budget. Scheduled for completion July 15.

• European Wax Center – Building plans have been submitted for a new salon located at 3817 Overland Avenue.

Fire Department

· Fire Service Day – On Saturday May 11, the Culver City Fire Department participated in the annual Fire Service Day celebration. Members of Fire Station 1, in downtown Culver City, opened their doors to allow community members a chance to view the station, the apparatus, and the equipment on display. This annual event is an opportunity for adults and kids alike to see the station, apparatus, and equipment up close. Firefighters were available to provide demonstrations, answer questions, and get to know the community members they serve in a pleasant fun-filled environment. Between the Firefighters’ Pancake Breakfast and the car show to draw the crowd, this year’s event was another great success.

· Fill the Boot – On May 7, 9, and 11, members of the Culver City Fire Department participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) “Fill the Boot” program. These off-duty volunteers spent three days collecting donations for the MDA with 100% of the proceeds being donated to a very worthy cause. Once again, Firefighter Seth Miller volunteered to coordinate the event and participated in the collection of donations. This year, about $12,000 was raised, bringing the total amount raised to $40,000 since 2008.

· Fire Engineer Exam – The Fire Department, along with the Human Resources Department, recently completed the administration of the Fire Engineer Promotional Exam. Individuals who submitted applications to participate in the exam process had to successfully complete the written, rapid hydraulic calculations, pumping aerial, driving, and oral interview in order to be placed on the eligibility list. Four candidates successfully completed all portions of the exam.

· Brush Fire – On May 12 at approximately 4:12 in the afternoon, all Culver City fire units were dispatched to a brush fire to the rear of the Holy Cross Cemetery. Units arrived in the area to find approximately one acre of brush and grass burning in the LA County jurisdiction, adjacent to homes. Culver City units assisted LA County Fire Department air and ground units to extinguish the blaze. A knockdown was declared at 5:25 pm and full containment was achieved at approximately 8 p.m.

There was minor damage reported to one residence (in LA County) and the fire was held to three acres. There were no reported injuries to civilians or fire personnel. The preliminary cause for the fire was a Mylar balloon caught in electrical power lines adjacent to the cemetery. A Field General Supervisor for Southern California Edison reported that there would be a lengthy interruption in electric service to the residents in LA County near Shenandoah and to the mausoleum complex at Holy Cross. It was verified by Culver City fire units that residences in the Culver Crest area, including Marycrest Manor, were not affected by the power outage.

Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department

· Veterans Memorial Building – Dee-Lightful Productions is preparing for performances of “School House Rock” in Veterans Memorial Auditorium from May 30 – June 1. More information is available at www.dee-lightful.org.

· Cultural Affairs – The Cultural Affairs Foundation Board approved fundraising activity to enhance Veterans Memorial Auditorium as a performance venue and to support the Culver City Performing Arts Grant Program.

· Fiesta La Ballona – This year, Fiesta La Ballona will take place from August 23 – 25 at Veterans Memorial Park and will feature live music; food vendors; carnival rides; artisan wares; and a Beer and Wine Garden. Music groups have been selected with styles and genres that include Swing, Mariachi, Surf, 80s Rock, Hip Hop, Disco, Salsa/Cuban, Caribbean, Zydeco and Brazilian. The sponsorship campaign is underway and information is available by visiting www.fiestalaballona.org or by contacting fiesta.sponsorships@culvercity.org.

Police Department

· 10^th Annual Culver City car show - On May 11 the City and Culver City Exchange Club hosted the 10th Annual car show in downtown Culver City. The Police Department helped provide the resources for a safe and fun family event. This year’s show was filled with hundreds of custom and classic cars, trucks, and vendors to make the event a huge success.

· City Wellness Fair - This year the Police Department participated in the City’s Wellness Fair by providing information related to bicycle and pedestrian safety.

· Meeting with Parents of Farragut Elementary - On May 21 Captain Dave Tankenson and Lieutenant Ron Iizuka met with Superintendent Dave LaRose and members of the Farragut Elementary School PTA parents to discuss the implementation of a new program that involves all parents called “Watch Dogs”. The purpose of the program to encourage parents to get involved in mentoring on campus.

Public Works Department

· Completion of McManus/Sherbourne Sidewalk Replacement Project-On February 11 the City Council approved a contract with Carvajal Trucking and Tractor (CT&T) to remove and replace damaged sidewalk sections on Sherbourne Drive, McManus Avenue, and at the Syd Kronenthal Park. The project was funded through a combination of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and State Gas Tax funds. The work is now successfully completed.