2012
City Attorney’s Office Participates in Regional and State Discussions Regarding Oil Drilling Regulations
The City Attorney’s Office released its Oil Drilling Regulations Discussion Draft and scheduled a community outreach meeting that will allow for community input. The Office has also been actively participating in rulemaking and regulatory processes initiated by Regional and State Agencies relating to oil drilling and fracking, including the Department of Conservation’s Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR), the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and (SCAQMD)the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), attending workshops, meetings and submitting comments on behalf of the City.
Culver City Responds to LAX Expansion
On behalf of the City, the City Attorney’s Office has participated in the Specific Plan Working Group, has advised the Council regarding making comments at several public hearings, and has overseen submittal of numerous comments on environmental and planning documents put forth by Los Angeles World Airports and the City of Los Angeles.
Revisions Made to Culver City’s Art in Public Places Ordinance
Working with the Community Development Department, Cultural Affairs staff, and the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, the City Attorney’s Office has modernized the Art in Public Places ordinance, resulting in streamlined administration of the Art in Public Places Program. This update has provided funding for maintenance and preservation of art acquired through the city’s Art in Public Places Program and enhanced the City’s support of the performing arts.
City Attorney’s Office Keeps Culver City Business-Friendly
The City Attorney’s Office and Public Works staff have successfully updated the forms and procedures used to process outdoor dining applications. These updates have resulted in more efficient processing of outdoor dining applications.
The City Attorney’s Office Assists in Municipal Code Enforcement
The City Attorney’s Office has assisted code enforcement in addressing Municipal Code violations. The City Attorney currently holds office hearings and assists in prosecuting violators when necessary.
Culver City’s Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance Moves Forward
As part of a joint project with the Public Works Department, the City Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Addendum and holding community outreach meetings. The Ordinance will be brought for introduction on May 13th.
City Attorney’s Office Helps Protect Culver City’s Interests
The City Attorney’s Office has worked closely with the City Manager’s Office, as well as the Finance and Community Development Departments to protect the City’s interests to the maximum extent possible. After the dissolution of the Culver City Redevelopment Agency, the Office has helped the City of Culver City navigate several issues including amendments to the Zoning Code.
Culver City Advances Plans for the Washington National Transit Oriented Development
Ten years ago the city established a new planning vision for Washington/National Boulevards -- a new Transit Oriented Development District served by light rail transit that would connect the downtown, Helms District, Hayden Tract and the region. Washington/National will become the City’s model transit oriented development. Washington National will bring housing, shopping and employment together to address regional problems of air quality and mobility. Culver City has approved the project zoning and selected Lowe Enterprises to develop it. Since last summer, over 800,000 sq. ft. of development has been entitled or rezoned for Transit Oriented Development within this district. Expected completion is 2017.
Transit Oriented Development Construction to Begin Soon
Construction will begin this year on two Transit Oriented Development (TOD) projects, Legado Crossing and Platform. Legado Crossing (located across from the City’s project) is a terrific new mixed used Transit Oriented Development, providing 25,700 sq. ft. of retail, 5,500 sq. ft. of restaurants with outdoor dining, 115 residential units and a new corner park serving the emerging TOD neighborhood. The project will break ground by summer with expected completion in 2014 Platform is a new retail-office project also located across from the City’s TOD with 27,000 sq. ft. of retail, 14,000 sq. ft. of restaurants and 38,000 sq. ft. of office. The project will break ground by summer with expected completion in 2014.
Community Development Department Works to Fulfill Culver City’s Parking Needs
Culver City continues to provide new parking opportunities and address the current deficiencies. In addition to working with area developers, like Hackman Capital Partners to construct surplus parking, the City has also pushed ahead in purchasing a parking easement to supply parking for new business expansions or new business relocations to the area. The City is also proceeding with code amendments to establish a new Hayden Tract Parking District that provides new flexibility in the establishment of off-site parking and allows new parking technologies like automated parking to increase parking supplies.
Community Development Department Remains Optimistic About the Future of Redevelopment in Culver City
The Parcel B project is fully entitled ready to process building permits to commence construction, once it has been approved by the State. The project includes exciting architecture and urban design and will bring 115,000 sq. ft. of office and retail and 84 subterranean parking spaces to downtown Culver City.
Culver City Continues its Commitment to Affordable Housing
Culver City recently adopted a Comprehensive Affordable Housing Strategy to develop smaller, scattered site, mixed income projects like Tilden Terrace - a 30,000 sq. ft. site, currently under construction that provides 33 affordable units. The City is partnering with Los Angeles Housing Partnership on the development. This mixed use project will redevelop an entire city block and provide new ground level retail opportunities for an area that has been underserved commercially. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, the City will also develop a new affordable town house project on Globe Avenue in West Culver City which will include 10 low and moderate income for-sale homes, with 30 year affordability covenants to qualified owners contributing their construction equity.
Culver City Continues Work on the Market Hall Project
The Community Development Department continues to plan for the new Market Hall project. The Market Hall will be located on a 1.6 acre site on two parcels at the northerly corners of Washington Blvd and Centinela Avenue. Inspired by the Ferry Building in San Francisco and Seattle’s Pike Place, it will offer small cafes, kiosks, small retail food vendors and food related services,
Culver City Completes Phase III of its Area Improvement Plans
The City of Culver City has established a series of demonstration projects called AIP’s (Area Improvement Plans) each encompassing several blocks. The Phase III project, includes the rehabilitation of the medians at Wade Street, Washington Blvd., Washington Place and Zanja, has been recently completed to include new trees, planting and decorative panels and lighting.
Revitalization of the Baldwin Motel Site is Underway
Culver City is continuing to work with developers to revitalize the formerly blighted Baldwin motel site. Plans for the revitalization include a new 27 unit mixed use project with ground level retail.
Culver City Looks for New Redevelopment Funds
The City of Culver City continues to look for new and appropriate ways to fund redevelopment projects. Going forward, the City is looking to use of Community Facilities Districts (CFD’s) to issue bonds to finance improvements for allowable redevelopment purposes. Seven potential CFD’s have been identified throughout the City which could fund new parking and infrastructure.
Fox Hills Reimagined
The City of Culver City is looking to reimagine Fox Hills - a 1980’s suburban office park - and reposition it as a new, creative office center with a new master plan, development of a new “main street”, new creative office space, restaurants, open space, pedestrian amenities and fiber optic infrastructure.
Finance Department Implements a New Financial System
In 2012, the Finance Department was able to implement a new financial system on time and on budget. The new, online payment option for invoices issued from the Finance Department, allows Culver City to continue to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Culver City Finance Department Assists with Ballot Measure Education
During the last election cycle, the Finance Department worked closely with City officials and City staff to assist on Measure Y Sales Tax ballot measure education. The overwhelming passage of Measure Y will bring financial stability to the City.
Finance Department Helps Culver City Adjust to Changing Economic Climate
The Finance Department has worked closely with the City Manager’s Office, as well as the City Attorney’s Office and Community Development Department to help Culver City adjust to recent changes in federal and state funding. After the dissolution of the Culver City Redevelopment Agency, the Department spent countless hours ensuring that Culver City would continue to thrive.
Culver City Fire Department Shows Commitment to Emergency Preparedness
Prior to the official opening of the new “Expo Line” in Culver City, fire department personnel received several days of classroom as well as hands-on training sessions. The training was provided by the MTA and involved various types of situations such as fires, electrical emergencies, physical rescues, and train accidents. This year, personnel participated in more than 20,000 hours of training. Personnel participated in the classroom and hands-on training for three different CERT classes which successfully graduated over 90 students.
The Culver City Fire Department also provided nearly 1,000 hours of public education. Department personnel conducted more than 2,500 fire prevention inspections on local businesses, apartments, condominium complexes, schools, and public buildings and spent over 800 hours servicing and making minor repairs to every fire hydrant in the City. Fire Department personnel also participated in the California Great Shake Out in concert with CERT and CCARES members. The citywide drill was a great success and raised the community’s and participant’s level of preparedness and awareness.
Culver City Fire Department in the Community
Fire Department personnel participated in a variety of community events such as the YMCA Healthy Kids event, Culver City High School-Project Shadow, El Rincon’s career day “Children First”, Sidewalk CPR, the Youth Safety and Resource Fair, Fiesta La Ballona, Farmer’s Market, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the Westside Children’s Holiday Party to name a few. Once again, Fire Station #1 hosted displays and inter-active video gaming equipment for the three-day IndieCade event held in downtown Culver City.
The Fire Department also held their annual Fire Service Day and Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station #1 in conjunction with the Downtown Car Show providing the public an opportunity to meet their firefighters, see the apparatus and equipment, and tour the fire station. The Department also held their annual Toys for Smiles Chili Luncheon, collecting many toys for distribution to children throughout the Culver City community.
Culver City Fire Department Responds Effectively to Emergency Situations
As the temperature began to rise in September, so did the number of wildland fires in southern California. Culver City fire units were called to assist the Los Angeles City Fire Department on a couple of fast moving wildland fires in the Sepulveda Pass area. Although a significant number of aches burned in both fires, no homes were damaged or destroyed.
Over the course of 2012, the CCFD responded to more than 4,500 individual emergencies, requiring more than 10,000 unit responses with a travel time of five minutes or less 90% of the time. Of the more than 3,700 emergency medical calls responded too, approximately 2,500 patients were transported to one of the local Westside hospitals by one of Culver City’s Paramedic Ambulances.
Culver City Fire Department Announces New Hires and Promotions
In 2012, the Culver City Fire Department brought on 11 new Firefighters and promoted five new Captains, five new Engineers, and one new Battalion Chief
City of Culver City Human Resources Department Implements Two New Programs
Culver City’s Human Resources Department recently implemented two new programs. The first, a Supervisor Training Program, will assist with development of supervisory skills for new supervisors. The second, a newly developed Safety Program, meets Cal-OSHA requirements and aligns with new training requirements set forth by Culver City’s newly reinstituted Safety Committee. This committee holds quarterly meetings and provides departments with quarterly safety and training reports.
Human Resources Works Hard for Culver City Employees
The Human Resources Department works to ensure that Culver City staffing requirements are up to date, and that the City of Culver City remains a great place to work. The Human Resources Department recently developed and implemented a modified duty program for injured employees who are precluded from performing their regular duties. It has also implemented various provisions of PEPRA (Pension Reform Act) and the HR module of new ERP system (Munis). The Department also organized a employee recognition picnic.
Information Technology Department Introduces New Cost-Cutting Programs
Within Culver City’s Information Technology Department, both the Graphic Services Division and the Technical Services Division have introduced new programs that are saving taxpayers thousands of dollars.
Graphic Services Division - Traditionally the City has leased its multi-function copier machines. In an effort to reduce costs, staff proposed purchasing the machines at the end of the current lease. The purchase resulted in annual ongoing savings of $56,000 each year for the life of the purchased copiers. Staff expects these copiers will not need to be replaced for about 6-8 years. The City will realize a savings of approximately $392,000.
Technical Services Division - The City participated in a free program sponsored by Southern California Edison to install smart power sensors on City computers. When the workspace is unoccupied for 30 minutes, the sensor shuts off power to monitors and peripheral devices while the computer is left unaffected. When motion is detected power is automatically restored. The sensors were installed on approximately 250 PCs and SCE predicts the City will save $40 per unit for an expected annual savings of $10,000.
Information Technology Department Continues Move to Virtual Computing
The Technical Services Division of Culver City’s IT Department continues its commitment to moving Culver City’s information systems towards virtual computing. - As of Spring 2013, two thirds of all City servers will be virtual machines. Virtual server technology enables one physical server to do the work of multiple servers. This migration has contained costs by reducing power consumption, hardware purchases, and consolidated licensing costs.
Culver City Introduces New GIS Sewer Infrastructure Management System
In coordination with the Public Works Department, the Information Technology Department developed a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) application to support sewer infrastructure management. This web-based, interactive application provides accesses to data about Culver City’s Wastewater System including manholes and pump stations. Links to sewer video files and engineering drawings are now easily accessible from the application. The application aids Engineers in retrieving information which has saved time for City employees and the public.
New Website Enhancements Take Effect
The Information Technology Department is proud to announce new enhancements to its website that will help the public get the most from Culver City’s website. These enhancements include the ability to submit temporary film and event parking requests online, and the implementation of Captcha to prevent spam.
Online Parking Requests
The public can now make pre-purchase parking requests for the City’s Ince Parking Structure online. The user submits their parking request which goes to Modern Parking for approval. Once the request is approved, the user can pay online to finalize their reservation. This application was developed to facilitate the approval process between City staff and Modern Parking.
Captcha
To prevent spam submissions on the City’s webpage for Bid and RFP downloads, Captcha was implemented. CAPTCHA is an image of two words that appear slightly distorted which only humans can decipher preventing hackers from submitting online forms.
Culver City Rotary Club Raises Over $5,000 for Teen Center
With the help of the Culver City Rotary Club and their annual “Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Service and Friendship Fundraising Dinner,” the Culver City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department raised over $5,000 to purchase new computers for the Teen Center computer lab. Additional funds will be used for the upkeep of the computer lab.
Culver City Teen Center Receives Gift from the Happy Charity Foundation
The Happy Charity Foundation once again donated $500 to the Culver City Teen Center to support teens in Culver City. An awards dinner was held on March 1, 2013.
Culver City Teen Center Goes Hi-Tech
The Culver City Teen Center went hi-tech by providing its members with membership cards. The new membership cards are handy and easy to use. It makes the daily check-in process faster and gives the youth an opportunity to feel a sense of responsibility.
Summer Day Camp Programs Partner with New Building Stones to Provide Culver City Kids with Lunches and Snacks
This past summer, the City was able to provide healthy lunches and snacks for participants enrolled in the City’s camp programs. With the help of a non-profit organization called New Building Stones, over 1,000 lunches and snacks were provided.
Culver City Afterschool Program Reaches a Milestone
For the first time since the beginning of the Culver City Afterschool Program (CCARP), all the CCARP elementary schools sites reached their maximum capacity. CCARP provides child care services after school to four Culver City elementary schools (El Marino, El Rincon, Farragut and Linwood E. Howe) as well as the Culver City Middle School. CCARP provides child care services and makes 25,920 participant contacts a year.
Parks & Playgrounds Continues to Grow
Since its inception in 2008, Parks & Playgrounds has had over 18,000 participants in its after school drop-in program.
The Plunge Expected to Exceed Participation Goals
The Plunge is projected to exceed 2013 program participation goals in all areas by margins of 10%.
Community Support Helps Improve the Plunge
The First Annual Plunge Community Enhancement Project has collected nearly $6,000 in donations from members of Southern California Aquatics, Culver City Unified School District, Royal Swim Team and TSM Swim Team. The City of Buenaventura donated three stainless steel lifeguard towers to the City of Culver City, valued at over $7000.
Aquatics Staff Receives High Marks
The Aquatics Staff received high marks in customer service, safety and programming in a customer survey conducted in December 2012 and January 2013.
Syd Kronenthal Park Receives Grant for a New Playground Project
The City of Culver City was just awarded $250,000 Prop A Grant funding that will be used for the new 5-12 year old playground replacement project at Syd Kronenthal Park. Elsewhere in the park, there is an ongoing effort to keep the softball fields safe and playable. As part of the winter Turf Refurbishment Program, the turf was renovated and the fields were leveled in December/January. Also, new tennis courts windscreens were installed as part of the facilities improvements upgrades at all the parks.
Update on Culver City Park Maintenance and Repairs
Culver City Parks, Recreation and Community Services continue to maintain and update Culver City Park. These services have addressed the following areas:
a. Rose Gardens: Volunteers and Parks Division staff continue to work together to prune and spruce up the Mothers Rose Garden, the Vets Rose Garden and the Culver City Park Rose Garden. Also, a new gravel maintenance road was installed at the Culver City Park Rose Garden.
b. Culver City Playground: The Culver City Playground Project was completed in May. The project consisted of a new exciting playground design, new shade structure, concrete picnic tables and benches, and a new BBQ and is a huge success with the community.
c. Seating Areas: As part of the ongoing Parks Amenities Replacement Program, the outdated metal tables and benches at some of our parks have been replaced by new concrete benches, tables and trash receptacles. At Culver City Park, new tables, benches, and trash receptacles were installed at the Sundial Overlook area adjacent to Bill Botts Field.
d. Landscaping: Landscaping work was recently completed at Culver City Park to ensure the park was in total Fire Code complaince. This recent work was an ongoing part of the Fire Brush Abatement project, per directive of Culver City Fire Department. The Parks Division managed Marina Landscape on the project (Contractor) and West Coast Arborists (in conjunction with Streets Division) previously pruned all the trees on the slopes.
e. Sports Fields: The Parks Division continues to meet the challenge of maintaining sports fields on the moving landfill at Culver City Park. Weekly occurrences of mainline breaks are continually being repaired, along with remote control valves needing replacement, all due to the settling soils. As the land continues to subside, so do the irrigation lines, forcing abandonment of some lines as they go deeper than can be located or reached with the equipment the City has in their inventory to excavate these areas. At the present time, the system is up and running as a result of dedicating additional grounds maintenance staff to the project site to assist the irrigation crew with the repairs as these incidents occur.
Lights Installed at the Boneyard
New Dog Park lights were installed through the generous donation from the Abraxis Group, and the hard work of the Friends of the Dog Park, Public Works and Parks Divisions.
Mayor of Kaizuka Visits the Kaizuka Japanese Garden
Members of the Parks Division met with the Kaizuka Sister City contingent at the Garden. The Mayor of Kaizuka and guests were extremely pleased with the condition of the garden, the bonsai trees, the newly planted cherry trees, the dedication plaque, and were excited to see the waterwheel and stream in full operation.
Veterans Park Prepares for Grand Reopening pf the Veterans Memorial Building
Parks Division staff recently installed a new ADA compliant drinking fountain as the last component of the City’s Prop 84 Grant obligation. Also, a new “Dragon” spring toy was installed, along with new concrete picnic tables at the picnic pavilion. In preparation for the Grand Reopening of the Veterans Memorial Building, as part of the VMB refurbishment project, Parks Grounds Maintenance staff completely re-landscaped the planter areas surrounding the Vets Building. New plantings of shrubs and ground cover, detailing all the planters, weeding, pruning and painting occurred all around the building, including the islands in the rear parking lot. Inside the building, staff has ordered new tables, chairs, and risers to complete the transformation and new trash containers and recycling bins will be added soon.
Upgrades Complete at Lindberg Park
In an ongoing effort reduce expenses while keeping the old playground equipment safe and open to the public and children of all ages, Lindberg Park received an upgrade of new replacement parts and continued maintenance and repairs of the existing play equipment. Parks Facility Maintenance staff has also completely rebuilt the choo choo train at the Lindberg Park Playground for tots. Special parts were fabricated and ordered; the entire train was completely disassembled and reassembled incorporating the new parts. Today it looks as good as new.
New Exercise Equipment Comes to Fox Hills Park
Culver City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services has completed installation of three new PAR equipment exercise work out stations at Fox Hills Park as part of the ongoing Par Course equipment upgrades at all of the parks. Syd Kronenthal Park is next on the list for all new Par Course equipment.
Senior and Social Services Reach Hundreds of Culver City Residents Every Day
Each day 700+ seniors have the opportunity to participate in lifelong learning classes and programs, emphasizing health & wellness, arts & music, special interest groups and special events. Seniors are encouraged to take advantage of Culver City’s Community Partnerships for classes and programs. These partnerships include UCLA’s Center for Longevity, the Golden Age of American Music Series co-sponsored by USC, Ms. Senior America of California Pageant, Culver City High School AVPA String Orchestra, Farragut Elementary Kindergarten, UCLA Healthcare 50 Plus, LA Valley College Nursing Program, Santa Monica Emeritus College Lyric Chorus, TV Personality Matthew Hoffman and many others.
Culver City Continues to Provide Disability Program Services
Culver City coordinates two recreational events for adults with disabilities each month, including Braille Bingo; Dinner & Movie Night; Luau & Hawaiian BBQ; and Dances for the Developmentally Disabled. Along with the Disability Advisory Committee, Culver City also planned the annual carnival event celebrating “Disability Awareness Month.” The event was possible through partnerships with local non-profit agencies and the assistance of 85 volunteers. There were approximately 295 participants.
Culver City Senior Center Association Supports the Culver City Community
The Culver City Senior Center Association has graciously adopted the Teen Center billiards tables. They have agreed to the upkeep of the tables and in November, the tables were recovered with brand new felt and repairs were made to the pockets. Members from the billiards Clubs at the Center have also donated their time to teach billiards to teens. The Culver City Senior Citizens Association also helped coordinate the annual Holiday Certificate Program. The event raised $6,400 in community donations and provided grocery certificates for 136 households benefitting low-income Culver City families and seniors for the holidays.
Culver City’s Senior Nutrition Program Helps Seniors Stay Well
This year, the Senior Nutrition Program, with the help of over 200 volunteers, served 27,000 meals on-site, delivered over 9,000 meals to homebound seniors, and made more than 1600 phone calls to check on at-risk seniors. The City of Culver City recently assisted the Los Angeles Community Food Bank in launching their new monthly Commodity Supplemental Food Program benefiting low income seniors age 60 and older in Culver City.
Culver City is dedicated to helping educate seniors about healthy lifestyle choices. The Senior Nutrition Program offers classes for seniors including a 5-week Healthy Cooking class and a Diabetes Support Group designed for individuals 55 and older that are pre-diabetic, diabetic or caring for someone with diabetes.
RSVP Continues to Engage the Senior Community
Culver City’s Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Services (RSVP) continues to provide the City’s seniors with a variety of educational, recreational and social services. Recently, more than 350 RSVP volunteers donated over 75,000 volunteer hours at more than 50 sites throughout the Culver City community, including tutoring GED students, knitting afghan sweaters for veterans, and stocking and serving at our local food bank. RSVP, in partnership with Symantec, was also able to provide one-on-one technical assistance to more than 100 seniors. Symantec volunteers assist our seniors with their laptops, kindles, nooks and iPads at our quarterly “iNeed Help with my gadget” workshop. Also, Culver City recently coordinated the 2nd CarFit event in conjunction with AARP and provided 32 seniors with in-car automobile safe driving assessments.
City Hall Corps Pilot Project a Huge Success
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is entering the second year of their pilot City Hall Corps project. The City Hall Corps provided 10 volunteers to 5 different City divisions helping a reduced Parks staff to handle the many other needs in the City. As part of the City Hall Corps, the City’s Rose Garden volunteers have now maintained and improved the City Rose Gardens for over a year!
“Made in Culver City” Event Celebrates the City’s 95th Anniversary
This year’s “Made in Culver City” featured MGM’s A Night at the Opera which was screened at Veterans Memorial Auditorium to celebrate the City’s 95th Anniversary. The event was presented with the participation of the Culver City Historical Society.
Culver City Cultural Affairs Continues to Provide Cultural Work Programs
The year-round Performing Arts Grant Program continues to provide performances throughout Culver City. Further, the Cultural Affairs Foundation continues to raise money for the City’s cultural work programs. The Culver City Cultural Affairs Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes and supports historic preservation, public art, and cultural programming in Culver City.
Culver City’s Animal Services Program Becomes Permanent
In Culver City, animal control services are now provided through the Culver City Police Department’s Animal Services Officer and by the County of Los Angeles when the City’s ASO is off duty. Culver City’s Animal Services Officer is responsible for enforcing all state, county, and municipal laws regarding the care and control of domestic animals.
Culver City Police Department Continues Training As part of the Culver City Police Department’s commitment to providing the highest level of police service, officers participate in multiple trainings every year. Recently, these trainings have included Active shooter training, barricaded suspects and pursuits, handling the mentally ill and other pertinent scenarios. Enhanced Training was conducted for Traffic Officers covering Accident Reconstruction, Advanced Collision Investigation. Also, all department supervisors attended “Team Building Workshops” to improve overall performance so the community can be better served.
Police Department Responds Effectively to Crime in Culver City
During 2012, the Culver City Police Department reported an outstanding 100% clearance rate on Felony Hit and Run accidents and 78% Clearance rate on Misdemeanor Hit and Runs accidents.
CCPD Introduces New Ways to Keep Culver City Safe
Over the last year, the Culver City Police Department has successfully implemented several new programs and initiatives that have not only reduced department costs, but have also reduced crime and increased accountability. These new programs and initiatives include the implementation of a new Field Training Software program that allows for enhanced documentation of employee performance, the installation of a new video monitoring system for the Jail and Police facility including the ability to monitor activity at Culver City High School, and the outsourcing of Alarm Permit Functions to provide online customer service. Further, the CCPD, in conjunction with the Transportation Department instituted the Transit Safety Program where Officers ride city busses to ensure passenger safety and reduce vandalism.
Culver City Is First California City to Implement Smart 911
Culver City is pleased to announce that it is the first city in California to implement a new system to improve 9-1-1 services for all citizens. Smart911 allows individuals to create a Safety Profile for their household that includes vital personal and medical information that will be available to emergency responders in the event that 9-1-1 is called. This is of great benefit to not only our 9-1-1 call takers, but also our first response teams, as personal Safety Profiles can help them respond to an individual emergency call faster and with more information. We encourage all citizens to create their Safety Profile today. Profiles can be completed online at
https://www.smart911.com/smart911/registration/registrationLanding.action
Culver City Police Department Gives Back
During 2012, Reserve Officers donated over 5,000 hours of time, assisting at events such as the 4th of July, the car show, in patrol and working the front desk. These volunteer hours resulted in a savings of approximately $220,000 dollars to the city.
Installation of New Rain Gardens Underway (Proposition 50 Grant -Implementation)
The Public Works Department has completed the installation of rain gardens along the Ballona Creek Bike Path and on Baldwin Avenue. Two additional rain gardens located at the Transfer Station and Public Works Building are nearing completion. These rain gardens are designed to collect irrigation and initial storm water runoff to minimize pollutant loads in Ballona Creek, and will help the City achieve Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) compliance as required by the Clean Water Act.
Culver City Helps Businesses Comply with New Commercial Recycling Laws
AB 341 required all businesses that generate more than four cubic yards of trash per week and all apartment buildings with more than 5 units to recycle effective July 1, 2012. To assist Culver City businesses in complying with AB 341, the Public Works Department hired a recycling consultant to meet with every business that falls under the AB 341 mandate. So far, this program has resulted in 192 businesses and multi-family complexes starting new recycling service and 16 augmenting their existing service.
Public Works Department’s Multi-Family Recycling Program Showcased in Best Practices Report
The Culver City Multi-Family Program setup and implementation has been so successful that it was highlighted, along with seven other programs worldwide, in a recent case study prepared for Waste Management, Snohomish County Solid Waste (WA), and the King County Solid Waste Division (WA) by Cascadia Consulting Group. This research project identified innovative strategies that have been implemented in communities around the world and that have succeeded in achieving a measurable increase in multi-family recycling.
City of Culver City Awarded Silver Status in SCE’s Energy Leader Partnership Program
SCE’s Energy Leader Partnership Program is a framework that offers enhanced rebates and incentives to cities that achieve measurable energy savings, reduce peak-time electricity demand, and plan for energy efficiency. In order to reach the Silver status, the City of Culver City reduced energy consumption at its municipal buildings and facilities by over 11% compared to the baseline year, which resulted in $64,551 in incentives paid to the City of Culver City since 2011 in addition to on-going savings in electricity costs. The City has also encouraged local businesses and residents to save energy, and the Culver City community has responded by reducing personal energy consumption by more than 31% (over 113 million kWh). That translates to more than 110 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions avoided, which is the equivalent of taking 9,815 cars off the road.
Culver City Awarded Silver Status in the Green Communities Challenge Program
The Green Communities Challenge Program is an environmental recognition program that encourages participating cities to achieve goals in ten key environmental categories such as energy efficiency and conservation, water and wastewater, and efficient transportation. To earn the Silver status, the City achieved goals in each of these ten categories, met energy savings benchmarks, and was evaluated through a peer-review process.
Culver City Saves Money and Energy with New Street Lights Project
The Public Works Department has replaced 436 high pressure sodium street lights with energy-efficient induction lights as part of Southern California Edison’s On-Bill Financing Program. The project will save roughly 283,911 kWh/year of energy. As a part of the On-Bill Financing program, these energy savings will be used to pay off a zero interest loan that funded the project. The project also resulted in a rebate of over $14,000, which will make the street light retrofits even more cost-effective.
Public Works Department Updates to Energy Efficient Lighting at City Hall
The City of Culver City has recently upgraded the lighting at the City Hall and Cardiff Parking Garages to more energy efficient units. The high pressure sodium lights at City Hall were replaced with induction lights and the fluorescent lights were upgraded to more efficient units. The fluorescent lights at the Cardiff Parking Garage were also upgraded to more efficient units, in addition to replacing the rooftop lights with induction units. These upgrades are anticipated to save the City approximately 125,000 kwh/year and 90,000 kwh/year at the City Hall and Cardiff Parking Garages, respectively.
Culver City Receives Bike Friendly Community Honorable Mention
The City of Culver City has been awarded an Honorable Mention by the League of American Bicyclists as part of its Bicycle Friendly Community Program. This award recognizes the City’s efforts to improve conditions for cyclists through engineering (physical improvements), education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation/planning.
Culver City Completes the Jefferson Boulevard Streetscape and Pedestrian and Bicycle Access Improvement Project
The City of Culver City recently completed the Jefferson Boulevard Pedestrian and Bicycle Access Improvements Project. This project included: a new traffic signal with high visibility crosswalks at the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Hetzler Road; curb extensions at the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Hetzler Road; sidewalks filling the gap in existing sidewalks on Jefferson Boulevard near the entrance to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook; raised landscaped median islands on Jefferson Boulevard near the entrance to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook; bike lanes from approximately Duquesne Avenue to Holdrege Avenue; and improvements to a small parking lot area.
Culver City’s First Bike Corral Opens
The Public Works Department has completed the installation of the City’s first bicycle corral. This bicycle corral was created by converting one car parking space on Washington Boulevard between Madison Avenue and Jean Place (adjacent to the Conservatory for Coffee shop) into a dedicated area for bike parking that includes bike racks and other improvements. A side benefit of the installation of the bike corral was an improvement of sight distance for cars heading south on Jean Place at Washington Boulevard.
Culver City Takes Action to Mitigate Traffic on Sawtelle Boulevard
Culver City recently implemented traffic mitigation measures along Sawtelle Boulevard from Sepulveda Boulevard to the City Boundary near Ballona Creek. These measures included: restriping to narrow the existing travel and parking lanes and add bike lanes, and adding highly visible crosswalks and a three-way stop at the intersection of Sawtelle Boulevard and Hayter Avenue. Culver City hopes to install a traffic signal at this location in the near future. Staff will be requesting funding to install a traffic signal at this location during the next fiscal year.
“Sharrows” Installed Along Sepulveda Boulevard
The Public Works Department has installed Shared Lane Markings, or “Sharrows,” on both sides of Sepulveda Boulevard between the Culver Boulevard and the City boundary south of Franklin Avenue. Along with the City of Los Angeles’ upcoming installation, these Sharrows will provide bike connectivity between the Culver Boulevard and Ballona Creek Class I Bike Paths.
Culver City Continues to Improve Pedestrian Safety
A new interlocking pager crosswalk was installed at Sepulveda Boulevard and Lindblade Street as part of one of Culver City’s several Area Improvement Plans (AIP). Also, an new pedestrian signal has been installed at Washington Boulevard and Boise Avenue.
New Way-finding Signs Along the Ballona Creek Bike Path
Culver City’s Public Works Department has installed street name signs on the bridges that are over the Ballona Creek Bike Path within the City limits. These signs will face the bike path on both sides and will allow bike path users to identify the respective bridges, which include: Sepulveda Boulevard (east side only), Overland Avenue, Duquesne Avenue, and Higuera Street. The Department also installed stencil markings along the bike path at 4496 Jasmine Avenue (behind Jasmine Pump Station), Jackson Street, and Ince Boulevard. Further, the Department conducted additional maintenance and repair work along the Bike Path, including tree trimming and pavement repairs.
Culver City Receives Bicycle Parking Grant Award
The City of Culver City has received a $45,000 Bicycle Transportation Account grant. This grant, which will be matched by $5,000 in local gas tax dollars, will be used to greatly increase the amount of bicycle parking in the City by funding the purchase and installation of approximately 200 bike racks as well as associated signage and up to two bike repair stations. Culver City was one of only seven jurisdictions in LA County to receive funding through this competitive grant process.
Public Works Department Continues Plans to Construct Higuera Bridge Ramp to Ballona Creek
After successfully securing grant money to design a ramp at the Higuera Bridge to the Ballona Creek Bike Path last year, the Department submitted a Metro Call for Projects grant application to build the ramp this year.
Culver City Receives American Public Works Association Award for the Sepulveda Boulevard Widening Project
The Public Works Department received a 2012 Project of the Year Award from the Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association for the Sepulveda Boulevard Widening Project. This award recognizes public agencies for outstanding capital improvement projects and public works programs.
Street Maintenance and Preservation Continues
The Public Works Department reconstructed Baldwin Avenue between Braddock Drive and Farragut Drive. This work included the installation of new curb and gutter, the construction of new rain gardens, the reconstruction of most of the drive approaches, and the addition of a new asphalt surface. Also, the Department has completed a slurry seal on the following streets in order to help preserve them:
1. Barman Avenue between Sepulveda Boulevard to Elenda Street
2. Spad Place between Venice Boulevard and Washington Boulevard
3. Reid Avenue between Washington Boulevard and Jacob Street
4. Cardiff Avenue between Culver Boulevard and northerly City limits
5. Culver Park Drive between Sawtelle Boulevard and Slauson Avenue
6. Ocean Drive between Overland Avenue and Rhoda Way
7. Kinston Avenue between Jefferson Boulevard to Stever Street
8. Kelmore Street between Overland Avenue to Kinston Avenue
9. Whitburn Street between Overland Avenue to Kinston Avenue
10. Bernardo Road between Tellefson Road to cul-de-sac
11. All streets within the Studio Estates neighborhood
New Parking Meters and Retrofits Installed in Culver City
The Public Works Department has installed new multi-space parking meters on both sides of Sepulveda Boulevard, between Culver Boulevard and the city boundary to the south, on Culver Boulevard between Main Street and Cardiff Avenue, and at a public parking lot located at 12601 Washington Boulevard (west of Boise Avenue). Also, the Department completed the retrofit and/or installation of approximately 360 IPS meters along both sides of Washington Boulevard from Sepulveda Boulevard to Wade Street and on both sides of Culver Boulevard from Overland Avenue to Duquesne Avenue.
Culver City Upgrades Pump Stations with New Variable Frequency
Two of the City’s seven sewage lifts have been upgraded. The Public Works Department updated the pump stations by replacing old soft-starts equipment with new variable frequency drives (VFDs). This equipment gradually powers up to meet the needed pump capacity, avoiding electricity usage spikes and possibly saving the City money on electric bills (which are calculated in part based on peak demand). Additionally, the upgrades to VFDs were necessitated because components of the old equipment were no longer supported by the manufacturer, were not readily available, and when they were available, they were costly due to their scarcity.
Public Works Department Completes Sewer Rate Study
The Department recently completed a Sewer Rate Study. This study resulted in changes to the City’s sewer rate structure, including rate reductions for Culver City restaurants.
Pump Station Consolidation Underway
The City of Culver City has purchased a property located at 5722 Bankfield Avenue, which will house a small storage area and serve as the site of a new pump station. This new station will replace the existing Fox Hills, Mesmer, and Overland Sewer Pump Stations.
Culver City Receives Tree Planting Grant Award
The Culver City Public Works Department recently secured a $150,000 grant from Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas’ Competitive Tree Planting Grant Program administered by the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District. This grant will fund the planting of approximately 300 trees in vacant locations in parkways and parks throughout the City, and will also contribute to the tree establishment costs for the first two years after planting.
Culver City Awarded Urban Forest Management Plan Grant
The Public Works Department secured a $75,000 grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) to fund the creation of an Urban Forest Management and Tree Succession Plan. This plan will include tree-related policies and procedures, a long-term plan for the future of the City’s aging urban forest, as well as modifications to the species identified in the existing Street Tree Master Plan in order to increase species diversity and disease resistance, facilitate environmental benefits, and ensure site-specific appropriateness. The grant will be matched with $25,000 in City resources ($15,000 hard match and $10,000 of in-kind staff time).
100 New Trees Planted in Culver City
The Department of Public Works has planted roughly 100 street trees throughout the City. These plantings replaced street trees that had been removed and filled other empty parkway locations.
Public Works Department Provides Veterans Memorial Building and Plunge Repairs
The Public Works Department has completed extensive maintenance to the Plunge, including: repairs to the pool deck, lighting repairs in the pool itself, tree trimming around the Plunge area, and the annual draining and cleaning of the pool. Also, the two restrooms adjacent to the stage at the Veterans Memorial Building have been completely renovated.
Teen Center Undergoes Maintenance
The Teen Center recently underwent maintenance and received new carpeting, fresh paint. The Public Works Department was also able to perform repairs to both the kitchen and restrooms.
New Signage for Culver City Sister City Committee
The Public Works Department recently installed a new sign post affixed with individual signs identifying the 4 sister cities of Culver City. The Department also installed a plaque in front of City Hall that commemorates the Sister Cities Committee and the establishment of the Sister Cities.
Fire Stations Receive Repairs and Upgrades
Culver City Fire Stations #1 and #2 both received much needed updates including new stairs and new doors. These minor renovations will help maintain efficient emergency response times from both stations. Transportation
Culver City Transportation Department Successfully Avoids Layoffs
Recently the Transportation Department assisted with implementing Redevelopment Agency employee displacement to ensure that no employee was laid off.
Culver City Unveils Improved Robertson Transit Hub
The Transportation and Public Works Departments worked jointly to construct roadway, improve sidewalks, and install pedestrian lights and bus stop furniture at the Robertson Transit Hub. Located near the EXPO Culver City Station, the new Robertson Transit Hub currently hosts six bus lines and functions as a major transfer point for riders of the EXPO line and nine bus lines that serve the station area.
Culver CityBus Ridership on the Rise
In 2012, Culver CityBus carried more than 5.3 million passengers in unlinked trips. The ridership has been increasing steadily over the past few years.
Culver City Transportation Department Named 3rd Best Fleet in North America
The City of Culver City’s Equipment Maintenance & Fleet Services Division was selected as the 3rd Best Municipal Fleet in North America out of 38,000 public fleets by the 100 Best Fleets National Fleet Certification/Recognition Program.
Culver City Places Twenty (20) New CNG Buses in Service
The Transportation Department received and put into service twenty (20) new, advanced technology, New Flyer transit buses running on compressed natural gas (CNG), replacing the first CNG buses that were placed in the fleet in 1998. The Culver CityBus fleet has been 100% CNG since 2004.
Transportation Department Finds Innovative Ways to Save
The Department successfully used on-line auctions for the disposal of the old buses and other assets. In doing so, the Department gained an additional 25% return from traditional auction methods used previously. Further, the City’s progressive and proactive use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in the current fleet saves the City over $1.3 million per year.