WWiintterrIssssuuee 2012/2013

In this issue: • Some City Fees Adjusted • State of the City Address • End-of-Summer Festival • First Monument in International Sculpture Garden • “Why I Like Carson” Contest Winners • Career Center Services

Photo: Elizabeth Flynn/The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Community Connections

Meetings A MESSAGE FROM Meetings are in City Hall Elected THE CITY TREASURER and the Community Center OffMiacyoir als The City of Carson has established a Fraud unless otherwise noted, and are open to the public. Jim Dear Hotline to fight fraud and protect Mayor Pro Tem taxpayer’s dollars. The Hotline is an Police & Fire Jobs City Council/Redevelopment option for anyone wishing to anonymously Emergencies 911 Job Clearinghouse Agency 6 p.m., Julie Ruiz-Raber (310) 233-4888 1st and 3rd Tuesdays report illegal or unethical activity on the Animal Control Councilmember part of the City, its officials, employees, Carson Animal Shelter Libraries Citywide Advisory Commission Elito M. Santarina (310) 523-9566 Carson Regional 7 p.m., 2nd Thursday contractors or vendors. The Hotline is (Only when necessary) Birth, Death, (310) 830-0901 Councilmember open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and Marriage Records Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Economic Development Commission Mike A. Gipson interpreters are available in 20 different County Registrar-Recorder (310) 327-4830 8 a.m., 1st Thursday, (562) 462-2137 Community Center Councilmember languages. Parking Lula Davis-Holmes Building Permits Enforcement Environmental Commission Calls placed to the Hotline are confidential (800) 654-7275 Building & Safety, 6:30 p.m., 1st Wednesday City Clerk and handled by a third party vendor. You (310) 952-1766 Parks & Recreation Cultural Arts Commission Donesia Gause do not have to give your name and your (310) 847-3570 6 p.m., 1st Monday Public Transit and City Treasurer call is not recorded through the use of Dial-A-Ride (only when necessary) Post Office Karen Avilla recording devices, caller identification (310) 952-1779 Main No., (800) 275-8777 Human Relations Commission Hearing Impaired 6:00 p.m., 3rd Wednesday City Manager equipment or any other means. (800) 252-9040 Sandbags David C. Biggs Street Maintenance Parks and Recreation Commission The City of Carson has taken a pro-active Cable Television (310) 952-1700, ext. 3520 6:30 p.m., last Thursday ______Time Warner Cable Editor: step against fraud by establishing the (888) 892-2253 Sewer Clean-up Planning Commission Margie Revilla-Garcia Hotline. In the event that you become (626) 458-4357 6:30 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesday aware of unethical, illegal or irresponsible Chamber of Public Relations Commission Graphic Designer: Commerce Senior Services activity, don’t ignore it. Call the Fraud (310) 952-1775 12:00 p.m., 4th Tuesday Victor Gastelum (310) 217-4590 (310) 835-0212 ______Hotline toll-free telephone number at Public Safety Commission 1-877-7 HOT TIP or 1-877-746-8847. City Hall Sidewalk Repair 6:30 p.m., 3rd Thursday (310) 830-7600 Street Maintenance Public Works Commission The Carson Report Code Enforcement (310) 952-1700, ext. 3520 6:30 p.m., 2nd Monday (310) 952-1700, ext. 1786 is publishe d by CITY OF CARSON POSITION Sheriff’s Station Senior Citizen Advisory Commission (310) 830-1123 the City of Carson Community Center 4 p.m., 2nd Monday STATEMENT (310) 835-0212 Street Sweeping Veterans Affairs Commission to provide those who live and Carson is a vibrant city with a sm all town atmosphere Street Maintenance 6 p.m., 3rd Monday where relationships are important. This is clearly Crime Prevention (310) 952-1700, ext. 3520 work here with information visible throughout the community, from the stable Neighborhood Watch Women’s Issues Commission single family neighborhoods, which make up nearly (310) 847-7481 Telephone 6 p.m., 4th Monday about the city’s programs, AT&T services, and issues. eighty percent of the city's residences, to the partnership Disaster (310) 515-7979 Youth Commission between businesses and volunteer driven agencies Preparedness 7 p.m., 2nd Wednesday All questions, comments, which strengthen the city's remarkable social fabric. (310) 952-1700, ext.1603 Trash Collection Waste Management Historical Committee and contributing information The social composition of Carson is California in 6:30 p.m, 4th Wednesday Dump 952-1700, ext. 3508 should be directed to the miniature. It is a city with a balanced ethnic and cultural Transfer Station or (310) 830-7100 Beautification Committee mix living together in harmony and prosperity. (310) 217-6300 City of Carson’s Public Tree Trimming/ 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tuesday Information Office. The community takes pride in the large percentage of Electricity Street Maintenance Utilities Users Tax Oversight Southern California Carson students who attend college, many to (310) 847-3520 Committee California State University, Dominguez Hills, a valuable Edison Co., (800) 950-2356 (only when necessary) Water Address: 701 E. Carson St., asset to the city. Gas California Water Service Mobilehome Park Rental Southern California Gas Co. Company, (310) 257-1400 Carson, CA 90745 Carson's strategic position in the heart of the powerful Review Board economic engine that is Southern California attracts (800) 427-2200 Golden State Water 6:30 p.m., 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Tel: (310) 952-1740 Company (800) 999-4033 international corporations which recognize the city's Graffiti Removal Relocation Appeals Board Fax: (310) 549-1466 bright future. The city's proximity to the West Coast's Landscape & Buildings Youth Services (only when necessary) two major ports, as well as its intersection by four (310) 952-1700, ext. 3500 (310) 952-1788 E-mail: [email protected] Community Civic Engagement Board Southland freeways, makes it a major gateway to the Hospital 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tuesday Website/E- newsletter Pacific Rim. Harbor General UCLA subscription: Sister Cities Association http://ci.carson.ca.us We, the people who live and work in Carson, take pride Medical Center 6:30 p.m., 4th Wednesday (310) 222-2345 in our city and will continue to build relationships which ensure that future. page two THE CARSON REPORT Some City Fees to be Adjusted arson provides a wide array of determine the appropriate cost recovery communities as a comparison. In services and facilities to our resi - level for those individual services. addition, in some instances, the City dents and this is one of the fac - Council has established a cost recovery Ctors which make Carson a great place. While most fees will remained goal for certain services which is less A quick glance through the City’s Com - unchanged for 2013, effective January 1, than full cost in recognition of the munity Services Guide confirms there 2013, the fees for some City programs community benefit of these services. are many diverse program and service and services will be increased to So while no one likes to see costs offerings available to our residents. provide for a greater level of cost re - increase, a lot of thought goes into the The City works hard to provide serv - covery. Many City services, including process of setting fees for services. ices to our residents and to live within public safety and public works activi - our means. ties like tree trimming, street repair, The City Council approved the City and parks maintenance, are primarily fee schedule for 2013 on October 16, One of the City’s adopted Financial funded by taxes. Other programs and 2012, after a noticed public hearing. Principles provides that: services are supported by fees for These few fees which have been Fees for services shall be updated those services and activities – these increased will be reflected in the regis - annually to recover, as much as possible, include recreation programs like early tration information for the impacted the cost of providing the services and childhood education, aquatics programs or on the applications for to allow for the impacts of inflation, programs, transportation services, service as applicable. Information on with fees not exceeding the cost of and planning and building permits. the fees which were adjusted is also providing the service. In some available on the City’s web site – instances, the City may elect to not In evaluating fees each year for possible www.carson.ca.us and at various recover the full cost of providing the adjustment, the City also looks at fees public service counters in City Hall service and the City Council shall for similar services in surrounding and at our other facilities. I

State of the City Address Covered “Great Things Happening in Carson” he annual State of the City Address Carson is doing better than many of our proximity to major Southland freeways, delivered by the City Mayor on Octo - neighbors in the region despite the tremen - good tax base, and a healthy reserve. ber 18 covered the major accomplish - dous stress the economy has brought to Tments of the City of Carson over the past the community and that, according to the Among the other ongoing construction the year, its many accomplishments, the nu - Mayor, is because of good planning, re - Mayor was referring to include The Boule - merous positive things that happened in duced expenses and good projects coming vards, the renovation of Carson Park, and our community and the many indications in even at the worst of the recession. the Porsche Experience Driving Center. that Carson is going to see more good things happening in the near future. The grand opening of VIA 425, a newly Carson Park is anticipated to open by the constructed affordable apartment commu - City’s 45th Anniversary in February of From black-and-white pictures flashing on nity, revitalized a formerly vacant City 2013, a $12.3 million project wich included a big screen to bright colored photographic owned lot with the Carson Street corridor. construction of a new building for a gym, renderings, the Mayor took an audience of This is only one of many ongoing develop - activity room, dance room, computer room, about 300 at the Congresswoman Juanita ments in Carson, an indication, according workout area, childcare facility and addi - Millender-McDonald Community Center to to the Mayor, that business is still good in tional parking spaces. According to the a nostalgic trip down memory lane as he Carson, despite the economic challenges Mayor, the upgrade of our parks is a emphasized “how much progress the City afflicting the nation. He attributed this to demonstration of our continuing commit - has achieved and how much opportunities the abundance of undeveloped land in ment that make Carson a great place to are still ahead.” Carson, its strategic location because of its live, work, and play. continued on page 8 WINTER 2012/2013 page three Local Attractions, Park Programs and Cultural Diversity Top Students’ List of “Why They Like Carson”

2012 "Why I Like Carson" Essay-Writing Contest Winners 3rd Grade Place Name School students who live in 1st Claire Cho Carson Street Elementary School the city but are home - 2nd Katherine Dizon Carson Street Elementary School 2nd Emily Miyamoto Del Amo Elementary School schooled or attend 3rd Hailey Cordeta 232nd Place Elementary School schools in other 3rd Nicole Azinge Caroldale Learning Community cities, to participate in HM Manuel Lopez Catskill Avenue Elementary School the contest. HM Adrian Godinez Dolores Street Elementary School

Students have different 4th Grade reasons why they like Place Name School Carson, as described 1st Audreanna Clark Dolores Street Elementary School in their essays, with 2nd Hannaniah Ortiz-Luis Caroldale Learning Community local attractions – 3rd Pulenu'u Mamoe Dolores Street Elementary School ranging from the HM Daniel Canales Dolores Street Elementary School hirty-one essays written by world-class Home Depot Center to the 5th Grade students from Carson stood out in variety of stores and restaurants in Place Name School describing their love for their city town -- being one of the top reasons. 1st Katherine Cordova Dolores Street Elementary School Tduring the 2012 “Why I Like Carson” Another favorite on the students’ list is 2nd Jessica Muojekwu Carson Christian School Essay-Writing Contest, which concluded the city’s parks and the numerous 2nd Mayra Morales Dolores Street Elementary School with an awards ceremony on activities such as after-school 3rd Jacqueline Adriana Griff Carson Street Elementary School November 13, 2012. programs and sports activities that HM Adrian Lopez Dolores Street Elementary School keep them busy year round. Emily The winners included 29 students from Miyamoto, a third grader from Del Amo 6th Grade various schools in Carson and two Elementary School, feels that Carson Place Name School at-large students -- or students who is an ideal place to live because it has 1st Jennifer Uribe Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School 2nd Royal Rolland At-Large Participant live in Carson but attend a school lots of stores, parks, and activities for 3rd Elianne Gutierrez Stephen M. White Middle School outside the city – received cash prizes the people of Carson to do. HM Lorraine Medina St. Philomena School ranging from $150 to $50, medals, and certificates of recognition from the Students also agree that the cultural 7th Grade Carson City Council and elected diversity and friendly people in Carson Place Name School officials at the Federal, State, County are aspects that make them not only 1st Haley Diaz Caroldale Learning Community and school board level. like their city, but actually make them 2nd Bianca Bondoc St. Philomena School proud citizens. “Carson is a place 3rd Mia Techur Stephen M. White Middle School A project of the Public Relations Com - where we are all individual people, but HM Avey Songco Stephen M. White Middle School mission, the contest was started in when we come together, we are like 8th Grade 1996 by former councilmember Mary one big family,” observed Mia Techur, Place Name School Anne O’Neal in an effort to foster a seventh grader from Stephen M. 1st Rita Muojekwu Carson Christian School community pride among Carson’s White Middle School. To fourth grader 1st Baraq A. Ross Stephen M. White Middle School youth. The contest generates wide Hannaniah Ortiz-Luis of Caroldale 2nd Stephanie Del Rosario St. Philomena School participation from the local schools Learning Community, “I love Carson 2nd Mary M. Worthington At-Large Participant with hundreds of essays received because everybody accepts me for 3rd Celina Villanueva St. Philomena School each year. In 2003, the contest who I am. The people are nice and it HM Angelica Luquin Andrew Carnegie Middle School opened to at-large participants to allow is where I met my best friend.” HM Elizabeth Delgado Glenn Hammond Curtiss Middle School continued on page 8 page four THE CARSON REPORT THE BOULEVARDS AT SOUTH BAY BRINGING OUTLET RETAIL TO CARSON the greater Los Angeles metroplex. Construction of the outlet retail center will start next year with completion by the end of 2015. Given that some 300,000 cars pass the site each day, the project has an opportune location to at - tract not only the 4 million nearby residential consumers, but the millions of tourists who visit Los Angeles each year. With the Avalon Boulevard interchange and the new I-405 southbound ramp now complete, the site will have even easier access. The exciting blend of retail, restaurants and enter - tainment uses will bring a different type of shopping The Boulevards at South Bay, now in development on the south side of the 405 freeway, will bring a experience to Carson that is vibrant mix of retail, restaurants, entertainment, hotel and residential to Carson. not found anywhere else in the South Bay. For more information about he Boulevards at South Bay , The Boulevards is poised to become The Boulevards at South Bay, visit the 168-acre site now in develop - the newest destination for shopping in www.TheBoulevardsAtSouthBay.com I ment on the south side of the T405 freeway between Del Amo and Avalon Boulevard, has added an outlet retail component to its vibrant mix of commercial uses. The project, which will continue to encompass traditional retail, restaurants, theaters, entertain - ment, a hotel and multi-family residentia l units, will now also target brand name outlet retailers.

Outlet retail as a concept has grown in popularity within the shopping center industry. Clearly, the economic down - turn has grown consumer demand for value. After exploring the addition of outlet retail, The Boulevards devel - oper, LNR Property LLC, revamped the retail site plan to include 550,000 square feet of outlet uses within the 1.3 million total square feet of project A freeway perspective of The Boulevards at South Bay to the more than 300,000 cars that will retail, restaurants and entertainment. pass the site each day. The 168-acre project now has easier access via the newly completed 405 southbound Avalon exit. WINTER 2012/2013 page five Ronnie Laws Topbilled Carson’s End-of-Summer Jazz Festival

Laws lead a host of One of the longest running events in jazz performers Carson, the Jazz Festival draws a huge which included crowd annually from all over the South G Mack & Polyester Bay, having prominent performers in Players, Blacqsax, past years such as Barbara Morrison, Supa Lowery Bros, Loose Ends, Angela Bofill, and other big X’pressions, Karen names in the jazz music industry. Evans and Carson’s own Chris Payton. This year’s Jazz Festival was sponsored by the Carson Citizens Cultural Foundation, Aside from the African American Empowerment non-stop jazz Coalition in conjunction with the entertainment, the City of Carson. festival included a wide variety of food, Whether it is your first Jazz Festival or crafts and display your twentieth, Carson’s Jazz Festival is booths, a kiddie area both mesmerizing and memorable – with with carnival games, a long line up of jazz performers and a contests and plethora of booths offering a variety of various stage delicacies, arts and crafts, games and activities. It was activities for kids. also a showcase of talents in dancing as At least six months of planning and Ronnie Laws played as well as flute to an musicians, soloists, thousands of hours put in by community appreciative audience of all ages. and bands took turn volunteers working across different com - entertaining the crowd. mittees are involved in putting together egendary American jazz, blues and each annual seven-hour event. I funk saxophonist Ronnie Laws took “It is a good event to relax and have lots centerstage at the Carson’s End-of- of fun,” said attendee Sandra M. Lewis. LSummer Jazz Festival on October 6, Juanita Matthews looks forward to Jazz 2012 at Anderson Park. Festival annually because to her it is about “fellowship with Carson neighbors The Jazz Festival, which took place from and supporting vendors.” 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. featured non-stop live jazz entertainment as well as activities Dozens of booths enclosed Anderson for every member of the family. Park selling a variety of products and promoting upcoming events in Carson Ronnie Laws began his solo career in and surrounding areas. 1975 with the album , that yielded his most famous instrumen - “It is a fantastic gathering of people in tal song, “Always There,” which became the Carson community,” said Leticia B. an instant jazz-funk classic. His notable Tan, Carson Regional Library Manager, vocals include “Every Generation” who hosted a booth to disseminate (1980), “Stay Awake” (included on the information to the community regarding Dat EZ Band played an enthusiastic blend of album Sold Ground release in 1981) and library services and programs that the smooth soulful jazz and funk. “Mr. Nice Guy” (1982). Carson Library offers. page six THE CARSON REPORT First Monument on Carson’s International Sculpture Garden Unveiled and Kicked-Off Month-Long Celebration of Filipino-American History Month at SouthBay Pavilion

he unveiling ceremony of the first monument in Carson’s International Sculpture Garden was held on TSeptember 29, 2012 at the grassy area across the east parking lot of the Con - gresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center.

The first monument, an 8 ft. bronze figure mounted on a 7 ft. granite pedestal is that of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, national hero of the Philippines. The sculpture is a work of renowned Filipino sculptor Toym De Leon Imao, and is a gift from the Republic of the Philippines to the City of Carson.

In 2009, the Carson City Council approved the creation of an International The unveiling of the Dr. Jose P. Rizal monument was celebrated with a reenactment of the Sculpture Garden to showcase public art execution of the Philipine national heroplayed by acctor Teddy Ortega. representing Carson’s cultural diversity,

and reached out to various nations to American performer apl.de.ap from the seek works of art. In addition to the singing group Black Eyed Peas and Republic of the Philippines, several Jason Farol, a finalist from ABC’s countries have expressed interest in show, Duets. donating an art piece for Carson’s International Sculpture Garden. The month-long celebration ended with the unveiling of the Bayanihan Mural at The unveiling of Dr. Jose Rizal’s monu - Carson High School on October 30. ment also kicked-off the month long The mural, aptly titled “Bayanihan”, is a celebration of Filipino-American History Filipino term taken from the word bayan, Month at the SouthBay Pavilion with referring to a nation, country, town or various activities every weekend in the community. The whole term bayanihan month of October from Health, Sports refers to a spirit of communal unity or and Wellness Fair, to recognizing more effort to achieve a particular objective. modern day Filipino-American leaders and heroes like Larry Itliong – a union Filipino-American History Month is leader who worked alongside César an annual celebration in Carson. Chávez to form the United Farm Workers This year’s celebration was sponsored Of America (UFW) that resulted in wage by the Philippine Consulate General, increases and medical plans for farm Filipino-American Chamber of Com - laborers. merce Southbay Los Angeles Area, and bakitwhy.com. The monument of Dr. Jose P. Rizal was The cultural celebration also included a scuplted by Toym De Leon and is a gift from talent contest on October 27 at the “It is important for the Filipino-American the Republic of the Philippines. SouthBay Pavilion judged by Filipino- youth to have positive role models to continued on page 8 WINTER 2012/2013 page seven State of the City Address 2012 "Why I Like Carson" Filipino-American History Month continued from page 3 Essay-Writing Contest continued from page 4 continued from page 7

The Porsche Experience Driving Center will Seventh grade Bianca Bondoc from be a unique facility that will include a St. Philomena School even noted that museum, restaurant, retail and office space, “Carson may not be all flashy like Las Vegas, and a “human performance center” that will but the residents living in Carson are emphasize proper driving posture and test courteous, friendly and kind.” the drivers’ vision and coordination. The project is anticipated to open late next year Carson’s booming housing and economic in 2013. development didn’t go unnoticed by the stu - dents. The students expressed delight in their The Mayor also talked about his vision of essays over the number of new and modern having a restaurant row in Carson. houses being built and the rapid increase in “My vision is for people to be able to get off commercial and retail businesses in the city. at the major freeway off-ramps in Carson and find a variety of great dining options,” Finally, the students concur that they like apl.de.ap from the singing group he said, adding that Carson is not too far Carson because “they feel safe because of Black Eyed Peas helped judge talent from his vision with the new Olive Garden the protection they enjoy from the Sheriff’s contest at the SouthBay Pavilion. Restaurant that opened on October 29. Department. “They keep crime low and The restaurant row, however, will not be a gangs off the street,” writes Cecilia Mendoza, instill in them the importance of history, straight line or a cluster like in most cities, a sixth grader from Rancho Dominguez education, complemented with the but will be an elongated L-shape which would Preparatory School. richness of their ethnicity and the value span Avalon Boulevard and Carson Street. of their legacy,” said Evelyn Andamo, So whether it is the local attractions, the Chairperson of Filipino-American Chamber Among the many restaurants that are parks and park activities, the cultural diversity, of Commerce Southbay Los Angeles Area. already on that L-shape row include M&Ms the city’s booming economy or the friendly Soul Food, Bodacious BBQ, Tony Roma’s, sheriff’s deputies, eighth grader Elizabeth “When we celebrate Filipino-American Chili’s and Krazee Grill on Avalon Boule - Delgado from Glenn Hammond Curtiss Mid - History Month, we are reminded of the vard, and Thai Original BBQ and Back dle School summarizes her position: “One richness of the Philippine culture and Home in Lahaina on Carson Street. The thing that separates Carson from another city how it enhances the American experi - Mayor also cited that Carson is moving is its will to keep on trying to make it a better ence and greatly contributes to our city’s towards a healthier, safer and active city place. It’s an amazing city and I am proud to legacy of diversity,” added resident and with the creation of the city’s first Compre - say that I am from Carson.” I volunteer Paz Velasquez. I hensive Master Plan of Bikeways. Studies have shown that cities with comprehensive CARSON CAREER CENTER SERVICES bike infrastructures can have far-reaching positive economic sense as a cost effective FREE services are available to CARSON RESIDENTS way to enhance shopping districts and com - who have lost their jobs as a result of a munities that generate tourism and support RECENT LAYOFF or Individuals laid off from a business in Carson. business and other big investments. The South Bay Workforce Investment Board and ProPath want to assist those who were affected by recent layoffs. The program is funded through the Federal Workforce Investment Public Safety and Human and Social Services Act (WIA) in response to business closures or mass layoffs. These services are designed to projects continue to flourish, according to help dislocated workers obtain suitable employment as quickly as possible. the Mayor. The Mayor also underscored its • Orientation • Career Counseling • Career Assessments partnership with Sheriff’s Department, which he praised for very encouraging statistics. • Job Development • Workshops • Training On-site counselors available. Please make an appointment. Paula Awaida 310-952-1762 ext. 1407 By continuing to be aggressive in its Things to bring with you to the meeting: economic development agenda, according 1 Copy of the layoff letter to the Mayor, Carson will get closer to 2 Two forms of identification – One picture ID and one other: attaining its vision as a destination city. (Current Driver’s License, Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Passport) – to complete I-9 document “By positioning ourselves for economic 3 Two alternate contacts – names, address and phone numbers ProPath, Inc. Career Management of 2 persons not living in the same residence as the employee turnaround, [Carson] will be ahead once Consultants, Carson Career Center 4 If male and born on or after 1960, must have registered with 801 East Carson St., Room 117 the economy recovers,” he said. I Selective Services to receive these government-funded services Carson, California 90745 page eight THE CARSON REPORT