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 Commerce Senior Services Graphic Designer: activity, don’t ignore it. Call the Fraud (310) 952-1775 12:00 p.m., 4th Tuesday (310) 217-4590 (310) 835-0212 Victor Gastelum 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 Code Enforcement (310) 952-1700, ext. 3520 6:30 p.m., 2nd Monday The Carson Report (310) 952-1700, ext. 1786 CITY OF CARSON POSITION Sheriff’s Station Senior Citizen Advisory Commission is publishe d by (310) 830-1123 Community Center 4 p.m., 2nd Monday the City of Carson STATEMENT (310) 835-0212 Street Sweeping Veterans Affairs Commission Carson is a vibrant city with a sm all town atmosphere Street Maintenance 6 p.m., 3rd Monday to provide those who live and 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 eighty percent of the city's residences, to the partnership Disaster (310) 515-7979 Youth Commission services, and issues. between businesses and volunteer driven agencies Preparedness 7 p.m., 2nd Wednesday which strengthen the city's remarkable social fabric. (310) 952-1700, ext.1603 Trash Collection All questions, comments, Historical Committee Waste Management and contributing information The social composition of Carson is in Dump 952-1700, ext. 3508 6:30 p.m, 4th Wednesday miniature. It is a city with a balanced ethnic and cultural Transfer Station or (310) 830-7100 Beautification Committee should be directed to the mix living together in harmony and prosperity. (310) 217-6300 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tuesday Tree Trimming/ City of Carson’s Public The community takes pride in the large percentage of Electricity Street Maintenance Utilities Users Tax Oversight Information Office. Carson students who attend college, many to Southern California (310) 847-3520 Committee Edison Co., (800) 950-2356 California State University, Dominguez Hills, a valuable Water (only when necessary) asset to the city. Gas California Water Service Address: 701 E. Carson St., Mobilehome Park Rental Carson's strategic position in the heart of the powerful Southern California Gas Co. Company, (310) 257-1400 Review Board Carson, CA 90745 (800) 427-2200 Golden State Water 6:30 p.m., 2nd and 4th Wednesdays economic engine that is Southern California attracts Company (800) 999-4033 Tel: (310) 952-1740 international corporations which recognize the city's Graffiti Removal Relocation Appeals Board bright future. The city's proximity to the West Coast's Landscape & Buildings Fax: (310) 549-1466 Youth Services (only when necessary) two major ports, as well as its intersection by four (310) 952-1700, ext. 3500 (310) 952-1788 Community Civic Engagement Board E-mail: [email protected] Southland freeways, makes it a major gateway to the Hospital 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tuesday Website/E- newsletter Pacific Rim. Harbor General UCLA Sister Cities Association subscription: We, the people who live and work in Carson, take pride Medical Center 6:30 p.m., 4th Wednesday http://ci.carson.ca.us (310) 222-2345 in our city and will continue to build relationships which ensure that future. page two THE CARSON REPORT City Budget Impacted by the Loss of Redevelopment

nfortunately, the State of Califor - 13 was approved by the voters in Since the City has been prudent and nia has once again reached into 1978. Another way to describe the built up some healthy reserves, some the City’s pockets to balance its blow to the community is to compare it non-recurring costs may be funded bUudget which means the City faces to two trees which have grown next to from these reserves. some red ink starting July 1st. Effec - each other for more than 40 years, tive February 1, 2012, the Carson Re - with one suddenly pulled out by the Rebuilding from this new lower base development Agency was dissolved by roots, the remaining tree is damaged will take some time, but the future is State action. This impact from the loss and needs time to recover. And, Carson bright for Carson. The City benefits of redevelopment alone accounts for will recover. from a very diverse tax base and there approximately $4.5 million of the esti - is some new sales tax generating de - mated $5.4 million deficit the City However, in the meantime the City will velopment on the horizon. City em - faces for the 2012/13 fiscal year in the have to balance the 2012/13 General ployees are very dedicated and $65 million General Fund. Fund budget through a variety of committed to providing outstanding means. While the City has seen some services and have helped get us The City’s General Fund is our main improvement in revenues after the big through tough times in the past. Most budget and the one through which we downturn during the great recession, importantly, the Mayor and City Coun - provide most services including law these increases are not enough to ad - cil have made decisions in the past to enforcement, parks and recreation dress higher costs in some areas and conserve the City’s resources so there programs, public works activities like the elimination of redevelopment. is a healthy reserve which can help tree trimming and parks maintenance, ease the transition to the post-redev- and senior services, just to name a The proposed budget being developed elopment world. few. All of these services are impor - for the City Council’s consideration will tant to our residents and adapting to have to be balanced with reductions in During the month of June, and per - this “new normal” will take some new expenditures which may impact serv - haps into early July, there will be op - thinking and new ways of doing busi - ices and programs and result in the portunities for community input into the ness. elimination of some vacant and filled budget. The City welcomes your par - staff positions. There may be opportu - ticipation and ideas. By working to - The elimination of redevelopment is nities to increase some revenues, gether, Carson can get through this perhaps the greatest change in local especially in fee for service programs, latest challenge to our fiscal well-being government finance since Proposition in order to partially mitigate the cuts. and health. I

Pet Owners Cautioned Against Coyotes

oyote sightings have recently been coyotes are tan-brown in color with streaks reported in Carson, according to the of gray. In the more mountainous or humid City’s Public Safety Department. areas, the color is darker with less brown. WChile no damage or attack has been re - The voice of the coyote is quite distinctive, ported, the City is taking a pro-active ap - consisting of various howls, high-pitched proach by providing its residents with yaps and occasional dog-like barks. useful information on these animals, which are found throughout most of California. Coyotes are proficient predators. Its diet consists mainly of mice, rats, ground squir - Coyotes are medium-sized animals that rels, gophers, rabbits and carrion. They belong to the dog family. Most adults weigh also eat insects, reptiles, amphibians, between 22 and 25 pounds on the aver - fruits, birds and their eggs, and deer fawns. age. With large erect ears, slender muzzle In urban and suburban areas, coyotes and bushy tail, they resemble a small collie commonly take domestic house cats, small dog. In the hotter regions of California, dogs, poultry and other domestic animals. continued on page 7 SUMMER 2012 page three “The Rock” in Carson

Carson Gym Produces Olympic Hopeful Jonathan Hamm - 2011 National Champion and 2011 Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Champion training for his professional debut.

ver the past couple of decades, money into this program that recruits his gloves for the first time less boxing has slid from a premiere athletes who have played sports, mostly than four years ago, has won the super sport to a handful of middle and football, at the college level but did not title at the U.S. Champi - lOightweight big time events per year that make it professionally. Approximately onships in Colorado Springs, Colorado appeals to a niche audience. But, in 800 former collegians have made their and is now headed for the Olympics. less than four years time, the All Ameri - way through King’s program, with about can (AAH) operating out 5% doing so successfully. Despite a relatively short career in box - of The Rock Gym in Carson have sent ing, Breazeale’s development as a boxer five boxers to the nationals and is now “We’re not there yet, but we’re off and came rapidly, with much of it being cred - sending one boxer to represent the running,” said King in a New York Times ited to the AAH training program at The in the 2012 Olympic interview. “If Dominic wins a gold medal, Rock Gym. Breazeale’s success is Heavyweight Boxing taking place in Lon - he’s going to be an important profes - proof that the comprehensive training don this July that might just bring the sional boxer. One fighter can make this implemented by AAH is working. sport back on the map in the 21st Century. business investment a phenomenal in - vestment,” added King. “My goal is to bring home the gold medal From the outside, The Rock Gym is a for the heavyweight division and to go nondescript industrial building attached Dominic Breazeale of Glendale is a for - professional and get the heavyweight to a church. Inside, it’s a boxer’s para - mer quarterback of Alhambra High, Mt. title. When I came into boxing, I initially dise, restored by the visionary and for - San Antonio College and Northern Col - wanted to stay in shape and so I can mer TV executive Michael King who has orado who majored in Criminal Justice make it back to the NFL Football invested over $20 million of his own and Psychology. He began to lace up Games,” said page four THE CARSON REPORT complex. King’s plan is to start off with training amateur boxers that he can mold into Olympians, and then into professionals.

According to Trainer Henry Tillman, these boxers are not guys who boxed since they were little. They are former Boxing Trainer and 1984 Heavyweight athletes of other sports that laced up Boxing Olympic Gold Medalist - their gloves when AAH recruiters picked Henry Tillman. them up to start training at their facility.

Tillman himself, was an Olympic Gold Breazeale. “It’s hard to believe that I‘ve Medalist in 1984 whose pride and joy is gotten to where I’m at in such a short to build future U.S. champions. U.S. Representative to the 2012 time when other guys have been boxing Olympic Games, Heavy Weight Boxing most of their life to get to where I am “It gives me an opportunity to be in - - Dominic Breazeale. right now. I’ve also always been a compet - volved in boxing at that upper echelon itive athlete. I want to be one of the great - level and travel with the guys. It’s a est to ever take up the sport of boxing.” beautiful thing to do what you love and Even with the challenges of training still get paid to do it. It’s really not a job harder than he’s ever had in his life, Michael King pays for the boxers’ tour - to me. I can do this everyday all day,” Hamm still feels that he has a goal to meet. naments while giving them a state-of- said Tillman. the-art facility, The Rock Gym, to hone “My ultimate goal is to be the Heavy - their raw skills with over 25,000 square Boxer Jonathan Hamm was recruited by weight Champion of the world and to feet of space, three rings, a video cap - AAH at the age of 24. He played for the take care of my family and to give to ture, full service sports medicine, full Football Team New Orleans Saints in charity,” said Hamm. service strength and conditioning, full 2007. His boxing accomplishments service coaching staff, full service include 2011 National Champion, 2011 While Breazeale is the first big time culinary and nutrition and a housing Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Champion fighter that AAH has produced, more and 2012 Olympic Reload boxers will be hitting the scene in the Trials #2 Seed. near future like 25-year old amateur boxer George Faavae from Torrance Like Breazeale, Hamm who has already won the Novice Gold never picked up a boxing Medal Ringside, Novice Gold Medal glove until he was Desert Showdown, and the Open Gold recruited by AAH to train Mexigame USA. at their facility. It may take a few more years before “I watched boxing every heavyweight division comes back to the now and then. As a child, red carpet, but if Michael King’s plans my family would get to - work, heavyweight will be back on top. gether to watch the Evan - der Holyfield fights,” said The Rock Gym is located at 415 W. Hamm. “This is the tough - Torrance Boulevard in Carson. The gym est sport I’ve ever played is open and free to the public Monday Director of The Rock Gym, Paul Cain and Novice Gold in my life. Boxing is a thru Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Medalist and Open Gold Mexigames USA medalist, lifestyle. You have to be For additional information, please call George Faavae. focused on it 24/7.” (310) 538-5333. I

SUMMER 2012 page five HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GREATER PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO CARSON RESIDENTS

Neighborhood Stabilization A Brush with Kindness Program (NSP) Program Habitat for Humanity of Greater HFH GLA launched the program A Los Angeles (HFH GLA) has partnered Brush with Kindness to provide exte - with cities and communities for over rior home repairs free of charge to twenty years. HFH GLA builds simple, qualifying low-income homeowners. sustainable and affordable homes in Repairs include, but are not limited to, Homes are selected throughout the partnership with hardworking, low-in - painting, landscaping, and other minor year and are based on family circum - come families and individuals. Due to repairs. stances, condition of the home and a challenged economy, HFH GLA has financial qualification. expanded their rehabilitation program Interested homeowners must be able to transform foreclosed properties into to demonstrate: For more information or to submit an homeownership opportunities for low • Proof of ownership and residency application, log on to and very low income families. This in the Greater Los Angeles region www.habitatla.org and click on strategy, using federal Neighborhood • Financial need: This program is for “A Brush With Kindness” or call Stabilization Program (NSP) I and II low-income households earning (310) 323-4663, Renne Sanchez ext. funds, helping families realize their less than 80% of area median 144 to receive one by mail. dream of homeownership through income responsible lending, alleviating strain Volunteer Opportunities caused by foreclosed properties, and A Brush with Kindness is a partnership creating a positive and immediate impact. that also relies on homeowners Volunteers are the heart of HFH GLA. involvement. If selected to partner The homes are built almost entirely by For more information, please log on to with A Brush with Kindness, volunteers, both skilled and unskilled. www.habitatla.org or call homeowners must be willing to: For the ReStore program, volunteers (310) 323-4663, ext. 118 or e-mail • Be on site and willing to work in organize and move merchandise on to [email protected] various capacities everyday the the sales floor and assist customers. for the following: volunteers are there Other volunteers can help in the HFH • Information about NSP • Must stay in home after repairs for GLA office, at events and in other • An Eligibility Questionnaire at least 3 years ways. For more information, log on • A list of NSP trained lenders • Sign a covenant that to www.habitatla.org. I • Information regarding demonstrates their understanding upcoming orientations of partnership

Free Admission to LACMA from June 24-July 1

s a special thank you to many ver’s license, Carson residents with a.m. in a dedication ceremony with communities through which the zip codes 90745 and 90810 will be , board co-chair Terry 340-ton boulder traveled through granted free admission to LACMA’s Semel, Los Angeles County Supervisor Aon its historic journey, the Los Angeles galleries. , and neighborhoods County Museum of Art (LACMA) is of - from all over Southern California. fering free admission to resident of se - Since its arrival to LACMA over a lect zip codes from along the route for month ago, the Levitated Mass cre - Following the ceremony, guests can the entire week of June 24-July 1. ated by artist , will open take part in Andell Family Sunday art- With proof of residence, such as dri - to the public on Sunday, June 24, 11 making activities, or step into LACMA’s

continued on page 8 page six THE CARSON REPORT RAIN GARDENS – improving water quality one garden at a time

Polluted water leads to costly municipal im - for yourself. You can also visit the City of provements in treatment structures. Rain Carson’s Corporate Yard facility at 2390 gardens reduce runoff and are simple and E. Dominguez Street to see a large rain inexpensive way to make a big change. garden made with decorative rocks.

Rain gardens are more than just a beauty Now is a great time to build your rain mark; collectively they produce substantial garden. If you would like assistance de - neighborhood and community environmen - signing or building your rain garden, or tal benefits by: have a question, please call the City’s • Increasing the amount of rain Storm Water Quality Programs Manager water that filters into the ground at (310) 847-3529 or e-mail her at which recharges local and [email protected]. Once you build regional aquifers; your rain garden, we’d like to know about hether it’s planted with wild flo- • Helping protect communities from it. Take photos before, during and after. wers, your favorite plants or simply flooding and drainage problems; Have fun with it and share your photos with decorative rocks, a rain garden in • Helping protect streams, lakes and us. Your rain garden could be selected for yWour yard can be your contribution to im - the ocean from pollutants carried by a special award! proving the quality of water. A rain garden urban stormwater- lawn fertilizers is an attractive shallow depression in your and pesticides, oil and other fluids If you don’t have room to build a rain gar - yard designed to capture rain water that that leak from cars, and numerous den, you may have room for a rain barrel. would otherwise runoff from your roof or harmful substances that wash off Rain barrels are another excellent way to other impervious surface, and allow it to roofs and paved areas; and reduce runoff and re-use your rain water. slowly filter into the ground. Compared to • Providing valuable habitat for Through a grant from Keep America Beau - a lawn, a rain garden allows about 30% birds, butterflies and many tiful Inc., the City’s affiliate, Keep Carson more water to soak into the ground. beneficial insects. Beautiful, has a limited number of rain barrels to give away. You can submit an Why are rain gardens so important? Rain A rain garden is inexpensive and easy to on-line application for a rain barrel at the water runoff from developed areas in - build and requires very little maintenance. City’s website. If you are not selected this creases flooding and carries pollutants And, it would be a great family project for time, don’t worry. There will be more from streets, parking lots and even lawns this summer. Go on-line and get more in - grants and more rain barrels . I into local streams, lakes and the ocean. formation about rain gardens and find out

Pet Owners Cautioned... Coyotes garbage stored indoors. Pets should be fed pruned on a regular basis. continued from page 3 during daylight hours and all pet food removed before dark. Water bowls should California Fish and Game regulations Coyotes have also been known to attack be emptied and not left out after dark. prohibit the relocation of coyotes without humans. During the time of year when written permission from the Department. adult coyotes are caring for their young Ripe fruits and vegetables should be cov - More information on coyotes is available (May-September), they can be very ered at night or the garden/fruit trees en - on the Los Angeles County Department of aggressive when their young are threat - closed by a coyote-proof fence to prevent Animal Care & Control at ened. Domestic dogs are especially vulner - access by hungry coyotes. Fences that are http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/coyote.asp. able to attack during this time. Extra constructed should be at least 5 1/2 feet tall. precautions should be taken by residents All fences should have some sort of galva - United States Department of Agriculture to protect valued domestic cats or small dogs. nized wire apron securely attached to the http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/wil bottom of the fence. Coyotes are very dlife_damage/content/printable_version/co- Coyotes are attracted to urban/suburban adept diggers and prefer to dig under yote_Dec2011.pdf areas by the easy accessibility of food, fences rather than jump them. Brush and water and shelter. Reducing or eliminating vegetation should also be cleared from State of California Department of Fish and the availability of these elements will often backyard and adjacent areas to eliminate Game encourage coyotes to leave. Garbage can habitat for prey, which could attract http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/docs/co- lids should be secured at all times or coyotes, and landscaping should be yoteposter.pdf I SUMMER 2012 page seven Carsonites Write A Book About Hawaiians In Los Angeles

Former Carson Coun - helped found,” explained Lozada. cilmember Lorelie Olaes Lozada further explained that since it also felt the same as is rare to find pure blood Hawaiians Roberts. “I felt that this with 50% or more blood quantum, the (book) might be an op - authors agreed that it would be better portunity to honor some to broaden the scope to locals (people of the people and fami - born in Hawaii) and the Hawaiian at lies whom we had be - heart (people who have been touched friended and learned to by Hawaiians where they live the admire and respect over culture despite never living or visiting the years. We knew we the islands). had to reach out beyond the families that we knew All authors agree that the beauty of the The authors (from left - right): personally,” said Olaes. book is that it is deliberately a combi - Former Carson Councilmember Lorelie Santonil Olaes, nation of individual stories, supported Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo, Cheryl Villareal Roberts, This is what led Roberts by pictures, that led into the bigger Elizabeth “Nani” Nihipali, and Christian Hanz Lozada. and Olaes to collaborate picture of the influence of Hawaiian with the other two au - community to the Los Angeles area. thors, Lessa Pelayo and It creates a sense of pride of Hawaiian or coauthors Elizabeth “Nani” husband, Christian Lozada who had culture within the Hawaiian communities. Nihipali, Lessa Kanani’opua deep family connections in the Hawaiian Pelayo, Christian Hanz Lozada, community. Pelayo is a librarian and “Being a Carsonite, I found that our FCheryl Villareal Roberts, and Lorelie Lozada is a lecturer at several book, like the Hawaiian community, Santonil Olaes, what started out as a colleges/universities teaching English reaches out to everyone growing up in project of ohana (family) of the Ni - and Writing. a multicultural society and shares a hipalis turned into a bigger project in universal theme, “Respect yourself, the form of a book talking about a “We needed to combine our skills and respect others, use your talents, and bigger set of ohana, the Native Hawai - our network of connections within the build strong and caring communities”,” ians in Los Angeles – a vibrant history Hawaiian community in order to flesh said Olaes. I and continuing story of ohana related out the beautiful and complicated by blood and ohana related by love. history and influence of the Hawaiian community in Los Angeles,” said Olaes. LACMA Based on the 2009 American Community continued from page 6 Survey, there are more Native Hawai - For Pelayo and Lozada, this book was galleries. To see the qualifying zip ians and Pacific Islanders in California a launching point about the diaspora codes that can benefit from this free than in Hawaii. Co-author and Carson of Hawaiian culture in Los Angeles – a admission offer, please log on to resident, Elizabeth “Nani” Nihipali, is story of a modern Hawaii told. http://lacma.org/art/exhibition/levitated-mass. one of the few Hawaiians who can trace her Hawaiian lineage on both “Too often I feel that depiction of The Levitated Mass was originally paternal and maternal side back to the Hawaii rest too much on stereotype conceived in 1968 but not realized indigenous Hawaiian people. after contact. There are the transfor - until 2012. It is composed of a 456- mative years between contact and foot-long concrete slot, over which is “We initially wanted to create a family annexation where the system of gov - placed on a 340-ton granite megalith. tree and/or a scrapbook of her (Nani) ernment, religion, and lifestyle radically Levitated Mass speaks to the expanse family’s history so that her grandchildren changed. Hawaiians recognized early of art history from ancient traditions of and her great-grandchildren would on that changes were coming and they creating artworks from megalithic have an idea of her family’s past and had to change quickly. That same stone to modern forms of abstract their impact on the mainland,” said foresight can be seen in so much of geometries and cutting-edge feats of co-author Cheryl Roberts. the community the Pelayos engineering. I page eight THE CARSON REPORT