WinterIssue 2013/14 Community C o n n e c t i o n s
Meetings Elected A MESSAGE FROM Meetings are in City Hall Officials THE CITY TREASURER and the Community Mayor The City of Carson has established a Fraud Center unless other- Jim Dear Hotline to fight fraud and protect wise noted, and are open to the public. Mayor Pro Tem taxpayer’s dollars. The Hotline is an Police & Fire Jobs Elito M. Santarina option for anyone wishing to anonymously Emergencies 911 Career Center City Council/Successor Animal Control (310) 233-4888 Agency 6 p.m., Councilmember report illegal or unethical activity on the part of the City, its officials, employees, Carson Animal Shelter Libraries 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Mike A. Gipson (310) 523-9566 Carson Regional contractors or vendors. The Hotline is Citywide Advisory Commission Councilmember Birth, Death, (310) 830-0901 7 p.m., 2nd Thursday open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in - Lula Davis-Holmes Marriage Records Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Only when necessary) terpreters are available in 20 different lan - County Registrar-Recorder (310) 327-4830 (562) 462-2137 Economic Development Commission Councilmember guages. Parking 8 a.m., 1st Thursday, Albert Robles Building Permits Enforcement Community Center Calls placed to the Hotline are confidential Building & Safety (800) 654-7275 City Clerk (310) 952-1766 Environmental Commission and handled by a third party vendor. You Parks & Recreation 6:30 p.m., 1st Wednesday Donesia Gause do not have to give your name and your Public Transit (310) 847-3570 City Treasurer and Dial-A-Ride Cultural Arts Commission call is not recorded through the use of Post Office 6 p.m., 1st Monday Karen Avilla recording devices, caller identification (310) 952-1779 Main No. (800) 275-8777 (only when necessary) Hearing Impaired Acting City Manager equipment or any other means. (800) 252-9040 Sandbags Human Relations Commission Jackie Acosta Street Maintenance 6:00 p.m., 3rd Wednesday ______The City of Carson has taken a pro-active Cable Television (310) 952-1700, ext. 3520 Time Warner Cable Parks and Recreation Commission Editor: step against fraud by establishing the (888) 892-2253 Sewer Clean-up 6:30 p.m., last Thursday Margie Revilla-Garcia Hotline. In the event that you become (626) 458-4357 Planning Commission aware of unethical, illegal or irresponsible Chamber of 6:30 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesday Graphic Designer: Commerce Senior Services activity, don’t ignore it. Call the Fraud (310) 952-1775 Victor Gastelum (310) 217-4590 (310) 835-0212 Public Relations Commission ______Hotline toll-free telephone number at 12:00 p.m., 4th Tuesday City Hall Sidewalk Repair 1-877-7 HOT TIP or 1-877-746-8847. (310) 830-7600 Public Safety Commission Street Maintenance 6:30 p.m., 3rd Thursday The Carson Report is Code Enforcement (310) 847-3520 published by (310) 952-1786 Public Works Commission CITY OF CARSON POSITION Sheriff’s Station 6:30 p.m., 2nd Monday the City of Carson (310) 830-1123 Community Center Senior Citizen Advisory Commission STATEMENT (310) 835-0212 Street Sweeping 4 p.m., 2nd Monday to provide those who live and Carson is a vibrant city with a sm all town atmosphere where Street Maintenance work here with information relationships are important. This is clearly Crime Prevention (310) 847-3520 Veterans Affairs Commission visible throughout the community, from the stable Neighborhood Watch 6 p.m., 3rd Monday about the city’s programs, (310) 847-7481 Telephone single family neighborhoods, which make up nearly AT&T Women’s Issues Commission services, and issues. eighty percent of the city's residences, to the partnership Disaster (310) 515-7979 6 p.m., 4th Monday between businesses and volunteer driven agencies Preparedness All questions, comments, Youth Commission which strengthen the city's remarkable social fabric. (310) 952-1700, ext.1603 Trash Collection and contributing information Waste Management 7 p.m., 2nd Wednesday The social composition of Carson is California in Dump (310) 847-3508 Historical Committee should be directed to the miniature. It is a city with a balanced ethnic and cultural Transfer Station or (310) 830-7100 (310) 217-6300 6:30 p.m, 4th Wednesday City of Carson’s Public mix living together in harmony and prosperity. Tree Trimming/ Beautification Committee Information Office. The community takes pride in the large percentage of Electricity Street Mainte- 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tuesday Southern California nance Carson students who attend college, many to Edison Co. (800) 950-2356 (310) 847-3520 Utilities Users Tax Citizen’s California State University, Dominguez Hills, a valuable Budget Oversight Committee Address: 701 E. Carson St., asset to the city. Gas Water (only when necessary) Southern California Gas Co. California Water Service Carson, CA 90745 Carson's strategic position in the heart of the powerful (800) 427-2200 Company (310) 257-1400 Mobilehome Park Rental Tel: (310) 952-1740 economic engine that is Southern California attracts Golden State Water Review Board international corporations which recognize the city's Graffiti Removal Company (800) 999-4033 6:30 p.m., 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Fax: (310) 549-1466 Landscape & Buildings bright future. The city's proximity to the West Coast's (310) 847-3500 Youth Services Relocation Appeals Board E-mail: [email protected] two major ports, as well as its intersection by four (310) 952-1788 (only when necessary) Southland freeways, makes it a major gateway to the Hospital Website/E- newsletter Pacific Rim. Harbor General UCLA Community Civic Engagement Board subscription: Medical Center 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tuesday http://ci.carson.ca.us We, the people who live and work in Carson, take pride (310) 222-2345 Sister Cities Association in our city and will continue to build relationships 6:30 p.m., 4th Wednesday which ensure that future. page two THE CARSON REPORT Hundreds Celebrate Carson’s 45th Anniversary
their harmony-based balladry and funk jazz fusion playing their smash hits like “Let It Whip,” “Joystick” and “Let It All Blow”.
All the 45th Anniversary events this year were a cooperative effort of community volunteers who comprised the 45th Anniversary Planning Committee. The group began planning the 45th Anniversary activities as early as November 2012, through monthly meetings – and sub - committee meetings in between – and came up with five major projects to cele - brate the milestone anniversary year.
The first activity was the Saturday Night at the Fights held last February, a few undreds of people, comprising of Katrina Saroyan set the evening’s mood days after the City’s actual date of citizens, community leaders, playing the harp and serenading the incorporation, which is February 20, H business owners, elected officials crown with her easy-listening repertoire. 1968, followed by the Carson Park grand and members of the Carson family gath - re-opening in June. Last September, the ered on October 12th to celebrate the City Flor D’ Luna Band captivated the audi - City held a Miss Carson Scholarship of Carson’s 45th Anniversary Gala Ball. ence during dinner time with passionate Pageant. rhythms, funky bass The doors of the Congresswoman lines, clean har - Juanita Millender-McDonald Community monies, and singing Center opened at 6 p.m. By 7 p.m., men melodies that did and women in their special evening more than answer the attire walked the red carpet, smiled for call, they touched the the cameras, and packed the elegantly- soul with decades of decked main halls. experience in Jazz, Salsa, Rock, Soul, Funk Latin Music and Flamenco. Booming toms, walking bass lines, jumpin’ rhythms, roaring horn lines topped with smooth crooning vocals of Douglas Roegiers were the The parade was the fourth of the five ingredients found after dinner as the projects and it featured celebrities, color - Phat Cat Swinger Band sent some of the ful floats, equestrian units, and various audiences to the dance floor and kept bands that highlighted the City of Car - them on their feet musical number after son’s 45th Anniversary. musical number as they performed their billboard favorites. The parade took place on October 5th along Main Street, between 213th Street Along with dessert, the audience heard and Carson High School on 223rd from and danced to rhythm of the Grammy Award winning Dazz Band with continued on page 8 WINTER 2013/14 page three A Free Zumbathon Kicks-off City of Carson’s 5,000 Pound Weight Loss Challenge Program
Congresswoman Juanita Millender-Mc - its fitness centers at Carson Park, Scott Donald Community Center. Park, Stevenson Park, and the Veterans Park SportsComplex as well as other The 5,000 lb. Weight Loss Challenge fitness locations throughout the city for Program is a city-wide challenge that this weight loss challenge program. spun off from the 50 Million Pound Chal - lenge started by Dr. Ian Smith who initi - The zumbathon event also featured a ated the national campaign to wide variety of health booths, a kid fit encourage everyone to join forces and zone, zumba gold, raffles, and give - fight the risks of being overweight for aways. The City of Carson’s 5,000 lb. families and communities. The City of Weight Loss Challenge is co-sponsored Carson is believed to be the first city in by Gardena-Carson YMCA, Boys and California to host the 5,000 lb. weight Girls Club of Carson, West Coast challenge program. Fitness, Kaiser Permanente, and SouthBay Pavilion. Hundreds of men and women of all ages he City of Carson kicked off its danced to the Latin rhythms. The pro - For more information or to participate in 5,000 lb. Weight Loss Challenge gram event was staged at the East Wing the challenge, please call the City of Program with a free zumbathon Parking Lot of the Community Center. Carson Recreation and Human Services T I that took place on September 7 at the The City is providing weigh-in stations at at (310) 847-3570.
Lenny Williams Topbilled Carson’s End-of-Summer Jazz Festival
egendary American jazz, blues and Williams lead a host of singer Lenny Williams took center - jazz performers which in - L stage at the Carson’s End-of-Sum - cluded Barbara Morrison, mer Jazz Festival on September 28th, at Jazz in Pink, Guitar Anderson Park. But this year, not only Shorty, Aalon, and did Carson have a Jazz Festival , the City Carson’s very own Erin also had a Breast Cancer Blunt also known as Awareness/Health and Wellness Expo DJ Alcatraz. at the same time. Aside from non-stop jazz entertainment, is about “fellowship with Carson neigh - The event took place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. the festival included a wide variety of bors and supporting vendors.” and featured non-stop live jazz enter - food, crafts and health booths, a kiddie tainment as well as activities for every area with carnival games, contests and Dozens of booths enclosed Anderson member of the family. various stage activities. It was also a Park selling a variety of products and showcase of talents in dancing as musi - promoting upcoming events and health Lenny Williams is known for his work in cians, soloists, and bands took turns en - and wellness in Carson. the R & B and soul music genres. tertaining the crowd. During the 1970s, he was the lead “It is a fantastic gathering of people in vocalist of Power. As a soloist, he made “It is a good event to relax and have lots the Carson community,” said Leticia B. several hit recordings, including the of fun,” said attendee Sandra M. Lewis. Tan, Carson Regional Library Manager, 1977’s “Choosing You” and 1978’s Juanita Matthews looks forward to the “Cause I Love You”. Jazz Festival annually because to her it continued on page 8 page four THE CARSON REPORT State of the City Address Covered Carson’s 45 Years of Progress
he annual State of the City Address abundance of undeveloped land in delivered by the City’s Mayor on Carson, its strategic location because of T October 17, 2013, covered the its proximity to major Southland free - major accomplishments of the City of ways, and the absence of some of the Carson over the last 45 years as the taxes other cities impose on businesses. year’s speech coincided with the City’s 45th year of incorporation. Among the other ongoing construction the Mayor was referring to are the devel - With black-and-white pictures flashing opment of the Porsche Experience Driving on a big screen, the Mayor took an audi - Center, Cinemark Movie Theatres, ence over 200 at the Congresswoman Inland Kenworth truck dealership, a Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Walmart Neighborhood Market, Win Tara O’Brien, pictured here with Walter Neil, Center on a nostalgic trip down memory Hyundai automotive dealership, and a received the Future Unlimited Award for lane as he emphasized “how much Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant at the Kaiser Permanente. progress the City has achieved and how SouthBay Pavilion. many opportunities are still ahead.” The Mayor also cited a major construc - velopment. Overall, the city stands to Forty-five years after it was incorpo - tion project on the 405 freeway, namely remain financially stable with a general rated, he said, “Carson is gearing to be the 405-Wilmington interchange, an fund balance estimated at $36.4 million a prime shopping and entertainment example of infrastructure improvements as of June 30, 2013. This represents a destination with the construction of The and big investments the City is making 22.8% increase from the fiscal year Boulevards at South Bay project at the to continue to make Carson a great 2011/12 general fund balance of $29.6 old landfill near the 405 and 110 freeways.” place to live, work, play and do business. million. Other City projects include the construc - The Boulevards is only one of many tion of Arbor Green housing develop - Past achievements and future indicators, ongoing developments in Carson, an ment and Phase 2 of the Via 425 project according to the Mayor, suggest that indication, according to the Mayor, that a few blocks away from City Hall. Carson’s 45 years of progress will business is still good in Carson, despite continue in the years to come. “Truly the the economic challenges afflicting the The Mayor also underscored that the future that our founding fathers had nation and surrounding cities in the City is stable despite the ripple effects of envisioned for this community forty-five I South Bay. He attributed this to the the great recession and the loss of rede - years ago is happening now,” he said. Carson to Consider Prohibiting Use of Chain Link
he Planning Commission will con - adjacent to a public street. Division for fences and/or hedges is duct a public hearing on November Both public hearings will take place at 42 inches (3 1/2 feet) along the front T 26, 2013, to consider prohibiting 6:30 p.m. in Carson City Hall Helen yard and 6 feet along the side and rear the use of chain link and/or barbed wire Kawagoe Council Chambers located at yards, except as otherwise provided in a within the front and side yards of com - 701 E. Carson Street in Carson. Specific Plan for the development of the mercial and industrial properties that are neighborhood. located on major arterials such as According to the Planning Division, Figueroa Street, 223rd Street and Sepul - fences are recommended to be wood, The Planning Commission will also veda Boulevard. metal, vinyl or similar material and in - consider increasing the height of fences stalled with the posts or structural sup - and/or hedges to a maximum of The Planning Commission will also ports inside with the finished surfacing 48 inches (4 feet) in the front yard. conduct a public hearing on December facing the public street. If you are interested in obtaining more 10, 2013, to consider prohibiting the use information, please call the Planning I of chain link within the front and side In residential districts, the maximum Division at (310) 952-1761. yards of residential properties that are height recommended by the Planning WINTER 2013/14 page five City of Carson Hosts a Tribute to Filipino-American Labor Leader Larry Itliong
In 1970, Larry Itliong founded and became the Itliong, are remembered by future generations of president of the Filipino American Political Associa - Californians,” explained Assemblymember Rob tion (FAPA), the first national political Filipino Ameri - Bonta, introducer of the bill amendment. can organization and a crucial alliance between Filipino professionals with 30 active chapters Filipinos and Filipino Americans have been throughout the United States. contributing to California and the United States for hundreds of years, ever since October 18, 1587, In October 2010, the Carson City Council passed a when the first “Luzones Indios” set food in Morro resolution establishing October 25th as Larry Itliong Bay, California, on board the Nuestra Señora de he City of Carson and the Confederation of Day in Carson. On October 2, 2013, Governor Esperanza, a Manila-built galleon ship. Filipino American Association (CONFAA) Jerry Brown signed an amendment to Assembly Bill T joined the entire community in honoring the 123 (AB 123) – that requires the state curriculum to In the first decades of the 20th century, thousands life’s work and legacy of Larry Itliong – a Filipino- include the contributions of Filipino Americans to of Filipinos in California worked in agricultural fields American labor leader and organizer. the farm labor movement in California. The goal of throughout California and became a critical element AB 123 is to supplement California’s rich farm in the growth and political economy of the state, The tribute took place at the USW-Local 675 Union worker history with the contributions of the Filipino often enduring harsh labor conditions and poor Hall, located at 1200 E. 220th Street in Carson on American community. wages, but persevering and creating a strong October 25th. The event featured music, refresh - legacy of mutual support, strikes, and organizations ments, inspirational messages and awards pre - AB 123, prior to its amendment this past October, for farm labor unionization. sented to the labor awardees, Pilipino Worker required the State Board of Education to ensure Center of Southern California and Louie Diaz – that the state curriculum included instruction on The Filipino American population is currently the Vice President of Teamsters Local 848 and a 2013 Cesar Chavez, and the history of the farm labor largest Asian American and Pacific Islander group Labor Leader Award Winner. movement in the United States, and that the state in California and the third largest Asian American criteria for selecting textbooks included information and Pacific Islander group in the United States. Larry Itliong was responsible for organizing to guide the selection of textbooks that contain sec - immigrant farm workers and cannery workers for tions that highlight the life and contributions of In Carson, Filipinos make up about 30% of the over 30 years. He helped establish the Alaska César Chávez, and the history of the farm labor City’s population. Filipino-American History Month Cannery Workers Union in the 1930s and helped movement in the United States. is annually celebrated on all four Saturdays in the get a contract that called for an eight-hour day with month of October at the South Bay Pavilion with overtime pay. The amendment to AB 123 now requires that the various types of entertainment to celebrate the rich state curriculum and framework, include instruction cultural heritage of the Filipino-Americans in America. In 1965, Larry Itliong led the successful on the role of immigrants, including Filipino Ameri - “Great Delano Grape Strike” to protest the low cans, in the farm labor movement. “Larry Itliong is a hero championing the rights not wages and miserable working conditions. In 1966, only of the Filipino farm workers but the immigrants he led the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee “By signing AB 123, Governor Brown has made an who built America. He carved a name in the history and merged with the National Farm Workers unprecedented move to give students a more com - of the labor movement,” said Fe Koons, a member Association led by César Chávez to form the United plete account of California’s farm labor movement of CONFAA and the Planning Committee of Larry I Farm Workers union. and ensure that important leaders, such as Larry Itliong Day Celebration in Carson. Patriotic Ceremony Marks Celebration of Veterans Day
he Carson City Council led the community Park, featured traditional military rites and Veterans Park is home to the City’s Veterans in joining the entire nation in observing patriotic musical numbers and was enjoyed Wall where names of local residents Veterans Day on November 11. by a wide audience of various veterans who have served in the war are T I organizations, local civic groups, and members displayed. The celebration, which was held at Veterans of the community. page six THE CARSON REPORT Outstanding Volunteers Receive “Leaf” on Carson Tree
wenty-two individuals and a non-profit community and reviewed by a panel of judges Public Relations Commission and the Friend - organization received their “leaf” on the composed of City commissioners, former Leaves ship Club. She is actively involved in the T Carson Tree for their outstanding volunteer of Carson recipients, and sheriff’s personnel. The Carson Women’s Club, Carson Sister Cities work in the Carson community. The recipients of awards program is a project of the Public Relations Association, Philippine Independence Day the 2013 Leaves of Carson Awards will also be Commission in its fourth cycle since it made its Foundation, Lion’s Club of Lakewood and she recognized at a Ceremonial Presentation Meet - debut in 2003. serves as the current President of the Southern ing that is going to be held in December. California Allied Neighborhood program. She Kourosh Hangafarin is a key contributor to the involves herself in many of these organization’s The awardees include: Kourosh Hangafarin, City of Carson on many levels. As a Commis - fundraising efforts to give student scholarships business category; Perlita Rasing, Carson resident; sioner of Economic Development, he plays a and to help the underserved. Betty Addison, education; James A. Boyer, public crucial role in helping generate ideas for revenue sector; and the late individuals – Ann Tatnall, and jobs. He is a member of Cal-Chamber and Betty Addison is a retired teacher. Her many Dorothy Carter, Elizabeth Sybil Lewis Brown, Carson Chamber of Commerce where he helps to membership and leadership roles include being Fumi Takahashi, Isabella Meni, Jacqueline Hawes, bridge the gap between state and local interests to a member and former Board Member of the John Manley, Larry E. Grant, Letha Cruz, Mary help position Carson as a first choice for state National Sorority of Beta Pi Sigma Sorority, Inc. Elizabeth Little, Mary Ellen Morris, Nathaniel backed projects and benefits. He has a direct Long Beach Chapter, whose goal is to enable “Nate” Riddick, Princess Louise Perry, Quincy impact on over 6,000 Carson families through his African American students to gain academic Beaver, Rita McCormick, Ruby Robinson, Tom role as a member of the Board of Directors for the achievement nationwide. She is also a member Clayton, and Ysletta Cockrell . The Erasto Ba - Gardena-Carson YMCA. of the California Reading Specialists which tongmalaque Foundation received the award for prepared her to help students achieve and pass the non-profit organization category. Perlita Rasing is a retired Registered Nurse their expected reading levels. who volunteers and participates in various service The awardees were selected based on nomina - organizations throughout the City. She is the tion papers submitted by members of the Carson past Chairperson and a current member of the continued on page 8
Local Attractions, Park Programs and Cultural Diversity Top Students’ List of Why They Like Carson
through 8 from various schools in Carson that attractions – ranging from the world-class Stub - received cash prizes ranging from $50 to $150, Hub Center to the once-a-week Farmers’ Market medallions, and certificates of commendation -- being one of the top reasons. Other favorites from the Carson City Council and Federal, State on the students’ list are the city’s schools, parks, and County elected offices. and the numerous activities such as after-school programs and sports activities that keep them A project of the Public Relations Commission, busy year round. the contest was started in 1996 by former coun - cilmember Mary Anne O’Neal in an effort to fos - Fourth grader at-large participant Kayle Craigen wenty-eight essays written by students ter community pride among Carson’s youth. sees these programs and events at the parks to from Carson stood out in describing their The contest generates wide participation from be an opportunity to spend time with friends. T love for their city during the 2013 “Why I the local schools with hundreds of essays re - Like Carson” Essay-Writing Contest, which con - ceived each year. Students also agree that the cultural diversity in cluded with an awards ceremony on November 12. Carson is an aspect that makes them not only Students have different reasons why they like The winners included 28 students from grades 3 Carson, as described in their essays, with local continued on page 8 WINTER 2013/14 page seven 45th Anniversary Jazz Festival continued from page 3 continued from page 4 Whether it is your first or your fifteenth time, Carson’s Jazz Festival is both mesmerizing and memorable – with a long line up of jazz performers and a plethora of booths offering a variety of delicacies, arts and crafts, games and activities for kids. With the addition of the Breast Cancer Awareness/ and Health and Wellness Expo, health screening and wellness information were also made available.
At least six months of planning and thousands of hours put in by community volunteers working through different commit - tees are involved in putting together each I who hosted a booth to disseminate annual seven-hour event. information to the community regarding library services and programs that the Leaves of Carson Carson Library offers. continued from page 7 One of the longest running events in Carson, Street. The parade has been a tradition the Jazz Festival draws a huge crowd annu - James A. Boyer currently serves as a Parks in the celebration of the City’s milestone ally from all over the South Bay, having and Recreation Commissioner. He has occupied anniversaries, with the last one taking prominent performers in past years such as different commission posts in the past. He was place in 2003, during the City’s 35th Ronnie Laws, Loose Ends, Angela Bofill, and formerly a member of the Beautification Com - Anniversary. other big names in the jazz music industry. mission and the Environmental Commission. He is also involved in various volunteer commit - With the City’s 50th Anniversary just This year’s Jazz Festival Breast and Cancer tees in the City of Carson such as the Bike Mas - around the corner, the Carson commu - Awareness/Health and Wellness Expo was terplan, the 45 Anniversary, St. Vincent de Paul, nity looks to a brighter future “moving sponsored by the Carson Citizens Cultural and Friends of the Carson Library. He is also an I forward together”. Foundation and the City of Carson. auxiliary member of the Carson Women’s club, a member of the American Cancer Society, and is a Certified Emergency Response Team trainee. Why I Like Carson Essay Writing Contest continued from page 7 The students expressed delight in their essays over Because there are numerous individuals who the number of new and modern houses being built have left a lasting legacy through their significant like their city, but actually makes them proud and the rapid increase in commercial and retail contributions to the Carson community through citizens. “Everywhere I go in the city, I see familiar businesses in the city. their volunteer work, the Mayor and City Council faces and it feels like one big family,” have chosen eighteen individuals for the posthu - observed Simiya Fells, a fifth grader from Finally, the students concur that they like Carson mous category. Catskill Elementary. because they feel safe because of the protection they enjoy from the Sheriff’s Department. Erasto R. Batonmalaque (ERB) Foundation To seventh grader Christine Samala from Stephen has brought the federally-funded Food Bank M. White Middle School, just going to the super - So whether it is the local attractions, the parks and Program to the City of Carson since 2010. Its market will make you “feel as if you went on a trip park activities, the cultural diversity, the city’s boom - mission is to improve the quality of life of disad - around the world.” ing economy or the friendly sheriff’s deputies, sev - vantaged individuals and to promote health and enth grader Samala summarizes her position: wellness. An average of 800 seniors receive “You get to encounter a different ethnicity with just a “Carson is like an unpolished diamond. What we food supplements through the Foundation turn on the grocery aisle,” added Samala. see now is not a finished product. Improvements monthly. There are currently 2,500 seniors regis - But according to Christine the best part is that the are being done day by day. There’s still more to tered for the program. The ERB Foundation con - “diverse ethnic groups co-exist harmoniously. They come.” ducts a monthly Senior Coalition Meeting at the respect each other’s beliefs.” Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald My city has almost everything that I want. It is not Community Center to promote health and well - perfect but it is growing and the citizens who live ness to seniors and engage them in discussion to Carson’s booming housing and economic develop - I I ment didn’t go unnoticed by the students. and work here are learning together.” live better lives through self-governance. page eight THE CARSON REPORT