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CITY OF CARSO N, CALIFORNIA, SPRING 2012 Community Connections

Meetings A MESSAGE FROM Meetings are in 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 Zarah Cruz Hotline. In the event that you become (626) 458-4357 6:30 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesday Writers: aware of unethical, illegal or irresponsible Chamber of Public Relations Commission Commerce Senior Services Zarah Cruz activity, don’t ignore it. Call the Fraud (310) 952-1775 12:00 p.m., 4th Tuesday (310) 217-4590 Margie Revilla-Garcia Hotline toll-free telephone number at (310) 835-0212 Public Safety Commission Graphic Designers: 1-877-7 HOT TIP or 1-877-746-8847. City Hall Sidewalk Repair 6:30 p.m., 3rd Thursday (310) 830-7600 Carlos Esquivel Street Maintenance Public Works Commission (310) 952-1700, ext. 3520 Victor Gastelum Code Enforcement 6:30 p.m., 2nd Monday ______(310) 952-1700, ext. 1786 CITY OF CARSON POSITION Sheriff’s Station Senior Citizen Advisory Commission (310) 830-1123 Community Center 4 p.m., 2nd Monday STATEMENT (310) 835-0212 Street Sweeping Veterans Affairs Commission The Carson Report Carson is a vibrant city with a sm all town atmosphere Street Maintenance 6 p.m., 3rd Monday is publishe d by where relationships are important. This is clearly Crime Prevention (310) 952-1700, ext. 3520 visible throughout the community, from the stable Neighborhood Watch Women’s Issues Commission the City of Carson single family neighborhoods, which make up nearly (310) 847-7481 Telephone 6 p.m., 4th Monday to provide those who live and AT&T work here with information 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 about the city’s programs, which strengthen the city's remarkable social fabric. (310) 952-1700, ext.1603 Trash Collection Waste Management Historical Committee services, and issues. The social composition of Carson is California in Dump 952-1700, ext. 3508 6:30 p.m, 4th Wednesday All questions, comments, 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 and contributing information Tree Trimming/ 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tuesday should be directed to the 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 City of Carson’s Public California State University, Dominguez Hills, a valuable Edison Co., (800) 950-2356 (only when necessary) Water Information Office. asset to the city. Gas California Water Service Mobilehome Park Rental Southern California Gas Co. Company, (310) 257-1400 Address: 701 E. Carson St., 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 Carson, CA 90745 Company (800) 999-4033 international corporations which recognize the city's Graffiti Removal Relocation Appeals Board Tel: (310) 952-1740 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 Fax: (310) 549-1466 Community Civic Engagement Board Southland freeways, makes it a major gateway to the E-mail: [email protected] Hospital 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tuesday Pacific Rim. Harbor General UCLA Sister Cities Association Website/E- newsletter We, the people who live and work in Carson, take pride Medical Center 6:30 p.m., 4th Wednesday subscription: (310) 222-2345 in our city and will continue to build relationships http://ci.carson.ca.us which ensure that future. page two THE CARSON REPORT Carson City Council Appoints Donesia Gause as New City Clerk

he Carson City Council has 60 days prescribed by the Govern - named Donesia Gause as its new ment to either appoint or call a special City Clerk, replacing longtime City election to fill the vacant position. TClerk Helen Kawagoe, who left office on December for health reasons. Gause is a Certified Municipal Clerk, who also previously worked as the Gause, an analyst in the City Clerk’s Deputy City Clerk for the City of Office in the City of Long Beach was Compton, prior to joining the City of appointed during a special meeting Long Beach in 2003. The City Council held on February 28, over three others interviewed all four finalists at length who were also on the Council’s short during the special meeting, and in the list of candidates. end, selected Gause.

The City Clerk position has been va - Gause, who was sworn into office by cant since January 1 following Kawa - City Attorney William Wynder immedi - goe’s retirement and resignation from ately after the City Council vote, will office at the end of 2011 after serving serve the remainder of Kawagoe’s as Carson’s City Clerk for 37 years. unexpired four-year term, which The appointment was made within the began in March 2011.

City Officials Dedicate Carson’s Newest Mini Park ity of Carson officials led the son’s Redevelopment Agency, gional Water Quality Control Board, community in a special cere - before the agency shut down in the Redevelopment Agency conducted mony held on January 21 to late 2011. the appropriate environmental remedi - mCark the grand opening of Reflections ation to make it suitable for a neigh - Mini Park, Carson’s newest mini park. In addition to an environment suitable borhood park. The project that cost for quiet reflection, the mini park is approximately $955,000 is an example Aptly named Reflections Mini Park, adorned by drought-resistant plants of many of the recently-defunct Rede - the “passive park” located at 21208 that require minimal maintenance and velopment Agency’s accomplishments Shearer Avenue is designed for quiet promote a healthy, sustainable in eliminating blight in Carson through enjoyment and relaxation, was built on environment. environmental remediation and creat - a former “Brownfield” – an actual or ing an alternate use for troubled or potentially contaminated site -- by Car - In 2006, under the oversight of the Re - contaminated properties.

New Captain Heads Carson’s Sheriff Station

ieutenant Eddie Rivero officially cultural diversity and workplace rules tenant in 2006 and assigned to Court took the helm as Captain of the on harassment. Services Division. In 2007, Rivero Carson Sheriff’s Station on April 1. was assigned to the Carson Station Lt. Rivero has served as the acting Rivero was promoted to Sergeant in as Watch Commander and then an captain since April of 2011. 2000 at the Norwalk Station, and han - Operations Lieutenant. dled the department’s response to ha - Rivero joined the Sheriff’s Department rassment and discrimination complaint Carson station oversees the City of 22 years ago and spent his early prior to serving as a Chief’s Aide at the Carson and unincorporated areas ad - career as a training officer. He taught Correctional Service Division Head - jacent to Harbor Gateway, Harbor City, patrol tactics, hate crime investigation, quarters. He was promoted to Lieu - and East Rancho Dominguez area.

SPRING 2012 page three Carson’s Special Needs Program: Enhancing the Quality of Life of Individuals with Disabilities for Over 30 Years

Participants learning new skills and socializing with friends through the Special Needs program.

ver 30 years since its inception, the affected with Down Syndrome. Since Special Olympics. According to Eunice, City of Carson Special Needs Pro - then it has grown in scope and the these physical and social activities are gram has remarkably evolved from activities have expanded tremendously extremely important for her son Darrell. aO physical fitness and recreation program to its current state where activities in - to an important advocacy group for indi - clude everything from arts-and-crafts to “It gives Darrell something to do with his viduals with mental and physical disabili - basketball. Except for nominal fees for time, meet other people, see his friends, ties and their families. transportation and miscellaneous costs socialize, and try something new,” said for sports and special excursions, the his mother. Since there are a limited Housed in the Congresswoman Juanita special needs program is offered by the number of activities and peer-centered Millender-McDonald Community Center, City of Carson free of charge. activities for adults with disabilities out - the program provides a nurturing care to side of the special work program through Carson’s special needs population Many of the participants have grown to - the regional center called Workshop, through various physical and social activ - gether in the programs and have formed Darrell does not have much other activity ities. Its goal is to enhance the quality of long time friendships. to occupy his time at home. lives of individuals with disabilities by ad - dressing loneliness and isolation, utilizing Sixty-nine year old resident and mother, For 50-year old resident and participant, existing community resources. Eunice Dixon, has been coming to the Anthony Clark, participating in recre - Special Needs Program with her 42-year ational and social activities is extremely The program was piloted by Carson resi - old son Darrell since he was 11 years important. According to his sister, Loretta dent Costella Franklin in the late 1970s in old. Darrell currently participates in bowl - Clark, over the years, since activities order to find activities for her two children ing, monthly dances, basketball, and have dwindled due to budget cuts, page four THE CARSON REPORT “I just want some type of Aside from recreational programs, classes are currently offered at Scott normalcy for them. I don’t want Park Mondays thru Thursdays from to see them shortchanged and 7-9 p.m. while Carson Park is under renovation. The classes offer an opportunity I want to see them have the for developmentally disabled individuals chance to enjoy life like to socialize, learn new skills in a fun and accepting atmosphere. Appropriate everyone else” social behavior is emphasized as the group studies nutrition, discuss safety forward to the monthly dances to see her issues, do arts and crafts, play games friends that she grew up with in the that develop methods for their program to catch up and socialize. self-expression, social interaction and Cedric Berry, 42, is also a long-time promote independence. active participant of the program and is involved in three different sports for the On April 21, 2012, the South Bay Special Special Olympics. Olympic 2012 Area Games will be held at the Veterans Park Sports Complex from Sandra Barber, who has worked over 20 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is open and free to Bowling program offers the years as the Special Needs Coordinator, the public. The event features Special fundamentals in a competitive yet wants nothing more for the participants Olympic athletes from the South Bay and supportive environment. but a “good quality of life as every person surrounding areas who will compete in deserves.” “I just want some type of basketball and bocce. Anthony has gained weight since he normalcy for them. I don’t want to see does not have any group sports that he them shortchanged and I want to see For more information on the City’s Special can attend like Carson’s Special Needs them have the chance to enjoy life like Needs Program, please contact Sandra Program. everyone else,” Barber said. Barber at 310-835-0212, ext.1465.

For Loretta, the importance of having Anthony participate in the Special Needs Program is to have him learn skills with other participants that have similar needs. “It is more beneficial for Anthony to participate in a group sport like basket - ball with his peers because he is more inclined to do it, he pays attention and he learns something new individually and how to deal with other people,” said Loretta.

There are currently over 400 registered clients participating in the various activities of the Special Needs Program. The City of Carson is the only city in the South Bay Area known to offer recreational and social programs for the mentally and physically disabled adult population.

Forty-six year old, Reiko Ramos, has been attending the program since high school. She can only attend the week - end recreational activities now since she Learning new skills and developing methods of self-expression in a fun works during the weekdays but looks accepting atmosphere.

SPRING 2012 page five Property Owners Asked to Vote on Proposed Increase in Street Lighting Assessment

arson Property Owners will re - being turned off ceive a Street Lighting Assess - and light poles ment Ballot to seek their removed, and aCpproval on a proposed increase on cost property their current assessment in order for owners if they the County of Lighting later change their District to fund ongoing street light minds and have services in Carson’s neighborhood. the street lights reinstalled. Pas - Property owners will be asked to vote sage of the new whether or not to approve the pro - assessment rate posed increase to $35/year from the requires a 50 per - current $1/year per single family resi - cent or more of dence. Larger commercial, industrial the ballots re - and governmental properties will pay a turned. proportionally higher rate, if approved by voters. Under Proposition 218, ap - The proposed Street Lighting Assessment Ballot sent out to residents on proved by California voters in 1996, rate increase, proposed rate increase. property owners have the right to vote equivalent to 9¢ a on whether or not they approve of new day, is a result of the continuing cost same time, Southern California Edison or increased assessment rate. of electricity, operation and mainte - rates have continuously increased nance of street lights. Property tax over the same period. As a result, the A “Yes” vote will ensure street light revenues have been on the decline in reserve funds for street lighting are service remains at current levels. A the last few years to the decline in as - now exhausted, making an increase in “No” vote may result in street lights sessed property value, while at the the assessment rate necessary. continued on page 8

Residents Urged to Take Advantage of Assistance Programs Offered by Automotive Repair Bureau

esidents are encouraged to take in spection up to $500 in financial assis - advantage of the assistance pro - tance toward emissions-related repairs. grams offered by the Department Last year, the City Council adopted a oRf Consumer Affairs - Bureau of Auto - resolution in support of these pro - motive Repair (DCA-BAR) designed to grams, which it found to be beneficial help improve the air quality in California. to the environment, but also to its fixed-income families, seniors, single Through DCA-BAR’s Consumer Assis - parents and other families experiencing tance Program, individuals who meet financial difficulties during these tough the low income eligibility can receive economic times. financial incentives amounting to $1,000 to $1,500 when they retire an Applications for these programs aging vehicle. CAP also provides are available online at qualified individuals who own a vehicle www.smogcheck.ca.gov or by calling that fails its biennial Smog Check the DCA at 1-800-952-5210. page six THE CARSON REPORT The “Rock” Makes Unexpected Upcoming Events Overnight Stop in Carson April 20th Annual Youth Conference Saturday, April 14, 2012 • 10:00 a.m. California State University, Dominguez Hills Parent Conference Saturday, April 14, 2012 • 9:00 a.m. California State University, Dominguez Hills The Great American Cleanup Saturday, April 21, 2012 • 7:30 a.m. Dominguez Channel The 340-ton rock making a surprise stop along Avalon Blvd. on its overnight trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for an exhibition later this summer. Special Olympics 2012 he 340-ton boulder that traveled However, due to a delay caused by Area Games through 22 cities made an un - tight clearances along Atlantic Avenue Saturday, April 21, 2012 • 9:00 a.m. scheduled overnight stop in in Long Beach, the “rock” had to park Veterans Park & Sports Complex CTarson on March 8, allowing curious along Avalon Boulevard, at Pacific, residents and other spectators to take near Sepulveda Boulevard, and 2nd Annual Children’s Day a close look at the famous “rock.” remained there throughout the day Saturday, April 28, 2012 • 10:00 a.m. until it was ready to resume its journey SouthBay Pavilion The two-story high chunk of granite, the following evening. which originated from a quarry in May Riverside County, was originally Residents were pleased with the unex - scheduled to travel through the streets pected overnight stop as it allowed of Carson at 1 a.m. on March 8. them to see the famous rock whose Cinco de Mayo Saturday, May 5, 2012 • 1:00 p.m. journey had attracted a following since Veterans Park it left the quarry on February 28. From Riverside County, it traveled in the middle of the night for 11 nights at Memorial Day Celebration Friday, May 25, 2012 • 10:00 a.m. a speed of 5 mph, making stops in the Veterans Park cities of Ontario Airport, Diamond Bar, Rowland Heights, La Mirada, Lakewood, Long Beach, Carson, and June Los Angeles. Philippine Independence The “rock” transporter drove north on Avalon, and eastward into Carson Day Celebration Saturday, June 9, 2012 • 8:00 a.m. Street, and south into Vermont and Veterans Park made one more overnight stop before reaching its final destination, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art after Juneteenth Every precaution possible was taken completing the 105-mile journey. The Celebration 2012 to ensure safety and minimize interfer - “rock” will take center stage in an Saturday, June 16, 2012 • 11:00 a.m. ence to traffic in the transportation of exhibit by Michael Heizer called Mills Park the giant rock. “” this summer. SPRING 2012 page seven Residents Urged to Take Measures Against Invasive Tiger Mosquitoes

Residents are asked to call the GLACVCD if they see any small, black and white mosquitoes or if they are being bitten by mosquitoes during the day. In addition, they are urged to follow these steps to keep the Asian tiger mosquito from breeding around their homes: • Empty bird baths and small fountains completely or clean them • Search for and discard any thoroughly every 3 days. Request containers, cans, buckets, old FREE mosquitofish for ponds or tires, and trash around the home. larger fountains. Store items in a covered area or indoors to prevent water from • Clean out rain gutters and lawn The Invasive Tiger Mosquito is accumulating. drains to ensure water does not distinctive for its white striped body. collect. • Drill drain-holes in tubs, containers, esidents are urged to report any trash cans, and tire swings that • Water plants at the soil level. daytime mosquito activity after must be kept outdoors. Water that collects in the leaves and invasive Asian tiger mosquitoes axils of plants will breed mosquitoes. wRere spotted last fall in certain areas of the Los Angeles County. • Spread the word! Talk to your neighbors about preventing According to the Greater Los Angeles mosquitoes from breeding. County Vector Control District (GLACVCD), mosquito activity sub - For more information, or to request sides during the winter, but warming service, contact: Greater Los Angeles weather triggers egg hatching and County Vector Control District adult biting activity. 562-944-9656 or www.glacvcd.org

Invasive Asian tiger mosquitoes, Street Lighting Assessment described as black and white in color, continued from page 6 are persistent day-biters and are extremely costly to manage. • Look closely under all bushes and The assessment rate started at This mosquito breed significantly behind walls for trash, plastic bags, $14/year in Fiscal Year (FY) 79/80 to alters how people enjoy the outdoors tarps or children's toys that may a maximum of $26/year in FY 90/91. and increases the risk of disease collect water. Discard or store them The rate then dropped to current wherever it is present. indoors. $1/year beginning FY 94/95 when the reserve funds had reached a robust • Store recyclables inside covered level. For the past 18 years, the re - trash cans or sealed plastic bags. serve fund was able to operate and maintain the street lights. • Remove any water saucers from beneath potted plants and drill drain Property owners are urged to review holes in all decorative flower pots. the informational materials they will receive along with the street assess - • Do not store water in uncovered ment lighting ballot, in order to make buckets or rain barrels. Ensure an informed decision on the issue. rain barrels are completely sealed For more information, please contact to prevent mosquitoes from entering. the County of Los Angeles Lighting District at (800 618-7575. page eight THE CARSON REPORT