The Weekly Newspaper of El Segundo Herald Publications - El Segundo, Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Hawthorne, Lawndale, & Inglewood Community Newspapers Since 1911 - (310) 322-1830 - Vol. 105, No. 6 - February 4, 2016 Inside This Issue Certified & Licensed Professionals.....................10 Classifieds............................4 Crossword/Sudoku.............4 Film Review..........................4 Legals.............................. 9,11 Police Reports.....................2 Real Estate.......................5-8 Sports....................................3 Weekend Forecast A Lovely Day to Live in Los Angeles A gorgeous view over LAX and time to count our blessings. The sun is shining, there is snow in the San Gabriel mountains and no cancelled flights! Photo by Greg McMullin. • Council Gets Economic Development Boost From Continental Development By Brian Simon On Tuesday night, the El Segundo City Council thanked Continental Development Corporation (CDC) President Richard Lundquist for donating $15,000 to help bolster the local economic development effort. The amount will specifically go towards targeted digital and print media advertising for the current fiscal year and will include search engine optimization, pre-roll video, banner and social media ads, and other promotion with the hope of attracting new businesses to town. The Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC) recommended enhancing advertising in this manner, but the City had already used up all available budget monies for the year—thus prompting CDC to step in and offer the additional funds. Pointing out his continued contributions to not just El Segundo but also the City of Los Angeles and schools, Mayor Suzanne Fuentes said Lundquist is “the most generous man” she knows. Councilmember Marie Fellhauer made note of Lundquist’s participation on EDAC as well as his roles as past chair of the El Segundo Education Foundation and point person in the fundraising campaign for the new aquatics facility at the future Wiseburn High School site. During public communications, Jim Latta (a licensed clinical social worker who is also President of the Senior Citizen Housing Corporation Board that oversees Park Vista) spoke of a spike in El Segundo’s homeless population. Though the most recent count was just 15 individuals, Latta noted that one wouldn’t have seen homeless people in El Segundo as recently as five years ago. “I can’t go to Ralphs without being pan-handled,” he said of today’s situation. Latta attributed the homeless population rise here (as well as elsewhere in the region) to the closure of 23 of 63 Los Angeles County courts. Once transported here, he explained, the homeless will stay put until arrested or put on a bus. He suggested that the City should have a plan in place, such as providing a shelter bed or a bus voucher. Fuentes thought the idea was interesting and said staff will look into the possibility. Speaking of homelessness, that was one of the topics discussed at a recent Independent Cities Association (ICA) conference, according to Fellhauer who also serves as President of that organization. Other items on the docket included mental health and the impacts of Prop 47 and AB109—legislation that resulted in more criminals released into the streets. Fellhauer said the Council ought to inform the public more about these issues and the negative impacts on the community. She also called for more local preparedness to deal with potential active shooter and terrorism activities, feeling that El Segundo as a sleepy town is a prime target. Fellhauer additionally reported that several residents contacted her after losing power due to high winds that struck the area on Sunday. A number of homes went without electricity for nearly 24 hours until Edison crews were able to restore lines late Monday afternoon. Long-time resident Loretta Frye reminded the public that she and other volunteers will again offer free tax preparation services to the elderly and low-income citizens every Tuesday at the Joslyn Center from 11 to 3. Those interested must make an appointment in advance (310-524-2705) and bring their Social Security card, picture ID, 2014 tax return, and 2015 W-2, 1099s, and any other income forms. Frye also praised Joslyn Center staff for going beyond the call of duty in their support of the program. Tree Musketeers Youth Manager Fernando Aguilar invited the community to attend the 29th annual Arbor Day event on Saturday, March 5 when volunteers will plant 70 trees and care for those already in place at the Imperial Highway median. Those interested in sponsoring or more information can go online at www.treemusketeers.org. On a request from resident Antonio Mendez, Public Works Director Stephanie Katsouleas explained why an item regarding emergency work to repair water intrusion due to improperly sloped decks in three dwelling units at Park Vista appears on the consent agenda at every meeting. Though originally declared an emergency back in November 2014, it took about five months from there to complete surveying and final design plans. Then when it came to bidding out the work, most contractors wouldn’t touch the project and those willing to move forward either couldn’t get the required insurance or bonding. As the process continued without resolution, the Council continued to receive updates at every regularly scheduled meeting for many months. On Tuesday, Katsouleas indicated that a fix is finally close at hand. The City finalized contract documents with Bino Construction, who will soon install three electric sliding glass doors that happened to arrive last week. During the waiting period, affected tenants received sandbags from the City—though no flooding was reported from the recent rains. After conducting interviews with her colleagues prior to the meeting, Fuentes announced the selection of Jayne Pimlott to a partial term on the Library Board of Trustees expiring on June 30 this year. Pimlott will then begin a full term that will run through June 2019. • Friday Sunny 72˚/49˚ Saturday Sunny 75˚/51˚ Sunday Sunny 80˚/53˚
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