The Weekly Newspaper of El Segundo Herald Publications - El Segundo, Hawthorne, Lawndale & Inglewood Community Newspapers Since 1911 - (310) 322-1830 - Vol. 108, No. 14 - April 4, 2019 Inside This Issue Certified & Licensed Professionals.....................15 Classifieds............................4 Coloring Contest...............14 School Spotlight..................5 Crossword/Sudoku.............4 Entertainment......................6 Legals....................... 10,11,12 Letters...................................3 Real Estate................7-10,16 Sports.............................. 5,15 Weekend Forecast Japanese Team Wins Local Little League International Tourney State of the City: Mayor Looks to Future After Positive Recent Year By Brian Simon As he concluded his address to a packed room of attendees during last Wednesday’s State of the City 2019 luncheon, El Segundo Mayor Drew Boyles was effusive in his description of this community, describing it as the “most important five square miles” economically in all of Southern California. Judging by the long list of accomplishments over the past year as well as what’s in store for the future, he made a compelling case for the assertion. The event, held at Los Angeles Air Force Base and presented by the El Segundo Chamber of Commerce, brought together business luminaries, elected officials and other local leaders. Before the mayor took to the stage, Space and Missile Systems Center Commander Colonel Ann Igl spoke of the Base’s history in town and noted, “El Segundo has been with us since the beginning.” She went on to mention the economic impact of the facility -- $2 billion annually – along with its 6,000 employees and 12,000 indirect jobs. Veering from the format of past events, Boyles began his portion of the program by showing a newly produced 15-minute video featuring comments from City Council colleagues and the various department heads on the recent -year achievements with El Segundo identified as the “hub of innovation” and “where big ideas take off.” Each of the items tied in with the five major objectives outlined in the City’s three-year strategic plan. In the video, Councilmember Chris Pimentel spoke of the priority to receive community feedback and improve communication as part of the overall goal to enhance customer service and engagement. Deputy City Manager Barbara Voss highlighted the citywide communication program now in place to make interaction more “consistent, proactive and collaborative.” Finance Director Joe Lillio discussed the implementation of online business license renewals and a second year of surveys now using the Net Promoter Score system to measure the City’s services. Recreation and Parks Director Meredith Petit reported major increases in summer camp participation as well as social media followers, plus a new motto/logo and an online registration system. Library Director Melissa McCollum talked about improved WiFi access, remodel of a main section of the library, online services and the Living Library program that debuted last year in conjunction with the El Segundo Museum of Art (ESMoA). City Clerk Tracy Weaver reported on training programs for employees and that El Segundo will move to a new election format in 2020 to align with LA County. Planning and Building Safety Director Sam Lee emphasized the goal to “improve the overall customer experience.” Regarding the goal to support community safety and preparedness, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Pirsztuk noted that one of El Segundo’s strengths is that it is “an extremely safe city.” Police Chief Bill Whalen then listed his department highlights – including the new crime analyst position, a department reorganization that included creation of the new Command Engagement Division, and 39 community outreach efforts in the past year. Fire Chief Chris Donovan detailed continued advances in technology and training, a pre-alert dispatch system to improve response times, the City passing its environmental safety audit without a single hitch, and two hazardous materials sessions conducted free of charge. On the goal to develop as a choice employer and workforce, Human Resources Director David Serrano said the City launched a leadership development academy, held a mid-manager retreat, and hired 23 new personnel with eight internal promotions. Whalen lauded ESPD’s new recruitment campaign, which includes a $25 million bonus for lateral officers who choose to move here from other agencies. “We want the best of the best,” Whalen said. Looking at the goal to develop quality infrastructure and technology, Councilmember Scot Nicol talked about the recently opened City of El Segundo/Wiseburn Aquatics Center (which Boyles later singled out as a shining example of a major project that can happen in a small town, thanks to collaboration between multiple stakeholders). Information Systems Director Charles Mallory said his new department launched of a series of projects to improve services and communications. Public Works Director Ken Berkman (who at one humorous point in the video emerged out of a trash bin) listed his department highlights from last year – with a hefty amount of sidewalk, curb/gutter repair and repaving, not to mention completion of a major portion of the sewage master plan. And he did discuss the new automated solid waste and recycling contract (kicking in next month) that will save the City $1.8 million over 10 years. Of the final goal to champion economic development and fiscal sustainability, Boyles described the City’s success in balancing its budget and reducing pension liability. Crediting the Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC) with helping the cause, Boyles proclaimed, “El Segundo is now on the map more than ever.” Voss supported the notion with stats of more than 2.5 million square feet of commercial space occupied here over the past decade. She also elaborated on the See State of the City, page 13 The Kitasuna and Beach City Red teams pose after the championship game won by Kitasuna. For story see Sports on page 5. Photo by Gregg McMullin. Friday Cloudy 64˚/56˚ Saturday Cloudy 65˚/56˚ Sunday Partly Cloudy 73˚/61˚
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