Page 14 April 14, 2016 EL SEGUNDO HERALD Mayor Fuentes from front page instructors statewide so honored; ES High senior engineering students’ participation at the SpaceX Hyperlook Pod Design Competition at Texas A & M this summer; and ES High Zero Robotics team’s first place finish at the 2016 MIT Zero Robotics ISS Virtual Challenge. Wiseburn achievements included launching Project Lead the Way in upper elementary grades thanks to a Chevron grant; and the Da awareness about El Segundo, as well as recent positive articles in major publications. Fuentes went on to welcome Barbara Voss, who came on last year as the City’s Economic Development Manager. She also thanked Chevron for supporting local economic development efforts, including a $200,000 contribution last year. “We’ve made steady progress toward achieving our goal of attracting 100 new businesses to “As a community, we have demonstrated time and time again our ability to solve complex problems, find new and unique solutions and work together to build a thriving city.” to the hospital.” She added that El Segundo also implemented a smart classroom at Fire Station 2 to connect real-time video and voice transmission to over 40 sites within the region. Emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility and the need to control costs, track revenues and build reserves, Fuentes said, “We continue to be challenged to meet the City’s service and operational requirements while at the same time maintaining reserves and addressing our infrastructure needs.” She then noted the hire of new Finance Director Joseph Lillio. Fuentes also thanked City Clerk Tracy Weaver and staff for “successfully navigating new state laws and managing public records requests.” Moving on to Public Works, Fuentes spoke of the City’s continued investment in local infrastructure. Key projects of the past year included replacement of 3,500 feet of sewer and water lines; repair of over 36,000 square feet of sidewalk, 7,000 linear feet of curbs and gutters, and 10 ADA ramps; restoration of the City Council Chambers; and installation of benches and tables at Civic Plaza. The Mayor also spoke of the significance of the upcoming Richmond Street Rehabilitation Project. “This project will not only make long-overdue safety improvements to the street and sidewalks, [but] it will also increase parking availability in our thriving downtown center,” she said. Other infrastructure projects mentioned were new ADA curb ramps, sidewalk repairs, fiber network improvements, and additional water and sewer line replacement. In Human Resources, Fuentes reported that the department filled 20 vacancies over the last six months including seven people from within. “HR is currently in the process of filling 20 additional vacancies,” she added. Stating that “we’re educating future innovators,” Fuentes said both the El Segundo and Wiseburn school districts “are shaping our future leaders and training our children for careers at the many high-tech companies located right here in El Segundo.” She listed several El Segundo Unified accomplishments, including implementation of Project Lead the Way for grades K-8; recognition of El Segundo High as an Apple Distinguished School; selection of ES High teacher Kathy Clemmer for a Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science—one of only five Vinci Science Robotics Team’s berth in the First International Robotics Competition in St. Louis. Of special note, the district broke ground on a new high school campus last August set to open in June 2017 as the home to the three Da Vinci high schools—Communications, Design and Science. Fuentes also spoke of the “spectacular design” for the new Olympic-caliber aquatics facility. “Richard Lundquist, President of Continental Development [Corporation], has generously committed $1 million towards construction and is leading the charge to help the City fundraise through a comprehensive corporate sponsorship program,” Fuentes said. “The Los Angeles Lakers have committed $250,000 and it is anticipated the pool will open in early 2018.” In the economic realm, the Mayor reported that El Segundo hosted the kick-off event for LA County’s Innovation Week that took place at elevon on October 1 with over 200 business and civic leaders in attendance. She also noted that El Segundo for the second time won the Eddy Award for Most Business-Friendly City handed out by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. “In El Segundo, we believe economic development is a shared responsibility of all of our employees— and our staff is second to none,” Fuentes said. She also lauded the work of the City’s Economic Development Advisory Council and confirmed that renewed marketing efforts since September 2014 drove over 13,000 visitors to the ElSegundoBusiness.com website. Print and digital media advertising (the latter bolstered by a $15,000 grant from Continental Development) additionally contributed to more El Segundo by our centennial celebration in January,” Fuentes added. “Since the 100@100 campaign began last year, we have successfully attracted 65 new businesses to the city.” Speaking of new businesses, Fuentes commented on “several innovative companies” moving to town in the past year. She cited Kite Pharma in the redeveloped Utah Avenue Campus, Morf 3D, JustFab, and Main Street restaurants Sausal and Kagura. Major projects highlights were the opening of the 115,000-square foot The Point last August and mid-2015 completion of Mar Ventures’ and Continental Development’s elevon mixed-use project with tenants such as Human Regenerative Technologies, Starburst Accelerator and Big Block Media. Other notable arrivals mentioned were NYX (parent company of L’Oreal), In ‘N Out Burger, Fortune 500 firm DaVita Healthcare partners, airline cargo container manufacturer Satco, Liquid Advertising, and BizHaus--for which Fuentes showed a video from owner Joe Tang explaining why he felt El Segundo was the best choice for his second location. Regarding “innovative new developments,” Fuentes pointed to “tremendous levels of growth and investment” in the community last year. Projects included Bixby Land Company’s completed renovation of the office building at the corner of El Segundo and Continental boulevards that is now the home to Sanrio as well as the City’s marketing consultant Paolucci, Salling and Martin. “The developer recently sold this property for $49 million-nearly double its investment,” Fuentes said. A video from Tishman Speyer Regional Director Mark Laderman provided the reasons the commercial real estate giant opted to invest in El Segundo with the redevelopment of 555 S. Aviation—a 260,000-square foot, single-story office building on 14 acres that will transform into a creative campus. The “exciting emergence of a whole new set of industries” in town, proximity to world-class amenities as well as executive housing and good schools impressed Laderman. He also said that El Segundo is “a city that’s pro-business in every way.” Fuentes also listed other developments in the works: Raytheon’s South Campus Project with three phases planned and over two million square feet of new construction to provide office, warehousing, light industrial and commercial uses as well as the long-awaited extension of Nash Street; the Lakers’ new corporate headquarters and training facility at the elevon site; Trisonic’s five-building development at the former wind tunnel location; creative office campuses In/Site and The Landing: and the Utah/Douglas Project. Also renowned architecture firm S.O.M. will reinvent the office building at 777 Aviation Boulevard, converting the 1960 facility into a multi-tenant campus, Fuentes said. The Mayor additionally mentioned EVA Airways’ move into Campus El Segundo to build new headquarters, Continental Development’s $10 million investment to redevelop properties at 840 and 880 Apollo Street, and the repurposed space at 235 and 239 Oregon Street in Smoky Hollow for three office and research and development buildings. Fuentes described Smoky Hollow as “an exciting focal point for innovation in El Segundo” with a specific plan update in progress to provide “a long-term strategy for addressing future development and promoting the continued revitalization of the Smoky Hollow district.” She also announced that four new hotels will open in the near future. Rubicon Company is building two facilities at the former Hacienda Hotel site—a 246-room Aloft Hotel and 350- room Fairfield Inn and Suites. Also on the way are the 170-room Hampton Inn on Sepulveda and 154-room Cambria Suites on Continental. “As you can see, we truly are a City of innovation,” Fuentes concluded. She added, “Before we leave, how many times did I say any form of the word ‘innovate?’” The Mayor asked attendees to tell the person to their left their guess. The correct answer was 30… • Election Results from front page of our city’s money. I will treat these funds as my own.” In other results, incumbents for the City Clerk (Tracy Weaver) and City Treasurer (Crista Binder) positions ran uncontested and will serve for the next four years. The two garnered 2,337 and 2,302 votes respectively. In leading the pack, Boyles—an entrepreneur and business owner—said he was honored by the show of support from El Segundo voters and thankful of the efforts from his campaign committee, friends, neighbors and family. “I look forward to serving this community as a responsible, thoughtful City Council member,” he said. “I pledge to use my passion, energy and well-tested business experience to work towards making El Segundo the best it can be for everyone who calls this town home.” Boyles added that he is grateful to the many residents who spent time talking to him during the campaign. “I assure them and the rest of our citizens that I will continue to listen to their voice.” Boyles was also encouraged by the swell of support for Measure B and said he will “use the new revenues in the best interests of the community.” Of her second place finish, Pirsztuk—a small business owner and Chair of the El Segundo Education Foundation—thanked the community for having the confidence in her to help guide the City. “I look forward to serving the residents and businesses in El Segundo,” she said. “We have an opportunity to collaborate, be solution-orientated… and together create a long-term vision for our city. I will strive to ensure that El Segundo prospers through economic development, retains its community charm, and continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family.” Pirsztuk also indicated that she was pleased about Measure B. “The money raised will enable the City to invest in infrastructure projects that have been deferred for many years.” Brann, a retired former long-time school superintendent, previously served on the Council from 2008 to 2012 and did not run four years ago. “The voters of El Segundo figured it out and I’m very appreciative of their support once again,” he said. “I look forward to building a strong team with the continuing Council members and other winners.” Though falling short in her quest for a second term, Fellhauer noted that the “numbers speak for themselves” and wished the next Council well. “I put my best foot forward,” she said of her campaign. “It was an honor to serve on the Council the past four years and I am happy that Measure B is moving forward.” In leaving the Council next month, Fellhauer must also vacate her position as President of the Independent Cities Association but plans to spend more time with her family and recently adopted an infant son. She added, “As Colin Powell once said, ‘Never let your ego get so close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it.’” Despite a disappointing finish, Atkinson was upbeat about the City’s future with the success of Measure B. “My primary goal in running was to ensure that Measure B passed—and it did with flying colors,” he said. “I hope the new Council will use the money wisely for infrastructure, with some funds also for hotels/motels and EDAC [Economic Development Advisory Council].” Atkinson and Fellhauer will preside during the entirety of next Tuesday’s Council meeting because of a recent legislative change that doesn’t allow the election to be officially certified until April 20. The three new Council members will be sworn in on May 3, after which time the full group of five will select the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. • School Board from page 3 gifts: the expulsion of a student; the approval of a resolution allowing the Ed! Foundation to offer their fee-based summer academy; the approval of the proposal to replace the District’s current wireless network; and the approval of the District’s math placement policy. VPLS Solutions was the winning bidder when the District issued a request for proposal to replace their current wireless network earlier this spring. Four qualified vendors submitted wireless infrastructure and equipment proposals, and VPLS Solutions, based in Orange, California, was selected as the best fit for the District. Wrote District Director of Information Technology Danny Gauna in an email sent prior to the meeting: “ It’s great to see that we are building a new Wireless Network that will support our technology goals and carry us into the future.” With summer quickly approaching, the information pending action items portion of the agenda included the consideration of the summer reading lists for both the Middle School and the High School. Superintendent Moore then reported-out on the District’s informational calendar, with a Board budgetstudy session scheduled for this Saturday, and the always popular Run-for-Education on the calendar for Saturday, April 23. Board member reports followed, and Moore then gave her Superintendent’s report. She noted the relationship between the District and the Ed! Foundation and their fundraising prowess in helping offer and continue needed programs for the District students. Prior to closing the meeting, President Jim Garza asked for a moment of silence for long-time District teacher Evelyn Somers, who recently passed away. The next regularly scheduled Board meeting will commence on Tuesday evening, April 26. • “Meanwhile Measure B, the transient occupancy tax (TOT) increase, passed overwhelmingly–with 72.1% of the votes in favor (2,197 to 848). The tax assessed on patrons staying at local hotels will now rise from 8% to 12%.”
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