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. 54 - December 29, 2016 Inside This Issue Best of the Best..................2 Certified & Licensed Professionals.....................12 Classifieds............................4 Crossword/Sudoku.............4 Entertainment......................6 Legals....................... 10,11,12 Obituaries.............................2 Police Reports.....................3 Real Estate.......................7-9 Sports....................................5 Weekend Forecast 2017: Happy New Year A Look at 2016: The El Segundo Year in Review By Brian Simon Emerging from years of financial struggles, the City of El Segundo in 2016 found itself with some extra cash for a change and some flexibility to plan for the future. The City Council, with three new members after the April municipal election, held numerous discussions on how to spend the monies as well as to create a long-term vision. The group also continued to monitor the progress of major projects such as the new Aquatics Center and TopGolf, while also deliberating on key quality of life issues such as oversized vehicle parking and residential building regulations. Economic development continued to thrive, as new businesses and projects continued to come to El Segundo. The City also finally completed the long-awaited Richmond Street rehabilitation and ramped up other infrastructure projects. And El Segundo Unified School District finally completed the sale of the long-vacant Imperial Avenue site. Here is a rundown of some of the major stories that unfolded during 2016: Budget and Strategic Planning: Finally Financial Flexibility… In contrast to previous years, the El Segundo City Council enjoyed the pleasant prospect of a $3.2 million general fund surplus estimated for 2016/17, thanks in large part to projected revenues from the transient occupancy tax increase passed by voters in April. The Council allocated the additional monies to fund turf replacement at Campus El Segundo; a new police building roof; Main Street crosswalk lighting; sidewalk, curb and gutter repairs; and additional or reconfigured staffing. The Council opted to “park” monies for personnel hires so that department heads could later make cases for the moves before those became official. A new Information Services (IS) Director was one of the eventual approvals. Finally not bogged down by the fiscal constraints that previously necessitated a year-to-year focus, the Council took part in three strategic planning sessions in the summer and fall—with a consultant present to moderate the proceedings and help the group dial into a long-term vision for the City. Primary objectives included maximizing customer service capabilities, becoming a choice employer with world-class workforce, being a safe and prepared city, investing in infrastructure, and optimizing the impact of technology—all the while maintaining fiscal sustainability. They also discussed ways to develop advanced metrics to track successes and ensure accountability and transparency. Election: A Changing of the Guard In April, local voters opted not to bring back City Council incumbents Dave Atkinson and Marie Fellhauer—instead electing See Year in Review, page 13 New Year Means Changes for Hourly Workers, Drivers By Rob McCarthy The state’s lowest-paid workers will get a raise on Sunday when the minimum wage moves to $10.50 per hour, and it won’t stop there. Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill in March making California the first state to commit to a $15 minimum wage. The first 50-cent jump kicks in on January 1 and affects businesses with 26 or more employees. Smaller businesses are being given additional time, though all businesses eventually will pay the same rate. The law calls for another 50-cent raise in 2018, followed by a $1 per hour jump annually until 2022. Once the minimum wage reaches $15 for small business, the rate will rise annually with inflation. The Governor has the power to suspend an annual increase if the state is projected to run a deficit or the economy sputters. Brown called the gradual increase in the minimum wage a “careful and responsible” approach that leaves the Governor flexibility to ease the burden on employers should the economy slow unexpectedly over the next five years. This is the third consecutive year that California has raised the minimum wage. It increased to $9 in 2015 and $10 this year. A full-time worker making minimum wage will earn $21,840 this year. The federal poverty level for a family Zoe Leonie Stowischek, Daughter of Daniel and Lauren Stowischek; Granddaughter of Chuck and Linda Nicoli. Photo by Marcy Dugan. • See Changes, page 6 Friday AM Showers 59˚/53˚ Saturday AM Showers 57˚/47˚ Sunday Mostly Sunny 57˚/48˚
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