The Weekly Newspaper of Torrance Herald Publications - Torrance, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hawthorne, Lawndale, & Inglewood Community Newspapers Since 1911 - (310) 322-1830 - Vol. 3, No. 48 - November 28, 2013 Inside This Issue Business & Professional.........................4 Calendar................................3 Classifieds..........................10 Crossword/Sudoku...........10 Food.......................................7 Legals....................................9 Pets......................................11 Police Reports.....................9 Politically Speaking............4 Real Estate.........................12 Sports....................................6 Weekend Forecast Ground Breaks on New Multi-Use Sports Fields, Future AYSO Host On Monday, Nov. 18, the City of Torrance broke ground on its new multi-use sports fields, located at 555 Maple Avenue. Mayor Frank Scotto announced the “kick-off of development.” According to the City, more than 15,000 Torrance youth currently use City parks for sports practices and games, and the demand for field space is increasing. The new multi-use sports fields will also be used during the July 2014 AYSO National Games hosted in Torrance. Anticipated completion date is Feb. 2014. Pictured above are (L to R) L.A. Superior Court Asst. Supervising Judge Steven Van Sicklen, Former Assemblymember Betsey Butler, L.A. Superior Court Supervising Judge Mark Arnold, Field Deputy Representing the Office of Supervisor Don Knabe Steve Napolitano and Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto. Numark Resigns Council Seat By Dylan Little The Nov. 26 Torrance City Council meeting was the last one for Councilmember Cliff Numark. He resigned from the Council after being elected to the El Camino Board of Trustees. The Council is currently seeking applicants to fill the vacant seat. Numark’s resignation came near the end of the meeting. He described the experience of serving on the Council as a dream come true. He thanked his former colleagues on the Council for their skill and respectful discourse, even when issues would pit them on opposing sides of an issue. He also made sure to thank the voters of Torrance for their faith in his abilities both as a Councilmember and a future college trustee. “It’s certainly a bittersweet time for me,” said Numark. “I am inspired and thrilled the residents elected me to help lead El Camino College, but of course I’m saddened because my time here has come to a close. I am privileged and humbled to have had the opportunity to serve here.” Each member of the Council spoke highly of Numark’s dedication--not just to City governance, but to his family and career as well. All of them saw him as an example of service to the public, as well as an intelligent and insightful member of the Council. Councilmember Bill Sutherland joked that Numark’s vocabulary kept the former reaching for a dictionary. Similarly Councilmember Barnett regretted losing Numark on the Council. “You’re a smart son of a gun,” said Barnett. “El Camino’s gain is certainly our loss.” Mayor Frank Scotto said that he expected Numark to go on to bigger things than either the Torrance City Council or the El Camino College Board of Trustees. “I know that there will be a time when you have a much higher office,” said Scotto. “The City of Torrance TerriAnn in Torrance One Heart, One Voice By TerriAnn Ferren Thanksgiving is part of the fabric of our lives and most everyone looks forward to this special holiday. Lots of us either cook or help the cook prepare the annual celebration. As for me, I have been cooking for my family for many years but have memories of family Thanksgiving dinners as a child where I did nothing at all but enjoy the day and celebration. Our world seems smaller today with the technology available and those in need are brought to our attention with rapid, live reports from our smartphone, radio or television. This year in addition to the needs of those around us in our own town and area, we are profoundly aware of the needs of those far away. Last week, in Chicago, the deadly tornados left a huge path of destruction--and before that, the Philippines were struck with the diabolical typhoon Haiyan that was so enormous that the results of if its power created massive tragedy almost beyond comprehension. The hardest-hit city, Tacloban, is still in dire need of help. The United States immediately sent assistance to help the people affected by the storm. As a citizen of the United States, I am proud our country is lending a hand. Many other countries around the world responded to the cry of the Filipino people after the devastating storm. See TerriAnn in Torrane, page 5 is truly a better place having had you on the Council.” A formal going-away party is planned for Numark at the Torrance Art Museum on Dec. 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. and the public is welcome to attend. With Numark’s resignation, the Council is--for the second time this year--put in the position to appoint someone to fill a vacant seat. While the Council could chose to hold a special election, in this case it feels it would be fiscally irresponsible. City Clerk Sue Herbers said a special election would cost the City about $200,000 and could only be scheduled in a way that the eventual winner would have to run simultaneously in the special and general election and only hold the seat for one month before potentially losing the seat in the general election. However, the appointment process has its own challenges. The Council only has 30 days from Numark’s resignation to appoint a successor, which with the holidays at the end of the month means a quick timetable to screen a replacement. Councilmember Pat Furey voiced his support for the appointment process, despite the limited time. “It’s a short deadline, but it’ll work,” he said. In order to meet the 30-day cutoff, applications for the vacant seat are already available and will be due to the City Clerk no later than 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 11. The Council will then make its appointment on Dec.17 and the term will last from then until new members are sworn in following the June 2014 election. Scotto noted that this process See City Council, page 9 Friday Few Showers 68˚/53˚ Saturday Sunny 69˚/53˚ Sunday Partly Cloudy 69˚/54˚
Torrance 11_28_13
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