Arte y Cultura 2006

CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS
Newsletter
September 2006
Jersey Elementary
School Children display
Tongva Village
You Are
Invited
¡Fiestas
Patrias!
“Arte y Cultura 2006”
The City of
Santa Fe Springs
Invites the Community
To Join us
In Rememberance of
The 5th Anniversary of
September 11
8:30 a.m. • Town Center Plaza
11740 E. Telegraph Road
City
Recognized
for Risk
Management
Efforts
The City of Santa Fe Springs has
been recognized as the recipient of the
General Liability
Risk Management
Award by the
California Joint
Powers Insurance
Authority (JPIA).
The California JPIA
grants awards in
two categories:
General Liability and Workers’
Compensation Programs. Members
of the California JPIA are evaluated
on quantitative and qualitative risk
management efforts, payroll allocations
to risk management, involvement
with the Authority Risk Management
Evaluation process, and their utilization
of the JPIA’s consultation services.
Although the City has received this
recognition in the past, this is always
an accomplishment. Great job City of
Santa Fe Springs!
The City of Santa Fe Springs takes great
pleasure in hosting the Latino creative class of
Southern California over the traditional Fiestas
Patrias weekend, which takes place on Friday, September 15th
and Saturday, September 16th. The City’s 39th Annual Fiestas Patrias Celebration “Arte y Cultura 2006” (art and culture) will showcase Latino renowned artists such as
international designer Raul Rodriguez, author Yxta Maya Murray, artistas y pintores (artists
and painters) Yolanda Gonzalez, Emilia Garcia, Dolores Harro, Arturo Ramirez, Rogelio
Mercado, and Luis Genaro Garcia, among a selective group of L.A.’s top urbanistas, which
can not be complete without the rhythmical contributions of “Malo” and the East L.A.
All-Stars. “Arte y Cultural 2006” will weave traditional folk and contemporary cultural arts
ranging from a wide spectrum of visual arts to astonishing performing arts in a dramatic
voice and expression of the Latino creative class in a certain time and place. Indeed a
“pluralistic” affair to tease all of your creative senses!
El espiritu (the spirit) of the Latino culture will come to life as you journey through
the Passport to the Arts that will take place throughout the day on Saturday. The essence of this year’s Fiesta, “Arte
y Cultura”, is the Galería (art gallery) featuring a collective art show of fifteen international renowned and upcoming
Latino artists from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Regional Artesanos (Craftsmen) will share their talents through specialty folk art
workshops, Talleres. The children’s talleres will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and exclusively for adults only talleres
will take place from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. showcasing folk art fine jewelry.
The Main Stage will feature live entertainment celebrating Latino/Chicano cultural roots for all to enjoy, including
performances by “8.8 Orchestra Salsa Band” at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 15th and “Malo” and the “East L.A. AllStars” performing at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16th. Yxta Maya Murray, author of Jade Queen, will speak and
provide an exclusive book signing session on Friday at 6:00 p.m. Live entertainment will also include professional
mariachi groups, salseros, and comedy. Booths offering traditional Latino folk art, food, and Mexican candy,
will enhance the festivities. Don’t miss out on the unveiling of the City’s Rose float design entry to the 2007
Tournament of Roses Parade by Raul Rodriguez, himself!
The City will provide shuttle service free of charge from Los Nietos Park to the Neighborhood Center. The shuttle will
run from 5:00 to 11:30 p.m. on Friday, September 15th and from 12:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 16th.
For a detailed schedule of activities, please call the Neighborhood Center at 692-0261.
STARGAZE SUMMER
CONCERT
e
l
l
e
B
a
L
i
Patt mber 8
te
p
e
S
,
y
Frida
The concert will be held at the Town Center Plaza, an intimate,
outdoor amphitheater, where every seat is a great seat!
Gates open at 7:00 p.m. with an 8:00 p.m. show time.
Tickets are available at the Town Center Box Office located at
11740 Telegraph Road. Ticket prices for residents/industrial residents
are $30 and $35 for non-residents. For additional information,
please call the Box Office at 863-4896.
City Council
Update
Community News
The Community Development Commission
meetings and City Council meetings are held at
6:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of
every month at City Hall. For details, call the City
Clerk’s Office from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday (closed every other Friday) at 8680511, Ext. 7314.
Fire & Police Services
Fire Department Hosts
Career Day - September 9
The Santa Fe Springs Fire Department will host a Firefighter
Career Day on Saturday, September 9, 2006. The event will be
held from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Fire Headquarters, located
at 11300 Greenstone Avenue, Santa Fe Springs. Come and learn
more about a career with the Santa Fe Springs Fire Department.
The day will include:
Demonstrations • Station Tours • Meetings with the Fire Chief
Talks About Firefighter Careers • Free Refreshments
Applications for a Firefighter career with the City are being
accepted in the City’s Human Resources office at
City Hall, through September 14, 2006.
For more information regarding the Career Day, please
call 944-9713.
May 25, 2006
Community Development
Commission Meeting
• The Commission approved Resolution
No.163-06 finding and determining that public
interest, convenience, and necessity require the
acquisition of Assessor Parcel No. 8011-019-029
at the southeast corner of Bloomfield Avenue and
Park Avenue.
• The Commission adopted Resolution No. 162-06
approving the Use of Community Development
Commission Funds for Projects included in the
Six-Year Capital Improvement Program.
City Council Meeting
• The City Council approved Ordinance No. 975
amending City Municipal Code Section 130.04
(14) as it relates to the City’s loitering in public
parks regulations.
• The City Council approved the transfer of the
landscape maintenance contract to Daniel
Zamora for landscape maintenance services for
the Police Services Center, Lakeview Childcare
Center, and the northeast corner of Los Nietos
Road and Norwalk Boulevard.
• The City Council adopted the Six-Year Capital
Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2006-07
through 2011-12.
• The City Council approved specific dates for the
annual re-organization of the City Council.
June 8, 2006
Community Development
Commission Meeting
• The Commission approved Resolution No. 164-06
regarding the sale of a Community Development
Commission-owned property acquired and
renovated under the Housing Acquisition and
Rehabilitation Program (HARP) located at 10130
Flallon Avenue.
City Council Meeting
• The City Council adopted Resolution No. 8085
restricting the parking of vehicles weighing over
6,000 pounds and implementing a tow-away zone
on the west side of Santa Fe Springs Road from a
point 345 feet north of Ann Street to a point
545 feet to the south.
• The City Council approved Ordinance No. 970, an
ordinance amending City Municipal Code 130,
Sections 130.09 through 130.15, as it relates to
vending and peddling regulations.
• The City Council approved the Fourth
Amendment to the City Council’s Employment
Memorandum of Understanding with the City
Attorney, the effect of which was to extend the
agreement until 2013.
June 22, 2006
Community Development
Commission Meeting
There were no items to report.
City Council Meeting
• The City Council conducted the Public Hearing
for Santa Fe Springs Lighting District No. 1
(FY 2006/2007) and adopted Resolution No. 8090
confirming the diagram and assessment and
providing for annual assessment levy.
September is Back to
School Month
Child Safety Reminder
The 2006-2007 school year will start soon. Please take the time to look at the
traffic pattern that exists at your child’s school. The traffic pattern will indicate where you can and cannot park,
direction in which to drive, and drop-off and pick-up locations. In order to protect the students and keep our
school zones safe, ALL violations will be strictly enforced by our Public Safety and Police Officers. Here are a few
helpful hints to help keep your children safe this school year:
DO NOT park in a red curb zone or areas regulated by posted signs
DO NOT double park
DO NOT drive beyond the posted speed limit
DO NOT block driveways
DO NOT park in emergency lanes and handicapped spaces
DO NOT illegally park and leave your vehicle to walk your child to class
DO NOT disrupt the flow of traffic on City streets
DO NOT park on streets during the day/time posted on street sweeping signs
CHILD SAFETY IS A PRIORITY! SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY!
Employee Spotlight
Cuong Nguyen,
Associate Planner
Cuong Nguyen just celebrated his 3rd year anniversary with the City of
Santa Fe Springs serving in the Department of Planning & Development.
Cuong started as an Assistant Planner, but his professional skills soon
qualified him for promotion to Associate Planner in December, 2005. He
is an integral part of the Planning team, preparing staff reports for the
Planning Commission and City Council, assisting in code enforcement,
reviewing zoning ordinances, and processesing complex development and
land use applications. Cuong has also become the department’s resident
database expert, having developed and instituted a case management
program that works with the City’s GIS program.
Prior to joining the Santa Fe Springs team, Cuong worked for the City
of Downey for three years, starting as a Housing Intern which eventually
evolved into an Assistant Planner position.
Cuong is a “local”, having grown up in Norwalk and graduated from Norwalk High School. He earned his A.A.
degree in Architecture from Cerritos College, and then transferred to USC, where he received his Bachelor of
Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning. He is now pursuing his Masters in Public Administration from
Cal State Long Beach.
Cuong, however, isn’t all business – he enjoys playing basketball, running, and biking. His most recent pastime
is wedding planning, as he and his financé, Lauren Dressler, have selected October of this year as their wedding
date. They have been dating for over 5 years and their wedding date is exactly 6 years from their first date, which
was set up through mutual friends.
The future Mrs. Nguyen is employed by Warmington Homes as a Purchasing Agent. After a wonderful
honeymoon cruise of the Mediterranean, Cuong and Lauren plan to settle into their home in Norwalk. He says
they’ll start their “family” with a pet first so they can get some practice in before they include a child in the picture.
The City is proud to have Cuong as a member of the “City family.”
2
City Council Update (cont.)
Community News
City Council Meeting
• The City Council approved the art concept by
Kerry Zarders and authorized staff to enter an
agreement with the artist to fabricate the work for
the Heritage Crossing intersection.
• The City Council authorized the City Manager to
enter into a contract with an executive search firm
to conduct selected City personnel recruitments
and to make related appropriations.
• The City Council adopted Resolution
No. 8087 approving and adopting the proposed
amendments to the existing Nondisposal Facility
Element (NDFE).
• The City Council accepted the City’s 50th
Anniversary Community Planning Committee’s
recommendation to approve the 50th Anniversary
Celebration budget.
• The City Council approved a 5.39% increase on
the annual residential solid waste collection
rate, which would increase from $207.65 to
$218.84; and approved a 5.39% increase on the
commercial/industrial solid waste collection
rates effective July 1, 2006 and allowed for an
additional 2.2% increase effective January 1, 2007
to compensate for a forthcoming increase in
tipping fees; and allowed the waste haulers to,
after January 1, 2007, automatically increase
commercial/industrial solid waste collection rates
by 30% of the percentage increase in tipping fees
imposed by the County Sanitation District, at
such time that tipping fee increases go into effect.
Children
Explore the
Arts Through
Heritage Art
Grant
This summer, students from Cresson and Jersey Elementary
Schools experienced the world of Art first hand. The students
learned about the importance of art and art appreciation through
school projects funded by the City’s Heritage Art Grant.
Jersey Elementary School students had the opportunity to tell the
story of the Tongva Indian Tribe, which inhabited Santa Fe Springs for
many years, through their own artwork and art pieces. The children
created a wonderful mural replicating a Tongva Indian Village, as well
as clothing and baskets used by the Tongva Indians.
Children at Cresson Elementary School explored the Arts by learning about some
of the world’s most renowned artists. The children learned drawing and painting
techniques, which they used to create their own masterpieces.
Funds from the Heritage Art Grant allow the City to provide children in the
community the opportunity to benefit from art projects and art programs that
enrich their lives by providing them with additional developmental tools and an
appreciation for art they can carry on throughout their lives.
July 13, 2006
Community Development
Commission Meeting
There were no items to report.
City Council Meeting
Student Exchange
Program Offers Students
On-The-Job Training
The City of Santa Fe Springs, in cooperation with the Sister City Committee,
is hosting Nadine Rahm, and Phillip Wegner, of Chemnitz University in
Tirschenreuth, Germany, as part of a Student Exchange Program. Through a
temporary position in the Department of Community Services, the students have an opportunity to gain “on-thejob” experience in local government and public administration for a 6 to 8 week period.
The two students are studying Sport Science and Business Administration, as part of their college curriculum.
In their capacity as interns, they will plan, coordinate, and help promote a variety of sports and cultural programs.
During their stay, Nadine and Phillip are being hosted by Rex and Kathy Goin, a family liaison to the Sister City
Committee.
The City’s Student Exchange Program is a long-time tradition with Tirschenreuth, Germany, dating back
to 1986. Councilmember Betty Wilson and Nadine’s uncle, Peter Gold, were instrumental in establishing this
Sister City relationship. Through the intern exchange, City employees will have an opportunity to work with
international students and experience peers with different customs, while German college students get on-the-job
experience working in local government. This summer marked the 20th anniversary of Sister City’s affiliation with
Tirschenreuth, Germany.
• The City Council approved the sale of a
Community Development Commission - owned
property acquired and renovated under the
Housing Acquisition and Rehabilitation Program
(HARP) located at 9252 Houghton Avenue.
• The City Council adopted Resolution No. 8098
approving Local Goals and Policies for the
formation of Community Facilities Districts.
• The City Council adopted Resolution No. 8097
removing parking restrictions on Roseton Avenue
between Florence Avenue and Clarkman Street.
• The City Council authorized an appropriation of
$340,000 from the General Fund Contingency
Reserve to fund the purchase of a new fire engine.
Passport Fair
Saturday, September 23
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Santa Fe Springs Post
Office, located at 11760 Telegraph
Road, will hold a “Passport Fair”
on Saturday, September 23rd
from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. A
passport is an international
identification and proof of
United States citizenship.
Beginning December 31, 2006,
all international air and sea travel, including
Mexico and Canada, will require a passport. Plan
ahead and get yours now!
Extra staff will be on hand to assist the public
with the passport applications and ensuring
documents are in order. Spanish-speaking
staff will also be available. No appointment is
necessary. For additional information, including
passport fees, call the Santa Fe Springs Post Office
at 868-0951.
Rio Hondo Symphony
Kicks Off 74th Season
The 74th Season of FREE orchestra concerts performed by the
Rio Hondo Symphony kicks off on Sunday, October 1st at 3:00 p.m.
at Whittier High School’s Vic Lopez Auditorium. Conductor Wayne
Reinecke will lead the Symphony in a program of “Theater Classics,”
including selections from Leonard Bernstein’s “On the Town,”
Gershwin’s “American in Paris,” and selected show tunes performed
by the wonderful mezzo soprano Suzanna Guzman. The Rio Hondo
Symphony is sponsored by the cities of Santa Fe Springs, Whittier,
Pico Rivera, and Rio Hondo Community College.
For more information, please call (562) 947-5907, or visit
www.riohondosymphony.org.
3
Chamber News
City and Chamber
Seek Citizenship
Award Nominations
Recognizing our Community Members
Each year, the City and Chamber of Commerce recognize
the achievements of extraordinary business and residential
citizens. The City and Chamber of Commerce of Santa
Fe Springs are pleased to announce that the 41st Annual
Citizenship Awards will be presented on November 29, 2006
at Town Center Hall.
Beyond the bottom line, the worth of a business or
residential citizen is reflected in their impact in the
community. Giving back to the community where you work
or live makes it a better place for all, young and old.
Are you someone that volunteers or is someone you know
involved in a civic or community organization? If so, the
City and Chamber are seeking nominees for its 2006 Citizen
of the Year Awards. We are looking for nominees who live
or work in the City and have done extraordinary work as a
local volunteer. Community achievements, services, and
contributions must be voluntary, and the candidate must
reside or work for a business in Santa Fe Springs or be an
active Chamber member.
The Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce Citizenship
Awards Committee Chairperson, Susan Crowell of
HealthFirst Medical Group, is pleased to announce that
nomination forms for the 2006 Citizenship Awards are now
available. This award honors individuals (or a couple) in
both the residential and business communities who have
contributed to this community and made it a better place to
live and work.
If you know of a possible nominee for this prestigious
award, please contact the Chamber for a nomination
form. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday,
September 22, 2006. If you have any questions, please call
Melanie Coward at the Chamber office at 944-1616.
CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS
P.O. BOX 2120 • SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA 90670-2120
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
For information regarding this newsletter, call 868-0511.
www.santafesprings.org
SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA
PERMIT NO. 1
ECRWSS
Your City Council
Louie González
Ronald S. Kernes
Betty Putnam
Joseph D. Serrano, Sr.
Gustavo R. Velasco
RECYCLE
YOUR OLD NEWSLETTERS
POSTAL PATRON
City of Santa Fe Springs
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670