CITY WEBSITE "WINS" HONORABLE MENTION FROM PTI ublic Technology Inc., a national consortium of local governments, has awarded the City of Santa Monica an Honorable Mention in the Small City category of the 2000 Solutions Technology Achievement Awards. This prestigious award (only eleven were awarded across all categories) specifically recognizes the community benefits of the city's Web Information Network (WIN). WIN is an e-mail notification system available at win.smgov.net that helps residents stay up to date as items are added to the city website. To register, just log on with your e-mail address, enter a password, and then select categories of interest to you. When there is a significant update in that category, you will receive an automatic e-mail notice. This is the second time that PTI has recognized Santa Monica with a Solutions Technology Achievement Award. In 1996, the city won First pPlace, with PTI recognizing the website as an innovative management system that serves to improve the effectiveness of our municipal government. How to Access the Public Electronic Network (PEN): http://santa-monica.org Public Process Revisited Topic of June Leadership Course Two of the most popular courses in the city's Leadership Series (bimonthly workshops on government-related topics to inform and engage the community) so far have been last year's "Your 2 Cents: Public Process in Santa Monica" and 1999's "Navigating City Hall." To continue providing information and resources most requested by the public, we have combined elements of both previous workshops in the next Leadership Series 2001 course, "Public Process Revisited," set for Thursday, June 7, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th Street. Course presenters from the City Manager's Office and city departments will explain not only how residents can convey their opinions on issues and programs to city staff and Council, but also the role of boards and commissions in advising Council on the scope and depth of community issues; how issues are prioritized and addressed in the budget; why and when independent surveying may be done to help inform decision making; who's responsible for what at City Hall and how multi-department projects are coordinated; what is within the city's purview and what is not; and much more. If any or all of the above is intriguing to you, plan to attend "Public Process Revisited" on June 7. The course and materials (including a Guide to Public Process in Santa Monica) are free, but registration is required so we are sure to have enough materials on hand. Call 458-8301 to register or register on-line at http://www.smgov.net/communication/cityforms/index.htm cityforms/leadership_series.htm. The Ken Edwards Center is accessible to persons with disabilities and is served by Big Blue Bus lines 1, 3, 7 and 8.

 

TRANSIT MALL PROJECT SET TO START Making the great downtown Santa Monica experience even better through transit and pedestrian-friendly improvements is the goal of the Downtown Transit Mall Project, to begin in April. A key element of the ten-block project, located on Santa Monica Boulevard from Ocean to 7th and on Broadway from Ocean to 5th, is the transit loop with bus priority lanes to encourage the use of public transportation while keeping cars moving efficiently through the area. Pedestrian enhancements will include wider sidewalks, new street furniture, bus shelters, arbors, drinking fountains, lighting and landscaping, and integration of art into the features, including sidewalk and intersection paving. The design will better link--by wheel or foot--important civic places, such as Palisades Park, the Pier, the Third Street Promenade and the Library. The project will be phased in two-block stretches, beginning on Santa Monica Boulevard between Ocean and the Third Street Promenade. Over the 16-month construction period, breaks in construction will occur during the holiday season to minimize disruption to downtown merchants, residents and visitors. To receive more information, call the project hotline at 1-800-200-8340. Downtown is on the move. . . and open for business! *** KELPFEST KICKS OFF SUMMER SEASON AT THE BEACH Pledge to Prevent Pollution – Enter the "Storm Drain Contest" The Sixth Annual KelpFest, a celebration of the Santa Monica Bay, will launch the summer season on Saturday, June 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Santa Monica Beach near Ocean Park Blvd. Sponsored by Santa Monica BayKeeper, a volunteer organization devoted to the protection and restoration of our "kelp forests," KelpFest offers entertainment, interactive booths and cuisine all focused on kelp, the plant species that provides food, shelter and oxygen to fish and other aquatic life, and serves as an important indicator of the bay's health. Live mermaids, swashbuckling pirates, Chumash Indian, Tahitian and Hawaiian performers, kelp massages and cooking demonstrations and a walk through a kelp bed are just part of the day's festivities. Admission is free. In conjunction with KelpFest, BayKeeper and the City of Santa Monica are co-sponsoring a "Storm Drain Contest" in which participants pledge their families to practice pollution prevention for at least three weeks. A random drawing of contest entries for prizes, including the first prize of four round-trip tickets on Southwest Airlines, will be held at KelpFest. See the special contest insert included with this issue of Seascape and pledge to do your part to keep Santa Monica Bay clean and healthy! Briefly... CITY HALL, 1685 MAIN STREET, is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and every other Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. "Closed Fridays" (which reduce car trips and improve air quality) for the next two months are: April 6 and 20, and May 4 and 18. We'll also be closed on Monday, May 28, for the Memorial Day observance. (Please note: the last issue of Seascape incorrectly listed April 8 as a closed Friday.) CITY HALL ON CALL, Santa Monica's around-the-clock, telephone-based information service (458-8999) launched its new "Fax Document Center" in April, with City Council meeting staff reports now added to the growing list of documents available by fax-on-demand. City Hall on Call's expanded features also include a subscriber service for automatic receipt of faxed Council, board and commission meeting agendas as they are published. The updated system brochure with details on these enhancements is on its way to all city residents and businesses --be sure to watch your mailbox and keep it on hand for future reference. For more information, please call 458-8301. ENERGY SERVICE PROVIDERS OFFER RATE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Though the state's power crisis has abated somewhat as this issue of Seascape goes to press, we're not out of the woods yet--in fact, it's predicted that the coming summer months will bring even greater urgency to the need for energy conservation. Recognizing that the financial impacts of this crisis may be even more difficult for some residents to absorb than the physical threat of power blackouts, the City of Santa Monica has gathered the following information from a variety of sources to assist qualified low-income families, seniors living on fixed incomes and disabled persons in taking advantage of available savings programs and discounts: * CITY OF SANTA MONICA UTILITY USERS TAX EXEMPTION: The city offers an exemption from the 10% utility users tax to low-income seniors over age 62 and low-income individuals with a disability. Applications are accepted at the Senior Recreation Center at 1450 Ocean Avenue, Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. For additional information, call 458-8644. * CITY OF SANTA MONICA UTILITIES: Low-income customers may qualify for a waiver of the fixed bimonthly fee portion of the city's water and wastewater bill. Information and applications may be obtained at the Utilities Division, 1212 Fifth Street, Third Floor, or by calling 458-8224. * SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON: Offers eligible participants a 15% discount on its monthly electric rate as part of the CARE (California Alternative Rates for Energy) program. Program eligibility is based on a combination of family size and income. Information and applications may be obtained by calling 1-800-447-6620. Disabled individuals who require the regular use of electrically operated life-support equipment may qualify for the Medical Baseline Allocation (MBA) program. For more info, call 1-800-655-4555. * SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY: Offers eligible participants a 15% discount on their monthly gas rate as part of the CARE (California Alternative Rates for Energy) program. Program eligibility is based on a combination of family-size and income. In addition, there is a 60% discount on the service establishment charge for customers who qualify within 90 days from the date of service establishment. Information and applications may be obtained by calling 1-800-427-2200. * ADELPHIA CABLE TV: Customers currently receiving discounted electric, gas, or water/sewer service may apply for a 20% discount off the price of basic cable TV service. To request an application, call 828-2111. * VERIZON TELEPHONE: Offers two reduced cost programs for low-income households that qualify for universal lifeline service. The lifeline flat rate service charges are based on household income and the number of persons living in the household. The lifeline message rate service charges have the same income and household size qualifications as the lifeline flat rate service, but the rates are based on usage. A measured rate program with no income qualifications is available for low usage customers. Information and applications are available by calling customer service at 1-800-483-4000. * AT&T LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE: Offers a Lifeline service for low income/low usage customers based on income level. Call the Lifeline referral number at 1-888-549-2803 for information/application. All of this information is also available on-line at www.smgov.net. CIVIC CENTER PLANNING PROCESS UNDERWAY O n April 2, 2001, at 6:30 p.m. at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium's East Wing, the six-member Working Group, established by the City Council to help guide the Civic Center planning process, will hold its first meeting with city staff and consultants from ROMA Design Group. The meeting will focus on the goals of the planning process and community design principles for the area that includes the Civic Auditorium and the recently acquired 11.3 acres across from City Hall. The Working Group is expected to meet regularly throughout the spring, with meetings open to the public, focusing on different aspects of the project at each meeting. A weekend open house and walking tour event will be scheduled for June, to provide additional community input on potential alternative design concepts. From September to November, regular Working Group meetings will continue and an additional community open house event will be held, prior to recommendation of a preferred design concept to the Planning Commission and Council. To receive postcard notification of all Civic Center Working Group meetings and events, call 458-2275. TAKE OUR DAUGHTERS TO WORK DAY IS APRIL 26TH Today, women earn less than 77¢ for every dollar men earn doing the same work. In fact, women earn less per dollar today than they did in 1993. This pay gap has persisted for 50 years! Higher up the managerial ladder, the statistics get worse: a female financial manager, for example, earns less than 61¢ for every dollar her male counterpart earns, a woman doctor only 62¢. Girls' teenage years are critical in determining a young woman's future. Yet: * Rates of depression jump for girls during their teen years. * Teenage girls are the fastest growing population of smokers in the U.S. * Nearly 11% of America's 15- to 19-year-olds become pregnant. Teenage parents earn only half as much in their lifetimes as teens who wait to start families. The Commission on the Status of Women is committed to raising both the value of women's work and the expectations girls have for their future. Part of this commitment includes co-sponsorship, with the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, of the annual "Take Our Daughters to Work Day." This year's program is being held on April 26 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium for the daughters of City of Santa Monica employees and Santa Monica high school students. The day will feature several "hands-on" workshops conducted by city and community leaders. Activities include: * A mock trial conducted by the City Attorney's Office, tours of courts and jail, visits to actual trials and meeting prominent women judges, clerks and staff. * Rescue demonstrations conducted by the Fire Department. * Demonstrations by two female motorcycle officers and forensic specialists. * Women biologists, geographers and chemists illustrating their vital work to preserve our environment in workshops coordinated by the Environmental & Public Works Management Dept. * Demonstrations of non-traditional jobs available to women conducted by staff at the City Yards. * "How to Get a Job" and other career-oriented presentations by the Personnel Department. *** SMURRF: OPEN FOR BUSINESS! The award-winning Santa Monica Urban Runoff & Recycling Facility (SMURRF) officially celebrates its opening with a brief morning ceremony on May 3rd, and begins the important work it was designed to do: treating and removing pollutants from urban runoff. The pollution that results from excessive irrigation, spills, construction sites,
pool draining, car washing and other activities, is carried through our storm drains--untreated (until SMURRF)--directly into the Santa Monica Bay. Recently honored with a Grand Award for engineering excellence from the American Consulting Engineering Council, the SMURRF is expected to capture and treat an average of 500,000 gallons of runoff per day. Once treated, this water will be used for landscape irrigation and dual-plumbed buildings. The facility is intended not only to keep pollutants such as trash, oil, sediments and pathogens from reaching our bay, but also to educate citizens about their role in creating and preventing water pollution.	SMURRF, as viewed from the Pier looking southeast toward Appian Way
With its location near the Santa Monica Pier and an inviting architectural design, the SMURRF promises to be the city's newest visitor attraction, offering self-guided tours and the opportunity to view the actual treatment process as the water moves through the system. For more information on the SMURRF, call 458-8223 or visit www.smgov.net/epwm and click on the SMURRF link. LET'S WATCH OUT FOR EACH OTHER! A s we say farewell to rain (cross your fingers) and hello to warmer weather, we are reminded that our city--with its beautiful beaches and many popular attractions in and around the downtown area--becomes an even more pedestrian-oriented locale during the next several months. So, we offer these safety reminders for those on foot and on wheels to ensure that spring and summer are enjoyed by all: Drivers * Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk (that car is stopped for a good reason, usually a pedestrian) * Yield right-of-way to pedestrians, make eye contact * Wait for the pedestrian to clear the crosswalk before moving * Use extra caution near schools and in business districts * Don't use a handheld cell phone while driving Pedestrians * Cross only at intersections, preferably with traffic lights or stop signs * Allow vehicles enough time to stop * Make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb * Stop, look both ways, listen--be a defensive walker * Use extra care when crossing with children * Use caution crossing parking lots

 

May Is Older Americans Month THE PURSUIT OF ELDER POWER ™ W e've heard the sad and sometimes shocking stories. A disabled 80-year-old receives substandard care in a poorly managed nursing home. An active resident of a subsidized senior housing complex is yelled at by an enraged staff member. A senior citizen's life savings is stolen by a dishonest relative. An unstable caregiver threatens a vulnerable dependent. These and other indignities and cruel practices constitute "elder abuse." "The Pursuit of Elder Power™--Stop Elder Abuse" is the topic of a panel discussion and forum being presented by the Commission on Older Americans. The panel will address senior rights and a host of resources and remedies for the emotional, physical and consumer abuses that can prevent our vulnerable elder citizens from living out their remaining years with respect and comfort. The event will be held on Saturday, May 19, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Santa Monica Main Library Auditorium, 1343 Sixth St. Panelists will include Susan Aziz (moderator) and Patricia Lorne of WISE Senior Services; Mimi Curtis of the Center for Healthy Aging; managing attorney Sally Molloy of the Legal Aid Foundation's Santa Monica office; attorney Mark Hankin, the "father" of elder abuse legislation; Detective Don Doss of the Santa Monica Police Dept.'s Elder Abuse Unit; and John Merrill of L.A. County Adult Protective Services. Refreshments will be served at a reception following. For reservations or more information, call 458-8300.
	Drought-tolerant native plants help reduce water consumption and require less care. Many homeowners in Santa Monica have created lush, colorful gardens with native plants and sustainable landscaping principles.
	Now you can tour some of these private gardens in Santa Monica. Tour buses leave from Santa Monica City Hall, 1685 Main Street (park in Civic Auditorium lot). Tours are from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on:
	WEDNESDAYS April 18 May 16 June 6	SATURDAYS April 21 May 19 June 9
	Garden tours are $5 for Santa Monica residents and $10 per tour for non-residents. Payment must be made in advance in order to guarantee seating. Please Note: No camera are allowed while on tours. FOR TOUR RESERVATIONS CALL 310-458-8459 FREE Composting workshops for 2001! Saturdays from 9:00a.m. - 10:30 a.m. July 14, 21, 28 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS AND DIRECTIONS 310-458-8916 ext. 1
CONSERVE TODAY, PRESERVE TOMORROW Sponsored by the City of Santa Monica Environmental Programs Division www.smgov.net/environment

 

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month WE CAN'T SCHEDULE DISASTERS! "I don't have the time!" is a refrain familiar to most of us, yet taking the time to be prepared for the possibility--and eventuality--of an earthquake is not just the sensible thing to do, it is our best hope of surviving "The Big One" that experts know will someday strike our fault-ridden state. April is recognized throughout the State of California as Earthquake Preparedness Month and the City of Santa Monica encourages all residents and businesses to take the time to learn the basic principles of disaster readiness. Keep in mind that this same information applies to other kinds of emergencies, including extended power outages such as those that have threatened our state since the first of the year. The number one priority is to prepare yourself and your family for the need to self-sufficient for at least 72 hours or more after a major event. Know your emergency plan at work and at home. Make certain you understand your role in response to an emergency--get involved in preparing your co-workers, and family for an emergency. Emergency Preparedness Checklist: * Develop a plan for evacuation and for reuniting the family if separated. * Prepare a floor plan identifying utility shut-offs, water and food storage, first aid supplies, outdoor meeting place and exit routes. Post this plan where it can easily be seen. * Review location and shut-off procedures for each utility. * Fasten water heater, refrigerator, stove, large furnishings and bookcases to wall studs with strapping or L brackets. * Place sturdy shoes and flashlights beneath beds for easy access. * Obtain fire extinguisher (ABC type) for kitchen and garage. * Prepare document packets and store in duffle bag, including important papers, consent to medical treatment, medical histories, etc. * Prepare 72 hour survival food, water and sanitation pack. * Check beds for proximity to windows, bookcases, and mirrors. * Receive training in first aid, CPR, light search and rescue. * Photograph and take a written inventory of all valuables for insurance purposes. * Provide for the special needs of your family--eyeglasses, medications, special diet, infant supplies--and include supplies for your pets. * Prepare car survival duffle bag and office survival packs. Don't be caught unprepared. Contact the Santa Monica Fire Department/Emergency  Services Office at 458-8686 or visit www.santamonicafire.org to learn more about how  to ensure the safety of yourself and your family in any emergency, whether it's an earthquake,  a rolling blackout, or heavy rains. *** CODE ENFORCEMENT RESPONDS TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND Have you seen the TV commercial where employees of a new Internet business hover expectantly around the computer awaiting their first on-line order, their joy turning to despair as demand rapidly outstrips their capacity to supply? In a way, City of Santa Monica code enforcement staff know just how those fictional dot-commers feel. Complaints about building and zoning code violations in the city have increased nearly 300 percent since 1992, the first year such statistics were kept, and more than 200 percent in the last three years alone. Eight years ago, 650 complaints were received, in 1997 that number had grown to 900, and last year 1800 complaints were logged. Many are the reasons why, but the bottom line is that every complainant rightly expects his or her concern to be addressed in a timely fashion. Unfortunately, the volume of complaints means that a timely response has become nearly impossible for all but the most egregious violations. And the time it takes to investigate even the simplest violation means there's a large backlog. To help get the situation under control, code enforcement officers will be making a sweep (think "spring cleaning") of all outstanding violation complaints this spring and assigning a priority number from a high of 1 (needs immediate correction) to a low of 5 (to be investigated only when all other priority complaints have been handled). Complainants will receive letters alerting them of the priority assigned and giving an approximate timeframe for action. As #1 priority situations are identified during the spring sweep, they will be handled immediately. After the sweep, code enforcement will take action on all the #2 priorities, then the #3s and so on. While the backlog is being addressed, new complaints will continue to come in, of course, but they will be prioritized according to the same criteria, so complainants will know what to expect and staff can properly attend to the most serious problems first. "Life safety has to be our first priority," said Tim McCormick, who heads the Building & Safety Division. "That's the heart of code enforcement. We hope the public will understand our need to prioritize and be patient as we resolve the backlog." Editor's note: Construction activity has also increased beyond projections. In the next Seascape we'll describe a streamlined permitting process, set for implementation this summer, intended to shorten processing times, including allowing same-day approval of simple projects. Santa Monica Seascape is a publication of the City of Santa Monica designed to inform residents about City programs and services. Please Address editorial information and comments to: Judy Rambeau Santa Monica Seascape City of Santa Monica 1685 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401 *** Diane Kuntz DESIGN