City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council: (1) approve an agreement with the County of
Los Angeles for the establishment of a Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning
Center (Learning Center) in Culver City; (2) consider recommendations by the Parks
and Recreation Commission and staff regarding possible park locations for the
Learning Center; and (3) designate a location for the Learning Center in a park
within Culver City.
BACKGROUND:
The Countywide Smart Gardening Program was established in 1994 by the County
of Los Angeles Department of Public Works to help meet the Assembly Bill 939 goal
of reducing disposal of solid waste in landfills by 50% by the year 2000.
The Countywide Smart Gardening Program provides free workshops, participation in
regional events and public outreach (Attachment 1). On-site workshops are held at
the eleven (11) compost Demonstration Learning Centers located throughout the
Meeting Date: 06/23/08 Item Number: A-1
AGENDA ITEM: (1) Approval of an Agreement with the County of Los Angeles
for the Establishment of a Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Center in
Culver City; (2) Consideration of Recommendations of Possible Park Locations
for the Learning Center; and (3) Designation of a Location for the Learning Center
in a Park within Culver City.
Contact Person/Dept.: Catherine A.
Vargas/Public Works Environmental
Programs and Operations
Phone Number: (310) 253-6411
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: Master E-Mail Notification List (06/18/08).
Department Approval:
Damian Skinner for Charles Herbertson,
Public Works Director and City Engineer
(6/10/08); William La Pointe, Director of
Parks, Recreation and Community
Services (06/11/08).
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (06/18/08)
Chief Financial Officer Approval:
Jeff Muir (by M. Noller (06/18/08)
City Manager Approval:
Jerry B. Fulwood (06/18/08) City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
County to provide hands-on teaching of composting, vermicomposting, grasscycling,
and water-wise gardening (Attachment 2). Affordable backyard composting bins
made of 100 percent recycled plastic are also available at the centers. This program
is funded via the Solid Waste Management Fee collected by the County. The fee is
part of the (per ton) tipping fee collected at the landfills.
Culver City expressed an interest in the Smart Gardening Program and was chosen
as a potential site primarily because of its Westside location and the support for the
project demonstrated by the community and City staff. In addition to the Culver City
location, Los Angeles County Public Works (LACPW) will be adding four (4)
additional sites to be located and designed in areas that are lacking this type of
facility. The other locations have already confirmed participation. The LACPW is
ready to go out to bid for the contractors once Culver City confirms their interest in
participating by the offering of a site location. Culver City has until the end of June
2008 to identify a site location on which to design, build, and maintain a
Demonstration Learning Center and to enter into an agreement with LACPW.
The Smart Gardening Program would guarantee to host three, 4-hour workshops per
year. The facility would be available for community use and for additional
educational workshops throughout the rest of the year. In addition, the facility would
encourage self-learning opportunities through its informational signage and displays.
DISCUSSION:
Smart Gardening in Culver City
Staff researched and reviewed all park spaces within the City to identify a feasible
location. After considering the available spaces in the various parks by category
(Regional Park, Community Park, Neighborhood Park and Pocket- or Mini-Park) and
geographical location, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department staff
recommended consideration of areas within:
• Culver City Park (a Regional Park),
• Veterans Park, Fox Hills and Syd Kronenthal Park (Community Parks),
• and El Marino Park and Culver West Alexander Park (Neighborhood Parks).
Descriptions of these standard park categories are included in Attachment 3, along
with aerial maps of the recommended park sites.
Public Works staff considered these park and open space options with the staff of
the Los Angeles County Public Works and focused on the following site location
criteria: City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
• ADA accessibility
• Open to the public during regular park hours
• Visibility while in the park as well as while passing by
• The nature of the surrounding neighborhood (e.g., residential, commercial,
school district, etc.)
• Size of the space in the park available for the Center (Demonstration Learning
Centers are typically 1600-2500 square feet) in relation to the available space as
a whole
• Availability of nearby restrooms
• Other park amenities available in the various parks
Parks and Recreation Commission Actions
At the April 1, 2008 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, the Commission
discussed the Los Angeles County Smart Gardening Program and considered
making a recommendation to the City Council that a Demonstration Learning Center
be constructed in a park within Culver City. There was Commission consensus that
staff’s recommendation of Culver City Park as the site for the Learning Center would
not be supported by the Commission. However, the Commission supported the
Smart Gardening project and requested that staff return with additional suggestions
as to the appropriate site for the Learning Center (moved by Commissioner Daly
Redholtz; seconded by Commissioner James; passed 3-1-0-1 with Deen dissenting
and Shapiro absent). An excerpt of the minutes of the April 1, 2008 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting are provided as Attachment 4.
At the May 6, 2008 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, the Commission
again discussed the Los Angeles County Smart Gardening Program and considered
making a recommendation to the City Council that a Demonstration Learning Center
be constructed in a park within Culver City. Staff presented an area within Veterans
Memorial Park as a recommended site location, but the Commission did not concur.
In addition, the Commission once again emphasized its strong opposition to locating
the Learning Center within Culver City Park. The Commission then took action to
recommend that the City Council approve an agreement with the Los Angeles
County of Public Works to design and build a Smart Gardening Demonstration
Learning Center in a park within Culver City and stated that, through community and
staff input, the park location for the Learning Center would be recommended to the
City Council at a later date (moved by Commissioner Daly Redholtz; seconded by
Vice Chair Shapiro; passed unanimously). An excerpt of the draft minutes of the
May 6, 2008 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting are provided as
Attachment 5.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
On May 21, 2008, the PRCS Director, Public Works Environmental Program and
Operations staff, and Los Angeles County staff met with the Parks and Recreation
Commission’s Subcommittee on the Comprehensive Plan (Chair Cooper and
Commissioner Daly Redholtz). Los Angeles County representatives provided a
detailed presentation on the program. Attendees discussed a timeline for making a
recommendation to City Council that would incorporate additional input from the
Culver City community.
At the June 3, 2008 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission, staff
presented the item for further discussion and community input. The Commission
took action to adjourn the meeting to June 7, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. for the purpose of
hearing additional community comment (moved by Commissioner Daly Redholtz;
seconded by Chair Cooper; passed 3-0-0-2 with Deen and James absent).
In noticing the June 7, 2008 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, several steps
were taken to promote further community input. The following public outreach was
done:
• Postcards mailed to fifty-one (51) Culver City Homeowner's Associations.
• A press release emailed to all local print media. Notice of the meeting
was subsequently published in the June 5, 2008 issue of the Culver City
News.
• An announcement containing detailed information posted on the City's
website in three locations: Culver City Highlights, the PRCS Homepage,
and the Environmental page.
• A cable crawler televised during Culver City meetings broadcast on
Channel 35 during the week of June 2.
• 1,935 recipients email contacts notified on both June 2 and June 5.
• 400 half-page flyers distributed at various Culver City parks.
The June 7, 2008 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was attended by ten
community members, seven City staff members, two Los Angeles County staff and
three Commissioners. Two comments by members of the public taken at the podium
were in support of the conservation message that the Smart Gardening program
offers. Additional comments received by staff via email were read into the minutes.
These comments, along with a summary cover page, are provided as Attachment 6.
After receiving all public comment and discussing the matter, the following motion
was moved by Commissioner Daly Redholtz, seconded by Commissioner James
and passed unanimously (3-0-0-2 with Deen absent and Shapiro excused):
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
THAT A) THE COMMISSION ENTHUSIASTICALLY SUPPORTS THE SMART
GARDENING DEMONSTRATION LEARNING CENTER IN CULVER CITY; B) TO
RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING AS
POSSIBLE PARK LOCATIONS FOR THE PROJECT IN THIS ORDER: 1)
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, 2) CARLSON PARK, AND 3) EL MARINO PARK;
AND C) RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL THAT THE SMART GARDENING
CENTER NOT BE PLACED IN CULVER CITY PARK.
An excerpt of the draft minutes of the June 7, 2008 Parks and Recreation
Commission is provided as Attachment 7.
Staff Evaluation of the Learning Center Location
Culver City Public Works Department and Parks Division staff met several times to
discuss the project and consider various locations for the Smart Gardening Program
Learning Center in Culver City based on the aforementioned site location criteria.
Each park in the City was considered and assessed as to its suitability for the project
from an objective perspective that included park type, park geographical location,
upcoming Park and Recreation Master planning activities and review of additional
types of amenities in each park and at community locales. LACPW staff participated
in several of these discussions and visited Culver City to view specific parks as
potential Learning Center sites.
Considering the above information, staff recommends that in addition to the Parks
and Recreation Commissions recommendation of (1) Veterans Memorial Park (a
Community Park), (2) Carlson Park (a Neighborhood Park), and (3) El Marino Park
(a Neighborhood Park), the following Culver City park locations also be considered
for the Smart Gardening Learning Center:
• Culver City Park (a Regional Park)
• Syd Kronenthal Park (a Community Park)
The Next Steps in the Process
Currently the County is in the process of procuring a landscape architect to design
the new Demonstration Learning Centers. Should the City Council approve building
the Demonstration Learning Center at a park within Culver City, Los Angeles County
will, in consultation with Culver City staff, develop a conceptual design for the
Demonstration Learning Center. Any construction and/or development will be
coordinated through the Public Works and Parks, Recreation, and Community
Services Departments to achieve the best possible construction timeline for the City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Learning Center. In addition, design plans for the Center will come before the Parks
and Recreation Commission and the City Council for comment.
Should the City Council approve building the Demonstration Learning Center at a
park within Culver City, the City Attorney’s Office will review/prepare an agreement
with Los Angeles County that protects the City’s land tenure within that park and
clearly delineates both parties’ responsibilities with respect to the Center.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
Los Angeles County will fund the design, construction and maintenance of the Smart
Gardening Center. Culver City’s contribution will be providing the space for the
Center, providing staff coordination during the design and construction of the Center
and for on-going coordination of composting workshops (approximately three
workshops per year). Approximately 100 hours of staff time will be required during
the design, development and construction stages of this project.
The City will have no maintenance responsibility for the Center. Once the
Demonstration Learning Center design is completed, the centers, including any
exterior landscaping, are maintained by the Los Angeles County Department of
Public Works.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Los Angeles County Smart Gardening brochure
2. Current Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Center locations
3. Categorization of park types and aerial views of recommended Smart Gardening
Demonstration Learning Center locations
4. Excerpt of the approved minutes of the April 1, 2008 Parks and Recreation
Commission meeting
5. Excerpt of the draft minutes of the May 6, 2008 Parks and Recreation
Commission meeting
6. Stakeholder comments received via email and read into the public record at the
June 7, 2008 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting (with summary cover
sheet)
7. Excerpt of the draft minutes of the June 7, 2008 Parks and Recreation
Commission meeting
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
MOTION:
That the City Council:
1. Approve a Los Angeles County Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Center
in Culver City at a designated park; and,
2. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and,
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City;
and
4. Consider recommendations by the Parks and Recreation Commission and staff
of possible park locations for the Learning Center, including:
a) The Parks and Recreation Commission’s recommendations (in priority order)
of:
(1) Veterans Memorial Park,
(2) Carlson Park, and
(3) El Marino Park,
b) and staff’s recommendations of Culver City Park and Syd Kronenthal Park;
and
5. Designate a Location for the Learning Center in a Park within Culver City.
MEETING DATE: June 23, 2008
AGENDA ITEM: (1) Approval of a Los Angeles County Smart Gardening
Demonstration Learning Center in Culver City; (2)
Consideration of Recommendations of Possible Park
Locations for the Learning Center; and, (3) Designate a
Location for the Learning Center in a Park within Culver
City.
ATTACHMENTS
Page
1. Los Angeles County Smart Gardening brochure
1-2
2. Current Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Center
locations
3-15
3. Categorization of park types and aerial views of
recommended Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning
Center locations
16-26
4. Excerpt of the approved minutes of the April 1, 2008
Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
27-28
5. Excerpt of the draft minutes of the May 6, 2008 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting
29
6. Stakeholder comments received via email and read into the
Public Record at the June 7, 2008 Parks and Recreation
Commission meeting (with summary cover sheet)
30-33
7. Excerpt of the draft minutes of the June 7, 2008 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting
34-36
1
ATTACHMENT 12County of Los Angeles
Smart Gardening Learning Centers
South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Blvd.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
Sorensen Park
11419 Rose Hedge Dr.
Whittier, CA 90606
Columbia Park
4045 190th St.
Torrance, CA 90504
Peter F. Schabarum Regional
Park
17250 E. Colima Rd.
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Birney Elementary School
710 W. Spring St.
Long Beach, CA 90806
Charter Oak Park
20261 Covina Blvd.
Covina, CA 91724
Huntington Park Center
This Center is now CLOSED!
Los Angeles County Arboretum
301 N. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
La Mirada Community
Gardens
13518 Biola Ave.
La Mirada, CA 90638
Gates Canyon Park
25801 Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Calabasas, CA 91302
Garvey Ranch Park
781 S. Orange Ave.
Monterey Park, CA 91755
Castaic Lake Water Agency
27234 Bouquet Canyon Rd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91350 |1010|ATTACHMENT 2Castaic Lake Water Agency
27234 Bouquet Canyon Road
Santa Clarita
4Gates Canyon Park
25801 Thousand Oaks Boulevard
Calabasas
5Los Angeles County Arboretum
301 N. Baldwin Avenue
Arcadia
6Charter Oak Park
20261 Covina Boulevard
Covina
7Peter F. Schabarum Park
17250 E. Colima Road
Rowland Heights
8Sorensen Park
11419 Rosehedge Drive
Whittier
9* Garvey Ranch Park
781 South Orange Avenue
Monterey Park
10La Mirada
13518 Biola Avenue
La Mirada
11Huntington Park Facility
Bissell St./Randolph Street
Huntington Park
12Birney Elementary School
710 W. Spring Street
Long Beach
13Columbia Park
4045 190th Street
Torrance
14South Coast Botanic Gardens
26300 Crenshaw Boulevard
Palos Verdes Peninsula
15Carlson Park
Culver City Park
El Marino Park
Syd Kronenthal Park
Veterans Park
Neighborhood Park – Parks that are small in size (typically less than five acres). Facilities are
typically limited to a small open area, a children's playground, and a bench or picnic table. Walking distance
should not exceed one-quarter mile, and not require crossing of busy streets. Appropriate facilities include:
Children's playground facilities, open (preferably grassy) play area, picnic tables or benches. The primary
purpose of a park is to offer a small open-space/recreational venue of a more passive or intimate nature,
internal to a specific residential developments), whether single-family or multiple-family. These parks are not
intended to serve residents city-wide, as would a community park offering more formalized active play areas
or sport fields or courts. Instead, due to their small size are intended to be more liberally sprinkled throughout
the community and serve residents within or adjacent to a planned residential development. Shade is
important, as well as easy visibility from residences or other uses across adjoining streets to assure a more
secure environment. Parks should provide a strong emphasis on quiet, passive use, such as picnic and sitting
areas, and should therefore be easily accessible by foot or bicycle. Examples of neighborhood parks in
Culver City may include Blanco Park, Culver West Alexander Park and El Marino Park.
Community Park - A combination playground and park with fairly intensive development that affords
non-supervised, non-organized recreation activities. These parks can range from five to fifteen acres and
should be geographically centered to serve a radius of one-half mile or 6,000 population. At least 50% of the
site should be flat and usable, and provide space for both active and passive uses. Appropriate facilities
include: Unstructured open play areas for softball, soccer, youth baseball, Frisbee, etc., children's playground
with seating available nearby, unstructured open play area for pick-up games, paved games court, picnic
shelter, restrooms, areas for skateboards, parking to support the use of the facilities. Examples of community
parks in Culver City may include Fox Hills Park, Syd Kronenthal Park and Veterans Park.
Regional Park - A regional park is a larger park providing active and structured recreation activities for
youth and adults. Generally it is designed for organized activities and sports, although natural areas may be
provided depending on the suitability of the site. Parks typically serve a much larger area and offer more
facilities than neighborhood parks. The size can be anything greater than 15 acres, the recommended service
radius for a park of this type is 15-20 minutes travel time. Parks are intended to be used for active recreation
activities and are often highly developed and programmed. Facilities may be designed for sports and
organized activities, but individual and family activities are also encouraged. Appropriate facilities include:
Formal ballfields-softball, baseball, soccer, etc.; outdoor basketball, volleyball courts; tennis courts; open free
play area; restrooms; picnic facilities (including shelters); trail/pathway systems; space for special outdoor
events; children's playground (if needed to serve the neighborhood); areas for skateboards, roller blades;
parking sufficient to support the activities programmed on the site. Culver City Park is considered a regional
park.
16
ATTACHMENT 317Smart
Gardening
site
1819Smart
Gardening
site
2021Smart
Gardening
site
2223Smart
Gardening
site
2425Smart
Gardening
site
26EXCERPT OF THE MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE April 1, 2008
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 7:05 P.M.
CITY OF CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
CHAIR JEFFERY COOPER
Call to Order
The meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair
Jeffery Cooper at 7:05 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Council Chambers, City Hall
o0o
Roll Call
Members Present: Chair Jeffery Cooper
Commissioner Vicki Daly Redholtz
Commissioner Charles A. Deen
Commissioner Jeanette James
Members Excused: Vice Chair Anita Shapiro
o0o
o0o
Item A-3
Consideration of a Recommendation to City Council regarding the design and
construction of a Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Center at Culver City
Park.
Staff Report:
Cathi Vargas provided a report on the Los Angeles County Department of Public
Works’ Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Centers and the possible addition of
such a Center at Culver City Park.
Discussion:
Commissioner Deen spoke about how valuable the space at Culver City Park is,
adding that he thought this would be out of place there and suggested looking for
another site that does not take up park land.
Commissioner Daly Redholtz emphasized the lack of parking at Culver City Park, as
well as a Smart Gardening Center being out of context with the rest of the park.
Commissioner Daly Redholtz said that she supports the Smart Gardening
Demonstration Learning Center but would like staff to come back with
recommendations for a site other than Culver City Park.
Commission James concurred that this seems like a very worthy project but Culver
City Park is not the best location and that she would prefer to see it somewhere
where it could be readily utilized.
27
ATTACHMENT 4
Chair Cooper also emphasized his admiration for the educational and environmental
aspects of the program but reiterated that Culver City Park has so many activities
and features already and would prefer to explore having this program at another
site.
Public Comment:
Staff read into record an email submitted by Jim Lamm, supporting the addition of
the Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Center at Culver City Park.
MOTION THAT THE COMMISSION SUPPORTS THE SMART GARDENING DEMONSTRATION LEARNING
CENTER PROJECT AND REQUESTS STAFF TO RETURN AT THE NEXT COMMISSION MEETING WITH AN
ALTERNATE SITE TO CULVER CITY PARK.
Discussion:
Commissioner Deen expressed his thoughts that the City Parks are a valuable
resource to the community with limited space and should not house a County program
that could readily be located on other non-park space.
M/S: Daly Redholtz/James Ayes: Cooper Nays: Deen
Motion passes 3 – 1.
o0o
28These minutes are not official until approved by the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
EXCERPT OF THE DRAFT MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE May 6, 2008
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 7:05 P.M.
CITY OF CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
CHAIR JEFFERY COOPER
Call to Order
The meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Jeffery
Cooper at 7:05 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Council Chambers, City Hall
o0o
Roll Call
Members Present: Chair Jeffery Cooper
Vice-Chair Anita Shapiro
Commissioner Vicki Daly Redholtz
Commissioner Charles A. Deen
Commissioner Jeanette James
o0o
Item A-3
Consideration of a Recommendation to City Council regarding the design and construction
of a Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Center in a Park within Culver City.
Staff Report:
Cathi Vargas provided a report on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works’
Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Centers, suggesting a site at Veteran’s Park and
asking for the support of the Commission to the Learning Center in general, if a site
cannot be agreed upon immediately.
Discussion:
Commissioner Daly Redholtz thanked staff for the complete report and supported the site
location at Veteran’s Park.
Commissioner Shapiro offered full support for the project but expressed concern that
Veteran’s Park is already widely used and would rather see it located at one of Culver
City’s passive parks.
Commission Deen offered his agreement with using a passive park site, adding that he
would like to involve the public and earn the support of the neighbors.
Chair Cooper, while also offering support for the program, expressed concern about
putting the Learning Center at Veteran’s Park while the Master Plan is still in
progress.
Discussion also included the Commission’s strong opposition to the recommendation to
locate the Demonstration Learning Center at Culver City Park.
MOTION TO RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS TO DESIGN AND BUILD A SMART GARDENING DEMONSTRATION LEARNING
CENTER IN A PARK WITHIN CULVER CITY; THROUGH COMMUNITY AND STAFF INPUT, THE LOCATION
WILL BE RECOMMENDED TO THE CITY COUNCIL AT A LATER DATE.
M/S: Daly Redholtz/Shapiro Ayes: All
o0o
29
ATTACHMENT 506-16-08_Public Comment Tracking - Smart Gardening via Email:
June 2 – June 6, 2008
FACILITY NAME Only
Choice
1st
Choice
2nd
Choice
3rd
Choice
TALLY
Blanco Park
1
1
Carlson Park
1
1
Culver City Park
/ Bill Botts Field
1 2
3
Culver West
Alexander Park
0
El Marino Park
0
Fox Hills Park
1 1
2
Lindberg Park
1
1
Syd Kronenthal
Park
1 1 1
3
Tellefson Park
0
Veterans Park
1 4 3
8
OTHER
1-Any park
near a
school
1-Culver-
Slauson
Park
1-Any
wheelchair
accessible
park
1-Near
Ballona
Creek
4
30
ATTACHMENT 606-16-08_Public Comment Tracking - Smart Gardening via Email:
June 2 – June 6, 2008
Thu 6/5/2008 4:53 PM - Stephen Fry, Culver City
Hello:
I'm interested in your Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Center. This is a great idea. I think a
lot of Seniors would be interested in it, and if it were located in an area on the north end of Vets park it
would be convenient to Seniors and also to parking for others. How about setting aside an area
isolated from the playground, like on the side of the restrooms.
Another appropriate facility might be near the La Ballona Creek area next to the City Works off
Jefferson Blvd. Just a couple of thoughts.
Wed 6/4/2008 1:36 PM - Laura Stuart, Howard Hughes Center, Los Angeles
1. Vets Park
2. Carlson Park (which is under utilized)
Tue 6/3/2008 10:43 PM - Karen Torimaru, Culver City
I would like to see the Smart Gardening location at Veterans Park because there is the most parking
at that location and it is flat.
My second choice would be Culver City Park - Bill Botts Field. My concern there is between soccer
and baseball it is often difficult to find parking. Additionally the hills could be a detriment to purchasing
things like a compost bin if they are sold at the classes.
My third choice would be Kronenthal Park. My main concern is that it is very small. Parking there is
pretty good considering the size of the park.
Tue 6/3/2008 8:27 PM - BONNIE WACKER
I'm very enthusiastic about your idea to invest in this Demonstration Learning Center in Culver City!
What a great educational opportunity for our school children. It would be great if we have space for it
at Lindberg park or Vets Park because that way it can be used by the 3 schools Farragut Elementary,
Culver Middle School and Culver High School as a learning center for field trips.
Tue 6/3/2008 6:46 PM - Ken Browning, Culver City
TWIC:
It would seem to me that there would be 2-3 obvious choices of location for this educational Smart
demo garden, some of which I have maintained here and in Boston, MA.
The first would be somewhere near Veterans Building, another near Bill Botts field or the Skate Park,
the third that I can think of right off the bat, would be the park up on Green Valley, where all those
upscale apartment dwellers could learn heaps while they save up to buy a house!
3106-16-08_Public Comment Tracking - Smart Gardening via Email:
June 2 – June 6, 2008
Tue 6/3/2008 4:14 PM - Araceli Perez
Hello
It's great that CC will have a SMART GARDENING DEMONSTRATION LEARNING CENTER !!!!! I
won't be able to attend the June 7th discussion, but I'd like to comment:
It'd be great to include vegetables and fruit trees in the demonstration garden, so people can see
how easy it is to grow their own food in a small space. This garden could provide some snacks for
events and would generate "green material" (as opposed to dry "brown material") for a demostration
compost bin... if there will be compost bins for people to take home, I assume there will a
demostration compost bin...
It'd be also amazing if you include some California native plants. Even better if a lesson can
be given on how native plants save water, need less labor, produce less waste and host more wildlife
(i.e. birds) than the traditional style front yard. (Have you visited the garden/garden demostration
behind Santa Monica College, at 1718 and 1724 Pearl St? check
http://www.smgov.net/epd/news/GardenGarden.htm and
http://www.smgov.net/epd/residents/Water/pdf/GG_Project_Description2006.pdf)
About location... I don't know if Culver-Slauson Park is big enough, and it's right next to the freeway,
which might not be so appeling for a "green" spot, but this might be actually the best reason to put it
there, to make it a nicer spot to visit.It'd be visible from the freeway and it'd have the creek behind,
which would make it a great wildlife spot, since there are already lots of birds hanging out by the
creek and they could use some green spaces close by...)
It sounds like a really exiting project!
Tue 6/3/2008 11:11 AM - Arthur Hoyle, Director of Development, Park Century School
Hi --
I'm writing on behalf of Park Century School, 3939 Landmark Street, CC. We would prefer that the
gardening site be located at Syd Kronenthal Park so that our students could have convenient access
to its programs. Our second choice would be Veterans Park.
Tue 6/3/2008 10:26 AM - Phyllis Davis
Because I am handicapped of course I think the most ideal park/garden learning center would had
paths that were wheelchair and walker accessible. Some stores offer motorized wheelchairs for the
elderly to get around, could something like that be offered as well, say for a small fee?
I would also suggest classes that teach people how to grow vegetables and plants native to Southern
California on their patios and balconies or any small space. A course on what plants attrack
butterflies and beneficial insects, and birds, and how to deal with pests, squirrels, etc., safely,
organically. Will there be anything discussion on roof gardens? Finally, water conservation.
3206-16-08_Public Comment Tracking - Smart Gardening via Email:
June 2 – June 6, 2008
Tue 6/3/2008 9:52 AM - Karen Gibbs, Culver City
My recommendation is Fox Hills Park. The area needs community activities!
Tue 6/3/2008 9:47 AM - John Derevlany, Culver City
My vote for the Smart Garden location would either by Blanco (first choice) and then Veterans (2nd).
I feel the types of uses and activities planned for this Smart Garden should be in one of the more
"public" or easily accessible parks. We have lots of wonderful parks here, but some are a little too
tucked into neighborhoods for this project (such as Culver West, El Marino, Fox Hills, and Syd
Kronenthal). I lived here for several years before I even realized these parks existed.
Culver City Park has some great spaces, but I don't know anyone who can actually walk to that park.
It's also so big that I'm afraid the learning center could get lost. Again, this park requires someone to
"hunt down" the Learning Center.
Both Blanco and Veterans are on main streets and offer drive-by potential. I feel the Smart Garden
should be something that attracts attention and brings people in, rather than being yet another great
Culver City facility that you have to track down. That's why I would put it in the most public of the
public parks.
I put Blanco first because I think it could use an additional "attraction." Veterans park already has lots
of activities, the plunge, teen center, vets auditorium, etc.
Thanks,
Tue 6/3/2008 9:31 AM - Judith Monkkonen, Culver City
It seems obvious to me that the only choice is the Botts, upper area park. All the others are so busy
and fully used that to take any space from them would be a bad idea. Please use the Botts park.
Tue 6/3/2008 9:14 AM - Linda Messner, Culver City
I would like to see this center placed at the Syd Kronenthal Park. It would be convenient since the
Metro line will also be in that area.
Mon 6/2/2008 6:30 PM - Jody Reichel
I'm very glad to hear that Culver City will soon be home to a county Smart Gardening Demonstration
Learning Center. I hope that you will put it in one of the parks nearest on or more of our schools. It
could be a great educational tool Thank you.
33These minutes are not official until approved by the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
EXCERPT OF THE DRAFT MINUTES OF THE
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE June 7, 2008
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 9:00 AM
CITY OF CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
CHAIR JEFFREY COOPER
Call to Order
The meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order by
Chair Jeffery Cooper at 9:05 a.m. in the Mike Balkman Council Chambers, City
Hall
o0o
Roll Call
Members Present: Chair Jeffrey Cooper
Commissioner Vicki Daly Redholtz
Commissioner Jeanette James
Members Absent: Commissioner Charles A. Deen
Members Excused: Vice-Chair Anita Shapiro
Staff Present: William LaPointe, Director, PRCS
Patricia Mooney, Senior Management Analyst, PRCS
Brianna Frazier, Senior Management Analyst, PRCS
Cathi Vargas, Environmental Coordinator, Public Works
Damian Skinner, Sanitation Manager, Public Works
Eugene Paulish, Administrative Secretary, PRCS
Also Present: Christine Frias, County of Los Angeles, Dept. of Public Works
Iwen Tseng, County of Los Angeles, Dept. of Public Works
o0o
Damian Skinner led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
of America.
o0o
Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda.
None.
o0o
34
ATTACHMENT 7Item A-1
Consideration of a Recommendation to City Council Regarding Possible Park
Locations for a Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Center in Culver City.
Public Comment:
Carole Gustin, resident at Raintree, expressed her enthusiasm for the Smart
Gardening program and added that it would be a great benefit to have
meetings/lessons at Raintree, which is home to many residents who could use
information on composting and container gardening.
Lynn Bassone, resident of Lakeside Village Condominiums, also voiced her
strong support of the Smart Gardening Program, adding that the she would like
to see her condo association become more conscious of the best methods of
landscaping, water use, and composting.
Patti Mooney and Brianna Frazier, of PRCS Administration, read into record 13
emails received, all in support of the Smart Gardening Project in Culver
City. Patti Mooney provided a chart detailing the preferred parks as
indicated in the received emails. (Attached for City Council’s
consideration.)
Staff Report:
Cathi Vargas provided a brief report on the Los Angeles County Department of
Public Works’ Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Centers. Christine
Frias, along with Iwen Tseng, both of the County of Los Angeles, presented a
PowerPoint demonstration detailing the program, highlighting examples of its
existence in other parts of Los Angeles County and outlining the desire and
criteria for having this project in Culver City.
Discussion:
Commissioner James asked County staff about methods to keeps pests out of the
Smart Gardening areas; she also inquired about the anti-graffiti properties
of the materials used in creating the Smart Gardening area.
Commissioner Daly Redholtz reported that she had made 2 separate complete
visits to all the Culver City parks within the last few weeks and asked staff
why Tellefson Park was excluded from the list of possible sites.
Chair Cooper pointed out that, as mentioned in several of the emails read
into record, we have an educational opportunity that goes beyond the region
and community, that we have the educational opportunity with our schools to
teach young people about these techniques at an early age and get them
involved early on.
MOTION THAT A) THE COMMISSION ENTHUSIASTICALLY SUPPORTS THE SMART GARDENING
DEMONSTRATION LEARNING CENTER IN CULVER CITY; B) TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING PARK LOCATIONS IN THIS ORDER: 1) VETERANS
MEMORIAL PARK, 2) CARLSON PARK, AND 3) EL MARINO PARK; AND C) RECOMMEND TO
CITY COUNCIL THAT THE SMART GARDENING CENTER NOT BE PLACED IN CULVER CITY
PARK.
M/S: Daly Redholtz/James Ayes: All
Passes unanimously.
o0o
35our schools to teach young people about these techniques at an early
age and get them involved early on.
MOTION THAT A) THE COMMISSION ENTHUSIASTICALLY SUPPORTS THE SMART
GARDENING DEMONSTRATION LEARNING CENTER IN CULVER CITY; B) TO RECOMMEND
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING PARK LOCATIONS IN THIS
ORDER: 1) VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, 2) CARLSON PARK, AND 3) EL MARINO
PARK; AND C) RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL THAT THE SMART GARDENING CENTER
NOT BE PLACED IN CULVER CITY PARK.
M/S: Daly Redholtz/James Ayes: All
Passes unanimously.
o0o
36