City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: 06/30/08 Item Number: A-1
AGENDA ITEM: Reconsideration of (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 (including
Carlson Park and Veterans Park); and (3) Designation of a Location for the
Learning Center in a Park within Culver City (Carlson Park or Veterans Park).
Contact Person/Dept.: Damian Skinner Phone Number: (310) 253-6421
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: Master E-Mail Notification List (06/25/08); Flyers were distributed to
the area within 300 feet of both proposed locations.
Department Approval: City Attorney Approval:
A1-1
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council re-consider the establishment of a Los Angeles
County Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Center (Learning Center) in
Culver City at Carlson Park or Veterans’ Memorial Park.
BACKGROUND:
On June 23, 2008 the City Council approved the construction of a Learning Center
at Carlson Park. After the meeting, some residents that live near Carlson Park
voiced opposition to the program. Also, additional questions about the exact
location within the park for the construction of a Learning Center and the terms of
the contract between the City and County were raised.
DISCUSSION:
Staff requests that the City Council reconsider the proposed location of a Learning
Center within Carlson Park taking into account recent concerns raised by residents
that reside near the Park. If Carlson Park is determined to be unfit for a Learning
Center, then staff requests that the City Council consider Veterans Memorial Park as
an alternative location and rescind the motion adopted on June 23, 2008 to place the
learning center at Carlson Park.
Charles Herbertson (06/25/08) Carol A. Schwab (by H. Baker) (06/25/08)
Chief Financial Officer Approval: City Manager Approval:
Jeff Muir (by M. Noller) (06/25/08) Jerry B. Fulwood (06/25/08)
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
A1-2
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
Los Angeles County will fund the design, construction and maintenance of the Smart
Gardening Learning Center.
The typical contract term for a Learning Center is five years. If the City chooses not
to renew the contract after the contract expires, then the County will uninstall the
center and restore the park to its original state. The County will maintain the
Learning Center until it is removed.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. June 23, 2008 Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Center staff report
2. Flyer advertising tonight’s meeting
MOTION:
That the City Council:
1. Take no action (in which case the action taken to approve a Learning Center in
Carlson Park will be implemented);
Or
2. Rescind the motion made at the June 23, 2008 City Council Meeting that
approved the construction of a Los Angeles County Demonstration Learning
Center at Carlson Park; and,
3. Approve a Los Angeles County Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning Center
in Culver City at Veteran’s Memorial Park; and,
4. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
authorize the City Manager to such documents on behalf of the City.
MEETING DATE: 06/30/08
AGENDA ITEM: Approval of a Los Angeles County Smart Gardening
Demonstration Learning Center in Culver City at
Carlson-Park-ar-Veterares-MernoriaH:'ark. ATTACH M E NTS
Pages|109| June 23, 2008 smart gardening staff report 1-7|109| June 23, 2008 smart gardening staff report attachments 8-40|109| Flyer distributed to residents advising them of the June 30, 41
2008 Council meetingCity of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda item Report
Meeting Date: 06/23108 Item Number: A-
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. Phone Number: (310) 253-6411
Vargas/Public Works Environmental
Programs and Operations
Fiscal Impact: Yes n No [X] General Fund: Yes [I No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: Master E-Mail Notification List (06/18108).
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. Nailer (06/18/08)
City Manager Approval:
Jerry B. Fulwood (06/18/08)
RECOMMENDATION:
approve an agreement with the County of
Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning
consider recommendations by the Parks
regarding possible park locations for the
for the Learning Center in a park
was established in 1994 by the County
to help meet the Assembly Bill 939 goal
by 50% by the year 2000.
provides free workshops, participation in
1). On-site workshops are held at
Learning Centers located throughout the
Staff recommends the City Council: (1)
Los Angeles for the establishment of a
Center (Learning Center) in Culver City; (2)
and Recreation Commission and staff
Learning Center; and (3) designate a location
within Culver City.
BACKGROUND:
The Countywide Smart Gardening Program
of Los Angeles Department of Public Works
of reducing disposal of solid waste in landfills
The Countywide Smart Gardening Program
regional events and public outreach (Attachment
the eleven (11) compost DemonstrationCity of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
County to provide hands-on teaching of composting, vermicornposting, 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 Andeles
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 T
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 constr uction 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 theCity 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 meetingCity 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 3-15
locations
Categorization of park types and aerial views of 16-26
recommended Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning
Center locations
4. Excerpt of the approved minutes of the April 1, 2008 27-28
Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
5. Excerpt of the draft minutes of the May 6, 2008 Parks and 29
Recreation Commission meeting
6. Stakeholder comments received via email and read into the 30-33
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 34-36
Recreation Commission meetingDryWoodyWastess
Slow Composting
Problem
Grass recycling is a simple
and natural approadh to lawn
care. Clippings are left on
the lawn after PloW ng where
they decompose grlickly.
Grass recycling is easy,
quick, helps reduce thatch
build-up and helps he
environment, all at he same
time. To learn how, trot follow
these suggestions:
fki you know that
residential yard waste
adds up to eves 20% of
what we send to our
landfills in Los Angeles
County? Leaves,
grass and yard
trimmings are valuable
resources that we can
easily recycle in our
own backyards by
composting and grass
recycling. Also,
planting water-wise
yards and gardens
helps reduce waste
and save water.
When you practice these yard waste management techniques,
you will conserve water, save money, reduce waste going to our
landfitls, and help preserve the environment. These simple
practices do not lake much time, but help you enjoy healthy and
beautiful lawns and gardens.
Backyard Composting
Composting is an easy way to recycle yard wastes and keep
them from being laretfilled, It also helps conserve natural
resources and saves you money! Using compost around your
yard and garden helps your soil retain water better, improves soil
structure and fertility, and helps reduce storm water runoff,
keeping local rivets and the ocean clearser. To team how to
compost, just follow the seven basic steps outlined below, and
you'll be making and using compost from your yard wastes in as
ittie as three to six months!
Composting is nature's way of recycling organic material, like
leaves, grass clippings and kitchen scraps. Bacteria and other
micsoorganisms, as well as a wide variety of insects, consume
these materials producing an earthy smelling, nutrient-rich
compost. This can be used around your yard and garden as a
soil amendment, mulch, ones part of a homemade potting soil
mix for house plants.
Making compost is very simple and can be done using a simple
pile or a composting bin, Just follow these seven easy steps! j
1. Use a mix Ed 50% brown material
(saw dust, wood chips, dry leaves
and plants, shredded paper, etc.)
and 50% green material (fresh
grass and plant clippings, kitchen
scraps as well as livestock manure.,
etc.). Shred or cut all of these
materials info pieces smaller than 1
inch in size (smaller is better) and
mix the materials thoroughly. adding
water until the mixture is as damp as
a wet sponge. Make sure you fill the
2. Turn or stir your compost bin or [site every 7 - 10 days, and
add more fresh material to keep the bin full. Also, add water
again until everything is as damp as a wet sponge,
3, Make sure you let the compost get hot (at least 140 Ft
between turnings to kit weed seeds and potentially harmful
microorganisms. Keep adding new materials (use the same
50/5(1 mix as above) so that the bin stays full if using a pile,
try to keep it at least 3 feet high.)
4. Your compost is ready to harvest when it's dark brown,
crumbly and smells like freshly turned earth (usually 2 - 6
months, depending on haw hard you work at 4.)
5. Don't compost thinestike diseased or infected plants, meat or
meat by-products (pet food, etc.), dairy products, grease or
oils, pet feces or litter, or weeds with obvious seeds (simply
remove them before you put them into the composting ho.)
6. Ts buy a bin, just attend a workshop stone of our permanent
Smart Gardening Learning Centers. To find out when the next
workshop near you wit be, cal/ us toll free at 1(8138)Clean LA,
or visit our website at wwwsmertgardening.com to check the
schedule Bins are available to all County residents at a
discounted price, and you'll learn more about how to use
them when you attend the workshop.
7. Most composing problems can be solved easily, as shown
below. If you have a problem you can't solve, or questions
you need answered, just contact us by e-mall at
werserrortgardening.com . We're here to help.
Solutions
Stir the
Campos!
Worm composting is easy, fun
and a great way to help the
environment while reducing the
amount of waste we throw away
each day. Worms are nature's
compostars because they quickly
eat your fruit and vegetable
scraps and turn them into a rich
organic fertilizer. You can use
worm castings as part of a potting
soil mix for your house plants or
around your yard and garden.
The liquid (called worm tea) is also an excellent natural fertilizer.
To compost using worms, all you need to do is follow a few basic
guidelines:
1. You need a sturdy plastic or wooden storage container with
a light fitting lid (remember to punch plenty of holes in the
top so the worms can breath). You can also purchase a
complete worrn composting kit That includes a bin, bedding
material and instructions at a discounted price by attending
one of our Smart Gardening workshops. Keep the bin warm,
but not hot, and in a shady location out of direct sunlight.
2. You will need at least is pound cif worms (red wigglers work
best) to get started. The worms reproduce quickly, so as you
feed them, you'll get more worms.
3. Place shredded newspaper, peat moss or coconut fiber
(cols) into the bottom of the bin to actas bedding material.
You should also add about a cup of soil (dirt) to provide the
grit your MOMS need to digest their food.
4 You should feed your worms small amounts of food scraps
regularly. Add crushed, dried egg shells every 2 3 weeks to
keep the pH around 7.0. Some feeding guidelines include:
Fruit scraps
IIIIIEMlliIllMESEEIII
Oil, grease & fats
Vegetable scraps Meat & dairy items
Coffee grounds & tea bags Citrus rinds
Leaves & plant trimmings Animal by-products
Shredded paper Pet feces and Utter
Nut shells Rotting food
5. You can harvestyour worm compost in about 4-6 weeks. To
harvest your compost, just start feeding the worms at one
end of the bin for 7-10 days The worms will move to the end
you're feeding and you cart remove the finished compost
from the other end without removing too marry warms in the
process. Don't worry about getting a few werms in with your
finished compost, they make a great addition to yew yard
and garden and help keep your house plants helithy and
looking great!
1. Use a mulchin mower, or convert your older mower by
installing a re fit kit that Includes a mulching blade and
attachment to block the grass ejection opening
2. Remove the gi ass bag and remember to sharpen your blade
at least once each year.
3. Never Pit rR04. • than 113 of the height of the grass each time
you MOW. To Properly cut your grass you need to know what
kind you have Then, simply consult the chart below to learn
the proper cutting !seism,
Suggested Mowing Height's for
- - Various Typesof-GrasseS---
._
Fe.to Pled, Chawingt, Vrep and Had), Ryeptis (Anna . and Neinalt5
awAlA Gross .ma Sloroos; (most yuipin)
Bow& iconicaol, Xikinjugratr,liverTO su (irchalas
Marathon'. and Haddam. striae), St. Anustim, Zoplagrasa,
Capeaprass, Ceriliptdelaass and Nut Goenriarsaa
-112' 2-112"
4. Only mow you lawn when the grass is dry soil won't slick
together and ore the mower.
5. Your lawn should only need mewed every 10-14 days during
the spring and summer, less frequently when your lawn is
growing rnorllowly.
7 Thu can chec if your lawn needs watering by walking
across the grass irsthe early morning. If the grass doesn't
bounce back t p within 30 seconds, it needs water,
8. Wader deeply, ut infrequently Give your soil time to absorb
the water by wlaterimg in 5-10 minute intervals, then wart
15-30 minutes to let the water soak in, then water again.
9. Your lawn needs less fertiliser when you grass recycle. For
more efficient ertiliSing, try to use a time-released type, hut
be sure to follOw the manufacturer's directions.
10. Remember_ thJ, se are just guidelines. They give you a place
to start, but rnOnitor your results and adjust if or method-7, as
needed to rne t your specific needs.
...
Add Add BrOwtr Aonclmeen
Water MateriaJs Materials
bin completely.
Fnr mnr44 . infortnatian call :Lc at 0188)CLFAN LA Or visit our websita at www.smartaardenina.com *:*To learn more, attend a FREE
Smart Gardening Workshop!
County of Los Ange1e5
Smati Gar,jeniny Learn:n . Centers
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Watev-wise Gardening
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A.9rnpe Guide to
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WIter-wise Gardening and
Fite-wise Gattiening
•Water-wise gardenthg is a simple landscaping lechrique that will
help conserve water and reduce the need for pruning, white
maintaining a beautiful yard and garden. There are nine basic steps
to help you plant and maintain a successful water-wise garden,
1. Improve your soil by routinely
Incorporating organic matter.
such as your own compost, into
you yard or garden. This helps
soii retain moisture and
improves structure.
2. Use mulch around plants and in
bedding areas. Mulch prevents
the soil front overheating and
drying out. Mulch also helps reduce weeds and slow erosion.
Use r 4. underneath plants and shrubs.
3. Carefully plan your garden and try to choose drought-tolerant
low-wafer use plants that are well-suited to your intended use.
For example, don't try to use plants that normally grows to 40'
as a hedge, Also, try to Use native plants. Most types are
naturally draught tolerant and can help you restore a &hall part
of our retina/ ecosystem, right in your own backyard.
4. Group your plants together according lethal( water needs. This
is called hydrozoning and ensures that every plant gels
exactly the right amount of water it needs to grow.
5. Use water-wise grass for lawns. Several types of turf grasses
are widely available that have been developed specifically for
Southern California that use only 1/3 to 112 as much water as
other types of lawn grasses.
• 6. As an alternative to a regular turf grass Lawn, you may want to
consider using other types of ground cover plants. Turf grasses
,• use a lot of water. Fortunately, here are many alternative
ground cover plants that are attractive, require minimal
maintenance, produce less waste and will reduce your water
use between 1/310 112.
7. Install a welt-planned, efficient imigatice system to save water
andetill produce healthy, attractive plants. The two most
efficient water delivery systems are below-ground spriniders and
drip irrigation. Use a manual OT automatic controller to regulate
the amount Cif time You water.
Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and don't water
when ifs windy Adjtiat your watering patterns seasonally to
meet your plants' actual watering needs.
9. Know what khd of plants you have, and then only gem tbern the
amount of water they really need. Amid over-watering because
it not only wastes water, it can actually damage some plants.
Los Angeles County is home to
some of the most beautiful
scenery in the world,
Unfortunately, in many areas,
flre is a natural part of the
ecosystem. To help protect
your home, especially in
high-risk areas, you need to
loam about, arid practice,
Ire-wise gardering,
Fire-wise gardening uses
careful planning, chcosing
resistant plants and landscape
elements combined with peer maintenance to reduce your fire risk.
To practice fire-wise gardering, just start with the steps listed below.
1. Assess your Tre risk, Is your home on a hill or in a canyon area?
Are you near highly flammable vegetal/an? What Is the fire
history In your area?
2. To create a fire-wise landscape, remember that the primary gcal
is fuel reduction. Evaluate your landscape plan and try to reduce
the amount of flammable vegetatloo, particularly near your
home, Be sure to leaves 30' zone around the house to help
accommodate fire equipment, if necessary. Any plants in this
area should be ma!, fire-resistant species that are spaced to
• reduce Fre danger to your home.
3. Plan a defensible area. Remove at dry brush, grass and dead
• leaves from within 100', or 150' if you're on shill, of your home
or other structures. Trees arid shrubs should be spaced so that
there is at least 10' between them. Keep branches trimmed at
least 10 from your roof. For trees or shrubs taller than 18'. prune
lower branches within 6' of the ground and remove dead leaves,
twigs and branches under plants. For trees or shrubs less than
18', prune branches from the lower 1/3 of the plant.
• 4. Store firewood and other combustible materials well away from
your house.
5. Water wisely. While all plants wit eventually burr, healthy green
plants burn less quickly. Make sure you give your plants the
amount of wafer they need to stay healthy without over-watering
which can promote excessive growth.
6. Use care when refueling garden equipment and maintain it
properly. Store add use flammable liquids carefully, and well
away from your home. Dispose of smoking materials carefully.
Become familiar with local regulations regarding vegetation
clearances, disposal of debris, and fire safety requirements for
equipment
For more information, visit
www.bewaterwise.com
or call us at 1(888}Clean LA
Call (888)CLEAN LA to finti out when the ne
workshop is scheduled, or visit our Website at
WWW.5r1a figatClen in g ,COM
County of Los
'Department of Public Works
tnveosmentst Programs GiYielar
•Countywide Smart Gardening Prograrn
Po Box 1460
Alhambra, CA 91802
•
•
••cemi
neir irnit ex few...et neceeieeee
For more Information, visit
www,firewise.org
or call the LOS Angeles County Fire Department
Forestry DMA:in at 11323)890-433eATTACHMENT 2
C.astaic Lake Water Agency
27 34 Bouquet Canyon Rd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
Gates Canyon Park
25:01 Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Calabasas, CA 91302
Los Angeles County Arboretum
301 N. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
Charter Oak Park
20 61 Covina Blvd.
Covina, CA 91724
Park
17250 E. Colima Rd.
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Sorensen Park
11419 Rose Hedge Dr.
Whittier, CA 90606
Garvey Ranch Park
78 S. Orange Ave.
Monterey Park, CA 91755
La Mirada Community
Gardens
13518 Biala Ave.
La Mirada, CA 90638
Huntington Park Center
This Center is now C OSED!
Birney Elementary School
71 W. Spring St.
Long Beach, CA 90806
Columbia Pa k
405 190th St.
Torrance, CA 90504
South Coast Botanic Garden
26 00 Crenshaw Blvd.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
County of Los Angeles
Smart Gardening Learning Centers
Peter F. Schabarum RegionalMEETING 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 3-15
locations
3. Categorization of park types and aerial views of 16-26
recommended Smart Gardening Demonstration Learning
Center locations
4. Excerpt of the approved minutes of the April 1, 2008 27-28
Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
5. Excerpt of the draft minutes of the May 6, 2008 Parks and 29
Recreation Commission meeting
6. Stakeholder comments received via email and read into the 30-33
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 34-36
Recreation Commission meetingftiout /Rot Chewing', 59115w, Ryograse 91nnal$ aFd Pres/era:1g
Buffalo Grass, Bahlegnst, hmt Moor's' teem earlobes)
Bormida (carmen", Kihnnegrats, Neuf Tall Fescue iinclaits
iinwthonTi awl kleulalgoei well, St Auguste, 2oyslognos,
Creel:press, Cantiatefegrass and Woo Crwantagrass
&mud"
Ca leflelt;), BEM
nloteaue, Seeshone Pup"
Suggested Blowing Heights for
- Various Types of Grasses-
.
rommor Valuable Resources
Do you know that
residential yard waste
adds up to over 20% of
what we send to our
landfills in Los Angeles
County? Leaves,
grass and yard
trimmings are valuable
resources that we can
easily recycle in our
own backyards by
composting and grass
recycling. Also,
planting water-wise
yards and gardens
helps reduce waste
and save water,
When you practice these yard waste management techniques,
you will conserve water, save money, reduce waste going to our
landfills., and help preserve the environment. These simple
practices do not take much time, but help you enjoy healthy and
beautiful lawns and gardens.
a Composting is an easy way to recycle yard wastes and keep
them from being landfitled. It also helps conserve natural
resources and saves you rnooeyt Using compost around your
yard and garden helps your soil retain water baiter, improves soil
structure and fertility, and helps reduce storm water runoff,
keeping local rivers and the ocean cleaner. To team how to .
compost, just follow the seven basic steps outlined below, and •
. you'll be making and using compost from your yard wastes in as
little as three to siX months!
Composting is nature's way of recycling organic material, like
leaves, grass clippings and kitchen scraps. Bacteria and other •
microorganisms, as well as a wide variety of insects, consume •
these materials producing an earthy smelling, nutrient-rich
compost This can be used around your yard and garden as a
soil amendment, match, or as part of a homemade potting soli
mix for. house plants.
Making compost is very simple and can be done using a simple
pile or a composting Kn. Just follow these seven easy steps:
1, Use a mix of 50% brown material
(saw dust, wood chips, dry leaves
and plants, shredded paper, etc.)
and 50% green redone! (fresh
grass and plant clippings, kitchen
scraps as well as livestock manure,
etc.). Shred or out all of these
materials into pieces smaller than 1
inch in size (smaller is better) and
mix the materials thoroughly, adding
water until the mixture is as damp as
a wet sponge. Make sure you Ell the
bin completely.
ta,
2 Turn or stir your compost bin or pile every 7-10 days, and
add more fresh malarial to keep the bin full, Also, add water
again unfit everything is as damp as a wet sponge.
3. Make sure you let the compost get hot (at least 140° F)
between turnings to kill weed seeds and potentially harmful
micrcorganisms. Keep adding new materials (use the same
50150 mix as above) so that The bin stays full (if using a pile,
try to keep it at least 3 feet high.)
4. Your compost is reanha to harvest when it's dark brown,
crumbly and smells like freshly lamed earth (usually 2 - 6
months, depending on how hard you work at 4.)
5. Don't compost things tike diseased or infected plants, meat or
meal by-products (pet food, etc.); dairy products, grease or
oils. pet feces or litter, or weeds with obvious seeds (simply
remove them before you put them into the composting bin,
E. To buy a bin, just attend a workshop at one of our permanent
Smart Gardenina Learning Centers. To find out when the next
workshop near you will be, call us toil free at 1(888)Olean LA,
or visit our welasite at wom.srnartgardening.corn to check the
schedule. Bins are available to all County residents at a
discounted price, and you'll learn more about how to use
them when you attend the workshop.
7. Most composting problems can be solved easily, as shown
below. It you have a problem you can't solve, or questions
you need answered, just contact us by e-mail at
wwwsmartgardening.corn. We're here to help.
Solutions
Add Brown
Mate ials
Do* Composting
Compost is Dry
Worm composting is easy, fun
and a great way to help the
environment while reducing the
amount of waste we throw away
each day. Worms are nature's
=posters because they quickly
eat your fruit and vegetable
scraps and turn them into a rich
organic fertiliaer, You can use
warm castings as part of a poling
soil mix for your house plants or
around your yard and garden
The liquid (called wenn tea) is also an excellent natural fertilizer.
To compost using worms, all you Reed to do is follow a few basic
guidelines:
1. You need a sturdy plastic or wooden storage container with
a tight fitting lid (remember to punch plenty of holes in the
top so the worms can breath). You can also purchase a
complete worm composting kit that includes a bin, bedding
material and instructions al a discounted price by attending
one of our Smart Gardening workshops. Keep the bin warm,
but not hot, and in a shady location out of direct sunlight.
2. You will need at least M pound of worms {red wigglers work
best) to get started. The worms reproduce quickly, seas you
feed them, yoill get more worms,
3. Place shredded newspaper peat moss at coconut fiber
(coir) into the bottom of the bin to act as bedding material.
You should also add about a cup of soil (dirt) to provide the
grit your worms need to digest their load
4. You should feed your worms small amounts of food scraps
regularly. Add crushed, dried egg shells every 2 3 weeks to
keep the pH around 7.0. Some feeding guidelines include:
IIMEOMIIIIIIMI=111
Fruit scraps Olt, grease & fats
Vegetable scraps Meat & dairy items
Come grounds &tea bags Cbres dnds
Leaves & plant trimmings Animal by-products
Shredded paper Pet feces and Utter
Nut sha gs Rotting food
5 YOU can harvest your worm compost in about 4-6 weeks. To
harvest your compost, just start feeding the worms at one
and of the bin for 7-10 days Tbo wcirms will move to the end
you're feeding and you can remove the finished compost
Irons the other end without removing too many worms in the
process. Don't worry about getting a few worms in With your
finished compost, they make a groat addition to your yard
and garden and help keep your house plants healthy ena
looking great!
a mulching moWer, or convert your older mower by
Installing a retrofit kit that includes a mulching blade and
attachment to block' the grass ejection opening.
2 Remove the grass bag and remember to sharpen your blade
at least once each year.
3. Never cut more than 1/3 of the height of the grass each time
you mow, To prosody cut your grass you need to know what
kind you have, Tien, simply consult the chart below in learn
the proper cutting height.
4. Only ffIChii your lawn when the grass is dry so it won't stick
together and clog the mower.
5. Your lawn should only need mowed every 10-14 days during
the spring end summer, less frequently when your lawn is
growing more slowly.
1. You can check if yo Ur lawn needs watering by walking
across the grass inthe eady morning, if the grass doesn't
bounce back tip within 30 seconds, it needs water.
8. Water deeply, but infreqUently. Give your soil time to absorb
the water by watering in 5-10 minute intervals, then wait
15-30 minutes to let the water soak in, then water again.
9. Your lawn needs leas fertilizer when you grass recycle. For
More efficient ferfiliaing, try to use a time-released type, but
be sure to follow duo manufacturer's directions_
10. Remember, these are 1USt guidelines_ They give you a place
to start, but mdnilof. your results and adOt ur method.n an
needed in meet yoUT specific needn.
Problem
Shrthe
Composl
Add Green
Materials
Grass recycling is a simple
and natural approach to lam
care. Clippings are left on
the lawn after mowing where
they decompose quickly
Grass recycling is easy,
quick, helps reduce thatch
build-up and helps the
environment, all al the same
time. To learn how just follow
these suggestions.
. a
. Few,. mom infnrtnatinn call ilg at liiRRICLEAN LA o 'r visit our wabsite at www.smartciarc1enincj.com
Worm CompostingTo !cam more, attend a FREE
Smart' Gardening Work5hop!
COLInty Of Los Atiele5
SMariGardeniny Learn:tk2, Centel-5
-
Cartaie LYE. 11kor Ageney
77794 Bouquet Cmyorald
Sonla CE.14, CA 91 IV)
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25E01 llsmardOala 1314.
Cabbies', C.A.91302
Arbarolum Lop Aprpl [Duty
[n, borny
MI N. ealdrin Art.
Mack C.4.91007
t:::] NEPA
20261 CoOns
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Schobonwn Raiglod.,1 Pant
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1/750 E.- Coke Rd.
%Mani lickfts,CAIIT4
Saandan Pat
11419 Row Nedos Dr.
*Cm, CASO$9$
fiNfty Meth PIA
791 $. env, A.
14arlerey Pu14. CA 917$$
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13519 kis An.
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91.47 EI•M•414my School
71914.44ns St-
Lbrq Bench M90901
Waler-wise gardening is a &Isle landscaping technique that wit
help conserve water and reduce the need for priming, while
maintaining a beautiful yard and garden. There are nine basic steps
to help you plant and maintain a successful water-wise garden.
1. Improve your soil by mulinety
incorporating organic matter,
such as your own compost, into
your yard Dr garden. This helps
soil retain moisture and
improves structuee.
2 Use mulch around pants and in
bedding areas. Mulch prevents
the ace from overheating and
drying out Mulch also helps reduce weeds and slow erosion.
Use underneath plants and shrubs.
3. Carefully plan your garden arid try to choose drought-tolerant,
tow-water use plants that are well-suited to your intended use.
For example, don't try to use plants that =malty weeds to 40
as a hedge,Atso, try to use native plants. Most type -411M •
naturally drought tolerant and can beto you restore a small part
of our original ecosystem, tight In your own backyard,
4. Group your pants together according to their water needs. This
is called hydrozoning and t ensures that every pant gets
exaelty the right amount of water it needs to grow,
5. Use water-wise grass for lawns. Several types of turf grasses
are widely available that have been Developed specifically for
Southern California that use only 1/3 to 1/2 as much water as
other types of lawn grasses.
6. As an alternative to a regular turf grass lawn, you may Want to
consider using other types of ground cover plants. Turf grasses
use a lot of water. Fortunately, there are many.atternative
• ground Creep( Plants that are attractive, requine minimal
maintenance, producaless Waste and we 'reduce your water
use betWeert 1/3 to 1/2.
7. Install a well-planned, efficient irrigation system to Save water
• and stiltproduce healthy, attractive plants. The two most
efficient water delivery systems are below-ground sprinklers and
drip irrigation. Use 8 manual or automatic controller to regulate
the amount of time You water.
Sf-e.
Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and don't water
when its windy. Adjust your watering patterns seasonally to
meet your plants' actual watering needs.
eg . Know what kind rot plants you have, and then only give them the
amount of water they realty need. Avoid over-watering because
it not only wastes water, it can actually damage some plants.
For more information, visit
www.bewaterwise.com
or call us at 1(888)Clean
A Sfrnple Guide to
Badcya Campos-UN,
Won Composting, Cos Recyclit
GatcleniN and
Fire-wise Gattiening
Call (888)CLEAN LA to find out' when the next
workshop is scheduled, or visit our website at
WWW.smatigarciening.corn
Los Angeles County is home to
some of the Most beautiful
scenery in the world.
Unfortunately, in many areas,
fire is a natural pan of the
ecosystem. To help protect
your home, especially in
high-risk areas, you need to
learn about and practice,
fire-wise gardening.
Fire-Wise gardening uses
careful planning, choosing ire
resistant plants and landscape
elements combined with proper maintaaance to reduce your fire risk.
To practice tire-wise gardening, just start with the steps listed below.
1. Assess your fire risk. Is your home on a MI or in a canyon area?
Are you rear higkty flammable vegetation? What Is the fire
history in your area?
2. To create a Ere-wise landscape, remember that the primary goal
is fuel reduction. Evaluate your landscape plan and try to reduce
the amount of flammable vegetation, particularly near your
home. Be sure to leave a 30' zone arourd the house to help
accommodate fire equipment if necessary. Any plants in this
area should be small, fire-resistant species that are spaced M
reduce Pre danger to your home.
I. Plan a defensible area. Remove at dry brush, grass and dead
leaves from within 100', or 150' if you're err a hill, of your home
or other structures. Trees and shrubs should be spaced so that
there is at least 10` between them. Keep branches trimmed at
least 10' from your roof. For trees or shrubs taller than 18', prune
lower branches within 6' of the ground and remove dead leaves,
twigs and branches under plants. For trees or shrubs less than
18', prune branches from the lower 1/3 of the pltmL
4. Store firewood and other combustible materials well away from
your house.
Water wisely. Whie all plants will eventually bum, healthy, green
plants bum less quay. Make sure you give your plants the
amount of water they need to slay healthy without over-watering
which can promote excessive groillith.
6. Use cam when refueling garden equipment and maintain it
property. Store arid use flammable liquids carefully, and well
away teem your borne. Dispose of smoking materials carefully.
Become familiar with local regulations regarding vegetation
clearances, disposal of debris, and fire safety requirements for
equipment.
County of Los Angaiss
'Department of Public Works
Environmental Programs Divisien
COunrywide smart •Gensiming Program
PO Box 1460
Alhambra, CA 6802
Copidit4 2C106 rIgNa marvel] BkrContraciora.
For more information, visit
www.firewise.org
or call the Los Angeles County Fire Department
Forestry Division at 1(323)890-4330Castaic Lake Water Agency
27 34 Bouquet Canyon Rd.
Santa Claritd, CA 91350
Gates Canyon Park
2501. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Calabasas, CA 91302
Los Angeles County Arboretum
301 N. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
Charter Oak Park
20 61 Covina Blvd.
Covina, CA 91724
Peter F. Schabarum Regional
Park
17250 E. Colima Rd.
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Sorensen Park
11419 Rose Hedge Dr.
Whittier, CA 90606
Garvey Ranch Pdrk
78 S. Orange Ave.
Monterey Park, CA 91755|1010|La Mirada Community
Gardens
13518 Biola Ave.
La Mirada, CA 90638
Huntington Park Center
This Center is now CLOSFD!
Birney Elementary School
71 W. Spring St.
Long Beach, CA 90806
Columbia Park
405 190th St.
Torrance, CA 90504
South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Blvd.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
ATTACHMENT 2
County of Los Angeles
Smart Gardening Learning CentersCastaic Lake Water Agency
27234 Bouquet Canyon Road
Santa Clarita
-CLos Angeles County Arboretum
301 N. Baldwin Avenue
ArcadiaCharter Oak Park
20261 Covina Boulevard
CovinaQ4
Peter F. Schabarum Park
17250 E. Colima Road
Rowland Heights
:4i3ckYard Ccrvostiu Cover.|1010|n^10.Sorensen Park
11419 Rosehedge Drive
Whittier01ItHuntington Park Facility
Bissell St./Randolph Street
Huntington ParkColumbia Park
4045 190th Street
TorranceSouth Coast Botanic Gardens
26300 Crenshaw Boulevard
Palos Verdes Peninsula
UIATTACHMENT 3
Carlson 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.City of
eaiNVZ, I T
Carlson
Park tso
c-4Smart
IGardening
site2.324ATTACHMENT 4
EXCERPT CUT TIE MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE April 1, 2008
AND RECRFATION 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 Salkman 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.
27Chair 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 Retholtz/James Ayes: Cooper Nays: Deen
Motion passes 3 - 1.
o0o
256These minutes are not official until approved by the Parks and
Recreation Commission,
ATTACHMENT 5
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.
MIS: Daly Redholtz/Shapiro Ayes: All
o0o
29
24ATTACHMENT 6
06-16-08_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|101010|Carlson Park|101010|Culver City Park
/ Bill Botts Field 1 2|1010|Culver West
Alexander Park|10 10|El Marino Park|10 10|Fox Hills Park
1 1|1010|Lindberg Park|101010|Syd Kronenthal
Park 1 1 1|1010|Tellefson Park|10 10|Veterans Park
1 4 3|1010|OTHER
1-Any park
near a
school
1-Culver-
Slauson
Park
1-Any
wheelchair
accessible
park
1 -Near
Ballona
Creek
406-16-08 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 614/2008 1:36 PM - Laura Stuart, Howard Hadhes 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!
31
3106-16-08 Public Comment Tracking - Smart Gardening via Email:
June 2 — June 6, 2008
Tue 613/2008 4:14 PM - Araceli Perez
Hello
It's great that CC will have a SMART GARDENING DEMONSTRATION LEARNING CENTER Inn
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
htto://www.smgov.net/eod/news/GardenGarden.htm and
htto://wvvw.smgov.net/eod/residentsNVater/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 613/2008 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.
32-06-16-08_Public Comment Tracking - Smart Gardening via Email:
June 2— June 6, 2008
Tue 6/3/2008 952 AM - Karen Gibbs, Culver City
My recommendation is Fox Hills Park. The area needs community activities!
Tue 613/2008 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 P 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
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.ATTACHMENT 7
These minutes are not official until approved by the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
- EXCERPT OF THE DRAFT MINUTES -OF.411111T
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, PACS
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.
000Item A-1
ndation to City Council Regarding Possible Park . 0 • -
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.Y
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 Al 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
35
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
36atilt- eh CI TY
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
NOTIFICATION OF IMPORTANT AGENDA
ITEM AT A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING
The City Council will be considering the following item at
their meeting of:
June 30, 2008
Time 7:00 pm
The City Council will consider the construction of a
smart gardening demonstration learning center at either
Carlson Park or Veterans' Memorial Park.
Location:
Mike Balkman Council Chambers
9770 Culver Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232
For more information contact:
Catherine Vargas
Environmental Coordinator
310-253-6411
-Or-
Damian Skinner
Environmental Programs & Operations Manager
310-253-6421
City Council/Agency meetings can be viewed live on Channel 35 by most
Comcast subscribers. Meetings are also broadcast on the City's Radio Station
AM 1690.