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Honoring veterans, new ambassador program, upcoming events, City staff efforts, and more!



Culver City
Culver City Newsletter - November 2024

*Culver City's monthly newsletter provides a recap of the last month and shares opportunities to get engaged.*

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Photo of the Veteran presentation in Culver City [ https://www.lavote.gov/home/voting-elections ]
Honoring Veterans in Culver City

The community gathered for the annual Tribute to Heroes in honor of Veterans Day. The ceremony took place outside the Veterans Memorial Complex. This year honored Women on the Front Lines, in addition to all hero veterans, first responders and individuals who have served and sacrificed for our country in so many ways. Almost all elements of the program were provided by women, including the sharing of their personal stories, and presenting various historical impacts that military women have made over many years.

Saturday's event, sponsored by the Exchange Club of Culver City, raised funds toward ending Veteran homelessness, working with New Directions for Veterans. The Exchange Club has installed 500 flags around the Veterans Memorial Park Building, each adorned with a yellow ribbon showing the sponsored hero’s name, branch of service and emblem, and the sponsor’s name. They are on display through November 20th.



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Culver City State of the City graphic with Mayor McMorrin [ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/culver-city-state-of-the-city-address-hosted-by-the-wende-museum-tickets-1054260013079?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl ]
Public Invited to Mayor McMorrin's State of the City 2024

The Culver City community is invited to enjoy a reception with light refreshments followed by Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin's State of the City Address, hosted by the Wende Museum, on *Wednesday, November 20th*.


* 5:30 PM - Reception
* 6:30 PM - Mayor's State of the City Address
* 6:50 PM - Post Presentation Reception
* 7:30 PM - Closing

No ticket or RSVP required, but RSVP is requested for planning purposes. _You can RSVP using the Eventbrite webpage [ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/culver-city-state-of-the-city-address-hosted-by-the-wende-museum-tickets-1054260013079?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl ]_.



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Photo of CityBus [ https://www.culvercitybus.com/Home ]
Culver CityBus Announces Ambassadors Program

The Culver CityBus Transit Ambassador Program is set to launch in November. The program will reinforce the sense of safety and security by deploying ambassadors to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for both customers and operators.  The initiative is part of a broader customer experience improvement plan aimed to enhance our transit service safety, convenience, and attractiveness. 

Starting November 18th, unarmed, specially trained ambassadors will be present on high-traffic routes and at select transit centers and bus stops to help passengers feel comfortable and confident riding Culver CityBus. The ambassadors will help with:


* Assisting riders with navigating the regional bus and rail network
* Providing information on Culver CityBus fares and payment methods
* Addressing any safety or maintenance concerns
* Offering support and resource materials to passengers in need

Keep updated with the latest Culver CityBus news and routes on its website [ https://www.culvercitybus.com/Home ].



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Photo of Project Homekey [ https://www.culvercity.org/Services/Housing-Homeless-Human-Services/Homeless-Reporting-Dashboard ]
New Numbers Released on Culver City's Homeless Reporting Dashboard

The City of Culver City released new numbers highlighting the effort to address homelessness and help unhoused neighbors in our community.

Culver City is a California leader in addressing homelessness by using a holistic and comprehensive approach. As of September 30, 2024, the City has accomplished the following:  


* Project Homekey's Permanent Supportive Housing site currently houses 39 residents since opening in October 2023. 
* Project Homekey's Interim Housing site currently temporarily houses 40 participants since opening in February 2024.
* Wellness Village Safe Sleep site currently shelters 7 participants and has served 72 participants since opening in August 2023.
* Motel Lease Program currently shelters 42 participants and has served 92 participants since July 2023.  
* The Mobile Crisis Team, which launched in March 2024, has helped provide placement for 49 unhoused individuals and has responded to 694 calls for service, contacted 493 persons, and performed 112 mental health assessments. 

Updated data will continue to be published quarterly, along with an email update to community members who are interested in tracking the City’s progress. The City of Culver City remains dedicated to leading with care, helping our unhoused neighbors live a better life. You can find the full dashboard numbers on the City's website. [ https://www.culvercity.org/Services/Housing-Homeless-Human-Services/Homeless-Reporting-Dashboard ]



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Two photos of Culver City public art installations
Conservation Work Completed on Culver City Public Artworks

The Cultural Affairs Division of the City of Culver City is pleased to announce the conservation of *La Ballona* by artist May Sun and *Hanging Garden* by artist Ed Carpenter has been completed. These two major City-owned, public artworks are currently installed at City Hall. La Ballona received a complete conservation treatment that included the fiberglass repairs of the effigies (pictured), removal of calcium/lime efflorescence buildup from brick surfaces, and cleaning and replacing of missing metal hooks in the pool floor. Hanging Garden was given a full cleaning and polishing of the individual stained-glass pieces by chemical and soft abrasive means; the removal of rust oxidation throughout the monumental, stainless-steel frame was executed.

Earlier this year, *The Lion's Fountain* and *A Moment in Time* statues near the Culver Steps, as well as the City Seal located in front of the Mike Balkman City Council Chambers, received much-needed treatment to ensure longevity. One of the primary responsibilities of the Cultural Affairs Division is to manage the routine maintenance of the city’s own permanent, public art collection, which consists of over 100 artworks to date.



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Photo of people in movie theater during the AWFF [ https://www.asianworldfilmfest.org/ ]
Asian Film Festival Returns to Culver City

The City of Culver City is pleased to welcome the 10th Annual Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) to our community from November 13th through the 21st. Over the past years, the City of Culver City has been honored to host the AWFF and support its mission of bringing Asian cinema to the greater Los Angeles area. In that short time, the Festival has become a beloved cultural event that showcases films from over 50 countries across Asia, spanning from Turkey to Japan, and from Russia to India.

The Asian World Film Festival celebrates global outreach, inclusion and diversity in a profound, innovative, and authentic way. The Festival unites our communities across the planet, bringing the Asian world to Culver City, and Culver City to the world. The Festival’s cross-cultural collaboration creates an opportunity for our community to experience films from over 50 countries across Asia. To date, the Festival has screened over 100 Oscar and 50 Golden Globe submissions.

You can find the schedule and tickets at the AWFF website [ https://www.asianworldfilmfest.org/ ]. The Culver Theater will host the festival.



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Photo of new El Marino Park playground [ https://www.instagram.com/p/DB7vUkrpLPy/?img_index=1 ]
New El Marino Park Playground Opens

The El Marino Park playground was in need of an upgrade. In April, crews removed the decaying playground that was built for children 2 to 5-years-old. Staff began a community process to gather input on what options they would like to see.

Following selection and construction, a grand opening was held to commemorate the new playground. Thank you to Culver City PRCS staff, and the community, for their work in creating an interactive, modern playground for kids to enjoy for years to come. Check out the exciting video of the afternoon on the Culver City Instagram page [ https://www.instagram.com/p/DBufhCvSIBi/ ].



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Photo of completed Farragut Connector Project [ https://www.culvercity.org/News/Farragut-Connector-Replacement-Project ]
Farragut Connector Replacement Project Complete

The Farragut Connector Replacement Project in Culver City is now complete. The Project, which was improving a section of pathway that provides bicyclists and pedestrians access along Farragut Drive between Jasmine Avenue and Jackson Avenue, began in Spring 2024 by the Public Works Division of the City of Culver City. It included demolition of the existing path, improvements and construction of new fencing, pedestrian-oriented lighting, plants and trees with an irrigation system, a combined bottle filler/pet drinking fountain, and permeable pavement. You can read more about the improvements on the City's website [ https://www.culvercity.org/News/Farragut-Connector-Replacement-Project ].

The Project also has a public art component. City Council commissioned artist Sonia Romero to create a tiled art installation on the north facing wall with a focus on the area’s history. The artwork is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2025.



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Photo of Hope Parrish
Hope Parrish Named Honorary City Historian

The City Council voted to appoint Hope Parrish as the honorary City Historian at its meeting in October.

Parrish is a retired property master who worked in the entertainment industry for many years. When she retired in 2017, she became President of the Culver City Historical Society (CCHS).

Parrish loves history, research and her hometown, Culver City. Her work has been to continue to grow the CCHS and carry-on the work of those that came before her in the organization. She hopes that the CCHS will continue to be a place where Culver City can deposit items that tell the City’s story and history, and that history’s lessons continue to educate the city.



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Photo of Community art project [ https://forms.office.com/g/NYzUZWZYB8 ]
Dozens Join for Community Art Project

Thank you to everyone who joined us in our community art project in October led by Artist Laureate Katy Krantz at the former Martin B. Retting store. These tiles will be installed as a temporary art installation.

We have also received brilliant and thoughtful input from our community about what the future of the space should become. You can still participate and provide feedback. Use the online visioning form to share your ideas with the City. [ https://forms.office.com/g/NYzUZWZYB8 ]



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Photo of Creative Economy Mixer at the Wende Museum
Office of Economic and Cultural Development Welcomes Creative Economy Community

The Creative Economy Mixer, hosted by the Office of Economic and Cultural Development, was a resounding success, drawing dozens of attendees from across Culver City’s vibrant creative community. Hosted at the Wende Museum’s Outdoor Sculpture Garden, the event fostered an evening of connection and collaboration.

Participants from a diverse range of fields, including digital media, entertainment, product and industrial design, publishing, fine and performing arts, fashion, architecture, visual arts, and more, came together to network and share ideas. Attendees exchanged insights and explored new opportunities for collaboration within Culver City’s dynamic creative economy.

The event's informal yet purposeful atmosphere provided the perfect space for professionals to connect and discuss how the City can better support its creative sector. With a focus on gathering feedback for Culver City's long-range cultural plan, the mixer proved to be an valuable opportunity for participants to voice their thoughts and contribute to the City's future growth.



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Photo of tree lighting ceremony in 2023 [ https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/culvercity/activity/search/detail/53551?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true ]
Downtown Culver City Tree Lighting Sled-tacular Returns Dec. 5th

Celebrate the holidays at the 2024 Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Sled-tacular in Downtown Culver City. Bigger than ever with 50 tons of fresh snow, enjoy sledding, carnival games, sweet treats, warm drinks and, of course, visits with Santa Claus. Stick around for the the Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring musical performances by hundreds of Culver City’s youngsters, followed by a boisterous countdown to light the beautiful 25-foot Holiday Tree.

Mark your calendars and join us Downtown Thursday, December 5th from 5 to 8:30 PM at Town Plaza and Main Street. To sled, you must sign up on the event form webpage [ https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/culvercity/activity/search/detail/53551?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true ].



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Photo of Culver City fire truck spraying water at recent wildfire [ https://www.instagram.com/culvercityfd/ ]
Culver City Fire Department Assists in Wildfire Efforts

Culver City Engine 41, Engine 43 and Battalion 41 were deployed as part of strike team XLA-1075A to the Mountain Fire burning in Ventura County. Firefighters faced difficult conditions and battled multiple burning structures.

Over the weekend, Strike Team XLA-1075A was released. Culver City Fire Department said it was a challenging few days for our firefighters battling this wind driven fire and seeing the devastation it caused to the Camarillo community. You can see more and follow along with their work on the Culver City Fire Department Instagram page [ https://www.instagram.com/culvercityfd/ ].



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Photo of six new officers introduced to the City Council [ https://www.instagram.com/p/DBlvA1hvkBN/ ]
**Culver City Police Department Swears-In Six New Officers**

Chief Jason Sims swore in six new members of the Culver City Police Department, welcoming them to the team. All pledged to exemplify the values of the Culver City Police Department: professionalism, progressive policing practices, and partnerships. The six have now begun patrol training.

CCPD is thrilled to welcome these new members to the team and look forward to the great work they will do for the City of Culver City. You can watch a reel of the ceremony on CCPD's Instagram page [ https://www.instagram.com/p/DBlvA1hvkBN/ ].



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Photo of shovel with compost dirt [ https://www.culvercity.org/Events-directory/Compost-Giveaway-and-Household-Hazardous-Waste-Special-Collection ]
EPO Hosts Compost Giveaway and Hazardous Waste Collection on Nov. 16h

Join the Environmental Programs and Operations Division of the Department of Public Works on November 16th from 8 AM to 3 PM for a compost giveaway and household hazardous waste special collection.

Household Hazardous Waste Special Collection

The special collection will take place at Top Field of Culver City Park. Visit the event page on the City's website to see what household hazardous waste that will be accepted in this special collection [ https://www.culvercity.org/Events-directory/Compost-Giveaway-and-Household-Hazardous-Waste-Special-Collection ]. Please note that the limit of HHW accepted from each attendee is three five-gallon containers of liquids or 125 lbs for solids. 

Compost Giveaway

The compost giveaway will take place across from the Boneyard Dog Park at the Culver City park. Attendees can also bring any leftover seeds to share and exchange. Please bring them labeled with dates and details to the compost giveaway information booth. 



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Generic photo of food drive supplies [ https://www.culvercity.org/Events-directory/2024-Plunge-Food-Drive ]
Food Drive at the Plunge on Nov. 16th

Join us in trying to come together as a community to make a positive impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity. The Plunge at Veterans Memorial Complex will host the first food drive on Saturday, November 16th from 7 AM to 3 PM.

Those who donate four items will receive a free swim pass. 

Suggestions for items to donate include: canned vegetables such as corn, green beans and carrots, canned or pouched meat and tuna, salsa, canned fruit and fruit cups, water, electrolyte drinks such a Gatorade, pancake mix, rolled oats, low-sodium soup, quinoa, pasta sauce, freeze dried fruit, granola and protein bars, popcorn, honey, jellies, jams, vegetable oil and anything you would like to contribute that has a decent shelf life!



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Photo of Culver City Police [ https://www.culvercitypd.org/Home ]
Public Invited to CCPD Strategic Plan on Dec. 2nd

The Culver City Police Department invites the community to a presentation of the CCPD Strategic Plan scheduled for Monday, December 2nd, at 6:30 PM at City Hall in Mike Balkman Council Chambers.

At this meeting, Micah Conor of Conor Consulting will present insight on the department’s strategic plan process, goals, and initiatives, and invite community input. The Strategic Plan will drive initiatives for the department over the course of the next three years.

The meeting will be held both in person and shared via Webex. A link to join the meeting via Webex will be provided on the day of the meeting at Culver City Police website [ https://www.culvercitypd.org/Home ] under the “events” tab.

For questions, please contact Community Engagement Manger Jennifer Atenza at jennifer.atenza@culvercity.org or (310) 253-6120 [ tel:3102536120 ].



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Photo of Santa posing with kid at PRCS event [ https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/culvercity/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_category_ids=8&viewMode=list ]
Breakfast with Santa Set for Dec. 15th

Santa's on his way! Join Culver City PRCS for Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 15th at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

Registration includes:


* Breakfast
* Live Entertainment
* Crafts
* Hot Cocoa & Cookies
* Holiday Photo Opportunities

All attendees aged 3 and up must register. Children under 3 are free. Registration is open now on the event form webpage [ https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/culvercity/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_category_ids=8&viewMode=list ]. Space is limited.



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Photo of Jazz Nights in Culver City [ https://www.instagram.com/p/DA7AmW0St1H/?img_index=1 ]
Thank You for Helping Make Culver City Jazz Nights a Success!

Jazz returned to the Kirk Douglas Theatre every Sunday in October and the community sold each one out. We were excited to see the enthusiasm for live jazz music in Culver City. Thank you to the Jazz Bakery for curating the worldly talented musicians and for the Kirk Douglas Theatre hosting. Stay tuned for future events!



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*Stay up to date with the latest news, events, resources by bookmarking the Culver City website. [ https://www.culvercity.org/Home ] If you have social media, we invite you to follow the City's accounts which you can find below.*



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