Art Classes for All Ages and Skill Levels!

NEW FROM DANA KUKURUDA AT DEPT OF RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

ART STUDIO CLASSES FOR KIDS

“Art Studio Drawing – Painting” is for ages 6 – 12 years, and teaches the young ones the fundamental approach to art, develops drawing and sketching skills and the application of color using mixed media.  They will learn to enhance and express their creativity, imagination, and artistic confidence in a non-competitive atmosphere.  Class is 3:30 – 5:15PM.

“Open Art Studio” is geared for children ages 9 + years. This class is for young adults at all levels who would like to develop a solid foundation in basic drawing and painting skills as well as enhance their creative thinking.  Class is 5:15 – 6:30PM.

These classes are held on Thursdays, April 28^th – May 19^th and the session fee is $98.

Check out the classes online at www.sealbeachca.gov; under Parks and Recreation; Recreation guide or contact the Seal Beach Recreation and Community Services Office at (562) 431-2527 EXT. 1344, to sign up today!

Create Works of Art on Your Own!

Enhance your way of seeing and increase your own artistic style while acquiring the techniques of painting.  Understand spatial relationships, proportions, color value and light and shadow.  Work from photos or still life depending on your needs and interest.  A $30 material fee is payable to instructor at the first class.

Classes will be held at Marina Community Center, located at 151 Marina Drive, on Thursdays, April 28^th –  May 19^th for ages 18+.  The session fee is $98.

Check out the classes online at www.sealbeachca.gov; under Parks and Recreation; Recreation guide or contact the Seal Beach Recreation and Community Services Office at (562) 431-2527 EXT. 1344, to sign up today!

A “green plan” that sounds pretty good?

Here’s a plan that should satisfy both proponents and opponents of environmental causes.

In Kake, Alaska there’s a small town that has an unemployment rate of 80%.  The federal government had a plan to build 26 miles of road into the forest at a cost of $6 million and harvest 70 million board feet of old growth trees.  Because of the scope of the project it wasn’t expected to provide much employment for the 500 people trying  to eke out a living in the community.

In an unusual decision the Forest Service decided to have a meeting with the locals and find out what they thought should be done.

They said ‘give us less.’   One small road, less than 2 miles, into the forest will be enough for our small mills.  It will be enough work for our isolated community to survive and it will help our black tail deer flourish and  the reduced cutting will protect our watershed, etc.

The Forest Service smiled and more or less said, “you got a deal!”

For the entire story please go to the L A Times article at:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-tongass-logging

USS Dewey Open House Cancelled.

Unfortunately the Open House scheduled for the USS Dewey this Sunday was cancelled.

It was up in the air for several days and but then it was confirmed.

No reason was given but one must assume that the strife in the Middle East could well be the culprit.

Some common sense by a govt. body

It seems like the public is  constantly bombarded with news stories about government inefficiencies and stubborn attitudes by our leading political parties that refuse to moderate their positions.   With that thought in mind we are happy to report that the City Council of Seal Beach and the land owners of the DMV property have come to a meeting of the minds that would seem to satisfy everyone……or not satisfy everyone…… which is pretty much the same thing.

What follows is a press release by both parties in the dispute.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ed Selich, Bay City Partners, LLC                                                                         Quinn Barrow, Attorney, City of seal Beach

(949) 723-6383                                                                                                                           (213)626-8484

Bay City Partners, LLC and City of Seal Beach Settle Litigation

Agreement is the first step to preserving significant waterfront open space for public use

Seal Beach, CA – March 29, 2011- Last night the Seal Beach City Council took action to assure continued public access to the beach and San Gabriel River Bike Trail. Bay City Partners, LLC and the City of Seal Beach reached agreement over ongoing litigation filed by both parties in 2009. As part of the settlement, the parties agreed to dismiss their respective lawsuits.

If the City and California Coastal Commission approve Bay City’s pending proposal, Bay City will convey the southerly 70% of the DWP property to the City.

Mayor Michael Levitt said “This is a significant achievement for the community. Bay City’s concessions on beach access and the bike trail will enable the City to complete the Rivers End Staging Project on time and on budget. In addition, it is the first step in the process toward preserving over 6 acres of open space for public use.”

“This Settlement Agreement is a major step in ending the long and disruptive saga of the fate of the DWP site,” stated Bay City representative Ed Selich. “For more than 44 years, this land has sat in an unproductive and blighted state. Now it will finally come to life with beautiful open space and a residential project in scale and character with Old Town Seal Beach. Bay City looks forward to the day that we can remove the fence surrounding the property so that the grand vistas to the ocean are opened for all to enjoy.”

After almost 18 months of legal proceedings, the parties reached a settlement which is in the best interests of Seal Beach residents and taxpayers.

Key features are: • Stopping costly litigation, • Receiving a sewer access and maintenance easement, • Leasing the beach parking lot access road and bike trail on the DWP property, • Facilitating the receipt of a $2,000,000 Clean Water Act grant to improve the River’s End parking lot and San Gabriel River bike trail, • Preparing a comprehensive environmental impact report on Bay City’s proposal, • City payment of $900,000, and If the Coastal Commission approves Bay City’s proposal, the City purchases the 70% open space for $1,100,000

Bay City has submitted a proposal for a 48-lot residential project. The City will process the applications through the normal city channels, and conduct a series of public hearings. Our city council is to be commended as is Bay City Partners.

Most of the precious river front property on the left will be utilized as open space for the citizens. The development will be on the right side of the above photo and front 1st street.

An email sent by new Council Member Ellery Deaton last week summarizes the battle: “Tonight the City Council approved a settlement agreement with the DWP owners.  This settlement is the conclusion of the Council’s negotiations with Bay City Partners for last couple years.  As a new Councilmember and an 11th hour participant in the process, I supported the work of the Council and voted to end the costly court battles and put the project before the public for their comments and review.  It was very important to me to fulfill a promise I made to our constituents to reach a settlement to this matter, stop unnecessary litigation costs and retain 70% south of Central Way as open space for public use.  This settlement has accomplished these goals.

While it is unfortunate that under this agreement, the City will have to pay for the easement and open space, it is cheaper and more productive to stop litigating and move ahead with the public review process.  We will be paying $900,000 up front for the sewer easement; the $1.1 million agreed to for the open space will not be paid for nor the land deeded over until the project has received all it’s approvals, including Coastal Commission approval.”

QUAKE UPDATE – Over 500 dead and evacuation of thousands near nuclear plant!

The quake was 1000 times more powerful than the one in New Zealand three weeks ago.

The death toll is unfortunately rising dramatically.  TV photos of the Tsunami in Japan show hundreds of cars being swept to see as well as large trawlers and fishing boats being tossed like cordwood.

the quake was over 400 miles long and lasted over 5 minutes.  Fortunately Tokyo has some of the strictest building codes in the world so downtown Tokyo buildings have withstood much of the damage.  Elsewhere there is a story that an entire passenger train has disappeared.

THE EARTHQUAKE WAS OFF SHORE OF JAPAN AND IT WAS THE LARGEST EVER RECORDED TO HIT JAPAN AN 8.9 MAGNITUDE MONSTER EARTHQUAKE.

JAPANESE LOSS OF LIFE WAS FIRST ANNOUNCED AS 32 DEAD….BUT THAT IS EXPECTED TO RISE DRAMATICALLY.

FOR MORE INFO GO TO
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/11/japan-earthquake-tsunami_n_834380.html

Tsunami Warning for SB TODAY!

THERE IS WARNING THAT BECAUSE OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN ALASKA THIS MORNING SEAL BEACH IS UNDER THREAT OF A TSUNAMI!

AUTHORITIES SAID THAT SEAL BEACH RESIDENTS NEED NOT EVACUATE HOMES AT THIS TIME BUT WE SHOULD STAY OFF THE BEACH, OFF THE JETTYS, AND OFF THE PIER.  THE WARNING IS FOR SEAL BEACH, SUNSET BEACH AND HUNTINGTON BEACH.

ALTHOUGH MOST OLD TOWN RESIDENTS HAVE RECEIVED TELEPHONE CALLS BEGINNING AT 4:45 THIS A.M. WE URGE YOU TO CALL ANY OF YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS .

First Ever! Clean up at Navy Beach

Kim Masoner <kim@saveourbeacgh.org> is calling All Hands On Deck For 1st Ever Public Navy Beach Cleanup this Saturday – February 12th ~ 8:30 to Noon – Please rsvp to kim@saveourbeach.org or (562) 884-6764

The Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station has kindly invited us to assist with their 1st ever public beach cleanup. This cleanup will be different from any other cleanup we’ve done because we will be using rakes to pile debris and then use shovels to put debris into trash cans and the Navy’s amphibious vehicle “the gator” will take trash cans to the dumpster to empty.

There is tons of trash on the beach and we will be picking up everything (unlike our normal cleanups where we leave natural debris). And if you happen to come across clear plastic bottles or aluminum cans, we will keep those separate so I can recycle them. If you find Capri Sun juice pouches, old cigarette lighters, any kind of balls, sand toys, baby bottles, sippy cups or other items I call “treasures” (something someone else might be able to use), please keep them separate and I’ll collect them at the end of the day. (You can put them into one of our reusable bags).

Join us any time between 8:30 a.m. and Noon to help restore this beautiful isolated beach habitat that has become choked with litter and debris from winter storms. This area is a national wildlife protectorate and provides crucial foraging habitat for a large number of migratory and resident waterfowl and shorebirds.

Long Beach looks for applicants for 22nd Leadership Class

Oscar Cosby announced that “Leadership Long Beach”, the city’s premier leadership development program, is accepting applications for its 2012 Institute Program. LLB invites community members who have expressed an interest in the future of Long Beach through their community involvement.

Interested individuals should apply online at www.leadershiplb.org or pick up an application at 3939 Atlantic Ave., Suite 201, Long Beach, CA 90807.

With the completion of this year’s program in June, Leadership Long Beach will graduate its 1,000th program participant. Since 1989 more than 700 adults and over 250 youth have completed the LLB program, becoming more knowledgeable about their community and contributing to community improvement through their volunteerism, activism and participation.

“LLB Institute offers the rewarding opportunity to become more involved in our community by immersing class members in all aspects and issues plus introducing them to key players and decision makers,” said LLB Board President Tom Farrand. “Graduates of the program go on to serve in various leadership roles including serving non-profits, boards, and commissions within the City. It is this source of committed and involved principled leaders that really strengthens our community.”

The 10-month Institute program holds sessions every month beginning in October 2011 through June 2012 with an orientation meeting in August 2011 and a weekend retreat in Big Bear in September 2011. Throughout the program participants gain insights about the city of Long Beach and are able to connect and interact with leaders in the community. Each class completes service projects that benefit Long Beach such as Youth Diversity Summit, Bricks by the Sea, and Community Health and Wellness fair.

The LLB Institute program goals include connecting people of diverse backgrounds with demonstrated leadership abilities and a commitment for the future of Long Beach; providing an educational experience that encompasses all aspects of the city; and creating a strong network of alumni who can serve as resources for the community. The 2012 Institute graduates will join an alumni community—many of whom serve on city commissions and various non-profit boards, doing volunteer work and making Long Beach a better place for its residents.

The early application deadline is March 31. The program tuition is $3,000 plus a $25 application fee. Partial scholarships are available for individuals, small business owners, and non-profit organizations. The application fee will be waived for those who apply by March 31. For more information, go to www.leadershiplb.org or contact Oscar Cosby at (562) 9979194 or by email at o.cosby@leadershiplb.org.

Farewell Reception for Charles Antos

by Jill Ingram – Asst to City Mgr

On February 14, 2011, Council Member Charles Antos will participate in his final City Council meeting after eight years of dedicated service to the Seal Beach community.  A reception will be held at City Hall on February 14^th for the City Council, City staff, and community members to express their thanks and best wishes to Council Member Antos for his dedication and hard work on behalf of the City.

Council Member Antos was first elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2006 to represent District 1, including Old Town and the Surfside Colony.  He served as Mayor for two one-year terms during his tenure, as well as Mayor Pro Tem and Chairman of the Redevelopment Agency.  Council Member Antos served with a keen interest in planning issues, and was an instrumental supporter of several projects over the years for the betterment of not only District 1 residents that he was elected to represent, but the greater community as well.  Just to name a few….. Marina Drive bridge, Old Town sewer lining project and manhole upgrades, annual concrete repair program, annual slurry seal program, news racks on Main Street, three storm drain projects, pier decking replacement, East Sand Beach replenishment and nourishment project, Eisenhower Park restroom upgrades, Old Town street improvements, McGaugh community pool improvements, development of the Street Tree Master Plan, Police Department remodel, City hall restroom remodel, “In God We Trust” motto in the Council Chambers, Lampson Avenue water well development, North Gate Road and reservoir improvements, and the replacement of Fire Station 48.

Council Member Antos was active with the League of California Cities, League of California Cities – Orange County Division, Los Alamitos Unified School District Standing Committee, Orange County Sanitation District, West Orange County Water Board, Seal Beach Affordable Housing Corporation, Southern California Association of Governments, Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency, Orange County Library Board, and the Orange County Fire Authority.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend the reception.

North Gate Road – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The City of Seal Beach is pleased to announce the completion of the North Gate Road Rehabilitation project.

North Gate Road was officially reopened to the public on January 21, 2011.  A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 3:00 p.m.  The Ceremony will be held at the Fire Station Community Center located at 3131 North Gate Road.

Members from the Seal Beach City Council will be present to celebrate completion of this project.

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