CERRITOS FRACTURED PUBLIC WORKS.
These items are costing the city litigation, countless infrastructure repairs, etc.
Photos are meant to educate and promote a tool box of inspiration in order to spark interest in repairs & or alternatives to cure.
Home Improvements Ideas are only to challenge Planning Department in order to come of with fresh new ideas to stimulate existing 40-50 YO housing stock. There are no correct conception photos, as said is only to stimulate education and discussion.
****double click on each picture, to enlarge each picture, to FULL SIZE OF PAGE. When finished, use the left-hand arrow to return to feature page.******
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#1)-WORST FRACTURED PUBLIC WORKS
#2)-CAPITOL IMPROVEMENTS/REDEVELOPMENT NEEDED.
#3)-PUBLIC WORKS IMPROVEMENTS.
#4)-MUNICIPAL LANDSCAPE EASEMENT DETERIORATION.
#5)-WALL DEBATES.
#6)-LACK OF JOINT EFFORTS BETWEEN CERRITOS/ABC.
#7)-LACK OF CODE ENFORCEMENT.
#1)-WORST FRACTURED PUBLIC WORKS
WORST FRACTURED PUBLIC WORKS
Need attention today, not tommorow. These are real threats fot public safety and could cost city MAJOR LITIGATION.
READ STORIES FROM TOP PHOTO TO LAST PHOTO-----
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ABANDONED WALL POCKETS-, Location: 195th Street for almost a year, sTAFF has promised that these wall pockets be repaired in replanted. Nothing has happened. This is costing the homeowners a major depreciation in real estate values, for the neighborhood surrounding these wall pockets. Real estate market is plunging as we speak, these wall pockets are not helping matters at all.
Location: 195th St., Cerritos.
I am glad the city has started to address the wall issues. Looks like half of the pocket landscape planters have been repaired and replanted.
Perplexed, by the lack of quality control to the above projects.
The new trees used on 195th. Street, appear to be California Bay Laurel Trees. I could be mistaken. They grow about 30 feet in height. The Roots are not an evasive issue, but the tree trunks do break off at the baseline during high winds, because of Oak Root fungus issues.
The lack of quality control for the landscape job, to the half a dozen pocket islands, installation was below the professional standards in the field. The Finnish grade soil level is above the existing pedestrian sidewalk, soil does not appear to an amended and or clean, and the plant palette is not designated landscape tolerant and or drought resistant.
With the overabundance of issues pertaining to walls citywide, pertaining to tree roots, it is beyond me, that the city would not be more conservative in selecting a more dwarf tree which will grow in a postage size condominium environment. Also have to remember, Cerritos soil is not the most ideal, as can be heavy clay composition, not well drained, and a high water table.
I am more than thrilled that the city has addressed the wall issue in this area. It will help the sagging real estate in the surrounding neighborhoods. Just wish the city would spend more time in research, in developing a tree palette which fits in to condominium space, and not try to force forest type trees into the postage size planter.
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sports complex railroad easements/ (location: Target Store/regional Park )during the winter months, no maintenance of the easements. Home to many homeless camps. A lot of graffiti. Weed abatement is never accomplished until July to August. Residents live close to this area. City must take the lead agency, into mowing this grassy area during the winter months, or our apply weed abatement, and or apply woodchips in order to discourage weeds.
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Cerritos Billboard, (location : Del Amo Bridge) is still home to a obnoxious graffiti. It takes over 2 to 3 weeks to have graffiti removed. This has gone on for 33 years. Nothing has been done, to create obstacles below the Billboard, to reduce ingress egress onto the Billboard. This area is in no man's land. (Lakewood-Cerritos) Sheriffs, Cypress Police Department, La Palma police department] all refused to patrol this area, as no one knows it's identification, and revolving employees are always ignorant of the cityhood. There are no city limit signs in this area. There is no welcome to Los Angeles/Orange County in this area. If a police car does come close to this area, they turn around, because of misidentification on their route. This has been going on for more than 33 years. No resolution.
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WINKLER GREEBELT (Cerritos) (location : Del Amo Bridge)for years, have complained to : traffic safety committee, to orchestrate proper signage and caution at the Del Amo bridge. Nothing. Spoke numerous times with our city engineer, again nothing. The trees in the park, are killed continuously, by runaway auto traffic. In foggy nights, hard to orchestrate through this area. 911 calls are sent to ( 714) or (562). There's no signs stating city of Cerritos. Director of community development, has done nothing, for the safety and well-being of this area. Recently, assistant city manager, has displayed some seasonal banners, to visually outline this area. It is a forgotten no man's land.
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TRACT ENTRY ISLANDS- ( Location: all city tracts) should be the crown jewel to each neighborhood. They have been re-re-landscape a few times, but do not receive continuous landscape maintenance care. Many dead plants, lack of ground cover, debris, all create a blighted looking neighborhood entranceway. With the declining real estate values, said island do not encourage real estate values to go work.
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DEL AMO BRIDGE- 33 years of a promised new bridge. Nothing. Federal government has declared not safe. Still nothing. Multiple auto laxatives per year. Street lights have been removed by auto accidents. ABC/CCC ordered pedestrian guard rail has permanently been removed. Illegal billboard. Heavy traffic. Challenged pedestrian bridge.
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PUBLIC ART- De Amo Blvd., (location : Del Amo/Pioneer) for years I have complained, coded enforcement has tried to improve. Water fountain periodically works. All the outdoor lighting is broken. The shrubs look like weeds. No ground cover. Soil erosion. Patio furniture is stored in a fountain. Subject of the art piece is questionable, as a woman doing her laundry on Del Amo Blvd. this statue, along with the maintenance of other fine art pieces, (is questionable ) as there is no maintenance schedule or records being kept. Personally, I have addressed the fine arts committee.
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BLOOMFIELD SCE- ( location : Bloomfield/ Sports Complex) city has improved is abandoned landscape nursery. Properties in foreclosure, but still has many code enforcement violations. When I first reported this project, said projects was in worse condition than today. Foreclosure banks are doing nothing to preserve our maintain vacated nursery IN sce easement. Property is directly west of the Cerritos sports complex entrance/monument signs.
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INSUFFECIENT STREET LIGHTING. (location: citywide) every street has tree which are overgrown the light poles. Our streets are becoming dark. It will become a safety hazard. Increasing crime. Dangerous accidents will be occurring. The city needs to be the lead agency, employed outside contracting firm, to consult on a yearly basis, aggressive tree trimming procedures around street lights. President trimming aka: CUPPING} is not aggressive enough, as the streetlights confusion is not ample.
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LANDSCAPE POCKET PLANTERS- (location: 195th) staff has promised repair for over a year. These pictures were taken in 2006. Nothing repaired to date. This has taken a huge toll on the real estate property values, surrounding said Blight.
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INSUFFECIENT STREET LIGHTING. (location: Citywide)every street has tree which are overgrown the light poles. Our streets are becoming dark. It will become a safety hazard. Increasing crime. Dangerous accidents will be occurring. The city needs to be the lead agency, employed outside contracting firm, to consult on a yearly basis, aggressive tree trimming procedures around street lights. President trimming aka: CUPPING} is not aggressive enough, as the streetlights confusion is not ample.
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91 /CARMENITA INTERCHANGE- (location 91 @ Carmenita Eastbound) for years I have been complaining about the dead landscape. Finally property preservation commissioners complained, and the city cleaned up Caltrans. I'm upset, as property preservation is about private property maintenance, and unofficially, PPC is taking over municipal/state projects, without announcing to the public about their amendment and jurisdiction. PPC is the strongest weapon against urban menopause, but it should be announced, I even playing field. Also, is the PPC jurisdiction over real property and or personal property?
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ALL FREEWAY GORES- every intersection in the city, ( 5-91-605) freeways, must have a drought tolerant landscape, ( ROCKS- GRAVEL-PAVERS- CATUS SPECIMENNS-PALO VERDE TREES-TAMARASK TREES) in order to create a chamber of commerce welcome. Each intersection, daily is access to about 200,000 cars. Maintaining weeds is costing too much money for nothing.
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CAL TRANS-CERRITOS JOINT VENTURE- redevelopment money was spent in order to construct a sound proofing walls/landscaping. Caltrans has breached its duty, most of the landscaping on our freeways are dead, and creating a fire hazard + host to insects and became plant material. This is our Chamber of Commerce to the entire city. The city must override Caltrans, and cleanup are soundproof easements including re-landscaping with desert drought tolerant plants/readjust the existing irrigation to create a more then the proof system. Caltrans and the Highway Patrol are now allowing for increased of homeless population reading in the freeway campsites.
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RESIDENTIAL ENRTRANCES: (location: citywide)no residential entrance should be blighted with non-conforming fences, landscape, it trees, weeds, ETC. City must be the lead agency, to do weekly janitorial to all entrances to each and every tract of home. The developers developed the entrances and turned him over to the city for proper and continuous maintenance.
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RR Spir GRAFFITI. City has a graffiti hotline number, but the railroad easement are a host to dated a graffiti artist. Numerous reverend urged throughout the city. Public areas of graffiti, are real blight to the residents/businesses adjacent to the graffiti/tiger private areas.
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DEAD TREES- ( location : citywide) every tree scape, remnants of dead tree branches/treetops. Once in a while, property preservation committee addresses dead trees on public rite ways and are removed. Should not have to rely on committee members to report. Dead trees are a host to environmental hazards. The deadwood is a host for other infectious diseases/breeders.
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WELCOME TO CERRITOS SIGNS/STUMPS-( Location: all arterial roads @ 9 city borderlines) all throughout the city, signs have been removed and not replaced, for many years. I have complained about this issue, then promised new concrete monument signs, years have gone by, nothing.
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-BLVD. LANDSCAPE CUTOUTS ( location: many arterial intersection)
Dead plants, broken irrigation, weeds, debris
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#2)-CAPITOL IMPROVEMENTS/REDEVELOPMENT NEEDED
CAPITOL IMPROVMENTS/REDVEOPMENT NEEDED
READ STORIES FROM TOP PHOTO TO LAST PHOTO-----
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CERRITOS REGIONAL PARK ( $13m RETRO)
1) Pedestrian sidewalks are still cracked.
2) Lake is still polluted.
3) Ltd. handicap parking stalls.
4) Sports complex does not share the same hours of operation for night lighting, as remains dark.
5) No designated RV Parking Zones.
6) Los Coyotes River bed fencing allotment: $200K, increased to <$.5M, still has not been conceived. Promised for yrs. Nothing.
7) Bloomfield never designated as a checkpoint for drunk driving, ( residential zone)
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ROSE GARDENS- are known across the world. Cerritos Senior Center, Patricia Nixon Rose Garden, is a shameful disaster. The city needs to take a more liberal approach to Rose Gardens, and introduce their free color throughout the city. Not looking for high maintenance VARIETIES, just the opposite, natural/California/European varieties. Roses need to be introduced into our city parks, golf areas, picnic areas, scultpure areas etc. Mass plantings of wild hedge roses are a great deterrent to graffiti wridden areas.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------FRACTURED CITY WALLS (location : Norwalk/195th) arterial walls are crumbling, bowing, discolored, tilting all throughout city. Please read the following wall recommendations in the lower part of this blog. City must be the treasury in order to return all arterial walls into an acceptable condition.
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KIOSKS- welcome to Cerritos,(location: arterial highways from the nine surrounding cities on the borderlines) 100% of them are not working, need new electrical and light bulbs. On and off, city has replace light bulbs, but for the last couple of years, maintenance department has done nothing. These are expensive KIOSKS, and must be maintained.
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public picnic shelters. )( location : many city parks )mentioned this a few times Parks and Recreation. Nothing happened. Shelters need wood rot repair, no gutters, need paint, in need of roofing / picnic equipment. Parks are getting old, and deferred maintenance is very prevalent.
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public kiosk, (location : Emearld Villas site, ) I needed throughout the city, for both COW/public transportation, as the city is home to over 47% seniors. Kiosks provide environmental protection.
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NO TRANSPORTATION KIOSK @ LOS CERRITOS MALL- ( 183rd St @ LC Malls)complained for a couple of years. Boarding is made in the parking lot, and or on 183rd St. No weather right shelter. No turnstile. No kiosk. Complaints about city Council, planning commission, MACERICH development. Nothing. $5 million within two redevelopment for the Nordstrom's, nothing went into development for public transportation. The city relies on 47% of the seniors to shopping malls, but does not put out for public transportation funding. Nothing further handicapped neither. Handicapped are just dumped onto the sidewalk are parking lot. Environment for major accidents. $450,000 for Art in public places, at the mall, but nothing for public transportation.
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ART IN PUBLIC PLACES- over two years, I have complained about the night lighting IN AND AROUND all the art Sculptures areas. Trees and horticulture are overgrown the outdoor lighting. I went to the fine arts commission, addressed the subject, nothing. We have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars, in outdoor lighting, and they are not being maintained on a month-to-month basis. Many outdoor light bulbs are burned out here and there, including the freestanding welcome to Cerritos kioskin the center meridian islands.
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Cerritos sports complex, is not outfitted for diversity. There is nothing for seniors. There is equipment for all other ages, except for the forgotten seniors. Please see my list, which has been presented to the Park and recreation, refused for the last couple of years. The Cerritos sports complex is home to 47% of the populace, but no senior friendly equipment.
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fractured curbing ( location : Del Amo Blvd) throughout the city, both arterial highways and residential streets, trees are uplifting concrete curbs, creating obstacles for both pedestrians and automobiles.
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AUTO MALL GAZEBO- (Studebaker ) past eight years I have complained about no gazebo. FAC fine arts commission is contemplating an art scultpure. Under Art Sculpture, I have included a suggested art piece: resemblance of Hard Rock Cafe, something to salute our auto manufacturers. See Scultpure List.
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CERRITOS SPORTS COMPLEX- need to redevelop said Park, to be inclusive of senior friendly sports activities, as the city has 47% seniors over 50 years old. I have created a separate list I would like Park and recreation to address. Today Park is about youTH, and nothing about seniors. Seniors can be our best policing force, which would reduce the need for sheriffs. Years ago, La Palma/Cypress police department would patrol, as a joint effort, to help the sheriffs. Like to see this investigated again, as the Park is adjacent to Orange County and borders multiple cities.
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TREE ROOTS ARE STEALING: ( location : citywide) ROOTS are not stealing sidewalks, but stealing groundcover, plants, walls and whatever is in their paths. Trees need to be replaced with dwarf varieties, -- which can accommodate in an condominium setting. City is going to be the treasury for re-construction costs.
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CITY WIDE TRACT IDENTIFICATION MONUMENT SIGNS- ( location : citywide to all residential tracts ) must be reconstructed at each and every track. Nothing looks worse, then signs which haVE outlawed live there LIFE! Many signs were removed decades ago, said they were on backorder, and never replaced.
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WATER PROOF PAINTING- All citywide marquees signs, must be repainted with waterproof/stain proof paint. Many signs are not visually readable, as mold is tarnishing the plaques. Many target neighborhoods are not uniform IN street sign marquee and need replacing.
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TINY TOT PLAY AREA- ( location : citywide parks ) Park and recreation must make changes in order to protect the playground from overhead falling electrical lines/AND from sun exposure. Most of the play equipment, is too hot for the children to play on, and full exposure to the sun can lead to serious sunburn SKIN conditions. Also, the playground and needs protection from the evening DEW, as the equipment is not usable in many wet morning hours.
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DEL AMO CORRIDOR- > oVER 180,000 cars travel daily. Area needs major redevelopment, For BUS kiosks, blighted signs, redevelopment of landscaping, more benches, etc. Entire corridor is just worn out from a excessive usage.
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Town Center lighting, needs to be amended, with redevelopment monies, as existing lighting is being demissed by overgrown horticulture.
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Cracked/uplifted sidewalks,( location: citywide) debris sidewalks not being, cleaned, trees need to be trimmed yearly to avoid falling fruits, slippery to walk.
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#3)-PUBLIC WORKS IMPROVEMENTS -DEC '06 /present
PUBLIC WORKS IMPROVEMENTS
READ STORIES FROM TOP PHOTO TO LAST PHOTO-----
From posting in Dec 06, by UNITED HOA to Dec. 08; said improvements to photos/aprox cost ($)
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Cerritos Regional Park Sculpture
1. Dedication Monday January 26, 2009
2. Joint venture between Cerritos and Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation
3. Total cost: $180K-$200K.
4. Constructed from the same material of the recent Las Vegas hotel fire.
5. Tile mosaic finish, is the same Sculptures in Spinnaker Bay, Long Beach, as the tiles are not weathering and are falling off and or being chiseled off for souvenirs.
6. Location at the Regional Park, is a large picnic gathering, where vandals have blown up concrete trash cans and burnt picnic tables.
7. Is this really art sculpture or tiny tot playground equipment?
8. Is this really bulletproof, when the background overhead lighting at the swimming pool, are shot out by BB guns.
9. The large pine trees surrounding the sculpture, will not be in proper perspective in compared to the dwarf collection of sculptures.
10. No night lighting.
11. Staging of sculpture, at the over crowded picnic of pavilion, will not be accessible to all patrons at the park during peak hours, espec. weekends and holiday.
12. Turfgrass in this area is worn out to the dirt during peak summer time usage, and irrigation is vandalized by Picnic groups. This picture looks great, but the last 30 years, Park has not weathered high volume of picnic traffic usage. Park just finished a $12-$13M Dollar renovation. Still have cracked sidewalks, no night lighting in sections, sidewalks which are not draining, and smelly lake pond. Many areas of the park, do not have grass, as the grass has died from overusage.
Summary: during a national recession, is this the best use for our money, especially in a Regional Park, which has a track record of gang fighting, auto theft, and vandalism. I support art in public places, but this sculpture could end up costing the city more money in maintenance, repairs and protection, than initial purchase price.
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New Sculptures To Unveiled At Cerritos Regional Park
County of Los Angeles and City of Cerritos officials will dedicate a group of five mosaic sculptures at the northwest corner of Cerritos Regional County Park where Bloomfield Avenue meets 195th Street on Monday, January 26. The sculptures, called “Water Henge: H20 = Life” and arranged in a circle 20 feet in diameter, bring to mind England’s Stonehenge with their strikingly dramatic, bold shapes. They also echo the deep history of their setting but, unlike Stonehenge, they were created over the past year by mosaic artist Kim Emerson.
Each sculpture tells the story of how the Los Angeles Basin was once affected by large amounts of water. Engraved tiles with written facts about the history and the future of water conservation are integrated into the sculptures. The tallest one, 13 feet high, represents the ocean and the prehistoric life forms found under water millions of years ago and is crowned with a gold painted metal sun with a hole in the center. The second sculpture reflects the era when the ocean receded and dinosaurs roamed the resulting marshlands and the third mirrors the next period of flat fields bearing animal paw prints and human footprints. The fourth, only 2 feet high, appears to melt into the earth and invites visitors to climb and sit. The fifth and smallest sculpture, at the exact center of the circle, symbolizes the minimal amount of water available today and incorporates the four points of the compass. All five together operate as a sundial: a shadow is always cast from the “sun catcher” atop the tallest sculpture and the little sculpture is used to read the time and season.
The 56-acre Cerritos Regional County Park is operated jointly by Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and the City of Cerritos. “Water Henge: H20 = Life” is the first Civic Art collaboration between the County and a municipality. The City of Cerritos and the County each contributed half of the $172,000 project cost and had equal representation on the project coordination committee, which selected the artist and approved the design.
“Kim Emerson has created a very unique piece of art, and we are thrilled to have it at Cerritos Regional Park. In addition, Kim's Water Henge gives us a glimpse into the history of water in the region," said Supervisor Don Knabe, Chairman of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. "It is not only visually stunning, but it is also quite intricate in how it works with the sun. I look forward to the Vernal Equinox in March."
City of Cerritos Mayor Jim Edwards said, “The City of Cerritos is proud to partner with Los Angeles County on this delightful new civic art project. Kim Emerson’s colorful, thought-provoking sculptures are a fitting celebration of Cerritos’ efforts to conserve water through the use of a recycled water system. The pieces are a beautiful addition to our community’s collection of artwork in public places and will be enjoyed by Cerritos residents for many generations to come.”
Kim Emerson’s inspiration for “Water Henge: H20 = Life” came after visiting the project site. “Water has had and continues to have such a strong influence on the landscape,” says Emerson. “One of the most impressive features of the park was the use of reclaimed water for irrigation since it was built 20 years ago. I also found that the City of Cerritos has been very progressive in the conservation of resources and sensitivity to the environment. It was the first city in the country to build a city hall powered by solar technology.
“This artwork tells the story of water in a way that makes us aware of time using the sun’s shadows to express that idea,” says Emerson. “I want people to gather here, watch the shadows and realize what once was.”
Kim Emerson specializes in mosaic design and in 2004 established Kim Emerson Mosaics, LLC. Her public commissions include a fountain at the Sun Harbor Marina in San Diego and a mural at the entrance to the Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts. She designs her work to be site-specific and often uses motifs from nature and ancient cultures. She has received recognition for her mosaic work, such as Best of Show for Architectural Category at the Society of American Mosaic Artists annual conference exhibit in 2005. She was also awarded the Orchid Award presented for excellence in landscape design and public art for “Carley’s Magical Gardens” at the Children’s Hospital of San Diego in 2000. In addition she joined with artist Harold Balazs and local at risk youth to create “Playspace,” located at the Harding Family Center in Idaho. Emerson’s ability to collaborate with other artists, landscapers and members from the local community distinguishes her work. She received her Master of Science degree in Historic Preservation of Architecture at the University of Oregon and maintains a studio in San Diego, CA.
The artwork was commissioned under Los Angeles County’s Civic Art Program, administered by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. Carrie Brown of the Arts Commission was project manager for “Water Henge: H20 = Life.” Under the Civic Art Program, one percent of construction costs of all County capital projects over $500,000 is set aside for the incorporation of civic art.
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New 195th TREES-
Tristaniopsis laurina 'Elegant' (formerly Tristania laurina 'Elegant')
Small-Leaf Tristania 'Elegant'
CHARACTER: Evergreen; round form; dense canopy.
SIZE: Small (Height: 15-25'; Spread: 15').
GROWTH RATE: Moderate
FOLIAGE: New growth reddish-bronze, fading to medium green. Narrow leaves 4" long, wider than straight species.
FLOWER/FRUIT/BARK: Small, yellow, fragrant flowers, 1/4" across, in profuse clusters, bloom April-June. Small brown seed capsules, 1/4" across, form in summer and drop during winter windstorms. Mottled, beige, or reddish brown bark.
MONTHLY WATERING NEEDS: In general, 15-20 gallons per week for the first 2 years; 15-20 gallons twice a month for the 3rd year; as needed after 3 years (varies by soil, sun, and wind conditions).
TREE CARE: Low. Early pruning needed to train a good shape; pruning needed less frequently with age.
TOLERANCES: Drought (once established), poor drainage, any soil, gusty or cold winds, fog. Sun or shade.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: None.
NOTABLE TRAITS: Tough, low-maintenance tree. Develops into a formal-looking shape. Appropriate beneath overhead wires. Disease and pest resistant.
ALTERNATE FORMS: This is a cultivated variety of T. laurina, branches have a more weeping form. Tree grows slightly larger and is more vigorous.
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CAL TRANS/CERRITOS SUBSTATION OFFICE- ( 605-91 freeway )past years, I have complained to} sheriffs,CHP, staff and CCC; about the freeway corridor landscape mass, under Caltrans jurisdiction. Nothing happened. Contacted Department of Transportation in Sacramento, also Department of Transportation Los Angeles, many lengthy meetings, and was able to negotiate the removal of homeless along the 91 freeway/605 freeway, and removal of some of the debris. I did this on my own. City of Cerritos has subcontracted with Caltrans approval, and cleaned up some of the easements by the auto mall and freeway gore intersection. I have contacted Caltrans substation, Studebaker Road, many times to report homeless camps along the freeway, bonfires, homeless begging for money at midnight, etc. A homeowner should not have to take on this task, when Cerritos has 750 employees plus the sheriffs and California Highway Patrol. Some improvements along the freeway corridors are underway.
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CERRITOS POST OFFICE- I personally pleaded to CCC/Staff for improvements to the post office. Nothing. During 2008, I personally contacted the post office ( Federal location in Washington DC) requesting}: handicap placard repaired, exterior building painted, irrigation operable, improvements to the night lighting, and reduction of the tree by trimming, in order to secure and make safe the parking lot at night. I was successful, as in the summer months of 2008 to present, all of the above have been addressed. The city did not mediate the above. I may be incorrect, but I thought the city of Cerritos use some redevelopment monies to build the Cerritos Post Office and include a new zip code 9703.
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graffiti hotline is reducing the amount of widespread graffiti. It's still visible along riverbeds, and sections of the 91 freeway. Have noticed a lot of graffiti on the 91 freeway/Pioneer Blvd. Del Amo RR trussels still is getting hit by graffiti taggers.
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RR easements, ( all RR easements/citywide )staff always have to be reminded that it is time for fire brush clearance. RR can never take the lead agent, as staff always has to be the lead agent. Residents adjacent to set easements, are always played with wild grass, insects, bugs living in the tall brush.
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DEL AMO RR BRIDGE- city spent approximately $5000 to remove graffiti. There still is a small amount of reoccurring graffiti. Pillasters/ Flood Control concrete aprons still full of graffiti.
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Shoemaker Gore waterfalls- (location : Shoemaker at 91 freeway ) city has improved this area, in the past year. Remove graffiti, replaced the outdoor lighting. Properties still needs weed abatement, landscape improvements, and the water is not to health standards. Like I say, the property has improved, but still not the crown jewel of the town center.
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REPLACING URBAN FOREST- (location: citywide ) city is taking the lead agency in replacing specimen horticulture's. My question: } specimen size, root guards, tree water basin wells
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STUDEBAKER MARRIOTT HOTEL PAD- (location Studebaker Road ) has been partially cleaned up of graffiti, homeless, trash and installed GATE over the rr bridge. Read zoned and redevelopment money is being used to construct a NEW hotel. This area will be a parking lot for said motel, so will be constantly plagued with pedestrian traffic in and around the bridge.
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FALLING LIGHT POLE ( Bloomfield Ave. South Street)
Ater one half years of complaining, property preservation commissioners finally cured.
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#4)-MUNICIPAL LANDSCAPE EASEMENT DETERIORATION
CIVIC LANDSCAPE EASEMENT DETERIORATION-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
READ STORIES FROM TOP PHOTO TO LAST PHOTO-----
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WALL VINE REHAB PROGRAM- ( Location: Citywide arterial Rd ) and needs to be restarted. Many of the wall Vine, have been removed from any arterial walls, and or were never planted with wall Vine. Lot of the Vine have come detached, leaving inconsistencies to urban planning wall vines.
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Cerritos Park East/swim Stadium. Landscape maintenance is a mess. Dead plants, bare dirt, soil erosion, high-traffic use, no drought tolerant plantings, no pedestrian sidewalks. Exterior of the swim Stadium has not had the renovation, compared to the interior of the swim Stadium nor the multiple remodels of Cerritos Park East public buildings. Property is heavily used. No outdoor seating areas, along the 166 corridor for staging.
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Rainbow Freeway Park- 91 Fwy Park- Cerritos Park, accessible via city of La Palma. For years, complained to Park and recreation for improvement. Nothing. The area is a forgotten easement of Park land along the north side of the 91 freeway.
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Artesia Boulevard corridor, ( Location: Artesia/ Bloomfield) always under construction, and abandon post construction debris is never cleaned up. Periodically there has been some improvement, but overall, there is no continuity to landscape maintenance along the major arterial corridor.
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91 Fwy Park- Cerritos Park, accessible via city of La Palma. For years, complained to Park and recreation for improvement. Nothing. The area is a forgotten easement of Park land along the north side of the 91 freeway.
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Fountain Walk HOA/United States Post Office intersection, (Location: Carmenita/ 183rd) the landscaping and maintenance is a jungle. The chain-link fence is damaged by many serious auto accident. Reported to code enforcement, nothing gets done. Intersection is overgrown. The new statues/waterfall, the night lighting is overgrown by horticulture and non-functioning. Heavily traveled intersection, and should be well maintained for the volume of traffic.
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South Street Landscape Island, ( Location: Carmenita/ South)irrigation malfunctioning, dead plants, irrigation risers to tall, lack of landscaping. Complained about this for years, nothing gets address.
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195th Bridge Trail- ( location : 195/605) bare dirt needs to be re-landscape. City irrigation is watering the block wall, eating in wall decay.
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forest of trees, (location: 195th/ Knabe Court) are killing off shrubs and ground cover beneath them. City has not been proactive, and reestablishing new plant growth, therefore, vast areas of barren soil. Menopause is killing the ground cover.
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EL RANCHO VERDES PARK- ( location : Denni/ CDScity's newest park, decade old, already has been expired wall behind. City has not replaced the dead Vine, even though the city is maintaining the Park. Park and recreation visits the Park, and makes no recommendations. The park has problems with wild dogs and coyotes.
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DEL AMO BLVD LANDSCAPE MERIDIAN STRIPS- ( Location: Del Amo/pioneer)four years I have complained, broken irrigation, lack of landscaping, landscaping in need of repair from auto accidents, missing street trees, irrigation flooding the street. ETC. Del Amo Blvd. is the second heaviest traveled street in Cerritos, at approximately 180,000 vehicles per day. Del Amo connects city of Corona with LAX.
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HORTICULTURE MENOPAUSE
is taking over our existing flowerbeds. Plants are dying. Groundcovers are dying. No replacing with drought tolerant undergrowth of plants. Landscape contractors are removing our groundcovers, and not taking lead agency in plant replacement. Soil is eroding onto the pedestrian sidewalks, making the way into the ocean. Surface tree roots are not being removed, nor camouflaged with groundcovers.
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MUNICIPAL landscape easements must be 100% covered in ground cover in order to reduce soil erosion into the streets, and eventually into the ocean. Irrigation must be turned off in the wintertime during frost, as the dead horticulture is the result of irrigation water plus a heavy frost. Months DECEMBER-Through February, ARE OUR FROST RELATED PERIODS.
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REMOVE DEAD VEGITATION- this is not a chamber of commerce welcome to Los Cerritos Mall/Auto Mall, as alley of dead debris lines the freeway door. Did horticulture must be removed instantly and replaced with desert type route tolerant horticulture. This is costing major tax dollars not to come to this city, as dead vegetation along our freeways, is a red flag danger to potential buyers of both real estate and shopping trade.
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CONSTRUCTION ABANDONMENT ( location : Del Amo No, Art HS) another entranceway to expensive tract of home, with abandoned construction, aborted landscaping, all creating negative real estate values for the adjoining neighborhood. The city must take the lead agency in repairing these projects, from outside utility companies who breach our existing landscape planning grounds.
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CONSTRUCTION ABANDONMENT- city maintain easements are a constant outfield, for construction debris left behind by other outside contractors. City must take the lead agency, in policing outside contractors and replacing horticulture/groundcover instead of abandoning construction sites.
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fractured wall planters - ( location 195ths) need to be assessed citywide, and come up with a new preventive method for installation and upkeep for the next few decades.
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DEAD LANDSCAPE MATERIAL- ( Location: Bloomfield ) throughout although landscape held easements in the city, there are dead tree stumps, missing groundcover, missing more minds, missing landscape horticulture. Many areas have broken irrigation, and or irrigation which has been breached by many landscape contractors over the past few decades. Irrigation needs to be replaced, by VANDAL Proof products.
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CORPORATE YARD ENTRYWAY- ( location : Marquardt) one of many CENTER landscape islands throughout the city, which are not being maintained. City needs to invest in more drought tolerant/auto crashproof landscaping. Many of the irrigation are broken.
During the 1980s, all of the Center meridian strips, of Agapantha lilies, where 100% removed by a backhoe, old soil and roots excavated below the concrete level, new soil added, replaced with new seedlings. This counter sinking of the flowerbeds, allowed for water to remain in the flower beds, and not run off into the streets and curbs. This process needs to be done again. It took about 2 to 3 months to do the entire city. You’re also going to have this problem with the bird of paradise on Bloomfield, as their roots raised the soil level above the finished grade, not allowing water to penetrate any more.
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Towne center landscape center meridians-( location : TC Drive) lack of landscape maintenance, originally constructed by public redevelopment money.
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#5)-WALL DEBATES
Border.jpg)
WALL DEBATES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
READ STORIES FROM TOP PHOTO TO LAST PHOTO-----
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DENNI STREET/CERRITOS, From 1974-1992, this was the controversial OC/LA Borderline between Cerritos } &&&& Buena Park-La Palma-Non Incorp OC
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Granada Park/ City Park, (location : Granada Pk HOA-RV Park) Pre Fabed city wall, irrigation is destroying the composition.
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Granada Park city Park, ( Location: Gazebo Park ) city irrigation, is eroding away at the block wall fence. City has not waterproofed the walls. City has not redirected the irrigation. The wall mold is growing intensively and deteriorating the block wall materials.
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SHOEMAKER BLVD- ( Location: Shoemaker Boulevard )no center landscape Meridian to act as a buffer zone and reduce the speed of traffic.
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LOPSIDED WALL VINES- Location: Shoemaker Boulevard is home to two nonconforming wall vines on each side of the boulevard. Some walls are covered with Vine, others are not. Some walls are tall, some walls are short. City will not allow for wall extensions, nor the rebirth of new walls with the minimum infrastructure.
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SHOEMAKER WALL VINES-(Location: Shoemaker) inconsistent and non-conforming wall vines. Invite graffiti and does not represent a consistent urban planning.
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REHAB ARTERIAL VINE PROJECT, (Location: citywide arterial streets )has been abandoned and must be re-conceived. Non-conforming inconsistencies of wall covered walls, lead to increase in graffiti.
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WALL PAINT AND WATER PROOFING. ( Location: citywide arterial streets )Wall paint must be a continuous use of the same beige color. Presently, Cerritos has over 1000 colors of beige on the walls, which is only identifying graffiti taggers present. Fences need to be painted and long increments, and stop the patchwork of paint here and there.
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Shoemaker Boulevard - (location : Shoemaker Boulevard ) non-conforming wall vines, vacant tree cut outs, non-conforming wall high. Environmental impact studies, from the 1980s, suggests wall extensions in order to cure the blight from 10,000 cars per day. Redevelopment money should be used from EIR. None approved COW Bus stops along this arterial highway, by the individual residents. COW users violate privacy issues, and trash adjacent properties with debris. No center landscape island on Shoemaker, which would act as the noise buffer along this echoing corridor.
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RE: WALL QUESTION/ hiccups in City Proposals.
More legal hurdles to overcome pertaining to the wall issues:
My real estate attorneys @ my real estate Title Ins Company, have raised some good questions/concerns. Many residential properties have recorded utility easements, Road easements, CCR’s, etc; as said easements are non-buildable and will not support a building permit, even for a wall construction project. It is recorded with that language. Some of the properties have a notice to all recordees, if a building permit is pulled, all easement holders/lenders must be put on notice for approval. In addition, many properties have recorded home equity loan, which has been revoked by many lenders, because of the present financial recession. Check: check system in place; may not be favorable to the city arterial rehab program.
Ex: Some of the newer residential tracts throughout the state, have left easements either in the rough, or created grass Parkway strips, with no real property improvements. Territorial wall have been constructed outside of the easements.
In addition, earthquake footings/foundation: ( 6’- 8’ feet in depth) could encroach on to said Easements and fracture the submerged utility/gas/power lines etc. In many backyards- side yards, have said utility easements running through them, which will not support real property additions, such as :} garages, buildings, swimming pool, patios, and walls. The existing walls, were constructed in place, as temporary structures, no building permit, and if removed by the utility companies, ( for any reasons) the homeowner will have to bear the Expense of replacement, along with landscape materials etc. In the past, utility easements have considered walls, as a temporary personal property items, same as landscaping, as building permits were not a pre- consideration by the city or county.
If properties have any recorded CCR’s, building permits have to be okay via the CCR’s, along with city approval. Just city approval, maybe violation of the recorded CCR’s.
Also, Cerritos building permits are going to trigger off a raise in property taxes, as building permits, are home improvement to the property, which is a tax liability to the homeowner. Some of the older properties in Cerritos, which were purchased in the 1960s, could have a substantial tax increase, as the value placed on the arterial wall rehab program, could be a significant percentage of the assessed value of the property.
These are just a few wildcards from my title insurance attorney, in which the city has never disclosed.
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CITY OF ARTESIA- WALL PROGRAM
http://www.cityofartesia.us/newsArticles/adoptawall/adoptawall.html
#6)-LACK OF JOINT EFFORTS BETWEEN CERRITOS/ABC
LACK OF JOINT EFFORTS BETWEEN CERRITOS/ABC
READ STORIES FROM TOP PHOTO TO LAST PHOTO-----
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ABC SCHOOLS ARE KILLING CERRITOS REAL ESTATE Jan 06, 2009 Records from MLS Data Bank. Cerritos Parking Enforcement Restrictions, is killing the size of families which can own cars legally in the city.
Bellflower
$161
Aver. Sq Ft
Downey
$175
Artesia
$180
Norwalk
$193
La Mirada
$208
Santa Fe Spr
$223
Cerritos
$226
Lakewood
$240
La Palma
$275
Rossmoor
$390
Los Alamit
$328
Closed Sales
9/2008
1/2009
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Del Amo corridor fence, (location : Tetsoff JR HS) fractured schoolyard fences and, possible hazard for kidnapping children on school property.
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CITY SIGN ORDINANCE- (location: Del Amo/Gridley) must pertaining to the school district TOO. School district does not need to have multiple SIGNS, adjacent to one another. Also, the school district must develop advertising signs which is pleasing two neighborhood, and does not look like graffiti sign FONTS.
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ABC SCHOOL BATHROOM- (Location: along Del Amo Blvd,@ Tetsloff JHS) host to peeping Tom in to the portable bathroom. Asbestos/plywood coming apart on the baseball diamond utility sheds, and making their way into the lighted Del Amo corridor decay. Complained for years, to both the city and the school district. Nothing. Entire baseball area is not developed according to Cerritos planning codes and ordinances.
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Leal elementary school, (location : Shoemaker ) portable classrooms are too close to the street, public utilities are exposed to major arterial highway, at 10,000 cars per day, missing landscaped parkway trees, no landscaping to the portables. The portable classrooms are non-compatible to the surrounding neighborhood. Potential hazard for the playground equipment, as the children could be kidnapped very easily, easy access on Shoemaker to the freeway.
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Cerritos high school horticulture field,( location: Bloomfield) after two years of complaining, neither the city of Cerritos, nor the ABC school district, has made improvements, for this vacant field, adjacent to residential neighborhood. Longtime resident: my friend, Mr. Harris, ESQ graciously volunteered funds, but neither agency has cured. This is the redevelopment blight.
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18 Wheeler accident, ( Del Amo/ Pioneer/Gidley) almost demolished portable ABC classroom. Runaway 18 wheeler truck crashed in to the adjacent chain-link fence, on South side of Del Amo Blvd. Classrooms are too close to major arterial streets, abide by no city planning codes, are an eyesore, and not landscaped. Cerritos needs to negotiate the classrooms to conform to city building codes, if the ABC wants to continue joint ventures with the city.
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MOBILE CLASSROOM DEBATE:
I had questioned at all times the use and purchase of portable classrooms by the ABC Unified School District, as it does not make sense to me, especially when you start analyzing the cost of installing a portable in any of the school sites that ABC has. The costs of one portable building alone, after the soil preparation and engineering costs, they claim they need to do before you can install a portable classroom; amounts to almost a permanent structure on the site. Costs ranging from a minimum of $250,000 to $600,000 after the soil preparation etc. Aside from justifying the need, because ABC has been a declining enrollment, as they claim to justify the conversion of the School adm building to the affordable housing project. I also discovered that some of the portables being used by the district for classrooms were condemned and not suitable for classroom use. Somehow, someone is lining their pockets by constantly pushing the use of portables. This is an area among others that Schwarzenegger should implement investigation of misuse of tax dollars. Somebody should ask for all the record of purchase and installation of portables by the ABC USD for the last 10 years . It should not be a monumental task as anyone can count the no. of portables around the district.
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LACK OF JOINT EFFORTS BETWEEN CERRITOS/ABC
LACK OF JOINT EFFORTS BETWEEN CERRITOS/ABC
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#7)-LACK OF CODE ENFORCEMENT
Care 
LACK OF CODE ENFORCEMENT -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
READ STORIES FROM TOP PHOTO TO LAST PHOTO-----
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NIXON SCULPTURE- ( location : senior citizen center ) almost most of the rose bushes are dying. Major code violation for city enforcement.
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OC SUPERVISOR MOORLACK- has not been invited to CCC to discuss the Orange County/Los Angeles County border debate. Since 1974, there is no dialogue between inconsistencies for the Cerritos island communities, which are in Orange County, approximately 275 homes. Where is Cerritos code enforcemeant, pertaining to an open dialogue between the two counties, to eliminate infrastructure differences.
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INTERLUDE SCULPTURE- ( location : South/Studebaker) the fountain has not been operable , for many mths/ years. The structure is wasting away with LIME debris
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CERRITOS SCULPTURE FOR CODE VIOLATIONS:
http://www.ci.cerritos.ca.us/gallery/map.html
http://www.ci.cerritos.ca.us/gallery/artwork.html
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RR EASEMENTS- ( Location: all RR easement citywide )Need weed abatement, and create paths for walking, by using tree bark chips, recycling city tree waste in to mulch. How many mls of RR easement does the city have???
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90's RR accidents spill, on to the RR/ easement, ( Location: RR easement between Target/regional Park ) to date, has not been removed. Complain to many city councils, code enforcement, staff, as no one clears the area of debris. While palm trees seedlings are removed for money value, but this bill from the RR accident is still prevalent, 20 years later.
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homeless camps under bridges, (location : Los Coyotes Flood Control/ San Gabriel Flood control ) with the increase in the recession, homeless families are sleeping under bridges underpasses in Cerritos and the nine surrounding cities. The joint Powers between cities is not accomplishing be detouring the homeless families. Many alcoholics. Huge obstacle for cyclist in the riverbed.
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PUBLIC URINAL @ Del Amo Bridge/Los Coyotes Flood Control, with the increase in sport programs for our youth, at the sports complex, lack of restrooms, is creating a necessity to use the sidewalls of the riverbed for public urinal. Also, there is no night lighting in this area, (compared to years ago), so increased graffiti.
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homeless camps ( location : RR Easement between target /regional Park ) are popping up along the nine bordering cities. Since most of these areas are not well traveled, homeless are enjoying the benefits and creating small tent areas, especially along the riverbed.
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Flood control easements; ( location : Los Coyotes River Beds: Artesia Blvd., Del Amo, Marquardt,) no code enforcement of the egress ingress to said areas. Public is using as a dump ground, citywide problem, not targeted to any one area.
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public dumping- (location : RR easement between target /regional Park , RR easements: Nwk, Pioneer) Code enforcement is not patrolling the many railroad easements, utility easements, drainage easements, no signs posted, as the easements are being used for dump grounds. Citywide BLight everywhere. Feel that if the easements were converted to cycling paths, even temporary paths, the users would be the police force needed to keep the dumping to a minimum.
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LOS CERRITOS MALL- OWNED BY MACERICH- ( location : 605 Fwy shoulders) no one is enforcing or patrolling the homeless who are living in the landscape, adjacent to the freeway. From time to time, I witnessed on fires, barbecues, and homeless camps.
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SIGN ORDINANCE- (location : Bloomfield/south street) five years is too long for said signage. Residents adjacent to this development, have had to look at these SIGNS for too many years. Adjacent to carrows restaurant.
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PUBLIC OWNED WALLS- (location : Del Amo Blvd/ N of Artesia HS) lack of code enforcement, many of our municipal owned walls, are becoming battlefields for the adjacent homeowners to use as they please. Non-conforming and illegal usage, is making the Del Amo corridor, a runaway mis-usage of urban planning. Many of these homes in this S&S development ( Del Amo/Nrwk) are covered with burglar bars, most of them being illegal placement. Nothing shouts more than illegal usage of wrought iron security bars.
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CROSSING GUARDS- (Location: citywide Park ) said part-time staffers, are always looking additional hours. Why can't some joint effort be made between the school district/city in order to have said crossing guards routinely inspect our parks for graffiti, and vandalism. Most of the guards, are employed near our schools/city parks.
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CORPORATE YARD VACANT LOT- (location: Marquardt) proposed homesite for Cerritos/ Su Casa homeless shelter. Code enforcement needs to cite and cleanup trash, homeless, dumping grounds.
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CANDIDATES FOR MARCH 09 ELECTION:
Double standards. Politician’s Codes and Ordinances, along with Babies Diaper’s] should both be changed often..... And for the same reason!
I am going to quote names, after talking with Greg Berg/Dir. of Property Preservation Commission.
I discussed this in great details with Greg Berg. Most of my pictures, are photographs of fractured public works projects. The public is not allowed to bring mentioned items, to the Code Enforcement Task Force or Property Preservation Commission for investigation and hopefully cured. The public is only allowed to bring residential/business citations to the Property Preservation Commission for investigation and hopefully cured. Furthermore, Property Preservation Commission has jurisdiction over both personal and real property. The original charter of the Property Preservation was to oversee real property. I DO NOT APPROVE OF ANY OF THE ABOVES.
Now let me get off this band wagon.
Individual Property Preservation Commissioners can bring to the hearing, violations against} the city, county, state, Caltrans; as the staff will try to investigate, Rectify & come up with some kind cure, even at the cost to the city taxpayers.
I don’t like these double standards. Many realtors I have talked with feel the same way.
I think Property Preservation, is one of the strongest RX against urban menopause, but I do not like how it is being dispersed or digested in a fair and balance manner.
Bottom Line: my photographs in the following blog, is being used to lobby changes for repair to our Public Works, via the commissioners. What is wrong with our current Council, in being elected Board of Directors and addressing said public works items and professional manner; OR is our electees afraid of retaliation from their own laws which they have made.
If the city is going to have codes and ordinances, from time to time, they need to be reviewed and amended on a yearly basis. So many of our city ordinances are outdated and or being administered without any charter or case law.
Politician’s Codes and Ordinances, along with Babies Diapers] should both be changed often..... and for the same reason!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administration Communications/difficulties: $125M Budget Problems..................
We need our: } staff, commissioners and Mgmt address the following, during open dialogue at public hearings.
PDF Files:
For the past year, I have addressed my concerns about the PDF file to staff, with no answers, until Hal Arborgast publicly mentioned security issues, at last nites meeting. No one could answer my question. This is the break down in communications throughout the staff.
City clerk
Webmaster
Art Gallucci
Mayors
Also, the community and myself, have been begging to have “ALL” the commission agendas posted on the city website, compatible w/ posting of CCC agendas, nothing!!!!!
Ret. City Clerk; Josephine DeLlamas was to post all the agendas, Regional Park, sports complex office room. Nothing! How many decades in the past??
Current posting of the CCC agendas ( on-line) , if you want to open up the items on agenda to read, have to upgrade to advance Adobe Reader/ Acrobat , which takes a larger computer modules, then Windows XP & only works w/ DSL, if the DSL is working. Verizon/ Charter DSL is not very strong in the far out border neighborhoods, therefore, are not compatible with the system. Our DSL, is like the old-fashioned dial up.
Video Archives- use to be able to cut/ paste the title bar, along with a minute counter. As of December 08, this has been discontinued. The cut-and-paste title bar is no longer in service. No one will research why. LA District attorney & OC Board of Superviosres, have asked me the same questions, at the district attorney has difficulty in dealing video archives.
Public Commission Hearings: the graphics, audio, photography, is below the standards of our surrounding cities. With all the money the city has, why isn’t our graphics more up-to-date. Many times, either the commissioners/or staff have the example, but does not translate to the visual screen in the chambers. All the audience gets is : <>, as we do not get to see the real picture. I have brought this up many times, nothing happens.
Watch Oprah Winfrey show this week, (along with many other talk shows), as they are capable of having two-way conversations, broadcast on TV, via WebCams, in order to be inclusive of the world. We cannot even watch CCC from our Ipods, etc. ; let alone having two-way conversation from a WebCam/or camera phones
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LACK OF CODE ENFORCEMENT -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
READ STORIES FROM TOP PHOTO TO LAST PHOTO-----
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NIXON SCULPTURE- ( location : senior citizen center ) almost most of the rose bushes are dying. Major code violation for city enforcement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OC SUPERVISOR MOORLACK- has not been invited to CCC to discuss the Orange County/Los Angeles County border debate. Since 1974, there is no dialogue between inconsistencies for the Cerritos island communities, which are in Orange County, approximately 275 homes. Where is Cerritos code enforcemeant, pertaining to an open dialogue between the two counties, to eliminate infrastructure differences.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERLUDE SCULPTURE- ( location : South/Studebaker) the fountain has not been operable , for many mths/ years. The structure is wasting away with LIME debris
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CERRITOS SCULPTURE FOR CODE VIOLATIONS:
http://www.ci.cerritos.ca.us/gallery/map.html
http://www.ci.cerritos.ca.us/gallery/artwork.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR EASEMENTS- ( Location: all RR easement citywide )Need weed abatement, and create paths for walking, by using tree bark chips, recycling city tree waste in to mulch. How many mls of RR easement does the city have???
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
90's RR accidents spill, on to the RR/ easement, ( Location: RR easement between Target/regional Park ) to date, has not been removed. Complain to many city councils, code enforcement, staff, as no one clears the area of debris. While palm trees seedlings are removed for money value, but this bill from the RR accident is still prevalent, 20 years later.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
homeless camps under bridges, (location : Los Coyotes Flood Control/ San Gabriel Flood control ) with the increase in the recession, homeless families are sleeping under bridges underpasses in Cerritos and the nine surrounding cities. The joint Powers between cities is not accomplishing be detouring the homeless families. Many alcoholics. Huge obstacle for cyclist in the riverbed.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUBLIC URINAL @ Del Amo Bridge/Los Coyotes Flood Control, with the increase in sport programs for our youth, at the sports complex, lack of restrooms, is creating a necessity to use the sidewalls of the riverbed for public urinal. Also, there is no night lighting in this area, (compared to years ago), so increased graffiti.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
homeless camps ( location : RR Easement between target /regional Park ) are popping up along the nine bordering cities. Since most of these areas are not well traveled, homeless are enjoying the benefits and creating small tent areas, especially along the riverbed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flood control easements; ( location : Los Coyotes River Beds: Artesia Blvd., Del Amo, Marquardt,) no code enforcement of the egress ingress to said areas. Public is using as a dump ground, citywide problem, not targeted to any one area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
public dumping- (location : RR easement between target /regional Park , RR easements: Nwk, Pioneer) Code enforcement is not patrolling the many railroad easements, utility easements, drainage easements, no signs posted, as the easements are being used for dump grounds. Citywide BLight everywhere. Feel that if the easements were converted to cycling paths, even temporary paths, the users would be the police force needed to keep the dumping to a minimum.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOS CERRITOS MALL- OWNED BY MACERICH- ( location : 605 Fwy shoulders) no one is enforcing or patrolling the homeless who are living in the landscape, adjacent to the freeway. From time to time, I witnessed on fires, barbecues, and homeless camps.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGN ORDINANCE- (location : Bloomfield/south street) five years is too long for said signage. Residents adjacent to this development, have had to look at these SIGNS for too many years. Adjacent to carrows restaurant.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUBLIC OWNED WALLS- (location : Del Amo Blvd/ N of Artesia HS) lack of code enforcement, many of our municipal owned walls, are becoming battlefields for the adjacent homeowners to use as they please. Non-conforming and illegal usage, is making the Del Amo corridor, a runaway mis-usage of urban planning. Many of these homes in this S&S development ( Del Amo/Nrwk) are covered with burglar bars, most of them being illegal placement. Nothing shouts more than illegal usage of wrought iron security bars.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CROSSING GUARDS- (Location: citywide Park ) said part-time staffers, are always looking additional hours. Why can't some joint effort be made between the school district/city in order to have said crossing guards routinely inspect our parks for graffiti, and vandalism. Most of the guards, are employed near our schools/city parks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE YARD VACANT LOT- (location: Marquardt) proposed homesite for Cerritos/ Su Casa homeless shelter. Code enforcement needs to cite and cleanup trash, homeless, dumping grounds.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CANDIDATES FOR MARCH 09 ELECTION:
Double standards. Politician’s Codes and Ordinances, along with Babies Diaper’s] should both be changed often..... And for the same reason!
I am going to quote names, after talking with Greg Berg/Dir. of Property Preservation Commission.
I discussed this in great details with Greg Berg. Most of my pictures, are photographs of fractured public works projects. The public is not allowed to bring mentioned items, to the Code Enforcement Task Force or Property Preservation Commission for investigation and hopefully cured. The public is only allowed to bring residential/business citations to the Property Preservation Commission for investigation and hopefully cured. Furthermore, Property Preservation Commission has jurisdiction over both personal and real property. The original charter of the Property Preservation was to oversee real property. I DO NOT APPROVE OF ANY OF THE ABOVES.
Now let me get off this band wagon.
Individual Property Preservation Commissioners can bring to the hearing, violations against} the city, county, state, Caltrans; as the staff will try to investigate, Rectify & come up with some kind cure, even at the cost to the city taxpayers.
I don’t like these double standards. Many realtors I have talked with feel the same way.
I think Property Preservation, is one of the strongest RX against urban menopause, but I do not like how it is being dispersed or digested in a fair and balance manner.
Bottom Line: my photographs in the following blog, is being used to lobby changes for repair to our Public Works, via the commissioners. What is wrong with our current Council, in being elected Board of Directors and addressing said public works items and professional manner; OR is our electees afraid of retaliation from their own laws which they have made.
If the city is going to have codes and ordinances, from time to time, they need to be reviewed and amended on a yearly basis. So many of our city ordinances are outdated and or being administered without any charter or case law.
Politician’s Codes and Ordinances, along with Babies Diapers] should both be changed often..... and for the same reason!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administration Communications/difficulties: $125M Budget Problems..................
We need our: } staff, commissioners and Mgmt address the following, during open dialogue at public hearings.
PDF Files:
For the past year, I have addressed my concerns about the PDF file to staff, with no answers, until Hal Arborgast publicly mentioned security issues, at last nites meeting. No one could answer my question. This is the break down in communications throughout the staff.
City clerk
Webmaster
Art Gallucci
Mayors
Also, the community and myself, have been begging to have “ALL” the commission agendas posted on the city website, compatible w/ posting of CCC agendas, nothing!!!!!
Ret. City Clerk; Josephine DeLlamas was to post all the agendas, Regional Park, sports complex office room. Nothing! How many decades in the past??
Current posting of the CCC agendas ( on-line) , if you want to open up the items on agenda to read, have to upgrade to advance Adobe Reader/ Acrobat , which takes a larger computer modules, then Windows XP & only works w/ DSL, if the DSL is working. Verizon/ Charter DSL is not very strong in the far out border neighborhoods, therefore, are not compatible with the system. Our DSL, is like the old-fashioned dial up.
Video Archives- use to be able to cut/ paste the title bar, along with a minute counter. As of December 08, this has been discontinued. The cut-and-paste title bar is no longer in service. No one will research why. LA District attorney & OC Board of Superviosres, have asked me the same questions, at the district attorney has difficulty in dealing video archives.
Public Commission Hearings: the graphics, audio, photography, is below the standards of our surrounding cities. With all the money the city has, why isn’t our graphics more up-to-date. Many times, either the commissioners/or staff have the example, but does not translate to the visual screen in the chambers. All the audience gets is : <
Watch Oprah Winfrey show this week, (along with many other talk shows), as they are capable of having two-way conversations, broadcast on TV, via WebCams, in order to be inclusive of the world. We cannot even watch CCC from our Ipods, etc. ; let alone having two-way conversation from a WebCam/or camera phones
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLANNING DEPART- HOME IMPROVEMENTS
PLANNING DEPART- HOME IMPROVEMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOST OF THESE PHOTOS, IF NOT ALL, ARE ILLEGAL IN THE CITY OF CERRITOS, BUT LEGAL IN ALL 34 ORANGE COUNTY CITIES/ 81 CITIES IN LOS ANGELES. CERRITOS MUST AMEND THE CITY BUILDING CODES AND MAKE ADDENDUMS TO INCORPORATE NEW AND FRESH CITY BUILDING CODES FOR 2009, IF THE CITY WANTS TO ATTRACT THE HEARTLAND OF AMERICANS BACK IN TO THE CITY.-------------------------------------------------------------------------
********TABLE OF CONTENTS*********
#1)_EXTENDED DRIVEWAY.
#2)-HOME OFFICES.
#3)-GATES.
#4)-HOUSE PAINT.
#5)_ARTIFICAL GRASS.
#6)_WALL DEBATE MATERIALS.
#7)-SOLAR/SECURITY SHUTTERS/ENERGY EFFICIENT.
#8)-POOLS.
#9)-RV GARAGE EXTENSION OF HOUSE.
#10)-FRONT YARD COURTYARDS.
#11)-MAIL BOXES FOR CERRITOS.
#12)-DROUGHT LANDSCAPES FOR CERRITOS.
#13)-CERRITOS WALL.
#14)-CERRITOS RV LOTS $$-premiums-$$$.
#15)-RV GARAGES AND CARPORTS.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOST OF THESE PHOTOS, IF NOT ALL, ARE ILLEGAL IN THE CITY OF CERRITOS, BUT LEGAL IN ALL 34 ORANGE COUNTY CITIES/ 81 CITIES IN LOS ANGELES. CERRITOS MUST AMEND THE CITY BUILDING CODES AND MAKE ADDENDUMS TO INCORPORATE NEW AND FRESH CITY BUILDING CODES FOR 2009, IF THE CITY WANTS TO ATTRACT THE HEARTLAND OF AMERICANS BACK IN TO THE CITY.-------------------------------------------------------------------------
********TABLE OF CONTENTS*********
#1)_EXTENDED DRIVEWAY.
#2)-HOME OFFICES.
#3)-GATES.
#4)-HOUSE PAINT.
#5)_ARTIFICAL GRASS.
#6)_WALL DEBATE MATERIALS.
#7)-SOLAR/SECURITY SHUTTERS/ENERGY EFFICIENT.
#8)-POOLS.
#9)-RV GARAGE EXTENSION OF HOUSE.
#10)-FRONT YARD COURTYARDS.
#11)-MAIL BOXES FOR CERRITOS.
#12)-DROUGHT LANDSCAPES FOR CERRITOS.
#13)-CERRITOS WALL.
#14)-CERRITOS RV LOTS $$-premiums-$$$.
#15)-RV GARAGES AND CARPORTS.
#1)- CERRITOS EXTENDED DRIVEWAY, ET AL CITIES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXTENDED DRIVEWAY
READ STORIES FROM TOP PHOTO TO LAST PHOTO-----
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 CAR DRIVEWAY EXTENSION
Walkway converts to a Parking Stall
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXTENDED WIDTH DRIVEWAYS
Helps improve drought tolerant landscape + EXTRA PARKING + PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY TO FRONT DOOR.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: BETTER HOMES AND GARDEN ( Landscape/wall link)
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/
-----------------------------------------------------------
#2)- HOME OFFICES
HOME OFFICES
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEDDING CAKE DESIGN- 2nd story additions, are smaller in size/tapered inward on all side, to be more compatible with the existing homes on the street. Same principle found in wedding cake, large footprint on bottom, smallest footprint on top level.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATTACHED FRONT CASISTA
Frt office attached to garage, separate from house
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRONT YARD HOME OFFICE
Office camouflaged in to GAZEBO
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: AMERICAN PLANNING ASSN ( Urban Planning and Develop)
http://www.calapa.org/
------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: ORANGE COAST MAGAZINE- ( Wall/Landscape Links)
http://www.orangecoastmagazine.com/search.aspx?q=landscape
-----------------------------------------------------------------
HOME OFFICES
HOME OFFICES
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#3)- GATES, WINDOWS, MOLDINGS, DOORS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARCHITECTURAL ENHANCEMENTS- Side view, paint, wall, balcony, surrounds. eyebrows,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Park Side Home w/ Veneer acccents, stone USPO + coach latterns.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXTERIOR FASADE: oval surrounds, faux balcony and grills, dormer windows, shutters, skylite chimneys, window grills.
------ ------------------------------------------------------------------
WINDOW AWNINGS- Enhances the exterior architecture. Creates solar protection. Faux balcony grille, creates the illusion of the second story balcony.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GATES GLASS, FROST GLASS Gates
------- -----------------------------------------------------------
GLASS GARAGE DOORS
Reduces the need for artificial lighting, and can create a bonus room
-----------------
Camouflage the Staged cars on driveways, CARS are ugly
---------------------------------------
CURBSIDE ELECTRIC GATE
Curbside privacy walls + electric gate for security for our car courtyard
------------------------------------------------------
#4)- HOUSE PAINT
HOUSE PAINT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAINTED SURROUNDS- Contrasting paint color used on surrounds, to accent boring wall color. Surrounds/ Belly Band ( Vertical-Horizontal) Striping, does not have to be limited to ( Doors-Windows) but to corners, intersections, fascia eyebrows, highlighting, etc.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
House STUCCO does not need to be painted one color
--------------------------------------------------------
LINK: DUNN EDWARDS PAINT ( House Paint)
http://www2.dunnedwards.com/article/homepage.html
-------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: PRATT LAMBERT ( House Paint)
http://www.prattandlambert.com/color/
------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: BENJAMIN MOORE - House Paint
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/
---------------------------------------------------------------
LINK:ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST- ( Wall/ Landscape Links)
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/
---------------------------------------------------------------
#5)- ARTIFICAL GRASS
ARTIFICAL GRASS
HOLLYWOOD DRIVEWAY INSERT
Grass driveway islands to eliminate oil stains /ARTIFICIAL OR REAL TURF GRASS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT......ARTIFICIAL GRASS???
Artificial grass pavers used for drought tolerancy
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: MARTHA STEWART GARDENING/LANDSCAPING
http://www.marthastewart.com/gardening
----------------------------------------------------------
LINK: WATER/LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION
http://www.bewaterwise.com/
---------------------------------------------------------------
FOUNTAIN / GRASS PAVERS
Replace grass with pavers/artificial grass inserts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#6)- WALL DEBATE MATERIALS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WALL SCULPTURE- can be art in public places, such as the colorful tile Art wall. Some of our arterial wall, instead of VINES, could be covered in tasteful art.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTEX WALLS:
http://www.aftec.com/index.php
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Translucent/transparent wall extenison, click for link
-------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: BETTER HOMES AND GARDEN ( Landscape/wall link)
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/
-----------------------------------------------------------
LINK: HOME AND GARDEN TV/ Landscape/ Wall Photos and Links
http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/index.html
----------------------------------------------------------
Link: Stonetree Fences
http://www.stonetreefence.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------
Glass walls allow sunlight to be disbursed between houses
---------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: DODGE GREEN SHEET ( construction bidding )
http://dodge.construction.com/Reports/Print/orders/newspaper.asp
Advertise wall projects on line, for multiple bids
---------------------------------------------------------------
COUNTRY PICKET FENCE
Fusion of Picket fence+ Veneer garden stone
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARTISAN PRE-FABED BLOCK WALLS:
http://www.artisanprecast.com/index.php
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#7)- SOLAR- SECURITY-ENERGY EFFECIENT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOLAR PATIO TOPS- Solar is 100% mobile, along as facing the sun. Use creativity, and place in yard, as use as patio top.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRIC WINDOW SHUTTERS (Interiors/ or Exterior) add solar protection, energy efficient, security, by adding electric window shutters. Many window shutters, are transparent steel screens, so from the interior you can see outside, and allows the air to blow through and still blocked out heat and the Sunrays. Camouflaged into the color and texture of the exterior of the house. Much better looking than security bars.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: 100% SMART HOME COMPUTERIZATION
http://www.improvingtomorrow.com./
Turn 100% of your home to operate from your PC., Blackberry or cell phone
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 STORIES HEIGHT
3RD Story= Rooftop Balcony & creates field for Solar Service
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LA PALMA ARCO SOLAR LINK
http://www.bp.com/genericcountryjump.do?categoryId=9070&contentId=7038143
---------------------------------------------------------------
#8)- POOLS
FRONT YARD SPA/POOLS--
Enclosed front courtyard housing SPA/FIREPLACE
Casita Style front yard entry spa
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK; POOL AND SPA ( Top USA Awards in USA)
2008 Awards of top award for USA Spas. Over 100 grand prize winners photos.
http://www.poolandspa.com/page31.htm
------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: CALIFORNIA POOLS/SPAS
http://www.californiapools.com/gallery.php
From exotoc waterwalls, rock boulder slides to theraputic swim spas.
--------------------------------------------------------------
SIDE YARD WATERWAYS
Enhance side yard w/patios-waterways
#9)- RV GARAGE EXTENSION OF HOUSE
RV GARAGES/ CARPORTS
Currently, city will not allow for RV Enclosures/ Canopies over RV's. Units need protection from the environent. RV garage built in to the house. Security Sideyard Gate.
-----------------------------------------
RV GARAGE EXTENSION OF HOUSE
RV GARAGES/ CARPORTS
Currently, city will not allow for RV Enclosures/ Canopies over RV's. Units need protection from the environent. RV garage built in to the house. Security Sideyard Gate. RV need to be garage and out of view from surrounding neighbors. Many RV Ins will not insure units, stored in off site RV Storage Facilites, so Cerritos must take the lead roll in
-----------------------------------------
#10)- FRONT YARD COURTYARDS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRONT YARD COURTYARDS
Courtyards can be an extension of the interior of the house and also help for drought tolerant landscaping. Creates curbside social area.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YARD SCULPTURES- CREATES VOCAL POINT, instead of a tree, drought tolerant and a social gathering point of interest. Art does not have to be expensive ($$) just tasteful!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
90% FRONT COURTYARD DRIVEWAYS
Kid Friendly + Drought Tolerant + Secured
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAS FIRE RINGS
front yard location for social gatherings/flickering lite glow.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRONT YARD DECK
Raise DECK to create a social deck in the front yard
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIDEWALK SITEE
Sidewalk social gathering/drought tolerant
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COUNTRY PICKET FENCE
Fusion of Picket fence+ Veneer garden stone
---------------------------------------------------------------
DRY WATER FOUNTAINS
Front yard grass can be replaced with architectural water fountains
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LATTICE CASITAS
Many front yards, cul-de-sacs, lend themselves to freestanding Casitas
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAVEL/STONE COURTYARD
Grass substitute: gravel/pavers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#11)-MAIL BOXES FOR CERRITOS
MAIL BOXES FOR CERRITOS
PERMENANT CONSTRUCTION, CURBSIDE, SECURE+LOCKABLE, LIFETIME CONSTRUCTION, RUST PROOF, ELECTRICAL LIGHTING, MOTION ACTIVATION, HOME FOR CONTROLS/BUTTONS/BUZZERS.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: SUNSET MAGAZINE- Landscape/Wall links
http://www.sunset.com/sunset/categorysearch/1,22772,,00.html
------------------------------------------------------------
#12)- DROUGHT LANDSCAPES FOR CERRITOS
CERRITOS DROUGHT LANDSCAPES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRIVACY HEDGES- Must be allowed for privacy and security. To many Homeowners are absent and do not need to maintain a grass lawn 24/7,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: TREE OF LIFE ( Calif Natives/Drought Tolerant Plants)
http://www.californianativeplants.com/index.php
------------------------------------------------------------------
LINk:AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS ( Wall/Landscape links)
http://www.asla.org/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE MAGAZINE ( Landscape/Wall Links)
Calif Landscape Contractors Association
http://www.abidevisuals.com/pages/projects/clm0910.html
---------------------------------------------------------------
GREEK GARDEN
Drought resistant, >30" HEIGHT
----------------------------------------------------------
TREE GARDEN
Trees can be 100% of the landscape canopy
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: HINES LANDSCAPE NURERY- ( Landscape Horticulture)
http://hineshorticulture.com/Home/home.aspx
---------------------------------------------------------------
GRASS SUBSTITUTE: Star Jasime/ Natal Plum
Heat/Drought resistant ground covers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WILD GRASSES
Ornamental grasses can replace mowing the lawn
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARID DRY PALM/ROCK GARDEN
Drought tolerant succulants/ palms
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#13)- CERRITOS WALL
CERRITOS WALL
Some of these wall, wall extension, front yard wall} are not approved by city. Wall now are used for screening, noise/ environmental issues, keep out paparazzi and child proof security.
Many of these front yard walls, create privacy for swimming pools, play area, sunbathing, nudity and front yard private areas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITALIAN FRONT YARD
Garden Do not have to be wall-to-wall GRASS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK; GANAHL CONTRACTOS ON LINE ( Contractors serving Cerritos
http://www.ganahlcontractors.com/index.html
by: Ganahl Contrctors in Los Alamitos, Ca
-----------------------------------------------------------
SIDEWALK COURTYARDS
No turf/drought tolerant landscape
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WALL SCULPTURES
Un-attractive wall can be home to art
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK; BEVERLY HILLS ART SCULPTURES- Outdoors
http://www.beverlyhills.org/attractions/events/art/art_south_beverly_hills.asp
---------------------------------------------------------------
#14)- CERRITOS RV LOTS $$-premiums-$$$
Over 33% of Cerritos Homes have RV Lots, either on the garage/ main house sideyard. City is oposed to extended RV Driveways. Many of the RV's cost is between $500K-$1M. City is over 47% Seniors, which will own RV's for retirement traveling.
Many RV Lots are between 6500 Sq- 10,000 Sq Ft Lots.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#15)- RV GARAGES AND CARPORTS
RV GARAGES CARPORTS
Currently, city will not allow for RV Enclosures/ Canopies over RV's. Units need protection from the environent. RV garage built in to the house. Security Sideyard Gate.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: YELLOW PAGES ( list of walls, landscape, home products)
http://www.yellowpages.com/?From=qpitlp
------------------------------------------------------------
CERRITOS WEB LINKS AND CANDIDATES
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cerritos Residents Information:
Wall Issue & Council Focus - http://cerritoswall.blogspot.com/
Walls/ Block Fences is an issue to all residents in Cerritos. Either every homeowner may pay for the walls ( City Tax, Mello Roos Tax, Sales Tax, Bonds) & or when homeowners go to replace existing walls, infrastructure for engineering may be around $25K-$75K per city New 2009 Codes.
Los Cerritos Community Newspaper: http://www.loscerritosnews.net/
http://www.koce.org/realorange/
Real Orange, the only broadcast television program for and about Orange County airs on KOCE-TV public television, weeknights at 6:30 and 11:00 PM, and weekday mornings at 8:00 AM. Hosted by Ed Arnold and Ann Pulice,
Orange County Register Newspaper: http://www.ocregister.com/
(Latest info on Border Changes in Cerritos and litigation filed to promote Border Changes). ()
Cerritos Web Site: http://www.ci.cerritos.ca.us/
La Palma Web Site: http://www.cityoflapalma.org/
( La Palma has link to get agenda automatically forwarded to our emails, Cerritos does not)
Here are some of the council candidate websites:
#1)-Chris Fuentes - http://www.chris-fuentes.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cerritos Residents Information:
Wall Issue & Council Focus - http://cerritoswall.blogspot.com/
Walls/ Block Fences is an issue to all residents in Cerritos. Either every homeowner may pay for the walls ( City Tax, Mello Roos Tax, Sales Tax, Bonds) & or when homeowners go to replace existing walls, infrastructure for engineering may be around $25K-$75K per city New 2009 Codes.
Los Cerritos Community Newspaper: http://www.loscerritosnews.net/
http://www.koce.org/realorange/
Real Orange, the only broadcast television program for and about Orange County airs on KOCE-TV public television, weeknights at 6:30 and 11:00 PM, and weekday mornings at 8:00 AM. Hosted by Ed Arnold and Ann Pulice,
Orange County Register Newspaper: http://www.ocregister.com/
(Latest info on Border Changes in Cerritos and litigation filed to promote Border Changes). ()
Cerritos Web Site: http://www.ci.cerritos.ca.us/
La Palma Web Site: http://www.cityoflapalma.org/
( La Palma has link to get agenda automatically forwarded to our emails, Cerritos does not)
Here are some of the council candidate websites:
#1)-Chris Fuentes - http://www.chris-fuentes.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCULPTURE SUGGESTIONS ( Click to Open)
Subject: Sculpture Suggestions
September 2008, Fine Arts Commission talked about adding some sculptures to:
1. Auto mall
2. Sculpture garden
3. Sculpture garden entranceway.
I have come up with the following ideas for your consideration. Sometimes education/open discussion, can lead to some new and unusual inspirations. Hopefully this can plant some new seeds for cultivation, in order to create some controversial art sculptures. Thanks for reading my materials. Tried to incorporate green recycling, and solar powered lighting.
#1)---SCULPTURE GARDEN ENTRANCE OFF OF 183Rd/Cerritos.
Suggestion:
HORTICULTURAL CLOCK FACE- Built in to the existing landscape/terrain, near the intersection of the traffic signal @ 183rd/ Garden Entry. Between 2500-5000 car pass thru this interchange/ signal daily. The clock face, constructed from: rock pebbles, stones, and trimmed landscaped shrubs/groundcovers/(drought tolerant species), in to the face of the living clock. Possibly some running water running through the clock face, in order to radiate some background sounds throughout the traffic intersection and entryway into the sculpture garden ( natural music of water sounds). Since this is a southern facing entry, solar powered electrical lights would be most appropriate, and preserving “the green” philosophy. Rocks would be recycled green materials. Could even use a sundial to adhere to green philosophy.
Dia: 20’, 45 Degree tilt for running water by gravity. Solar powered recycling water pump.
At a later date, the addition of:
Overhead Pergola for Temperature Gauge: in the background of the clock face. Possible use a tall glass transparent tube, filled with mercury, illustrating the temperature. Tall wooden Overhead pergola, constructed over the mercury tube, landscaped with the blooming red Bougainvillea Vine, as a Southern exposure would create an abundance of year-round color. This area by the entrance way needs a shot of brilliant color. (Disney World, Florida, uses a lot of large Mexican Bougainvillea Vines, for year round (Free) color.
Height: 25’, Spread: 25-50’. Construction materials: recycled steel auto frames from salvaged yard. Thinking green by recycling.
Topiary Animals- Cerritos talented landscape crew could form and trim some topiary Animals/ cartoon characters and place around the diameter of a horticulture clock. Possibly each year a new topiary plant could be added to this entranceway, creating a of unusual topiary plants, around the living clock face. This would give a very whimsical and storybook flavor. Educational learning tool for the ABC elementary students. FAC could choose annually, a particular characters for display.
Height: 5’-10’ characters. Plant material help builds ozone’s into the atmosphere.
#2)- _ INTERIOR OF SCULPTURE GARDEN
NATURAL AMETHYST FORMATION SCULPTURE
The commission requested something unusual besides a man-made sculpture. I suggest a series of natural elements, such as a cluster of amethyst boulders, placed together to form one large massive outcrop of stones (Ex: StoneHenge, England) . These boulders reflect multiple colors from the sunlight and the moon. The stones/boulders are translucent to the atmosphere and create a rainbow of colors. Thinking “green philosophy”, this sculpture would not require any artificial-night lighting, as the beauty radiates from the natural energy from the sun and the moon. Educational learning tool for the ABC elementary students/ high school chemist and geologist.
Height: 10’; Dia: 10-15’
#3)_ AUTO MALL
FAC suggested constructing a sculpture to replace the demolished gazebo on Studebaker Road, Cerritos @ the Auto Mall Interior. I was thinking twofold: City needs something which reflects off of the history from auto dealerships, and also is reminiscent of the history of Cerritos.
Background Input for Suggestions:
Since city of Cerritos, was home to Airstream Travel Trailers Manufacturing, for many decades, < by Cerritos Golf Course>, one of the sculptures could be reminiscent in this era (Airstream Trailer). Also since Cerritos was Dairy Valley, an old-fashioned farm truck/milk truck would be most appropriate.
Following mentioned sculptures, would not have to come out of the fine arts savings account, since they are related to the auto mall, possibly the automotive dealerships could share expenses. Commissioned Art Piece= custom-made art piece, from composition of salvaged- auto parts, again ( thinking green philosophy by recycling)
Create a welded one-piece auto sculpture “MEMORIAL”.
Sculpture of vintage parts from : cars/ travel trailer ( Parts) welded together, to create a large Auto Memorial Sculpture..
Section of salvage cars parts, use to form the auto sculpture: ( Green recycling)
1. 1960s Toyota Corolla ( Orig Toyota)
2. 1972 Datson Z ( Orig Z)
3. 1959 Cadillac Deville ( Famous Large Trunk Fins)
4. 1950’s Airstream Trailer ( all aluminum skin surface)
5. 1930’s Pickup Truck for Dairy Farming ( wooden stake bed version)
Height: 35’-50’; Dia: Width of Studebaker Pad in center landscape island.
Bronze Memorial Park Placard: list of all the names of the auto dealerships in the past history from the cities: (Cerritos, Lakewood, Artesia, Bellflower). This plaque would be placed at the base of the autos sculpture Memorial..
Create a welded one-piece metal Street Arch.
Many cities throughout the United States/Europe, have a (historical arch landmark), located in the city ( St. Louis and Santa Monica, California)
Since the auto mall has aerial displays of arching balloons, arching over the width of Studebaker Blvd, Cerritos,, most appropriate to create a large one piece metal arch sculpture, bridging/arching over the entire width of the Studebaker Road. This arch, could be the platform to hang balloons, banners, or and or any other advertising displays. This arch could be illuminated by solar power, in order to be seen from the 605 freeway/Los Cerritos Auto Mall. The city of Santa Monica, California, on Wilshire Boulevard, have many arches displayed over the width of Wilshire Boulevard. Really creates an oneness and artificial aerial canopy. “ arches” Arches in general, truly a one piece bit of historical art, known throughout the world. Since this would bring advertisement to the auto mall, possibly the auto mall dealerships, in collaboration could finance this area archway. Archway constructed from Salvaged auto frames, welded together. ( Green recycling)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 2008, Fine Arts Commission talked about adding some sculptures to:
1. Auto mall
2. Sculpture garden
3. Sculpture garden entranceway.
I have come up with the following ideas for your consideration. Sometimes education/open discussion, can lead to some new and unusual inspirations. Hopefully this can plant some new seeds for cultivation, in order to create some controversial art sculptures. Thanks for reading my materials. Tried to incorporate green recycling, and solar powered lighting.
#1)---SCULPTURE GARDEN ENTRANCE OFF OF 183Rd/Cerritos.
Suggestion:
HORTICULTURAL CLOCK FACE- Built in to the existing landscape/terrain, near the intersection of the traffic signal @ 183rd/ Garden Entry. Between 2500-5000 car pass thru this interchange/ signal daily. The clock face, constructed from: rock pebbles, stones, and trimmed landscaped shrubs/groundcovers/(drought tolerant species), in to the face of the living clock. Possibly some running water running through the clock face, in order to radiate some background sounds throughout the traffic intersection and entryway into the sculpture garden ( natural music of water sounds). Since this is a southern facing entry, solar powered electrical lights would be most appropriate, and preserving “the green” philosophy. Rocks would be recycled green materials. Could even use a sundial to adhere to green philosophy.
Dia: 20’, 45 Degree tilt for running water by gravity. Solar powered recycling water pump.
At a later date, the addition of:
Overhead Pergola for Temperature Gauge: in the background of the clock face. Possible use a tall glass transparent tube, filled with mercury, illustrating the temperature. Tall wooden Overhead pergola, constructed over the mercury tube, landscaped with the blooming red Bougainvillea Vine, as a Southern exposure would create an abundance of year-round color. This area by the entrance way needs a shot of brilliant color. (Disney World, Florida, uses a lot of large Mexican Bougainvillea Vines, for year round (Free) color.
Height: 25’, Spread: 25-50’. Construction materials: recycled steel auto frames from salvaged yard. Thinking green by recycling.
Topiary Animals- Cerritos talented landscape crew could form and trim some topiary Animals/ cartoon characters and place around the diameter of a horticulture clock. Possibly each year a new topiary plant could be added to this entranceway, creating a
Height: 5’-10’ characters. Plant material help builds ozone’s into the atmosphere.
#2)- _ INTERIOR OF SCULPTURE GARDEN
NATURAL AMETHYST FORMATION SCULPTURE
The commission requested something unusual besides a man-made sculpture. I suggest a series of natural elements, such as a cluster of amethyst boulders, placed together to form one large massive outcrop of stones (Ex: StoneHenge, England) . These boulders reflect multiple colors from the sunlight and the moon. The stones/boulders are translucent to the atmosphere and create a rainbow of colors. Thinking “green philosophy”, this sculpture would not require any artificial-night lighting, as the beauty radiates from the natural energy from the sun and the moon. Educational learning tool for the ABC elementary students/ high school chemist and geologist.
Height: 10’; Dia: 10-15’
#3)_ AUTO MALL
FAC suggested constructing a sculpture to replace the demolished gazebo on Studebaker Road, Cerritos @ the Auto Mall Interior. I was thinking twofold: City needs something which reflects off of the history from auto dealerships, and also is reminiscent of the history of Cerritos.
Background Input for Suggestions:
Since city of Cerritos, was home to Airstream Travel Trailers Manufacturing, for many decades, < by Cerritos Golf Course>, one of the sculptures could be reminiscent in this era (Airstream Trailer). Also since Cerritos was Dairy Valley, an old-fashioned farm truck/milk truck would be most appropriate.
Following mentioned sculptures, would not have to come out of the fine arts savings account, since they are related to the auto mall, possibly the automotive dealerships could share expenses. Commissioned Art Piece= custom-made art piece, from composition of salvaged- auto parts, again ( thinking green philosophy by recycling)
Create a welded one-piece auto sculpture “MEMORIAL”.
Sculpture of vintage parts from : cars/ travel trailer ( Parts) welded together, to create a large Auto Memorial Sculpture..
Section of salvage cars parts, use to form the auto sculpture: ( Green recycling)
1. 1960s Toyota Corolla ( Orig Toyota)
2. 1972 Datson Z ( Orig Z)
3. 1959 Cadillac Deville ( Famous Large Trunk Fins)
4. 1950’s Airstream Trailer ( all aluminum skin surface)
5. 1930’s Pickup Truck for Dairy Farming ( wooden stake bed version)
Height: 35’-50’; Dia: Width of Studebaker Pad in center landscape island.
Bronze Memorial Park Placard: list of all the names of the auto dealerships in the past history from the cities: (Cerritos, Lakewood, Artesia, Bellflower). This plaque would be placed at the base of the autos sculpture Memorial.
Create a welded one-piece metal Street Arch.
Many cities throughout the United States/Europe, have a (historical arch landmark), located in the city ( St. Louis and Santa Monica, California)
Since the auto mall has aerial displays of arching balloons, arching over the width of Studebaker Blvd, Cerritos,, most appropriate to create a large one piece metal arch sculpture, bridging/arching over the entire width of the Studebaker Road. This arch, could be the platform to hang balloons, banners, or and or any other advertising displays. This arch could be illuminated by solar power, in order to be seen from the 605 freeway/Los Cerritos Auto Mall. The city of Santa Monica, California, on Wilshire Boulevard, have many arches displayed over the width of Wilshire Boulevard. Really creates an oneness and artificial aerial canopy. “ arches” Arches in general, truly a one piece bit of historical art, known throughout the world. Since this would bring advertisement to the auto mall, possibly the auto mall dealerships, in collaboration could finance this area archway. Archway constructed from Salvaged auto frames, welded together. ( Green recycling)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts of O.C. could become L.A., and vice versa
Parts of O.C. could become L.A., and vice versa
Orange and Los Angeles county supervisors consider redrawing boundary lines along Coyote Creek flood control channel.
The Orange County Register
SEAL BEACH – Six Orange County cities could adopt parts of Los Angeles County or be given a new zip code if officials approve a plan to tweak county boundaries.
The Los Angeles and Orange County boards of supervisors will look at redrawing boundary lines along the Coyote Creek flood control channel, which extends from Seal Beach to Brea.
Orange County Supervisor John Moorlach said both boards will work with residents and business owners to determine where to draw the new boundaries.
"This is one of those deals that we need to listen to the stake holders," he said.
Buena Park, Fullerton, Cypress, La Palma, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach would be affected by the changes, along with five Los Angeles cities including Long Beach and Hawaiian Gardens.
The Local Agency Formation Commission in June issued a report to recommend shifting the boundaries to follow the flood control channel more precisely.
Over time, improvements to the flood channel have changed the creek's course, the study shows.
Coyote Creek has been the counties' boundary since 1889 and, since then, there have only been three minor boundary adjustments.
The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors on Tuesday instructed LAFCO to study what minor adjustments would need to be made that would make sense geographically.
Moorlach said the next step is to start devising a formal plan.
"No one needs to fear anything," he said. "It's just one of those things that's been sitting there… and we want to get it a little more orderly."
Jim McMahon, 54, a real estate attorney, lives in a 65-home housing tract in Cerritos that borders La Palma. When he bought the house before the housing development was completed, the deed was listed in Orange County. When the homes were ready for people to move in, the community was considered within Los Angeles County borders.
He said that every year when it's time to pay property taxes, he receives a bill from both Los Angeles and Orange counties. He pays the Los Angeles County bill and sends a copy of the check to Orange County.
"We're just in a state of limbo, we're not in Heaven and we're not in Hell, we're just stuck," McMahon said.
Problems arise when he is in urgent need for services like police and utilities.
"One time we called police,'' McMahon said. "Neither Cerritos nor La Palma came. It was Cypress. Another time, Long Beach police came to our house for an emergency.
"When you're in an urgent situation and you need utilities or paramedics or the police, people tell you, 'No you don't live in Los Angeles, you live in Orange County."
A date for supervisors to discuss the proposed boundary changes has not yet been set.
Orange and Los Angeles county supervisors consider redrawing boundary lines along Coyote Creek flood control channel.
The Orange County Register
SEAL BEACH – Six Orange County cities could adopt parts of Los Angeles County or be given a new zip code if officials approve a plan to tweak county boundaries.
The Los Angeles and Orange County boards of supervisors will look at redrawing boundary lines along the Coyote Creek flood control channel, which extends from Seal Beach to Brea.
Orange County Supervisor John Moorlach said both boards will work with residents and business owners to determine where to draw the new boundaries.
"This is one of those deals that we need to listen to the stake holders," he said.
Buena Park, Fullerton, Cypress, La Palma, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach would be affected by the changes, along with five Los Angeles cities including Long Beach and Hawaiian Gardens.
The Local Agency Formation Commission in June issued a report to recommend shifting the boundaries to follow the flood control channel more precisely.
Over time, improvements to the flood channel have changed the creek's course, the study shows.
Coyote Creek has been the counties' boundary since 1889 and, since then, there have only been three minor boundary adjustments.
The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors on Tuesday instructed LAFCO to study what minor adjustments would need to be made that would make sense geographically.
Moorlach said the next step is to start devising a formal plan.
"No one needs to fear anything," he said. "It's just one of those things that's been sitting there… and we want to get it a little more orderly."
Jim McMahon, 54, a real estate attorney, lives in a 65-home housing tract in Cerritos that borders La Palma. When he bought the house before the housing development was completed, the deed was listed in Orange County. When the homes were ready for people to move in, the community was considered within Los Angeles County borders.
He said that every year when it's time to pay property taxes, he receives a bill from both Los Angeles and Orange counties. He pays the Los Angeles County bill and sends a copy of the check to Orange County.
"We're just in a state of limbo, we're not in Heaven and we're not in Hell, we're just stuck," McMahon said.
Problems arise when he is in urgent need for services like police and utilities.
"One time we called police,'' McMahon said. "Neither Cerritos nor La Palma came. It was Cypress. Another time, Long Beach police came to our house for an emergency.
"When you're in an urgent situation and you need utilities or paramedics or the police, people tell you, 'No you don't live in Los Angeles, you live in Orange County."
A date for supervisors to discuss the proposed boundary changes has not yet been set.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT IDEAS
OVERNIGHT PARKING ORDINANCE
CITY OF CERRITOS MOVERS/SHACKERS
CITY WALL OWNERSHIP
SHERIFFS UNIONS -VS- POLICE DEPARTMENTS
LINK: CERRITOS NEWSPAPER BLOGS
PROPOSED CERRITOS SENIOR COMMISSION
PROP.5- CERRITOS EMPLOYMENT CONFLICTS
GREEN RECYLCING
LINK:CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTS
DENIAL BY CITY COUNCIL + MEMBERS OF PROPERTY PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Cerritos residents are denied annual holiday decorating contest
LINK: 2008 CITY WIDE PRIDE CONTEST VIDEO
GREEN PROGRAM WASTE
$0.25m rose float waste of money, energy, recycling, environmental issues
2009 ROSE FLOAT
$260k+ Fleecing of Cerritos Money
RE: BORDER CHANGES AND ISSUES