College Park Drive intersection plans
A College Park West/Edison Park community meeting was held Saturday, Dec. 11.
In attendance were:
Mayor David Sloan, Director of Public Works Sean Crumby, City Engineer Michael Ho and approximately 50 residents of CPW.
The residents of College Park West have for the past 45 years been looking forward to this day.
As anyone knows it has been difficult trying to drive into College Park West from either 22 Freeway/Studebaker road or 7th Street because of the congestion at the intersection of these streets and College Park Drive. Last summer we had a meeting at Edison Park to discuss the possibilities of three proposals.
The city of Seal Beach, Long Beach and California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) all were included in these discussions and asked to come up with the best solution. After many hours and long discussions, there were three proposals and the second proposal was approved. Today we had this “almost final” proposal and conceptual drawing of what might be in the future of these intersections. There are still some kinks to be adjusted and more suggestions were proposed, but we are looking into the very near future.
From the time the first shovel of dirt is moved, we were told this could be only nine months in the future. Completion should only take two to three months. All residents at this Community Meeting approved this proposal, some stating that anything is better than continuing with what wehave now.
One final note, California Department of Transportation stated that they will not put a traffic signal at this intersection and this is the best offer they can give us. Hopefully we can adjust to the change and at least give our city a big THANK YOU for looking into our welfare. If there is any more information I receive, residents of Seal Beach will be the first to know.
City Manager David Carmany was at the meeting for a few minutes, but he had to attend the event that was held at Eisenhower Park with Santa Claus. I would like to personally thank our city manager for everything he has helped us with at College Park West. He was the driving force behind this venture and hopefully the eradication of the coyote problem that has taken so many of our beloved pets. David, may you have the respect and confidence from the community in Manhattan Beach as City Manager as you did in Seal Beach.
Charles Cohen,
College Park West resident
Holiday Braveheart
I would like to share my story with you. It all happened last night, Saturday, Dec. 11. My family and I participated in the Naple’s Christmas Boat Parade. As we were cruising in the parade, a small boy was reaching over his boat to catch some candy. That is when he flipped over the side and landed in the freezing water. My Husband (Ryan Pennebaker) without hesitation dove in and rescued him. I’m so proud of his selfless actions. My husband is a very giving and loving person so his actions did not shock me. He has a huge heart and is a protector. The boy seemed to be OK and just a little shaken up. The crowd gave my husband a big cheer. Could give him some recognition in your paper. Thank you so much.
Crystal Pennebaker
Seal Beach
Modernizing schools
The Los Alamitos Unified School District’s facilities modernization program is moving along very well. After only two short years of Measure K, the $126 million bond approved by voters in 2008, the District has completed the modernization of McGaugh Elementary School, has McAullife Middle School and Los Alamitos Elementary School under construction, and has architectural plans awaiting approval at the State for Rossmoor and Hopkinson Elementary Schools.
This aggressive schedule is paying off for students and taxpayers by getting the best rates from contractors and bond sales. It is also providing well functioning classrooms, media centers, computer labs, and infrastructure for our excellent students and staff.
An important component of the modernization process is a Citizens Oversight Committee that reviews the funding and progress of the construction. This committee is required by the State for all school bond projects under Proposition 39.
Three of the original members of the Citizens Oversight Committee are stepping down as their terms end. I want to thank Chuck Woodfin, Lorraine Navarro, and Diana Hill for their dedication to students and the community through their service on the Committee. I would like to encourage you to consider serving on the Committee. Chuck, Lorraine, and Diana leave vacancies in the following areas: a representative of the business community, a representative from a senior citizen group, and a representative from a school PTA or Site Council.
Information regarding the responsibilities of the members may be found by clicking on the Bond Information link on the District’s webpage: www.losal.org. If you are interested in filling one of these open positions, please see the website for information about the application process.
“Transparency,” or the lack thereof, gets quite a bit of play in the press these days. In the Los Alamitos Unified School District, we welcome the opportunity to share information about student progress, business practices and finance. The Citizens Oversight Committee is one process that specifically serves that function. I hope that you will consider serving your community by volunteering for one of the open seats on the Committee.
Go Los Al!
Gregory A. Franklin, Ed.D.
LAUSD Superintendent
