But City Manager Gerald Caton is still positive about the value of the City's plan to acquire the land from the federal General Services Administration. By an act of Congress and Presidential signature the property will be turned over to Downey for present fair market value, a sum not due for payment for 20 years. If at that time the City no longer wants the land it must return it to the feds.
Caton said part of the delay in finalizing the deal is due to the time necessary for the final pieces of the Boeing acquisition of Rockwell here to fall in place. That sale will not be officially final until early August.
Caton said the City does not intend to pay for the actual construction.
The developer (or developers) will also be in charge of construction of an additional 750,000 square feet of industrial buildings which Caton envisions will house private industry which will bring more high-paying jobs to Downey (with an additional tax base for the City).
With this mega-plan in mind the City has entered into agreements with Tooley & Co., a full-service real estate firm specializing in the development of office and industrial properties, master planning, leasing and management. And with the law firm of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker to assist in the contractual legal maze of the actual acquisition from the federal government, as well as the contractual work with private developers that will follow. The City also has a real estate consultant, Keyser Marston Associates. Later on a title company and engineer/surveyor will also be added to the City's team.
And the City has already had to explain to the Downey Unified School District why the schools could not have a 10-acre slice of the excess NASA property "pie" for a new school to ease crowding. The City's proposal for the acquisition from the GSA linked the purpose to job development. Caton added the piece of land necessary to build a school would be worth 3 to 5 million dollars, a sum that would have to be paid to the feds "immediately" if the title were transferred by the City. And Caton added the City cannot afford to pay it. (The inference is the School District can't either).
Other dreams whose proponents the City has quietly rejected include a place for a Smithsonian Museum "West", and/or an aerospace museum, both of which city officials feel take lots of space and generate far too few jobs.
The proposed new engineering building will be located on Parcel 4 next to Imperial Highway, while Parcels 5 and 6 will be used for the other commercial developments.
It was almost one year ago (Aug. 1, 1996), that Rockwell employees arrived at work in Downey to see signs reading "Welcome to Boeing" and learned that Rockwell's aerospace division had been bought by the Boeing giant.
But the technical aspects of that mega-deal have taken almost a year to finalize. And have delayed the City's land acquisition in the process. It is ironic that part of the City case for the acquisition was as a good-faith "welcome to Downey" gesture by the City to Boeing.
Riley wants complaints over service and slow repair response dealt with by the new owners, MediaOne, and intends to see that a complaint procedure to double check on the company's response exists at City Hall.
And she was doubly concerned when members of the audience complained about cable boxes that are now required at an additional cost, and adult programming which is being advertised in envelopes containing the regular cable bill, and which can allegedly be ordered by telephone, with no way of verifying the caller's age.
The Mayor instructed the City Attorney to formally ask MediaOne (as the cable company is now called) to answer a list of questions including what functions the new cable boxes perform, when will digital programming be available, what effect the changes have on VCR operations, what does a cable box cost, and what notice of all this has been provided consumers?
Harriett Doran complained of adult program advertising enclosed with her cable bill, and warned that such pornography leads to crime.
Fred James deplored the lack of discounts for seniors on fixed incomes who are facing the added cost of cable boxes. And he warned that cable box installation meant monopoly.
Councilwoman Joyce Lawrence responded by saying, "Let's get our Cable TV Committee together." Councilman Bob Brazelton said, "It sounds like we have a problem." Councilman Keith McCarthy asked what have other cities done? And Councilman Gary McCaughan was very concerned, saying there had been no mention of any of these developments when the cable representatives appeared before the council just three months ago. "We may have to call in our congressman (Steve Horn)," McCaughan added.
The Council then voted 5-0 to: 1) Investigate a long list of cable concerns; 2) Activate the Cable Advisory Committee; 3) Have staff look at the cable company's controls over its content.
In closing, Mayor Riley said she wants a cable company representative at the next council meeting to answer questions.
* Named two council members (McCaughan and Brazelton) to a sub-committee to interview candidates for the important Design Review Board, and directed staff to send out advertisements for qualified candidates. All terms of present members expire Oct. 5. Applications are being accepted by the City, and applicants need not live here.
* Made Council Committee assignments for the 1997-98 year.
* Adopted a resolution confirming the levy for Lighting and Landscaping District A.D. 121 for fiscal year 1997-98. None of the levies are higher than last year and most are reduced. Rates in Zones II, III and L will remain unchanged. Rates in Zone I and V will remain zero. And rates in Zone VI will be reduced due to lower maintenance and energy costs.
* Accepted certificates of appreciation from the Sister City Association on behalf of City staff for their help. Certificates went to Public Works for help with the Toy Program, to the Fire Department for paramedic training which led to a paramedic program in Jalisco, and to City staffer June Yotsuya.
* Approved the advertising for bids of a cash contract for miscellaneous city-wide concrete work, including numerous wheelchair ramps at key intersections.
* Approved a funding agreement with the City of Norwalk for the resurfacing of Cecilia Street from West Little Lake Road to Dollison Drive.
* Rejected bids for the upgrade plan for the Police Station and authorized the readvertising for bids for the project.
* Approved an agreement with the Chamber of Commerce for fiscal year 1997-98 by which the City will fund the chamber with $15,000.
* Set a hearing date for July 22 over reallocation of federal HOME Investment Partnership Program funds.
* Approved plans for a Kaiser Permanente deceleration lane on Imperial Highway at Kaiser's expense.
* Approved the amendment to the Southeast Water Coalition Joint Powers Agreement extending the terms for three years, but deleted a paragraph that allowed boardmenbers to set their own meeting compensation (it is and will remain $100 per meeting, thanks to Brazelton).
* Approved the reappointment of Jean Brazelton to the Recreation and Community Services Commission representing District 4.
* Approved the reappointment of Bobbi Samperi to the Recreation and Community Serices Committee representing District 2.
* Approved the reappointment of Fern Persion to the Personnel Advisory Board representing District 2.
* Approved the reappointment of Brian Gasdia to the Planning Commission representing District 3.
Issue of DCH persists
During public comments, doctors Arthur Harvey and David Hubbell warned the community was still in danger of losing Downey Community Hospital. Hubbell pointed out Artesia has just lost Pioneer Hospital to sale and closure. And Harvey asked why won't the DCH leadership sign attestations that they won't profit from any sale? Lennie Whittington, saying t
he City has not done well in its land deals, asked whether it wasn't time to sell the property on Firestone next to World of Furniture?
During Council comments, McCaughan said he has been talking with the School District and will discuss his subject (believed to be child care) at the July 22 Council meeting. He also countered Whittington by saying the City has a good record in terms of real estate acquisition.
McCarthy pointed out the Council took a stand supporting the Peace Bill (to limit the possibility of profit from the sale of non-profit hospitals) several weeks ago.
Brazelton added the hospital can't be sold without the City's consent.
Mayor Riley said she wants a report on the possibility of an audio signal for the blind for the crossing at Florence and Paramount.
And City Manager Gerald Caton lauded Councilwoman Lawrence for spending a day in Sacramento speaking in behalf of the Los Angeles River Flood Control plan, which is currently under attack by State Sen. Tom Hayden, D-Santa Monica.
Caton closed the meeting by assuring the audience "The hospital cannot be sold without a vote of the people!"
The next public meeting of the Council will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at the City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave.
"I was elected to represent the people of my district," Havice told The Downey Eagle Tuesday, July 8, during a telephone interview from Sacramento. And that is exactly what she intends to do.
She said certain members of the Republican leadership have attempted to depict her as confused and bumbling. But she points out that many of her legislative efforts have won bipartisan support.
More troublesome have been attacks from certain members of her own party, including Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica, who was recently quoted as saying Havice "seemed bewildered" by the Assembly political process.
Havice counters that she did not go to Sacramento to vote a straight party ticket, but to represent the interests of the residents of the 56th District.
And members of the 56th seem pleased with her performance so far.
Havice's predecessor in office in the 56th, Phil Hawkins, got in trouble with a large segment of the Downey PTA when he failed to meet with local youngsters during their annual "Sacramento Safari." Havice made no such mistake and was warmly thanked by local educators and parents.
Downey Mayor Barbara Riley said Havice is doing a good job of representing the voters of her district, and that Havice and her office have been most responsive, particularly on matters of education.
Despite the apparent satisfaction with her performance within her district, a barrage of op-ed pieces continue to come from Republican think-tanks in Sacramento accusing her of bumbling the legislative process.
Much of this has to do with AB-357 which she authored, which would have increased penalties for buying a stolen gun. Her critics accuse her of voting against her own bill.
She does not deny this, but points out she voted against it after it was loaded with "riders" which destroyed its purpose.
She said the bill will be introduced again in its original form at the next session, and hopefully, will emerge as she meant it.
And she points out her son is a police officer and could theoretically be the target of one of the stolen weapons she is seeking to eradicate.
Assembly Bill 1162 creates the Reading and Mathematics Enrichment Program, which will provide high school students with low reading and math scores increased instruction.
Assembly Bill 115 adds home invasion robberies to the list of violent felonies and ups jail terms for the crime.
Assembly Bill 327 assists local District Attorneys in prosecuting statutory rape cases and helps protect young people from predatory behavior by older men.
As Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on California Ports, she has authored legislation (AB-366) that extends the sunset on the Bunker Fuel tax indefinitely. This bill protects jobs and businesses in the 56th District.
And she has authored legislation to create the Community Policing School Safety Grant Program, a model program that will award grants to school districts which develop successful Safe Schools programs.
Some of the differences between Havice and Assembly veterans has to do with her concern for those whom she represents. She caught a plane to come home and attend a swearing in ceremony by the Cerritos Chamber of Commerce, and in doing so missed debate on three bills before the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee on which she serves.
This, and similar cases have caused a bitter exchange of letters between her and some senior Democrats. These include Diane Martinez, D-Monterey Park.
Martinez, however, while admitting she is not Havice's "friend," defends her fellow Democrat.
Don Perata, D-Alameda, the head of the powerful Assembly Rules Committee, said Havice needs less care than her opponents suggest. He points out that she won a tough election in 1996 (over a capable Republican opponent, Richard Lambros), and said she can take care of herself.
Bernie Richter, R-Chico, helps Havice's contention that she has bipartisan support. He told the Los Angeles Times in a recent interview he had spoken up in her behalf during a private GOP Assembly meeting, telling his fellow Republicans they were degrading themselves by snickering and mocking her during floor debate.
The GOP "specialists" have also compiled extensive video footage of her appearances before legislative committees and on the Assembly floor, which demonstrate her lack of forceful speaking style.
She has not and will not vote a straight party line, prefering to place the good of her district first, and causing many old guard Democrats to distrust her. But she is crucial to their cause.
At stake is the swing Assembly seat to determine which party will be in control through the year 2000.
The blaze, which required four alarms, was discovered about noon and was not fully controlled until after 4 p.m.
Firefighters from Santa Fe Springs, Montebello, Vernon, Lynwood, Compton and La Habra Heights responded to the blaze.
One firefighter was treated for heat prostration. A total of 74 firefighters were at the scene.
Traffic was slowed along busy Woodruff as clouds of smoke billowed across the highway.
Fire spokesmen said despite their best efforts, the blaze, which started outside the buildings, penetrated the structures at one point.
Cause of the blaze is under investigation, but is not believed to be arson.
"Be it drawing with watercolors, learning sign language, swimming like a fish or constructing a model wooden bridge, there's something of interest for eager and creative young minds of all ages," according to Center for Lifelong Learning Dean Ceci Medina.
Whatever the area of interest, parents and kids can tailor a summer schedule of activities packed with outstanding classes, workshops and camps where there are no grades or homework.
If your first through fourth grader is looking for a cultural experience, enroll them in the new "Lil' Shutterbugs" course. Using a disposable camera, students will enjoy creating photo images. The course will also teach basic photo composition and include specific assignments. It will conclude with each child constructing a photo album to display their work. "Lil' Shutterbugs" runs from June 23 through July 3, from 1 to 2:45 p.m. in the College's Arts & Crafts Building, Room 61. The class fee is $59 per student plus a $15 material fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Youngsters wanting to improve their academic skills can take advantage of the "How to Write an 'A' Report" workshop. Geared for students in the sixth through eighth grades, the class will demonstrate how to select a "good" (and interesting) topic, conduct research well, organize ideas and produce a short paper with bibliography, illustrations, charts or maps. Participants will put these new skills to good use by preparing their own mini report during class. Practice will also be given in the use of such reference materials as encyclopedias, atlas, magazine index and biographical sources.
Parents must remain for 20 minutes of the first class meeting for a brief orientation. This workshop runs from July 14 through 17, from 1 to 2:45 p.m. in the College's Community Education Room A. The class fee is $49 per student with a $3 material fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Has your child expressed an interest in learning to horseback ride? This is a perfect recreational activity available in three separate sessions through C.A.R.E.S. For children and adults alike (fourth grade to adult), students will be guided through six lessons with patience and humor. The program's certified trainer/instructor will help participants understand these majestic animals. And, riders are guaranteed to get just as dirty as the "old hands" at the stables.
Horseback Riding sessions are slated for: I - June 24 through July 29, from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.; II - June 28 through August 9, 9 to 11 a.m.; and III - June 28 through August 9, from noon to 2 p.m. All sessions will be conducted at the Santa Fe Springs Equestrian Center at 8703 Pioneer Blvd. in the City of Santa Fe Springs. Each session fee is $179 per person. Enrollment is limited and participants are urged to wear comfortable clothes, boots or proper heeled shoes.
Part of a child's life enrichment includes exposure to things out of their everyday activity. "Animal Training in Zoos" is a program designed for junior high students (12 through 15 years of age) who are interested in animals. The sessions focus on the principles of operant conditioning where desired behaviors are followed by reward. Students will receive hands-on experience with selected animals and become involved in the training of both natural and innovative behaviors using techniques learned in class.
One of the visits includes a field trip to the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park. After viewing the exhibits, participants will have an opportunity to observe behavioral demonstrations and discuss training procedures.
The class fee is $95 per session and covers daily, round-trip chaperoned bus transportation from Cerritos College to the Santa Ana Zoo, T-shirt, note book and field trip. Specific information and transportation schedules will be provided upon enrollment. Pre-registration is required and early enrollment is encouraged because space is limited.
"Animal Training in Zoos" is offered in the following two sessions: I - June 23 through 27, Monday - Friday, 8:20 a.m. to 12:25 p.m., and Thursday, 8:20 a.m. to 7:35 p.m.; II - July 28 through August 1, Monday - Friday, 8:20 a.m. to 12:35 p.m., and Thursday, 8:20 a.m. to 7:35 p.m.
First through third graders love the creepy, crawly creatures and plants that inhabit their world! Make learning science fun by enrolling them in "It's Alive." Students will take an up close look at organisms that surround us and require measuring, weighing, analyzing, classifying, and nurturing. Urge your child to investigate growth patterns, chart variances, test plant and animal species and attempt to grow his/her own vegetable hydroponically using water and nutrients instead of soil. The class will culminate with a field trip.
"It's Alive" is offered in two sessions in the College's Instructional Support Center Room 1: I - July 7 through 11, from 8 a.m. to noon; and II - July 14 through 18, from 8 a.m. to noon. The class fee is $99 per student plus a $15 material fee.
"The best thing about the C.A.R.E.S. program is that the more classes youngsters take, the more money parents save," emphasized Medina. Register for three or more classes (at the same time, for the same student) and receive a 10% discount off the total registration fee. Registration can be done four different ways: 1) enroll in person at the college's Center for Lifelong Learning; 2) phone in your registration to 467-5050 and use your Visa or Mastercard; 3) mail in your registration to: Center for Lifelong Learning, 11110 Alondra Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650; or 4) fax your registration to: 467-5013.
Registration forms are available on the back cover of the C.A.R.E.S. brochure. To receive a copy of the brochure at your home, contact the Center for Lifelong Learning at 467-5050, extension 2521.