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In this month's newsletter: Statement on Immigration Enforcement, Community Conversation, Black History Month events & more.



Culver City
Culver City Newsletter - February 2025

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

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Culver City Police Department Statement on Immigration Enforcement
Culver City Police Statement on Immigration Enforcement

The Culver City Police Department is committed to creating a safe and welcoming Culver City for all. We recognize that safe communities rely on effective law enforcement services built on trust and cooperation between community members, and the officers dedicated to their protection. We want to ensure that fear of immigration status does not deter anyone from engaging with our officers, especially when they are victims or witnesses of crime. Every member of our community deserves the right to feel safe and supported.

In that vein, we would like to address some inquiries we have received regarding our role in immigration enforcement. On March 27, 2017, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2017-R025 [ https://www.culvercitypd.org/files/assets/police/v/1/documents/17-03-27__reso-2017-r025-declaring-culver-city-a-santuary-city.pdf ] declaring the City of Culver City to be a sanctuary city for all its residents regardless of immigration status. Further, the Culver City Police Department is bound by state law California Values Act/SB 54 [ https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB54 ], which prohibits the sharing of information with immigration authorities and the participation in enforcing immigration laws (with rare exceptions for violent felonies or court orders). Along with following state law, the Culver City Police Department has robust policies that strictly prohibit the enforcement of immigration laws and the sharing of data or information with immigration authorities.

For further information, please contact Culver City Police Department Public Information Officer Jennifer Atenza at (310) 253-6120 [ tel:3102536120 ] or email jennifer.atenza@culvercity.org.



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Photo of people in talking in a group circle [ https://www.culvercity.org/Events-directory/Community-Conversations-Spark-Healing-Through-Conversation ]
Spark Healing Through Conversation:
How the Middle East Crisis Affects Me

Serious tensions and divisions have come to light within Culver City related to the ongoing conflict/war/crisis in the Middle East. The Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee is convening a courageous conversation where our community members can have a safe space to feel truly heard and take the first steps towards healing the divisions in our city. Please join us and Facilitators Zarha Sakkejha and Ben Ginsburg for this conversation on Tuesday, February 25th at 6 PM.

 

*The Courageous Conversation will focus on:*


* Addressing people’s frustrations.
* Allowing people to express what is important to them, why, and what they want others to know.
* Confronting and reducing/being aware of our own biases.
* Creating safety and healing for everyone in the community.
* How to create better personal relationships & feel more compassion for each other.
* Offer suggestions for next steps and resources.

The conversation will take place at the Culver City Senior Center in B45 and B47. You can learn more about the event and how to sign up to participate on the City's website. [ https://www.culvercity.org/Events-directory/Community-Conversations-Spark-Healing-Through-Conversation ]



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Photo of Beloved Community artpiece [ https://youtu.be/F3RIDTvAGPA ]
Artwork Completed on Former Culver City Gun Store

The former Martin B. Retting Gun Store was purchased by the City of Culver City in 2023. After nearly 18 months, and countless hours of work, the building has a radically different and welcoming exterior reflecting the community.

Watch the video to see how former Culver City Artist Laureate Katy Krantz visually transformed the building [ https://youtu.be/F3RIDTvAGPA ] including the five beautifully crafted mosaics created by members of the community.

The City Council will discuss the future of the space in an upcoming 2025 meeting. Stay tuned.



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Photo of Katy Krantz [ https://www.culvercity.org/News/Artist-Laureate-Program-Application-2025 ]
Calling All Artists: Apply to Be Culver City's Next Artist Laureate

Are you an artist interested in serving as Artist Laureate for a diverse, creative city with engaged residents and a thriving art community? Here's your opportunity!

Submit a letter of interest to the Culver City Cultural Affairs Division to start your two-phase application process to be the City's Artist Laureate. The application includes a letter of interest and an online application.

The Artist Laureate's tenure is a two-year, funded appointment that starts July 1, 2025, and ends June 30, 2027. You can read more about requirements and submission deadline for the Artist Laureate program on the City's website. [ https://www.culvercity.org/News/Artist-Laureate-Program-Application-2025 ]



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Photo of Black History Month Proclamation
City Council Proclaims February as Black History Month

The 2025 Black History Month theme is African Americans and Labor, which focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.

During February, the City of Culver City invites the community to participate in a celebration of Black History and culture, and encourages everyone to reflect on the rich history and bear witness to the progress and achievements made as we continue together on the path toward equality, inclusivity, and sustainable opportunities for all. Read below to see upcoming and ongoing events in the community.



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Photo of Gerald C. Rivers [ https://www.instagram.com/p/DGMA6lYSunF/?img_index=1 ]
Community Comes Together for Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Culver City

Together as a community, we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, message, and impact over the weekend. Thank you to everyone who made the event an inspiring afternoon.

Gerald C. River, known as “The Voice of MLK” powerfully re-enacted words from Dr. MLK. Senior Pastor Princeton Parker delivered a passionate message. The LA Drum Line and Majorettes, Crusade Christina Faith Center Choir, and Sugi Dakks put on memorable musical performances. Thank you to host Shyneika Taylor for emceeing the event and our PRCS staff and the Advisory Committee for making this event such a community-tailored gathering. You can see pictures of the celebration the City's social media page. [ https://www.instagram.com/p/DGMA6lYSunF/?img_index=1 ]

"We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."



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CCMS 4th Annual Black Owned Business Expo Culver City Middle School graphic
Culver City Unified School District Hosts Black-Owned Business Expo

The public is welcomed to celebrate Black History Month with CCUSD as it showcases local Black-owned businesses on Friday, February 28th. 

The 4th annual event will highlight and celebrate their talents, delectable goods and unique wares at the Culver City Middle School from 4 PM to 7:30 PM. If you are a vendor interested in participating, you can learn more and sign up with the CCUSD form. [ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8sQzQGaONJJ-cToOwFQ-jMxugM8D26hv_ZwKmZJvu4_mP3w/viewform ] The deadline to sign up is February 21st.



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Opening night of PAFF with elected officials [ https://www.paff.org/ ]
Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) Comes to Culver City

The *Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF)*, the largest international Black film festival in the United States, kicked off on Tuesday, February 4th and continues through the 23rd. You can view the 2025 Film Guide on the Pan African Film and Arts Festival website [ https://paff2025.eventive.org/films ]. This year PAFF is showcasing a selection of over 150 films, with a lineup that includes 46 documentaries, 100 narratives, 46 features, 100 shorts, and six web series.

PAFF expanded its reach with new venues in Culver City, providing audiences with more opportunities to experience the dynamic lineup of films, panels, and special events. Mayor Dan O'Brien, Vice Mayor Freddy Puza, and Council Member Yasmine-Imani McMorrin welcomed audiences to opening night at The Culver Theater. Learn more of screenings and events by visiting the PAFF website. [ https://www.paff.org/ ]



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Photo of rose and picture of Rosa Parks on Culver CityBus seat
Culver CityBus Honors Rosa Parks on Transit Equity Day

Celebrated on Rosa Parks’ birthday Culver CityBus proudly observed Transit Equity Day every February 4th—a day dedicated to honoring a civil rights icon and reaffirming our commitment to accessible, inclusive transit for all.

On every bus, the first front forward seat was reserved in Rosa Parks’ honor. Each reserved seat featured a commemorative photo and a rose serving as a lasting reminder of her impact. This gesture underscores our belief that transit equity is a fundamental civil right and reinforces our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment for every rider.

In keeping with our community-focused values, the roses displayed on our buses during the celebration were donated to the Culver City Senior Center after their display period.



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Photo of authors at the Book Festival
Culver City Book Festival at Wende Museum

Calling all book-lovers! Get ready for an unforgettable day at the 4th Annual Culver City Book Festival. Join Village Well and authors on Saturday, February 22nd from 10 AM to 5 PM at the Wende Museum. 

The day will include:


* Local presses and journals
* Panels on genre storytelling, immigration, and literary nonprofits featuring  authors
* Creative activities for all ages!

Village Well invites seasoned book-lovers and newcomers to the world of books alike. Join in for a celebration of the literary community! This event is sponsored by the City of Culver City. RSVP and learn more about the event on Village Well's website.  [ https://shop.villagewell.com/events/1863620250222 ]



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Photo of Vice Mayor Freddy Puza and CCFD firefighters [ https://www.culvercity.org/News/Los-Angeles-Fires-Resources ]
Community Comes Together for People Impacted by LA Fires

Recently, Vice Mayor Freddy Puza hosted a Wildfire Relief Drive + Community Event in partnership with the Culver Palms YMCA and Taylor Fine Art.

The event brought the community together, celebrating Culver City Fire Department firefighters and collecting donations and financial contributions for Culver City employees and others who have been impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. We are grateful to Vice Mayor Puza and all who took part in the event. You can see moments of the evening on the City's Instagram page captured by photographer Chris Valle. [ https://www.instagram.com/p/DF_f38ISCSN/ ]

There are also resources available for people and businesses impacted by the devastating fires, those can be found on the City's website. [ https://www.culvercity.org/News/Los-Angeles-Fires-Resources ]



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Photo of people dressed up at Screenland 5K [ https://www.culvercity.org/Events-directory/Screenland-5K-2025 ]
Just a Few Weeks Away from Screenland 5K

On Sunday, March 2, 2025, Oscar Sunday, the Annual Screenland 5K Run/Walk will be held to raise money for youth sports and other programs in Culver City.

To participate in the event, register for the Screenland 5K. [ https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=85373 ]

We invite you to stand outside your home to cheer on the runners, enjoy the entertainment and visit the exhibitors to be located at Ivy Station on National Blvd.

You can also visit the Screenland 5k website for additional information [ https://www.screenland5k.com/ ].



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Photo of several children
*Free Childcare Offered at Culver City
City Council Meetings*

Childcare is now available for people attending City Council meetings. This is to encourage in-person public participation. The service will continue through July 14, 2025. The City also offers virtual options for the community to participate in City Council meetings.

Children from 5 to 15-years-old are eligible. You must register your child for each meeting you wish to attend at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Two trained Parks, Recreations and Community Services staff members will be on hand to conduct the childcare in the City Hall Patacchia Room, located on the first floor next to Council Chambers.

Learn more and enroll at the PRCS sign-up page. [ https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/culvercity/activity/search?activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=city%20meeting&viewMode=list ]



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Dancing at the Culver City Arts Festival [ https://www.culvercity.org/City-Hall/City-Departments/Economic-and-Cultural-Development/Economic-Development/Special-Events ]
Special Events Grant Program *Pre-Application Meeting Announced*

The Culver City Special Events Grant Program provides a centralized process for sponsorship and funding requests for local events. New and returning applicants are required to attend the online Pre-Application Meeting on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 at 7 PM.

The City of Culver City recognizes the community and economic benefits associated with special events. We welcome the opportunity to partner with individuals and groups to bring a variety of quality activities to the community.

 After the meeting an application will be emailed to those that participated. The 2025-26 Special Event Grant Program application period opens on Monday, February 24th. The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM on Friday, March 14th.

Smaller community or charitable events with a recreational, cultural, or social benefit to residents are eligible. Larger-scale events that promote Culver City regionally are also considered. Learn more about the requirements and the meeting details on the City's website. [ https://www.culvercity.org/City-Hall/City-Departments/Economic-and-Cultural-Development/Economic-Development/Special-Events ]



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Photo of 4 way pedestrian crossing at Main Street and Culver Blvd
Pedestrian Safety: 4-Way Walk introduced in Downtown Culver City

Downtown Culver City now features a new pedestrian signal timing operation at the intersection of Culver Blvd and Main St, designed to enhance safety and minimize conflicts between pedestrians and drivers. The innovative signal design stops all vehicular traffic and activates the “WALK” signal for all four crosswalks simultaneously, giving pedestrians exclusive right-of-way to cross any leg of the intersection while vehicles remain at a red light.

This improvement reflects Culver City’s ongoing commitment to creating safer streets for all modes of travel, and the City remains dedicated to enhancing mobility and accessibility for the entire community.



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Photo of Culver City Fire Department Firefighter in front of truck [ https://www.culvercityfd.org/Fire-Services/EmploymentVolunteer-Opportunities/Community-Emergency-Response-Team-CERT-In-Person-Skills-Training ]
2025 Community Emergency Response Team In-Person Skills Training

The Culver City Fire Department (CCFD) is excited to announce a free two-day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) skills training. This hands-on program is designed to equip residents with the necessary skills to support local responders and assist in disaster relief efforts during large-scale emergencies or planned events. 

We encourage you to sign up, as CERT members play a vital role in enhancing the disaster preparedness of Culver City by providing volunteer assistance when needed, strengthening the City’s overall disaster response capabilities.

In order to register for the Spring or Fall session, you must be at least 16 years of age and either live or work in Culver City. You must also have completed the free 12-hour online training course. Learn more about the trainings on the CCFD website. [ https://www.culvercityfd.org/Fire-Services/EmploymentVolunteer-Opportunities/Community-Emergency-Response-Team-CERT-In-Person-Skills-Training ]




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