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City Council Members Sworn-In, New Mayor Selected, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Makers Market & More!



Culver City
Culver City Newsletter - November 2024

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

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Photo of new Culver City City Council for 2025 [ https://www.culvercity.org/News/New-City-Council-2025 ]
City Council Members Sworn-In, New Mayor Selected

Council Member Dan O'Brien will lead the Culver City City Council in 2025 after being unanimously selected for the position by fellow City Council Members on December 9, 2024. City Council Members also voted unanimously for Council Member Freddy Puza to serve as Vice Mayor. 

O'Brien highlighted the importance of open and public spaces, a thriving business community, services for unhoused individuals, a responsive and community-focused police and fire department, and a welcoming City for anyone. You can read his remarks on the City's website [ https://www.culvercity.org/News/New-City-Council-2025 ].

Also at the City Council meeting, Albert Vera Jr. and Yasmine-Imani McMorrin were sworn-in for their second term after being re-elected in November. Bryan "Bubba" Fish was also sworn-in, having been elected by residents during the November election. 

After eight years of service on the City Council, Council Member Göran Eriksson ended his term on Monday due to term limits. He reflected on the work he helped accomplish during his time on the City Council, including addressing the homelessness crisis, organizing the Feed Culver initiative during the pandemic, beginning to run City buses on biogas, approving the Culver Steps and Ivy Station developments, and completing a citywide municipal fiber network.

The first City Council meeting in 2025 is set for January 13th at the Culver City Senior Center. The Mike Balkman Council Chambers will be undergoing renovations to its technology systems. You can read the other decisions from the consent agenda online [ https://lnks.gd/2/2xvNrHL ].



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Photo of winter holiday market
Holiday Makers Market Offers New Tradition on Saturday, Dec. 14th

Celebrate the season and explore Downtown Culver City at our last Love Local event of the year! Find original handcrafted gifts from 18 different vendors, craft holiday items, enjoy festive performances from local bands, and enjoy a beautiful Saturday in December around the City holiday tree.

When & Where

* Saturday, December 14th
11 AM - 6 PM
Town Plaza at the Culver Steps

*Event Highlights*

* Artisan Vendors: Unique, handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list.
* Craft Station: Create festive snow globes and "ugly sweater" accessories.
* Live Printing: *Bring a cotton garment to get it printed by PrintGonzalez from 12-1:30 PM and 3-4:30 PM.*
* Family-Friendly Entertainment: *Watch Franklin Haynes Marionettes perform “Santa’s New Sleigh” at 1 PM*. 
* Local Performers: Enjoy festive entertainment throughout the day from local bands including U.S. 99 Band and the George Kahn Quartet.

Let’s make this a memorable event and show our community the best of Downtown Culver City!



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Photo of tree lighting ceremony in downtown Culver City
Thousands Attend Annual Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony

gathered in Downtown Culver City for the annual Tree Lighting & Sled-tacular tradition. CCUSD students sang beautiful tunes, local businesses provided delicious snacks, and Downtown Culver City provided the perfect place to enjoy community. Kids and families played in the snow on Main Street. And Santa Claus paid a special visit to the Heart of Screenland. Thank you to everyone for making it possible! Shout out to PRCS staff for assisting with the sledding check-in. Check out photos from the evening on our Instagram [ https://www.instagram.com/p/DDOTRMbp2D6/?img_index=1 ].

Sponsors and partners include the Culver City Downtown Business Association, Amazon MGM Studios, City of Culver City, Culver City Police Department, Culver City Fire Department, The Culver Studios, Hackman Capital Partners, The Culver Steps, Kiwanis Club of Culver City, and local area businesses and service organizations.



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Rendering of 5700 Hannum project [ https://www.culvercity.org/News/Residential-Development-Pipeline-Report ]
Culver City Unveils New Monthly Residential Development Pipeline Reports

The City of Culver City launched a new, publicly accessible residential development dashboard, providing residents and stakeholders with an up-to-date, transparent view of housing projects currently under development review. This online report, which will be updated monthly, details key information on each project, including its type, status, and the number of units, with a breakdown of affordable versus market-rate housing units. 

As of November 2024, the pipeline includes 26 active residential projects across the City, totaling 4,160 units, of which 538 are designated as affordable housing. This exceeds the City’s total Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) obligation, which requires planning for 3,341 new housing units by 2029. The new reporting underscores Culver City's ongoing commitment to addressing the growing demand for housing while ensuring equitable access to affordable living options.

The new dashboard is now available to the public and can be accessed via the City’s official website [ https://www.culvercity.org/News/Residential-Development-Pipeline-Report ]. The latest figures in the report, as of November 2024, are available for review and download in PDF format [ https://www.culvercity.org/files/assets/public/v/1/documents/building-development/project-documents/housing-pipeline-report-nov-2024-v4.pdf ].



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Two renderings of the 5700 Hannum project [ https://culver-city.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=13527557&GUID=CC9B802D-B99C-4FE6-9046-8277B1C0DE2E ]
Fox Hills Mixed-Use Residential & Commercial Project Approved

In November, the City Council approved for a mixed-use residential and commercial development project in the Fox Hills neighborhood to move forward. The 2.23-acre project at 5700 Hannum Avenue and Buckingham Parkway will include 309 residential units and 5,600 square feet of commercial space. Plans include 27 very-low-income affordable units.

Developers state the 6-story project creates a vibrant transition between commercial uses to the north and west, and residential uses to the east for neighbors and pedestrians by providing new retail, open space, and housing at street level. There are 428 vehicle parking spaces. The Project also contains 92 bicycle spaces: 11 short-term and 81 long-term. Full details of the project plan can be viewed on the City’s website [ https://culver-city.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=13527557&GUID=CC9B802D-B99C-4FE6-9046-8277B1C0DE2E ].



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Photo of child playing basketball
Culver City Youth Sports Return

PRCS is welcoming a Youth Basketball League during the 2025 Winter Season for youth ages 5 to 12! Games will be held every Saturday starting January 18th through February 22nd. Practices will be once a week during weekday afternoons/early evenings. Player evaluations will occur on Saturday, December 21st from 9 AM to 12 PM. Register online now for our Youth Basketball League [ https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/culvercity/activity/search/detail/52885?%20onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true ]. The program's fee is $121 for the season. Culver City residents receive an $11 discount.

Parent volunteers and coaches are needed. To express interest, please fill out the Volunteer Coaches Form online [ https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=raaPWQoJH02E1ZCw3nIobaWf1QSDVKJEuajg_KJMui5URFlXQjQ3S1BSS1gyTlBBQlgyVk9LSzZHQS4u&route=shorturl ]. Feel free to contact Jamal Johnson by phone at (310) 253-6658 or by email at jamal.johnson@culvercity.org.



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Photo of animated EPO mascot named Stan
Public Votes on EPO's Mascot Name  

The votes are in, Culver City! We’re proud to introduce our new recycling mascot: Stan (as in suSTANability)! Stan is here to help us stay sustainable, reduce waste, and keep our city clean and green.

And here’s the exciting part—Stan will soon be coming to life with Augmented Reality experience to help us become even more sustainable and reduce waste in fun, interactive ways. Keep an eye out for more details—we can’t wait to show you what’s coming next.

A reminder this holiday season, please ensure your bins are accessible for crews empty and break down boxes. We appreciate your help!



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Photo of Sonia Romero
Artist Selected for Farragut Connector Art Installation

The City of Culver City’s Cultural Affairs Division is pleased to announce Sonia Romero as the selected artist to create an original art installation for the Farragut Connector—the passageway extending access along Farragut Avenue from Jasmine Avenue to Jackson Avenue. This existing path, which renovations were completed in October, features new amenities to enhance accessibility, safety, and visibility for the community. Since September 2023, Cultural Affairs Division and Public Works Department have collaborated to realize this redevelopment. 

Romero will begin creation of an original, ceramic-tiled mural, measuring 42 inches in height by 10 feet in length, for the proposed art location within the renovated passageway. Final art installation will take place by the end of June 2025. You can read more about the project on the City's website [ https://www.culvercity.org/News/Farragut-Connector-Art-Installation ].



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Photos of people holding toys for Spark of Love Toy Drive
Spark of Love Toy Drive Continues, Here's How You Can Help

Culver City has continued its tradition to gather gift donations for those in need this holiday season. We are grateful to everyone who has participated in ABC7's Spark of Love Toy Drive.

Culver CityBus assisted in filling buses last weekend and any Culver City Fire Station is a donation site for the community to drop off new toys for children. We ask people consider gifts for pre-teens and teens. Thank you for giving back this holiday season and bringing joy to those who deserve it.



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Graphic of computer with Online Permitting Portal on the screen [ https://forms.office.com/g/NYzUZWZYB8 ]
Culver City Now Offers Online Permitting Services

The City of Culver City now offers residents, businesses, and design professionals access to permitting services online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the new Culver City Online Permits Portal.

To use all the services we provide you must register and create a user account. You can view permit information, get questions answered and access other permit services online. We trust this new online option will provide the community with a new, higher level of service. The permitting services include:


* Building
* Planning
* Engineering
* Fire
* Cannabis

Visit the Culver City Online Permits Portal to create an account and get started today. [ https://aca-prod.accela.com/CULVERCITY/Welcome.aspx?TabName=Home&TabList=Home%7C0%7CBuilding%7C1%7CFire%7C2%7CPlanning%7C3%7CCannabis%7C4%7CEngineering%7C5%7CCurrentTabIndex%7C0 ]

You can also learn more at the City's webpage detailing how to create a Building Permit Application. [ https://www.culvercity.org/Services/Building-Development/10-Building-Permit ]

Create an Online Permit Portal Account by visiting the City's website. [ https://www.culvercity.org/Services/Building-Development/9-Create-an-Online-Account ]



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New Red Curb Installations Highlight "Daylighting" Zones

Culver City Public Works Department has begun painting red curbs at most intersections in residential neighborhoods to clearly identify the “daylighting” zone. Work will continue into 2025.

This effort will improve visibility and safety for all Culver City road users and bring the City into compliance with state law. Culver City will prioritize new red curb at crosswalks in high pedestrian traffic areas, such as schools.

Since January 1, 2024, it is illegal in California to park within 20 feet of the approach of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, even if the approach does not have any painted red curbs. California State Assembly Bill 413 was signed into law in October 2023 and specifies that enforcement shall begin on January 1, 2025.

Learn about California State Assembly Bill 413 [ https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB413 ].



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Photo of JR Wright
*Culver City Welcomes New Chief Information Officer*

The City of Culver City is pleased to announce that Jaime J.R. Wright is the City's new Chief Information Officer. He will lead the Information Technology Department and will report to City Manager John Nachbar.

"I am truly excited to join the dedicated team at Culver City and to have the opportunity to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals. My mission is to leverage the power of technology to enhance the quality of life for residents, support local businesses, and help create a more connected, efficient, and responsive government," Wright said.

He assumes the position following the retirement of long-time Chief Information Officer Michele Williams.



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Photo of lights in Media Park
New Installation Lights Up Media Park

Downtown just got a little brighter! Walk, ride or bike by Media Park and check out the new lighting installation that highlights the beauty of the existing trees and infrastructure. 

The project encompasses 11 trees, three pergolas and 682 strands that total 34,100 LED lights! The project was completed by the City’s Economic Development Team and is slated to remain for the foreseeable future as a means to connect the park to Downtown Culver City and encourage activation of the space. Stayed tuned for more events in Spring 2025!



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Love Local Spotlight Culver City Businesses

This holiday season, we are highlighting Culver City businesses in our Love Local Spotlights. There are hundreds of local businesses that invite people to shop, eat, play, and stay in the Heart of Screenland.

You can watch and learn more about the Parks Project Discovery Center in the Arts District and its mission to leave it better than how you found it [ https://youtu.be/hYYMsTyw2o0 ].

And check out the video on CycleBar Culver City, where you can find community and get a good sweat on [ https://youtu.be/4CyHM2FuOIo ]. Stay tuned for more spotlights on our social feeds.

Photos of business owners of Parks Project and Cyclebar

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Photo of Yasmine-Imani McMorrin
Watch the 2024 State of the City Address 

We thank everyone who attended the State of the City in November, hosted by the Wende Museum and presented by Culver City 2024 Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin. 

The evening celebrated this last year in Culver City, emphasizing achievements and moments, as well as highlighting women leaders in the community. 

The full presentation, including McMorrin's remarks, can be found by visiting the Culver City YouTube channel [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbpAgr6YnuA&t=1665s ]. 

Thank you to the Wende Museum for hosting the event, and women-owned businesses including Monroe Place, i.8sushi, Copenhagen Pastry, and Hey, Sunshine Kitchen that participated in the event.



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Photo of people completing day of service at 2024 MLK event [ https://www.instagram.com/p/DA7AmW0St1H/?img_index=1 ]
Save the Date: Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Culver City

Join us as we celebrate the legacy, message, and spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Culver City Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department, along with the Culver City Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee, invite you to this day of service and community event on Saturday, January 11th, 2025.

MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated by Congress as a National Day of Service. The holiday not only honors the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but also encourages all to volunteer to improve their communities.

The event will start at 2 PM at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, located at 4117 Overland Avenue. You can learn more on the City's website [ https://www.culvercity.org/News/Martin-Luther-King-Jr.-Celebration-2025 ].



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*Stay up to date with the latest news, events, resources by bookmarking the Culver City website. [ https://www.culvercity.org/Home ] If you have social media, we invite you to follow the City's accounts which you can find below.*



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