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Connections PALMDALE FROM THE DESK OF CITY MANAGER JAMES PURTEE AUGUST 7, 2018 Thinking of Running for Office in Palmdale? The City will hold its General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, with the seats for Mayor and City Council Districts 3 and 4 open. The Mayor’s seat is a two- year term and is elected city wide. District 3 (Central) and District 4 (East) are four-year terms. The nomination filing period opens on Monday, July 16 through Friday, August 10 at 5 p.m. If nomination documents for an incumbent are not filed by 5 pm on August 10, the nomination period will be extended until August 15 at 5 pm for persons other than the incumbent. Nomination papers may only be obtained from the City Clerk’s office, located at 38300 Sierra Highway, Suite C, Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 6 pm. The office will be open on Friday, August 10 from 7:30 am to 5 pm. Although appointments to receive and/or file nomination papers are not required, they are highly encouraged. Candidates with appointments will be assisted first. To schedule an appointment, please call the City Clerk at 661/267-5151. Paul George Foundation Donates $25K to Benefit Basketball Courts NBA All-Star and Palmdale native Paul George presented a check for $25,000 to City of Palmdale officials from the Paul George Foundation to help fund refurbishing of the basketball courts at Courson, Desert Sands and Marie Kerr Parks, and a potential future upgrade at Domenic Massari Park in Palmdale. The presentation was made at the second annual Paul George Celebrity Tournament, which was held at Castaic Lake on Saturday, Aug. 4, with proceeds benefitting the Paul George Foundation. Presented by Bass Pro Shops, celebrities and professional anglers came together from across the country to compete in George’s one-of-a-kind bass fishing tournament. “Paul George is one of the greatest basketball players in the world and to have him working to improve the very basketball courts in the city where he honed his craft, speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to Palmdale,” said Palmdale’s City Manager James Purtee. “It is an incredible honor for the City to be a beneficiary of the generosity of this foundation.” “His efforts are not going to stop with the basketball court improvements,” Purtee added. “As we apply for more grant funding for a large upgrade project at Domenic Massari, his Foundation has graciously offered to potentially match our grant funds. Truly, Paul George has not forgotten where he came from and is working to ensure that quality counts and will be available for the next generation.” By TownePost Network [CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 CITY OF PALMDALE • August 7, 2018 Musicals Movie Festival Coming to the Palmdale City Library The Library will host a Musicals Movie Festival Monday, Aug. 20 through Thursday, Aug. 23. The movies begin at 5:30 pm, are open to all ages and admission and popcorn are free. The festival kicks off Monday, Aug. 20 with Grease (rated PG-13), followed by Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (rated G) on Tuesday, Aug. 21, The Greatest Showman (rated PG) on Wednesday, Aug. 22, and concluding with Mary Poppins (rated G) on Thursday, Aug. 23. “We’re excited to offer a movie festival showcasing musicals that will transport the viewers to a different place and time to experience the joy of music and dance,” said Library Associate Jaimie Jordan. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Palmdale City Library. Palmdale Lifeguards Achieve “World Class” Lifeguarding Score for 17th Consecutive Time The City of Palmdale’s lifeguard team received a score of 96 from the National Aquatic Safety Company (NASCO) after the organization conducted a lifeguard inspection in July at DryTown Water Park. It is the 17th consecutive time they achieved a “world class” score. NASCO performs inspections at hundreds of water park facilities through the United States each year, and is recognized as a leader and innovator in the safety procedures for aquatics and amusement park facilities. The Palmdale lifeguards achieved their rating after being evaluated for scanning time (how quickly and accurately the water surface is viewed), appearance (indicates that the lifeguard is prepared with proper equipment), posture (rescue ready stance) and proper dispatching of the water slides. “NASCO considers a score of 75 to be ‘World Class,’” said Palmdale’s Director of Recreation and Culture Keri Smith. “This puts our lifeguards in the upper echelon of lifeguard staffs that they certify. We couldn’t be more proud of them!” ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 CITY OF PALMDALE • August 7, 2018 Employee Spotlight: Denise Favela Denise Favela joined the Community Programs team in the summer of 2017 as an intern coordinating activities for the Summer Lunch Program. Her boundless energy and commitment to excellence ensured the program’s success. Upon returning to coordinate this summer’s program, Denise jumped right in and quickly brought our new interns up to speed and together they quickly recruited 25 volunteers to assist. Under her leadership the interns and volunteers provided activities to children at five park sites during what was undoubtedly the hottest summer in memory. “Denise is a natural organizer and an avid learner which results in a great deal of creativity in developing the program,” said her supervisor, Community Programs Coordinator Trish Jones. “She is an exceptional example employee enthusiasm and commitment.” New School Year Means it’s Time to KSS With the start of a new school year, the City’s Neighborhood Compliance team is gearing up for its annual Keeping Kids Safe (KSS) program. Each year, the team promotes parking and walking safety for the children, parents and school staff. Helpful information such as Keeping Kids Safe and Kung Fu Crossing Guard flyers are distributed to all students and their families. Neighborhood Compliance officers patrol 4 to 6 schools daily, maintaining a consistent presence. The open dialogue and relation between the City and school staff, parents and neighbors has enabled issues such as safety during the arrival and dismissal times to be addressed. In fact, since the 2015/2016 school year, 2655 warnings and 916 citations have been issued for infractions. City CSOs & PSOs Locate Missing Person A potential tragedy was averted recently in a missing persons case thanks to the teamwork of City staff, local residents and Palmdale Sheriff’s Deputies. An elderly woman with dementia and schizophrenia was reported missing on July 24. Sheriff’s deputies and City CSOs searched for her for over seven hours in Palmdale and Lancaster. After the unsuccessful search, the case was turned over to the homicide division, standard protocol in missing persons cases. Palmdale CSO David Crumlish notified his team of the incident and gave them a brief description of the missing person. Her family also came to the Palmdale Transportation Center lobby and spoke to the PSOs, giving them a picture of her, and a description of what she was last seen wearing. The next morning while Officer Crumlish was doing a patrol check through the parking lot and bus areas continuing to locate her, he received a phone call from PSOs Juan Avina, Jazmine Layton and Lionel Hudson stating they had found an elderly female matching the description of the missing person. After talking to her for a couple of minutes and reassuring everything was ok, they were able to determine she was the critical missing elderly female and she was later reunited with her family and was doing well. The combination of City staff, residents and Deputies working together continues to pay dividends for our community. ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 CITY OF PALMDALE • August 7, 2018 Federal Legislative Update On July 24 and 25, the House passed the following healthcare-related bills: • Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2018 (H.R. 184) permanently repeals the 2.3 percent tax on medical devices created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Trump Administration stated that the President would sign the bill into law if presented to him; • Increasing Access to Lower Premium Plans and Expanding Health Savings Accounts Act of 2018 (H.R. 6311) postpones, for another two years, a levy on health insurance providers and increases the contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). The Trump Administration stated that the President would sign the bill into law if presented to him; and the • Restoring Access to Medication and Modernizing Health Savings Accounts Act of 2018 (H.R. 6199) provides the ability to choose how people spend their Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and other similar tax preferred health accounts by allowing them to be used to purchase over-the-counter medications and expenses for sports and fitness. The Trump Administration stated that the President would sign the bill into law if presented to him. Read more here. On July 23, the House passed the Advancing Critical Connectivity Expands Service, Small Business Resources, Opportunities, Access, and Data Based on Assessed Need and Demand (ACCESS BROADBAND) Act (H.R. 3994). The bill establishes a single point of contact office to streamline management of federal broadband resources across multiple agencies and create a simpler process for small businesses and local economic developers to access them, including informational workshops for local businesses and economic developers. The new office would be called the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth and would be created within the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The bill now heads to the Senate. Read more. On July 25, the House Appropriations Committee approved its $51.4 billion FY 2019 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. The bill provides $5 billion for physical barriers and associated technology along the U.S. southern border and $7.2 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including: $538 million for the State Homeland Security Grant Program; $661 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative; $700 million for firefighter assistance grants; $249 million for pre-disaster mitigation grants; and $262.5 million for flood mapping activities. The bill text is available here; and the bill report is available here. Photo by Martin Falbisoner Partnering to Prevent Homelessness The problem of homelessness is a nationwide epidemic with complex causes and solutions. The City recently submitted its Homeless Plan to the County of Los Angeles as part of a county-wide effort to address the issue. The plan was developed after extensive outreach and interviews with individuals experiencing some level of homelessness. The information from these efforts helped define a plan for the City and its partners to work together on a local and regional level. Using local housing and Measure H funds, the plan creates a path to combine resources and talent available in the Antelope Valley. The plan focuses on four key strategic areas: homeless prevention, creating affordable housing, strengthening the collaboration between local service and community partners, and increasing communication efforts to provide information about available services. Moving forward the City will begin implementing the plan to reach its goal of zero homelessness in the City of Palmdale. To learn more or to become involved, visit www.cityofpalmdale.org. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 CITY OF PALMDALE • August 7, 2018 Metalachi Combines Metal+Mariachi at the Amp Aug. 11 Alt/Latin artists Metalachi will perform their unique blend of metal rock and mariachi music at the Palmdale Amphitheater on Saturday, Aug. 11 as part of the City of Palmdale’s summer concert series. Billed as the “World’s First and Only Heavy Metal Mariachi Band,” Metalachi performs mariachi versions of classic metal songs such as “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne, “Sweet Child of Mine” from Guns Roses, “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, “Man In A Box” from Alice In Chains, “The Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin, “Cemetery Gates” from Pantera, and many more. With roots in Juarez, Mexico and Hollywood, Metalachi is a five-piece ensemble of classically trained mariachi musician siblings who go by the stage names Vega De La Rockha, El Cucuy, Ramon Holiday, Maximilian Sanchez and Poncho Rockafeller. Tickets are available at www.PalmdaleAmphitheater.com. VIP tickets are $10 and general admission is Kids age 12 and under are admitted free with paid guardian or adult. Parking is free. Gates open at 6 pm and the concert begins at 8 pm. VIP ticket includes a chair (theater-style, first-come, first- served). General admission, bring your own chair. No outside food or drinks allowed. Concessions will be available, including beer and wine. Family Movie Nights Concludes with Coco The popular Family Movie Nights concludes at the Palmdale Amphitheater with the family favorite Coco, rated PG, on Friday, Aug 10. Academy Award winner for Best Animated Feature Film, Coco is the story of young Miguel who dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz despite his family’s generations old ban on music. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Tickets for Family Movie Nights are with kids 12 and under admitted free with a ticket adult. Parking is free. Ticket booths open at 5 pm. The gates open at 6 pm and movies will start at dusk. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Moviegoers may bring a picnic dinner and non-alcoholic beverages. Snack vendors will be on-site. Free family activities will be available from 6 to 8 pm while supplies last. ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 CITY OF PALMDALE • August 7, 2018 Crime Scene Theatre Coming to Playhouse Join us for an evening of intrigue, suspense, laughter and mystery with Sharpo!® at the Palmdale Playhouse on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7 pm. The mystery begins in earnest as soon as you enter the theatre. Follow the clues and avoid the red herrings — you might be interrogated by a detective or placed in a police line-up. This show is immersion theatre in the truest sense and the improvisational style makes it hysterical, unpredictable fun, so bring your friends and family and “frame” someone you love! Since 1989, Eric Sharp of Sharpo!® has produced and performed in countless live events and stage shows across the United States. He has co-starred in primetime network television shows, feature films and is a magician member of the Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. This well- seasoned cast of players has polished and honed this act to perfection! Tickets are $24 and include non-alcoholic beverages, appetizer bites and desserts. Wine will be available to purchase. Appropriate for ages 16+. Tickets will be available at www.PalmdalePlayhouse.com on Monday, Aug. 20. Reception to Mark Opening of Generations Art Exhibit Simultaneous receptions will be held on Friday, Aug. 24 from 6 to 9 pm at the Palmdale Playhouse and Legacy Commons for Active Seniors for the opening of the new Generations Juried Art Exhibit. The reception will feature live musical entertainment, beverages and light snacks. The Generations Art Exhibit will present the best of local artists. Winners of the juried art competition will be announced and prizes awarded at the Playhouse at 7:30 pm. The exhibit will run from through Oct.28 Airpark Twilight Tour Slated for Aug. 16 The Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42, located at 2001 Ave. P, will host a Twilight Tour on Thursday, Aug. 16 from 4:30 to 9:30 pm. Admission and parking is free. Picnic tables and BBQs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guided tours will take place at 6, 7 and 8 pm. A special Full Moon Twilight Tour will be held in October. Stay Connected City of Palmdale- Government PalmdaleCity CityofPalmdale ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 CITY OF PALMDALE • August 7, 2018 There’s so much to do in Palmdale! AT PALMDALE CITY LIBRARY Tuesday, August 7, 14, 21, 28 Legal Aid for Low Income Individuals, 3-6 pm. Services provided by the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles by appointment only. Call the library at 267-5600 to schedule an appointment. Wednesday, August 8 Midweek Movies, 5:30 pm, Adventures in Babysitting (PG-13). Free admission, open to all ages. Thursday, August 9 Spin a Yarn, 5:30-7 pm. Crochet and knit enthusiasts are welcome to gather and swap techniques and patterns. Adults only. Tuesday, August 14 Coffee and Coloring for Adults, 10 am. We provide the coffee and coloring supplies, you provide the conversation and creativity. ThinkShop, 5-6:30 pm. A STEM-based program exploring the way the world works for ages 5-10. Wednesday, August 15 Midweek Movies, 5:30 pm, Akeelah and the Bee (PG). Free admission, open to all ages. Mystery Book Club, 7 pm. A new mystery title to discuss each month. Sunday, August 19 Read, Learn Create Book Club, 3:30 pm. Read, Learn, Create: A Book Club for the Artistically Inclined is not your typical book club. The “RLC” is intended for creative types who tend to think outside of the box. Open to all creative types, 16 years and older. Tuesday, August 21 Wii U Freeplay, 4 pm. Play an assortment of Wii U game titles with other local gamers of all ages. Games and controllers are provided. African-American Authors Book Club, 6:45 pm. All adults welcome. Discussion of a new title by African-American authors each month. Wednesday, August 22 Young Americans, 4:30 pm. A discussion group for ages 13-19. Want to talk about what’s going on in the world? Want to know how you can take a role in society? Want to be smart enough to face the world on its terms? Get answers at the Library. Midweek Movies, 5:30 pm, The Greatest Showman (PG). Free admission, all ages. Monday, August 27 Classics Book Club, 7 pm. Catch up on the world’s great literature with a new title every month. Tuesday, August 28 Legal Aid for Low Income Individuals, 3-6 pm. Services provided by the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles by appointment only. Call the library at 267-5600 to schedule an appointment. Books and Barks, 3:30-5 pm. Build your kids’ reading skills by letting them read to friendly, non-judgmental dogs in one of our most popular events. Wednesday, August 29 Midweek Movies, 5:30 pm, Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken Free admission, open to all ages. Friday, August 31 Storycrafters’ Club, 3 pm, for ages 5-9 AT LEGACY COMMONS Tuesday, August 21 Parkinson’s Group Meeting, 9:45-11:45 am. Friday, August 24 Generations Juried Art Exhibition, 6-8:30 pm. Tuesday, August 28 Free Crafting Class, 12:30 pm. Wednesday, August 29 Diabetes Group Meeting, 9 am. AT SAVES Tuesday, August 7, 14, 21 & 28 Housing Rights Legal Clinic with Neighborhood Legal Services, 9 am-5 pm, 1002 E Ave Q-12. The NLS team provides free assistance to individuals and families dealing with fair housing, unsafe conditions, mobile home residency law, loan modification, fraud, consumer debt, Section 8, legal problems and landlord/ tenant problems. Walk-ins are welcome or call 1-[PHONE REDACTED] to make an appointment or speak with an in-take advocate. AT CHIMBOLE CULTURAL CENTER Tuesdays, August 7, 14, 21, 28 Al-Anon High Nooners, 12:15-1:45 pm. Al-Anon Meetings are held every Tuesday, except holidays and days in December- January when the Chimbole Cultural Center is closed. For more information please call Jean, 661/947-7615. AT PALMDALE PLAYHOUSE Friday, August 24 Generations Juried Art Exhibit Reception, 6-9 pm. Join us for simultaneous receptions at the Playhouse and Legacy Commons. PUBLIC MEETINGS Tuesday, August 7 Palmdale City Council Meeting, Chimbole Cultural Center, 38250 Sierra Hwy. 7 pm. Thursday, August 9 Palmdale Planning Commission Meeting, Chimbole Cultural Center, 38250 Sierra Hwy. 7 pm. Monday, August 20 PRWA, Administration Training Room, 38250 Sierra Hwy. 7 pm. ---PAGE BREAK--- Important Phone Numbers Administration 267-5115 America’s Job Center of California 265-7421 Building & Safety 267-5353 Business License 267-5434 Business Watch 267-5170 City Clerk 267-5151 City Council 267-5115 City Hall 267-5100 Code Enforcement 267-5234 Communications 267-5115 Crime Prevention 267-5170 Crime Tip Hotline 947-7433 Economic Development 267-5115 Emergency Management 267-5132 Engineering 267-5353 Finance 267-5440 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 267-5353 Graffiti Removal Hotline 947-7433 Hearing Impaired Access – TDD 267-5167 Housing 267-5126 Human Resources 267-5400 Maintenance 267-5338 Neighborhood Services 267-5181 Neighborhood Watch 267-5170 Palmdale City Library 267-5600 Palmdale Film Liaison 310/463-1911 Palmdale Playhouse 267-5684 Palmdale Sheriff’s Station 272-2400 Palmdale Transportation Center 267-5977 Parking Enforcement 267-5436 Planning 267-5200 Poncitlán Square 267-5656 Public Works 267-5353 Purchasing 267-5444 Recreation & Culture 267-5611 Sewer Maintenance 267-5272 South Antelope Valley Emergency Services (SAVES) 267-5191 Shopping Cart Retrieval 947-7433 Street Cleaning 267-5338 Traffic Signals 947-7433 Traffic/Transportation 267-5353 8 CITY OF PALMDALE • August 7, 2018 Tuesday, August 7, 14, 21 & 28 Tots Hour, 9:30-10:30 am. Tots will be provided with hands-on, free activities that give them the opportunities to explore their world through a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences. Ages 2-5. Friday, August 10, 17, 24 & 31 Fitness Fridays, 9-11 am. Bring your family down to the park to engage in fun recreational challenges! Ages Family Game Night, 4:30-7pm. Board games are made available for families to check out and engage in friendly competitions. Ages Family Dance Night, 4:30-7 pm. Learn the moves to popular dance songs like “Cupid Shuffle” or “Cha Cha Slide.” All ages. Saturday, August 11, 18, 25 Social Striders, 8 am. Come out and enjoy Palmdale’s beautiful parks with your fellow park walkers, walk as little or as much as you want! Sunday, August 12, 19 & 26 Retro Day Family Field Games, 9-11 am. Bring your family and friends out to the park for some good old-fashioned fun! Try your hand at badminton, bocce or croquet! See park staff for details. Monday, August 13, 20 & 27 Mondays in Motion, 5-6 pm. Park staff will be offering entry-level skills for a variety of sports. Ages AT DOMENIC MASSARI PARK & MARIE KERR PARK COMMUNITY BUILDINGS New Cannabis Regulations Proposed Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) regulations released in July would preempt cities’ local control and regulatory authority. The regulations would authorize cannabis businesses to deliver in any jurisdiction and reduce the amount of time cities have to determine the validity of a cannabis business license. Under the proposed regulations, cannabis deliveries would be authorized in any jurisdiction within California. This preemption of local authority goes against the intent of voters who passed Proposition 64 in 2016. By preempting a local jurisdiction’s ability to allow or ban cannabis deliveries, a critical part of the local enforcement model of cannabis legalization is removed by effectively opening up all jurisdictions to having cannabis delivered to their front doors. In addition, these proposed regulations create a 10-day “shot clock” for cities to respond to the BCC’s inquiry of the validity of either an annual or temporary cannabis license. Under current law, cities have 60 days to determine if a cannabis license is indeed valid. This 10-day “shot clock” does not afford cities sufficient time to review license applications and respond to the BCC. It also undermines a fundamental pillar of Prop. 64 safeguarding that local jurisdictions can regulate cannabis in their communities. Cities and community members have until Aug. 27 to voice opposition to this proposal. The League of California Cities has formally submitted a letter in opposition to the forced authorization of cannabis delivery and 10-day shot clock provisions and the City of Palmdale will also be opposing the proposed regulations.