Bits and Pieces 26

At this point I continue to support but not endorse passage of Measure C- the Charter City vote, coming March 8, in Rancho Palos Verdes.

For those concerned about the measure, there is plenty of information available online supportive and in opposition to the passage of the measure.

There will be even more information available from all sides, the closer we get to the election.
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For about five years, Ms. Elise Swanson held the position of Vice President and in charge of the Ponte Vista at San Pedro site along Western Avenue, just across the street from R.P.V. homes.

The period of time brought great divisiveness in the San Pedro, eastern Rancho Palos Verdes, and other communities.

Ms. Swanson held a key position in attempting to influence Councilwoman Janice Hahn of Los Angeles, towards supporting changes to the existing zoning on the 61.53 acre site.

On January 1 or there abouts. Ms. Swanson began her appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff of Councilwoman Janice Hahn.

Some respondents to an Email I sent out stated they considered the appointment a 'conflict of interest'. Those words were used in the majority of replies I have received, so far.

At this time I don't feel there is a real conflict of interest.

What I have seen lately are discussions related to new members of the House of Representatives hiring former paid lobbyists to key positions on their staff.

With Ms. Hahn's appointment of Ms. Swanson to a key position on her staff, she hired a former paid 'lobbyist' and leader of a project, within the Councilwoman's District and the Councilwoman has yet to vote on entitlements sought for that project.

I might consider a conflict of interest term going into effect should Ms. Hahn begin formal debate, discussions, votes, or directions concerning Ponte Vista at San Pedro.

I can also consider that there exists a perception of a conflict of interest that doesn't serve the best interests of the Councilwoman, I feel.
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I feel I am continued being stonewalled by some of our representatives relating to the POSSIBLE vote to raise sewer fees in our city.

I have asked for more information and I have gone online seeking more information about whether the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts is seeking an increase in sewer fees paid by our residents. I haven't found any new information yet.

What must be important in any discussion regarding any vote or any increase in sewer fees by residents of the eastern portion of the city of Rancho Palos Verdes, surrounds the aspect of the Clearwater Program of the Sanitation Districts.

There are two existing Outfall Systems running basically underneath Western Avenue that take treated sewage from the plant in Carson and deposits the outfall into the Pacific Ocean, off of Royal Palms and the foot of Western Avenue.

The Clearwater Program deals with a third and new Joint Outfall System that would take over the flow from the two existing and aging outfall systems and put the product into a larger pipe, if you will.

The Clearwater Program seems to be stuck in a dormant state for the last several years, but there were original discussions and meeting about the program and there is documentation 'out there'.

The most important element of the Clearwater Program is the location of the access point for the tunnel that must be created between Carson and the Pacific Ocean.

There were 16 sites pre-selected for preliminary study in the Notice of Preparation.

Several of the sites are along or very near Western Avenue. Here are some of the sites pre-selected for further study that should be most important to those of us who live on the east side of The Hill:

Defense Fuel Supply Point (Near the intersection of Western Avenue and Palos Verdes Drive North.

Eastview Park (The Sanitation Districts own the site near the corner of Western Avenue and Westmont Drive and it is currently used by the city of Rancho Palos Verdes as one of its parks.

Peck Park

Averill Park

Royal Palms Beach

White Point Reservation of Fort MacArthur (Currently there is a pumping station for the existing systems at the point where Western Avenue curves and the roadway become Paseo Del Mar

Now why should we be concerned about the access point for a tunnel?

The access point is currently being considered to be a hole in the ground, 200 feet in diameter and up to 500 feet deep!

Once the tunneling machine is lowered into place, dump trucks would be needed to move the products of the tunneling procedures. This would take place FOR YEARS.

There is one site pre-selected that has over 99% support for placement. That site in on Terminal Island where the old coke transport access was located. This site is bridge, freeway, and rail accessible and would not pose greater traffic along Western Avenue.

It is my feeling that unless and until our residents learn Western Avenue would not be impacted by the Joint Outfall System construction, no consideration or vote to raise sewer fees can take place.
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