At the Jul 12 meeting, Rotary members in attendance and guests, were presented information from J.D. Whitaker, City of Lynwood, Public Safety Manager.
Before his presentation on parking, Daniel asked J.D. Whitaker to comment about his unit’s enforcement of the prohibition of the use of illegal fireworks within the City of Lynwood. Compared to previous years, J.D. noted that his staff took more aggressive enforcement actions. Also, he stated that the LASD officers were more actively involved in the search for the use of illegal fireworks. J.D. mentioned the example of a father allowing his 8 year old son to ignite a hand held illegal fireworks that resulted in an explosion that caused the boy to lose a part of a finger. Also pertaining to another of his responsibilities J.D. mentioned the problem of proper care for pets -- noting that on the average the city’s animal protection staff has to pick up an average of 25 deceased pets per month.
Related to the speaker’s topic, The Residential Permit Parking Program, J.D. explained that there are now 68,000 vehicles within the 4.9 square miles of the city. Todate, there are now five residential parking districts. J.D. distributed an information sheet, which explained: “How to Petition the City for Residential Permit Parking.” For City Council approval, after review by the Parking Enforcement Division staff and then the Traffic and Parking Commission, the petition must be signed by at least 75% of the persons residing within the proposed four adjacent block fronts. If approved by the City Council, then staff procures official signs to be erected indicating “Parking by Permit Only. Tow-Away Zone”. Then staff issues residential parking permits to residents of the designated district. Up to a maximum of 3 vehicles, the residents will post on their vehicles, the parking permit for the district. Residents within the permit parking district receive a confidential telephone number to call for a tow company to pick up a vehicle that is in violation of the parking restrictions. The call is confidential, so that no one will know who called to have a vehicle towed away.
As to questions, J.D. explained that the parking restrictions apply to parking at the curb, not to parking on resident’s property, to include driveways.
Before the presentation, Club President, Barbara Battle, read the letter, drafted by Daniel, using wording provided by Lorry Hemp, Public Works Special Projects Manager concerning obtaining for a City of Lynwood Mid-City Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Improvement Project. This draft letter had been discussed by attendees at the previous week’s meeting on Wed, Jul 4, held at the fireworks stand. Since it was due that day, according to Daniel, Barbara agreed to sign the letter, rather than make more edits. (Daniel delivered the letter to the Public Works offices that afternoon.)
Also, Barbara again expressed her appreciation to Fernando and Tila Millan for the very effective leadership and organization skills in providing help from Youthact members and their parents in the operation of the fireworks stand. The stand was open for sales, 10am to 10pm from Jul 1 to Jul 4. In addition there was work to do the day before and the day after the sales period, to get the products ready for sale, and for the organization of the unsold product for delivery to the pickup point in Montebello for Phantom fireworks products.
There was brief mention of the coming American Cancer Society Relay for Life event, Jul 21-22, in South Gate Park. The Lynwood Rotary Club is a sponsor of this 24 hour annual event.
Daniel Miller / Omar Franco / Rowland Becerra – Public Relations and Community Outreach for the Lynwood Rotary Club